Factors Influencing Aged Preferences for Healthcare Services in Selected Rural Communities of Ayedaade Local Government Area, Osun State

Abstract

Over the years, there has been a growing recognition of the challenges of ageds’ healthcare issues especially the rural aged and the need for it to be addressed. In lieu of this, this study examined ageds’ preferences for healthcare services and facilities in selected rural communities of Ayedaade local government area of Osun State. Field observations, Oral interviews and structured questionnaires were used to obtain primary data. The selection of three (3) rural areas in the LGA was done using the snowball technique, a total of 127 structured questionnaires with 120 retrieved were administered to the elderly (60 years and older) in the designated localities. Also, in-depth interviews were conducted with an aged man and woman and health personnel in each of the selected communities. The result of the study revealed that health personnels such as doctors, nurses, among others were rarely available and those available were not responsive at the healthcare facilities. Also, the healthcare facilities had limited number of rooms and the available rooms and beds were in poor conditions. The major source of water at the healthcare centers was borehole while the method of waste disposal was open and indiscriminate disposal of refuse. Several factors were identified to influence the ageds’ preferences for healthcare facilities. These include: distance to the healthcare facility, long waiting time, inadequate health personnels, transportation constraints, high service charge, poor quality of care and literacy level. The study suggested the need for recruitment and training of more health care personnel. Also, public enlightenment should be organized for the aged on the use of healthcare facilities.