DETERMINANTS OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICE UPTAKE AMONG TRADERS IN NEW BENIN MARKET, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE

This study examined the determinants of primary health care (PHC) service uptake among traders operating in New Benin Market. In pursuit of this objective, four research questions were formulated and relevant literature on primary health care services was comprehensively reviewed. A descriptive research design was employed, with a target population of 4,320 market traders drawn from New Benin Market in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. Using simple random sampling, 216 traders were selected to serve as the study sample. Data were gathered through a structured close-ended questionnaire consisting of 20 items, which was validated by the project supervisor and two additional experts in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education. Reliability was established via the test-retest method. The 216 administered questionnaires were returned in full, and the collected data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Findings indicated that economic constraints, limited awareness, proximity to health facilities, and religious orientation significantly influence PHC service uptake. Notwithstanding these challenges, traders in New Benin Market were found to exhibit a relatively high rate of PHC utilization, especially for minor ailments, routine medical examinations, and immunizations. The study recommends that government and relevant health authorities extend financial assistance to lower the cost burden of PHC services; that public health bodies mount regular awareness and health promotion campaigns to inform traders of the availability and advantages of PHC services; and that additional PHC facilities be established in closer proximity to major trading centres and densely populated market zones.