Equity of Healthcare Access in Nigeria: A Scoping Review

Authors

  • Adomi S Department of Public Health, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9594-0879
  • Asogun D Department of Surgery, Central Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
  • Rwuaan RK Department of Public Health, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
  • Iliya BT Department of Public Health, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
  • Adebanjo O Department of Public Health, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60787/tnhj.v24i3.891

Keywords:

Health Equity, Public Health, Healthcare, Health systems, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Health is a fundamental right for all living beings, and ensuring health equity is crucial. In our society, the primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare systems are tasked with delivering health services. However, people's perception of these systems varies based on the quality of services provided. This study aimed to identify the barriers contributing to health inequity and elaborate on these obstacles.

 

Method: To conduct this review, a comprehensive search of reputable sources including PubMed and Google Scholar was performed. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) reporting guidelines, a total of 13 studies were identified, spanning from 2016 and 2023, that focused on health care delivery, health seeking behaviour and health utilization.

 

Result: From the thirteen articles consulted, a total of 9,720 respondents were included in the study. The South-West zone had the most publications (eight) while the North-West had no published article with data. 30.8% of the reviewed publications highlighted level 1 factors as a prominent barrier to healthcare access, while 38.5% were on level 2 factors. A significant 69.2% of the literature emphasizes the role of level 3 factors as a barrier responsible for health inequity.

 

Conclusion: Achieving universal health coverage by 2030 in Nigeria requires significant transformation for equitable healthcare access. Ongoing monitoring of regional challenges is essential, along with increased research on primary healthcare accessibility, especially in northern regions. Initiatives to improve health insurance access nationwide are also crucial for creating a more inclusive healthcare system.

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Published

2024-10-05

Issue

Section

Review Articles

How to Cite

Equity of Healthcare Access in Nigeria: A Scoping Review. (2024). The Nigerian Health Journal, 24(3), 1345-1354. https://doi.org/10.60787/tnhj.v24i3.891

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