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Author: search.filters.author.Gichohi, Paul MakuSubject: search.filters.subject.Students’ healthcare

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    Assessment of School-Based Clinic as a Health Service Provision Model in Public Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya
    (Journal of Education, 2021-09) Muguna, Mbaabu Silas; Kibaara, Tarsila; Gichohi, Paul Maku
    The Government of Kenya has made an effort in facilitating access to healthcare by students through the development of a standard manual on safety and health in schools and introducing a unique NHIF program for students in public secondary schools. However, the same has been marred by the lack of sustainable mechanisms, systems and structures. This state of affairs attests to the absence of a profound model for addressing the healthcare needs of students in public secondary schools in Kenya. This study assessed the school-based clinic as a health service provision model in public secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The specific objective was to examine the efficacy of school-based health clinics in addressing students' healthcare needs in public secondary schools in Meru County. Andersen's model of health service utilization was significant in guiding this study. The study utilized a descriptive survey design. Schools were stratified according to categories, and then, a proportionate systematic sampling technique was used to sample 191 principals and 195 Chairpersons of the Students' Council. At the same time, the County Director of Education was purposively selected. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and interview guide. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS, where factor analysis, means and standard deviations were computed. Linear regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. Qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic technique. The majority of public secondary schools did not have a school-based health clinic. Where available, they were underutilized, poorly equipped, lacked trained health professionals, had poor infrastructures and were derailed by the lack of funding. Despite these challenges, SBHCs were statistically significant in addressing students' healthcare in public secondary schools. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education develop mechanisms and policy frameworks for establishing school-based health clinics in public secondary schools. It should also carry out capacity building programs for principals to equip them with skills for managing the SBHC facility and writing grants proposals. In addition, principals should exercise prudent management practices, ensure quality assurance of SBHCs, and pursue a concerted effort, collaborations, and partnerships of stakeholders in establishing and running school-based health clinics in public secondary schools.
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    Effectiveness of NHIF in addressing Students’ Healthcare in Public Secondary Schools in Meru County, Kenya
    (International Journal of Professional Practice (IJPP), 2021-09) Muguna, Mbaabu Silas; Kibaara, Tarsila; Gichohi, Paul Maku
    Health insurance helps cushion people from healthcare costs and facilitates equity in access to health facilities and services. The Government of Kenya has invested in a unique NHIF program, namely EduAfya, for public secondary schools. Although EduAfya is relatively new, it has faced implementation challenges attributable to the weak structures and mechanisms for supporting its operationalization. This study aimed to assess the NHIF as a health service provision model in public secondary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The specific objective was to examine the efficacy of NHIF as an approach for addressing healthcare in public secondary schools in Meru County. The study was guided by Andersen's model of health service utilization, and adopted a descriptive survey design. 395 Public secondary schools were stratified into four categories; hence, a proportionate systematic sampling technique was applied to sample 196 principals and the Students' Council's chairpersons, while the County Director of Education was sampled purposively. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and interview guide. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, where factor analysis, means and standard deviations were computed, while linear regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. Qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic technique. The study noted that students were underutilizing the NHIF program (EduAfya) despite its significance in addressing their healthcare. This was attributed to low awareness, challenges in obtaining NEMIS numbers, and lack of understanding. Therefore, NHIF staff should conduct training and sensitization in public secondary schools, targeting students, principals, and parents. In addition, the Ministry of Education and NHIF should collaboratively liaise with stakeholders in accrediting more local health facilities, including private health centres, in order to enhance the proximity of access to healthcare. The government should also develop a clear policy on handling emergencies and transportation costs; streamline the issuance of NEMIS numbers and biometric cards, and clarify the role of principals in enhancing the effectiveness of EduAfya.