Effect of Out-of-Pocket Health Care Financing on the Quality of Health Care Services in Faith-Based Facilities in Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

: This study investigated the effect of direct out-of-pocket health care financing on the quality of health care services in faith-based facilities in Kiambu County, Kenya. Both descriptive and correlational research designs were used in the investigation. The population for this study was the 298 faith-based hospitals in Kiambu County. Using Yamane formula, a total of 171 respondents were sampled. Simple random sampling was used to give every respondent an equal chance of being included in the study. Structured questionnaires were employed as the principal data collection tool. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including means, frequency distributions and standard deviations. Pearson’s correlation analysis was employed, complemented by linear regression for inferential analysis. Regression analysis revealed that direct out-of-pocket payments explained 75% of the variation in service quality (R² = .750, Adjusted R² = .743), with a strong correlation (R = .866) between the predictor and service outcomes. The model was statistically significant (F = 108.181, p < .001), confirming the meaningful influence of direct out-of-pocket payments on healthcare service delivery. The study concluded that direct out-of-pocket payments sustained faith-based hospitals' service delivery but posed financial risks to patients. The study recommends that faith-based hospitals in Kiambu County should explore alternative financing models, such as insurance schemes, to reduce patients' financial risks while maintaining quality healthcare service delivery.