Access and Utilization of Healthcare Services at the University of Jos Health Centre Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The provision of quality health care services by educational institutions is critical in achieving their primary purpose of producing critical minds. However, published information about the provision and utilization of services at the University of Jos Health Centre since its inception is lacking. This study assessed access and patterns of utilization of services and interventions at the University of Jos Health Centre. The findings should inform better organization and delivery of health care services in the institution.
Methods: The study adopted a retrospective cross-sectional design, collecting data of all clients from the medical register of the University of Jos Health Centre from January 2018 to December 2019. Information related to some demographic characteristics, position in the university and diagnosis were extracted and analysed using Epi Info software version 3.5.4.
Results: A total of 9,270 clients attended the Health Centre during the period reviewed: males made up 4885 (52.7%) of users, while female utilization was 4385 (47.3%). The average age of patients attending the Health Centre was 29.7 ±15.2 years, with a range of 1-75 years. Students constituted the major group (63%) of patients seen at the Health Centre, followed by staff, staff dependents and non-university users. Malaria was the commonest condition seen, followed by respiratory tract infections, peptic ulcer diseases, hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion: Communicable and non-communicable diseases are the main causes of service utilization, though the former is dominant. Therefore, integrated health care planning and delivery is recommended, with greater emphasis on cost-effective preventive and promotive interventions.