| dc.description.abstract | Access to healthcare services for the elderly is critical to ensure healthy aging and quality of life. In Kenya, specifically manyatta A Ward, there is a growing concern regarding the factors influencing access of healthcare by the elderly residents, despite the PHC goals to provide universal, equitable healthcare to all populations. Various socio-cultural, economic and structural factors can facilitate or hinder utilization. This study was conducted to explore and identify primary factors influencing healthcare access among the elderly at Manyatta A Ward, focusing on how social-cultural factors, practices and healthcare availability impact service accessibility. Using a cross-sectional study design, both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed. Purposeful and stratified sampling methods were used to ensure representation across relevant demographic subgroups, with data collection continuing until thematic saturation was reached resulting in a final sample of 50 participants. Data was collected through combination of semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and one-on-one interviews. Data was analyzed through a combination of descriptive statistics for quantitative responses and thematic analysis for qualitative data from FGDs and interviews. Charts, tables and narrative summaries were used to descriptively represent the findings. According to the study findings, Majority of the respondents could not seek health services due to financial problems and, lack of affordable services in the hospital, 48% of the elderly people lack access to health care services due to long distance to the health facility, while 64% opt to use herbal medicine due to their availability. 64% said they lack people to accompany them to seek health care services, 4% of the respondents are accompanied to seek healthcare services by people who are not family. That 64% of the residents have no specific economic activity, 16% do fishing, 10% keep cattle, and 10% engage in other economic activities like business. 62% of the respondents bought over the counter medications, 28% have never bought over the counter drugs and 10% of the respondents, access medication through other ways such as borrowing from neighbors, 68% of the respondents were unsatisfied by the healthcare services they get, 14% are very satisfied, 12% are unsatisfied while 6% very unsatisfied, 54% of the respondents left the health facility due to delays while 46% waited despite the delays. The study concludes that access to healthcare for the elderly in Manyatta A Ward is influenced by socio-cultural beliefs, healthcare practices and service availability. Addressing these challenges through community-centered policies and improved staffing and efficient service delivery is essential to enhancing equitable healthcare access for the elderly in this community. Based on these findings, the study recommends several strategies to improve healthcare access for the elderly at Manyatta A Ward. First, community-based support programs should be developed to strengthen family and community networks that support the elderly. Additionally, culturally sensitive health education initiatives should be implemented to raise awareness on herbal medication and also launching campaigns to educate the elderly about the risks of self-medication, especially with over-the-counter drugs, and the importance of consulting healthcare providers before taking medications. | en_US |
