FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY OWERRI
REPORT ON FIELD WORK ON COMMUNITY HEALTH
AT
MBOKE VILLAGE, IHIAGWA COMMUNITY, OWERRI-
WEST, IMO STATE
DONE BY
(GROUP 8)
SUBMITTED TO
PROF. (MRS.) S.N. IBE
OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
SCHOOL OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.SC) IN
PUBLIC HEALTH
COURSE CODE: PUH 315
JULY, 2025
S/N Name Reg Number
1
1 FINEMAN GODSPOWER CHINAZAEKPERE 20221318327
2 ASAGWARA CHINENYE GENEVIEVE 20221312647
3 EJIOGU CHIOMA JANEFRANCIS 20232376177
4 EDOZIEM EMMANUEL CHIMEREZE 20221336347
5 JONATHAN CHIZITERE FECHUKWU 20221343027
6 MADUABUCHI ONYEABOR 20221330617
7 OKONKWO CHIZITERE PRISCA 20221318707
8 NWOSU KELECHI GLORIA 20221334347
9 IROBI VIVIAN EKENE 20221309727
10 CHINEDUM FAVOUR CHISOM 20221304847
11 UZOCHUKWU FRANCISCA EKPEREAMAKA 20221309807
12 OSIGWE AKUCHI NNEOMA 20221349127
13 OGBENNA DESTINY CHUKWUAKU 20221324867
14 AKOR GRACE ALADI 20221323377
15 NKWAEGBULAM CHIDERA MAUREEN 20221334767
16 TERFA AERSHIMANA FAVOUR 20221304717
GROUP LIST
2
DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to God Almighty for His grace, favour and sustenance
throughout the period of executing this field work and to every member of this
group who contributed immensely in different capacities to the success of this
work.
3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We wish to use this opportunity to appreciate the numerous individuals who
have made valuable contribution towards the success of this field work. We
must specifically express our gratitude to the Dean School of Heath, Prof. (Rev.)
Sr. Evangeline Oparaocha for her wonderful administration in making learning
and teaching environment conducive, we also express our gratitude to the Head
of Department, Public Health Technology, Dr. C. C Iwuala for providing us the
opportunity to embark on this pattern of knowledge acquisition. We appreciate
our esteemed coordinators Prof. (Mrs.) S.N. Ibe and Mrs Oluchi
4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Community Health Practicum…………………………………………………... 6
Introduction…………………………………………………………………….… 7
Objectives of the Field Trip…………………………………………………….... 7
Description of the Study Area………….………………………………………... 8
Methodology……………………………………………………………………… 8
Questionnaire Design…………………………………………………………….. 9
-Section A: Socio-Demographic Information…………………………………... 9
-Section B: Family Size…………………………………………………………... 9
-Section C: Children’s Education……………………………………………….. 9
-Section D: Family Health & Access to Health Care…………………………... 9
-Section E: Basic Amenities……………………………………….…………....... 10
-Section F: Children’s Nutrition………………………………………………… 10
-Section G: Family Empowerment…………………………………………........ 10
Findings………………………………………………………………………........ 10
Observations…………………………………………………………….……....... 11
Conclusion…………………………………….…………………………………... 11
References…………………………………….…………………………………... 11
Map………………………………………………………………………………... 12
5
COMMUNITY HEALTH PRACTICUM III
A REPORT ON A VISIT TO MBOKE VILLAGE, IHIAGWA
AUTONOMOUS COMMUNITY, OWERRI WEST, IMO STATE
COMMUNITY HEALTH PRACTICUM
Public Health Community Practicum is a hands-on training experience that
allows students in the field of Public Health to apply their knowledge and skills
in real-world community settings. It typically involves working alongside public
health practitioners, community organizations, and community members to
address specific health issues and improve health outcomes. The benefits of a
public health community practicum numerous. It offers a unique opportunity for
students in real world settings within a local community. It is typically a
requirement or elective in public health degree programs, and it provides students
with the opportunity to work directly with a community to address public health
concerns, promote health promotion, and improve overall population health. The
specific focus of the practicum can vary depending on the organization or
program, but it generally aligns with the core areas of public health, such as
epidemiology, health education and promotion, environmental health, and health
care administration. Overall, a public health community practicum offers a
valuable learning experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice.
6
INTRODUCTION
Practicum programs are a vital component of undergraduate and postgraduate
education in Nigerian universities it bridges the gap between theoretical
knowledge and practical application. These experiential learning opportunities
provide students with invaluable hands-on experience, equipping them with the
skills and confidence necessary to succeed in their chosen professions.
