Capacity of Communities in Addressing Social Determinants of Health towards Care and Support of Vulnerable Children: Case of Suba –Sub County Nyanza Kenya

Abstract

Background : Community capacity is required in support of vulnerable children to access , appropriate shelter , food, education , generate income and access to health care, safe clean water and environment, known as social determinants of health. This is facilitated by the social economic situations, policies and structure to influence the abilities of communities. Sub community are unable to address the social determinants of health increasing vulnerability amongst children .This study determines the existing capacity of community in addressing the social determinants of health. Methods : Descriptive cross sectional survey design applied using qualitative &quantitative approaches . Structured questionnaire administered for quantitative data, focus group discussion, Key Informant Interviews for qualitative . Descriptive statistics applied to analyse quantitative data. Chi –square applied to test relation between social determinants and morbidities ,qualitative data thematically analyzed and used to complement quantitative data . Results: Majority of caregivers are poor (58% ). Chi-square test confirmed significant relationship (p<0.005). Morbidities due to malaria and sanitation statistically significant, X2 (1, N = 1445) = 1400, p < 0.001, diarrhea clean and safe water significant, X2 (1, N = 1445) = 1400, p < 0.001. morbidities due to acute respiratory infections and type of housing water significant, X2 (2, N = 1445) = 166.73, p < 0.001. Conclusion : Communities are unable to address social determinants of health increasing vulnerability ,implementing policies linking households, with communities and relevant sectors while addressing there capacities towards social determinants of health is essential