Knowledge of Service-Area Health Centres and Available Healthcare Services among Residents of a South-East Nigerian State Capital

Abstract

Background: Awareness of available primary healthcare facilities and the services they provide is essential for promoting appropriate health-seeking behaviour and strengthening community health systems. Limited knowledge of service-area health centres and their available services contributes to poor utilisation, delays in care, and preventable health complications commonly observed among residents. Aim: To assess the knowledge of New Haven, Enugu residents regarding their service-area health centres and the healthcare services offered therein. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A total of 391 residents participated in the study. Owing to the heterogeneity of the population, residential areas were stratified, and eligible participants were selected purposively based on the study’s inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings: Residents demonstrated a high level of awareness of their service-area health facilities, notably the New Haven Health Centre (85.25%) and Mount Carmel Specialist Hospital and Maternity (85.25%). Similarly, a high level of knowledge of the healthcare services provided by these facilities was observed, with approximately 85% awareness of the services genuinely offered. Conclusion: Residents are knowledgeable about the available health centres and the services they provide. However, despite the high prevalence of common health conditions that are amenable to treatment within these facilities, anecdotal and research reports show that service utilisation remains low. This suggests that factors beyond awareness may be responsible for the reported seeming underutilisation of services. Recommendations: There is a need to strengthen community engagement, investigate barriers to utilisation, improve service quality, and enhance public understanding of the capabilities and limitations of available health services. Keywords: Knowledge, Service Area Health Centres, Utilisation, Health Services, Selected Residents, South-East Nigeria’s State Capital