EKITI STATE UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN KINETICS AND HEALTH EDUCATION
PRACTICUM REPORT
ON FIELD EXPERIENCE AT
PRIMARY HEALTH CENTER, IJEBU-JESA, ORIADE LOCAL GOVERNMENT,
OSUN STATE
AJENIFUJA ENIOLA RACHEAL
MATRIC NO: PG/24/01193
M.ED. HEALTH EDUCATION
LECTURER IN CHARGE
DR. (MRS.) AWOLUSI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Objectives of the Practicum
3. Organizational Structure
4. Activities Undertaken
5. Challenges Faced
6. Lessons Learned
7. Conclusion
8. Recommendations
1. INTRODUCTION
As part of the requirements for the award of a Master’s degree in Health Education at Ekiti State
University, students are expected to undergo a practicum at a relevant health institution to gain
field-based experience. I was posted to the Primary Health Center, Ijebu-Jesa for this purpose.
The practicum was designed to expose me to the structure, operation, and functions of a typical
primary health facility, especially in the delivery of basic preventive, promotive, and curative
health services in a rural community.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE PRACTICUM
i. To apply theoretical knowledge gained in class to real-life health education and public
health situations.
ii. To observe and participate in health education and promotion activities at the primary
health care level.
iii. To understand the structure, roles, and responsibilities of health workers in a PHC setting.
iv. To develop competencies in communication, record keeping, health mobilization, and
community participation.
v. To understand how health problems are identified and addressed at the grassroots level.
3. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE PHC
The Primary Health Center operates under the Oriade Local Government Health Department. It
is headed by a Chief Nursing Officer and supported by other professionals such as Community
Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), Junior Community Health Workers (JCHEWs),
Laboratory technicians, Environmental Health Officers, and administrative staff. Services are
rendered in close coordination with the Local Government and the State Ministry of Health.
4. MAJOR ACTIVITIES OBSERVED AND PARTICIPATED IN
4.1 Health Education and Promotion
i. Participated in daily health talks during antenatal clinics, immunization days, and
outpatient sessions.
ii. Topics covered included malaria prevention, exclusive breastfeeding, personal hygiene,
immunization, nutrition, HIV/AIDS awareness, and family planning.
iii. Helped in preparing posters, pamphlets, and simple health education materials for
patients.
iv. Engaged in one-on-one health counseling, especially for adolescent girls and nursing
mothers.
4.2 Maternal and Child Health Services
i. Attended antenatal and postnatal clinics where I observed nurses and midwives carry out
health checks.
ii. Participated in health talks for pregnant women on nutrition, danger signs in pregnancy,
and infant care.
iii. Assisted in recording data for growth monitoring of children under five years.
iv. Supported routine immunization activities (e.g., BCG, OPV, Penta, Measles) and helped
ensure mothers understood vaccine schedules.
4.3 Outpatient Services
i. Observed patient intake, history taking, and the triage process.
ii. Assisted in health education for patients on hygiene, drug adherence, and disease
prevention.
iii. Learned how basic ailments are managed at PHC level before referral.
4.4 Environmental Health Services
i. Participated in community sanitation mobilization, encouraging clean surroundings and
proper waste disposal.
ii. Joined house-to-house inspections with Environmental Health Officers to check
household sanitation practices.
iii. Attended awareness campaigns on waterborne diseases during World Water Day.
4.5 Family Planning Services
i. Observed counseling and provision of different contraceptive methods (e.g., condoms,
oral pills, injectables).
ii. Participated in health education sessions targeting women of reproductive age.
iii. Assisted in follow-up and record maintenance.
4.6 Health Record Management
i. Observed and assisted in patient data recording and file management.
ii. Learned how immunization records, birth records, and service utilization data are
captured and reported.
iii. Gained exposure to the NHMIS (National Health Management Information System)
reporting tools.
5. CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED
i. Limited equipment and drugs which affected service delivery.
ii. Inconsistent power supply, especially affecting storage of vaccines.
iii. Language barriers when communicating with elderly clients, requiring translation by
staff.
iv. Work overload among few staff, especially during outreach days.
v. Low awareness among community members on certain health practices and services.
6. LESSONS LEARNED
i. Community engagement is critical to the success of any health intervention.
ii. Effective communication and cultural sensitivity are essential when educating rural
populations.
iii. Primary Health Centers are the foundation of Nigeria’s healthcare system, and proper
support can drastically reduce mortality and morbidity.
iv. Record keeping and data reporting are crucial for planning and decision-making.
v. Collaboration among health workers enhances service efficiency.
7. CONCLUSION
The practicum experience at the Primary Health Center, Ijebu-Jesa, provided me with a practical
understanding of the workings of a public health facility at the grassroots. It also exposed me to
various health education methods, preventive services, and the dynamics of community health
delivery. I am confident that this experience has strengthened my skills and passion as a health
educator.
8. RECOMMENDATIONS
I. Government should increase budgetary allocation to PHCs for equipment, medications, and
logistics.
II. In-service training and workshops should be organized regularly for PHC workers.
III. Strengthen community participation and health education efforts.
IV. Introduce mobile health services for hard-to-reach areas.
V. Improve infrastructure, especially power and water supply, to enhance serviced delivery.
