Determinants of Demand for Health Care Among Sexually Transmitted Infections Patients in Kenya

Abstract

Globally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have become an enormous burden leading to high mortality and morbidity. In Kenya, various policies have been formulated to address various conditions including STIs. Individuals suffering from STIs are highly encouraged to seek medical care and avoid transmitting to uninfected individuals. According to the KDHS 2014 report, only 30% of male and 32% of female sexually transmitted infection (STI) patients sought treatment or advice from a health professional in a health facility. The primary objective of this study is to ascertain the factors that influence the demand for health care among sexually transmitted infection patients in Kenya. The study's specific objectives are to ascertain health care utilization rates among STI patients in rural and urban areas of Kenya, and to ascertain the factors influencing health care demand among STI patients in Kenya. The study analyzed data from the 2014 KDHS household survey, a cross-sectional household survey. Because the dependent variable is binary, a binary probit regression model was used to demonstrate the effect of multiple independent variables on health care seeking among STI patients in Kenya. From the results, it was established that about less than 10 percent (about 8 percent) of STI patients acknowledged to be using healthcare services whereas the other huge population that is 91 percent sought healthcare from other sources. Further, it was revealed that age of the individual, sex, marital status, education levels, wealth quintiles, and employment status, residence, and sex partners were statistically significant determinants associated with utilization of healthcare services among STI patients in Kenya. Furthermore, determinants such as age squared and being Muslim were found to be negatively associated with utilization of healthcare services though religion was not statistically significant. Based on these findings, the study recommendations include the following: Customization of the existing Sexual and Reproductive Health programs by ministry of health to target increase of uptake of services by the groups shown to have low service utilization including men, young, and rural dwellers. Intersectoral collaboration among ministries both in central and county governments to improve socioeconomic and demographic indices like literacy levels, unemployment rates, and poverty as these are shown to be statistically significant deterrents of health care uptake. Innovative healthcare financing strategies through national social health insurance via NHIF. Pro-poor policies with a country wide coverage may reduce barriers to care seeking by the poor in the society.