Abstract:
An exploratory study among 114 MCH personnel working in Ilala municipality of
Dar es salaam region was carried out during June 2003. The study sought to
determine the factors that influence provision of SRRH education in MCH services
by MCH personnel. Most of the respondents were married. Their mean age was 40
years. A slightly higher proportion (51.8%) works in public clinics. Majority was
MCHA with a working experience of more than ten years. Most of respondents
appear to know about SRRH and have positive attitude towards issues concerning
SRRH. Majority of the respondents also understands the importance of SRRH in
raising women's status in the society. They are also aware of the importance of some
factors that contribute significantly towards denying women their SRRH. They
reported that in most cases clients raise issue concerning their sexuality during MCH
sessions. A high proportion of the respondents reported that they have skills to
provide SRRH education to their clients which most of them acquired through onjob
training. However, the quality of their skills was not assessed.
It was concluded that most MCH personnel understand the importance of SRRH and
are willing to provide SRRH education, but the source of their knowledge and skills
is not formal. Lack of privacy due to inadequate rooms for consultation in MCH
clinics is also regarded as a contributing factor towards inadequate provision of
SRRH education. It is recommended therefore that, in order to facilitate the provision
of SRRH education in MCH clinics, the MCH personnel should be trained for skills
to provide SRRH education as well as the MCH clinics should be redesigned by
creating adequate rooms for consultation.
