Management style of Community Health Centers and user satisfaction level after 21 years

AIMS: This study aimed to compare the management style of the Management Committee with government policies and to evaluate the user's satisfaction concerning the management of community health centers (CHCs) and the services these provide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 8 CHCs in Mali from September to October 2009. A total of 160 householders and 24 CHC Management Committee members were interviewed using face to face interviews. RESULTS: The CHCs were led by local populations and their management style was in line with the ones set up by the government. People in the lowest socioeconomic conditions, elderly people, and people who attended the CHC meetings were the most satisfied. Management Committee members suggested that more support was needed from the government regarding funding and human resources allocation. CONCLUSION: Meme si un niveau eleve de satisfaction concernant le service fourni a ete observe, les utilisateurs ont signale une certaine insuffisance dans la qualite des soins alors que les gestionnaires ont suggere plus de financement et d'allocation des ressources humaines du gouvernement.