Factors influencing implementation of intergrated management of neonatal and childhood illnesses among health workers at Kabale regional referal hospital, Kabale district

Introduction: The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) which later (2003) modified into Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood illnesses (IMNCI), is a strategy which was developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 1992 as an integrated approach to improve child health (Hope et al.,2012). Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess factors influencing the implementation of IMNCI in Kabale Regional Referral Hospital, Kabale District. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design with quantitative and qualitative data collection methods on 59 health workers who were directly involved in child care and management of childhood illnesses selected by simple random sampling. More data was collected from five key informants using an interview guide. Results: Majority of the respondents (54.2%) were aged between 31-40 years, 44.1% had spent 5-10 years in service, and majority (62.7%) were diploma holders. Majority (53%) had had IMNCI training and 61% could identify at least one danger sign. Also 76.3% reported lack of enough booklets, 47.5% mentioned inadequate staffing, and 52.5% mentioned lack of regular training and 84% reported lack of regular follow-up. 90% of all respondents reported not to use IMNCI approach in management of children in their respective departments. Conclusion: Health workers had average knowledge on IMNCI strategy and had a poor attitude towards the approach as they intimated that its time consuming.