A Comparative Study of Urban and Rural Elderly Patients’ Access to Healthcare Services in Kano State
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Background of the Study
The aging population in Nigeria has grown substantially over the last decade, intensifying the demand for accessible and equitable healthcare services (Adamu, 2023). Kano State, with its diverse demographic distribution, presents a unique landscape where urban centers and rural communities face markedly different healthcare challenges. In urban areas, healthcare facilities are more abundant and often better equipped, yet issues such as overcrowding and high service costs persist (Ibrahim & Musa, 2023). Conversely, rural areas, while typically characterized by lower population densities, suffer from inadequate healthcare infrastructure, a shortage of qualified health personnel, and longer distances to medical facilities (Suleiman et al., 2024). This disparity has led researchers to question the equity and quality of healthcare access among elderly patients, who are often more vulnerable due to comorbidities and age-related challenges.
Recent studies underscore the fact that elderly individuals in rural settings are at a greater risk of underutilizing preventive and curative services, primarily due to logistical, economic, and cultural barriers (Bello, 2023). Furthermore, the influence of socioeconomic factors and educational disparities contributes to the uneven distribution of healthcare utilization. Urban elderly populations, despite having better physical access, might face issues related to affordability and service quality, which further complicates their healthcare-seeking behavior (Garba & Lawal, 2024). The literature also indicates that while national policies aim to reduce these inequalities, implementation gaps remain significant, particularly at the state level (Hassan et al., 2025).
Moreover, the changing dynamics of family support systems in Nigeria have altered traditional caregiving roles, making formal healthcare access even more critical. It is essential to investigate how these structural factors affect both urban and rural populations, as such insights can inform more responsive healthcare policies. The study will examine variables such as distance, cost, availability of specialized services, and patient satisfaction, with a view to highlighting both the disparities and potential areas for intervention. By focusing on Kano State, this research will contribute to a better understanding of how localized issues interact with broader national healthcare challenges, providing a basis for targeted policy improvements and resource allocation (Okeke, 2024).
Statement of the Problem (300 words)
Despite numerous policy initiatives designed to improve healthcare accessibility in Nigeria, significant disparities remain between urban and rural areas, particularly for the elderly—a population that requires consistent and comprehensive healthcare services (Abdullahi, 2023). In Kano State, while urban centers have witnessed improvements in service availability, rural regions continue to struggle with inadequate healthcare facilities, limited transportation, and insufficient funding. This imbalance not only leads to delayed or forgone medical treatment for rural elderly patients but also results in poorer health outcomes when compared to their urban counterparts (Ibrahim & Musa, 2023).
The problem is compounded by a lack of recent empirical data specifically addressing the comparative access between these two groups. Previous research often focuses on urban populations or aggregates data in a way that masks rural deficiencies (Suleiman et al., 2024). As the elderly population in Kano State increases, understanding these differences becomes imperative. The inability to secure timely and effective healthcare services in rural areas leads to a heightened risk of preventable diseases and an overall decline in quality of life. Moreover, the financial burden on families is intensified when rural elderly patients must travel long distances for basic services, further exacerbating socioeconomic disparities (Garba & Lawal, 2024).
This study is thus motivated by the need to critically assess and compare the accessibility and quality of healthcare services for elderly patients in urban versus rural settings in Kano State. By identifying the underlying factors that contribute to these disparities, the research aims to offer practical recommendations for policymakers and healthcare providers to bridge the gap and improve service delivery for one of Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations (Hassan et al., 2025).
Objectives of the Study
- To compare the availability and accessibility of healthcare services for elderly patients in urban and rural areas of Kano State.
- To identify the socio-economic and infrastructural factors affecting healthcare access among the elderly.
- To recommend policy interventions aimed at reducing disparities in healthcare service delivery.
Research Questions
- What differences exist in the availability of healthcare services between urban and rural areas in Kano State?
- How do socio-economic and infrastructural factors influence healthcare access for the elderly?
- What policy measures can be implemented to improve equitable access to healthcare services for elderly patients?
Research Hypotheses
- Elderly patients in urban areas have significantly better access to healthcare services than those in rural areas.
- Socio-economic factors are a significant predictor of healthcare access disparities among the elderly in Kano State.
- Policy interventions specifically targeting rural healthcare infrastructure can improve healthcare access for elderly patients.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses exclusively on elderly patients (aged 60 and above) in Kano State, comparing urban and rural healthcare service accessibility. Data will be collected from selected healthcare facilities, community surveys, and official health records. Limitations include potential biases in self-reported data, restricted generalizability to other regions, and the evolving nature of healthcare policies which may affect the study’s outcomes.
Definitions of Terms
- Elderly Patients: Individuals aged 60 years and above.
- Healthcare Services: Medical care provided through public or private health institutions, including preventive, curative, and rehabilitative services.
- Urban Areas: Regions characterized by higher population density and advanced infrastructure.
- Rural Areas: Regions with low population density, limited infrastructure, and often fewer healthcare facilities.
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