Thesis-2019-Onyeme.pdf (5.83 MB)
Strategic measures for accessing effective healthcare delivery in rural Nigeria
thesis
posted on 2021-11-02, 00:33 authored by Azuka OnyemeHealthcare as a system has been and will always be a vital public provision to support
human existence. The onus rests with every nation’s healthcare system to provide
health services; and individuals to consciously embrace healthy living. The health
status of people in rural areas is generally not as good as those in urban areas,
especially in middle and low-income countries. Research within the last decade
shows significant barriers such as geographical location (terrain and transportation
concerns); local health issues and availability of healthcare facilities are common
concerns that affect effective delivery practices in rural settings. These barriers have
affected the actualisation of a healthy environment and have regrettably led to high
mortality rate from preventable and or curable causes. Consequently, in this study,
findings were generated from literatures and field study and divulge that health
polices, infrastructures and health service schemes are available in Bayelsa State
(focus region of study), created to improve health status of the people especially
those situated in the remote and riverine communities but economic, topographical
and social challenges which are still prevalent have dawdled progress in attaining this
goal.
In response to these challenges, the study investigates and proposes strategic
measures to improve the delivery practices hence, making healthcare services
available and accessible to the rural poor. Therefore, the study is aimed at developing
a framework for effective healthcare delivery to meet current challenges, especially
where access issues are prevalent for various demographic and geographic rural
settings. Review of several literatures, survey of 1637 completed questionnaire
carried out between August 2016 and July 2017 within seven selected states in the
Niger Delta region of Nigeria and, 13 semi - structured interviews conducted across
respondents from the public and health sector within Bayelsa State, Nigeria which is
the focus state for the study formed source data for evaluation. The mixed method
approach was employed to evaluate existing healthcare strategies, assessment of
the rural and health needs in different settings and, the required improvements to the
healthcare policies. A framework which serves as strategic approach is developed and proposed for the
desired improvement in the healthcare system in these rural settings following results
from analysed data sets that established health and rural needs, government neglect
and, accessibility issues (terrain and transportation) as the significant factors of
concern.
History
School
- Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Publisher
Loughborough UniversityRights holder
© Azuka A. OnyemePublication date
2019Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.Language
- en
Supervisor(s)
A.D.F. Price ; Francis Edum-FotweQualification name
- PhD
Qualification level
- Doctoral
This submission includes a signed certificate in addition to the thesis file(s)
- I have submitted a signed certificate