Knowledge and Utilization Pattern of Referral Systems among Primary Healthcare Workers in a Community in North-West Nigeria

ABSTRACT

A functional referral system is vital for the delivery of continuous and effective patient care from primary healthcare to secondary or tertiary level of care. This study assessed knowledge and utilization of referral systems among primary health care workers in Jema'a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 100 primary healthcare workers selected through a multistage sampling technique from five primary health centres in Jema'a. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge about and pattern of utilization of referral systems. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20 software package. Bivariate analysis was performed and variables with a p value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Most of the respondents (50.6%) had low knowledge, 25.3% had moderate knowledge and 24.1% had high knowledge about referral systems. Referral practices were poor among primary health care workers and common factors identified as affecting referrals were the lack of availability of referral forms and communication networks, the distance of the health facilities from one another and the lack of awareness of the health workers about the referral system. Knowledge about referral systems was relatively low with poor utilization practices of referrals among health workers. Appropriate training programs need to be implemented by local government and state health authorities to enhance health worker knowledge on referrals. Referral materials and communication equipment required for referrals need to be provided to health facilities to enhance the efficient utilization of referral systems.