Geospatial Analysis of Inequalities in public health care delivery in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Access to adequate and equitable health services is very critical in meeting up the global health coverage. Studies have shown in the past that there is inequality in the accessibility to health care facilities among... [ view full abstract ]

Access to adequate and equitable health services is very critical in meeting up the global health coverage. Studies have shown in the past that there is inequality in the accessibility to health care facilities among populations across many Nigerian states. Rapid population expansion, widespread conflicts and poverty, and lack of financial resources for the provision of health facilities are identified as the key factors responsible for the poor health care delivery systems in Nigeria. With a population of about 170 million, Nigeria is in dire need of planning the distribution of its health care facilities to align current socio-economic realities. The study is based on the premise that distributive equity in healthcare facilities indexes accessibility. Using Kaduna State as a case example, the study assessed health care availability and accessibility through the adoption of Living Conditions Survey Data for 2011. Geospatial methods were adopted in mapping the various areas with health facilities to show levels of accessibility vis-à-vis total population. Further analyses are done using concentration curves, concentration indices, and horizontal equity index. Factorial analysis and Pearson Product Moment Correlation were the statistical techniques adopted for analyses. The result indicates a general mal-distribution that accentuates a phenomenal lack of proper attention to patients and general poor access in specific vulnerable parts of the State. The study recommends a more robust and deeply investigated health care provision system tailored to suit the peculiar socio-economic conditions and population distribution across Kaduna State.