Impact of Health Insurance on Utilization of Antenatal Care Services in Kenya

Abstract

Maternal, neonatal, and reproductive health remain areas of significant disparities globally, primarily driven by limited access to high-quality care. This study examined how health insurance influences antenatal care (ANC) services in Kenya and offers helpful information for healthcare planners and policymakers. The principal objective of the research was to investigate the complex relationship between the extent of health insurance coverage and its impact on the use of antenatal ANC. Furthermore, a comprehensive investigation was conducted to identify and scrutinize the various demographic and socioeconomic factors that potentially act as mediators within this intricate association. Additionally, the research paper contributed to the literature by focusing on the effect of health insurance on ANC visits after controlling for many other variables. The outcomes gleaned from this extensive analysis revealed a discernible and positive correlation between the extent of health insurance coverage and the frequency of ANC visits in the Republic of Kenya. This compelling discovery underscores and highlights the vital role of financial resources, educational attainment, marital status and the presence of health insurance in shaping and determining the frequency of ANC visits among expectant women residing in Kenya. Our results showed that almost 65% of women receive ANC visits, even though these services are purportedly free in public health facilities and recognized private establishments. Additionally, it is interesting to note a negative correlation between utilization rates and birth order, suggesting that experienced mothers tend to reduce their frequency of ANC visits. Addressing this requires heightened educational efforts and health insurance awareness aimed at expectant mothers to mitigate the risk of maternal and child mortality.