| Title: |
Knowledge, Accessibility and Uptake of National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the Negative Economic Effects of Non-Users in a Rural Community in South Western Nigeria |
| Authors: |
Eniola AO; Michael FO; Andrew OA; Leke FM; Rodney OD; Pelumi OJ; Michael EO; Ezekiel AT; Kokogho EO; Aisha IA; Abisola OO; Fatimah GA; Ikpor JE; Olatilewa AD; Miracle AC; Blessing OT; Blessing OU; Osedebamen OW; Efezino MH |
| Source: |
Ibom Medical Journal, Vol 18, Iss 4 (2025) |
| Publisher Information: |
Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State Branch |
| Publication Year: |
2025 |
| Collection: |
Directory of Open Access Journals: DOAJ Articles |
| Subject Terms: |
Health insurance; NHIA; out-of-pocket payments; economic burden; healthcare access; Ido-Ekiti; Medicine |
| Description: |
Background: The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) was established to reduce out-of-pocket (OOP) spending and improve healthcare access in Nigeria. Despite its potential, access to the scheme remains limited, especially in semi-urban communities like Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, leading to potential economic burdens. This study assessed the economic effects of inaccessibility to the NHIA among residents of Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Materials/Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 residents aged 18 years and above in Ido-Ekiti. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling method with probability proportionate to size (PPS). Data were collected over eight weeks using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Results: Out of 415 respondents, 30.9% were aged 35–44 years. While 64.7% were aware of health insurance, 61.8% had poor knowledge of it. Only 17.4% were enrolled in NHIA. A significant proportion (52.0%) reported economic challenges linked to healthcare inaccessibility, including delayed care and borrowing money for medical bills. Most respondents attributed these challenges to OOP health expenditures due to non-enrollment. Conclusion: Despite relatively high awareness, poor knowledge and limited access to NHIA persist, contributing to economic hardship among residents. Strengthening awareness, improving service quality, and establishing trust-building mechanisms are essential for expanding NHIA uptake. |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| Language: |
English |
| Relation: |
http://ojs.ibommedicaljournal.org/ojs/index.php/imjhome/article/view/811; https://doaj.org/toc/1597-7188; https://doaj.org/toc/2735-9964; https://doaj.org/article/f019189d51f14ce8aed2dac4e71499e7 |
| DOI: |
10.61386/imj.v18i4.811 |
| Availability: |
https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v18i4.811; https://doaj.org/article/f019189d51f14ce8aed2dac4e71499e7 |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.8610C31A |
| Database: |
BASE |