Awareness, knowledge, and perception of the national health insurance scheme among national youth service corp members in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The lofty objectives of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) are not only predicated on healthy graduates of tertiary institutions but also graduates who are confident in making informed health-related decisions. Therefore, Corp members' awareness, knowledge, and perception of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and its programs become imperative. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 203 participants selected by convenience sampling technique from NYSC members during Orientation Camp in June 2019. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data regarding their sociodemographics, awareness, knowledge, and perception about the NHIS. Results: The mean age of respondents was 25.8 ± 2.3 years; they were predominantly males (136 [67.0%]) with university degrees 131 (64.5%); 200 (98.5%) were aware of the NHIS and its programs. Although 161 (80.5%) respondents had at least average knowledge of the NHIS, only 97 (48.5%) had adequate knowledge. One hundred and fifty-eight (79.0%) respondents benefited from the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) as students; 114 (57.0%) viewed TISHIP as a good program; however, 194 (97.0%) felt that the NHIS services should be extended to NYSC members, while 188 (94.0%) were willing to participate in the scheme if its services were extended them. Conclusion: Although awareness level was high, adequate knowledge of the NHIS was low and their perception about TISHIP is unimpressive; most were willing to participate in the NHIS. Current mass NHIS-programs education campaigns and services offered by NHIS-accredited health-care facilities need improvement; fast-tracking of processes necessary for the extension of NHIS services to NYSC members is required.

Correlation Analysis Between Information Exposure and Knowledge of National Health Insurance among The Community in Sungai Lebung Village

“…A previous literature review mentioned how to propagate health among rural women and highlighted the importance of understanding population's perceptions, wants and needs (Qutab & Road, 2022). Health insurance education campaigns by accredited health-care facilities and national health insurance management institutions were needed to enhance low-adequate knowledge of health insurance among National Youth Service Corp Members in Kano, Nigeria (Michael et al, 2020). Knowledge about the procedure and regulation of health insurance is one part that forms the health insurance literacy of individuals (Ståhl et al, 2021).…”

Qualitative evaluation of the health insurance program in Nepal: Expectations beyond limitations

“…For example, females were found to be comparatively more satisfied with healthcare services under insurance programs in Nigeria (Adewole et al, 2020). Most people were found to have limited information about their insurance programs in Nigeria (Michael et al, 2020). These past findings are very similar to the findings in this study.…”

Morbidity pattern at the National Youth Service Corp camps in Nigeria

“…Similar studies with the same study population have shown comparable results. 3,9 This age range is among the most active in society, and any health issues could lead to lost man-hours and negative economic impacts. For a productive economy, it is essential to keep these age groups healthy throughout and even after the service year.…”

“…The supervision of camp clinics by physicians demonstrates the importance the government places on the health of its Corps members. 9 In the past, Corps members were required to pay for their medical expenses out-of-pocket during the service year. It was, however, a welcome development when the government announced the implementation of the inclusion of Corps members into the NHIS program in 2022 through its group individual and family social health insurance program (GIFSHIP).…”