Publication Date

Fall 2025

Abstract

Access to quality healthcare remains a persistent challenge in informal settlements, where structural, economic, and social barriers shape how and when individuals seek care. This mixed-methods study explored health-seeking behaviors and perceived barriers to accessing healthcare among residents of two community units (Got Owak and Nanga Dunga) in Nyalenda B of Kisumu, Kenya. Quantitative survey data (n=82) were collected from community members complemented by qualitative interviews with two Community Health Promoters (CHPs) to provide deeper contextual understanding. Descriptive findings indicate that long waiting times, high costs of services, and lack of available drugs were the most frequently reported barriers to accessing care. Many participants also cited dissatisfaction with facility operating hours. Although chi-square tests were conducted to assess associations between demographic factors and health-seeking behaviors or barriers, none reached statistical significance, likely due to the limited sample size. Qualitative insights from CHPs highlighted systemic challenges such as inconsistent commodity supply, inadequate staffing, and limited facility hours, which contribute to delays in care-seeking and unmet health needs. Despite its limitations, the study provides important descriptive and experiential evidence on the obstacles residents face when accessing primary healthcare services. These findings underscore the need for strengthening community health systems, expanding facility capacity, and improving the availability of essential resources. Future research should utilize a larger sample across all Nyalenda community units and incorporate additional focus group discussions or in-depth interviews to better capture variations in barriers and community experiences.

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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