Determinants of referrals from paraprofessionals to veterinarians in Uganda and Kenya

Abstract

Referrals between paraprofessionals and veterinarians are seen as a solution for improving disease surveillance, detection, and reporting as well as ensuring prudent use of antimicrobial agents in animals. This paper used data collected from paraprofessionals in Kenya and Uganda to identify factors influencing referrals to veterinarians by paraprofessionals using a probit regression model. The results show that the determinants of paraprofessional referrals to veterinarians include the following: paraprofessional's mobile phone ownership, gender, and training, as well as attendance of short term trainings, annual assessments, and membership in paraprofessional associations. The paper argues that legislation or supervision of paraprofessionals as well as expansion of mobile phone ownership by paraprofessionals, supporting the formation of paraprofessional associations, and investing in short term training are important factors for strengthening referrals from paraprofessionals to veterinarians.

Keywords: Kenya; Paraprofessional; Probit model; Referrals; Uganda.