Healthcare Use for Infectious Diseases in Nairobi's Informal Settlement
Author Information
Author(s): Robert F. Breiman, Beatrice Olack, Alvin R. Shultz, Sanam Kimani Kabuiya, Daniel R. Feikin, Heather Burke
Primary Institution: International Emerging Infections Program, CDC-Kenya Medical Research Institute
Hypothesis
What are the healthcare-seeking patterns for infectious diseases among residents of Kibera, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya?
Conclusion
The study found that a significant proportion of illnesses in Kibera are associated with healthcare-seeking, but many residents still rely on informal care providers.
Supporting Evidence
- 49% of children under five experienced febrile, diarrhoeal, or respiratory illnesses in the two weeks prior to the survey.
- Healthcare was sought for 82% of under-five children with diarrhoeal disease.
- Cost was cited as the primary reason for not seeking healthcare by 50% of those who did not seek care.
Takeaway
In Kibera, many sick children go to clinics or hospitals for help, but some still see unlicensed providers because they can't afford the costs.
Methodology
A healthcare-use survey was conducted using standardized questionnaires among caretakers of children under five years old.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on self-reporting and the subjective nature of some illness assessments.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data, which may lead to misclassification of illnesses.
Participant Demographics
The majority of participants were caretakers of children under five, with a significant portion being unemployed and living in one-room structures.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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