mrs Quality Of Child Health Services And Its Utilization Among Staff And Mothers In Selected Primary Healthcare Facilities In Enugu South Local Government Area Enugu State Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Children bear undue share of the global burden of diseases. This evil trend could be addressed by ensuring access to safe effective, quality and affordable care via child health services. This study was set to assess the quality of child health services and its utilization in two selected PHC facilities in Enugu South LGA. Specifically, the objectives assessed the essential infrastructure, equipment and personnel available; the clinical consultations, diagnosis and treatments of common childhood illnesses, the level of utilization of CHS; client’s satisfaction with services received in PHC  in Enugu South. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was adopted and researcher developed questionnaires were used to obtain data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results of major findings revealed that; greater number of the staff were SCHEWs (35.2%) and JCHEWs (29.4%) and this shows that personnel were inadequate  the structure were adequate (95%, 75% ) except for pharmacy and laboratory in one of the PHCs. The Primary Health facilities were not adequately equipped with all the essential drugs and equipment. The consultations, diagnosis and treatment of common childhood illnesses were also adequate.  Overall Child health services provided by the facilities were good (80%, 60%). The mean ages for mothers were 31.11 ± 6.09. More than half (52.7%), in secondary education, traders (36.0%) and 1 – 2 number of children (43.3%). The levels of utilization of CHS in two PHC facilities were 87.2% and 84.4% which is adequate. The level of satisfaction of mothers in two PHC facilities were 97.9% and 99.4%, which shows that majority of mothers utilizes the services in the PHCs. The study concludes that the personnel were inadequate and the structure was adequate except for pharmacy and laboratory in one of the PHCs. The Primary Health Centre facilities were not adequately equipped with all the essential drugs and equipment, the consultations, diagnosis and treatment of common childhood illnesses were also adequate. The level of utilization of CHS and satisfaction by mothers in two PHC facilities were high which is adequate. However, it is recommended that attention must be paid to the staffing, training and provision of basic amenities. The PHCs should adopt standard minimum basic equipment and supplies as well as services required at the PHC facility level.