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Dureab F, Al-Mahbashi T, Sheikh R, Hassan OEH, Safary E, Al-Qadasi Y. Community health volunteers' performance in rural areas of Yemen: a community-based satisfaction survey. J Rural Med 2024; 19:66-75. [PMID: 38655224 PMCID: PMC11033677 DOI: 10.2185/jrm.2023-027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Many developing countries utilize the services of community health volunteers (CHVs) to enhance healthcare services in underserved regions. Evaluating client satisfaction with CHVs' performance is crucial for ensuring the effective utilization of their services. This study aims to assess clients' satisfaction with the provision of basic reproductive health services by CHVs in the governorates of Ibb and Al Mahweet, Yemen. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, collecting data via structured questionnaires administered by trained data collectors to clients of CHVs. A total of 510 households were interviewed, with 255 from each governorate, distributed across 30 clusters (villages). Each governorate comprised 15 clusters in 12 districts (six districts in Ibb and five in Al Mahweet, excluding one district for security reasons). Within each cluster, 17 households were randomly selected for interviews. Descriptive analysis was performed using the SPSS version 22. Results The majority of the clients were female (84.7%), most were aged 20-39 years (55.7%), and more than half of them had received at least primary education (54.2%). The study findings indicate that a significant proportion of respondents were highly satisfied with CHVs' performance (93%). Almost all respondents confirmed that CHVs resided in their villages (94%) and were easily accessible for consultation (99%). Most of the respondents (97%) expressed trust in the CHVs, stating that they were helpful to all villagers and treated them well. Additionally, nearly all the respondents reported easy access to services (98.6%), although a considerable percentage experienced a gap of three months or more since their last interaction with a CHV (39.1%). Conclusion The CHVs contribute to the well-being of the rural populations in Yemen by delivering satisfactory services, particularly regarding family planning. However, ensuring the sustainability of the CHV programs remains a challenge, which requires attention from the program managers and decision makers in the Yemeni healthcare sector.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rashad Sheikh
- Health System Expert & Researcher, Public Health Network,
Yemen
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Kaseje N, Oruenjo K, Kaseje D, Ranganathan M, Tanner M, Haines A. The effectiveness of community health worker training, equipping, and deployment in reducing COVID-19 infections and deaths in rural Western Kenya: A comparison of two counties. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003036. [PMID: 38527065 PMCID: PMC10962846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 and other pandemics remain significant threats to population health, particularly in rural settings where health systems are disproportionately weak. There is a lack of evidence on whether trained, equipped, and deployed community health workers (CHWs) can lead to significant reductions in COVID-19 infections and deaths. Our objective was to measure the effectiveness of deploying trained and equipped CHWs in reducing COVID-19 infections and deaths by comparing outcomes in two counties in rural Western Kenya, a setting with limited critical care capacity and limited access to COVID-19 vaccines and oral COVID-19 antivirals. In Siaya, trained CHWs equipped with thermometers, pulse oximeters, and KN95 masks, visited households to convey health information about COVID-19 prevention. They screened, isolated, and referred COVID-19 cases to facilities with oxygen capacity. They measured and digitally recorded vital signs at the household level. In Kisii county, the standard Kenya national COVID-19 protocol was implemented. We performed a comparative analysis of differences in CHW skills, activity, and COVID-19 infections and deaths using district health information system (DHIS2) data. Trained Siaya CHWs were more skilled in using pulse oximeters and digitally reporting vital signs at the household level. The mean number of oxygen saturation measurements conducted in Siaya was 24.19 per COVID-19 infection; and the mean number of temperature measurements per COVID-19 infection was 17.08. Siaya CHWs conducted significantly more household visits than Kisii CHWs (the mean monthly CHW household visits in Siaya was 146,648.5, standard deviation 11,066.5 versus 42,644.5 in Kisii, standard deviation 899.5, p value = 0.01). Deploying trained and equipped CHWs in rural Western Kenya was associated with lower risk ratios for COVID-19 infections and deaths: 0.54, 95% CI [0.48-0.61] and 0.29, CI [0.13-0.65], respectively, consistent with a beneficial effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neema Kaseje
- Surgical Systems Research Group, Kisumu, Kenya
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dan Kaseje
- Tropical Institute of Community Health, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andy Haines
