The Influence of “Stock out” on Health-Seeking Behavior of Low Income Women in Uyo Urban, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The “Health for All Project” (HFAP) policy in Nigeria was complemented by the National Drug Policy to ensure constant availability of high quality drugs and medical consumables at affordable prices to citizens in public hospitals. Apart from strengthening the utilization of health services, the project also sought to improve health care delivery for the poor who could not afford the high cost of drugs in private clinics and pharmaceutical stores. Employing a survey method with stratified and systematic random techniques, the study found failed expectations in the promises of HFAP policy among the 1250 low-income women in Uyo urban. In the face of “stock out” where most drugs, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies are consistently not available for dispensing in public hospitals and health centers poor urban women resorted to alternative health care in prayer houses, herbal homes, patent medicine vendors, health workers homes, and traditional birth attendants. The study reported that stock out in government health facilities resulted in health hazards and the relapse of illnesses as a result of non-adherence to treatment regime and exposure to fake, expired, and adulterated drugs. A renewed commitment in health care delivery in Nigeria is called for if poor women are to be really empowered.