This study investigated the geospatial analysis and mapping of the distribution of public primary healthcare centers (PPHCs) in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and employed purposive and systematic random sampling techniques to select three LGAs in each of the three Senatorial zones of Kaduna State. At the State (Subnational), Senatorial, and Local Government Areas (LGAs) levels, a three-step hierarchical geospatial analysis was carried out using nearest neighbor analysis. The coordinates of the PPHCs that the Global Positioning Systems had gathered in the study area were used in the study. In order to determine the distribution pattern of the PPHCs, additional analysis was performed using the coordinates imported into the ArcGIS interface. While the nearest neighbor analysis was used to examine the distribution, patterns present in the location of the PPHCs, descriptive statistics were used to describe the nature of the distribution. Findings showed that at significant spatial scales, the point pattern of PPHCs was random in Kaduna State (z=1.046; p=0.296); Kaduna North Senatorial Zone (z=0.215; p=0.82); Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone (z=1.387; p=0.165) and Kaduna South Senatorial Zone (z= 1.093; p=0.274), while at the LGA level variations were observed with a few clustered and dispersed and yet majority showed random distribution. The World Health Organization's recommendation of 5km for distances between and among PPHCs was exceeded at all levels, according to the Nearest Neighbor Analysis. For instance, the observed mean distance for the senatorial pattern is 5.28 km, 7.29 km, and 7.14 km, respectively, for the senatorial zones of Kaduna North, Kaduna Central, and Kaduna South. According to the study's findings, the distribution pattern was skewed and suggested a non-proportional type. Therefore, it is recommended that additional electoral wards should be created or PPHCs should be built in the underserved LGAs while taking the center's accessibility and population density into consideration.
Accessibility, Environmental Health, Geographic Information System, Spatial Justice, Sustainable Development and Ward Health System
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