| dc.description.abstract | Diabetes and hypertension are among the leading contributors to global mortality and require life-long medical care. However, many patients cannot access quality healthcare due to high out-of-pocket expenditures, thus health insurance would help provide
relief. This paper examines factors associated with utilization of health insurance by patients with diabetes or hypertension at two urban hospitals in Mbarara, southwestern Uganda. Methods: We used a cross-sectional survey design to collect data from patients with diabetes or hypertension attending two hospitals located in Mbarara. Logistic regression models were used to examine associations between demographic factors, socio-economic factors and awareness of scheme existence and health insurance utilization. Results: We enrolled 370 participants, 235 (63.5%) females and 135 (36.5%) males, with
diabetes or hypertension. Patients who were not members of a microfinance scheme were
76% less likely to enrol in a health insurance scheme (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.15 – 0.78, p =
0.011). Patients diagnosed with diabetes/hypertension 5 – 9 years ago were more likely to
enrol in a health insurance scheme (OR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.14 – 7.87, p = 0.026) compared to
those diagnosed 0 – 4 years ago. Patients who were not aware of the existing schemes in their
areas were 99% less likely to take up health insurance (OR = 0.01, 95% CI: 0.0 – 0.02, p <
0.001) compared to those who knew about health insurance schemes operating in the study
area. Majority of respondents expressed willingness to join the proposed national health
insurance scheme although concerns were raised about high premiums and misuse of funds
which may negatively impact decisions to enrol. | en_US |
