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@article{202853,
        author = {Ibrahim Dawud Oyedemi and AKINNIYI ROTIMI JACOB and Oladejo Oluwatoyin Temitope and Oladiran Isdaiah Olagunju and Wokoma Victoria Eleba and Omolere Olakorode Olabosede},
        title = {Knowledge And Attitude on The Utilization of Primary Health Care Services In Oka Community, Ondo West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {9296-9309},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=202853},
        abstract = {Background: Underutilization of Primary Health Care (PHC) services remains a persistent public health challenge in Nigeria. Despite the presence of PHC infrastructure in many communities, knowledge and attitudinal barriers continue to prevent residents from accessing essential primary care services. This study assessed the level of knowledge and attitudes of Oka community residents toward the utilization of PHC services in Ondo West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional community-based design was adopted. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 419 respondents were approached, of whom 352 participated (response rate: 84.01%). Data were collected with a structured, pretested questionnaire divided into four sections covering socio-demographics, knowledge, attitude, and factors influencing PHC utilization. Analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Version 27, employing descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations).
Results: While 80% (n=282) of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of PHC services, particularly regarding malaria treatment (mean=1.86±0.35), immunization (mean=1.83±0.37), and health education (mean=1.85±0.36), attitudes toward PHC utilization were predominantly poor, with 78.4% (n=276) exhibiting negative attitudes. Key negative attitudinal drivers included a perception that PHC centers are under-equipped (mean=3.71±0.45) and low confidence in service quality (mean=1.56±0.89). Critical barriers to utilization were drug shortages (67.3%), preference for hospitals (58.0%), and limited services (61.9%). Only 31.5% (n=111) had ever visited a PHC center in the community.
Conclusion: A significant knowledge–attitude–utilisation gap characterizes the PHC landscape in the Oka community. High knowledge does not translate into positive attitudes or consistent utilization. Systemic improvements, including drug supply, staff training, infrastructure upgrades, and community engagement, are urgently needed to reverse the negative perception cycle and strengthen uptake of PHC services.},
        keywords = {Primary Health Care, Knowledge, Attitude, Utilization, Oka Community, Nigeria, Health-seeking behavior, PHC barriers},
        month = {May},
        }