Assessing Health Needs in Rural Nepal

Abstract

A health needs assessment was conducted by the Himalayan Family Healthcare Project on an underserved population in Manang district, Nepal. The objective of the study was to highlight the health problems of a sample never surveyed before. The assessment was to also serve as a guide in the establishment of a hospital in the area. A door to door survey was carried out in fifteen villages in late 2010. Key Informants (KIs) from 204 households (HH) were surveyed regarding their respective households. Questions included those on disease conditions, health needs, health concerns and perceptions. The results revealed that among all KIs, about three fourths (73%) reported their HH health as poor. Common health problems in HHs indicated by KIs were gastritis and other digestive problems (61%), breathing and lung problems (53%), allergies (54%), pain (45%), dental problems (44%), heart diseases (40%), hypertension (26%), and vision problems (21%). Many KIs had travelled out of the district for doctor visits (62%) and health check-ups (71%) in the past twelve months. Dental care (97%), women’s health (95%), pediatric care (95%), men’s health (94%), surgery (94%), vision (92%), and hearing (91%) were health services reportedly needed. Rating of overall health as poor by KIs was associated with significant health concerns and health problems in the HH. The health assessment has helped to identify the area’s common health problems and concerns from residents’ perspectives. Study findings provided useful information when considering the establishment of a hospital in this rural underserved area by the Himalayan Family Healthcare Project. The assessment may also find use in prioritizing health promotion interventions and programs in future.