Assessment of the Factors Responsible for Managerial Challenges of Sustainable Universal Health Coverage in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the factors responsible for managerial challenges of sustainable universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Two objectives and two research questions were raised in the study. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The target population of this study consists of all the staff of Primary Health Care under the primary health care management board of Sokoto State. There are 1231 staff, both clinical and administrative. In determining the sample size of the study, stratified sampling techniques, purposive sampling techniques and Simple random sampling techniques were used in selecting 10 PHCs which comprised a total of 90 Primary Healthcare across the three senatorial zones in the state. A sample size of 281 staff as per the Krejcie and Mogan table was used to determine the sample size required for the study in respect of those in charge (OCs) and other health personnel from each primary health care zone. The instrument used for this research is a questionnaire which was adopted from Daniel (2021). The questionnaire is titled ‘Factors Responsible for Managerial Challenge of Sustaining Universal Health Coverage Questionnaire’. (FRMCSUHCQ). Face and content validity of the instrument was done by the supervisory team of the research and another panel of experts. The data collected were analysed by the use of mean and standard deviation to answer research questions. The study findings revealed that bureaucratic hurdles have not impeded the implementation of Universal Health Coverage policies, as responded to by the respondents. The study further revealed that dedicated funding mechanisms is in place to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Universal Health Coverage programs, policies or strategies are in place to address the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of healthcare delivery under Universal Health Coverage, mechanisms for regular monitoring and evaluation of the performance and outcomes of Universal Health Coverage initiatives are in existence, measures are in place to promote public awareness and support for Universal Health Based on the result findings, it’s equally recommended that Government and NGOs should ensure availability and accessibility of health infrastructure and facilities necessary for UHC implementation.