Purpose: The choice of health facilities for healthcare by an
individual is largely determined by several factors. This study
aims to determine predictors of preferred choice of health
facility for care.
Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, pre-tested
semi-structure questionnaire was administered to 366 adults
selected through a multi-stage sampling technique in Ilorin
metropolis. Data collected were analysed using Epi Info
software version 3.4.1 and level of significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The preferred health facility for medical care was
private hospitals (35.2%) followed by pharmaceutical store
(27.9%) and 17.0% for general/teaching hospitals and only
12.3% for primary health care (PHC). Quick service and
availability of drugs were the major reasons for their preference
which were said to be better in private hospitals. Sex, marital
status, educational status, occupation and city area where the
respondents dwell are all associated with the preferred choice of
health facility for care.
Conclusion: This study has shown that the private sector is
preferred to the public ones with regards to receiving healthcare
and that within the public sector, the higher levels of health
facilities are preferred to the primary health care centres.
Improving the image and performance of the public health
facilities especially the PHC is very important for appropriate
utilization of health services