Equity in Utilisation of Health Care Services in Kenya
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Date
2020
Authors
Korir, Chepkirui Sharon
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Access to better health care services is a primary need to every individual in the world
and rightfully Kenya. A healthy nation plays a significant position in strengthening
growth and development. However, presence of horizontal inequity in utilization of
healthcare services hinders these. The project’s main purpose was to estimate the
magnitude of horizontal inequity in Kenya and subsequently estimate the variables that
affected utilization of health services and give appropriate recommendations. The
reason for this is because, literature reviewed such as Bonfrier et al. (2012); Zhou et al.
(2013) and Kien et al. (2014), looked at equity and different health outcomes but the
magnitude factor was not explored, hence the need for the study.To do so, the project
employed its model specification from similar work previously done by Ghosh, 2014
and a step by step analysis of the calculation of the Concentration Index (CI) from
Doorslear et al. (2008), by use of STATA analytical tool.Data used was obtained from
the Kenya Household Health Expenditure and Utilisation Survey (KHHEUS), 2013.
The Concentration Index (CI) method was used to analyze the magnitude of horizontal
health inequity in utilization of healthcare services while determinants of inequity in
healthcare utilization were determined using a probit regression analysis. From the
analysis, the results showed that inequity was existent to both areas of service delivery
that is outpatient and inpatient services with CI’s of and 0.0004 and 0.0171 respectively.
Determinants to health utilization were, sex, one’s health status, education level and
insurance status. To eliminate the minimal level of inequity the government has to come
up with workable policies to improve the socio-economic factors. For example the
government should empower its citizens to have insurance covers which will act as a
financial buffer while seeking for services. Another way is for the government to
improve the literacy levels, there has been some effort to this due to the free education,
and hopefully this will have an impact on individuals since education impacts on health
literacy which in turn affects health decisions. Ultimately the government should strive
to have health care services affordable to its citizens.
Description
A Research Project Submitted to the Department of
Economic Theory, in the School of Economics in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of a
Degree In Master Of Economics of Kenyatta University
Keywords
Health Care Services, Equity, Kenya