An assessment of health needs in selected Nigeria villages.
Two hundred and fifty five heads of households in Iyekuselu District, Bendel State Nigeria, were interviewed. Fifteen villages were randomly selected from the 107 villages that make up the district. There is high morbidity of infectious diseases identified in the study. Limited number of medical professionals and medical institutions present problems of availability of services. This is compounded by high cost of medical services and poor access to health care facilities. The self-perceived health care needs of the heads of households are disease prevention, availability of health services, improved accessibility to health care facilities and reduced cost of care. There is a strong need for health education programs in these villages. This should be attempted with the cooperation of community members, so as to attain the goal of promoting health and preventing diseases.
Airhihenbuwa
C O
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Dept. of Health Education, Pennsylvania State University, University Park.