ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY ON YOUTH ACCESS TO AND SATISFACTION WITH HEALTH SERVICES IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Multidimensional poverty marked by overlapping deprivations in education, income, health, housing, and access to basic services continues to affect youth well-being in urban Ethiopia. This study investigates the impact of multidimensional poverty on youth access to and satisfaction with health services in Addis Ababa. A mixed-methods research design was employed, involving structured questionnaires administered to 315 youth across 22 woredas, complemented by qualitative interviews. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used for quantitative analysis, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. The regression results revealed that income, employment status, and health condition had statistically significant negative effects on health service access. Satisfaction was significantly influenced by affordability, provider attitude, and waiting time. Other variables such as household size, access to health information, and dependency ratio also played notable roles. The findings highlighted systemic challenges such as poor service quality, limited privacy, and a lack of youth-friendly services in public healthcare institutions. These findings underscore that multidimensional poverty not only limits physical access to healthcare but also undermines the quality of youth experiences within the system. The study concludes that targeted interventions addressing youth unemployment, low income, and poor housing conditions are vital. Therefore, coordinated policy interventions focusing on youth employment, education, housing, and health system responsiveness are essential to improve health outcomes. Enhancing service affordability, quality, and youth-centered care practices is vital for making healthcare more inclusive and effective for young people in urban Ethiopia.