Community Participation in Health Promotion Activities at Primary Healthcare Centres in Bauchi State, North East Nigeria

Community participation is a cornerstone of primary healthcare philosophy and is widely recognised as essential for sustaining health promotion activities at the grassroots level. This study examines the extent and determinants of community participation in health promotion activities at primary healthcare centres in Bauchi State. A cross-sectional survey is conducted among 290 community members and 45 healthcare workers selected from twelve primary healthcare centres across six local government areas through purposive and systematic sampling. Questionnaires assess community involvement in planning health campaigns, attendance at health education sessions, participation in community health committees, and perceived barriers to engagement. Qualitative data are gathered through three key informant interviews with local government health officers. SPSS is used for quantitative analysis, while qualitative data are analysed thematically. Literature on primary healthcare in Nigeria's North East zone indicates that community health structures including village health workers and community development committees are frequently non-functional due to resource constraints and governance gaps. The Community Organisation and Community Building Theory informs the conceptual framework of the study. Findings will guide Bauchi State's Primary Health Care Development Agency on strengthening community health governance structures and participatory health planning. Keywords: community participation, health promotion, primary healthcare, Bauchi State, North East Nigeria.