An Assessment of Factors Influencing Healthcare Facility Choice and Non-Utilization of Modern Health Services in Rural Communities in Rivers State Nigeria

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@article{1714355,
      author = {Daniel U. S Onyetulem, U. M Chukwuocha, Ugonma Winnie Dozie},
      title = {An Assessment of Factors Influencing Healthcare Facility Choice and Non-Utilization of Modern Health Services in Rural Communities in Rivers State Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {8},
      pages = {1012-1019},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1714355.pdf},
      abstract = {Background: Utilization of modern healthcare services remains suboptimal in many rural communities in Nigeria despite the availability of primary healthcare facilities. This study assessed factors influencing healthcare facility choice and reasons for non-utilization of modern health services among rural residents in Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among rural residents in selected communities across Rivers State. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents from ten randomly selected upland and riverine Local Government Areas. Data were collected from 400 respondents using structured questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, healthcare facility preference, and factors influencing utilization was obtained. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0, with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests applied at a 5% level of significance.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 33.62 ± 4.21 years, with females constituting 53%. Alternative medicine, patent medicine vendors, and private facilities were preferred over government-owned primary health centres. Socio-demographic factors such as age, sex, marital status, educational level, occupation, and area of residence were significantly associated with healthcare facility choice. Key reasons for facility preference included quick service (82.8%), availability of drugs (78.1%), laboratory services (77.6%), and staff attitude (69.9%). Major reasons for non-utilization of modern health facilities were lack of equipment and laboratory services, poor facility environment, absence or irregular presence of doctors, and distrust in staff competence. A large proportion of respondents reported bypassing nearby facilities to seek care elsewhere. However, most expressed willingness to utilize primary health centres if improvements were made.

Conclusion: Underutilization of modern healthcare services in rural Rivers State is driven largely by modifiable systemic and service-related factors rather than cultural resistance alone. Strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure, staffing, drug availability, and service quality is essential to improve utilization and advance progress toward universal health coverage.},
      month = {February},
  }