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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D'Souza K, Singh S, Westgard CM, Barnhardt S. A qualitative assessment of barriers and facilitators of telemedicine volunteerism during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2024; 22:21. [PMID: 38520012 PMCID: PMC10958920 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-024-00897-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic further propelled the recent growth of telemedicine in low-resource countries, with new models of telemedicine emerging, including volunteer-based telemedicine networks. By leveraging existing infrastructure and resources to allocate health personnel more efficiently, these volunteer networks eased some of the pandemic burden placed on health systems. However, there is insufficient understanding of volunteer-based telemedicine models, especially on the human resources engagement on such networks. This study aims to understand the motivations and barriers to health practitioner engagement on a volunteer telemedicine network during COVID-19, and the mechanisms that can potentially sustain volunteer engagement to address healthcare demands beyond the pandemic. METHODS In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with health practitioners volunteering on an Indian, multi-state telemedicine network during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis methods. RESULTS Most practitioners reported being motivated to volunteer by a sense of duty to serve during the pandemic. Practitioners suggested organizational-level measures to make the process more efficient and facilitate a more rewarding provider-patient interaction. These included screening calls, gathering patient information prior to consultations, and allowing for follow-up calls with patients to close the loop on consultations. Many practitioners stated that non-financial incentives are enough to maintain volunteer engagement. However, practitioners expressed mixed feelings about financial incentives. Some stated that financial incentives are needed to maintain long-term provider engagement, while others stated that financial incentives would devalue the volunteer experience. Most practitioners highlighted that telemedicine could increase access to healthcare, especially to the rural and underserved, even after the pandemic. Practitioners also expressed an interest in continuing to volunteer with the network if the need arose again. CONCLUSION Our study findings suggest that practitioners are highly intrinsically motivated to volunteer during large healthcare emergencies and beyond to address the healthcare needs of the underserved. Following the recommendations presented in the study, telemedicine networks can more successfully engage and maintain volunteer practitioners. Volunteer-based telemedicine networks have the potential to bridge shortages of health personnel in resource-constrained settings both in times of crises and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma D'Souza
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1101B McGavran-Greenberg Hall, CB #7411, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Saksham Singh
- School of Human Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Christopher M Westgard
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Sharon Barnhardt
- Centre for Social and Behaviour Change, Ashoka University, Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana, 131029, India
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Cartmell KB, Doherty EA, Gikaara N, Ali Z, Qanungo S, Melikam ES, Powell RA. Kenyan palliative care providers' and leaders' perceptions of palliative care research needs and support to facilitate rigorous research. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:135. [PMID: 37697339 PMCID: PMC10496291 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01199-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care (PC) can reduce symptom distress and improve quality of life for patients and their families experiencing life-threatening illness. While the need for PC in Kenya is high, PC service delivery and research is limited. Qualitative research is needed to explore potential areas for PC research and support needed to enable that research. This insight is critical for informing a national PC research agenda and mobilizing limited resources for conducting rigorous PC research in Kenya. OBJECTIVES To explore perceptions of priority areas for PC research and support needed to facilitate rigorous research from the perspective of Kenyan PC providers and leaders. METHODS Focus groups (FGs) were conducted in November and December of 2018 using a semi-structured interview guide. FGs were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a thematic content analysis approach. RESULTS Three FGs were conducted (n = 22 participants). Ten themes related to PC research emerged, including research on: 1) beliefs about death, disease, and treatment to inform PC; 2) awareness about PC, 3) integration of PC within the health system; 4) understanding caregiver experiences and needs; 5) community health volunteers (CHVs) and volunteer programs; 6) evaluation of costs and benefits of PC; 7) treatment approaches, including complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and advanced diagnostics at end of life; 8) other suggestions for research, 9) populations in need of PC research; and 10) resources for enabling research. CONCLUSIONS Kenyan PC providers and leaders identified key areas requiring increased scientific inquiry and critical resources needed to enable this research. These findings can help to focus future PC research in Kenya and encourage funding agencies to prioritize the issues identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- K B Cartmell
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - E A Doherty
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - N Gikaara
