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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Introduction. Forgoing primary healthcare remains a major challenge to achieving Universal Health Coverage in sub–Saharan Africa. In Burkina Faso, despite recent health financing reforms, households continue to experience unmet healthcare needs due to persistent socio economic and systemic barriers. This study assessed the determinants and barriers associated with forgoing primary healthcare among households in the Hauts Bassins region. Method. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted among 391 households selected through multistage sampling across urban and rural areas of the Hauts Bassins region. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics summarized household characteristics and reasons for forgoing care, while multivariate logistic regression identified factors independently associated with forgoing primary healthcare. Results were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results. Nearly half of households (47.3%) reported forgoing primary healthcare when needed. High healthcare costs were the most frequently cited barrier (37.8%), followed by distance to facilities (7.4%) and lack of health staff (2.0%). Households headed by individuals with higher education were significantly less likely to forgo care (OR = 0.36; p = 0.034), as were households with monthly incomes above 100,000 FCFA (OR = 0.48; p = 0.006). In contrast, very large households (>8 members) were more likely to forgo healthcare (OR = 1.25; p = 0.002). Other socio demographic characteristics were not significantly associated. Conclusion. Financial barriers remain the dominant determinant of forgone primary healthcare in the Hauts Bassins region. Strengthening financial protection, improving health literacy, and prioritizing support for large and economically vulnerable households are critical for reducing unmet healthcare needs and improving equitable access to primary care.
RÉSUMÉ
Introduction. Le renoncement aux soins de santé primaires reste un défi majeur pour parvenir à la couverture sanitaire universelle en Afrique subsaharienne. Au Burkina Faso, malgré les récentes réformes du financement de la santé, les ménages continuent de faire face à des besoins de santé non satisfaits en raison de barrières socio-économiques et systémiques persistantes. Cette étude a évalué les déterminants et les obstacles associés au renoncement aux soins de santé primaires parmi les ménages de la région des Hauts-Bassins. Méthode. Une enquête transversale a été menée auprès de 391 ménages sélectionnés par échantillonnage à plusieurs degrés dans les zones urbaines et rurales de la région des Hauts-Bassins. Les données ont été collectées à l'aide de questionnaires structurés administrés lors d'entretiens en face à face. Des statistiques descriptives ont résumé les caractéristiques des ménages et les motifs de renoncement aux soins, tandis qu'une régression logistique multivariée a identifié les facteurs indépendamment associés au renoncement aux soins de santé primaires. Les résultats ont été présentés sous forme de rapports des cotes (OR) avec des intervalles de confiance à 95 % (IC). Résultats. Près de la moitié des ménages (47,3 %) ont déclaré avoir renoncé à des soins de santé primaires en cas de besoin. Le coût élevé des soins de santé était l'obstacle le plus fréquemment cité (37,8 %), suivi par la distance jusqu'aux structures sanitaires (7,4 %) et le manque de personnel de santé (2,0 %). Les ménages dirigés par des personnes ayant un niveau d'études supérieures étaient significativement moins susceptibles de renoncer aux soins (OR = 0,36 ; p = 0,034), tout comme les ménages ayant un revenu mensuel supérieur à 100 000 FCFA (OR = 0,48 ; p = 0,006). En revanche, les ménages très nombreux (> 8 membres) étaient plus susceptibles de renoncer aux soins de santé (OR = 1,25 ; p = 0,002). Les autres caractéristiques sociodémographiques n'étaient pas associées de manière significative. Conclusion. Les barrières financières restent le principal déterminant du renoncement aux soins de santé primaires dans la région des Hauts-Bassins. Renforcer la protection financière, améliorer la littératie en santé et prioriser le soutien aux ménages de grande taille et économiquement vulnérables sont des mesures cruciales pour réduire les besoins de santé non satisfaits et améliorer l'accès équitable aux soins primaires.
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References
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References
1. Tessema ZT, Worku MG, Tesema GA, Alamneh TS, Teshale AB, Yeshaw Y, et al. Determinants of accessing healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa: A mixed-effect analysis of recent Demographic and Health Surveys from 36 countries. BMJ Open. 2022;12(1):e054397. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054397.
2. Zeleke GA, Mekonen EG, Terefe B, Wassie M, Aemro A, Zegeye AF, et al. Barriers to healthcare access among women in sub-Saharan Africa: A pooled analysis of multi-country DHS data (2019–2023). PLoS One. 2026;21(2):e0331328. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0331328.
3. Lappeman J, Bennetta G, Lötter J, Sabor R, Butelez T, Caldis K. Barriers faced by sub-Saharan African consumers in accessing everyday healthcare: A four-stage consumption journey approach. Int J Healthc Manag. 2024. doi:10.1080/20479700.2024.2403876.
4. Nteziryayo T, Basaza RK, Karamagi HC, Namyalo PC. Barriers to access and utilization of health services among marginalized communities in sub-Saharan African countries: Scoping review. UCUDIR Repository; 2024.
5. Available from: https://ucudir.ucu.ac.ug/bitstreams/f7c2f70a-30c2-485b-94fa-9491a8c8a118/download
6. Kara AM, Kithu LM. Education attainment of head of household and household food security: A case for Yatta Sub County, Kenya. Am J Educ Res. 2020;8(8):558–566. doi:10.12691/education-8-8-7.
7. Kouladoum JC. Inclusive education and health performance in sub-Saharan Africa. Soc Indic Res. 2023;165:879–900. doi:10.1007/s11205-022-03046-w.
8. Zon H, Pavlova M, Groot W. Factors associated with access to healthcare in Burkina Faso: Evidence from a national household survey. BMC Health Serv Res. 2021;21:148. doi:10.1186/s12913-021-06145-5.
9. Do S, Lohmann J, Brenner S, Koulidiati JL, Souares A, Kuunibe N, et al. Patterns of healthcare seeking among people reporting chronic conditions in rural sub-Saharan Africa: Findings from a population-based study in Burkina Faso. Trop Med Int Health. 2020;25(12):1542–1552. doi:10.1111/tmi.13500.
10. De Allegri M, Rudasingwa M, Yeboah E, Bonnet E, Somé PA, Ridde V. Does the implementation of UHC reforms foster greater equality in health spending? Evidence from a benefit incidence analysis in Burkina Faso. BMJ Global Health. 2021;6:e005810. doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005810
11. Druetz T, Ilboudo P, Offosse MJ, Fregonese F, Bicaba A. Impact of the free healthcare policies in Burkina Faso: Underscoring important nuances. Health Policy Plan. 2025;40(5):585–587. doi:10.1093/heapol/czaf017.
12. Agyei E, Kumah E. Navigating the complex terrain of healthcare systems in sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and opportunities for progress. Discover Health Systems. 2024;3:39. doi:10.1007/s44250-024-00108-3.
