Healthcare Providers' Perceptions of Universal Health Coverage in Lubero and Butembo, DR-Congo
Abstract:
The target of this investigation is to contribute to the
implementation of universal health coverage in the Democratic Republic of
Congo. As a descriptive, cross-sectional, comparative, and correlational study,
it was conducted from March to August 2025. Data collection consisted of a
survey questionnaire administered to 920 healthcare providers in both the Lubero
Territory and Butembo City. Regarding
increased frequency and use of services, expectations on UHC are positive
(M=3.75[3.68; 3.81] ± 0.05), increasing rate of income recovery (M=3.39[3.31;
3.46] ± 1.15) and protecting of household finances (M=3.38[3.32; 3.45] ± 1.07).
Healthcare providers fear delays in patient bill payments (M=2.42 [2.35; 2.50]
± 1.13) and disruption of input stocks (M=2.55 [2.47; 2.63] ± 1.23).
Expectations of healthcare providers vary by residence (t = 7.06; p = 0.000),
whereas fears do not (t = 0.00; p = 0.999). Expectations of healthcare
providers vary depending on each one’s main job (F = 3.536; p = 0.001). The
same is observed for fears (F=3.390; p=0.001). Perceptions vary by marital
status (F=2.832; p=0.037) but not by gender (F=-0.074; p=0.918). Expectations
of healthcare providers of UHC are influenced by the level of education
(r=0.094; p=0.004) and depend on household income (r=-0.079; p=0.016).
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