Abstract:

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the roles of local languages on effective public healthcare delivery in the Gambia and its implications for psychological assessment.

Study design: Descriptive research design of ex-post facto type was used in the study.

Methods: One hundred and seven patients were selected randomly from 5 local government areas in the Gambia. The respondents were measured with a self-developed validated scale of 0.79 reliability coefficient and the data obtained was analyzed using simple percentage statistical analysis. Three research questions were raised and answered in the study.

Results: The result showed local languages contributed to effective quality of service delivery, treatment compliance of patients and health improvements of patients.

Conclusions: In view of these findings, the study recommended that stakeholders in the health sectors should always work towards improving quality of service delivery. Hospital/healthcare centres should have at least one professional counsellor who will be saddled with the responsibility of administering guidance and counselling services to the health workers, patients and others workers in the hospital.

Keywords: Roles, languages, effective, public, healthcare delivery.

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