Factors affecting the utilization of village health teams' services among the residents of Agulu division, Apac district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/4ss7sj53Keywords:
Village Health Teams (VHTs), Utilization of Health Services, Community Health Workers, Health Service Utilization, Apac DistrictAbstract
Background:
Village Health Teams (VHTs) are community-based health workers responsible for delivering basic preventive and promotive health services at the household level. This study assessed the factors affecting the utilization of Village Health Team services among residents of Agulu Division in Apac District.
Methodology:
A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The study was conducted among residents of Agulu Division, Apac Town Council, Apac District. Data collection lasted ten days. Completed questionnaires were checked for completeness and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Results were presented in the form of frequency tables, figures, and percentages.
Results:
Most of the respondents were female (62%), aged 18–27 years (36%), and had primary level education (44%). More than half of the respondents (56%) were unaware of the services provided by VHTs. Most respondents (76%) doubted the ability of VHTs to manage illnesses, and 68% were not satisfied with the services offered. Community-related factors included lack of consideration of cultural norms (64%) and long distance to VHT residences, with 38% reporting distances greater than 5 km. Service provider factors included uncertainty about confidentiality (58%), inconsistent supply of drugs and logistics (84%), and negative attitudes such as use of abusive language (52%).
Conclusion:
Utilization of VHT services in Agulu Division is influenced by personal, community, and service provider factors. Low awareness, lack of confidence in VHT competence, cultural concerns, long distances, poor confidentiality, inconsistent logistics, and negative attitudes among VHTs significantly affect service utilization.
Recommendations:
The Ministry of Health should strengthen training of VHTs on ethics, communication, and confidentiality, while ensuring a consistent supply of drugs and logistics. The APAC District health authorities should recruit more VHTs and increase community sensitization about VHT services to improve their utilization.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Fiona Atim, Ronald Awoi, Denis Obong, Tonny Mike Omara, Lamex Ogwal, Filder Monica Odela (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
