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Assessment of the quality of postnatal care services: A case study of Mbeya District Council
(Mzumbe University, 2015) Lotto, Theopista, David
Background: Postnatal care services consists of care given to the mother and her new- born for the first six weeks following birth, which enable health care providers identify post delivery problems and provide treatments promptly. This evaluation was conducted to assess the quality of postnatal care services following the unpublished report from Health Management Information System of the District which showed an increase in the number of maternal and infant death within six weeks post delivery.
Methods: The evaluation used descriptive cross sectional study design in which quantitative approach was employed to collect and analyze evaluation data. The study was also guided by Donabedian conceptual framework based on structural and process components. A total of 355 clients attending postnatal care services in five selected facilities participated in an exit interview. Observational checklist adopted from the WHO implementation guideline was used for assessing resource availability. Data was analyzed using STATA version 13.0.
Results: The findings established that health facilities that were involved in the study had basic resources to render quality postnatal care, however, there were some deficiencies in both structure and process components for provision of Post Natal Care (PNC) services. None of the five facilities had separate PNC room equipped with facilities for provision of quality services.
Discussion and policy implications: The evaluated health facilities scored below 90%, based on agreed standard as set by World Health Organization which implies PNC services offered was sub-standard. Mbalizi Hospital and Inyala Health Centre had the average score of 77%, Santilya dispensary scored the third (75%) followed by Ilembo Health Centre 70% and the last was Igoma dispensary which scored 68% which is equal to partial quality. There is a need for the management of Mbeya District Council to plan for improvement of health facility infrastructures by constructing separate rooms for PNC to be able to provide quality health services and reduce neonatal and maternal death and ensure privacy to patients and clients.
Process evaluation on the implementation of mwanzo bora nutrition program on the reduction of childhood stunting: A case of Kilolo District in Tanzania
(Mzumbe University, 2018) Chisanga, Helen, J
Nutritional status of children is an important ending measure of their health status. Thus, child care and feeding practices has been recommended as a major solution to improve under-five survivals and promote healthy growth and development. This evaluation aimed to assess the implementation process of Mwanzo Bora Nutrition Program (MBNP) in reduction of childhood stunting at Kilolo district council in Iringa, Tanzania.
The evaluation employed formative approach guided by a cross-sectional design. The evaluation enrolled a total sample size of 161 respondents. The sample included mothers of children/caregivers between 0-23 months enrolled in MBNP, community health workers and CHMT officials who were purposely and randomly selected.
Data were obtained by using questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS software version 20 whilst simultaneously qualitative data were analyzed manually. Data were collected by using structured questionnaire, focus group discussion and in depth interview. Descriptive statistics were carried out, Chi – test was done to determine relationship between variables by using IBM SPSS version 20.
The results revealed that 98% of mothers had knowledge about infant and young child feeding. There was no significance difference between knowledge of infant and young child feeding and practices especially on complementary food practice and breast feeding. However, significance difference was reported on the initiation of breastfeeding at (p≤0.05). Likewise, there was significance difference (p≤0.05) between knowledge of Mwanzo Bora Nutrition Program and its practices. Finally majority of the respondents (80%) had reported to have hand-washing equipment's; and among them 51% reported to have started using the equipment's after implementation of the program. The study concludes that use of hand-washing facilities improve hygienic condition and ultimately results on the reduction of childhood illness. Challenges associated with insufficient funds, shortage of human resources and poor community participation to some extent limited the implementation process
Evaluation of sanitation facilities in relation to communicable diseases in government primary schools in Mkinga District Council
(Mzumbe University, 2018) Mosha, Irene V
Background: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene related diseases remain one of the most significant child health problems worldwide. Infections such as cholera, malaria, trachoma, bilharzias and diarrhoea are on increase in our communities. The most affected ones are children. These diseases not only affect children‟s physical development but also school attendance and academic performance. The challenges of School Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (SWASH) are more pronounced in developing countries unlike the developed world. This study evaluated the Sanitation facilities in government Primary Schools in Mkinga district council.
