Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College, Tumaini University, Moshi, Tanzania.
Int Health. 2010 Dec;2(4):247-52. doi: 10.1016/j.inhe.2010.07.008.
The aim of this study was to assess the primary eye care knowledge, skills, and productivity of primary health workers at dispensaries in a district in Tanzania. Factors likely to contribute to knowledge, skills, and productivity were also assessed. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. All health workers employed at government dispensaries in Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania were included. A skills score of respondents, comprising knowledge and ability to test visual acuity and diagnosis and management of common eye conditions, was measured through interview and direct observation. Factors associated with the skills score were assessed. Forty nine health workers were assessed. There was poor understanding of basic ocular conditions and how to assess visual acuity; the mean skills score of all respondents was 6.2 out of 12. There was little association between having received training and the skills score. The mean number of eye patients managed per health worker was three per month. Findings suggest that a reassessment of the roles and responsibilities in primary eye care of dispensary health workers, review of training curriculum and teaching, and supervisory procedures may be necessary.
本研究旨在评估坦桑尼亚一个地区诊所初级卫生工作者的初级眼保健知识、技能和生产力。还评估了可能有助于知识、技能和生产力的因素。采用描述性的横断面研究设计。纳入了坦桑尼亚乞力马扎罗地区姆万扎区政府诊所的所有在职卫生工作者。通过访谈和直接观察，衡量了受访者的技能评分，包括对视力测试和常见眼部疾病的诊断和管理的知识和能力。评估了与技能评分相关的因素。评估了 49 名卫生工作者。他们对基本眼部状况和如何评估视力的理解很差；所有受访者的平均技能评分为 12 分中的 6.2 分。接受过培训与技能评分之间几乎没有关联。每位卫生工作者每月管理的眼病患者平均数量为 3 人。研究结果表明，可能需要重新评估诊所卫生工作者在初级眼保健中的角色和责任、审查培训课程和教学以及监督程序。
