Factors influencing access to health care services among children with mental illness: a case of Endebess sub-county, Trans-nzoia county-kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of different factors on accessibility to health services among children with mental illness in Endebes Sub-County, Trans-Nzoia CountyKenya. It focused on socio-economic factors, geographical factors, cultural factors and perception of parents on mental illness to establish the extent to which these factors influence access to health services. Descriptive survey research design was adopted with 381 respondents targeted through snowball sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The instruments validation exercise was done by the supervisor. Before the main study, Pilot testing was done targeting 34 respondents from Kwanza Sublocation within Kwanza Sub-county. Reliability of the instruments was determined through a pilot study where Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.79 was obtained indicating that the instruments were highly reliable. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. The results were presented in form of tables and percentages. The findings were broadly discussed, conclusions drawn and recommendations made. The study established that socio-economic, cultural, geographical and parents perception on mental illness influences access to health care services among children with mental illness. The researcher finally compiled final report for final presentation to the University of Nairobi.