Proximate Determinants of Healthcare Utilisation in Kenya- a Gender Disparity Analysis

Abstract

Disparity in healthcare utilization is a challenge not only to the developing countries, but also to developed nations. Progress has been made in understanding the gender-based differences in healthcare utilization, this is because a gender-based approach to healthcare utilization is of essence since women’s and men’s health react to specific factors differently. Given the challenging health landscape in Kenya, healthcare utilization is an important aspect in improving the health outcome both in the short and long run. Gender, being an important factor in explaining most variations in healthcare utilization plays a key role towards reducing inequalities between men and women. The study aimed to estimate proximate determinants of healthcare utilization across gender in Kenya. To evaluate how each of the variables influence healthcare utilization in Kenya, a binary logistic regression model was run using Kenya Household Health Expenditure and Utilization Survey of 2013 data. Results indicate that gender of the patient is important in explaining healthcare utilization. Female as opposed to male seek healthcare more, rural living as opposed to urban living also increases the chances of seeking healthcare and also the older the patient, the more likely they are to seek healthcare compared to the younger generation. Moreover, having insurance and the presence of chronic problem increases the chances of seeking healthcare as opposed to not having insurance and no presence of chronic problem. Based on these findings, the following recommendations are proposed. Policies that reduce the cost of healthcare for the elderly people, promote education for men by offering sensitizations on the benefits of seeking healthcare when they fall ill, and build more public health facilities in the urban areas will go a long way in promoting healthcare utilization. In addition, there is need for the government to revamp NHIF to cover more people, especially those with chronic problems.