Demographic and socio-economic determinants of women’s health insurance coverage in Zambia

Abstract

Background: The importance of health insurance to the individual and society at large cannot be overemphasized. It plays a critical role through enabling access to health care services and cushions the individual from catastrophic treatment costs. This study assessed the demographic and socioeconomic determinants of health insurance coverage among women in Zambia. Methods: The study analysed data from the 2013-14 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey with a total sample size of 16178 women of child bearing age. Both univariate and bivariate analyses were performed to describe the study population. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics associated with health insurance coverage among women of child bearing age in Zambia. Results: The proportion of women in Zambia with health insurance was found to be very low (3%). The study also found that being married, access to media, higher age category, higher education level, and being employed have a positive influence on health insurance coverage. However, province and type of place of residence are negatively associated with health insurance coverage among women in Zambia. Women residing in Muchinga and Northern Provinces (AOR=0.1; P<0.001) had lower odds of being insured compared to their counterparts in Lusaka province; and ruralised women (AOR=0.5; p<0.01) had lower odds of being insured compared to their urban counter parts. Conclusion: The study concludes that, health insurance providers should tailor their health insurance packages not only to the needs of the employed but also the unemployed, the younger age groups, the informal sector and those in the rural areas.