Community Perceptions On Quality Of The Primary Health Services In Rural Tanzania: A Case Of Monduli District Council

ABSTRACT

This study examined community perceptions on services quality of primary health care facilities in Rural Monduli District. This was accomplished through qualitative methods of data collection and analysis, namely semi-structured interviews and FGDs for primary data and review of related studies like scholarly publications and books. The study was conducted to 180 participants as an in-depth study and the sample was homogenous. Participants were community members, key informants and health care providers at selected primary health care facilities. Eight FGDs in four villages were conducted. The study identified several community criteria for a quality health service that included clinical examination or diagnosis before medicine prescriptions and this was in-line with presence of adequate instruments (medical tools) to attempt it, drugs availability in a sufficient manner, availability of enough and competent health workers, availability of equipment, having health workers with care and compassion, cleanliness and availability of dustbin, availability of electricity or solar energy and availability of accommodation to patients. While some of these criteria were in line with health professionals criteria, many other did not match. The study further revealed that community members were partly aware of specific services available in primary health care facilities and many other presented total ignorance of services provided. Negative attitudes were also highly observed in health care delivery at various stages such health workers conducts, lack of examination before prescription of medicine, poor health workers responsiveness and without explanation of treatment, long waiting time for treatment few to mention. The study suggested improvement in facility structures and process of health delivery and great emphasis to laboratory facility for routine investigation