ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND UTILIZATION OF HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME AMONG RESIDENTS OF ILORIN METROPOLIS, KWARA STATE
Abstract
ABSTRACTBackground: Efforts towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is gaining momentum, and health insurance plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. In health insurance systems employing a prepaid mechanism, it facilitates the pooling of risks and redistribution of financial resources to provide financial protection against healthcare expenses. The study aims to assess the knowledge and utilization of health insurance scheme among residents of Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized and a multistage sampling technique was used to select 400 residents within the Ilorin Metropolis. Data was collected via structured close-ended questionnaires designed to elicit information on individuals' perceptions and knowledge of health insurance scheme and its utilization among the study participants. Statistical software, SPSS was employed for data analysis, including descriptive and inferential statistics to examine associations. Level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 at confidence level of 95% for all inferential analysis.Results: Demographic insights provide a comprehensive overview of the study's participant characteristics, highlighting the diversity within the sample. A significant proportion, over 70% reported not being aware of health insurance schemes. Similarly, awareness about different types of health insurance was lower, with only 10.7% informed and 89.3% uninformed. The study revealed a significant association between having insurance and employment status (Chi-Square = 83.5828, p < 0.0001), and education level also shows a significant association with health insurance coverage (Chi-Square = 178.1603, p < 0.0001), suggesting that higher education levels correlate with higher rates of health insurance coverage. Conclusion: Despite the existence of health insurance schemes aimed at improving access to healthcare services, there appears to be a gap in understanding the utilization of these schemes. The study recommends surmounting the financial, logistical, and perceptual issues regarding health insurance coverage and comprehensive strategy for improvement.Keywords: Health insurance, NHIS, UHC, Utilization. CHAPTER ONE
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