KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME (NHIS) BY FEDERAL CIVIL SERVANTS (FCSS) IN ABUJA MUNICIPAL AREA COUNCIL (AMAC) FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY
ABSTRACT
The study investigated the knowledge, attitude and practice of NHIS by Federal Civil Servants in Abuja Municipal Area Council of Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. The population consisted of 2015 Federal Civil Servants, whereas 400 were drawn as sample using stratified random sampling techniques. A 5 item, four sections questionnaire developed by the researcher was used for data collection. Twelve research questions were formulated to guide the study and were answered using mean percentage. Nine null hypotheses were postulated and tested at .05 level of significance. Chi-square and ANOVA statistic were utilized in the analysis of data. The result of the study shows that the t-calculated values for CNHI (t2 = 0.259, P = .790), ONHIS (t = 0.719, P = .986), RONHIS (t = 0.351, P = .726) and BNHIS (t = 0.261, p = 0804) with their corresponding p-values which are greater than 0.5 level of significance at 367 degree of freedom. The x-calculated value for: concept of NIS (t = .205; P = .839); objectives of NHIS (t =.514, P = .649); roles in NHIS (t = .791; P = .446); responsibilities in NHIS (t = .386; P = .705 and benefits of NHIS (t = 1.510; P = .236) with their corresponding p-values which are greater than .05 level of significance at 367 degrees of freedom. X-calculated value for 13, of the 15 practice items were accepted, indicating practice, where as the x-calculated value for 2 of the 15 practice items were rejected, thus indicating non-practice of NHIS. Major Findings show that federal civil servants had higher level of knowledge of NHIS, positive attitude towards NHIS and moderate practice of NHIS. Recommendations were made among which include that government should always endeavour to be seen as honest, sincere and serious with good intentions in dealing with the public, especially in introducing programmes. This will elicit the desired acceptance, support and co-operation from general public and thereby erase the kind of suspicion exhibited by FCSs towards responsibilities in NHIS, in whatever programmes government intends to introduce.