The Ministry of Health of the United Republic of Tanzania, with funding from USAID, has embarked on an effort to improve the quality of reproductive health services. As an initial step in this process, a series of assessments have been undertaken to identify areas where the performance of the health care system fails to meet accepted standards. Included in these assessments was a qualitative study of community members' perceptions of existing reproductive health services and their expectations related to quality health services. Incorporating community members' concerns regarding health care services is consistent with recent findings that have highlighted the role of clients in determining service quality and utilization. Awareness of community expectations regarding health care services can ensure that the issues most pertinent to clients are addressed, promoting greater client satisfaction and service utilization. Understanding client expectations may also motivate health providers to provide a level of care corresponding to these expectations. Where clients expect too little from the service delivery system, communication programs can raise client expectations to become more consistent with the capabilities of the health care system. To identify community perceptions of reproductive health care services in Tanzania, 24 focus groups were conducted in both rural and urban areas of Iringa and Arusha regions in December, 2000. Separate focus groups were completed for female clients, female non-clients, and men. This presentation will discuss the key findings from these focus group discussions related to participants' perceptions and expectations of reproductive health care services.
Learning Objectives: To identify community perceptions of reproductive health care services in Tanzania.
Keywords: Reproductive Health, Health Care Delivery
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.