Background: Poverty remains a major determinant of health and healthcare utilization in low-resource settings. This study
examined the effect of poverty on access to healthcare services in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area (LGA) of
Bauchi State, Nigeria.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 324 households was conducted using a structured questionnaire. A multistage
sampling technique was employed to select respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics
with SPSS version 25, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: The findings revealed that 289 respondents (89.2%) identified the high cost of healthcare as the primary barrier
to access, followed by inadequate health infrastructure (82.4%). Although healthcare facilities were located within
reasonable distance for many residents, shortages of staff, essential medicines, and unaffordable service costs
significantly limited utilization. Poverty was strongly associated with delayed treatment-seeking, higher prevalence of
preventable diseases, child malnutrition, and increased maternal and child mortality.
Conclusion: Poverty significantly restricts access to healthcare in Tafawa Balewa LGA. Addressing financial and
infrastructural barriers through targeted social protection and health system strengthening is essential for improving health
outcomes.

Keywords: Poverty; Healthcare access; Health inequality; Socioeconomic factors; Rural health; Tafawa Balewa LGA;
Bauchi State; Nigeria