| dc.description.abstract | Kenya's form of governance has moved gradually from centralized systems of the 1960s, 70s and 80s to more democratic and decentralized forms. However, challenges still remain for provision of health services to the citizens. In order to improve efficiency in delivery of services, the Ministry of Health has developed structures to deliver financial resources direct to rural health facilities and hospitals, whose management consists of both government, private sector, civil society organizations and community representatives as one mechanism of increasing access to quality and affordable health services. Despite efforts by the government and key stakeholders to improve health sector, utilization of health services still remains a major challenge in Kenya.
This study assessed some of the factors influencing utilization of health services in Homa Bay County. The study employed survey design and focused on health beneficiaries, District Health management Team and other key health stakeholders, and used both quantitative and qualitative data. The findings revealed some of the factors affecting utilization of health services in the county are; inadequate health financing, weak health service delivery systems, poor quality of health services, lack of accessibility to healthcare services, and equity in healthcare provision.
The findings corroborate with most of the studies conducted in Kenya and elsewhere around the globe, and we can conclude that the five independent variables that were studied affect utilization of health services in Homa Bay County. In order for the government and other stakeholders to respond to the key findings of this study, there is need for the government to allocate adequate budget towards health services in Homa Bay County, avail adequate trained health workers, improved infrastructure in health facilities as well as drugs and other supplies. There is also need for further research on cultural factors influencing utilization of health services, and effectiveness of government budget allocation to health on the utilization of health services in Kenya. | en_US |
