Effects of Perceived Image of NHIF Outpatient Facilities on Utilization of Primary Care Services by Private University Employees in Nairobi County

Abstract

NHIF is a mandatory health insurance fund in Kenya covering public and private formal sector workers where members are entitled to all primary health services on selecting preferred facilities from a list of providers.Some members have their monthly contributions remitted to NHIF by their employer yet do not utilize primary care services.This study sought to determine effects of perceived image of NHIF outpatient facilities on utilization of primary care services by the national formal scheme members in Nairobi while focusing on Private University employees.This study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design with mixed methods approach.Multistage sampling with simple random sampling was used.Quantitative techniques were used for data collection.Descriptive statistics,F-Statistics,P-values, Pearson’s Rho ®,mean-scores,standard deviations,co-efficient of determination (R2)and the coefficient of multiple determinations(Adjusted R2) were analyzed using SPSS version 24.The study rationale was to inform top NHIF management to undertake decisions regarding utilization of primary health services by NHIF members by understanding effects of how safety of healthcare services,waiting time at the health facilities,healthcare workers interpersonal skills,facilities amenities and physical outlook affect utilization of primary care services.Multiple regression results indicates that in a combined relationship only three factors on perceived image of NHIF facilities influence utilization of primary care services;safety of healthcare services (X1; β1 = .315, P ˂0.05),healthcare workers interpersonal skills (X3; β3 = .0.049, P ˂0.05) and healthcare facilities amenities and physical outlook (X4; β4 = .027,P ˂0.05).Waiting time is negative(X2; β2 = -.018, P ˂0.05)and thus does not influence utilization of primary care services.In a combined model,all four factors have no scientifically significant influence on utilization of primary health services by scheme members in Nairobi County.The study recommends NHIF to vet facilities they accredit to offer primary care services to ensure safety of healthcare services,train workers on effective interpersonal skills and improve facility amenities and physical outlook of outpatient facilities.