Abstract

*Enuagwuna F. C., Tobin-West C., Ofili A. and Ojule I.

ABSTRACT

Background: Most health systems are confronted with high demand but have limited budget with which to provide necessary services. The cost of obtaining healthcare continues to be a major challenge in low- and middle-income countries due to low health insurance coverage. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost of healthcare and its effects on urban residents in Rivers State. Methods: This community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 624 respondents residing in urban settlements in Rivers State who were recruited using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was obtained using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. IBM Statistical Product and Service Solution version 25 was used to analyse the data. Results: The respondents in the urban region of Rivers State Nigeria spend an average of $90.7 on healthcare, 16.3% experienced catastrophic health expenditure with 12.7% living below the poverty line following healthcare expenditure in the past year. The residents experience several consequences of healthcare costs ranging from sacrificing money meant for other needs to pay for healthcare, selling assets, having their wards drop out of school, borrowing and death of loved ones. Conclusion: The cost of obtaining healthcare among urban residents appears to be on the high side, due to the various direct medical and non-medical cost that accompanies the process of accessing healthcare. A community-based insurance scheme will alleviate the suffering due to the high cost of healthcare among residents in urban communities in Rivers State.