Methodology: The study used cross sectional study design, drawing a sample of 285 respondents. Purposive sampling was used to select Key informants. Simple random sampling was used to select Ward Development Committee (WDC), Village Government members, members of school committee, and teachers and snowball sampling was used to select Pupils, Parents/community and Private sector, Local artisans and construction companies. Primary data were collected through questionnaire and direct observation. Content analysis method was used to analyse the data from in-depth interviews. Questionnaire data were analysed using SPSS computer software where descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were deployed.
Results: A total number of 30% of Mkinga public primary school have sanitation facilities. Pupils whom practice hygiene are 30% but not all pupils are provided with protective gears. Community members agreed that the hygienity of water sources was poor are 36%.
Conclusion: The sanitation facilities are insufficient in government primary schools. Pupils practice hygiene but not all pupils are provided with protective gears. The hygiene practice among community members is very poor due to the farming activities, which are conducted near the sources of water. Recommendations: The Government should ensure that, the district level guidance and support for compliance reflects the National regulatory framework. Use appropriate guidelines where standards do not exist.
An Investigation into perceived barriers to the use of Internet resources in lesson preparation in selected universities in Tanzania
(The African Journal of Finance and Management, 2012) Mosha, Goodluck E; Kapaya, Chausiku M. O.
This study is about the perceived barriers to using internet resources in lesson preparation from four public universities in Tanzania, namely: University of Dar-es-Salaam, Sokoine, Mzumbe and Ardhi Universities. The study used a sample of 100 respondents randomly selected from the four public universities. A combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches was used in studying a phenomenon. Data were collected using documentary review, interview guides, observation and questionnaires. Quantitative data from the questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data from interview guides and observation were analysed descriptively using a content analysis procedure. It was found that the most common barriers to internet resources in lesson preparations are related to poor internet connectivity, poor bandwidth, inadequate ICT facilities, outdated computer hardware and software, meagre budget allocations, inadequate library user education and bad experience in using internet resources. It is therefore recommended that the management of the four surveyed universities address the said barriers so as to improve the usage of e-resources in lesson preparations. This may be done by providing and improving ICT facilities, allocating adequate budget for e-resources, and conducting staff and user training.
Assessing the influence of health facility factors on utilisation of early infant diagnosis for HIV infection in Kilolo District Council
(Mzumbe University, 2016) Wilfred William Rwechungura
This study, which involved a sample of 200 respondents, was conducted in Kilolo District Council in Tanzania to assess the influence of health facility factors on utilizations of Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV infection (EID) services. The study problem was that there are HIV exposed infants who are enrolled in the EID programmed but they don’t access the intended services and hence the need for conducting the study. The specific objectives were (i) to evaluate availability of EID materials and its influence on utilizations of EID services in Kilolo health facilities; (ii) to assess availability of sample and results transportation system and its influence on utilizations of EID services in Kilolo health facilities; (iii) to assess the competence of healthcare workers and its influence on utilization of EID services at Kilolo health facilities; and (iv) to assess the satisfaction of mothers / guardians of HIV exposed infants on EID services provided in Kilolo health facilities. The study findings revealed that utilizations of EID service was indeed low (at 38%) as data suggested. Among contributing factors was inadequate EID materials at health facilities. Forty eight percent (48%) of the health worker respondents strongly disagree that there are adequate DBS materials at health facilities. On the same issue, when health workers were asked on whether they experienced stock outs of EID materials, fifty seven percent (57%) answered in the affirmative. The other finding was that health facility cares workers do not have sufficient skills for providing EID services. Forty three percent (43%) of the healthcare worker respondents reported that the sample and results transportation system is not reliable. The results showed that availability of EID materials and sample and results transportation system positively influence utilization of EID services at the health facilities whereas competence of healthcare workers influences negatively the utilization of EID services. This study recommends that the healthcare workers be trained in providing EID services and that arrangements be done for ensuring availability of EID materials, sample and results transportation system and availability of competent healthcare workers.