Access to child health services in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: As the world transits from the era of millennium development goals to that of sustainable development goals, an examination of the access to primary health care services in the previous era is germane to adequate planning and delivery of effective service in the emerging era. The objective of this study was determine factors associated with the use of primary health care (PHC) facilities for the health needs of children in Anambra State, Nigeria

Methods: A cross sectional survey of 600 randomly selected mothers (15-49 years) was conducted in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State. An interviewer-based questionnaire, designed to provide information on the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents as well as their child rearing experiences was used. The questionnaire also provided data on the women’s use of immunization services. The perceptions on government health services were also examined to understand how they influence compliance.

Results: More of non-demographic attributes like the mothers’ perceptions and past experiences with the health services influenced utilization more than the demographic attributes. Satisfactory experiences with health service influenced utilization (χ²=168.478; p<0.001).  Those with good perception (95.4%) used the PHC facilities more (χ²=198.032; p<0.001).

Conclusion: Irrespective of the socio-demographic backgrounds of the mothers, they all have feelings and react to situations they encounter daily. There is need to improve the experiences mothers get from encounter with the PHC facilities so as to improve on the perception and increase use of the facilities.