Financial and Geographic Barriers to Health Care Access in Kenya: The Quest towards Universal Health Coverage

Abstract

Abstract Background: Access to health care services without being plunged into financial hardship is a life blood of the Universal Health Coverage. Kenya's health sector is heavily dependent on out of pocket health expenditure. This model of health financing is inequitable and leads to underutilization of the much needed health care services. Majority of Kenyans travel for longer distances to access health care services. The geographic access barrier is linked to delayed care, missed appointments, delayed medication and undue loss of life. This study examines the correlates of financial and geographic health care access barriers in the UHC implementing Counties in Kenya. Methodology: The study used a cross-sectional data collected from 249 respondents using exit interviews at the health facilities drawn from the Kenya Master Health Facility List (KMHL). A multivariate log it regression model was used to analyze the predictors of probability of failure to access health care services owing to prohibitive health care and transport costs. Results: High out-of-pocket monthly expenditure on medicine; wider proximity, higher transportation cost and a longer traveling time to a health facility increases the probability of not seeking medical treatment owing to prohibitive health care and transportation costs. These factors thus, acts as key barriers to health care access. Conclusion: Financial and geographic access barriers negatively impact on health care access. To hasten the realization of the Universal Health Coverage, prepayment models such as use of taxes and insurance should be pursued.