Community Participation in the Primary Health Care Programme in Akwapim North District, Eastern Region

Abstract

This study is about community participation in the Primary Health Care programme in Akwapim North District. Twenty-four years have passed since Primary Health Care (PHC) was first introduced at the Alma-Ata conference. In 1985 the World Health Organization (WHO) completed a ‘Review of PHC’. Such evaluations have shown that many o f the problems o f the PHC are concerned with the management of PHC. An analysis of some of the management problems shows that they are deep seated and requires a fundamental reappraisal o f the existing systems. Against this background, a study was undertaken to collect data in five communities in the District, and the extent to which the community is involved in the programme was examined. This was done with the conviction that improved community participation in the concept would go a long way to reduce incidence of diseases and also reduce the frequency o f avoidable deaths in the study area. Social and cultural values of the people in Akwapim North District were taken into account in the study since any interventions based on established values and practices are more sustainable. The study looked at levels of community participation at both rural and relatively urban settings in the District. Though participation in general in the study area was not encouraging apart from immunization programmes, it was worse among the rural dwellers. This was due mainly to the fact that many have not met PMC personnel before. It was discovered that the socio-economic status of respondents influences Ihe degree of participation. It was also realized that intensive education about the PHC programme is required to enhance participation. In conclusion, it can be said that community participation in the primary health care programme in Akwapim North District was not encouraging, therefore, if recommendations made in the study would be implemented, it will enhance participation at all levels in the programme and help ensure health for all.