IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EVALUATION AND PHYSICAL REPORT (IJMEPR )

E-ISSN 2579-0498
P-ISSN 2695-2181
VOL. 9 NO. 3 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijmepr.v9.no3.2025.pg1.15

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Geospatial Analysis of the Distribution, Challenges and Improvements on Healthcare Facilities in Keffi LGA, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Dorathy A Dogara, and Innocent E Bello

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Abstract

Growing populations, an aging workforce, and the rise of chronic diseases are driving up the demand for healthcare services. Health has been equated with wealth because a healthy man is regarded as a wealthy man due to lack of infirmities. Access to primary healthcare facilities (PHFs) in Keffi Local Government Area (LGA) in Nasarawa State, just like in other parts of Nigeria, has become a big challenge. An attempt to address the challenges in the distribution of Healthcare facilities (HCFs) in Keffi requires the use of Geospatial technology (Geographic Information Systems - GIS) hence, this study. The aim of this research is to analyze the spatial distribution, challenges and strategies to improve HCFs utilization in Keffi LGA. Using Global Positioning System (GPS) handheld receiver to Geo-tag the identified HCFs in Keffi LGA across the 10 wards. HCFs records (name, latitude, longitude, attribute information) were stored in a database created using ArcCatalog (ArcGIS) while ArcMap GIS Modeling software was used to map the spatial distribution. Strategies to improve on healthcare delivery were obtained from 200 copies of questionnaires randomly distributed using purposive sampling technique to adult population made up of Healthcare workers and patients patronizing the various HCFs in keffi LGA. The study shows that out of the 22 identified PHCs, 17 are government owned, while the remainder 5 are privately owned; with high concentrations of the HCFs in urban Keffi. Out of the 200 respondents sampled, the males respondents were 102 (51%) and females make up the remaining 98 (49%). The study confirms that Healthcare delivery faces numerous challenges, including workforce shortages, increasing demand, inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and the need to address health equity issues. These challenges are further complicated by issues like patient safety, cyber-security, and the rapid evolution of healthcare technolo

keywords:

GIS Analysis, Health Promotion, Environment, Primary Healthcare Facilities

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