Assessment of Community Utilization of CHPS Services in Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana

Abstract

In response to health care needs, Ghana has adopted the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) system to increase access to and use of health services in remote communities.  The purpose of the study was to assess the utilization of the CHPS facilities in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality. A total of 175 respondents comprising 50 males and 125 females participated in the study. Four communities with CHPS zones were selected. The study design was a cross sectional descriptive survey. The respondents in each of the selected communities were chosen through systematic random sampling. Collection of data was done through a structured interview using an interview guide. About 59.4% of the respondent mentioned that CHPS system provided immediate and timely healthcare services to the community hence admitting the relevance of the CHPS themselves as well as their respective communities. 65.8% of the respondents said they were satisfied with services at the CHPS zone. Drug unavailability, lack of midwifery services, poor staff attitude and fear of blood by some nurses were challenges in the utilization of CHPS services in the municipality. The study recommends that drug availability rate should be improved in all the CHPS zones especially the basic and very essential drugs; and more community health nurses should be trained in midwifery.

Keywords: CHPS zone, Staff Attitude, Municipality, Health facility, OPD, KEEA