CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHALLENGES OF COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH PLANNING AND SERVICES (CHPS) IN PROMOTING HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY IN THE SISSALA EAST MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

Since the declaration of Alma Ata in 1978, health delivery systems have improved especially in the rural areas in Ghana and the Sissala East Municipality in particular. With the implementation of the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) concept most rural areas are now accessing modern health care, this they do bring some challenges. The study therefore sought to examine the contributions and challenges of CHPS in the Sissala East Municipality. In conducting the study, descriptive cross sectional was adopted as the study design. Mix methods were also used and the main tools for the study were survey questionnaire and key informant interview guide. A multistage sampling technique was used to arrive at study subjects. An SPSS software was also used to perform univariate, bivariate and logistic regression analysis. The study revealed that, with the contributions of CHPS, 44%, 59.3%, 70.3% and 61.2% were satisfied with the general contribution of CHPS health service provision, antenatal care, postnatal and referral services, respectively. In a logistics regression analysis, service fees charged, 24hour service availability, health worker attitude and medicine availability were significant predictors of general satisfaction of households on CHPS service delivery. In conclusion, the study found most respondents to be satisfied or very satisfied with the general contribution of CHPS in health service delivery, and lack of essential medicines regarded by majority as a challenge for households in accessing CHPS services. It is recommended that Ghana Health Service could consider regular stocking of CHPS facilities with essential medicines to help meet the needs and demands of communities.