Routine medical check-ups are not just a matter of personal health, but a national urgency. They are crucial for the early detection of health issues, personalized healthcare, and effective management of chronic conditions, ultimately enhancing health outcomes and quality of life. Despite these benefits, Nigeria experiences a low uptake of preventive healthcare services.
Studies show that many Nigerians only seek medical care when seriously ill, with less than 40% visiting health facilities for non-serious conditions. Barriers such as cost, limited health insurance coverage, and poor awareness contribute to this low utilization[1]. According to WHO data, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes account for a significant burden in Nigeria, with a 29% prevalence of NCDs nationally[2]. This article aims to explore the reasons behind Nigerians’ hesitation to engage in routine medical check-ups and propose strategies to improve preventive healthcare uptake, thereby addressing the growing impact of chronic diseases in the country.
Understanding Preventive Healthcare
Medical check-ups encompass routine screenings, physical examinations, and laboratory tests designed to evaluate the functioning of various organs, such as the heart, kidneys, liver, and thyroid. These check-ups play a crucial role in the early detection of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, often before symptoms even appear, which significantly improves treatment outcomes and recovery chances. They also allow healthcare providers to assess risk factors and offer guidance on lifestyle changes to prevent illnesses, monitor chronic conditions, and ensure individuals are up-to-date on essential immunizations.
However, the adoption of preventive healthcare practices in Nigeria significantly lags behind other countries. For instance, less than 40% of Nigerians visit hospitals unless their condition is serious [3]. In contrast, countries like Ghana and South Africa have higher rates of routine check-ups and preventive screenings, driven by stronger healthcare systems and greater public awareness. In Nigeria, a large proportion of healthcare expenses are out-of-pocket (70.3%), whereas in South Africa, this figure is only 7.7% [4]. This stark contrast underscores the pressing need to enhance the adoption of preventive healthcare in Nigeria by increasing access, affordability, and awareness.
Statistical Overview of Nigeria’s Preventive Healthcare Utilization
Research indicates that preventive healthcare uptake in Nigeria remains low, with fewer than 40% of Nigerians visiting health facilities for routine check-ups unless they are seriously ill. Awareness of preventive care benefits is high (>90%), but barriers, including cost (45%), distance (36%), and lack of health insurance (33%), limit utilization [5]. A survey conducted among Health Practitioners in Delta State reveals that young adults (30–34 years), predominantly females (53.2%), form the largest group attending screenings. Additionally, urban residents have better access and higher utilization rates compared to those in rural areas, where healthcare infrastructure and services are often limited[7]. Additionally, higher education correlates with greater health literacy and increased uptake of preventive care [8].
Diseases Preventable or Manageable with Regular Screening include Hypertension, which is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke, often asymptomatic until advanced. Additionally, diabetes can be detected early through blood sugar tests, which can prevent complications. Breast and cervical cancer screenings are critical for early intervention in women. Other chronic diseases: Regular cholesterol and kidney function tests help manage risks
Root Causes of Healthcare Hesitation
Rasheed (9), in his article on the State of Healthcare in Nigeria, pointed out economic factors as one of the significant challenges faced by Nigerians in hesitating to go for health check-ups. Poverty and unemployment significantly limit Nigerians’ ability to afford healthcare, especially private services, which are often costly. The majority of healthcare expenses are paid out of pocket, making routine check-ups financially inaccessible for many. Additionally, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers only about 5% of the population, leaving most Nigerians uninsured and vulnerable to high medical costs. This lack of widespread insurance penetration exacerbates economic barriers to preventive care.
Additionally, cultural and religious beliefs are another factor. Many Nigerians rely on prayer, traditional medicine, or spiritual healing rather than formal medical care, influenced by deep-rooted cultural and religious practices. This reliance often delays or replaces medical check-ups. Moreover, stigma and fear surrounding hospital visits and diagnoses, particularly for chronic or stigmatized diseases, discourage people from seeking preventive healthcare early.
Additionally, a lack of Awareness and Education is another factor. There is limited understanding of the importance of preventive healthcare among the general population. Public health campaigns are often insufficient or poorly executed, resulting in misinformation and low health literacy. Many Nigerians do not recognize the value of routine screenings and early detection, contributing to low check-up rates. Finally, the healthcare system developed, with many facilities lacking modern equipment, adequate staffing, and proper maintenance. Frequent drug shortages, power outages, and overcrowding further degrade service quality. Long wait times and corruption within the system also discourage utilization. These systemic weaknesses reduce trust and accessibility, particularly in rural areas, making routine check-ups difficult to obtain[1]
The Consequences of Skipping Medical Check-Ups
The consequences of skipping routine medical check-ups in Nigeria are severe, leading to increased late diagnoses and preventable deaths. Many conditions like Hypertension, diabetes, and cancers go undetected until advanced stages. According to Green Gold Attorney (2), diagnostic errors contributed to 15.6% of patient fatalities in Nigerian hospitals, often due to inadequate laboratory facilities and delayed detection. This late presentation places a significant strain on the healthcare system, which becomes overwhelmed with emergency cases that require intensive and costly treatment rather than manageable preventive care.
