PERCEPTION AND SATISFACTION WITH NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE AUTHORITY AMONG FEDERAL CIVIL SERVANTS IN BAUCHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BAUCHI STATE
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Abstract
Background:
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a cornerstone of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet achieving it remains a significant challenge in Nigeria. Despite the transition of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act in 2022, the country continues to struggle with sub-optimal services under the scheme. This study aimed to assess the perception and satisfaction of Federal civil servants in Bauchi with the NHIA services.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study where perception and satisfaction with the NHIA of 271 federal civil servants were assessed using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Perception and satisfaction were measured using a four-point Likert scale. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27, where univariate, bivariate and multiple logistic regression were conducted to assess perception, satisfaction and predictors of both. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
A total of 169 (62.4%) of the respondents were registered with the NHIA, with 70 (41.4%) being registered for less than a year. A good perception of NHIA was reported in 265 (97.8%), with 126 (74.6%) being satisfied with their services. Sixty-seven percent of the respondents feel there are no challenges with accessing drugs; however, 62.7% are not comfortable with the drugs prescribed. About half of the respondents (55.6%) are comfortable with the time spent accessing services and the quality of care that they receive. Males were 2.4 times more likely to be satisfied with NHIA services than women (AOR = 2.4: 95% CI = 1.071–5.43).
Conclusion:
High enrolment and positive perceptions among civil servants are undermined by systemic inefficiencies. To achieve UHC, the NHIA must address service fatigue and gender-based disparities to sustain long-term beneficiary satisfaction.
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