Factors and challenges affecting functionality of village Health teams in Lyantonde district

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2017-11
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kampala international international: School of Health Sciences
Abstract
Background: A VHT is a voluntary, non-political, health executing agency in-charge of the health of public at household levels, comparable to facility level one. A VHT comprises of 4 - 5 people selected on a popular vote in a village. Despite efforts to establish them, they have not functioned to the expectations. Objective: To assess the factors and challenges affecting functionality of VHTs in Lyantonde so as to recommend appropriate strategies aimed at effectively exploiting their potential. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted. The study popu lation was 2 17 VHTs in Lyantonde district. Systematic random sampling was used basing on the list obtained from the sub-county as the sampling frame and taking a sampling interval of 1-3 and a semi structured questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument under the quantitative method. Results: Demographic factors affecting functiona lity of VHTs included marital status, the singles at 100% (p.= O.OOl), religion, and tribe whereas the Bahima were more likely to portray a good VHT functionality as compared to their Banyankole counterparts [aPR=2.22,P.value=0.023].It was also observed that majority of the females had not completed tertiary education and female gender was negatively associated with VHT functionality (female gender was a cofounder of education-VHT functional ity relationship). Compared to married VHTs, single respondents were found to be 1.41 times more likely to be with good functionality, [aPR=l.41, 95% CI 1.23- 1.62]. Born again VHTs were negatively affecting functionality by 78% a PR=0.22, 95% 0.07-0.67] as compared to Anglican VHTs. Conversely SDA VHTs were positively associated with VHT functionality; [a PR= 1.34[1.06- 1.69]. Socio-economic factors affecting functionality of VHTs included occupation dominated by the formally employed at 100% (p. value<O.OO l), family support, community participation, and migration. Challenges affecting functionality of VHTs included, no drug supply, low level of training, poor political commitment, and lack of allowances. Conclusion The demographic factors affecting functionality of VHTs include marital status where the singles were 1.4 times more likely to function well compared to the married and widowed, religion, area of locality, Socio-economic factors affecting functionality of VHTs included family support, community participation, family support while challenges include migrations, no drug supply, level of training, political commitment, and lack of allowances that ranked high.
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of masters of public health of Kampala international university
Keywords
Public health, Functionality, Village Health teams, Lyantonde district
Citation