Browsing by Author "Omari, Minael N."

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    Bridging training and practice gap: A mixed methods tracer study of bachelor of science in nursing graduates (2016–2020) at Kairuki University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
    (Public Library of Science, 2025-10-03) Sariah, Adellah; Omari, Minael N.; Bugomola, Monica A.; Sungwa, Edson; Ndomondo, Mathew D.; Haruna, Tausi S.; Zenas, Joan, P.; Elizabeth Mika Z.; Mbao, Ezekiel H.; Semali, Innocent A.; Columba Mbekenga K.
    Background Tracer studies evaluate the effectiveness of university training by assessing how graduates perform in the job market. This study focused on Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) graduates, aiming to describe their training experiences, application of acquired competencies, and overall stakeholder perceptions to inform BScN curriculum improvement. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-method design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data concurrently from 2016–2020 BScN graduates (February-May 2023). Graduates and other stakeholders (including educators, employers, and policymakers) in this study were selected from private, public, and faith-based hospitals and universities, colleges, and the Ministry of Health. Quantitative data were gathered via online structured questionnaires adapted and modified from the American International Health Alliance and the Technical Vocational Education and Training tools. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and focus groups with graduates, employers, educators, and policymakers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Integration occurred during interpretation to provide a comprehensive understanding of graduates’ experiences, competency application, and stakeholder perceptions of the BScN program. Results Among the 61 graduates who completed the online survey, 37 (60.7%) were female. Most (48; 78.7%) worked as nurses, while 6 (9.8%) were tutors and 3 (4.9%) worked as tutorial assistants. Demonstration was rated the most useful teaching and learning method by 52 (85.2%) respondents, and 47 (81%) rated practical exams as a useful assessment method. These were also supported by graduates and stakeholders who shared their perspectives with regard to the benefits and impact of the BScN program and training quality. Additionally, 54 graduates (94.7%) found the program very useful in preparing them for their professional roles, which aligned with their views on the connection between acquired competencies and job performance. Both graduates and educators highlighted challenges encountered during training and in professional practice. Policymakers and graduates also offered recommendations for improving the program. Additionally, 54 graduates (94.7%) found the program very useful in preparing them for their professional roles, which aligned with their views on the connection between acquired competencies and job performance. Both graduates and educators highlighted challenges encountered during training and in professional practice. Policymakers and graduates also offered recommendations for improving the program. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that the BScN program is widely regarded by graduates and stakeholders as effective in preparing students for professional practice, particularly through practical teaching methods such as demonstrations and practical exams. While the program’s impact on competency development and job performance was strongly affirmed, the study also revealed notable challenges during training and practice. These insights support the ongoing review and enhancement of the BScN curriculum.
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    Exploring perceptions of clients with regards to National Health Insurance services in a selected public hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
    (University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2015) Omari, Minael N.
    Background: The National Health Insurance (NHI) of Tanzania is commonly known as the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF). The scheme operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) together with an independent board of the NHIF. It is a mandatory form of healthcare financing primarily for public servants and other categories of employees in the formal sector which covers hospital costs for the principal member and six beneficiaries of any age. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of clients with regards to National Health Insurance Services in a selected public hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methodology: Guided by objectivism, this study adopted a positivist paradigm and a quantitative approach. A non-experimental, exploratory-descriptive and cross sectional research design was used and a self-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of KwaZulu-Natal Research Ethics Committee and the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HSSREC) in South Africa, and from the Kinondoni District Hospital Research Ethics Committee in Tanzania. Results: The results of this study indicated that 64.8% of participants were the principle members of the NHIF and the majority (63.1%) were female. While joining the fund would have been compulsory for the 54.9% of the participants who were civil servants and 15.6% who were traders or business people, the majority (90.1%) of all the participants indicated that they had joined the scheme because it offered financial protection against illness. The majority of participants acknowledged the benefits of being a member of NHI, with 93.5% agreeing that joining the scheme benefited them and their beneficiaries, 93.4% agreeing that it gave them reassurance that their family would receive care, 89.3% agreeing that it provided easy access to health care, 83.6% agreeing that it would save money from paying hospital bills and 82.8% agreeing that belonging to NHI was better than having to make out-of-pocket payments. Recommendations: Despite their positive attitude towards the NHI services, participants admitted that NHI does not permit health care access to all citizens and that, even with the cover of the NHIF, they still needed to save money to pay for hospital care. Therefore, the study recommends the expansion of the NHIF benefits packages up to the Primary Health Care level to avoid user fee for the insured. Similarly, the NHIF management must find another mechanism of funding the Community Health Fund to provide coverage for the poor rural communities who depend only on out-of-pocket payments. Further research is also recommended to explore the perceptions of the majority of Tanzanians who are not covered by the NHIF schemes. Keywords: Community Health Insurance, Health Insurance, National Health Insurance, National Health Insurance benefits, Tanzania health care system, universal health coverage