Chioma Oduenyi1,2,3, Victor Ordu1,4, Ugo Okoli2,3. 1. Global Health and Medical Consultants Limited, Abuja, Nigeria. 2. SURE-P MCH Project Implementation Unit, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria. 3. Jhpiego, Nigeria-affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, Abuja, Nigeria. 4. National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, Abuja, Nigeria.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Our paper presents experiences and perceptions of beneficiaries, health service providers, and community members about a conditional cash transfer (CCT) programme piloted in Nigeria from April 2013 to May 2015 to boost demand for maternal, newborn, and child health services. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Personal interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted between June and July 2015 for 314 CCT beneficiaries, 72 ward development committee (WDC) members, and 60 service providers (midwives, community health extension workers [CHEWs], and village health workers [VHWs]) including 29 officers-in-charge as key informants. Content analysis was applied to qualitative findings and grouped into themes of attitude, practices, CCT operations, payout, and perceived impact. RESULTS: Over 97% of beneficiaries affirmed that the cash incentive was very helpful and almost 70% opined that the free supply-side services were the real benefit. Majority of service providers applauded the programme though, with complaints about the increased workload. Community members applauded the scheme, with mixed feelings over some operational processes. CONCLUSION: Beneficiaries, service providers, and community members expressed deep satisfaction with the CCT programme and opined that antenatal care (ANC) and skilled birth delivery service utilization increased. Insights into some programmatic challenges are provided to enrich future CCT design and implementation.
BACKGROUND: Our paper presents experiences and perceptions of beneficiaries, health service providers, and community members about a conditional cash transfer (CCT) programme piloted in Nigeria from April 2013 to May 2015 to boost demand for maternal, newborn, and child health services. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Personal interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted between June and July 2015 for 314 CCT beneficiaries, 72 ward development committee (WDC) members, and 60 service providers (midwives, community health extension workers [CHEWs], and village health workers [VHWs]) including 29 officers-in-charge as key informants. Content analysis was applied to qualitative findings and grouped into themes of attitude, practices, CCT operations, payout, and perceived impact. RESULTS: Over 97% of beneficiaries affirmed that the cash incentive was very helpful and almost 70% opined that the free supply-side services were the real benefit. Majority of service providers applauded the programme though, with complaints about the increased workload. Community members applauded the scheme, with mixed feelings over some operational processes. CONCLUSION: Beneficiaries, service providers, and community members expressed deep satisfaction with the CCT programme and opined that antenatal care (ANC) and skilled birth delivery service utilization increased. Insights into some programmatic challenges are provided to enrich future CCT design and implementation.
Keywords:
beneficiaries; conditional cash transfer; health service providers; maternal and child health; officer-in-charge of health facilities; ward development committee members
Authors: Uchenna Ezenwaka; Ana Manzano; Chioma Onyedinma; Pamela Ogbozor; Uju Agbawodikeizu; Enyi Etiaba; Tim Ensor; Obinna Onwujekwe; Bassey Ebenso; Benjamin Uzochukwu; Tolib Mirzoev Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2021-07-06