Determinants of Utilization of Health Care Among Women Suffering From Diabetes Mellitus in Kiambu County, Central Kenya

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the determinants of the utilization of health care among women suffering from diabetes mellitus in Kiambu County, Central Kenya. The overall objective of the study was to explore the factors determining utilization of formal health services by women with diabetes mellitus in the County. Specifically, the study sought to determine the extent to which distance to the formal health care facilities influences the health-seeking behaviour of women suffering from diabetes mellitus in Kiambu County; to establish the extent to which the multiple roles of such women influence their health-seeking behaviour; and to investigate the attitude of health care providers towards women suffering from diabetes mellitus in that County. The study was guided by the health belief model and health care utilization model. The lottery method was used to select 2 study sub-Counties, while systematic sampling was used to obtain a sample size of 200 women. Data was collected through secondary sources, survey method, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, narratives and direct observation. The findings indicate that distance travelled from place of residence to a formal health care facility influences utilization of formal health services within the County. This is because the distance affects the women’s choice of mode of transport, cost of transport, cost of health services and choice of health facility.