Community Participation and Health Service Delivery in Hargaisa Somaliland

Abstract

This study was carried out to examine the relationship between community participation and health service delivery in Hargaisa local government in Somaliland. It was conducted under three specific objectives namely; to examine the relationship between community decision making and health service delivery in Hargaisa local government in Somaliland, to examine the relationship between community monitoring and health service delivery in Hargaisa local government in Somaliland and to examine the relationship between community implementation and health service delivery in Hargaisa local government in Somaliland. The study adopted a correlational research design to establish the relationship between the study variables. Data was collected from respondents by use of questionnaires and interview guides. A census and stratified random sampling techniques were used to select the respondents that participated in the study. Pearson correlations and multiple regression analysis were used to establish the relationship among the study variables. The correlations revealed a significant positive relationship between community involvement in decision making and health service delivery in Hargaisa – Somaliland (r = 0.680, n= 160, p < 0.05), a significant positive relationship between community monitoring and health service delivery in Hargaisa – Somaliland (r = 0.567, n= 160, p < 0.05) and a significant positive relationship between community implementation and health service delivery in Hargaisa – Somaliland (r = 0.621, n= 160, p < 0.05). Furthermore, a stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that community involvement in decision making is the most significant predictor to health service delivery in Hargaisa – Somaliland. Its relationship with health service delivery in Hargaisa – Somaliland was up to 68.0%; its effect on the sample was 46.2% while its effect on the population was 45.8%. The study consequently recommended that decision makers in Hargaisa – Somaliland further involve the local community in determining the allocation of resources in the health sector, for instance through community budgeting where community members and community groups come together with service providers to take a fresh look at local issues and decide the allocation of resources, formalize the monitoring activity and carry it out in accordance with specifications and even submit reports at agreed time and further involve the local communities in the implementation of community health programs since it is not only cheaper but also helps to strengthen local capacity for collective action.