Community Ministry Research Articles

The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health Outcomes among Recipients of Ontario Social Assistance Benefits

Objectives/ApproachWe linked the Ontario Social Assistance (OSA) Benefit Unit file from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to provincial health administrative datasets housed at ICES to examine the impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) service use among OSA recipients. Those receiving OSA benefits for February 2020 were matched to Ontario residents not receiving benefits based on age (±1 year), sex, income, expected resource utilization, and area of residence (N=771,891 matched pairs). We computed rates of MHA-related emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations in the 16-month period before (November 2018-February 2020) and after (March 2020-June 2021) pandemic onset. ResultsMHA-related ED visit rates were much greater among OSA recipients (8.82 per 1,000 person-months) compared with matched controls (1.83 per 1,000 person-months) in the post-COVID period (Relative Rate [RR]=4.82; 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI] 4.75-4.89). Comparatively, MHA-related ED visit rates were also greater among OSA recipients (9.85 per 1,000 person-months) compared with controls (2.38 per 1,000 person-months) during the pre-COVID period (RR=4.13; 95%CI 4.08-4.18). The pre-COVID and post-COVID period RRs comparing OSA recipients and matched controls were significantly different (p<0.001). Results were consistent when examining MHA-related hospitalizations. Conclusions/ImplicationsWhile MHA-related ED visits and hospitalizations rates were significantly higher in OSA recipients than matched controls in both time periods, this difference increased following the onset of COVID-19. Increased reliance on hospital-based MHA services post-COVID represents the greater ongoing need for, and/or reduced access to, MHA-related ambulatory care for OSA recipients during the pandemic.

The Inclusion of Women with Disabilities in Internal Savings and Lending Schemes (ISALS) by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, and Small and Medium Enterprises Development in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe

Women with disabilities remain among the common social groups in communities that face sidelining and exclusion from development interventions, often referred to as the ‘unseen’ and ‘left behind’ group. Most research focuses on development initiatives for all women generally whilst following on interventions by the civil society to the relative exclusion of disabled women. Hence, this study was influenced by the need to examine the services of the government through the Ministry of Women Affairs in ensuring inclusion of women with disabilities in development initiatives in particular Internal Savings and Lending Schemes (ISALs) that are being carried out in Harare. The study was informed by the intersectionality approach and used a qualitative research approach in which a case study design was employed. The study involved fourteen participants who included women with disabilities, Community Development Officers/Coordinators (CDOs/ CDCs), Provincial Development Officer (PDO) and other professionals from disability rights agencies. Qualitative data was gathered through interviews, and findings were analyzed using thematic analysis. The major services that were found included mobilizing and training women in communities and monitoring ISAL activities. It was revealed that inclusion of women with disabilities in ISALS is still low and in gradual progression. The study also showed major challenges that the ministry faces in their efforts to include women with disabilities in ISALs, which include shortage of resources to fund reasonable accommodation and inclusive ISALS, lack of support from the families and communities of women with disabilities, stigmatization, and discrimination. The researchers went on to make recommendations towards the implementation of ISALS to promote full inclusion of women with disabilities.

Evaluating the Challenges Facing Small-Scale Sugarcane Farmers (Sugarcane Outgrowers) In Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Chiredzi District in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

The study was based on the evaluation of the challenges facing small-scale sugarcane farmers (sugarcane outgrowers) in Zimbabwe and focusing on Chiredzi District. Consequently, the research used phenomenological philosophy to study this phenomenon and the sample was made of 50 persons comprising of 20 sugarcane outgrowers, 5 Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development officials, 5 Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises, 5 Agritex, 5 Village heads and 10 spouses. Accordingly, the findings from the study show that small-scale sugarcane farmers in Chiredzi District are facing a myriad of challenges and that the government should intervene in order to save the industry. Likewise, microfinance institutions should help sugarcane outgrowers with the much-needed funds for their day-to-day operations. Thus, it was suggested that Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development officials and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises should help sugarcane outgrowers with establishing a workable relationship with Tongaat as the current one is unhinged in favour of Tongaat Hullets. Similarly, sugarcane outgrowers are playing a vital role in developing Zimbabwe economically. Therefore, should be equipped with the much need entrepreneurship prerequisite skills sets though up-to-date trainings in order to equip sugarcane outgrowers with extant and suave entrepreneurial skills in order for them to increase production and meet the expectations of their miller through capacity building.

