Background of the study
Hospital overcrowding has become a significant challenge in many healthcare systems worldwide, and Nigerian hospitals are no exception. In Kebbi State, overcrowding in public hospitals is linked to a variety of factors, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, a shortage of medical personnel, and the increasing number of patients seeking medical care due to limited access to primary healthcare services (Kola et al., 2023). Overcrowding has adverse effects on healthcare delivery, including delayed treatment, compromised quality of care, and increased stress on healthcare providers (Yusuf et al., 2024).
Despite efforts to address these issues, such as expanding hospital capacity and improving healthcare services at primary levels, the problem of overcrowding persists in many hospitals in Kebbi State. The rapid population growth and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases further exacerbate the situation (Jega et al., 2025). Hospital overcrowding has been linked to poorer health outcomes, longer wait times, and reduced patient satisfaction (Abdulkareem et al., 2024). It also contributes to burnout among healthcare providers, who struggle to manage high patient volumes with limited resources.
This study aims to investigate the extent of hospital overcrowding in Kebbi State and its impact on healthcare delivery, particularly in public hospitals, and suggest ways to alleviate the problem.
Statement of the problem
Hospital overcrowding is a major issue that affects healthcare delivery in public hospitals in Kebbi State. It compromises patient care by increasing waiting times, limiting access to quality medical services, and overstretching available resources. While efforts have been made to expand healthcare infrastructure, the high patient demand continues to overwhelm the system. There is a need for a comprehensive study to understand the root causes of overcrowding and to assess its impact on healthcare delivery in the state (Lawal & Bamaiyi, 2023).
Objectives of the study
To assess the extent of hospital overcrowding in public hospitals in Kebbi State.
To evaluate the impact of overcrowding on healthcare delivery in Kebbi State hospitals.
To recommend strategies for addressing hospital overcrowding in Kebbi State.
Research questions
To what extent are public hospitals in Kebbi State overcrowded?
How does hospital overcrowding impact healthcare delivery in public hospitals in Kebbi State?
What strategies can be implemented to reduce hospital overcrowding in Kebbi State?
Research hypotheses
Hospital overcrowding significantly affects the quality of healthcare delivery in public hospitals in Kebbi State.
Insufficient healthcare infrastructure and an inadequate workforce are major causes of hospital overcrowding in Kebbi State.
Implementing strategies such as expanding healthcare infrastructure and improving primary healthcare services will significantly reduce hospital overcrowding in Kebbi State.
Scope and limitations of the study
This study will focus on public hospitals in Kebbi State that experience hospital overcrowding. The research will assess both the causes and impacts of overcrowding, with an emphasis on healthcare delivery outcomes. The study may be limited by the availability of data and the willingness of hospital administrators to participate.
Definitions of terms
Hospital Overcrowding: A situation where the number of patients seeking healthcare services exceeds the capacity of the hospital to provide timely and adequate care.
Healthcare Delivery: The provision of health services to patients, including diagnosis, treatment, and patient management.
Primary Healthcare Services: Basic health services aimed at promoting health and preventing disease, typically provided at the community or local health facility level.
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