Patient behaviour: Investigating new determinants and exploring effects on maternal and neonatal health in Kenya

Patient behaviour plays a key role in determining whether health systems are able to maintain and promote health.

One area where it is crucial to study patient behaviour is maternal and neonatal health, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Every day, over 800 women in LMICs die from preventable pregnancy and childbirth related complications.

Key international policy goals, such as the third Sustainable Development Goal, reflect the view that patient behaviour – specifically related to care-seeking, facility delivery and use of antenatal care (ANC) services – is key for preventing maternal deaths.

Understanding patients’ healthcare-seeking behaviour and addressing barriers to uptake, is therefore crucial for improving maternal and neonatal health in LMICs.

This fellowship will generate new evidence on the determinants of patients’ healthcare-seeking behaviour, and its effects on maternal and neonatal health and survival in Kenya.

It has four objectives: - Analyse the link between trust in the health system and care-seeking behaviour - Explore the relationship between perceived quality of care and care-seeking behaviour - Determine the effect of care-seeking behaviour on health outcomes in Kenya, including heterogeneity based on the quality of care and socio- economic status - Disseminate findings to policymakers and researchers