ASSESSING RESIDENTIAL CONTEXT AND CLIENTS’ SATISFACTION WITH THE QUALITY OF PHC IN YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

Access to quality Primary Health Care (PHC) is fundamental to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and promoting population well-being, particularly in resource-limited regions like Yobe State, Nigeria. Despite multiple reforms, Nigeria’s PHC system continues to face persistent challenges, including inadequate funding, weak infrastructure, and workforce shortages, leading to disparities in access and user satisfaction across different residential contexts. This study assessed the influence of residential setting and demographic characteristics on clients’ satisfaction with the quality of PHC services in Yobe State. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted, involving 422 respondents systematically selected from rural and urban PHC facilities across eight Local Government Areas. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated PHC satisfaction instruments and analyzed with SPSS version 26 using descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests and ANOVA, at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that most clients (M = 3.67, SD = 1.19) expressed satisfaction with accessibility to PHC services, especially regarding travel distance, clinic hours, and waiting conditions. Similarly, satisfaction with continuity of care (M = 3.41, SD = 1.26) indicated moderate approval of service consistency, referrals, and record management. However, lower satisfaction was observed in follow-up and infrastructural components. The independent t-test results showed no significant difference between urban and rural clients’ satisfaction (p = .66), implying uniform service experiences across residential contexts. Conversely, a significant difference was found between male and female clients (p < .05), with males reporting higher satisfaction levels (M = 144.03, SD = 22.31) than females (M = 139.65, SD = 21.79). The study concludes that PHC clients in Yobe State exhibit moderate satisfaction levels, though gender-based disparities persist due to staff attitude, privacy issues, and cultural factors influencing women’s health-seeking behavior. The absence of significant urban–rural differences suggest systemic rather than geographic deficiencies in service delivery. The study recommends strengthening PHC infrastructure, enhancing gender-sensitive service delivery, motivating health workers, and institutionalizing client feedback systems to foster inclusive, patient-centered care. Addressing these factors is vital for improving PHC performance and achieving equitable, high-quality health services across Yobe State and Nigeria at large.