Village Health Teams and Health Promotion in Rural Communities in Uganda: A Case of Katine Sub-County Soroti District
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Date
2023-10-10
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Uganda Christian University
Abstract
The study on Village Health Teams and Health Promotion in Rural Communities in Uganda
was stimulated by numerous challenges facing the VHTs, delays at the health centres,
increasing morbidity and mortality rate due to lack of medicines and late patient arrival
at the health centres, and the absence of social work’s supporting role in the health
promotion at the village level. This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of VHTs in
promoting health in rural communities in Katine sub-County, Soroti District. It had four
objectives namely; (i) Establishing people's perception about VHTs' role in health
promotion. (ii) Assessing the waysin which VHT services have improved health practices
in the community (iii) understanding the challenges faced by the VHTs in health
promotion, and (iv) Exploring the supportive role of social work to the VHTs in health
promotion.
A purely qualitative research approach was used. An open-ended interview guide and FGDs
were used to collect primary data. A total of 25 out of 29 participants participated in the
study. The data were cleaned, categorized under themes and sub-themes, and analyzed
using Nvivo v.11. The bio-data were analyzed using Stata v.13. The data were presented
following the research objects and themes.
The findings revealed that participants were aware of the roles VHTs play in health
promotion. The VHTs have also significantly improved health practices. However, cultural
impediments still affect health promotions. The VHTs still face myriad of challenges
including; limited facilitation, limited training, and disrespect from the community. The
supportive roles of social workers can help enhance the performance of VHTs even at the
village level, especially considering the community needs and coordinating/collaborating
with the government on addressing health-related issues.
The study recommends that there should be an urgent increase in the health sector
funding and subsequently, the health centres. Additionally, improved funding, medical
supplies, and operational equipment like gumboots, bicycles, gloves, etc. for the VHTs.
Enhancement of VHT training so that they can be more competent. Furthermore, set up
a health care section at every health center specifically for senior citizens because
VHTs struggle to reach them with the services they need. Finally, integration of social
workers in HP even at the village level.
Description
Masters dissertation.