Browsing by Author "Wurapa, F.K."

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Assessment of Strategic Management Practice of Malaria Control in the Dangme West District, Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2007-09) Adelaide, M.; Wurapa, F.K.; Afari, E.A.; Asante, R.K.O.; University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health
Objective: To assess the strategic management practice for malaria control in the Dangme West district. Methods: Strategic management (SM) practice was assessed in all HCFs both in the public and private and some chemical shops within the Dangme West district using semistructured questionnaires and question guides. In-depth interviews were carried out with healthcare providers in their clinical setting. The status of key malaria control indicators was assessed by interviewing 385 healthcare consumers and 100 pregnant women who were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling from 21 communities. The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods in describing the SM practice and assessing status of key malaria control indicators. In addition to the above data was also collected through desk top reviews of HCFs‟ records, district‟s health annual reports, published and unpublished literature, textbooks, etc. Results: Healthcare managers were using all the elements of SM in the management of malaria but these were not holistically coordinated. Present were short ranged informal planning based on the objectives of NMCP and day-to-day operation of the HCFs especially with Ghana Health Service facilities. Due to homogenous nature of Dangme West district, management of culture wasn‟t given much attention by healthcare managers though healthcare providers were acutely aware of its importance to quality service delivery. Competition was woefully absent in the healthcare environment. No formal structure has been created for the management of malaria control activities with the exception of the involvement of Community Based agents. The district was widely implementing all the strategies of the NMCP with favourable outcomes. Conclusions: The practice of strategic management though present in the district, it was fragmented. Hence, while there was significant improvement in the status of key malaria control indicators, this could have been further enhanced if the practice of strategic management has been carried out in a more holistic way. Thus, the assumption; the degree to which malaria control is systematically managed using the process of SM will enhance the status of key malaria control programme indicators is true. HCFs should be able to define their needs based on the realistic needs of the communities and develop plans, which would creatively lead to competitive advantage. There should be adequate involvement of chemical sellers in training programmes for healthcare providers with keen supervision and monitoring of their activities within the district. BCC should target groups to make it more acceptable using local approaches. Strategic Management should be developed as a taught course for In-Service Training within the service for all staff in leadership and management positions. Key words: Assessment,
Assessment of Strategic Management Practice of Malaria Control in the Dangme West District, Ghana
(University of Ghana, 2007-09) Ofei, A.M.A.; Wurapa, F.K.; Afari, E.A.; Asante, R.K.O.; University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health
Objective: To assess the strategic management practice for malaria control in the Dangme West district. Methods: Strategic management (SM) practice was assessed in all HCFs both in the public and private and some chemical shops within the Dangme West district using semi- structured questionnaires and question guides. In-depth interviews were carried out with healthcare providers in their clinical setting. The status of key malaria control indicators was assessed by interviewing 385 healthcare consumers and 100 pregnant women who were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling from 21 communities. The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods in describing the SM practice and assessing status of key malaria control indicators. In addition to the above data was also collected through desk top reviews of HCFs‟ records, district‟s health annual reports, published and unpublished literature, textbooks, etc. Results: Healthcare managers were using all the elements of SM in the management of malaria but these were not holistically coordinated. Present were short ranged informal planning based on the objectives of NMCP and day-to-day operation of the HCFs especially with Ghana Health Service facilities. Due to homogenous nature of Dangme West district, management of culture wasn‟t given much attention by healthcare managers though healthcare providers were acutely aware of its importance to quality service delivery. Competition was woefully absent in the healthcare environment. No formal structure has been created for the management of malaria control activities with the exception of the involvement of Community Based agents. The district was widely implementing all the strategies of the NMCP with favourable outcomes. vConclusions: The practice of strategic management though present in the district, it was fragmented. Hence, while there was significant improvement in the status of key malaria control indicators, this could have been further enhanced if the practice of strategic management has been carried out in a more holistic way. Thus, the assumption; the degree to which malaria control is systematically managed using the process of SM will enhance the status of key malaria control programme indicators is true. HCFs should be able to define their needs based on the realistic needs of the communities and develop plans, which would creatively lead to competitive advantage. There should be adequate involvement of chemical sellers in training programmes for healthcare providers with keen supervision and monitoring of their activities within the district. BCC should target groups to make it more acceptable using local approaches. Strategic Management should be developed as a taught course for In-Service Training within the service for all staff in leadership and management positions.
Control of Yaws in the Asuogyaman District. Can Community Involvement Make The Difference?
(University of Ghana, 2001-08) Forgor, A.A.; Wurapa, F.K.; Gyapong, J.; University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health
Community involvement in the control of yaws is a participatory approach to healthcare that is organized from the perspective of the recipient. This study was prompted by the fact that, in 1998 Addofound that community participation in the control of yaws was poor, 3.4% of the population is infected with yaws, yaws now ranking 3rd (1997-2000) from 6th position in 1996. This study looked at how a rural district (Asuogyaman) in the Eastern region of Ghana perceive and manage yaws and the extent to which the communities are involved in the control of the disease. It also looked at the health service and community factors, which affect community participation in the district. Focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, observations (participatory and nonparticipatory) involving 172 participants/respondents (key informants, level B health workers, herbalists and victims of yaws). Yaws was mainly perceived by the community (121 out of 153) to be caused by poor personal and environmental hygiene and sanitation. The disease was perceived by the community (74 out of 95 respondents) to be transmitted mainly by the sharing of toiletries, clothing and direct contact. The prevention of yaws was found to be by health education, avoidance of direct contact with the lesions of the affected person and observation of personal and environmental hygiene and sanitation. Though these perceptions about yaws are true, this knowledge was not reflected in their practices or treatment of the disease. The two main forms of treatment were traditional and modem. "Blue-stone" (copper sulphate) was found to be the most popular form of traditional treatment of the disease by some communities. Of the 153 respondents, 90 did not know that treatment of the disease was available/possible at the hospitals/clinics; 63 knew, 11 had no idea and 48 gave various answers. Health education on yaws was found to be inadequate. Yaws was perceived to have been eradicated and accorded least importance. The participation of the communities in the control of yaws was assessed by using Rifkin's method based on 5 factors- needs assessment, management, resource mobilization, leadership and organization. The participation of the communities was small. Presence of community health structures and their orientation, incentives to community health agents, free treatment, prompt response (by health workers) to reports made by community health agents and frequent interaction between health workers and the communities promoted participation. Knowledge about the disease enhanced participation. Conflicts, embezzlement of funds, failure to act on /respond to complaints made by community health agents, failure to complement community initiatives inhibited community participation. The response rate of the study was 91.5% (172 out of 188). Lack of time, funds and personnel, poor road network, conflicts, rains, limited the study. The Rifkin method itself had limitations. Health education and house-to-house treatment of yaws should be intensified. The study concluded that yaws, which is endemic in the district, could be effectively controlled with community involvement.