Determinants of Access and Utilization of Healthcare in The Bole District of The Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

Healthcare access is an essential component of human development, but countless people around the world especially in developing countries do not have access to healthcare as they require. Consequently, many international and national organizations are making efforts to improve healthcare access and utilization around the world. This study assessed the determinants of access and utilization of healthcare services by community members in the Bole District of the Northern Region of Ghana using case study design and mixed method approach. The quantitative approach involved selecting three (3) communities in the Bole District purposively where structured questionnaires were administered to 435 purposively selected respondents. The qualitative approach involved indepth interview of three healthcare managers and a focus group discussion held separately for two groups of six (6) men and women. Descriptive statistics, frequencies and Pearson’s Chi square test of independence were used to analyze the quantitative data while the qualitative data were transcribed into themes and analyzed. The results revealed the existence of both Orthodox and Alternative Healthcare facilities in the Bole district with 55% of the respondents’ preferring Orthodox to Alternative Healthcare while 45% of the respondents prefer Alternative to Orthodox Healthcare, Old age and lower educational level had significant association with preference for Alternative healthcare to Orthodox healthcare system. Determinants that were significantly associated with access and utilization of healthcare included; community members’ satisfaction with the healthcare, health insurance status, and distance to health facility as well as personal factors such as education and belief system. The study recommends upgrading the capacity of primary healthcare facilities to reduce the distance and time spent to reach referral facilities. Appropriate payment measures to sustain the National Health Insurance Scheme in improving access to healthcare, and proper supervision of healthcare staff to ensure they put up good attitude in line with the values of patients.