Healthcare Service Needs of Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Orphanages and Barriers Caregivers face in meeting their Healthcare Service Needs: A Mixed Method Research

Abstract

ABSTRACT Poor health and well-being among orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in orphanages has been documented in literature, and evidence has shown an association between access to healthcare and well-being among this population. This study assessed the healthcare service needs of OVC and explored the barriers their caregivers face in meeting their healthcare service needs using a mixed method research approach. The study utilized a multi-stage sampling technique in selecting 384 OVC and 14 caregivers that participated in the study. Data were collected using pre-tested questionnaire and interview guide. The quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 23, while the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic and content analysis. The result of the study shows that regular health assessment while in the orphanage tops the list of health services needed by OVC; this was followed by health assessment before or during admission into orphanages and facility visits for management of common illness by health professionals while health education for the children and caregivers ranked third. Mental healthcare was the least need reported by the children. From the caregivers’ perspectives, financial, structural and psychological barriers emerged as major themes for barriers faced in meeting the healthcare service needs of OVC. The study concluded that OVC are mainly in need of regular health assessment and treatment of common ailments during facility visits by health professionals. The study further shows that caregivers face significant barriers in meeting the healthcare service needs of OVC.