Dissertations (Masters)-HME-SOPAM

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    Evaluation of the implementation process of health system strengthening program towards improving emergency obstetric and newborn care services: A case of selected health facilities in Kisarawe District
    (Mzumbe University, 2018) Mwandiki, Martin Felician
    Background: In this 21st century with well advanced technology on medical treatment we still lose a number of women and childrenn during childbirth in Tanzania. Emergency obstetric care is one of the strategies for reducing death during childbirth. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation process of health system strengthening program towards improving emergency obstetric and newborn care services specifically, ability of the health facilities on providing EmONC services after health system strengthening. The goal of the project has been to improve EmONC services by ensuring availability of funds for training of health staff, procurement of medical equipment and supplies to the health facilities of Kisarawe district. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to 15 health facilities in the period of 2015-2017. The methods of data collection employed were mixed methods of data collection whereby the data was collected through face to face questionnaires to coordinators of the program, structured questionnaire administered to health staff, observation checklist and documentary review of the facilities` records. Descriptive analyses such as bar charts, histograms, line charts and percentages were employed. Results: The amount of support was not adequate since the program managed to support just four facilities out of 35. Merely 19%-20% of staff were trained for EmONC services, and almost all were from the district hospital. There was a shortage of medical equipment by 39.1-56.5% and medical supplies by 40-65% for EmONC services to all selected health facilities except the district hospital.The dispensaries and health centers could provide EmONC services at rate of 22.2-44.4% except the district hospital which had 100 percent. Conclusions: The implementation process of health system strengthening towards improving EmONC services at selected health facilities is not implemented successfully. Recommendations: There is a need of more funds, and the district should see to it that the program is implemented more effectively to realise set objectives and the Government of Tanzania should also increase its stewardship.
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    People's perception on mosquito net performance: A cross-sectional study in the north-western part of the Lake Zone in Tanzania
    (Mzumbe University, 2015) Lukole, Eliud Andrea
    The main aim of this study was to assess People’s Perception of Mosquito Net Performance in Muleba District in the North-Western Part of the Lake Zone of Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey and KAP survey were conducted a month apart. It was found that the sole reasons for not using bed nets in the study area were having not enough nets and bed nets being too old or poor condition. Half of the respondents continued to sleep under bed nets with poor conditions since they had no other alternatives. The attrition, survivorship and fabric integrity (LLIN with holes) rates were 36.85%, 57.76% and 60.15% respectively. Moreover, over 3 years more than 3 nets for every 10 nets distributed were lost because of wearing and tear, 5 nets survived out of 10 nets after 3 years and 4 nets sustained field condition for every net used. A proportionate hole index (pHI) was developed so that the integrity of net structure could be categorized. The pHI, IQR(Inter-quartile Range), median and standard deviation for HI were 3382.74, 2594.47, 3310.58 and 2551.50 respectively. There is wider dispersion of data on holes, and this is due to cluster geographical differences and differences in household composition between and within clusters. Based on study findings, mosquito nets are the main preventive measure against malaria used in Muleba. The population highly associates nets with malaria prevention. Nets with too many holes and more than three years old were perceived to be poorly performing in malaria prevention. Moreover,net attrition and survivorship and fabric integrity as elements of net durability showed significance difference between clusters because of geographical difference and the within cluster variation was due SES led by household composition. It is recommended that intensive and robust community-specific communication programmes should be devised by the government and/or other private institutions. Nets accessibility ought to be increased 3 years after free universal distribution through supply of subsidized nets in private shops so that families can at any time have access to them at lower costs. Pro- poor exemption policies can help the poorer group on equity bases.
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    Patients’ satisfaction under National Health Insurance Fund (MHIF):The case of Bugando Referral Hospital
    (Mzumbe University, 2015) Mtwe, Joseph Nyamhanga
    Patients’ satisfaction under National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF):The case of Bugando Referral Hospital Introduction: The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), scheme was initiated in 2003 by the government, with the aim of making health care services accessible to the formal sector employees. Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the patients’ level of satisfaction under NHIF and factors influencing their satisfaction. Methods: The study employed a cross sectional study design involving 82 NHIF outpatients. Qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed; the data collection methods used includes questionnaire administration, focus group discussions and documentary review. Results: It emerged from the study that, insured patients had good expectation towards health services as well as good attitude with health service at the OPD, except poor attitude was noted on patients’ comfort ability towards health service. 37 (52.9%) respondents expressed poor attitude. Also 38 (54.2%) respondents indicated dissatisfaction on accessibility of the health services, especially enough space and seats. Furthermore, up to 36(51.4 %) respondents were dissatisfied with too long consultation time; and 34 (48.6%) respondents were dissatisfied with the service area at OPD, being inconvenient for the provision of health care to the insured patients.. It however emerged from the study that respondents were moderately satisfied with the availability of health services at the OPD and were satisfied with the quality of health services at the OPD. Conclusion: The study recommends action to be taken by NHIF scheme together with the hospital administration on addressing patients’ concerns for the purpose of improving the provision of health services. They should also include patient satisfaction strategies in their strategic plan for monitoring and evaluation of patient satisfaction under NHIF
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    An assessment of family planning program data quality: A case of Tarime District
    (Mzumbe University, 2018) Sufian, Magetta S.
