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. 2024 Mar 20:47:124.
doi: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.124.40351. eCollection 2024.

Health managers' perspectives of community health committees' participation in the annual health sector planning and budgeting process in a devolved unit in Kenya: a cross-sectional study

Mildred Nanjala Wamalwa  1 , Maximila Wanzala  1 , Ondiek Benedict Alala  2
Affiliations

Health managers' perspectives of community health committees' participation in the annual health sector planning and budgeting process in a devolved unit in Kenya: a cross-sectional study

Mildred Nanjala Wamalwa et al. Pan Afr Med J. .

Abstract

Introduction: health sector planning and budgeting are concerned with identifying priorities that guide budgetary allocation to improve health outcomes. Engaging the community in this process empowers them to manage their own health. Despite the benefits and the availability of legislation and structures to mainstream community participation, their involvement is minimal and marred with challenges. This study, therefore, aimed to examine the level and perspectives of health managers on community health committees´ (CHC) participation in health sector planning and budgeting.

Methods: the study utilized a cross-sectional research design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Study participants were involved in planning and budgeting. Quantitative data were collected from 100% (n=170) of health managers, while qualitative data were gathered from 100% (n=3) of county department of health executives and 94% (n=83) of community health committee members. Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyze quantitative data, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically.

Results: although 87% of the health managers agreed that community health committee participation is beneficial, only 11% of them were satisfied with their participation, and 54% rated CHC participation as low; furthermore, over 50% of health managers disagreed that Community Health Unit (CHUs) have the necessary skills to effectively participate in the process, that adequate budget and time are allocated for CHC participation, and that feedback about the process is provided to them.

Conclusion: the county health department of health should allocate more funds and design sustained capacity-building programs to enhance CHC participation in health sector planning and budgeting.

Keywords: Community participation; Kenya; community health committees; devolution; health managers.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
community structures involved in annual health sector planning and budgeting
Figure 2
Figure 2
health managers' rating of the level of CHU engagement in annual health sector planning and budget process
Figure 3
Figure 3
perceptions of health managers on community health units’ participation in the annual health sector planning and budgeting process
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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