Factors and Challenges Affecting Functionality of Village Health Teams in Lyantonde District

),>),>

ABSTRACT Background: A VHT is a voluntary, non-political, health executi ng 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 population 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 semistructured 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. value