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
