Delivery of paediatric care at the first-referral level in Kenya

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Paediatric care in Kenyan government district hospitals is critical for child survival.
• Understanding the current state of paediatric services is essential for targeted improvements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the provision of paediatric care in Kenyan government district hospitals.
• To assess workload, admission outcomes, infrastructure, resources, and stakeholder views.

Main Methods:

• Survey of 14 first-referral level government district hospitals across seven Kenyan provinces.
• Data collection on hospital operations, resources, and qualitative insights from staff and caretakers.

Main Results:

• Significant variation in paediatric admission rates observed.
• Availability of basic supplies was generally adequate, but essential treatments (e.g., antistaphylococcal drugs, malnutrition treatment) were often lacking.
• Staff identified infrastructure and resource limitations as key challenges.
• Caretakers reported generally positive experiences but noted dissatisfaction with the physical environment.

Conclusions:

• Kenyan district hospitals require enhanced capacity to effectively provide paediatric care.
• Comprehensive policies addressing identified needs are necessary to improve child survival rates.
• Interventions must focus on strengthening resources, infrastructure, and service delivery at the district hospital level.