Health insurance and user fees: A survey of health service utilization and payment method in Mushin LGA, Lagos, Nigeria
Date
2018
Authors
Roberts, A.A.
Agboola, B.C.
Oshunniyi, A.A.
Roberts, O.A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research
Abstract
Background: Studies have documented how out-of-pocket payments (OOP) and user fees
result in catastrophic health expenditures, providing evidence that health systems are better
financed through prepayment mechanisms such as health insurance. Aim: This study sought
to determine the perception of community residents to health insurance, their pattern of
health service utilization and method and amount of payment. Methods: This descriptive
cross-sectional study among 422 household members in Mushin LGA obtained data on sociodemographic characteristics, perception of health insurance, enrollment status and willingness
to enroll; last use of health services and method of payment for health care services. Data
analysis was done with Epi-info (ver 7) and results were presented as frequencies, percentages,
means and standard deviations. Statistically significant associations were determined using
the Chi-square test at significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Over half the respondents (56.6%)
had not heard about health insurance. Very few (19.7%) were enrolled. Of those not enrolled,
57.1% were willing to consider buying health insurance. The method of payment for health
services reported by respondents was OOP (98.3%). Those in younger age groups, with higher
levels of education and higher household incomes reported having heard of health insurance.
Higher educational level and household incomes were positively associated with willingness
to enroll in a health insurance scheme. Conclusion: Awareness was insufficient, health services
were paid for mostly from OOP. The authors recommend taking the opportunity to encourage
uptake of health insurance for young adults and those in low- and middle-income households
Description
Scholarly article
Keywords
Health insurance , User fees , Out-of-pocket expenses , Lagos Nigeria , Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE
Citation
Roberts AA, Agboola BC, Oshunniyi AA, Roberts OA. Health insurance and user fees: A survey of health service utilization and payment method in Mushin LGA, Lagos, Nigeria. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2018; 8: 93-99