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Z Ali
- Kenyan Hospice and Palliative Care Association, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - S Qanungo
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - E S Melikam
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - R A Powell
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, England
- Ethnicity and Health Unit, NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Northwest London, London, England
- MWAPO Health Development Group, Nairobi, Kenya
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Nampijja M, Langat N, Oloo L, Amboka P, Okelo K, Muendo R, Habib S, Kiyeng M, Ray A, Abboah-Offei M, Kitsao-Wekulo P, Kimani-Murage E, Li J, Elsey H. The feasibility, acceptability, cost and benefits of a "communities of practice" model for improving the quality of childcare centres: a mixed-methods study in the informal settlements in Nairobi. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1194978. [PMID: 37588124 PMCID: PMC10426909 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1194978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Informal childcare centres have mushroomed in the informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya to meet the increasing demand. However, centre providers are untrained and the facilities are below standard putting children at risk of poor health and development. We aimed to co-design and test the feasibility, acceptability, cost and potential benefits of a communities of practice (CoP) model where trained community health volunteers (CHVs) provide group training sessions to build skills and improve practices in informal childcare centres. Methods A CoP model was co-designed with sub-county health teams, centre providers and parents with inputs from Kidogo, government nutritionists and ECD experts and implemented in 68 childcare centres by trained CHVs. Its feasibility and potential benefits were measured quantitatively and qualitatively. Centre provider (n = 68) and CHV (n = 20) knowledge and practice scores before and after the intervention were assessed and compared. Intervention benefits were examined using linear regressions adjusting for potential confounding factors. We conducted in-depth interviews with 10 parents, 10 CHVs, 10 centre providers and 20 local government officials, and two focus groups with CHVs and centre providers. Qualitative data were analysed, focusing on feasibility, acceptability, potential benefits, challenges and ideas for improvement. Cost for delivering and accessing the intervention were examined. Results The intervention was acceptable and feasible to deliver within existing government community health systems; 16 CHVs successfully facilitated CoP sessions to 58 centre providers grouped into 13 groups each with 5-6 centre providers, each group receiving four sessions representing the four modules. There were significant improvements in provider knowledge and practice (effect size = 0.40; p < 0.05) and quality of centre environment (effect size = 0.56; p < 0.01) following the intervention. CHVs' scores showed no significant changes due to pre-existing high knowledge levels. Qualitative interviews also reported improvements in knowledge and practices and the desire among the different participants for the support to be continued. The total explicit costs were USD 22,598 and the total opportunity costs were USD 3,632 (IQR; USD 3,570, USD 4,049). Conclusion A simple model delivered by CHVs was feasible and has potential to improve the quality of informal childcare centres. Leveraging these teams and integration of the intervention into the health system is likely to enable scale-up and sustainability in Kenya and similar contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nelson Langat
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Linda Oloo
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Patrick Amboka
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Okelo
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ruth Muendo
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Anna Ray
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Abboah-Offei
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, United Kingdom
- School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jinshuo Li
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Elsey
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, United Kingdom
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Zhang Y, Lin X, Li X, Han Y. The impacts of altruism levels on the job preferences of medical students: a cross-sectional study in China. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:538. [PMID: 37501080 PMCID: PMC10375683 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04490-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rational allocation of human resources for health is crucial for ensuring public welfare and equitable access to health services. Understanding medical students' job preferences could help develop effective strategies for the recruitment and retention of the health workforce. Most studies explore the relationship between extrinsic incentives and job choices through discrete choice experiments (DCEs). Little attention has been paid to the influence of intrinsic altruism on job choice. This study aimed to explore the heterogeneous preferences of medical students with different levels of altruism regarding extrinsic job attributes. METHODS We conducted an online survey with 925 medical students from six hospitals in Beijing from July to September 2021. The survey combined