Community Perspectives on Education and Health Services at Makerere University
Author Information
Author(s): Mbalinda Scovia N, Plover Colin M, Burnham Gilbert, Kaye Dan, Mwanika Andrew, Oria Hussein, Okullo Isaac, Muhwezi Wilson, Groves Sara
Primary Institution: Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
Hypothesis
How do communities perceive the community-based education and service (COBES) model at Makerere University?
Conclusion
Communities hosting Makerere students valued the students’ interventions and the COBES model, reporting health benefits and increased health-seeking behavior.
Supporting Evidence
- Communities reported positive changes in health-seeking behavior.
- Students provided health education on various topics including malaria prevention and sanitation.
- Community members appreciated the students' culturally appropriate engagement.
- Some interventions were deemed sustainable due to community involvement and local leadership support.
Takeaway
The students from Makerere University helped communities in Uganda by teaching them about health and providing services, which made people healthier.
Methodology
Qualitative evaluation using Key Informant Interviews with 11 site tutors and 33 community members from 11 randomly selected COBES sites.
Limitations
Variability in interview styles and lack of comparative quantitative health data before and after COBES implementation.
Participant Demographics
Participants included community members and site tutors from various regions in Uganda.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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