Perceptions of Healthcare Seekers on Universal Health Coverage in Lubero Territory and Butembo City in Democratic Republic of Congo
Abstract:
This study aims to contribute to the implementation of
universal health coverage in the Democratic Republic of Congo and to assess the
implementation of UHC through the level of perception of healthcare seekers. The
study is descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative, and correlational. It was
conducted from March to August 2025. A survey was carried out using an
interview guide submitted to 1, 068 heads of households in nine health zones in
Lubero Territory and Butembo City. After data analysis, the findings read as
follows: First, expectations regarding the UHC were positive in Lubero (M= 3.50
± 0.85) and in Butembo (M=3.30 ± 0.82). Second, perceptions in terms of fears
were considered negative in Lubero Territory (M= 2.68 ± 0.94) and in Butembo
City (M= 2.74 ± 0.86). Third, the expectations of healthcare seekers differ
according to place of residence (t =3.75; p=0.000), whereas fears do not
(t=-1.01; p=0.310). Fourth, the expectations of healthcare seekers do not
differ according to main profession (F=0.500; p=0.776), while fears do (F=5.052;
p=0.000). Fifth, perceptions of UHC differ according to marital status
(F=3.806; p=0.010) but not according to gender (F=-0.696; p=0.486). Sixth,
there was no significant relationship between expectations of UHC and
characteristics such as age, level of education, household size, and household
income. Indeed, fears about UHC are influenced by educational level (r=0.117;
p=0.000), household size (r=-0.125; p=0.000), and household income (r=-0.101;
p=0.001).
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