Abstract:
The study was to evaluate RBM programme in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area. The study evaluated the availability and adequacy of RBM services, qualified service providers, materials and health facilities, the factors that influenced the utilization of RBM materials and the extent of utilization of RBM materials, community participation and patient attendance in health facilities. The factors evaluated in relation to the utilization of the materials and services were weak health system, community participation, drug resistance, discontinuity of programme and non vaccine development. To achieve the purpose of the study twelve research question were posed and three null hypotheses were postulated. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. It covered all the government health facilities. All the four LGA team members, 326 professional health staff, 26 RBM role model caregivers and 57 community/opinion leaders were used. There was no sampling as the entire population was studied through the use of two sets of questionnaires and programme data stored in the LGA headquarter and health facilities. Data collected were analyzed quantitatively using frequency and percentages in respect of research questions one and then while mean and standard deviation for research questions two through nine and eleven and twelve. The student t-test hypotheses and ANOVA were used to verify the three null hypothesis formulated for the study at .05 level of significance. The data generated from programme records were used to confirm information got from respondents. The study revealed that artemisimin based combination therapies, intermitted preventive treatment in pregnancy and insecticides treated bed nets distribution health education and rapid diagnostic treatment were available while environmental techniques was virtually absent. It also reveal that some RBM materials and service providers were available and adequate. The study further revealed that majority of the respondents indicated that majority of the factors influenced the utilization of RBM services. The study further revealed that the utilization of these RBM services did not differ by age, gender and occupation. Based on the major findings and conclusion, it was recommended among others that environmental health techniques should be incorporated into RBM control programme intervention. More Doctors, Environmental Health Officers, Nurses should be trained and employed for RBM control programme services delivery.
