Corruption & Healthcare in Africa: A Comparative Assessment of the Effect of Paying of Bribe on Access to Medical Care and the Quality of Healthcare in Africa

Abstract

The primary purpose of the present study is to examine the predictors of access to medical care and the quality of healthcare in Africa. Specifically, assessing the effect of corruption – paying bribes and other factors on access to medical care and the quality of healthcare on the continent. Responses from 45,823 respondents from 34 countries across the continent were analyzed using ordinary least squares regression. The results reveal that corruption influences both access to medical care and the quality of healthcare on the continent. Additionally, several sociodemographic variables such as religion, age, region, rural-urban residency, gender, and others influence access to medical care and the quality of healthcare in Africa. Theoretically, the present study fills a void and augments the existing literature. Policy-wise, the results serve as a guide to formulating and implementing realistic measures to address healthcare corruption and its negative impact on access to medical care and the quality of healthcare on the continent.