The role of community health nursing in identifying needs of women and children under five in Katete, Mbarara-Uganda

Abstract

Background: Globally, women and children are vulnerable to life-threatening conditions that are preventable. Although, Uganda has over the years recorded a steady decline in under- five and maternal mortality, little progress is observed. Community health nursing is key in improving the well-being of women and children in communities. The aim of this study was to describe the role of community health nursing in identifying the health needs of women and children under-five years in Katete, Mbarara. Under this aim, we identified factors that contribute to morbidity and mortality of women and children under five years, described the barriers that prevent women from getting timely health care for themselves or their children and determined the strategies that can be used to address the health needs of children and women. Methodology: This was a qualitative descriptive study. We purposively sampled women with children under -5 years. Data were collected from six (6) FGDs and six (6) key informants. We thematically analyzed data in six phases; themes were searched, reviewed, defined, and named. Informed consent for participation was sought and ethical clearance obtained from relevant bodies. Results: Five themes emerged; Lack of basic needs, Women overburdened, Lack of drugs in public health facilities, Negative attitude towards health care and Strategies that can be used to address the health needs. Conclusions: Our findings confirmed that potentially, women & children are at a high risk of diseases. Therefore, community health nursing should promote positive attitudes of women towards health seeking behavior. Additionally, helping them to meet their unmet basic needs coupled with their husbands’ support can have positive spillover effects that could improve their health and productivity.