Assessment of Community Perception, Resource Availability and Healthcare Providers’ Behaviour towards Primary Health Care Services in Oluku Communities, Edo State

Abstract

Primary health care (PHC) plays a vital role in improving population health, yet confidence in PHC services remains low in many rural Nigerian communities. This study investigated the community perception, resource availability and healthcare providers’ behavior towards primary health care services among community members in Oluku, Ovia, Edo State. A descriptive survey design was used, and data were collected from 394 respondents selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. A validated questionnaire titled Community Confidence in Primary Health Care Services Questionnaire (CCPHCSQ), had a reliability coefficient of 0.79. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Findings revealed that the perceived quality of PHC services exists to a moderate extent (cluster mean = 2.54), with respondents acknowledging good facility cleanliness and respectful staff attitudes but expressing dissatisfaction with long waiting times and limited trust in treatment outcomes. Availability of essential resources was found to be inadequate (cluster mean = 2.29), as respondents reported shortages of drugs, insufficient medical equipment, and inadequate staffing. Conversely, the behaviour of health workers was rated positively (cluster mean = 2.68), showing that staff professionalism and courteous interactions contribute meaningfully to users’ experience. The study concluded that although PHC workers demonstrate positive behaviour and quality of care is fairly good, the persistent lack of essential resources significantly reduces public confidence. Strengthening resource availability, improving supply chain management, and enhancing service efficiency are recommended to rebuild trust and promote effective primary health care utilisation in the community.