Health Insurance and Maternal Mortality Reduction in Kenyan Towns: A Mixed-Methods Study

In Kenya, maternal mortality remains a significant public health issue, despite various interventions aimed at reducing it. The study employed mixed methods comprising a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews. Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, with participants from diverse socio-economic backgrounds across four selected towns in Kenya. Community health insurance significantly reduced out-of-pocket healthcare expenses by 45%, which is crucial for mothers who are often financially vulnerable during pregnancy and childbirth. The findings suggest that community-based health insurance can be an effective tool to reduce maternal mortality, although further research is needed to understand the full impact and sustainability of these programmes. Policy makers should consider integrating community health insurance into national healthcare strategies as a means to improve access to essential prenatal and postnatal care for expectant mothers in Kenyan towns. maternal mortality, health insurance, mixed methods study, Kenya