Knowledge of the National Health Act among Physicians in two Tertiary Hospitals in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: Knowledge of provisions of the National Health Act among physicians and stakeholders is pivotal to its successful implementation. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of the National Health Act (NHA) among Physicians in two tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in two tertiary hospitals in Southern Nigeria. The consecutively recruited eligible respondents were assessed for knowledge of NHA using a 24-item self-administered close-ended structured questionnaire. The total obtainable score was 26. Those with 21 points had excellent knowledge. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. P-value of 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that only about a third of the participants had good knowledge of key provisions of the NHA. We strongly recommend that relevant sections of the Act should be incorporated into the medical curriculum both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Keywords

• National Health Act
• Assessment
• Knowledge
• Medical Doctor
• Nigeria