Abstract:
Background: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are increasingly becoming important agents of
illness and premature deaths globally, killing up to 41 million people annually, most of which occur
in LMICs. In Kenya, major NCDs are cardio-vascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases,
Original Research ArticleKemei et al.; Asian J. Med. Health, vol. 22, no. 8, pp. 6-14, 2024; Article no.AJMAH.119288
cancers and diabetes. They account for 50% of all inpatient morbidities and 39% of all hospital
mortalities. Patients afflicted with NCDs go through expensive treatment regiments, restraining them
from utilizing available care. NCDs deepen inequality and are major drivers of unending poverty.
World leaders resolved to deal with the devastating consequences of NCDs as a developmental
challenge under SDGs. Kenya successively reformed its National Health Insurer to include a
package that address the blight of NCDs and transform it into a primary enabler for achieving UHC.
There is however, evidence suggesting that enrolment in health insurance (HI) does not necessarily
guarantee inpatient utilization of NCDs care. This study examined the effect of HI on inpatient
health service utilization among households with NCDs.
Methods: A quasi experimental design was conducted among eligible households with HI cover
and those without, involving a representative sample of 350 households. Interviewers conducted
interviews at baseline and after one year among household heads.
Results: Utilization of Inpatient NCDs care improved 1.256 (95% CI= 0.965-1.634), times more
among insured households, (P=0.04).
Conclusion: HI improves inpatient utilization of NCDs care. To accelerate progress towards UHC,
national government should expand HI program to all counties, improve awareness of cover
package entitlements and remove payment preconditions for inpatient procedures. County
government to ensure health systems at primary level are well equipped to tackle inpatient NCDs
care needs.
