GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF THE SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION PATTERNS OF HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHERN BORNO REGION, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10/3303/jees.2025.0202/020Keywords:
Geographic Information System, Healthcare Inequality, Spatial Distribution, Resource Adequacy, Spatial ClusteringAbstract
This study analyzes the spatial distribution, concentration, and adequacy of healthcare infrastructure in Southern Borno, Nigeria, and its implications for socioeconomic development. Using 2024 data from the Borno State Ministry of Health, Local Government Health Departments, and field surveys, the locations of hospitals, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and health posts were georeferenced with a Garmin 76 handheld GPS. Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques were employed to map and evaluate distribution patterns, while Nearest Neighbour Analysis (NNA) was used to assess spatial clustering. Location Quotient (LQ) and Z-scores were used to measure resource adequacy and rank healthcare provision across nine Local Government Areas (LGAs). Results reveal pronounced spatial inequalities and widespread inadequacies in healthcare infrastructure. Seven LGAs- Askira/Uba, Kwaya Kusar, Bayo, Chibok, Biu, Hawul, and Shani were relatively better served, whereas Damboa and Gwoza were critically disadvantaged across most indicators. NNA indicated significantly clustered distributions of PHCs (Rn = 0.707, z = −6.53, p < 0.01) and health posts (Rn = 0.565, z = −6.60, p < 0.01), with health posts exhibiting stronger clustering. LQ analysis showed pervasive shortages of medical personnel, hospital beds, and ambulances. Overall rankings identified Kwaya Kusar, Askira/Uba, and Bayo as the best-resourced, and Shani, Gwoza, and Damboa as the least equipped. The uneven and inadequate distribution of healthcare infrastructure undermines productivity, exacerbates poverty, increases mortality, and constrains rural development. The study concludes that Southern Borno faces both quantitative deficits and a skewed allocation of health resources, necessitating equitable redistribution, targeted deployment of personnel, infrastructure expansion, policy reforms, and continuous geospatial monitoring to promote inclusive socioeconomic development.
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