The influence of demographic factors on the utilization of healthcare services by patients with chronic lymphatic filariasis in Goshi Location, Malindi Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Morbidity control aims at reducing the suffering of already diseased persons through timely access of health services. The study’s aim was  to determine the socio-demographic factors that influence the utilization of healthcare services by patients with chronic lymphatic filariasis.

Methods:  The study design was analytical cross-sectional. Purposive sampling was used to select 220 study participants with chronic LF/patients from 5 sub- locations of Goshi Location. Chi square test was used to assess the statistical significance of differences in health care services utilization.

Findings:  Religion, level of education, level of income and occupation was significantly associated with the utilization of health care services (P<0.01).

Conclusion:  Level of education was significantly associated with the frequency of utilizing health care services, (P<0.01). Thus creating awareness on the importance of utilizing health care services to alleviate pain and suffering is important. Intensify IEC activities, including the development and distribution of posters, flyers, leaflets, brochures, and radio and TV broadcasting of health messaging in the local language to promote awareness of drug distribution activities,  provide health education, and promote behaviour change, to increase health care utilization.