Knowledge and health information communication in Tanzania

Objective: To explore and identify gaps in knowledge and information communication at all levels of health delivery system in Tanzania. Methods: In-depth interviews and twelve Focus Group Discussions were conducted to capture information on the community knowledge on different health problems and the health information communication process. Interviews and discussions were also held with primary schoolchildren; traditional healers; health facility workers and district health management team members. Documentary review and inventory of the available health education materials at community; health facility and district levels; was made. Results: Major community health and health-related problems included diseases (61.6); lack of potable water (36.5); frequent famine (26.9) and lack of health facility services (25.3). Malaria; HIV/AIDS and diarrhoeal diseases were the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Most of the health communication packages covered communicable diseases and their prevention. Health care facility was the main (91.6) source of health information for most communities. Public meetings; radio and print materials were the most frequently used channels of health information communication. Major constraints in adopting health education messages included poverty; inappropriate health education; ignorance and local beliefs.Conclusion: This study has identified gaps in health knowledge and information communication in Tanzania. There is lack of adequate knowledge and information exchange capacities among the health providers and the ability to share that information with the targeted community. Moreover; although the information gets to the community; most of them are not able to utilize it properly because they lack the necessary background knowledge

Monitoring and evaluation of Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response in selected districts in Tanzania

Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) is a strategy developed by the World Health Organization. Regional Office for Africa in 1998. The Ministry of Health; Tanzania has adopted this strategy for strengthening communicable diseases surveillance in the country. In order to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of IDSRmonitoring and evaluating the performance of the surveillance system; identifying areas that require strengthening and taking action is important. This paper presents the findings of baseline data collection for the period October - December 2003 in 12 districts representing eight regions of Tanzania. The districts involved were Mbulu; Babati; odoma Rural; Mpwapwa; Igunga; Tabora Urban; Mwanza Urban; Muleba; Nkasi; Sumbawanga Rural; Tunduru and Masasi. Results are grouped into three key areas: surveillance reporting; use of surveillance data and management of the IDSR system. In general; reporting systems are weak; both in terms of receiving all reports from all acilities in a timely manner; and in managing those reports at the district level. Routine analysis of surveillance data is not being done at facility or district levels; and districts do not monitor the performance of their surveillance system. There was also good communication and coordination with other sectors in terms of sharing information and resources. It is important that districts' capacity on IDSR is strengthened to enable them monitor and evaluate their own performance using established indicators

Community knowledge and information communication gaps on HIV/AIDS in Iringa Municipality; Tanzania

This study was carried out to determine community knowledge and information communication gaps on HIV/AIDS in Iringa Municipality; Tanzania. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from both the community and health workers. Results showed that eighty-one percent of the respondents were knowledgeable of at least one mode of HIV/AIDS transmission. Sexual intercourse; sharing of sharp instruments; blood transfusion and mother to child transmission were known to be the most common ways on how HIV is transmitted. The community knowledge on the symptoms of AIDS was poor. The main sources of information on HIV/AIDS were health facilities; radio; televisions; religious leaders and relatives. The information covered in most of the health education programmes included prevention; treatment and care for AIDS patients. The understanding of HIV/AIDS messages was found to vary significantly between respondents with different levels of education and marital status. It was higher among those with at least a primary school education than in those without education. Singles and individuals with primary or post-primary education sought more new information than those who had no education at all. Among the respondents; 59.7reported to have difficulties in adopting and utilising HIV/AIDS educational messages. Singles had a better understanding of information provided than married respondents. However; the former had more difficulties in adopting and utilising health education information. Poor utilisation of the HIV/AIDS messages was attributed to culture; poverty; and illiteracy. The majority of the respondents; 370 (92.8) reported to often carry out discussions with their family members (including children) on HIV/AIDS. It is concluded that health education should identify community needs and address economic and socio-cultural barriers to facilitate education utilisation and behaviouralchanges required in HIV/AIDS prevention and control in Tanzania