Assessment of Management Approach and the Effectiveness of Primary Health Care Systems in FCT Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Failure of Primary Health Care Systems in meeting previously set Millennium development goals and other health targets in Nigeria has necessitated a critical look at its Primary Health Care systems to decipher challenges and requirements necessary for its effectiveness in achieving Immunization Coverage. The purpose of this study was to analyse management approaches within the context of the primary health care system in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria for effectiveness in achieving immunization coverage. A descriptive survey approach was used and entailed the collection of data from 184 Primary Health Care Management Board members in the Federal Capital Territory, using a researcher- developed instrument titled a “Primary Health Care Manager Instrument (PHCMI). Data obtained from the questionnaire was analysed using IBM SPSS version 21. T-test and Regression analysis were used to answer the research questions and test the hypotheses respectively. The findings revealed that classical and neoclassical approaches were employed in promoting the effectiveness of Primary Health Care systems for achieving Immunization Coverage in the Federal Capital Territory, though strategies meant to promote immunization Coverage in Primary Health care systems were not well implemented. The test of hypothesis revealed that both Classical and Neoclassical Management Approaches have positive and significant effect on DTP3 Coverage in FCT at the conventional level. In reference to the findings and conclusion from the study, non-adaptation, low adaption, low engagement and poor implementation are factors that have mitigated the effectiveness of primary health care systems in the FCT. The management of the Federal Capital Territory Primary Health Care systems should be reoriented and incentivised to focus on core value delivery