An Investigation of Socio-Demographic and Well-Being Factors Influencing Perception of Development in Rural Kenya: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

Hildah Essendi, University of Southampton

Data from 275 households, collected at the individual and household levels were analyzed using structural equation modelling techniques to examine relationships between perception of development and observed personal, socio-demographic and wellbeing variables. Significant relationships were found between perception of development and gender, age, perceived household well-being and health risk factors (alcohol use and cigarette smoking). Women and younger people had higher (more positive) perceptions of development than men and older people respectively. Perceived household well-being and alcohol use and smoking were also positively associated with positive perceptions of development. These results indicate that even within the same community, people’s perceptions will vary depending on their age, gender, perceived household wellbeing and health risk factors. The study, conducted in an ethnically, culturally and economically homogenous rural poor community however did not find significant effects between perception of development and objective household wealth, level of education, parity and perceived health.