International Journal of Health Policy and Management

International Journal of Health Policy and Management

Who Is Most Likely to Experience Corruption When Seeking Healthcare in Nigerian Healthcare Facilities?

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ifunanya Clara Agu 1, 2
Chukwudi Nwokolo 1, 2
Obinna Onwujekwe 1, 2
Martin McKee 3
Eleanor Hutchinson 3
Blake Angell 4
Dina Balabanova 3
1 Health Policy Research Group, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
2 University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
3 London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
4 University of New South Wales Sydney, The George Institute for Global Health, Newtown, NSW, Australia
10.34172/ijhpm.8687
Abstract
Background 
Experiencing corruption when seeking health services remains a significant problem in Nigeria. An effective response requires knowledge of the individual characteristics of those impacted by corruption when seeking healthcare. This study examined the prevalence of corruption among those seeking health services in Nigeria’s public healthcare facilities and how it varies among different user groups.
 
Methods 
We used a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect data from 1659 individuals randomly selected from households in two Nigerian states. We collected data on respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics and experiences of corrupt practices. We undertook descriptive and binomial logistic regression analyses.
 
Results 
Approximately 50% (823) of respondents experienced corrupt practices, such as using connections for faster treatment and bribery when seeking health services. 446 (27%) respondents bribed or made so-called unapproved payments to health providers to obtain health services. Gender was a strong predictor, with male healthcare service users being more likely to experience corrupt practices (%point risk difference = 24; 95% CI = 20, 29) and bribe or make an unapproved payment to obtain healthcare (%point risk difference = 20; 95% CI = 15, 25). Residents in the northern state were (%point risk difference = 30; 95% CI = 26, 35) more likely to experience corrupt practices than residents in the eastern state. People seeking healthcare in urban (%point risk difference = 09; 95% CI = -05, 08) and semi-urban (%point risk difference = 12; 95% CI = 05, 19) locations were more likely to have bribed or made ‘unapproved’ payments to healthcare providers compared to rural residents.
 
Conclusion 
Health sector corruption, in its various forms, is frequently reported in both northern and southern Nigeria. However, user experience of corruption varies according to socio-demographic characteristics, and this is often insufficiently acknowledged. To combat corrupt practices in both health sectors, anti-corruption initiatives must be tailored to particular groups and settings, addressing specific disadvantages at individual and community levels. 
Keywords
Health Services
Patients Corruption Experience
Public Healthcare Facilities
Nigeria
Corruption
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International Journal of Health Policy and Management
Volume 14, Issue 1
2025
Pages 1-11

  • Received Date 17 July 2024
  • Revised Date 28 February 2025
  • Accepted Date 04 March 2025
  • First Published Date 08 March 2025
  • Published Date 01 December 2025