COVID-19 induced DV in Zimbabwe’s Southlea Park residential area in Harare

COVID-19 affected various communities across the globe in different ways. The study assessed the impacts of the COVID-19 lockdown on domestic violence in the Southlea-Park residential area in Harare. A mixed-methods research design was adopted as it allowed use of both qualitative and quantitative data collection approaches. Questionnaires, interviews, and observations were employed for data collection. The research showed that DV in the Southlea Park residential area emanated from drug abuse, juvenile delinquency, conflicts over decision-making between parents, prostitution, and food insufficiency, among others. The study indicated that most dominant forms of DV in Southlea Park during the COVID-19 lockdown period included physical, emotional, and verbal violence. The findings from this study indicated that males suffered more from verbal and psychological violence, while females suffered more from physical, economic, sexual, and emotional violence. The research concludes that COVID-19 had massive influence on domestic violence; however, the Zimbabwe Republic Police should ensure deployment of police officers in temporary camps within or close to residential areas that are far from police stations to ensure public safety during situations that trigger domestic and other forms of violence in residential areas, and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development in Zimbabwe should ensure availability of agents responsible for ensuring against vulnerability of people to gender, domestic, and other forms of violence in all communities of the country, especially during situations that trigger violence.

Establishment of a Zimbabwe National SME sector: a major priority to enhance the performance of the national economy

A sound administration strategy is an effective tool to improve the performance SMEs. The establishment of a national SME sector will assist in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programmes that aim to improve the performance of SMEs. The administration of the SMEs by the Ministry of Women affairs, Community and Small and Medium Enterprises Development has failed to improve the performance of SMEs. This study established that the administration of SMEs by the ministry lacks value addition and value creation, technological innovation and research and development and it is disjointed from the implementers, hence the need to establish a new Zimbabwe National SME sector which can improve the performance of SMEs. The mixed method research was used in the study following the sequential exploratory strategy which employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The study followed the dominant sequential mixed strategy which collected data in two phases. The findings of the study will assist the government to establish a new SME sector that will address the plight of the SMEs. From the study, the researcher deduces that the ministry responsible for SMEs is overwhelmed with responsibilities and is not reaching out to the SMEs. The researcher proposed the structure of a new Zimbabwe National SME sector that focusses on the improvement of SME performance.

GEOSPATIAL ASPECTS OF FINANCIAL CAPACITY OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES OF TERNOPIL REGION

GEOSPATIAL ASPECTS OF FINANCIAL CAPACITY OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES OF TERNOPIL REGION

MEASUREMENT OF ACCEPTANCE OF ONLINE ATTENDANCE SYSTEM WITH TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL APPROACH: CASE IN DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY, MINISTRY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC INDONESIA

The purpose of this study is to analyze the attitude of user acceptance of online attendance at DirectorateGeneral of Christian Community Ministry of Religious Affairs Republic of Republic of Indonesia (RI) withTechnology Acceptance Model (TAM) approach. TAM is a method for analyzing acceptance of informationsystems. The population of this study are employees who use the online presence system in their daily present.The sampling technique used is simple random sampling. Total sample used is 60 samples. The data wasprocessed using SmartPLS version 3.0 with the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis method. Theresults of the analysis of this study found that Perceived Ease of Use (PEU) had a significant effect on perceivedusefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEU) had a significant influence on Attitudes Toward Using (ATU)and Perceived Usefulness (PU) had significant effect on Attitude Toward Using (ATU). The implication of thisresearch is that it is necessary to develop a more informative attendance system and add other features in orderto improve employee performance at Ministry of Religious Affairs RI.

