Remoteness as a Preconditional Factor in the Utilization of Health Service Delivery in Akoko South-West LGA, Ondo State, Nigeria

This study investigated the impact of remoteness on the utilization of health services in Akoko South-West Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State, Nigeria. Despite the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 3 premium consideration to human health which focuses concern on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being and efforts to improve healthcare accessibility for all at all ages in rural areas, the health system across many sub-Saharan African countries is in precarious conditions. This research employed a multistage sampling technique, purposive sampling method were used to select settlements according to their level of remoteness. Households within the selected settlements were selected using simple random sampling. Health workers and health facility administrators were selected through convenience sampling. A total of 170 questionnaire were administered to 100 community members and 70 health workers or administrators. The findings from this study revealed that the 40.6% of the respondents claimed that the roads were in bad shape and had become obstacles to accessing healthcare.  This study, therefore, recommended that the government priorities the construction and enhancement of healthcare facilities in distant parts in Akoko South-West LGA, along with the improvement of road networks and transportation choices to promote better access to health services. Furthermore, to mitigate the disparities induced by distance, the deployment of mobile health units should be employed through community efforts. Also, there should be a synergy and partnership between private and government organization on road rehabilitation to further enhance easy access to health care facilities in the rural communities. Provision of enabling environment such as financial incentives, and accommodation that can entice the interest of the healthcare providers in rural areas of Akoko South-West LGA. These measures are crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare delivery in remote areas of Akoko South-West LGA.

  Keywords: Remoteness, Health Centers, Road Infrastructure, Transportation Costs, Healthcare Availability