SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTERS IN ORHIONMWON L.G.A. OF EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study examined the spatial distribution of primary health centers (PHCs) on physical development. The aim is to examine the pattern of distribution of healthcare facilities in Orhionmwon L.G.A with a view to promoting a frame work for healthcare facilities distribution in the study area. The specific objectives to achieve the aim are: To identify the existing PHCs in Orhionmwon L.G.A. and to examine the distribution pattern. The research designs adopted for this study is survey design, the reconnaissance survey and full survey are the two types of survey design engaged during the research. Multistage sampling technique was adopted, and primary data were obtained in stages. The first stage involves random sampling of 25% of the 34 settlement with PHCs. The population of the household for the 13 settlement were obtained and this population was stratified into 5 groups or strata with population range of 500 households. Consequently 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 questionnaire copies were administered to each of the settlement in the strata starting from the lowest to the highest stratum which is the second stage. Questionnaire, observation of relevant activities, cameras and interview guide are the research instruments used. A sample size of 25% of the settlements with PHCs was randomly selected, which amounted to 13 settlements with total number of 10,564 Households and the sample size which is 200 for questionnaire administration. The major finding on impact of PHCs distribution on physical development is that the L.G.A has 31PHCs to serve the population of 182,717 which is grossly inadequate and equally the distribution is skewed to one side. The inadequate in the spatial distribution of PHCs increases infant and maternal mortality and mortality, and equally discourages people from patronising health services, complication in pregnancy, and patronage of quakes and traditional health medicines. This can be solved by recommending a program of personnel and facility improvement in the primary health care centre in the L.G.A. which should be combined with policy of deliberate dispersal of primary health centers in various parts of the L.G.A. especially in the areas where population density is high. Key words: Accessibility, Primary Health care centres, Spatial, distribution, physical development.