MEASUREMENT OF ACCEPTANCE OF ONLINE ATTENDANCE SYSTEM WITH TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL APPROACH: CASE IN DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY, MINISTRY OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC INDONESIA

The purpose of this study is to analyze the attitude of user acceptance of online attendance at DirectorateGeneral of Christian Community Ministry of Religious Affairs Republic of Republic of Indonesia (RI) withTechnology Acceptance Model (TAM) approach. TAM is a method for analyzing acceptance of informationsystems. The population of this study are employees who use the online presence system in their daily present.The sampling technique used is simple random sampling. Total sample used is 60 samples. The data wasprocessed using SmartPLS version 3.0 with the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis method. Theresults of the analysis of this study found that Perceived Ease of Use (PEU) had a significant effect on perceivedusefulness (PU), Perceived Ease of Use (PEU) had a significant influence on Attitudes Toward Using (ATU)and Perceived Usefulness (PU) had significant effect on Attitude Toward Using (ATU). The implication of thisresearch is that it is necessary to develop a more informative attendance system and add other features in orderto improve employee performance at Ministry of Religious Affairs RI.

A Congregational Social Worker’s Role in Benevolence Ministry: A Case Study of Five Models

Benevolence is often a way for the church to engage with the local community, however, churches often struggle with how to do so most effectively. This paper provides a description of five church models from Baptist congregations in Central Texas. This paper will summarize each church’s approach and synthesize the approaches to form recommendations for congregational social work, including roles of the social worker in the congregation and suggestions for how churches might work with social workers to enhance and better articulate policies and practices around benevolence ministries. A highlight of the literature surrounding congregational community ministries will also be included. This article aims to advance the role of social workers in congregations and giving tangible tools for both social work and congregational engagement with benevolence funds.

COVID-19 testing, infection rates, and related outcomes in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD): An application of linked administrative health data to support Ontario’s COVID-19 response.

ObjectivesPeople with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, a population more likely to experience poor health outcomes. An Applied Health Research Question (AHRQ) request through ICES led to an investigation that monitored COVID-19 related infections and outcomes in adults with and without IDD.
 ApproachThe ICES-AHRQ team approved a request from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), to determine the proportion of adults with IDD tested and confirmed positive for COVID-19. The scientists also explored if positive IDD cases experienced similar health outcomes to the general population. The open cohort was derived by linking those with a COVID-19 test in Ontario Laboratories Information System, from January 2020 to December 2021, to supplemented positive case data and administrative health databases. An algorithm was used to define IDD by a series of inpatient hospitalizations, emergency department and/or physician visits, with IDD diagnostic codes.
 ResultsSimilar rates of testing and positivity were observed for those with (46%; 6%) and without IDD (43%; 5%). However, adults with IDD confirmed positive for COVID-19 were mostly male (62% vs 49%), aged 18-29 (40% vs 27%), had medical conditions associated with frailty (15% vs 4%), and from the lowest neighborhood income quintile (27% vs 23%), compared to the non-IDD population, respectively. Cumulatively, deaths and hospitalizations following a COVID-19 diagnosis were two-times more likely in the IDD population, while comparable rates of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions were reported. Particularly, adults with IDD aged 18-54 experienced higher rates of hospitalizations (48% vs 30%), ICU admissions (56% vs 36%), and deaths (26% vs 6%), compared to the same age group in those without IDD.
 Conclusion/ImplicationsReal-time administrative health data and analytics were used to support Ontario’s COVID-19 response in those with IDD. To inform decision making and policy actions related to immediate testing strategies, MCCSS used such findings to increase the availability of testing for adults with IDD, who may face multiple barriers.

COVID-19 vaccination rates and related outcomes in adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD): An application of linked administrative health data to support Ontario’s COVID-19 response .

