Contribution of Community Health Workers on Improvement of Primary Health Services in Tanzania: A case of Kilolo District.

Minja, Benedict Jackson (2020) Contribution of Community Health Workers on Improvement of Primary Health Services in Tanzania: A case of Kilolo District. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The study sought to achieve three objectives which are; to examine the performance of CHWs in providing health services, to determine the attitudes of people on CHWs on the improvement of primary health services, and to assess challenges associated with the implementation of CHWs activities on the improvement of Primary Health Services in the study area. Data were collected by using structured interview and questionnaire as a method of data collection, then purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used in recruiting respondents in this study, collected data was analyzed by using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Software, in which descriptive statistics were computed. Content data analysis was used to analyze qualitative information of CHWs services on improvement of Primary health Services. This study reveals that CHWs in the study area have been providing multiple services at community and health facility level. At community level CHWs conduct home visits for hygiene education and Home-Based Care to PLHIV, provision of health messages, promotion of breastfeeding and family planning and provision of health referrals. At health facility CHWs disseminate health related messages, and provide vaccination and dispensing micronutrient supplements. The findings revealed people in the study area have positive perception on CHWs services due to strong linkage between CHWs and Health facilities, CHWs and patients,also relationship between CHWs and the community. It recommends collaborative action from health practitioners, donors to strengthen primary health services through provision of support to CHWs at ground level in terms of transport, financial incentives and community mobilization through village leaders. Keywords: Performance of CHWs, health services, attitudes of people, village leaders

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