Title: HEALTHCARE FINANCING AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE AND DELIVERY SERVICES AT THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, LAFIA NIGERIA

Authors: Ahmed mohammed yahaya, Babatunde joseph olanrewaju ,Ibrahim tajudeen lanre, Jibril khadija asabe,Mohammed salihu ozegya, Bello aisha omotola, Zakari adama yahaya and Bello surajudeen oyeleke

Abstract: Background: Antenatal care (ANC) coverage indicates access and quality of health care during pregnancy, a recognized strategy for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study determines the sources of healthcare financing among women attending ANC and delivery services. Methods: A hospital-based study of women attending ANC at FUTH, Lafia. Ethical approval was obtained from the facility’s Research Ethics Committee. Confidentiality of information collected was treated with utmost regard. A p-value of < 0.05 was adjudged significant. Results: Of the participants. 38.4% accessed the facility for ANC only. Most financed their ANC and delivery services through out-of-pocket payment, with only 17.3% vs 21.6%using the scheme, respectively. A third of the participants not on the scheme for ANC or delivery services claimed it was due to their status as housewives without a paying job, while their husbands are not covered as artisans. Most are encountering challenges in payment for ANC services, while 37.1%faced challenges in payment for delivery services. Most of the barriers to accessing ANC and or delivery services had to do with its stressful nature, and frequent out-of-stock syndrome. Conclusion: The proportion of women attending ANC is abysmally low, with many more deliveries occurring at home. Most financed their care through out-of-pocket payments as they or their spouses are not covered by the health insurance schemes. The few on health insurance are not enjoying it due to the stress of clearance and the shortage of drugs. The coverage of the health insurance scheme and hindrances to its use should be enhanced and improved upon.

Keywords: Antenatal care, Delivery services, Healthcare financing, Lafia.

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