Title: Training needs assessment and performance analysis of the Ugandan Health Inspectorate staff.

POPLINE Document Number: 075881

Author(s):

Herman E
Jenkins-McLean T

Source citation:

Arlington, Virginia, Management Sciences for Health, Technologies for Primary Health Care [PRITECH], 1991. 29, [30] p. (USAID Contract No. DPE-5969-Z-00-7064-00)

Abstract:

The objectives of the 1991 study of training needs in the Ugandan health inspectorate (HI) were as follows: 1) to assess the training and support needs, 2) to determine the pattern and frequency of contact between the community and health staff, 3) to determine community awareness of and contact with staff, 4) to determine the community's understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the HI staff, and 5) to assess the effectiveness in informing the community about latrines, water protection, personal hygiene, solid waste, and diarrheal disease case management. 30 household surveys per parish in Kamuli, Kasese, Masaka, and Masindi districts in the easter, central, western, and southwestern regions were conducted; structured interviews were also conducted among 4 District and 8 County Health Inspectors, 3 Health Inspectors, and 46 Health Assistants. The results of the assessment of the Diarrheal Disease Control (CDD) training program suggest that CDD training was effects. There were high levels of self-assurance and reported activity. Basic knowledge was good among HI staff. The community was aware of HI activity is making presentations on diarrhea treatment or prevention. Knowledge of community members was improved through HI teaching about home diarrheal management, i.e., higher rates of improved mixing (55% vs. 45%) and greater knowledge of the germ theory of transmission (77% vs. 66%). However, improvements were possible in recommending extra fluids and oral rehydration solution (ORS), in the mixing of ORS, hand-washing, and community coverage by HI staff. Health education during illness visits was poor. HI-delivered health education was more effective. Time allocation needs to be considered before expansion of teaching schedules. The greatest obstacles were in logistics: transportation (lack of vehicles or gas), lack of personal support (schools or access to health care), and finances (low salaries or late payments). Supervision was good. The health staff felt comfortable with its knowledge of diarrhea management, water source protection, latrine construction, and health education, but weak in meat inspection, malaria and communicable disease control, vector control, and community mobilization. Recommendations were to train local leaders, provide uniforms and more educational materials, HI in-service training, and increasing supplies and equipment.

Keywords:

Uganda
Evaluation Report
Training Programs
Program Effectiveness
Health Personnel
Diarrhea
Oral Rehydration
Community Surveys
Community
Knowledge
Perception
Time Factors
Supervision
Organization and Administration
Hygiene
Water Supply
Sanitation
Transportation
Equipment and Supplies
Financial Activities
Developing Countries
Africa, Eastern
Africa, Sub Saharan
Africa
Evaluation
Education
Program Evaluation
Programs
Delivery of Health Care
Health
Diseases
Treatment
Surveys
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
Residence Characteristics
Population Distribution
Geographic Factors
Population
Psychological Factors
Behavior
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Management
Public Health
Natural Resources
Environment
Economic Factors