Utilization of health insurance by patients with diabetes or hypertension in urban hospitals in Mbarara, Uganda

Peter Kangwagye, Laban Waswa Bright, Gershom Atukunda, Robert Basaza and Francis Bajunirwe

PLOS Global Public Health, 2023, vol. 3, issue 6, 1-15

Abstract: Background: 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

Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pgph00:0000501

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000501

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