Abstract:
Background: The health extension program is an innovative Ethiopian government plan to ensure health equity by creating demand for essential health services through the provision of appropriate health information at a household level in rural and urban parts of Ethiopia. This study is aimed to assess the level of community satisfaction with HEP and the associated factors in Bellojganfoy Woreda, Kemashi Zone Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, western Ethiopia. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess community satisfactions and associated factors with health extension program in Bellojyganfoy Woreda, Kemashi zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, western Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study, using quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, in five randomly selected villages were employed. Quantitative data were collected from 555respondents using a structured questionnaire. SPSS 20.0Softwarewasused for quantitative data analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed. As part of qualitative Focus group discussions were conducted and the data from FGD was transcribed from the tape recorder and the data was analyzed manually by categorizing into different themes and triangulated with the quantitative study. Result: Fifty five point seven percent of the respondents were satisfied with the services provided by the HEP Community Satisfaction with HEP was mostly explained by age of the respondents, perceived way of communication, perceived relationship, perceived accessibility frequency of out reach service, distance and being titled as model family. Perceived way of communication, frequency of out reach service, and age were best predictors of satisfaction. The satisfaction score for age group 18-24 respondents was increased by an average of .280 (ß; 95%CI: 0.070 to0.490) as compared to their 35-44 counterparts. Respondents supplied with regular outreach services satisfaction score of respondents was increased by an average of 34.9%compared to occasional outreach services (ß; 95%CI: 0.236 to 0.463).One-unit increase in respondents‟ perceived way of communication, the respondents‟ satisfaction had an average increase by 0.335(ß; 95%CI: 0.252 to 0.417).Conclusion and recommendation:-The present study showed that interpersonal processes including perceived accessibility, perceived relationship, perceived way of communication, and being awarded as model family significantly influence community satisfaction. Therefore, the health authorities need to strengthen comprehensive and regular observation, monitoring and evaluation on the program and work towards improving the communication skill of HEWs..