job-choice scenarios through DCEs and a simulation of a laboratory experiment on medical decision-making behavior. Behavioral data were used to quantify altruism levels by estimating altruistic parameters based on a utility function. We fit mixed logit models to estimate the effects of altruism on job preference. RESULTS All attribute levels had the expected effect on job preferences, among which monthly income (importance weight was 30.46%, 95% CI 29.25%-31.67%) and work location (importance weight was 22.39%, 95% CI 21.14%-23.64%) were the most salient factors. The mean altruistic parameter was 0.84 (s.d. 0.19), indicating that medical students' altruism was generally high. The subgroup analysis showed that individuals with higher altruism levels had a greater preference for non-financial incentives such as an excellent work environment, sufficient training and career development opportunities, and a light workload. The change in the rate of the uptake of a rural position by individuals with lower levels of altruism is sensitive to changes in financial incentives. CONCLUSIONS Medical students' altruism was generally high, and those with higher altruism paid more attention to non-financial incentives. This suggests that policymakers and hospital managers should further focus on nonfinancial incentives to better motivate altruistic physicians, in addition to appropriate economic incentive when designing recruitment and retention interventions. Medical school administrations could attach importance to the promotion of altruistic values in medical education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, Youanmenwai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xing Lin
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, Youanmenwai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xing Li
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, Youanmenwai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Youli Han
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, No.10 Xitoutiao, Youanmenwai Street, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100069, China.
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Oloo L, Elsey H, Abboah-Offei M, Kiyeng M, Amboka P, Okelo K, Kitsao-Wekulo P, Kimani-Murage E, Langa't N, Nampijja M. Developing an intervention to improve the quality of childcare centers in resource-poor urban settings: a mixed methods study in Nairobi, Kenya. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1195460. [PMID: 37529428 PMCID: PMC10387541 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1195460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, 350 million under-5s do not have adequate childcare. This may damage their health and development and undermine societal and economic development. Rapid urbanization is changing patterns of work, social structures, and gender norms. Parents, mainly mothers, work long hours for insecure daily wages. To respond to increasing demand, childcare centers have sprung up in informal settlements. However, there is currently little or no support to ensure they provide safe, nurturing care accessible to low-income families. Here, we present the process of co-designing an intervention, delivered by local government community health teams to improve the quality of childcare centers and ultimately the health and development of under-5 children in informal settlements in Kenya. Methods This mixed methods study started with a rapid mapping of the location and basic characteristics of all childcare centers in two informal settlements in Nairobi. Qualitative interviews were conducted with parents and grandparents (n = 44), childcare providers, and community health teams (n = 44). A series of 7 co-design workshops with representatives from government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community health teams, and childcare providers were held to design the intervention. Questionnaires to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community health volunteers (n = 22) and childcare center providers (n = 66) were conducted. Results In total, 129 childcare centers were identified -55 in Korogocho and 77 in Viwandani. School-based providers dominated in Korogocho (73%) while home-based centers were prevalent in Viwandani (53%). All centers reported minimal support from any organization (19% supported) and this was particularly low among home-based (9%) and center-based (14%) providers. Home-based center providers were the least likely to be trained in early childhood development (20%), hence the co-designed intervention focused on supporting these centers. All co-design stakeholders agreed that with further training, community health volunteers were well placed to support these informal centers. Findings showed that given the context of informal settlements, support for strengthening management within the centers in addition to the core domains of WHO's Nurturing Care Framework was required as a key component of the intervention. Conclusion Implementing a co-design process embedded within existing community health systems and drawing on the lived experiences of childcare providers and parents in informal settlements facilitated the development of an intervention with the potential for scalability and sustainability. Such interventions are urgently needed as the number of home-based and small center-based informal childcare centers is growing rapidly to meet the demand; yet, they receive little support to improve quality and are largely unregulated. Childcare providers, and government and community health teams were able to co-design an intervention delivered within current public community health structures to support centers in improving nurturing care. Further research on the effectiveness and sustainability of support to private and informal childcare centers in the context of low-income urban neighborhoods is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Oloo
