Healthcare Accessibility, Affordability and Perceived Quality of Care Among Older Adults in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

As Nigeria's population ages, ensuring adequate and quality healthcare access for older persons devoid of geographical, financial and service barriers has become increasingly critical. This study examines healthcare accessibility, affordability, and perceived quality of care among older persons in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 residents aged 60 years or older. Participants were selected through a multistage sampling procedure and they completed a structured questionnaire. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.87) and analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings showed that 57.3% of respondents had healthcare centers closer and 53.6% reported easy access to healthcare services when needed. However, there are challenges regarding service adequacy, wait time, and availability of adequate healthcare providers, with many older persons indicating difficulties with waiting time or availability of services. Healthcare affordability emerged as a major concern, as only 31.8% could afford consultation and healthcare charges while, 57.1% reported challenges with medication affordability. Only 33.8% expressed satisfaction with healthcare services received, and 54.7% reported inadequate service responsiveness. The study concludes that although physical access to healthcare exists among older adults in Lokoja, affordability constraints and gaps in service responsiveness significantly influence healthcare experiences. Strengthening financial protection, improving geriatric healthcare capacity, and enhancing service delivery are recommended.