Syed Masud Ahmed1, Md Awlad Hossain. 1. BRAC Research and Evaluation Division, 75 Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh. ahmed.sm@brac.net
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To explore current knowledge and practice of the unqualified/semi-qualified allopathic providers in the informal sector in rural Bangladesh to develop informed and need-based intervention for them. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in three conveniently selected sub-districts in the northern part of Bangladesh where a targeted poverty alleviation programme for the ultra poor was initiated in 2002. Semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaires were used to elicit information on socio-demographic, training and professional characteristics, and knowledge and practices on some common illnesses and conditions. Two-way and three-way cross-tabulations were done to compare and contrast the different groups, using SPSS PC+ ver.12. RESULTS: The different groups of providers were found to possess superficial knowledge on the conditions they commonly provide services for. Differences were noted between the unqualified and semi-qualified providers with respect to knowledge and practice on common illnesses and conditions, and especially rational use of drugs and management of pregnancy and its complications. CONCLUSION: Given the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals in rural Bangladesh, the importance of these informal providers should be recognized by the public sector, and their capacity developed in a planned way to improve their effectiveness and reduce irrational use of drugs.
OBJECTIVES: To explore current knowledge and practice of the unqualified/semi-qualified allopathic providers in the informal sector in rural Bangladesh to develop informed and need-based intervention for them. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in three conveniently selected sub-districts in the northern part of Bangladesh where a targeted poverty alleviation programme for the ultra poor was initiated in 2002. Semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaires were used to elicit information on socio-demographic, training and professional characteristics, and knowledge and practices on some common illnesses and conditions. Two-way and three-way cross-tabulations were done to compare and contrast the different groups, using SPSS PC+ ver.12. RESULTS: The different groups of providers were found to possess superficial knowledge on the conditions they commonly provide services for. Differences were noted between the unqualified and semi-qualified providers with respect to knowledge and practice on common illnesses and conditions, and especially rational use of drugs and management of pregnancy and its complications. CONCLUSION: Given the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals in rural Bangladesh, the importance of these informal providers should be recognized by the public sector, and their capacity developed in a planned way to improve their effectiveness and reduce irrational use of drugs.
Authors: Amal K Halder; Stephen P Luby; Shamima Akhter; Probir K Ghosh; Richard B Johnston; Leanne Unicomb Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2017-02-06 Impact factor: 2.345
Authors: Leanne E Unicomb; Fosiul Alam Nizame; Mohammad Rofi Uddin; Papreen Nahar; Patricia J Lucas; Nirnita Khisa; S M Salim Akter; Mohammad Aminul Islam; Mahbubur Rahman; Emily K Rousham Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2021-05-22 Impact factor: 3.295