EFFECT OF RISING HEALTHCARE COSTS ON HOUSEHOLD WELFARE AMONG RESIDENTS OF BAUCHI METROPOLIS, BAUCHI STATE
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of rising healthcare costs on household welfare in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria. The research aimed to examine coping strategies adopted by households, the role of health insurance in mitigating financial burdens, the impact of healthcare costs on income and expenditure patterns, and the effects on access to medical services. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 400 households selected through stratified random sampling out of which 342 filled and returned it. The findings revealed that households adopt multiple coping strategies, including borrowing, selling assets, reducing expenditure on basic needs, delaying treatment, and using self-medication or traditional remedies. Health insurance schemes were found to moderately reduce the financial burden of healthcare costs, although limited coverage and service quality remain challenges. Rising healthcare costs were reported to significantly reduce household savings, compromise food and education expenditures, and limit investment in productive activities. Additionally, high medical expenses hindered access to timely and quality healthcare, forcing some households to avoid hospital visits or rely on alternative medicine. The study concludes that rising healthcare costs impose multidimensional challenges on household welfare in Bauchi Metropolis. It recommends expanding health insurance coverage, increasing public awareness, implementing social safety nets, promoting preventive healthcare, improving healthcare infrastructure, and encouraging household savings for health emergencies. The study further suggests future research on regional comparisons, longitudinal impacts, evaluation of specific health insurance programs, and effects on vulnerable groups to inform effective policy and intervention strategies.
Keywords: Healthcare costs, Household welfare, Health insurance, Coping strategies, Access to medical services
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