Utilization of the Delta State contributory health scheme among teachers in government secondary schools in Delta-south senatorial district, Delta state, Nigeria

Abstract

The Delta State Contributory Health Scheme (DSCHS) was initiated so that residents of the State would have access to affordable and quality healthcare. The study aimed to determine the knowledge and utilization of the DSCHS among teachers in government secondary schools in Delta State. It was a cross-sectional study among 350 government teachers in the Delta-South Senatorial district with data analysed using SPSS v.26. Mean age of the teachers was 45.3(±3.00) years. About 99.7% were aware of DSCHS, however only 36% of respondents had a good knowledge of the scheme. The age (p=0.023) and local government area (p<0.001) of respondents was significantly associated with their knowledge of the DSCHS. A total of 243 (69.4%) government teachers had used the scheme in the past year with LGA of practice (p=0.007) significantly associated with utilization of the scheme. Challenges to enrollees include a cumbersome registration process (67.4%), poor attitude of healthcare workers (61.7%) and delay in seeing a doctor (57.4%).  In conclusion, there was a high level of awareness but a poor knowledge of the DSCHS observed among respondents. Utilization of the DSCHS was high despite self-reported programme challenges. We recommend that Government improves knowledge of the scheme to enrollees using enlightenment programmes and help resolve bureaucratic bottlenecks to improve utilization of the DSCHS.