The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #48122

Rukhsana Gazi and Jahanara Khatun. Family Health Researh Project, ICDDR,B, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh, 880-2-9882253, rukhsanagazi@yahoo.com

The Family Health Research Project of the ICDDR, B conducted a study to assess retention and use of FHC under HPSP. Data were collected from different level of ESP delivery tiers of 19 sub-districts through 1034 exit point interview with the clients, 1130 client-provider observations, 613 interviews and FGD (10) with service providers. Retention of FHC was 49%. The card retainers were significantly tended to be female, married, educated and sought services for their child/ family members than for themselves. Significant association found between FHC retention and provider from lower level of ESP delivery tiers. Multivariate analysis using three models confirmed that educational attainments, sex, clients’ perceived importance of usefulness of FHC, and service providers’ enforcement for bringing the FHC were significantly associated with retention of FHC. Most providers found FHC as useful tool; convenient in record keeping, identify the clients’ met and unmet needs, maintain continuity of treatment, and refer clients to the higher tiers. Whereas clients found it useful obtaining quick and variety of services, remembering due dates of follow ups, and providers offered additional services. One-fifth of the clients had been referred to the other facilities through using FHC. Both clients and the service providers found FHC as a useful tool that supports service delivery system in public sector. The study suggests for more orientation on utility of FHC among the service providers and clients. Ample opportunities exist promoting FHC as a referral tool and tapping missed opportunities to address unmet needs of a whole family.

Learning Objectives:

• The participants will learn about extent of retention of family Health Card (FHC) under HPSP by the clients and factors associated with its’ retention. Also, they will know about perceived usefulness of FHC by the clients and the providers that support ESP delivery.

Keywords: Essential Public Health Services, Health Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: ICDDR,B
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment