Assessment of Integrated Management of Childhood Illness Program in Primary Health Care Facilities in Kafr El Sheikh District, Egypt

Background and Aim: The Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) program is a World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations International Children's Emergency (UNICEF) initiative aimed at reducing childhood morbidity and mortality through evidence-based protocols in primary healthcare settings. In Egypt, the IMCI strategy has significantly contributed to improved child health outcomes. This study aimed to assess the performance of healthcare workers and the satisfaction of childcare givers with IMCI services in Kafr El Sheikh District.
Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four primary healthcare (PHC) facilities, including both urban and rural units. The sample included 68 healthcare workers and 383 systematically selected childcare givers. Data were collected through structured interviews and observational checklists based on WHO IMCI guidelines. Healthcare workers' performance was evaluated across assessment, classification, treatment, and communication components.
Results: Among the childcare givers, 60.8% expressed satisfaction with IMCI services. Key reasons included short waiting times (38.6%) and effective communication with physicians (22.7%). Among healthcare workers, 75.2% demonstrated satisfactory practice levels. The highest performance was seen in treatment (61.9%) and assessment (55.9%), while classification was suboptimal in 60.3% of cases. Significant associations were found between healthcare worker performance and factors such as experience and training. Facilities showed good availability of essential IMCI medications and equipment, although documentation and supervision practices were inconsistent.
Conclusion: IMCI was well implemented, particularly in clinical care and caregiver satisfaction, but gaps in education, documentation, and classification persist. Better training and supervision are recommended.