Quality of Reproductive Health Services With Emphasis on Structural Aspects in South Central Ethiopia.
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Date
1998-12
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Health care services in developing countries are reported to suffer from low quality. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted lO assess the quality of reproductive health care, with emphases on the structural as aspects in two administrative zones in south central Ethiopia. Of the 79 health institutions in tile study area, 74 were visited for a response rate of 94 %. Data were collected using a questionnaire adopted from the WHO Safe Motherhood Need Assessment and dl~ WHO training modules for EPI and STDs. Multiple structural deficiencies were identified in all components of reproductive healtl1 care. Absolute minimum equipment for maternity and neonatal care were found to be complete and adequate in 20(27 %) and 3(4.1 %) of the institutions, respectively. Consumable supplies were available adequately in 13( 17.6%), sterilizer in 13(17.6%). essential drugs in 16 (2 1.6 %), ergometrine injection in 49 (66.2 %). and alcohol in 22 (29.7 %) of the institutions. In the EPI section, steam sterilizer was available in 45(60.8 %), and adequate vaccines in 57 (77 .0%) ohhe institutions. Only 1(1.4%) health institution had a complete mix of compacities. Important laboratory tes ts(syphilis test, hemoglobinometer, urine analys is) were available fully in on1)' one (1.4%) health institution. Only 9(11. 1 %) health it15tito tions had adequate IEC materials ,on Ali reproductive health components. More dIanhal f [44(59.4 % ) 1 of dIe health institutions had no water source in their compound . Only 8( I 0.8 %) were found to Itave a telephone or two-way radio. A third, 25(33.8%), of the health institutions had no means of transport It is concluded liar the .5tructurai setting for reproductive health servies is very poor iu the majority of the health i:asti i.i.HioIlS. Recommendations include that besides cOllsuucting new beaJdl institutions, !'tl"Ong emphasis .sbould be given 011 revitalizing tbe ex isting health ilL')titutioilS by ronecting structural defidencies \I,ri rl!oul delay .
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Reproductive Health Services