Description:
Introduction: A process evaluation on nutrition assessment counseling and support
services of PLWHA at CTC conducted at Bukoba region referral hospital-Kagera region
with the aim of ascertaining level of programme implementation.
Methodology: Mixed methods were used to assess evaluation dimensions. The semi
structure questionnaire, interview guide, observation checklists and documentary review
were used to obtain information about programme context, implementation process,
reach, fidelity, dose, adaptation and mechanisms of the impacts of the services provided
to PLWHA.
Evaluation findings: The evaluation findings revealed that programme was fairly
implemented with overall 51% score of weighted factors. The evaluated factors show
that implementation process was 42.8% and fidelity of the implementation is 43.5%.
While dose and reach of the programme implementation show 38.64% and 79.64%
respectively. Stakeholders were less engaging to the programme services as contextual
limiting factors and integration of nutrition services to CTC services note as mediator of
mechanisms of achieved reach. Using weight trend of PLWHA as nutrition status
determination index seen as programme adaptation
Conclusion: The CTC had inadequate implementation process that include limited
number of staff to assist nutrition services, inadequate equipment, materials and supplies
to better optimal programme implementation. Implementation components such as
fidelity, dose and reach are imbalance implemented for optimal quality programme
implementation.
Recommendation: Hospital and regional health managements and ministry of health
through TFNC and NACP with their nutrition stakeholders are urged to improve CTC
capacity to better nutrition assessment, counseling and support services implementation
for betterment of PLWHA.