Health Shocks and Coping Mechanisms in North Central Nigeria: The Gender Perspective

Introduction: Reliance on out-of-pockets (OOP) payments for health services has continued to hamper access quality healthcare across Nigeria. Socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the gender household head as it influences impacts shocks OOP have received very little attention globally. This study investigated perspective shocks, expenditures coping mechanisms in North Central, Methods: is a cross-sectional analytical involving both quantitative qualitative data collection methods. A total 1,192 households were studied using multi-stage sampling technique rural urban communities Data was analysed with SPSS version 20, analysis done by thematic analysis. Results: The finding showed that 458 (38.4%) respondents female-headed (FHHs). Female-headed less educated, earned lower income, resided more insured than male-headed (MHHs). Health higher among FHHs they also pay percentage their expenditure through payments. Also, experienced Catastrophic Expenditure (CHE) reported effects reduction food consumption loss income MHHs. Age, occupation size are all factors influenced this study. Conclusions: Innovative ways financially protect women must be employed, close up equity gap bring Nigeria closer achieving UHC.