Factors influencing utilization of essential health services at coast general and Tudor sub-county public hospitals, Mombasa county, Kenya

Abstract

Utilization of essential services is vital to strengthen service delivery and improve the lives of a population for a healthy nation. Healthcare utilization is 73.4% among people who are sick. Cost (12.7%), medical supplies, skilled health care personnel, availability of medical equipment, and access (16.2%) are obstacles for some people who choose not to seek healthcare. The overall infant mortality rate in Kenya is 33/1000. The maternal mortality rate is 195/100,000 and the child mortality rate is 57/1000 in Mombasa County. This study investigated the variables affecting how frequently patients at Coast General Referral and Tudor Sub-County Hospitals in Mombasa County used essential services. A cross-sectional approach was taken. 252 patients and 200 medical personnel were the focus of the study selected from the population within the two facilities. Various categories of health care professionals were sampled using random sampling strategies. The Yamane Formula was used to determine the size of the sample study. 200 medical personnel and 252 patients were randomly selected for the purpose of the investigation. Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire from the respondents in the two hospitals by physical administration of the questionnaires. Analysis of the data collected was done through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0 through techniques such as frequencies, correlation, and regression and interpreted using descriptive and inferential methods. The multiple linear regression analysis was a key analysis tool utilized and provides evidence that all factors considered, availability of healthcare workers (73.2%), (HRH) (β=0.732, p=0.001), availability of drugs and medical supplies increases at 89.5% (β=0.895, p=0.021), health infrastructure at 54.3%, (β=0.543, p=0.031) and organizational practices at 96.3%, (β=0.963, p=0.017) are useful and positive determinants of the utilization of essential health services. This study recommends focusing on skilled and motivated healthcare workers, adequate and available medical supplies, efficient infrastructure, and effective organizational practices to improv