This field trip was conducted to assess the health status, healthcare accessibility,
family structure, and living conditions of residents in Mboke Village, located in
Ihiagwa, Owerri West, Imo State. As part of the public health curriculum, the
field work is aimed to provide students with firsthand experience in community
health surveys and offer valuable insights into rural health challenges and socio-
demographic patterns.
OBJECTIVES OF THE FIELD TRIP
To assess the general health conditions of households in Mboke Village.
To examine the accessibility and usage of health facilities in the community.
To identify common diseases affecting the population.
To evaluate the level of children’s education and nutrition.
To understand family structures and empowerment exposure.
To analyze the availability and quality of basic amenities in the community.
7
DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA
Mboke is a rural village in Ihiagwa, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo
State. The village is characterized by a traditional lifestyle, modest housing, and a
small population size. It has a community market and a health center that
provides basic medical services. The community leadership is headed by Hon.
Mr. Chukwuma Nnadi (Chairman), Comrade Vincent Onyenwe (Secretary
General), and Mrs. Antonia Ukwunna (Chairlady).
Despite the presence of a health facility, several gaps in health accessibility and
general living standards still exist.
METHODOLOGY
A community-based descriptive survey method was adopted for this assessment.
Data collection was carried out through direct interviews using a structured (close
ended) questionnaire guide. Ten (10) individuals from randomly selected
households were interviewed. The survey was conducted on Wednesday, 23rd
July 2025 by student participants under supervision. The data was analyzed
qualitatively based on response trends and recorded answers.
8
QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN
Section A: Socio-Demographic Information
Respondents ranged from 23 to 64 years old, with the majority being female.
Most of them were married, Christian, and of Igbo ethnicity. Educational levels
varied, but most had at least primary education. Occupations included farming,
petty trading, and artisan work.
Section B: Family Size
Families had an average size of 5–7 members. Majority of households included
children under the age of 18. Extended family setups were also common,
indicating a strong communal lifestyle.
Section C: Children’s Education
Most children were enrolled in school, primarily at the primary and junior
secondary levels. However, challenges such as lack of money for fees and
learning materials were mentioned. Some children dropped out due to financial
issues or the need to assist their families.
Section D: Family Health & Access to Health Care
Common illnesses reported included malaria, typhoid, and cough. Most
respondents used the local health center for treatment, but some relied on close
range pharmaceuticals, patent medicine dealers, self-medication or traditional
medicine. Absence of mosquito nets, distance to the health center and cost of
services were cited as barriers.
9
Section E: Basic Amenities
Electricity was not stable and while some households had access to clean tap or
pipe borne water, others lacked access to clean water, making them dependent on
streams or rainwater. Cooking was mostly done with firewood and sanitation was
done using crude implements like hoes, spades and cutlass.
Section F: Children’s Nutrition
Meals mostly consisted of carbohydrate-based dishes like fufu and rice, with
limited protein. Many children were fed two meals daily. Fruits and vegetables
were not a regular part of their diet due to cost or availability.
Section G: Family Empowerment
Most households lacked access to empowerment programs. While a few had
benefitted from church or community-led trainings, there was a general lack of
awareness or participation in government-sponsored schemes. Women especially
expressed interest in learning skills or starting businesses if given the
opportunity.
FINDINGS
Majority of the population lives below the poverty line.
Poor access to stable electricity, clean water, and good roads.
Healthcare is available but limited in reach, quality, and affordability.
Malaria and typhoid are common, with reliance on both traditional and modern
medicine.
Children’s nutrition and education are affected by poverty and lack of resources.
Empowerment opportunities are minimal, especially for women.
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OBSERVATIONS
There is a need for targeted government and NGO intervention in education,
health, and infrastructure.
The community is willing to participate in programs but lacks information and
resources.
Female-headed households showed more vulnerability.
Traditional beliefs still influence healthcare decisions in some homes.
Hygiene practices are basic, and open defecation still occurs in some parts of the
village.
CONCLUSION
Mboke Village reflects the realities of many rural communities in Nigeria where
access to healthcare, quality education, and basic amenities remains a challenge.
The field trip provided valuable insights into the socio-economic and health-
related struggles faced by the community. Strategic health planning,
empowerment initiatives, and infrastructure development are key to improving
the living conditions of the people of this community.
REFERENCES
Comrade Vincent Onyenwe: The General Secretary Mboke village, Ihiagwa
Autonomous Community, Owerri West. Imo State.
Residents Mboke Village, Ihiagwa Autonomous Community, Owerri West. Imo
State.
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A Map Showing the Route from the Department of Public Health FUTO To
Mboke Village, Ihiagwa
12