ObjectivesEquitable vaccine distribution was essential in supporting Ontario’s COVID-19 response, particularly for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. An Applied Health Research Question (AHRQ) request through ICES, sought to report on COVID-19 vaccination uptake in adults with and without IDD.
 ApproachTo examine the proportion of adults with IDD vaccinated for COVID-19, a request from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) was approved by the ICES-AHRQ team. A secondary goal was to explore if vaccinated individuals with IDD experienced similar levels of protection from COVID-19 infection, to the general population. The open cohort was derived by linking vaccination events reported in Ontario COVID-19 Vaccine Data, between December 2020 to December 2021, to several administrative health databases. An algorithm was used to define IDD by a series of inpatient hospitalizations, emergency department and/or physician visits, with IDD diagnostic codes.
 ResultsThe proportion who received at least two doses was similar between both groups (82% (IDD); 83% (non-IDD)). However, despite emerging evidence suggesting that high-risk populations should receive a third dose, a lower proportion of people with IDD (25%), compared to the general population without IDD (30%), had done so. The IDD subpopulation is generally younger, and partially explained the third dose findings when examined by age. Withal, adults with IDD vaccinated with at least two doses were mostly male (62% vs 48%), 18-29 years of age (44% vs 17%), and from the lowest neighborhood income quintile (26% vs 18%), compared to the non-IDD population, respectively. Cumulatively, adults with IDD had comparable rates of confirmed breakthrough case infections following vaccination (17%), to those without IDD (19%).
 Conclusion/ImplicationsAdministrative health data and analytics through the ICES-AHRQ program were used in responding to COVID-19, and providing public health guidance, for those with IDD. To inform decision making and policy actions related to immediate vaccination strategies, MCCSS used such findings to target vaccination efforts in specific IDD subpopulations, across Ontario.

SOCIAL SELF-REALIZATION OF LEGAL CULTURE YOUTH

The article reveals the possibilities of social self-realization of the legal culture of modern Ukrainian youth in the context of the realization of their rights and responsibilities, identifying its role and importance in the current public consciousness. The results of the online surveys "Environmental rights of children and youth" and "Assessment of the level of legal culture of Ukrainian youth" are highlighted, a meaningful continuum of legal self-awareness is determined, which covers the general civilizational and personal significance of the rights of every young person. Attitudes towards the environmental rights of children and youth were differentiated in the age groups 10-13; 14 - 19; 20 - 24; 25 - 29; 30 - 34; 35 - 40; 41 - 50; 51 years and older. 1014 respondents took part in the survey from December 7, 2020 to May 17, 2021. The content of the survey already in the process of its implementation drew the attention of respondents to the perception of an important factor in the rights of young people in the future decades of the XXI century. The substantial expansion of indicators of legal culture was carried out in the developed questionnaire "Assessment of the level of legal culture of Ukrainian youth", intended for use in different age groups 10 - 13; 14 - 19; 20 - 24; 25 - 29; 30 - 34; 35 - 40; 41 - 50; 51 years and older. The poll conducted by him represents the attitude of the majority of Ukrainian citizens to their own rights and responsibilities. 190 respondents were interviewed from December 7, 2020 to May 17, 2021. The study revealed previously unknown relations of public attitudes, and generalized results were used in the practical work of the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development, the Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, the Representative of the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Human Rights. , deoccupation and reintegration of the temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk, Luhansk oblasts and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol of national minorities and interethnic relations. The updated terminological apparatus and indicators of the legal culture of modern Ukrainian youth are revealed.

Describing the linkage between administrative social assistance and health care databases in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundThe linkage of records across administrative databases has become a powerful tool to increase information available to undertake research and analytics in a privacy protective manner. ObjectiveThe objective of this paper was to describe the data integration strategy used to link the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)-Social Assistance (SA) database with administrative health care data. MethodsDeterministic and probabilistic linkage methods were used to link the MCCSS-SA database (2003-2016) to the Registered Persons Database, a population registry containing data on all individuals issued a health card number in Ontario, Canada. Linkage rates were estimated, and the degree of record linkage and representativeness of the dataset were evaluated by comparing socio-demographic characteristics of linked and unlinked records. ResultsThere were a total of 2,736,353 unique member IDs in the MCCSS-SA database from the 1st January 2003 to 31st December 2016; 331,238 (12.1%) were unlinked (linkage rate = 87.9%). Despite 16 passes, most record linkages were obtained after 2 deterministic (76.2%) and 14 probabilistic passes (11.7%). Linked and unlinked samples were similar for most socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., sex, age, rural dwelling), except migrant status (non-migrant versus migrant) (standardized difference of 0.52). Linked and unlinked records were also different for SA program-specific characteristics, such as social assistance program, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program (standardized difference of 0.20 for each), data entry system, Service Delivery Model Technology only and both Service Delivery Model Technology and Social Assistance Management System (standardized difference of 0.53 and 0.52, respectively), and months on social assistance (standardized difference of 0.43). ConclusionsAdditional techniques to account for sub-optimal linkage rates may be required to address potential biases resulting from this data linkage. Nonetheless, the linkage between administrative social assistance and health care data will provide important findings on the social determinants of health.

