| dc.description.abstract |
A study of the determinants of utilization of community health agents among rural communities was conducted in the district (Awraja) of Buno-Bedelle, south western part of Ethiopia. The main objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of utilization of CHAs and to see the relation between utilization of CHAs and knowledge, attitude and participation of the community. There were a total of 311 CHAs trained in the Awraja, up to May 1988. Only 221 were found during a survey conducted in May 1988. 80 PAs were randomly selected from those where a CHA had been found regardless of functionality. A structured questionnaire was administered to a systematic sampling of 2400 heads of households. It was found that 83.6% of the study population used at least one service of the CHA i n the past year. The most used services were preventive and promotive activities, particularly , health education and home visits (59.7% and 58.0%,
respectively). The least used services were treatment activities, death and birth registration. Utilizers of CHA services had better access to safe water supply and sanitary facilities. People who are members of PPCAs, literate, have knowledge about CHAs and their services, have a positive attitude towards CHAs and their se rvices, and participated in the selection of their CHAs and related matters are more likely to be utilizers of CHAs. It was also found that a positive attitude towards CHAs and their services was the best predictor of utilization of CHAs. |
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