Socioeconomic Disparities in Access to Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgical Care in a Semi-Urban Community in Oyo State, Nigeria
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Abstract
Background: In low-and-middle-income countries, people living in rural and semi-urban areas do not have equitable access to Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Surgery (ENT-HNS) care, which is not readily available in their communities. Socioeconomic factors are important determinants of access to ENT-HNS services in Nigeria. The aim of this study is to assess the socioeconomic disparities influencing access to ENT-HNS care among residents of a semi-urban community in Oyo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional community-based study was conducted in Amuloko among 422 participants selected randomly using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 29.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: Only 297(29.66%) of the respondents has ever accessed ENT-HNS services, and 477 (47.70%) were aware of such services. Access to care was significantly associated with education level (χ² = 84.13, p < 0.001), monthly income (χ² = 97.22, p < 0.001), employment status (χ² = 62.74, p < 0.001), and age (χ² = 33.86, p < 0.001). Identified barriers to ENT-HNS services were lack of awareness, poverty, long distance to ENT facility, long waiting time, and cultural or religious beliefs.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that access to ENT-HNS services is significantly influenced by socioeconomic factors, particularly education, income, and employment status. Addressing these disparities will require interventions such as community-based awareness programs and reducing the financial hardship of rural and semi-urban households by making formal education affordable for them. These will ensure equitable access to care for vulnerable and underserved populations.
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