Abdul-Baqi, Alhaji Magaji Ph.D.^{1,2<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n}

ABSTRACT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This study as aimed at determining the need factors for the utilization of Health Care services among rural dwellers. A cross sectional design was used for this study. The targeted population of the study is the 2,196,533 adult, which make up 42.06%of the adult living in the rural areas of Bauchi state. Simple random sampling technique was used to select three local government areas from each senatorial district; the LGAs selected were Bauchi L.G.A, Tafawa-balewa L.G.A and Alkaleri L.G.A (Southern zone); Katagum L.G.A., Shira L.G.A, and Jama\u2019are L.G.A (Northern zone); and Ningi L.G.A, Misau L.G.A and Darazu L.G.A. (Central zone). A total of 1344 respondents were sampled for the study. A well-structured questionnaire as well as focus group discussion with community leaders, religious leaders, and health care workers was used to elicit data for the study. The questionnaires were administered by the researcher and some research assistants. The reliability index as determined using cronbach\u2019s alpha test of internal consistency stood at 0.89. The need factors in order of importance are: inexpensive\/ cheap healthcare cost, ease of reaching by transport, peer group influence and excellent attention in all emergency situation (26.7%); followed by treatment (18.8%); nearness to residence and friend among the staff (26.7%); referral by other doctors (17.9%); experienced paramedical staff (11.8%). In conclusion, the need factors recognized for the utilization of healthcare facilities in Bauchi Sate are: health insurance;   closeness of healthcare facilities; cost of transport and means of transport, while the enabling factors in order of importance are: inexpensive\/ cheap healthcare cost, ease of reaching by transport, peer group influence and excellent attention in all emergency situations, followed by treatment, nearness to residence and friend among the staff, referral by other doctors, and experienced paramedical staff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keywords: <\/strong>Need Factors, Healthcare, Utilization, Transport, Patience<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n