ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF HEALTHCARE DEMAND IN CONFLICT AFFECTED YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Healthcare access in conflict-affected regions is affected by both economic hardship and insecurity, with huge implications for service utilization. This study examined the demographic characteristics, economic determinants, and financing models influencing healthcare demand in Yobe State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional field survey was conducted among 456 respondents selected through snowball sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 28. The results showed that poverty (β = –0.926, p < 0.001) and inflation (β = –0.256, p = 0.002) significantly reduced healthcare utilization, while higher monthly income increased the likelihood of seeking care (β = 0.137, p = 0.009). Income inequality, however, was not statistically significant (p = 0.187). Demographic analysis revealed disparities linked to household size, income distribution, and rural–urban location. Regarding financing models, community-based health insurance (CBHI) was found to significantly improve utilization (β = 0.431, p = 0.007), whereas general health insurance showed a positive but non-significant effect (β = 0.273, p = 0.066). The findings identified that absolute poverty and inflation are primary barriers to healthcare access, while CBHI provides a more practical, inclusive financing pathway in conflict-affected contexts. The study concludes that sustainable healthcare in Yobe requires poverty alleviation programs, inflation control measures, expansion of CBHI, and rehabilitation of damaged health facilities to ensure equitable access in fragile settings.