The use of the Twitter network in raising awareness of the emerging corona virus (Covid-19) through analyzing the tweets of the UAE Ministry of Health and Community

This study aimed to determine the use of the Twitter network in raising awareness of the emerging corona virus (Covid-19) through analyzing the tweets of the UAE Ministry of Health and Community Protection that were published from 7/1/2020 - 31/7/2020, to reveal the communication role of health institutions in raising awareness of the disease. This study is a descriptive study that uses the analytical approach. It relied on the sample survey method using the content analysis tool. The tweet was considered as a unit of analysis using both social responsibility theory and information seeking. The number of tweets reached 513 tweets. The findings have shown that the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE allocated 62% of its tweets in July to raise awareness of the emerging Corona virus and the majority of these tweets were supported by images and info graphics. Additionally, the tweets focused on all segments of the society. The interest of those in charge of the site appeared through answering all inquiries, The study recommends conducting specialized research in the field of communication networks and their role in health awareness.

Describing the linkage between administrative social assistance and health care databases in Ontario, Canada.

BackgroundThe linkage of records across administrative databases has become a powerful tool to increase information available to undertake research and analytics in a privacy protective manner.ObjectiveThe objective of this paper was to describe the data integration strategy used to link the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)-Social Assistance (SA) database with administrative health care data.MethodsDeterministic and probabilistic linkage methods were used to link the MCCSS-SA database (2003-2016) to the Registered Persons Database, a population registry containing data on all individuals issued a health card number in Ontario, Canada. Linkage rates were estimated, and the degree of record linkage and representativeness of the dataset were evaluated by comparing socio-demographic characteristics of linked and unlinked records.ResultsThere were a total of 2,736,353 unique member IDs in the MCCSS-SA database from the 1st January 2003 to 31st December 2016; 331,238 (12.1%) were unlinked (linkage rate = 87.9%). Despite 16 passes, most record linkages were obtained after 2 deterministic (76.2%) and 14 probabilistic passes (11.7%). Linked and unlinked samples were similar for most socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., sex, age, rural dwelling), except migrant status (non-migrant versus migrant) (standardized difference of 0.52). Linked and unlinked records were also different for SA program-specific characteristics, such as social assistance program, Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program (standardized difference of 0.20 for each), data entry system, Service Delivery Model Technology only and both Service Delivery Model Technology and Social Assistance Management System (standardized difference of 0.53 and 0.52, respectively), and months on social assistance (standardized difference of 0.43).ConclusionsAdditional techniques to account for sub-optimal linkage rates may be required to address potential biases resulting from this data linkage. Nonetheless, the linkage between administrative social assistance and health care data will provide important findings on the social determinants of health.

ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ РЕГІОНАЛЬНОГО РОЗВИТКУ. НАПРЯМИ І СПОСОБИ СТИМУЛЮВАННЯ РОЗВИТКУ РЕГІОНІВ У ВОЄННИЙ ТА ПОВОЄННИЙ ПЕРІОДИ

The article is devoted to the study of certain issues of material and financial support of regional development in Ukraine. The directions and methods of stimulating the development of the regions of Ukraine in the war and post-war periods have been studied. Based on the current legislation, as well as on the scientific works of leading Ukrainian scientists, the directions of state regional policy are highlighted. Based on the set purpose, emphasis is placed on the key principles of such a policy, on those goals and tasks that must be set and fulfilled as a matter of priority. It has been proven that the main role in this is given to the financial and material independence of the united territorial communities and regions of Ukraine. Ways of improving the current normative and legal framework of Ukraine in the context of state regional policy, budget legislation, issues of preparation, assessment and selection of investment programs and regional development projects that can be implemented at the expense of the state regional development fund have been studied. It was emphasized that this is extremely important, especially given the fact that bringing the Ukrainian legal base to a proper state is the key to stable regional development. Emphasis is placed on the need to overcome conflicts between the provisions of the Model provisions on the regional commission for evaluation and preliminary competitive selection of investment programs and regional development projects, which can be implemented at the expense of the state fund for regional development, and the Order of the Ministry of community and territorial development of Ukraine «Issues of preparation, evaluation and the selection of investment programs and regional development projects that can be implemented at the expense of the funds of the state regional development fund». Based on the results of the research, conclusions were drawn. The provisions outlined in the work can be used by Ukrainian scientists in further scientific developments.