    BACKGROUND: Family planning encompasses the accessibility of services, policies, information, attitudes, practices and commodities, that gives women, men, couples, and adolescents the ability to avoid unintended pregnancy and choose whether and or when to have a child and the preferable number of children. It is a cross-sectoral intervention that can hasten progress across the sustainable development goals (Starbird, 2016). Inadequate information and poor data quality on family planning intervention program seems to affect contraceptives uptake records across different level of response. Investing on family planning program data quality assessment can bridge up the gap between the observed differences. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this evaluation study was to determine the tools used by health care providers in recording and reporting family planning data at facility levels, to assess how data collected at different levels with different organisation have similarities, and exploring how different organizations assess family planning data quality collected at different levels. METHODS: The study was conducted at Tarime district in the DMO’s office, 19 health facilities, RMO’s office and Program’s office. Qualitative research design was used in this study, purposive sampling methods applied, the researcher used both primary and secondary data through questionnaires and documentary review respectively, and lastly data analysed by excel and Atlas.ti software. RESULTS: Family planning data recording and data reporting tools was available in all public health facilities visited, however, there were data disparity between health facility and district level, as well as District and Regional office. Though data similarities were observed between District office and program office. Data quality assessment was not vii done in the health facilities for almost 90% but seems to be done at the District and in the Regional levels in collaboration with partners. CONCLUSSION: The findings concluding that Family planning program use MTUHA book no 8 which consist of three books namely registers, tally sheet and summary report books as a data recording and data reporting tools in the health facilities, despite that tools are available but still the quality of data remained doubtful due to data disparities observed in the documentary review across different level of response. Family planning data quality assessment is only performed at the District and in the Region level but rarely and improperly conducted at facility levels due to some observed challenges like inadequate knowledge for FP DQA, lack of skilled team, lack of standardized data quality assessment tools, mistrust of data collectors at different levels, data manipulation to fulfil donors requirements, parallel reporting and report overburden at the health facilities.
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    Assessment of factors influencing community health fund member’s satisfaction with treatment services offered through community health fund
    (Mzumbe University, 2015) Swai, Denis F.
    Background: In Tanzania, Community Health Fund (CHF) was initiated in 1996 with the aim of implementing a community Based Health Financing Scheme through volunteer membership contribution as additional income to improve access to quality health care service for marginalized rural community. The evaluation was conducted to assess factors that influencing Community Health Fund member‟s satisfaction with treatment services offered through Community Health Fund membership. Methods: A cross sectional study design was employed that involved 153 respondents for which allowed collection of data that provided a descriptive estimates of the population parameters. The study was guided by Donabedian conceptual framework where by questionnaires were designed to assess structures, process of service delivery and treatment outcome as attributes of satisfaction. A sample size of 153 respondents was calculated by statalcl 13 (64-bit) within the effect size of 0.7– 0.8 one sample (Alpha = CI=95%, α=0.05, two-sided). Two health facilities were involved in the exit interview where by respondents were selected and interviewed based on their inclusion criteria. Results: A bigger proportional of female 55(60%) and 40(60%) in Likombe and Mikindani compared to male 37(40%) and 21(34%). A big proportional of respondents revealed that structures of health facility include availability of adequate Health Care Providers (HCPs) and medicines influence their satisfaction (p=0.05). Most of respondents were happy with the quality of available medical supplies and it was statistically significant at satisfaction level (p=0.02). The process of service delivery indicate that CHF members spend more than one hour to receive treatment service in health facility from their first contact and there was significant association between time spent and satisfaction(p=0.02). However, significance association was found between happiness with treatment and overall satisfaction level with services (p=0.03) though members do not feel much difference from being a CHF member and other patients. Conclusions: All three attributes - Structure of the health facility, process and treatment outcomes significantly influence CHF members satisfaction of treatment services provided through CHF membership. However, the availability of medicines and qualified HCPs have great influence in the Satisfaction with structures, while there is a significant influence of time in satisfaction with process of services provision and treatment results have significant association with service provided.
