Assessing the Influence of Road Infrastructure on Access to Health Facilities in Ado Ekiti

Abstract

Lack of economic and social facilities, especially health and education, is costly. Healthcare access is crucial to public health, and road infrastructure quality affects it. In Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, where healthcare disparities and challenges are prevalent, road infrastructure affects health facility access. Health facilities are closely linked to road infrastructure, so improving road conditions can reduce transportation costs and wait times, encouraging use. This study examines road infrastructure and health facility patronage in Ado Ekiti to understand healthcare access in the region better. A systematic multistage sample technique surveys 400 people from 25 Ado Ekiti villages, categorised by population size. Residents in densely populated, medium-populated, and rural areas receive questionnaires. Statistics are done with SPSS 23. Road infrastructure quality is strongly correlated with health facility use. High transportation costs, long vehicle wait times, and road conditions affect respondents' healthcare centre transportation choices. The findings show that improving road infrastructure can lower transportation costs, shorten wait times, and boost health facility use. This study shows that road infrastructure is crucial to healthcare access, especially in rural areas, and that road improvement projects can improve public health. It helps address healthcare disparities and challenges in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria and improves healthcare access in similar regions.