Factors associated with access to healthcare in Burkina Faso: evidence from a national household survey

BACKGROUND: Burkina Faso has undertaken major reforms, the cornerstone of which has been the decentralization of the health system to increase access to primary healthcare and to increase the effectiveness, efficiency, financial viability and equity of health services. This study aims to analyze the socio-demographic determinants of households’ access to healthcare in Burkina Faso. METHODS: We used data from a national household survey conducted in 2014 in Burkina Faso. We carried out binary logistic and linear regression analysis using data from a national household survey. The statistical analysis explored the associations between socio-demographic characteristics on the one side, and the use of health services, satisfaction with health services and expenditures on health services, on the other side. RESULTS: The findings indicate an association between age, education, income and use of services (p < 0.0005). The results show that healthcare users’ satisfaction is influenced by age, the association is stronger with the age group under 24 (p < 0.0005) than the age group of 25–39 (p < 0.005). An association was found between the age group under 15 (p < 0.005), the type of health facility used (p < 0.0005), the distance traveled to health facilities (p < 0.005) and households’ individuals’ health expenditure. CONCLUSION: Specific policies are needed to enhance geographical access to healthcare, financial access to and satisfaction with healthcare in moving towards universal health coverage (UHC). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06145-5.