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    Assessing factors influencing reporting of weekly diseases data from regions to Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Tanzania Mainland
    (Mzumbe University, 2015) Moshi, Frank Solomon
    Background: Reporting weekly diseases data from regions to Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is one of method which is used to submit weekly diseases information from regions to the Ministry according to number of weeks in a year from 1st to 52th week. This method is a paper based, that enables diseases information to be available at the national level on time to allow for quick and important public health action. This is an evaluation study designed to assess factors which tended to influence weekly diseases data from regions to Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, to determine technical challenges and determine measures to improving the reporting design. Methodology: The quantitative study design was conducted in Tanzania mainland which consist all regions. A primary data type was collected through structured closed questionnaire which was administered to a total of 25 respondents’ samples size that was 100% countrywide, since each region was represented by single reporter. Data was processed and analyzed by using Microsoft Excel 2010. Results: Findings showed that there was higher understanding of factors which influenced reporting. Findings indicate that 100% of the participants were Health officers, 68% were regional IDSR focal person who understood well the system of reporting weekly disease data. The evaluation also revealed technical challenges associated with reporting; whereas 88% of participants acknowledged to have incurred cost during reporting, 71% viewed that approving weekly diseases data contributed to untimely reporting. Finally, there were measures identified for improving reporting; these include feedback report, supportive supervision and availability of IDSR guidelines. Conclusions: The evaluation concludes that, the ineffectiveness of reporting weekly diseases data was due to several reasons which include weekly reporter having many responsibilities, approving and signing weekly diseases by RMO before submission, costs of reporting incurred by reporters and weak or no supportive supervision and feedback.. So the evaluation recommends that government through its ministry must take responsibilities of making sure that reporting forms are available. The Ministry and its development partners should take responsibilities to elevating the costs incurred by IDSR focal person.The study also recommends to the Ministry and RMHT to strategize on how to speed up reporting, and that weekly disease data should not be approved only by RMO but other RHMT members. Lastly, the study recommends that the Ministry set aside some fund and schedule a time table to enable them to conduct supportive supervision from National level to Regional levels.
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    Factors and challenges associated with loss of follow up visits among HIV/AIDS clients attending antiretroviral therapy in Ilala municipal council
    (Mzumbe University, 2015) Salema, Judith
    Background: The loss of follow up visits among HIV positive adults on antiretroviral therapy is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Tanzania. The loss of follow up visits brings a big challenge in Care and Treatment Centre (CTC) as many HIV clients are not attending clinics as scheduled. Broad Objective: To assess the factors and challenges associated with the loss of follow up visits among HIV positive adults attending CTC in Ilala Municipal Council. Methods: Cross sectional study design was conducted in Ilala Municipal Council involving HIV positive adults and health providers whereby data were extracted from CTC database and clients’ files. Data were obtained through structured questionnaires and were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed by using Stata version 13. Analysis for predictors was done using univariate and multivariate logistic regression where p value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: 240 people were recruited in the study. 190 were patients, 50 were health workers, and most of the patients were females with the age ranging from 18-35 years amounting to 102 (54%). Lack of fare 72(60%), Stigma, shift from one clinic to another and use of traditional medicine found to be the factors contributing to the loss of follow up visits. However, lack of space (92%), shortage of health providers (94%), stigma and discrimination (90%), low motivation (94%) and work load (94%) were the challenges facing health providers during provision of services to HIV patients. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study found that the recording system of the patients’ information were poor, there were some clients who died, others were shifted to other clinics but the CTC term them as the loss of follow up visits therefore the data recording system should be strengthened.
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    Nutrition care and support services of people living with HIV/AIDS at care and treatment clinic: The case study of Kagera Region Referral Hospital
    (Mzumbe University, 2015) Tinkamwesigile, Nicolaus T
    Introduction: A process evaluation on nutrition assessment counseling and support services of PLWHA at CTC conducted at Bukoba Region Referral Hospital, Kagera region with the aim of ascertaining level of programme implementation. Methodology: Mixed methods were used to assess evaluation dimensions. The semi structure questionnaire, interview guide, observation checklists and documentary review were used to obtain information about programme context, implementation process, reach, fidelity, dose, adaptation and mechanisms of the impacts of the services provided to PLWHA. Evaluation findings: The evaluation findings revealed that programme was fairly implemented with overall 51% score of weighted factors. The evaluated factors show that implementation process was 42.8% and fidelity of the implementation is 43.5%. While dose and reach of the programme implementation show 38.64% and 79.64% respectively. Stakeholders were less engaging to the programme services as contextual limiting factors and integration of nutrition services to CTC services note as mediator of mechanisms of achieved reach. Using weight trend of PLWHA as nutrition status determination index seen as programme adaptation Conclusion: The CTC had inadequate implementation process that include limited number of staff to assist nutrition services, inadequate equipment, materials and supplies to better optimal programme implementation. Implementation components such as fidelity, dose and reach are imbalance implemented for optimal quality programme implementation. Recommendation: Hospital and regional health managements and ministry of health through TFNC and NACP with their nutrition stakeholders are urged to improve CTC capacity to better nutrition assessment, counseling and support services implementation for betterment of PLWHA.
