Prevalence and factors associated with education insurance uptake among Makerere University staff

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the prevalence of education insurance and its associated factors. The secondary objectives include examining the relationship between demographic factors and education insurance uptake, establishing the link between awareness and education insurance uptake, and identifying barriers to the adoption of education insurance. A primary data collection method was employed, involving a sample size of 150 academic staff from Makerere University who responded both online and physically. We conducted a descriptive analysis, bivariate, and multivariable using logistic regression. The prevalence of education insurance uptake among Makerere University academic staff was 23%, indicating that 77% did not currently have education insurance. Results indicated a significant relationship between university rank and education insurance uptake, of which professors were seven times more likely to take up education insurance compared to assistant lecturers. Findings reveal that awareness was not the primary barrier to education insurance uptake instead, several other factors play a significant role. The major barrier was the lack of trust in insurance companies, followed by a poor understanding of what education insurance entails and the perception that it is too expensive. Additionally, some individuals believed they had more reliable methods to secure their children's education. Conclusively, this study is vital for enhancing education insurance uptake at the grassroots level. Makerere University academic staff, who influence their students, are key to this effort. By understanding the factors affecting staff members' adoption of education insurance, including demographic influences, awareness, and barriers, we can develop targeted strategies to promote wider adoption effectively