Analyzing the Effectiveness of Health Outreach Programs in Enhancing Access to Friendly Health Services in Urban Slum Areas: A Case Study of the Uganda Red Cross Society
| dc.contributor.author | Annet Kyomugisha | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2023-10-16T10:35:36Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2023-10-16T10:35:36Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2023-10-06 | |
| dc.description | This is a dissertation. | |
| dc.description.abstract | This study examined the effectiveness of health outreach programs in enhancing access to friendly health services in urban slum areas, with a specific focus on the Uganda Red Cross Society. The study's objectives were to assess the current utilization rates of health outreach services, identify the main barriers and challenges faced by urban slum residents in accessing healthcare services, and measure the extent to which the Uganda Red Cross Society's health outreach programs contributed to early detection and prevention of common health conditions. In This study used a cross-sectional study design was used. The findings of the study indicated that 75.0% of respondents had accessed health outreach services provided by the Uganda Red Cross Society, reflecting commendable community engagement. However, 25.0% had not utilized these services, suggesting the need for expanded outreach efforts to reach all community members. The frequency of utilization varied, with 50.0% using the services several times a year, 33.33% once or twice a year, and 16.67% rarely or not at all. Specific health services accessed included immunizations, basic health check-ups, health education, and treatment of common illnesses. While there was overall satisfaction with service accessibility, there was room for improvement to meet the needs of urban slum residents. The study identified barriers to accessing healthcare services, including financial constraints, limited facility accessibility, and a lack of awareness about available services. Stigma, transportation challenges, long waiting times, and language barriers were also reported obstacles. These findings underscored the need for targeted interventions to improve healthcare equity in urban slum areas. Regarding the impact of health outreach programs, 66.67% of respondents reported receiving health education or screening services that helped detect health conditions early. Health education and awareness were the most frequently received services, followed by treatment of common illnesses and immunizations. Half of the respondents personally experienced early detection of health conditions due to program participation, demonstrating the programs' role in preventive healthcare. Additionally, a significant proportion believed that these programs had contributed to a reduction in common health conditions in their community. In conclusion, the study highlighted the importance of healthcare outreach programs, emphasizing their role in enhancing the well-being of urban slum communities. To improve healthcare access, recommendations included expanding outreach efforts to reach all residents, addressing barriers such as financial constraints and limited facility accessibility, and enhancing health education initiatives within outreach programs. Collaborative efforts between organizations, local authorities, and the community were essential in implementing these recommendations and ensuring equitable healthcare access for urban slum residents. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12311/1111 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Uganda Christian University | |
| dc.title | Analyzing the Effectiveness of Health Outreach Programs in Enhancing Access to Friendly Health Services in Urban Slum Areas: A Case Study of the Uganda Red Cross Society | |
| dc.type | Dissertation |