Health care accessibility for motor accident victims: Influence of income levels in midsize and highly populated cities

This study investigates the influence of income disparities on access to healthcare for motor accident victims in Lagos and Abeokuta, Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews, the research explores how income levels affect the timeliness and quality of emergency care, as well as the financial burden of post-accident healthcare. The study employs several theoretical perspectives: the Health Belief Model, which explains how perceptions of severity and barriers delay care among low-income individuals; the Theory of Planned Behavior, which links attitudes, social norms, and perceived control to healthcare-seeking behavior; the Social Determinants of Health framework, emphasizing how income and location shape health outcomes; Urbanization Theory, which addresses how rapid city growth strains healthcare systems; and Ecological Systems Theory, highlighting the interaction between environmental systems and health access. Surveying 189 respondents across various income groups using Cochran’s formula for sample size determination, the study finds significant disparities in healthcare access. High-income individuals have quicker access to emergency services and lower out-of-pocket costs compared to low-income individuals, who often face delays and financial barriers. Inferential statistics and thematic analysis reveal a strong association between income level and healthcare access, with low-income individuals being 70% less likely to receive immediate care. Additionally, urban infrastructure, such as ambulance availability and hospital proximity, influences the speed and quality of care. The study highlights the need for policy reforms, including improved emergency infrastructure in midsize cities, expanded affordable insurance schemes, and accident prevention initiatives. This research calls for a more equitable approach to emergency care in Nigeria to address disparities between different income groups and urban settings.