Health Providers’ Readiness for Health Education Service Provision in Primary Health Care Facilities, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Health education is a fundamental component of Primary Health Care (PHC) that promotes behavioural change and disease prevention. However, many PHC facilities continue to experience a high burden of preventable conditions, partly due to inadequate provider readiness to deliver effective health education services. Aim: This study assessed health providers’ readiness for health education service provision in PHC facilities, focusing on the interplay of training, motivation, and involvement. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 133 clinical staff (nurses, midwives, Community Health Extension Workers, and Junior Community Health Extension Workers) selected through multistage sampling from PHC facilities in four Local Government Areas of southern Kaduna State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire covering training, motivation, and involvement domains. Composite scores determined overall readiness. Descriptive and inferential statistics were analyzed using SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Most respondents reported adequate training (59.4%), motivation (62.4%), and involvement (74.2%) in health education service provision. Overall, 59.4% were classified as ready to deliver health education services. A significant association was found between professional cadre and readiness (χ² = 7.291, p = 0.027), with Community Health Extension Workers demonstrating higher readiness than Nurses/Midwives and Junior Community Health Extension Workers. Conclusion: PHC providers in southern Kaduna State exhibit moderate readiness to deliver health education services, influenced by training, motivation, and involvement, with notable differences across professional cadres. Recommendation: Strengthening competency-based training, supportive supervision, resource availability, and inclusive engagement of all cadres, particularly nurses and midwives, is essential to enhance the effectiveness of health education within PHC systems. Keywords: Health providers; Health education; Primary health care; Readiness; Nigeria