Abstract

Community-based health insurance (CBHI) has the capacity to promote access to basic primary health care, reduce unforeseeable or unaffordable healthcare costs and close the health financing gaps. Thus, the study determined the perceived effectiveness of CBHI scheme among beneficiaries in Abeokuta south local government area of Ogun state, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 120 beneficiaries from the five randomly selected wards. Interview schedule was used to elicit information from the respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive (frequency counts, percentages) and inferential (Chi-square) statistics at p=0.05. Results indicate that more than half of the respondents were female (50.8%), married (69.2%), between the ages of 41-50 years (mean age = 47 years) and 51.7% had the family size of 2-4 members. Respondents were averagely educated with more than one third (36.7%) having at least secondary education. Respondents were averagely educated with more than one third (36.7%) having at least secondary education. Healthcare services mostly accessed under the CBHI scheme included education on health (x? =0.83) and essential drugs (x? =0.81) needed by patients during and after hospital admissions However, services like Expanded Programme for Immunization and Maternal and Child Health including responsible parenthood were found to be the least available services. Nonetheless, beneficiaries considered low level of education in decision making as a serious constraint to effectiveness of CBHI services. Respondents? level of education (?2= 11.575) and occupation (?2= 11.4321) were significantly related to the beneficiaries? perceived effectiveness of CBHI services. Community sensitisation and public education on CBHI scheme through the mass media will ensure healthy lives and promote the well-being for all at all ages.

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