Community Health II: Main Exam, 29 March 2019
Mount Kenya University · Department of Community Health · Diploma in Health Records and Information Technology, Certificate in Health Records and Information Technology · DFH2103
Community Health II past exam 2018-2019 from Mount Kenya University with model answers for each question.
Instructions: ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN SECTION A AND ANY OTHER TWO FROM SECTION B.
ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS IN SECTION A AND ANY OTHER TWO FROM SECTION B.
SECTION A
1. Define the following terms as used in community health. (5 marks)
- i) Advocacy.Model answer
- Advocacy: Effort to influence policy‑makers, stakeholders and the public to adopt actions that improve health equity and address community health needs.
- ii) Primary Health Care.Model answer
- Primary Health Care: Essential health services that are universally accessible, affordable, community‑based, and integrate promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
- iii) Social determinants of health.Model answer
- Social determinants of health: Conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age that shape health outcomes, such as income, education, housing, and social support.
- iv) Burden of disease.Model answer
- Burden of disease: Measure of the impact of health problems on a population, expressed in mortality, morbidity, disability‑adjusted life years (DALYs) or years lived with disability (YLD).
- v) Community participation.Model answer
- Community participation: Active involvement of community members in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating health programmes, ensuring ownership and relevance.
2. Outline the guiding principles in the implementation of the community health strategy. (5 marks)
Model answer
- Equity: Fair distribution of health resources and services, targeting the most vulnerable.
- Community ownership: Empowering local groups to lead and sustain health activities.
- Intersectoral collaboration: Coordinated action among health, education, agriculture, and other sectors.
- Evidence‑based planning: Using data and local needs assessments to guide interventions.
- Capacity building: Strengthening skills, infrastructure and leadership at community level.
- Accountability and monitoring: Regular review of performance indicators and feedback mechanisms.
3. Describe the main constitutional articles that have implications on community health. (5 marks)
Model answer
- Article 35 (Right to Health): Guarantees every person the right to the highest attainable standard of health and obliges the State to provide health services.
- Article 36 (Right to Food and Nutrition): Requires the State to ensure adequate nutrition, a key determinant of community health.
- Article 37 (Right to Safe Water and Sanitation): Mandates provision of safe water and sanitation facilities, essential for disease prevention.
- Article 38 (Right to Education): Promotes health education and awareness, supporting preventive health measures.
- Article 39 (Right to Social Security): Ensures access to health financing and protection against health‑related poverty.
- More answers: Articles on housing, environment, and protection from hazardous work also impact community health.
4. Highlight the key PHC elements under the Alma-Ata declaration. (5 marks)
Model answer
- Health as a Human Right: Health services must be universally accessible and affordable.
- Community Participation: Communities should be involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating health programmes.
- Intersectoral Collaboration: Coordination among health, education, agriculture, and other sectors to address determinants of health.
- Appropriate Technology: Use of low‑cost, culturally acceptable, and scientifically sound technologies.
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Emphasis on preventive measures rather than curative care.
- More answers: Integrated service delivery, equitable resource allocation, and sustainable financing are also key PHC elements.