Assessment of Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Basic Package of Services in the Shai Osudoku District of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

Abstract

Background CHPS zones are largely defined by what kind of basic package of service they offer. Whilst basic package of services defines the key services that the CHOs, CHVs and CHMCs are to perform under the CHPS service delivery, the 2018 CHPS Verification Survey shows that only 21.1%, 52.5% and 37% of CHPS zones undertook home visitations, ANC services and deliveries which are key components of CHPS basic package of services. Many reasons have been adduced to these sub-optimal performances. Objective The purpose of the study was to assess CHPS basic package of services in Shai Osudoku District Methods A descriptive quantitative study was conducted using a census approach to assess the delivery of services delivered by CHOs, CHVs and CHMCs in the studied selected CHPS zones. This was done using frequencies and percentages to analyze categorical responses from the study participants. The study also determined the challenges in delivering this basic package of services. Results Though CHO, CHV and CHMC availability of services were 77%, 60% and 71% of defined CHPS services to be rendered, its functionality dipped to 68%, 60% and 69% respectively with key sub-performances recorded in Home Visitations (2 instead of 3 times in a week), Health Education and Promotion (2 instead of 4 times), School Health Outreach ( 1 in a quarter instead of 1 in a month) and Outreach Activities (3 instead of 6 in a month). Identified commonality of challenges confronting CHOs, CHVs and CHMCs delivery of services included funding, logistics, training and personnel related challenges. Conclusion Though general delivery of services by CHOs, CHVs and CHMCs were satisfactory, it could be far better with very basic interventions. It is thus recommended basic logistics, funding, training and personnel reinforcements be prioritized