The aim of this study was to investigate factors that influence morbidity
patterns and health-seeking decisions in an urban slum community. Data
were collected between May and August 2003 as part of the ongoing Nairobi
urban demographic surveillance system and were analysed to identify
factors that influence morbidity patterns and health-seeking decisions. The
results show that the factors that influenced morbidity were the child’s age,
ethnicity and type of toilet facility. Predictors for seeking health care were
the child’s age, type and severity of illness, survival of father and mother,
mother’s education, mother’s work status and wealth class. The conclusions
drawn show that economic resources fall short in preventing child illnesses
where children live in poor environmental conditions. However, by
enhancing access to health care services, socio-economic status is critical for
mitigating disease burden among children in slum settlements.