Abstract:

Background

In 2010, community based health insurance scheme (CBHIS) was launched in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria. Little is known about the knowledge and perception of the rural dwellers of the FCT about the scheme. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perception of healthcare consumers towards CBHIS in FCT.

Methods

A descriptive cross sectional study of 287 household heads was done. Systematic random sampling was used. Information was collected using a semi-structured, interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analysed with SPSS version 21.

Results

Male respondents were 175(61%),242(84.3%) were aware of the existence of CBHIS, 126(82%) of enrollee also enrolled their dependents. Annual payment of health insurance premium was preferred by 91(59.9%) of enrolled respondents, 92(60.1%) enrolled in the scheme because they perceived it to be a cheap way to access healthcare. No proper understanding was the reason why 33(28.4%) of those aware of the scheme did not enroll themselves or their dependents. Only 124 (55.1%) were satisfied with the overall services provided to them by their health care provider (HCP).More males 102(81.6%) were satisfied with HCP services. Among respondents with secondary/tertiary education 18(81.8%) were satisfied with their HCP compared to 47(38.2%) of those who had no formal education, p<0.001. 47(85.5%) respondents in the richest wealth quintile were satisfied compared with only 13(52%) in the lowest category, p<0.001.

Conclusion

There is a need to educate the community members on principle of health insurance and improve access to health services under the scheme.

Key words: CBHIS, Health insurance, rural communities, knowledge, perception

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