Abstract:
Lack of access to Primary Health Care services has consistently posed serious health risks in Nigeria, especially in rural areas, where health facilities are largely inadequate or absent in extreme cases. This study examined the socio-cultural factors affecting access to PHC services and child mortality in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State. A crosssectional survey research was conducted to generate data to answer the research questions as well as test the hypothesis. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches were combined in the study. A sample of six hundred (600) women aged 15-49 years, who had at least one child or had been child-caregivers was given a set of questionnaire administered by trained research assistants. Qualitative data were generated by Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with community members as well as in-depth interviews (IDI) with health workers. The analysis of study data showed that the situation of PHCs in the LGA was generally poor. Results from multiple regression analysis showed that cost of services and personnel problems which included attitude of health workers, waiting time and appointment time were the major challenges the people encountered in accessing PHC services in the LGA. These were statistically significant at P≤0.001 level. Mothers were often reluctant to visit PHCs because of the shabby manner in which they were treated by the health workers. Another major problem the people encountered in accessing PHC services was distance and cost of transportation to the facilities. The study recommended more Government presence in the rural areas in form of provision of adequate health facilities, medical consumables and adequate sensitization to improved rural participation. Training and retraining of health workers was also recommended.
