ASSESSMENT OF SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND ACCESSIBILITY OF PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRES IN ZURU L.G.A.KEBBI STATE

Abstract

A primary health centre(PHC) is the closest health facility in the community meant to serve everyone. The adequacy of PHCs depends on its close proximity to settlement which is also influenced by the spatial distribution pattern of the PHCs.This study aimed of assessing the spatial distribution pattern and accessibility of PHCs in Zuru 6 wards were sampled out of 10 existing wards in Zuru Local Government. Geospatial datasets which include geographical coordinates and existing road network dataset were used in this study. Average Nearest Neighbour, Euclidean Method and Network Analysis were used to analyze spatial distribution and accessibility respectively using Geographical Information System (GIS).Result showed that the PHCs in Zuru Local Government exhibit a dispersed pattern of distribution with a p-value of 0.041876,z-score of 2.034746 and Average Nearest Neighbour Ratio of 1.284260.Using 5km walking as parameter to analysis accessibility; service areas of each PHC was determined using both the Euclidean Method and the Network analyst. Settlement within the service areas can access a PHC within 5km walking distance while settlement outside the service area travel more than 5km to the nearest PHCs and as such are regarded as the deprived settlements. Some settlements in Bedi and Tadurga wards were identified as deprived settlements and as such are in need of a PHC in other to enhance accessibility to primary health care services within Zuru Local Government.