Determinants of enrollment in the Improved Community Health Fund among household members in Manyara Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract

Background: The improved community health fund (iCHF) concept was developed to increase access and utilization of health services while achieving financial protection against financial hardship. This study aimed to assess determinants of enrollment to the iCHF among household members in the Manyara region, Tanzania.

Method: A cross-sectional study design was employed to collect quantitative data in the two selected districts of the Manyara region from January to March 2021. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The multivariable logistic regression model was employed to determine the predictors of enrollment to the iCHF.

Results: Out of 403 participants sampled for this study, 157 (39%) were enrolled in the iCHF. After controlling for the potential confounder in the multivariate analysis results showed that, marital status (aOR=3.79; P=0.04), average income (aOR=3.01; P<0.001), chronic disease or disability (aOR=1.93; P=0.04), family size (aOR=4.55; P=0.009) and awareness of iCHF (aOR=5.89; P<0.0001) were predictors of enrollment in the scheme.

Conclusion: Enrollment in the iCHF among community members is still low and the predictors for enrolment include marital status, average income, family size, chronic diseases or disabilities, and awareness of the scheme. The iCHF can be a pathway to universal health coverage through continuous health education on the importance of enrolment in the scheme