Assessment of Some Indices of Primary Health Care in Masaki Village, Tanzania

A.O Ogah,A.V Iwueke,O.G.A Ogah,E.Z Malimu,A.E Egbe,E.S Kegoye,M.M Mutange

doi:10.19026/ajms.6.5135

Abstract

Background: Primary Health Care (PHC) is a critical element in health and socioeconomic development of communities especially in rural Africa. There is paucity of information on the assessment of many indices of PHC in Tanzanian villages. This study was therefore designed with the purpose of evaluating some critical primary PHC indices of Masaki Village in Tanzania. Methodology: One hundred owners of homesteads living within Masaki village were recruited for the study based on informed consent. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, quality of housing, water supply, personal hygiene, diseases’ vectors, general health status and environmental sanitation were gotten through self-administered semi-structured questionnaires. Data collected was analyzed using standard statistical methods. Results: The results showed that standard of living (quality of housing is low 23%) and education level of adults in Masaki is low (no education 47%). Water supply is a major problem (only 13% accessed safe water), diseases’ vectors are very common (95%). There is high prevalence of malaria (73%), acute respiratory tract infections (19%), typhoid (10%) and diarrhea (6%). Environmental sanitation is poor (56% inadequate refuse disposal and 35% deep latrine). Conclusion: PHC indicators; standard of living, water supply, education, sanitation and diseases’ vectors need to be addressed appropriately. Community based health education activities and other programmes geared towards enhancing PHC should be developed and implemented.

Highlights

Primary Health Care (PHC) is a critical element in health and socioeconomic development of every society, especially the impoverished rural communities of Africa
PHC concept was formulation by the World Health Organization in 1978. It was introduced in Africa as it became clear that the health services in African countries could not succeed based on the model of developed western nations (Diesfeld, 1996)
The PHC strategies led to the reorganization of health systems in the developing countries of Africa

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Primary Health Care (PHC) is a critical element in health and socioeconomic development of every society, especially the impoverished rural communities of Africa. The social determinants of health and health inequality in impoverished populations especially in developing countries stem from the conditions of people's lives, including living conditions, work environment, age and other social factors (WHO, 2008) These include socioeconomic factors such as material deprivation (of food, shelter, sanitation and safe drinking water), social exclusion, lack of education, unemployment and low income (Loppie and Wien, 2009). They include parental education status, quality of housing, prevalence of common diseases and diseases vectors, sanitation (hand washing habits, drinking water utensils, latrine conditions and solid waste management), access to clean water and animal houses

METHODOLOGY

OF RESULTS

Findings

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS