THE IMPACT OF COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTER IN GBOKO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN BENUE STATE

Primary health care (PHC) is an integral part of the health care system that has been practiced by developed and developing country’s health systems including Nigeria. The main objective of the study was to examine the impact of community associations on primary healthcare centers in Gboko LGA, Benue State. An extensive review of literature was under-taken to guide the researcher into what has already been carried out in the area. Cross sectional research design was adopted. The instruments used for data collections were questionnaire and Key Informants Interview. The internal consistency reliability coefficient was determined for the questionnaire using Cochran Sample size formula. In the study it was shown that the community associations have knowledge on some of the services provided by primary healthcare centers. The services include immunization, Child delivery, ante natal services, post-natal services, Family planning, community health awareness, treatment of infectious diseases, provision of essential drugs, Promotion of food supply and proper nutrition. The findings on attitudes of community associations on primary healthcare centers in Gboko LGA revealed that most (78%) of the respondents have positive attitudes towards primary healthcare centers while a smaller percent (12) showed negative attitudes towards it. The impact of community associations on primary healthcare centers includes improved funding, improved security, Patronage by community members, enhanced supervision, reduced challenges, improved training of personnel, Access to more essential drugs, Comprehensive immunization, improved services, sustainability, improved community health among others. The challenges include poor funding, rivalry, insecurity, lack of skilled personnel, illiteracy, inadequate drug supply, inadequate public awareness, limited membership, large population sizes, distance, attitudes of healthcare personnel and secular beliefs. Community participation is a vitally important strategy in efforts to work with youth to improve their sexual and reproductive health. Community participation is a strategy that respects the rights and ability of youth and other community members to design and implement programs within their community. Community participation opens the way for community members— including youth—to act responsibly