Utilization and Self-Reported Satisfaction with Primary Health Care Services in Lagos State, Nigeria

Background Improving primary health care (PHC) services requires understanding context-specific factors influencing utilization. The aim of this study was to assess the utilization and satisfaction with PHC services by community members in Lagos. Methods The study was a community-based, cross-sectional study conducted in Lagos, Nigeria, between December 2022 and March 2023. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit 981 adult residents from five local government area (LGAs) of Lagos. Data was obtained on socio-demographic information, utilization and satisfaction with PHC services using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27 to generate frequency tables and charts using descriptive and inferential statistics at 5% level of significance. Results The mean age of respondents was 35.6 ± 10.3 years. Majority (81.2%) were females. PHCs were the preferred place for seeking healthcare (71.2%). Only three out of five (60.5%) respondents sought treatment at a PHC during their last illness even though majority of the respondents (72.6%) expressed satisfaction with PHC services. Household health expenditure was commonly made through out-of-pocket payments (95%). Age (OR: 0.04, 0.002–0.803) and occupational class (OR: 4.18, 1.29–13.59) were predictors of PHC utilization while age (OR:7.03, 95%CI: 4.55–10.87) and sex were predictors of PHC satisfaction. Conclusion Despite the reported high rate of PHC services, there were challenges such as the lack of drugs, absence/lack of medical staff and absence of 24 hours services. Continuous monitoring and assessment of barriers/facilitators to the uptake of PHC services is required for effective delivery and better impact.