Application of Mixolab to Assess the Bread Making Quality of Wheat Varieties

Abstract

Background: Primary healthcare, which is supposed to be the bedrock of the country’s health care policy, is currently catering for less than 20% of the potential patients. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge and perception of women of child bearing age (15-49 years) about the health services offered at the PHC centers and the factors militating against the efficient and effective use of these services. Methods: The design is a descriptive cross-sectional. A multistage sampling method was used in sample selection. Data instrument was a semi-structured questionnaire, pretested and interviewer administered. Data analysis was done using a statistical software package, Epi-info version 3.3. Confidence interval was at 95% and level of significant set at 5%. Results: 300 women were studied. 17 (7.8%) of the 219 (73.0%) women aware of the existence of primary health care centres in their localities used the services offered monthly, 20 (9.2%) used it often while 126 (57.5%) used occasionally. Immunization 183 (61.0%), antenatal services 162 (54.0%) and treatment of minor ailments 157 (52.3%) were the most health services known by the women. On the average, 118 (39.3%) of the women agreed on the positive statements regarding the quality of health services, 48 (16.0%) disagree while 134 (44.7%) were uncertain. Poor staff attitude 139 (46.3%), incomprehensive health services 128 (42.7%), distance of the health center 111 (37.0%) and unavailability of doctors 107 (35.7%) were the militating factors. Improvement in the worker’s salary 207 (67%), making health service completely free 195 (65%), ensuring regular supply of drugs and recruiting more doctors 192 (64%) each, retraining of health staff 188 (62.7%), erecting more health centers 187 (62.3%) and ensuring regular supply of electricity 184 (61.3%) were recommended. Conclusion: Primary health care services were grossly under-utilized and the quality rated poor. Health service and personal factors were implicated.