Factors Affecting Utilization of Private Medical Insurance Services among Teachers in Selected Public Primary Schools in Kilifi County
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47604/gjhs.3547Keywords:
Health Insurance, Public and Private, Teachers, Medical AccessAbstract
Purpose: This study sought to determine the factors influencing utilization of private medical insurance services among public primary school teachers in Kilifi County, Kenya.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 265 public primary school teachers employed by the TSC in Kilifi County. Data was collected using semi-structured, self-administered questionnaires. Variables analyzed included socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, marital status) and socio-economic factors. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 22. Associations between independent variables and insurance utilization were assessed using chi-square tests at a 5% significance level.
Findings: Overall, a high proportion of teachers reported utilizing private medical insurance services. A Chi-square test of association revealed a significant relationship between gender and private medical insurance uptake, χ²(1, N = 265) = 4.07, p = 0.044. with female teachers more likely to be enrolled than their male counterparts. In contrast, no significant associations were observed between utilization and age group (χ²(4, N = 265) = 7.22, p = 0.125), marital status (χ²(3, N = 265) = 4.54, p = 0.209), or education level (χ²(2, N = 265) = 1.20, p = 0.549). Teachers reported that access and affordability of healthcare improved with private insurance compared to out-of-pocket payments. However, barriers such as a shortage of specialists and limited working hours among service providers constrained optimal utilization.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: These findings demonstrate that while private medical insurance significantly improves access and affordability of care, gender disparities and structural health system challenges remain key barriers to universal utilization.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Clarabel Sitati, Prof. Kenneth Ngure , Mr. James Kariuki
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