EFFECT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON UTILIZATION OF PEDIATRIC HEALTH SERVICES: FINDINGS FROM PREMISE CHILD HEALTH COVID-19 HEALTH SERVICE DISRUPTION SURVEY 2020
Abstract
The covid-19 pandemic significantly disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, with potential consequences for the delivery and utilization of pediatric health services. In nigeria, where child morbidity and mortality remain major public health concerns, the diversion of healthcare resources toward pandemic response, movement restrictions, and fear of infection may have adversely affected access to essential pediatric healthcare services. This study aimed to determine the effect of the covid-19 pandemic on the utilization of pediatric health services in nigeria, identify the common health conditions requiring pediatric care during the pandemic, and examine factors influencing healthcare utilization.
A descriptive retrospective study design was employed using data extracted from the covid-19 health services disruption survey 2020. The survey covered the period from december 2019 to july 2020, with december 2019–february 2020 defined as the pre-covid-19 period and march–july 2020 as the covid-19 period. Data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey administered via the premise smartphone platform and validated by the institute for health metrics and evaluation (ihme) in collaboration with the bill & melinda gates foundation.
Evidence from the literature indicates substantial declines in pediatric clinic attendance, emergency department visits, hospital admissions, and immunization uptake during the pandemic. Major contributing factors included lockdown measures, transportation restrictions, parental fear of contracting covid-19, reduced access to healthcare facilities, and the reallocation of healthcare resources. These disruptions may increase the risk of preventable childhood morbidity and mortality.
The study provides important insights into the impact of covid-19 on pediatric healthcare utilization in nigeria and highlights the need for strategies that ensure continuity of essential child health services during public health emergencies.
Keywords: covid-19, pediatric health services, healthcare utilization, children, nigeria, health service disruption.
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