Capacity building and quality of health service delivery in Soroti District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64792/z6qftm21Keywords:
Capacity building, health service delivery, Soroti District, continuous professional development, mentorship, healthcare qualityAbstract
Background
The study aimed to assess the relationship between capacity building and the quality of health service delivery in Soroti District.
Methodology
The study adopted a descriptive and correlational mixed-methods design to examine the relationship between public health management practices and healthcare service delivery in Soroti District. A sample of 186 respondents was selected from a population of 360 using stratified random and purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Ethical standards, confidentiality, informed consent, and voluntary participation were maintained.
Results
The study achieved an overall response rate of 88.7% from 165 respondents. Most respondents were male (55.8%), while females constituted 44.2%. The majority were aged 25–44 years (61.2%), representing the active and productive workforce. Respondents strongly agreed that capacity building improved job performance (mean = 4.21), enhanced teamwork (mean = 4.08), and improved application of skills in service delivery (mean = 4.15). Health workers were also perceived to provide professional and respectful services (mean = 4.12), while responsiveness to emergencies was rated highly (mean = 4.09). Qualitative thematic findings revealed improved professionalism, teamwork, communication, and community trust as major strengths. However, irregular training, inadequate funding, weak mentorship systems, medicine stock-outs, staffing shortages, long waiting times, and poor referral coordination emerged as key challenges affecting healthcare service delivery. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between capacity building and healthcare service delivery (r = 0.703, p < 0.01).
Conclusion
Improvements in training, mentorship, and continuous professional development enhance staff competence, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Recommendation
The District Health Office should strengthen and institutionalize regular Continuous Professional Development programs for all health workers to ensure continuous skills upgrading.
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Barbara Akello Ogang, Dr. Nwanna Uchechukwu Kevin, Edmand Bakashaba (Author)
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