Perception and Factors Affecting Utilization of Health Services in Sampou Community

Abstract

Despite ongoing health reforms in Nigeria, rural communities such as Sampou in Bayelsa State continue to experience disparities in health service utilisation. This study investigates perceptions and the socio-economic, cultural, and structural factors influencing healthcare service use in Sampou Community. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Sampou Community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. A total of 248 adults aged 18–64 years were selected through simple random sampling. Data were analysed using SPSS version 29, and the results were presented using descriptive statistics. Responses were graded using a modified Likert scoring method. Findings revealed that, while 88.7% of respondents reported physical accessibility to healthcare services, only 29.4% accessed care for preventive purposes. A large majority (80.6%) considered healthcare workers competent, but satisfaction with service quality was 57.3%. Financial challenges (38.3%) and drug unavailability (73.8%) were identified as major barriers to utilisation. Cultural beliefs and traditional medicine were less prominent factors, cited by only 21.4% and 25.0%, respectively. Awareness of government health insurance programmes was low (39.9%). The study concludes that, although proximity and provider competence were not primary issues, utilisation remains low because of financial constraints, understaffing, and low awareness of health-financing schemes. It is recommended that the systemic barriers observed in the study be addressed through targeted interventions, infrastructure improvement, and community-based health education to advance equitable healthcare in rural areas such as Sampou.