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Helen Elsey
- Hull and York Medical School and Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Abboah-Offei
- Hull and York Medical School and Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patrick Amboka
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kenneth Okelo
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Nelson Langa't
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
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Integrating poverty alleviation and environmental protection efforts: A socio-ecological perspective on menstrual health management. Soc Sci Med 2022; 314:115427. [PMID: 36306690 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Apt menstrual health management is crucial to the livelihood of low-income, bottom of the pyramid (BOP) women as well as to environmental conservation. However, knowledge is still scant about the factors underpinning women's preferences towards menstrual products, and whether and how the environmental impact of different solutions matter to women's choices. We address this gap by proposing a socio-ecological perspective to understand whether a product's low environmental impact enhances low-income women's uptake of sanitary napkins, thereby supporting poverty alleviation objectives but also efforts geared towards environmental protection. Results from a discrete-choice experiment involving 164 women (n = 1148) in two Indian slums in Delhi and Ahmedabad show that sanitary products' biodegradability is the most important attribute affecting women's preferences towards menstrual hygiene management solutions, which also significantly interacts with women's socio-economic and socio-cultural characteristics. Our findings highlight the potential for business models to find positive synergies between environmental protection and poverty alleviation goals and to situate solutions within the larger socio-ecological context of receiving communities.
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Gadsden T, Sujarwoto S, Purwaningtyas N, Maharani A, Tampubolon G, Oceandy D, Praveen D, Angell B, Jan S, Palagyi A. Understanding community health worker employment preferences in Malang district, Indonesia, using a discrete choice experiment. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-008936. [PMID: 35953209 PMCID: PMC9379506 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Community health workers (CHWs) play a critical role in supporting health systems, and in improving accessibility to primary healthcare. In many settings CHW programmes do not have formalised employment models and face issues of high attrition and poor performance. This study aims to determine the employment preferences of CHWs in Malang district, Indonesia, to inform policy interventions. Methods A discrete choice experiment was conducted with 471 CHWs across 28 villages. Attributes relevant to CHW employment were identified through a multistage process including literature review, focus group discussions and expert consultation. Respondents’ choices were analysed with a mixed multinomial logit model and latent class analyses. Results Five attributes were identified: (1) supervision; (2) training; (3) monthly financial benefit; (4) recognition; and (5) employment structure. The most important influence on choice of job was a low monthly financial benefit (US$~2) (β=0.53, 95% CI=0.43 to 0.63), followed by recognition in the form of a performance feedback report (β=0.13, 95% CI=0.07 to 0.20). A large monthly financial benefit (US$~20) was most unappealing to respondents (β=−0.13, 95% CI=−0.23 to −0.03). Latent class analysis identified two groups of CHWs who differed in their willingness to accept either job presented and preferences over specific attributes. Preferences diverged based on respondent characteristics including experience, hours’ worked per week and income. Conclusion CHWs in Malang district, Indonesia, favour a small monthly financial benefit which likely reflects the unique cultural values underpinning the programme and a desire for remuneration that is commensurate with the limited number of hours worked. CHWs also desire enhanced methods of performance feedback and greater structure around training and their rights and responsibilities. Fulfilling these conditions may become increasingly important should CHWs work longer hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Gadsden
- Health Systems Science, George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | - Asri Maharani
- Faculty of Health and Education, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Gindo Tampubolon
- Global Development Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Delvac Oceandy
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Devarsetty Praveen
- Better Care India, The George Institute for Global Health India, Hyderabad, India.,Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Blake Angell
- Health Systems Science, George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Jan
- Health Systems Science, George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anna Palagyi
- Health Systems Science, George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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