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Healthcare utilization in Ghana: Insights from the 2017 Ghana Living Standard Survey

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  • Derek Anamaale Tuoyire
  • Leonard Baatiema
  • Duah Dwomoh
  • Samuel Bosomprah

Abstract

Introduction: The persistence of healthcare utilization disparities in Ghana despite several policy efforts highlights the urgency of understanding its determinants to enhance equitable health access. We sought to examine the determinants of healthcare utilization in Ghana. Methods: We used the 2017 Ghana Living Standard Survey (GLSS) data. This was a cross-sectional design, which employed a stratified two-stage random sampling technique. We analyzed data involving 8,298 respondents with information on visits to healthcare facilities for services on account of illness or injury two weeks prior to the survey. Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to assess the distribution of healthcare utilization across background characteristics. Further, we used multivariable Poisson regression model with robust standard error to identify factors independently associated with healthcare utilization. Results: Among the 8,298, the median age was 24 years (interquartile range = 7–47), 45% were males, and 45% had no education. About 42% of respondents utilized health services during an episode of illness or injury. Age, sex, educational level, marital status, wealth quintile, health insurance and severity of illness/injury were independently associated with healthcare utilization. Healthcare utilization increased significantly with wealth quintiles—those in the highest wealth quintiles had about 22% increased utilization compared to those in the lowest wealth quintiles (aPR = 1.22; 95%CI = 1.13–1.32) while it was about 77% higher among those who had valid health insurance compared to those without (aPR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.68–1.86). Regarding severity of illness or injury, those with severe conditions were about 65% more likely to utilize healthcare services compared to those with acute conditions (aPR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.53–1.78). Conclusion: Our study underscores the importance of socio-economic factors and health insurance in healthcare utilization in Ghana. Addressing these can pave the way for more equitable access to healthcare services across all segments of the population.

Suggested Citation

  • Derek Anamaale Tuoyire & Leonard Baatiema & Duah Dwomoh & Samuel Bosomprah, 2024. "Healthcare utilization in Ghana: Insights from the 2017 Ghana Living Standard Survey," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(6), pages 1-10, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0306032
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306032
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cherri Zhang & Md Shafiur Rahman & Md Mizanur Rahman & Alfred E Yawson & Kenji Shibuya, 2019. "Trends and projections of universal health coverage indicators in Ghana, 1995-2030: A national and subnational study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(5), pages 1-19, May.
    2. Ties Boerma & Patrick Eozenou & David Evans & Tim Evans & Marie-Paule Kieny & Adam Wagstaff, 2014. "Monitoring Progress towards Universal Health Coverage at Country and Global Levels," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(9), pages 1-8, September.
    3. Getaw Walle Bazie & Mhiret Teshome Adimassie, 2017. "Modern health services utilization and associated factors in North East Ethiopia," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(9), pages 1-10, September.
    4. Stephen Kwasi Opoku Duku & Francis Asenso-Boadi & Edward Nketiah-Amponsah & Daniel Kojo Arhinful, 2016. "Utilization of healthcare services and renewal of health insurance membership: evidence of adverse selection in Ghana," Health Economics Review, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 1-12, December.
    5. Hiwot Tilahun & Desta Debalkie Atnafu & Geta Asrade & Amare Minyihun & Yihun Mulugeta Alemu, 2018. "Factors for healthcare utilization and effect of mutual health insurance on healthcare utilization in rural communities of South Achefer Woreda, North West, Ethiopia," Health Economics Review, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 1-7, December.
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