| dc.description.abstract | This study was designed to investigate the determinants of the utilization of health care among
women suffering from diabetes mellitus in Kiambu County, Central Kenya. The overall objective
of the study was to explore the factors determining utilization of formal health services by
women with diabetes mellitus in the County. Specifically, the study sought to determine the
extent to which distance to the formal health care facilities influences the health-seeking
behaviour of women suffering from diabetes mellitus in Kiambu County; to establish the extent
to which the multiple roles of such women influence their health-seeking behaviour; and to
investigate the attitude of health care providers towards women suffering from diabetes mellitus
in that County.
The study was guided by the health belief model and health care utilization model. The lottery
method was used to select 2 study sub-Counties, while systematic sampling was used to obtain a
sample size of 200 women. Data was collected through secondary sources, survey method, key
informant interviews, focus group discussions, narratives and direct observation.
The findings indicate that distance travelled from place of residence to a formal health care
facility influences utilization of formal health services within the County. This is because the
distance affects the women’s choice of mode of transport, cost of transport, cost of health
services and choice of health facility. | en_US |
