Geospatial Analysis of Healthcare Facilities Distribution and Accessibility in Igabi LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47514/kjg.2025.07.01.040Keywords:
Healthcare Facilities, Kernel Density Estimation, Nearest Neighbor Analysis, Accessibility, Spatial Equity, Igabi LGA, Kaduna State, Universal Health CoverageAbstract
The study analysed the spatial distribution of healthcare facilities in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Coordinates of healthcare facilities were obtained using a handheld GPS, while facility attributes were obtained from the Kaduna State Ministry of Health and the Igabi LGA Health Department. Data was analysed using the Average Nearest Neighbor Analysis and Kernel Density Estimation. The results revealed a clustered spatial distribution (ratio = 0.64, z-score = -7.77, p = 0.00). The KDE revealed that the highest density was observed in the Rigasa ward, with 17 facilities (13.6%), spreading to Rigachikun, Kwarau, and Zangon Aya, mainly due to proximity to the Kaduna metropolis, high population density, and ease of road access. However, Afaka, Birnin Yero, Sabon Birni, and Igabi showed a low density of healthcare facilities. Primary facilities accounted for the majority, with Primary Health Centers at 47.2% and Primary Health Clinics at 32.0%. Facilities were mostly publicly owned, with Local Government accounting for 52.0% and State PHCDA for 28.0%, while the private sector accounted for only 2.4%. The results reveal spatial inequities that affect equitable access to and universal coverage of SDG 3. The study recommends establishing new healthcare facilities in underserved areas of the northern and western parts of the LGA, and continuing the use of GIS for evidence-based planning in Igabi LGA and the state.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Abdulazeez Abubakar, Rayyan, M. Tanim, Ibrahim Samaila (Author)
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