Health System Responsiveness: The Perception of Private University Health Center by Nigerian Undergraduates
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Abstract
Background: Health system responsiveness (HSR) is crucial, as failure to meet the legitimate expectations of health care seekers violates their basic human right. This study assessed the level of HSR and its associated factors at a University Hospital in Nigeria.
Method: This cross-sectional study involved 386 purposively selected Bowen University students exiting the university hospital. Data were collected using the standard WHO HSR tool covering seven domains, administered immediately after clinic visits and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health Research Ethics Committee of Bowen University.
Results: The average age of respondents was 18.7 ± 2.1 with 68.1% aged 19 years and younger. Among the 7 domains of HSR, confidentiality had the highest positive rating of 90.9%, while the least positively rated was access to care (28.8%). Obtainable scores for HSR ranged from 15 to 123; scores ≥70.5 were categorized as poor HSR while those who scored ≥70.6 were categorized as good. Two hundred and sixty-three respondents (68%) rated the HSR as good while 123 (32%) rated it as poor. Bivariate analysis shows that females are more likely to assess HSR as poor more than males (p= 0.006). Similarly, students with lower educational levels are likely to assess the HSR as good (p< 0.001).
Conclusion: The findings highlight strengths in confidentiality but reveal significant gaps in access to care. The study recommends targeted improvements in healthcare quality and accessibility to enhance overall responsiveness at the hospital.
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