Socioeconomic Determinants of Household Access to HIV/AIDS Healthcare in Kibra Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the impact of social and economic factors on the uptake of HIV/AIDS care in Kibra Sub County, Nairobi. The research was grounded in Behavioral theory and focused on how household income, literacy levels, and access to health information influenced the adoption of HIV/AIDS treatment. A descriptive survey design approach was employed, involving a sample of 365 households chosen through simple random and stratified sampling techniques from target population of 61,690 households, as outlined by Krejcie and Morgan's formula. Data collection was carried out using key informant interviews and self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive techniques, such as frequency and median analysis, as well as inferential techniques, such as bivariate correlation analysis, chi-square testing, and binomial logistic regression, were used. The results were displayed using tables, graphs, and percentages. Thematic analysis was also used to examine qualitative data in order to find new topics. The analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between access to health information and the likelihood of seeking treatment. Households with higher income and literacy levels were more likely to pursue HIV/AIDS care. Quantitative results showed that access to HIV-related information increased the likelihood of treatment uptake by 6.666 times. Additionally, increased household income and higher literacy levels were linked to a 7.434-fold and 3.554-fold rise, respectively, in the probability of seeking care. The study concluded that socio-economic factors, particularly income, literacy, and information access, significantly influenced healthcare-seeking behaviors in Kibra. To enhance access to HIV/AIDS treatment, it is recommended that policymakers, NGOs, and other stakeholders implement targeted interventions, including income-generating programs and comprehensive health education, to address the socio-economic barriers that hinder healthcare uptake.