Individual Determinants of Cancer Health Service Utilization among Newly Diagnosed Adult Cancer Patients in Garissa County, Kenya

Purpose: Cancer remains a major public health challenge in Kenya, particularly in marginalized regions where access to specialized oncology services is limited. Despite increasing investments in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, utilization of cancer health services remains suboptimal. This study sought to determine the influence of individual factors on utilization of cancer health services among newly diagnosed adult cancer patients attending Garissa County Referral Hospital, Kenya. Methodology: The study utilized cross sectional study design. Data were collected from 161 newly diagnosed adult cancer patients using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires, Data collection instruments were validated through expert review and pretesting. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and simple linear regression in SPSS version 25. Findings: The findings revealed that utilization of cancer health services was significantly associated with age (χ²=49.99, p<0.001), marital status (χ²=42.46, p<0.001), education level (χ²=112.94, p<0.001), occupation (χ²=140.55, p<0.001), household income (χ²=131.39, p<0.001), distance from the health facility (χ²=186.08, p<0.001), health insurance status (χ²=55.11, p<0.001), and mode of payment (χ²=57.79, p<0.001). Descriptive analysis showed that respondents perceived cultural beliefs (Mean=4.10), treatment adherence awareness (Mean=4.01), gender-related concerns (Mean=4.00), religious beliefs (Mean=3.98), fear of diagnosis (Mean=3.94), and stigma (Mean=3.94) as important determinants of service utilization. Regression analysis established that individual factors significantly influenced utilization of cancer health services (β=0.604, p<0.001), explaining 24.5% of the variation in utilization (R²=0.245). Qualitative findings corroborated the quantitative results by highlighting the influence of misconceptions about cancer, stigma, cultural beliefs, family decision-making, and trust in healthcare providers on treatment-seeking behaviour. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study found individual factors significantly influenced utilization of cancer health services among adult patients. The findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive cancer awareness programs, strengthened Individual financial protection mechanisms, enhanced patient education, and community-based interventions aimed at reducing stigma and improving timely access to cancer care among vulnerable populations.