Community Health II: Main Exam, 31 March 2026
Mount Kenya University · Department of Community Health, Epidemiology and Biostatistics · Diploma in Community Oral Health · DPH2103
Community Health II past paper from Mount Kenya University 2025-2026 with model answers for DPH2103.
SECTION A (40 marks)
ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS. EACH QUESTION CARRIES 5 MARKS
1. Define professionalism in community health practice and state FOUR characteristics of a professional health worker.
- Professionalism: the conduct, attitudes and values that reflect commitment to ethical practice, competence and responsibility in community health.
- Integrity – honesty and adherence to moral and professional standards.
- Accountability – taking responsibility for actions and outcomes.
- Respect for persons – valuing dignity, cultural diversity and confidentiality.
- Commitment to continuous learning – maintaining and updating knowledge and skills.
2. Define Primary Health Care (PHC) and state FOUR key features of PHC.
- Primary Health Care (PHC): a holistic approach to health that provides essential health services that are universally accessible, community‑based, and affordable.
- Universal accessibility – services are available to all without discrimination.
- Community participation – people are involved in planning, implementing and evaluating health actions.
- Intersectoral coordination – collaboration across health, education, agriculture, etc., to address health determinants.
- Appropriate technology – use of low‑cost, culturally suitable, and scientifically sound methods.
3. State FIVE principles of Primary Health Care.
- Equity – health services should be provided based on need, not ability to pay.
- Community participation – people take part in decision‑making and action.
- Appropriate technology – affordable, simple, and culturally acceptable methods.
- Holistic health promotion – focus on prevention, health education and social determinants.
- Intersectoral collaboration – coordinated effort among various sectors to improve health.
4. List FIVE strategies used in the implementation of Primary Health Care programmes.
- Health education and promotion – campaigns, school programs, community talks.
- Community mobilisation – forming health committees, engaging local leaders.
- Training of community health workers – capacity building for grassroots service delivery.
- Integration of services – linking curative, preventive and rehabilitative care.
- Use of appropriate technology – low‑cost diagnostics, point‑of‑care kits, mobile health tools.
5. State FIVE roles of the community in the implementation of Primary Health Care programmes.
- Participating in health planning – providing local needs assessments and priorities.
- Volunteering in health activities – assisting in campaigns, immunisation drives, health education.
- Monitoring and reporting – observing disease trends and informing health authorities.
- Advocating for resources – lobbying for water, sanitation, nutrition and health facilities.
- Maintaining local health assets – caring for community water sources, latrines, and clean environments.
6. Identify FIVE major determinants of health that influence the health status of a community.
- Socio‑economic status – income, education and occupation influencing access to care.
- Physical environment – housing, water, sanitation and pollution levels.
- Behavioural factors – diet, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical activity.
- Genetic and biological factors – hereditary diseases and age‑related risks.
- Health services availability – accessibility, quality and affordability of medical care.
7. State FIVE roles of a Health Records and Information Officer in Primary Health Care programmes.
- Roles
- Collects, records and maintains patient and service data for PHC facilities.
- Ensures confidentiality, security and proper storage of health records.
- Generates routine reports and statistics for programme monitoring and decision‑making.
- Provides information support to health workers for case management and referrals.
- Trains staff on proper documentation, data entry and use of health information systems.