Awareness of Health Professionals on Health Programs of Government and their Opinions on Future Actions of Government in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The goal of healthcare governance is to improve the health status of citizens. Health professionals in Rivers State demonstrated varying levels of awareness of government health programmes, with 63.6% reporting awareness overall. Aim: This study evaluated health professionals’ awareness of government health programmes, associated challenges, and future directions for government health action during the last quarter of 2025. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among consenting health professionals using a questionnaire. The information obtained was collated and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 and presented in tables and graphs. Results: A total of 893 health workers participated, comprising 429 (48.0%) males and 464 (52.0%) females, with a mean age of 35.73 ± 7.54 years. The participants included medical doctors (n = 228; 25.5%), nurses (n = 236; 26.4%), pharmacists (n = 109; 12.2%), medical laboratory scientists (n = 114; 12.8%), laboratory technologists (n = 133; 14.9%), and health administrators (n = 73; 8.2%). Overall, 568 (63.6%) were aware of government health programmes. Awareness was higher among medical doctors and nurses than among other professional groups, and the association was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Although information was available, many participants were uncertain about programme-related challenges, and a substantial proportion did not provide opinions on the government’s future direction in health. The main information sources were the workplace (n = 270; 30.2%), roadside banners/posters (n = 205; 23.0%), and social media (n = 182; 20.4%). Conclusion: Participants expressed opinions on awareness, challenges, and future directions of government health programmes. These findings provide a resource that may inform improvements in health services in Rivers State.