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How can we improve healthcare access and general self-rated health among orphans and vulnerable children? Findings from a Kenyan cross-sectional study

  • Original Article
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International Journal of Public Health

Abstract

Objectives

This study analyzes healthcare access and general self-rated health (GSRH) among orphan and vulnerable child (OVC) households enrolled in an empowerment program in Eastern Province, Kenya. Analyses investigate whether reported monthly income mediates the association between program participation and medical security. Predictors of GSRH are also investigated.

Methods

Cross-sectional survey data on families (n = 707) participating in a multisectoral empowerment program were collected in June 2012. Regression methods were used to investigate study aims.

Results

Monthly income mediated 14.3 % of the total effect of program participation on healthcare accessibility. Program participation was not significantly associated with higher GSRH.

Conclusions

Increased reported monthly income predicted improved healthcare access, but only explained a portion of improved healthcare access in the study population. Partnerships between community-based empowerment programs and clinical providers might successfully target multiple outcomes among OVC, including improved healthcare access, though further research on potential synergies is required. GSRH was associated with increased access to food, medical care, literacy, safe drinking water and household income. Further research on GSRH among OVC should target measurement validity, potential sources of disparity in GSRH between OVC and non-OVC, and targets for improving GSRH among OVC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Sodzo International, Houston, USA

    Michael L. Goodman & Sarah E. Seidel

  2. University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, USA

    Michael L. Goodman & Sarah E. Seidel

  3. Zoe Orphan Empowerment, Maua, Kenya

    Reegan Kaberia

  4. University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA

    Philip H. Keiser

Authors
  1. Michael L. Goodman
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  2. Sarah E. Seidel
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  3. Reegan Kaberia
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  4. Philip H. Keiser
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael L. Goodman.

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Goodman, M.L., Seidel, S.E., Kaberia, R. et al. How can we improve healthcare access and general self-rated health among orphans and vulnerable children? Findings from a Kenyan cross-sectional study. Int J Public Health 60, 589–597 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-015-0681-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-015-0681-z

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