Barriers to health care for children under five in Butere division, western Kenya

Abstract

Background Kenya's under-five mortality is estimated to be 115 per 1000 live births. Western Kenya is endowed with good climatic conditions and natural resources including a fair distribution of both public and private medical facilities and a fair share of traditional healers, but the under five mortality rate is even higher at 144 per 1000 live births. Objective The main objective was to investigate and document the barriers to access to healthcare services for children aged less than five years in Butere division of the Butere District, and to suggest ways of improving their access to health services. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey that utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data, between May and August 2007, from caretakers of children aged below five years. Exit interviews were carried out using systematic sampling in the selection of caretakers in the maternal and child welfare clinics in public health facilities in Butere. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were also carried out with caretakers drawn from various locations to capture the views of those not attending health facilities. In addition to these, key informant (KI) interviews were carried out with the health workers at the health facility level and the District Health Management Team (DHMT) representative.