Healthcare services delivery to elders in Tanzania: Analysis of challenges and enablers in Songea Municipal Council, Tanzania
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mzumbe University
Abstract
Quality health care service delivery to elders is important for social economic development of any country. Despite this recognition, the provision of quality healthcare services to elders in Tanzania, particularly in upgraded health centers, remains a significant challenge despite improvements in infrastructure and service availability. This study examined enablers and challenges of healthcare delivery to elderly patients. The mixed research approach with explanatory sequential research design was employed. The study began with a survey questionnaire which was administered to 220 healthcare providers selected through simple random sampling. This was followed with 20 -depth interviews with geriatrics selected purposively from the upgraded health center in Songea Municipal Council. SPSS version 23 was employed to perform descriptive statistics, logistic regression and variable of p-value of less than 0.05 was statistically significant. Results showed that 69.5% of healthcare provider delivered sub-optimal healthcare services to elders. Factors like leadership support, staff training, and effective policies were important enablers while, challenges were shortages of resources and staff, as well as poor coordination between service units, hindered effective service delivery. Qualitative insights from elders highlighted both strengths and weaknesses, including challenges like drug stock-outs, long waiting times, and delays in emergency care, alongside positive experiences with trained providers offering proper diagnosis and treatment. The study concluded that heath care service delivery to elders in some areas, remain largely inadequate. The study recommends strengthening facility leadership, providing ongoing geriatric training, developing and implementing elder-specific policies, ensuring adequate staffing and medical supplies, and enhancing coordination through clear referral systems and integrated health records. Collaboration among government, healthcare providers, and communities is vital for sustainable improvement. Policy implications include prioritizing leadership development, standardized geriatric training, equitable staffing, and integrated service delivery models. Establishing shared care plans and efficient referral systems will promote continuity and quality of elder care. These measures are essential for creating a responsive, inclusive healthcare system to meet Tanzania’s growing elderly population’s needs
Description
A dissertation submitted to the School of Public Administration and Management in partial fulfilment of the requirements for award of the degree of Master of Research in Public Policy (MRPP) of the Mzumbe University,
Keywords
Health care service, Healthcare systems, Life Course Theory, System Theory, Elderly healthcare services
Citation
APA