Lack of Medical Equipment is a Hindrance to Universal Health Coverage Utilization; the case of Seme Sub County in Kisumu County, Kenya
Publication Date
2021-01Author
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Abstract/ Overview
Many countries have been putting more effort in Universal Health Coverage through strengthening health systems to provide affordable, safe and high quality care. The Kenya government prioritized attainment of Universal Health Coverage which aimed at relieving citizens from out of pocket expenditure on health services, though faced with challenges of staffing and inadequate medical equipment for proper implementation. This was a descriptive cross sectional study design which examined the influence of medical equipment on utilization of Universal Health Coverage. The study targeted both community members and health facility managers. The health facilities were stratified according to their levels of care and randomly selected. The catchment population was stratified by administrative locations and a proportionate sampling technique applied giving a computed sample size of 377 participants, determined by Fischer’s formula. The descriptive statistics were organized and summarized using tables and charts, while logistic regression analysis determined relationship between variables. The availability of functional equipment influenced utilization of UHC as a patient is more likely to use UHC card if medical equipment devices are available (OR = 2.08, 95%CI = 1.37 - 3.17, p=0.001). Medical Equipment devices have direct significant influence on utilization of UHC services by community members.