Utilization of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (Imci) Protocols Among Health Workers and Healthcare Users Ofprimary Health Care Centres in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract Background Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is a World Health Organization strategy designed to reduce under-five morbidity and mortality through the integrated management of common childhood illnesses. Despite its proven effectiveness, the utilization of IMCI services remains suboptimal in many primary healthcare settings. This study assessed the determinants of IMCI service utilization among Primary Health Care (PHC) users and health workers in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 respondents selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used to summarize the data, while multiple linear regression identified predictors of IMCI service utilization at a 5% level of significance (p < 0.05). Findings: Respondents demonstrated moderate awareness of IMCI services (cluster mean = 2.92), availability of IMCI provisions (cluster mean = 2.72), accessibility of IMCI services (cluster mean = 2.88), and utilization of IMCI services (cluster mean = 2.88). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the model was statistically significant (R = 0.621; R² = 0.386; Adjusted R² = 0.382; F (4,379) = 135.420; p < 0.001). Availability of IMCI provisions was the strongest predictor of utilization (β = 0.326; B = 0.274; p < 0.001), followed by accessibility (β = 0.278; B = 0.211; p < 0.001), and awareness (β = 0.214; B = 0.162; p < 0.001). Collectively, these variables explained 38.6% of the variation in IMCI service utilization. Conclusion Awareness, availability, and accessibility significantly influence the utilization of IMCI services in Primary Health Care centres. Strengthening community awareness, ensuring continuous availability of IMCI commodities, improving service accessibility, and enhancing the quality of care through regular training and supportive supervision are essential for increasing IMCI utilization and improving child health outcomes.