HEALTHCARE EXPENDITURE AND WELL-BEING AMONG LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN NNEWI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between healthcare expenditure and the well-being of low-income households in Nnewi North Local Government Area, Anambra State. Using a descriptive survey of 60 purposively sampled respondents, data were analyzed using Pearson Correlation and descriptive statistics.

The findings showed that most respondents (73.3%) earn between ₦21,000 and ₦50,000 monthly, while healthcare costs are perceived as high (mean = 3.36). A significant inverse correlation (r = -0.529, p < .001) confirms that rising medical expenses drastically reduce household well-being. To cope, many families frequently sell off assets (mean = 4.41) to fund medical care.

The study concludes that out-of-pocket spending drives financial instability. It recommends expanding community-based health insurance to protect low-income earners from catastrophic health costs.