A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science in Health Monitoring and Evaluation (MSc HM&E) of Mzumbe University
The general objective of this evaluation was to assess the barriers to surgical uptake reported by patients requiring surgery and the effective performance of the surgical component of the SAFE (S=surgery, A=antibiotics, F=face washing and E=environment sanitation) strategy to eradicate Trachoma in Kisarawe District. The assessment focused on process evaluation for the improving the program implementation. This evaluation intended to assess the dimension of measuring the compliance to SAFE strategy guideline, acceptability and availability of the services. Cross section study design that employs both quantitative and qualitative methods was used to evaluate barriers to TT (Trachomatous Trichiasis) surgery implementation program in Kisarawe district. A total of 80 TT patients with clinical signs of inactive trachoma Trichiasis from the TT backlog health facility records, 16 program coordinators and medical in charges from 8 health Facilities were involved in this evaluation. Findings revealed that, among the patients who participated in this evaluation 13.8% had not performed TT surgery due to various reasons, including lack of adequate information, old age, poverty and distance from health services. Source of information for TT surgery was significantly associated with assessing TT operations among the participants within Kisarawe district (p=0.000). Majority 90.9% of respondents who had no information on SAFE strategy in Kisarawe district were not operated. Community awareness on Trachomatous trichiasis for majority of the clients77% were poor. This evaluation suggests that, effective eye health promotions is the key to building knowledge, skills and attitudes to bring about change within communities, so that we can achieve the goal of eliminating blinding trachoma by 2020 to reach the SAFE strategy.