Healthcare Expectations of Students Seeking Services at the Moi University Health Centre in Kenya

Abstract

Health system responsiveness has received great attention from policy makers, managers and researchers owing to its link to client satisfaction and overall improvement of health. Given that most populations in developing countries, Kenya included, are youthful, it is important to find out if the youth in higher learning institutions are offered health services they deserve. The empirical study was, therefore, conducted to investigate the youth's healthcare needs and expectations, and how the university health services respond to them. Across-sectional survey involving the mixed methods was deployed, using WHO questionnaire, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Sample size was determined using Yamane's formula. Respondents were identified by stratified random sampling for clients, and both purposive and snow balling for providers. Quantitative data was analysed using principal component analysis whereby relevant components were extracted, then linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between scores and the extracted components. Qualitative data was transcribed, cleaned and coded, and the emergent themes presented to enhance the WHO domains resultant components. Data analysis yielded six components in rank (quality of basic amenities, prompt attention, rights, dignity and confidentiality) which explained 64.871% of total variances on youths' expectations of the system against 71.057% of the total variances on providers' five components (confidentiality, quality of basic amenities, social support networks, autonomy and rights). Focus group discussions and key informant interviews further expounded and emphasized on the relevant areas, showing varied expectation levels. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the authorities should realign health services provision to reciprocate the needs and expectations of the students.