Mobilization Strategies and Utilization of Primary Healthcare Services among Rural Women in Odukpani and Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

The gross under-utilization of primary healthcare facilities in Odukpani and Calabar South local government areas and its corollary effects on the health and welfare of citizens motivated this research. The main purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which the use of social mobilization strategies or approaches influenced the utilization of primary healthcare services by rural women in Odukpani and Calabar South local government areas of cross river state. To achieve this primary purpose, three null hypotheses were formulated to direct the course of this study. The survey research design was adopted which helped to make inferences and generalizations of the population by selecting a randomized sample size of 391 rural women for this study. This sample size was done through multistage sampling technique. The questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. The reliability status of the instrument was established through test-retest method. Independent t-test and probate regression were the statistical tools used because of the nature of variables involved. The hypotheses were tested, retained or rejected where necessary at 0.05 level of significance and relative degrees of freedom. The result of data analysis revealed that, there was a significant influence of social strategies or approaches on utilization of primary healthcare services by rural women. Based on the findings, it was recommended amongst others that, government should partner with the private sector to find health education programs at rural communities to enhance greater awareness and utilization of primary healthcare services.