At home: Field education during lockdown

Field education during the 2020 Aotearoa New Zealand Covid-19 lockdown was a new experience for social work educators and students alike. This case study captures the experience of one social work student during this time while on placement at the Salvation Army. Included in the account are the perspectives of the Community Ministries Manager, the placement supervisor and the placement field coordinator. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, the student undertook the placement while at home. A pandemic can offer students opportunities to learn about managing difficult situations. Reflection on the experience provided insight into what helped and what could have been done differently. Regular debriefing, supervision and a post- crisis debrief were all important elements that aided the learning and supported the wellbeing of the student.

Listening to the land: eco-rooted activism at the Charis community in Charlottesville, Virginia

The Charis Community is an intentional community on Episcopal Church property founded in 2014 in Charlottesville, Virginia. What began as a modest agrarian ministry on six acres of land grew into a powerful ministry of antiracist and antifascist community organizing through the white supremacist Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville in 2017. Through telling the story of Charis, I argue that our land-based ministry necessarily drew us into fighting many forms of systemic oppression. As we grew closer to the land and grew in our understanding of our stewardship of the land, the stories the land held—stories of oppression and resilience—shaped our vocation of fighting for justice.

The Missio Dei Embodied in Local Community Ministry in Scotland

This paper examines missio Dei in a local community context, interpreting the Blue Horizon Youth Charity, Aberdeen, Scotland, in light of a missiology of listening, diagnosing, and discerning. John 5:9 is read in conversation with Terese Okure to clarify an abiding in mission. Luke 10:1–11 is read in conversation with Alan Roxburgh to develop a contextual particularity in the naming of God’s activity in the world. A local missional ecclesiology is developed with the missio Dei understood as practices of neighborhood listening, diagnosing local narratives, and discerning God and the gospel. The result is a theology of local community ministry as action-reflection on what the Father is doing by paying attention to vulnerable voices, particularly of youth in the community and so partnering with non-church actors in ways inclusive and gospel affirming. Missiology is returned to the local church as the missio Dei is embodied in the practices of local community mission.

Health care professional knowledge and attitude towards the use of digital technologies in provision of maternal health services at Tumbi regional referral hospital in Tanzania

Objectives: In recent years Tanzania introduced digital technologies in health industry where several initiatives such as Government of Tanzania, Hospital Management Information System (GoT-HoMIS) along other digital devices are taken to ensure quality services delivery. The purpose of this study was to assess Health Care Providers (HCPs) knowledge and attitude towards the use of Digital Health Technology (DHT) in provision of maternal health services at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital (TRRH).
 Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional design involving 50 purposively selected HCPs from obstetrics and gynecology department was used. A self-administered questionnaire and direct field observation was used to collect data from respondents. Data were analyzed using SPSS V.20 and presented by using tables, percentages and frequencies.
 Results: We found that, DHT are highly used by HCPs 49(98%). Also, DHT devices are available and functioning properly thus used in providing maternal health services by enhancing effective patient management. 43(86%) of HCPs were aware on DHT practice and about 46(92%) understood the use of DHT in provision of maternal health services despite of varying knowledge level. On the side of attitude, we found that, 43(86%) of the HCP had a positive attitude on the use of DHT.
 Conclusion: Knowledge, attitudes and rate of use of DHT by HCP was found to be good, despite notable challenges such as dependent on the internet signals for their proper functioning. More initiatives should be undertaken by the Ministry of Health, Community and other stakeholders to promote DHT practices in the health facilities.