FACTORS AFFECTING THE UTILIZATION OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES AMONG NOMADIC FULANI IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA

The nomadic Fulani ethnic group is part of the demographic structure in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja. They have health needs and challenges that require attention, especially from the FCT administration. This paper assessed the factors determining the utilization of healthcare services among transient/settled Fulani nomads in FCT. Using the Health Belief Model as the theoretical framework, a community based cross-sectional research design was adopted. Primary data were obtained using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Questionnaires were administered using multi-stage sampling techniques of wards, settlements, households and individuals. Focus Group Discussions were conducted for in-depth understanding of their challenges. Descriptive and inferential statistics were also utilized. It was revealed that existing healthcare services and facilities have not been able to meet the transient nature of the nomads. In addition to the limited financial resources of the nomads, unavailability or inadequacy of health services and providers constitute barriers to the utilization of healthcare services. Strong cultural practices also create problems as the nomads believe certain illnesses are only treatable using traditional herbs and practices. Other barriers include their level of education, transportation to health facilities and language. It recommends that the FCT Administration should establish well-funded Primary Healthcare Centres some of which can be mobile, close to the settlements of pastoralists in order to manage the issue of accessibility. Awareness and enlightenment campaigns should be pursued, which should focus on the importance of medical treatment, health practices, and reduced transient practices to enable children in particular to experience regular schooling and forestall any form of conflict with farmers and residents of the city and various communities.