KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME AMONG RESIDENTS OF AUCHI, ETSAKO-WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
Background: High out‑of‑pocket healthcare expenditure and poverty limit access to care. The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was introduced to improve affordability. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of health insurance among residents of Auchi, Etsako‑West Local Government Area, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross‑sectional study was conducted among 280 households using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected with a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and chi‑square tests were used. Results: Only 113 (40.4%) of 280 respondents had heard of health insurance; main sources were television and health workers. Among those aware, 83.2% had poor knowledge, but 69.0% had a good attitude towards health insurance. Only 17 (15.0%) had active health insurance, mostly private (58.8%) and individual plans (70.6%). Major barriers were lack of awareness (35.0%) and low income (48.0%). Marital status was significantly associated with knowledge (p=0.024). No sociodemographic factor was significantly associated with attitude or practice. Conclusion: Awareness and knowledge of health insurance are low in Auchi, despite a generally positive attitude. Uptake remains very low. Recommendations: Improve awareness through community campaigns, subsidize premiums, and make enrolment more accessible.
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