Service availability, readiness and health-seeking behavior of gender based violence survivor services in primary healthcare facilities in Dodoma, Tanzania. An Explanatory-sequential study design. Johnson W. Mwamasangula1* & Nyasiro S. Gibore (PhD)1 *Corresponding author: richeejohns@gmail.com , https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7721-0352  1 Department of Public Health and Community Nursing, University of Dodoma, Abstract Background: The health sector is a key stakeholder in GBV national response network however, delivery of quality healthcare services for GBV survivors is highly neglected.  Methods: This study will use a mixed-research approach by employing an explanatory sequential study design. Phase one will involve a cross-sectional survey of 61 primary healthcare facilities to examine availability and readiness of GBV survivor’s services. WHO formula of selecting health facilities will be used which states that, if facilities are less than 100, they should all be stufied and if they are more than 100, a researcher should study 30% of the facilities. The second phase will involve a descriptive qualitative study among healthcare providers, community healthcare workers and clients to examine the health-seeking behavior and challenges in providing and receiving GBV survivor’s services in primary healthcare facilities. Purposive sampling method will be employed to select the participants. Data will be collected through a structured checklist, FGDs and in-depth interview. Data will be analyzed by SPSS vr. 24 on the quantitative phase and QRS Nvivo on qualitative phase. The study will be conducted between March-April 2024 in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania. Discussion: This study will have potential implications to program managers, policy makers and healthcare providers to tailor interventions that will improve the quality of healthcare service delivery especially towards integrated GBV survivor’s services. But also, understanding the health-seeking behavior and challenges associated with access and provision of GBV survivor’s services will help unveiling gaps in the clients’ point of view and the community, their needs for the GBV survivor’s services and enhancing client-healthcare provider relationship. Key words: gender-based violence survivor’s services, health-seeking behavior, service availability and readiness, primary healthcare

The authors have declared no competing interest.

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.

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University of Dodoma Research Ethics Committee

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