Title: Problem identification
Course: Health Management, Ethics and Research - Ethiopia (Full)

Problem identification

A problem is a perceived gap between what something is and what that thing should ideally be. Gathering information about the root causes of health problems is necessary to identify the health problems that exist in the community. Information gathered should also include those people who will benefit from the interventions.

Case Study 3.2 Identifying a local problem

There is a flood in your village which may result in an acute outbreak of diarrhoeal disease. The community may not realise that this could contaminate the river water they are using for drinking. But as a Health Extension Practitioner you understand what this situation could develop into. Hence, you are able to identify this as a potential problem.

Why is the flood in the village identified as a potential problem?

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Many people in the village have diarrhoea and sanitation in the village is poor. If faeces get into the river water used for drinking, then the infection may spread resulting in a widespread outbreak of diarrhoeal disease.

In order to solve the identified problem, first try to define it properly. You should identify all possible causes and try to address or remove the causes of the problem. A useful technique is to group the identified health problems together under specific headings. Table 3.2 shows an example of this approach.

Table 3.2 Problem identification.

Health problems | Health service problems | Community problems
Malaria Diarrhoea Malnutrition | Lack of supervision Insufficient drugs Lack of trained personnel | Lack of safe water supply

How could problem identification help you tackle health problems?

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Unless you understand the full extent of the problems, as set out for example in Table 3.2, you won't be able to plan ways to tackle them effectively.