Use of health care among the urban poor in Africa: Does the neighbourhood have an impact?

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the relative influence of neighbourhood and individual practices of care utilization in Dakar (Senegal). The data from a research program on urban malaria, made in Dakar, Senegal between 2008 and 2009. The sample was based on a two-stage sampling. A questionnaire survey covered 2952 households, of which we have selected those that have at least one case of fever (n = 1272) with one of their children under ten years two weeks before the passage of investigators. The analytical model of the use of health services developed by R. Andersen has been adapted for our conceptual framework. Our results showed's like many West African cities, self-medication is a common practice among all households in Dakar, especially the poorest. The non-use of health services is positively associated with individual characteristics such as education level, the level of social network and the level of health literacy of the mother / guardian of the sick child (p <1 %). Some characteristics of the neighborhood of residence, however, increase the use of health services among the poor (health care provision is nearest larger and better quality). Similarly, the cost of use is no longer a major obstacle when people perceive a high environmental risk (presence of stagnant water and mosquito abundance). The district of residence may help remove the financial barrier, and reduce inequalities in access, when resource space.