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    Outcome evaluation of micro credit scheme saving and internal lending community intervention from people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Magu District
    (Mzumbe University, 2019) Iriya, Lucy C
    Background and rationale: HIV/AIDS has caused negative impacts on livelihoods including socio-economic problem, food insecurity and increased number of orphans in Sub-Saharan countries, including Tanzania. Following this, TAZAMA, the project operated under the Tanzania National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) initiated the so called Microfinance schemes with the main objective to mitigate the negative impact of HIV/AIDS among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) and vulnerable populations in rural areas. Therefore the purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of microfinance Saving Internal Lending Community (SILC) intervention under TAZAMA project to the living standard of People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) in Kisesa, Bujora and Bukandwe in Magu district within Mwanza city Tanzania Methods: Analytical cross-section study design was used which adapted mixed research methods; both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. About 119 participants aged 18years old and above, PLHIV and beneficiaries of the SILC programme in Magu District suburb of Kisesa, Bujora and Bukandwe wards were enrolled for the study. Both self-administered questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection. STATA Statistical Software Package and ATLAS.ti V. 7 were used for data analysis. Inferential t-test and chi-squire test were used; also descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage were presented in form of tables, figures and graphs. Results: The findings revealed that the majority of PLHIV had manage to save and receive credit through SILC groups, all beneficiaries of PLHIV manage to start entrepreneur activities after joining SILC groups such as horticulture, shops, transportation (bodaboda) and tailoring. Also, the findings show SILC members were able to increase meal intake and increased food stock. About success of SILC programme results shows PLHIV in improving their Living standard by owning assets and business. Statistically, there is significance difference on Ox-plough farm equipment before loan and after loan at P-value of 0.0095<0.05 which shows there is improvement in farming activities due to program intervention. Moreover, there is significance difference in type of wall materials used among the household of PLHIV before and after loan at P-value of 0.000<0.005. Conclusion: The scheme has been positively impacted to PLHIV through operational SILC groups by saving and receiving microcredit. It had improved lives of the PLHIV in the three wards in Magu district and therefore, the Government and other stakeholders should allocate resources to scale-up SILC initiatives to other areas of Magu District and beyond to cover unmet needs of PLHIV since the project did not cover the entire community of people who are living with HIV/AIDS.
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    Assessment of Health Management Information System (HMIS) perfomance in health facilities in Mbarali, Kyela, and Busokelo District Councils
    (Mzumbe University, 2015) Sanga, Jactany L.
    The purpose of this study was to assess the Health Management Information System (HMIS) Performance in health facilities in Mbarali, Kyela and Busokelo District Councils. The study adopted a mixed method design which enabled the study to triangulate the data and information. In this study, four methods of data collection were used, namely questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and documentary review. The sample size was 49 respondents. PRISM DEAT was used in data analysis. The data analysis included the use of simple description of percentages, tables and graphs this was done using excel spreadsheet. The level of the HMIS performance was measured in terms of data quality and information use. The data accuracy at the facility level was observed using OPD Attendance, ANC and PMTCT MAT and observed to be higher than 95%. The use of information accounted to 65% of the health facilities stored meeting records and 100% of the reports requested were available at the facility and the district level, while 95.5% had a discussion at facility level on the HMIS, of these 83.3% made a decision after discussion, while 95.83% of health facilities referred their issue to higher levels for further assistance. The evaluation report recommend to improve HMIS skills specifically on data interpretation, use of information and problem solving, and the use of the performance improvement tools such as cause and effect analysis, flow chart, priority matrix, control chart, this may be achieved by developing a simplified HMIS training curriculum, conduct training of staff per facility and all health area management team members. The evaluation also recommends the promotion of a culture of information use, motivating health care providers and providing training on moral and ethical issues to improve information use for decision making.