Community diagnosis in oshakati, oshana region -Namibia

  • Authors

    • Kabwebwe Honore Mitonga University of Namibia, School of Public Health
    • Banza Françoise Mwikume University of Stellenbosch
    • Shilunga Anna Panduleni Kauko University of Namibia
    2017-02-25
    https://doi.org/10.14419/ijm.v5i1.7257
  • Community diagnosis, Health problems, Oshakati, Oshana, Namibia

  • This paper aimed to diagnose the community of Oshakati community in Oshana region in the northern part of the Republic of Namibia by providing an overall picture of the local community and the residents’ concerns, the health problems and challenges and suggest priority areas for health intervention and the feasible solutions.

    A survey was conducted using self-administered questionnaires, face to face interviews, focus groups.

    The main problems identified are: teenage pregnancies due to unprotected sex and early sexual behaviors, promiscuity by means of poverty, alcohol and drug abuse resulting in stab wounds, uncontrolled behaviors, domestic violence, assault and crime, high levels of unemployment, stress and depression, TB, HIV with growing number of orphans, diarrhea and respiratory infections.

    The survey conducted in Oshakati has shown that the assessment of the community is useful in identifying the important problems and needs for the community; the cultural, social, economic, environmental factors have to be considered for good health reform. The resources are available and should be utilized for active participation of the people and implication of the authorities in health promotion by identifying and prioritizing problems of the community they serve.

  • References

    1. [1] Enviro-Dynamics. (2012). PROPOSED FLOOD MITIGATION MEASURES FOR THE OSHAKATI / ONGWEDIVA AREA Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) DRAFT SCOPING REPORT. Retrieved from http://www.envirod.com/pdf/proposed_flood_mitigation_measurements/OFM scoping report 01_05_2012 to public.pdf.

      [2] James S, Van Rooyen D, S. J. (2012). Experiences of teenage pregnancy among Xhosa families. Midwifery, 2(28), 190–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2011.04.003.

      [3] Morton CM, Simmel C, P. N. (2014). Neighborhood alcohol outlet density and rates of child abuse and neglect: Moderating effects of access to substance abuse services. Child Abuse & Neglect. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2014.01.002.

      [4] Surles, Kathryn B.;Blue, K. P. (1993). Assessing the Public’s Health : Community Diagnosis in North Carolina. Public Health Reports, 108(2), 198–203.

      [5] World Health Organisation - Europe Regional Office Health. (1994). City Health Profiles : how to report on health in your city. City Health Profiles.

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  • How to Cite

    Mitonga, K. H., Mwikume, B. F., & Anna Panduleni Kauko, S. (2017). Community diagnosis in oshakati, oshana region -Namibia. International Journal of Medicine, 5(1), 66-70. https://doi.org/10.14419/ijm.v5i1.7257