Malaria treatment-seeking behavior in Kisiizi, Uganda: Health microinsurance among Engozi groups

Underutilization and delays in use of biomedical health services for malaria is a problem affecting many underserved populations. It is perpetuated by poor economic conditions and the lack of access to health services. Health microinsurance, a poverty reduction intervention, has potential behavior change implications. This qualitative case study involved archived data collected from semistructured interviews during a study conducted in 2003. Using a sample of predominantly female Engozi members in Southwest Uganda the researcher examined how participation in health microinsurance affected treatment-seeking of biomedical care during malaria episodes.; The findings of this study describe how health microinsurance users compared with nonusers were empowered to go for health care sooner, were less likely to self-treat, and were more inclined to use biomedical services during malaria episodes. These results suggest health microinsurance may make a small contribution to social change, such that women are empowered to make healthy decisions about care.