Factors that influence provision of sexual and reproductive rights and health education in MCH services by the MCH personnel in ilala municipality

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.