EGBUDOM PERFECTER UJUNWA

The study examined the perception and utilization of the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) among undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin, Edo State. The primary objectives were to: assess students’ perceptions of TISHIP, examine the extent to which TISHIP services are utilized, and identify key factors influencing their utilization. To achieve these goals, three research questions were formulated to guide the study. This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design, targeting all undergraduate nursing students at the University of Benin. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, and reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach’s Alpha (α) value of ≥ 0.7. The analysis employed both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Frequencies, percentages and mean were for data analyis A Chi-Square Test was conducted to test for hypothesis, All statistical tests were carried out at a 95% confidence level (p < 0.05), and results were presented using tables, charts, and graphs as appropriate. The study found that awareness and usage of TISHIP among nursing students at the University of Benin are very low, with 75.5% never having accessed the service. Key barriers include poor service quality, long waiting times, unresponsive staff, lack of drugs, and limited information on accessing services. It is concluded that majority of students reported dissatisfaction with TISHIP, with over 85% expressing negative experiences, revealing deep systemic flaws. There is a critical need for improvements in communication, staff responsiveness, drug supply, and overall service delivery to enhance the programme’s effectiveness.