The financial burden of curative treatment far exceeds that of preventive services, worsening healthcare affordability for individuals and the government. Nigeria’s low health insurance coverage exacerbates this, forcing many to pay out-of-pocket for expensive emergency care. This cycle increases mortality rates and reduces the quality of care available. Beyond health, skipping check-ups impacts national productivity and family welfare. Untreated illnesses lead to loss of working days, decreased economic output, and increased poverty due to medical expenses.
Families face emotional and financial hardship from preventable illnesses and premature deaths, perpetuating cycles of disadvantage. Overall, neglecting preventive healthcare undermines Nigeria’s health system efficiency, increases avoidable mortality, and hampers socio-economic development, emphasizing the urgent need to promote routine medical check-ups nationwide.
Recommendations and Solutions
Government should further;
- Increase Public Health Awareness by Launching grassroots campaigns using radio, television, social media, and community meetings to educate Nigerians about the benefits of preventive healthcare. These campaigns have the power to transform mindsets and behaviors, leading to a healthier, more proactive population.Improve Access and Affordability: By reforming the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to expand coverage and reduce out-of-pocket costs, making routine check-ups more accessible to all Nigerians, especially the underserved.
- Encourage employers to implement workplace wellness programs and mandatory health screenings, promoting a culture of prevention and early detection.
- Engage Religious and Community Leaders in advocacy, as they play a key role in shaping attitudes and can help dispel myths and stigma associated with medical check-ups.
- Deploy mobile clinics and telemedicine services to reach remote and rural populations, overcoming barriers of distance and limited healthcare infrastructure.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s low preventive healthcare uptake is driven by economic, cultural, educational, and systemic barriers, resulting in late diagnoses and preventable deaths. Statistics reveal that less than 40% of Nigerians seek routine check-ups, with higher risks for chronic diseases. Addressing these challenges requires urgent action: government, NGOs, and citizens must work together to promote awareness, improve access, and change health-seeking behavior. Prioritizing preventive care will save lives, reduce costs, and strengthen the nation’s health and productivity.
Sources
- Ofoli, J.N.T., Ashau-Oladipo, T., Hati, S.S. et al. Preventive healthcare uptake in private hospitals in Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey (Nisa premier hospital). BMC Health Serv Res 20, 273 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-05117-5
- FAO (2019 August 7). Nigeria fulfils commitment, launches Plan for the Prevention and … Available at: https://www.afro.who.int/news/nigeria-fulfils-commitment-launches-plan-prevention-and-control-non-communicable-diseases
- Ofoli, J.N.T., Ashau-Oladipo, T., Hati, S.S. et al. Preventive healthcare uptake in private hospitals in Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey (Nisa premier hospital). BMC Health Serv Res 20, 273 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-05117-5
- Africa Check (2018 April 5). Nigeria spends 5 times less per person on healthcare than SA – not 7. Available at: https://africacheck.org/fact-checks/reports/nigeria-spends-5-times-less-person-healthcare-sa-not-7
- Ofoli, J.N.T., Ashau-Oladipo, T., Hati, S.S. et al. Preventive healthcare uptake in private hospitals in Nigeria: a cross-sectional survey (Nisa premier hospital). BMC Health Serv Res 20, 273 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-05117-5
- Abadom, EG; Otene, CI. Factors Affecting Routine Medical Screening Among Health Workers in a Tertiary Hospital in Delta State. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice 25(6):p 951-959, June 2022. | DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_91_22
- Nnadi, H.C., Ossai, O.G. & Nwokocha, V.C. Urbanization factors and the vagaries of the rural health care industry in Nigeria: an analysis of the accessibility of healthcare services by older adults in the Nsukka Local Government Area. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 11, 1355 (2024).
- Fatiregun Omolara Aminat, Kuyinu Yetunde, Alabi Adewunmi, Sowunmi Anthonia, Ndidi Okunuga, Abiodun Popoola O, Olatunji-Agunbiade Temitope, Ademola Oyekan, Atulomah Nnodimele Onuigbo, Olajumoke Awotayo (2024) Health literacy and breast cancer preventive practices among market women in Oshodi Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria ecancer 18 1785
- Rasheed A.A. (2025 March, 6). The State of Healthcare in Nigeria: Challenges and Opportunities. Available at: https://gml.com.ng/the-state-of-healthcare-in-nigeria-challenges-and-opportunities/
- Green Gold Attorney (November 4, 2024). Liability for Patient Fatality in Nigeria: Legal and Ethical … Available at: https://greengoldattorneys.com/2024/11/04/patient-fatality-in-nigeria-legal-and-ethical-considerations/
