The role of nurse practitioners as primary care providers is increasingly recognized worldwide as a means of improving access to healthcare, especially in underserved areas. Nurse practitioners are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage patients’ healthcare needs, often performing similar tasks to physicians, including prescribing medications and providing preventive care (World Health Organization, 2024).
In Nigeria, however, the perception of nurse practitioners as primary care providers remains mixed, with some communities and healthcare professionals questioning their ability to deliver quality care at the same level as physicians. Public awareness and perception play a crucial role in the successful integration of nurse practitioners into healthcare systems (Bello et al., 2023).
In Gombe State, where healthcare access is often limited in rural areas, nurse practitioners have begun to play a more prominent role in providing primary care. However, the public’s perception of their capabilities and their willingness to seek care from NPs has not been sufficiently explored. This study aims to examine the public perception of nurse practitioners as primary care providers in Gombe State.
While nurse practitioners are increasingly involved in providing primary care in underserved areas, their role is not always well understood or accepted by the public. In many regions, patients may still prefer to seek care from physicians or may not fully appreciate the range of services that nurse practitioners can offer (Ahmed & Yusuf, 2023).
In Gombe State, limited research has been conducted on how the public perceives nurse practitioners, especially in rural areas where healthcare access is more limited. Without an understanding of these perceptions, it is challenging to optimize the utilization of nurse practitioners in primary care. This study seeks to explore how the public views nurse practitioners and their role in providing primary healthcare.
This study will focus on public perceptions of nurse practitioners in urban and rural areas of Gombe State. Limitations may include variations in awareness levels and health-seeking behaviors across different communities.
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