Abstract:
Background
Kenya is in the process of implementing universal health care whose success and sustainability will be
determined by its funding mechanism and by uptake of National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) by its
populace. Unfortunately, NHIF enrollment is currently voluntary hence geared to those in formal
employment who represent only 16.4% of the population. To improve the voluntary uptake of the scheme,
it is important to have increased awareness as well as implement strategies that address factors that
currently affect NHIF uptake.
Methods
This was a cross sectional community-based survey conducted in Busia, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga and Siaya
counties between October and December 2018. It utilized multistage stratified sampling technique.
Interviewer assisted questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic, socio-economic, Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) knowledge, NHIF awareness and uptake data. Descriptive statistical
analysis and multiple logistic regression were conducted using STATA version 15.
Results
Out of a representative sample of 3597 participants interviewed, NHIF awareness was noted to be 81.5%,
with low uptake in the four counties ranging between 21–25%. Being older than 69 years, having a low
level of education and income status as well as lower health risk were significantly associated with low
rates of NHIF uptake.
Conclusion
Despite high rates of NHIF awareness noted in this study, there is still very low uptake to this scheme in
rural western Kenya especially among those with low socioeconomic status and risk of chronic illnesses.
There is need for further qualitative studies to explore contextual factors affecting NHIF uptake.