Distribution and Accessibility of Healthcare Facilities in Rural Areas of Akwa Ibom Northwest

Authors

  • Udeme Maxwell Oyoyo University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
  • Kemfon Aniedi Essien University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Keywords:

Healthcare facilities, rural dwellers, rural communities, Geographic Information Systems, mapping techniques

Abstract

The study assessed the distribution and accessibility of healthcare facilities in rural dwellers of the Akwa Ibom Northwest Region, Nigeria. A sample of five Local Government Areas, fifteen rural communities, and 354 households was selected for the study via multi-stage random sampling. The total count and types of healthcare facilities were extracted from the official health directory of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, while a structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the household accessibility to healthcare facilities in the region. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping techniques and descriptive statistics - mean and simple percentages were employed to analyse health facilities distribution and accessibility to health facilities, respectively. Findings showed a largely skewed distribution of healthcare facilities, particularly the secondary healthcare facilities, leaving many households unable to access certain healthcare needs within a minimal travel distance, time, and cost. These findings re-echo the calls for stakeholders in the health sector to prioritize access as a key factor in rural healthcare delivery.

Author Biographies

Udeme Maxwell Oyoyo, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Udeme Maxwell Oyoyo, M.Sc. Field Assistant/Researcher at the Department of Geography and Natural Resources Management, University of Uyo, Nigeria.

Kemfon Aniedi Essien, University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Kemfon Aniedi Essien, PhD. Medical Geographer and Lecturer at the Department of Geography and Natural Resources Management, University of Uyo, Nigeria. E-mail: aniediudoessien@gmail.com

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Published

2026-09-16

How to Cite

Oyoyo, U. M., & Essien, K. A. (2026). Distribution and Accessibility of Healthcare Facilities in Rural Areas of Akwa Ibom Northwest. Journal of Environmental Issues and Agriculture in Developing Countries (JEIADC), 18(1), 1–19. Retrieved from https://icidr.org.ng/index.php/jeiadc/article/view/1946

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Environmental Issues and Agriculture in Developing Countries

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Environmental Issues and Agriculture in Developing Countries (JEIADC)

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