The aim of this study is to assess the spatial distribution of health centers in rural Lattakia
governorate and to develop a scientific methodology to guide the growth of the health
sector by identifying the needs and adequacy of the primary health
care centers according
to the spatial distribution of the population within these rural areas using spatial statistical
techniques in GIS.
In order to achieve this objective, a spatial database was created, including the population
centers, the primary health care centers (health centers) with the population served by
them, as well as a group of fields on the specifications of these centers in terms of
ownership, floor space and human cadres.
A number of quantitative and spatial tests were conducted in order to measure the fairness
of the distribution of health centers according to the population distribution and determine
the need, while attempting to find an initial guidance on the locations of the supporting
centers according to quantitative and spatial analysis And then measure the degree of
improvement according to the study indicators.
The result of this research was to describe the current status of the distribution of health
centers in the northern Latakia countryside, identify areas of weakness and inadequacy,
propose supporting centers and develop an effective guideline for assessing and improving
the placement of primary health care activities in rural areas.
The last century has witnessed a great development in all areas, Health care services are
constantly evolving including health education which is considered as a cornerstone in the
prevention of diseases. Health education should start from primary
health care centers which are
responsible for ensuring the provision of health education not only for patients and their families
but also to society as a whole. In order to achieve the desired objectives of health education in
health centers, it must be desired supported by using the appropriate materials of health education,
which effectively contribute to raising the educational process level and increase its efficiency. The
optimal use of educational materials by competent person will help him to do his job efficiently
with high quality. Educational materials helps in providing health information in interesting
manner and create an ambiance of interaction and teamwork between the provider and beneficiary.
Despite the importance of using health education materials in the process of providing health
information , there are few foreign and Arabic studies and there are no studies in Syria that deal
with this important side of health education process ( i.e : the use of educational materials). This
study aimed to evaluate the use of health educational materials in primary healthcare centers in the
city of Lattakia by all members of the nursing staff working in those centers, since each nursing
health care provider plays a role as a health educator during the delivery of health services.
The study was conducted in primary health care centers in the city of Lattakia , The sample
consisted of 220 nursing and health care providers in 12 health center. The most important results
were that health care providers use the educational materials available to them at the center, and
there is a remarkable shortage in the availability of audio visual and sensual educational materials.
Health care providers acknowledge the importance of using educational materials in the process of
providing health information to the beneficiary. However, There are many difficulties facing them.
