Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: In resource constrained settings of developing countries, delivering integrated preventive,
promotive and basic curative health service through Community Health Workers
strategy to improve child health. Like other countries, in Ethiopia the Health Extension
Workers
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of health extension
workers on drug provision for childhood health in West Gojjam Zone, Amhara region.
Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 25, 2016
to March 30, 2016, in seven selected districts of West Gojjam Zone, Amhara region. The
districts were selected by using random sampling technique, and proportion allocation formula
was used to get a total sample size of 391 HEWs. A semi- structured self- administer
questionnaire was used to collect the data. Bivariabl and multivariable logistic regressions were
also performed to see the effect of each independent variable on the dependent variable.
Results: More than half
More than half percentages of HEWs had good knowledge of drug provision. Education status,
working experience, frequency of supervision, and training in childhood health were strongly
associated with good knowledge of drug provision. So, there is a critical need to design
appropriate strategy to improve education status, frequency of supervision and training focusing
on child health for enhancing knowledge of HEWs on drug provision.
Key Words: community health workers, health extension workers, knowledge, childhood
