UTILIZATION OF NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME (NHIS) AMONG CIVIL SERVANTS IN AKURE NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AKURE, ONDO STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was introduced by the Nigerian government to improve access to affordable healthcare services and reduce the financial burden of medical expenses. However, effective utilization of the scheme remains influenced by factors such as awareness, accessibility, and quality of healthcare services. This study assessed the utilization of the National Health Insurance Scheme among civil servants in Akure South Local Government Secretariat, Akure, Ondo State. The objectives were to determine the level of knowledge of NHIS, assess the level of utilization of NHIS services, and identify factors associated with utilization among civil servants.
A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study population comprised civil servants in Akure South Local Government Secretariat, with a sample size of 122 respondents selected through convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. Frequencies, percentages, and Chi-square tests were used for data analysis.
The findings revealed that 96.7% of respondents were registered with NHIS, while 94.3% were registered beneficiaries of the scheme. Majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of NHIS, with 68.4% having good knowledge of the programme. Regarding utilization, 92.6% of respondents had previously used NHIS services, while 49.2% had been enrolled in the scheme for more than five years. The study further showed that 60.7% of respondents were satisfied with healthcare services received under NHIS, while factors such as possession of an NHIS card, satisfaction with healthcare services, and healthcare workers’ attitudes significantly influenced utilization. A significant relationship was found between knowledge of NHIS and utilization of NHIS services (χ² = 20.325, p < 0.0001).
The study concluded that NHIS utilization among civil servants in Akure South Local Government was high and was influenced by knowledge, service quality, and accessibility factors. It recommended continuous education on NHIS benefits, improved healthcare provider practices, reduction of service barriers, and expansion of scheme coverage to enhance healthcare access and satisfaction among beneficiaries.
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