Assessment of utilization of national health insurance scheme among famers in Abia State

The study assessed the utilization of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) among famers in Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the level of awareness of NHIS by the farmers; and ascertained the level of utilization of NHIS by farmers.Multistage sampling technique was adopted in selecting a sample size of 180 respondents. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentages and mean scores, as well as inferential statistics involving Ordinary Least Square regression analysis and correlation analysis were used in analyzing the data. The study showed that majority (68.9%) of the respondents were aware of the National Health Insurance Scheme. There was low level of utilization of NHIS in the study area. The coefficients of marital status and membership to cooperative were significant and positively related to utilization of NHIS at 1% significant level while the coefficient of age was significant at 5% and negatively related the utilization of NHIS.Moreover, the coefficient of access to NHIS was statistically significant and positively related to its utilizationat 5% probability level.The study recommended for more NHIS awareness campaign to be organized for rural farmers in the study area; attitudinal change of NHIS staff; and citing of more primary healthcare centres in the rural areas by the Federal Ministry of Health.

Author(s): Ugboaja

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