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Adusei AB, Bour H, Amu H, Afriyie A. Community-based Health Planning and Services programme in Ghana: a systematic review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1337803. [PMID: 38504682 PMCID: PMC10948426 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1337803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ghana established Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) as the primary point of contact for primary healthcare in 1999. CHPS has since emerged as the country's primary strategy for providing close-to-client healthcare delivery, with numerous positive health outcomes recorded as a result of its implementation. There is, however currently a paucity of systematic reviews of the literature on CHPS. The purpose of this study was not only to investigate dominant trends and research themes in Community-based Health Planning and Services, but also to track the evolution of the CHPS intervention from its inception to the present. Method We adopted a systematic review approach for selected articles that were searched on Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus databases. The study was conducted and guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. We then applied a reflexive thematic analysis approach in synthesizing the results. Results The search resulted in 127 articles of which 59 were included in the final review. Twenty (20) papers targeted the national level, eighteen (18) for the regional level, sixteen (16) for the district level, two (2) for the sub-district level, and three (3) papers targeted the community. The years 2017 and 2019 were recorded to be the years with the highest number of publications on CHPS in Ghana. Conclusion Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) is an effective tool in addressing barriers and challenges to accessing quality and affordable health care causing significant effects on health. It provides close-to-client healthcare delivery in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abena Boahemaa Adusei
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Helen Bour
- Department of Community Health, Ensign Global College, Kpong, Ghana
| | - Hubert Amu
- Department of Population and Behavioral Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Augustine Afriyie
- Department of Medicine, Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eastern Regional Hospital, Koforidua, Ghana
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Kaburu RK, Haruna U, Abiiro GA. Constraints on the functioning of Community-based Health Planning and Services facilities: A qualitative study in the Jirapa Municipality, Ghana. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002094. [PMID: 38117778 PMCID: PMC10732441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The declaration of the Alma-Alta on primary health care (PHC) in 1978 enjoined nations to make health care accessible, affordable, and situated within their cultural contexts. The Ghana Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS), as a strategy to achieve the goal of PHC, has shown significant successes in communities where it has been implemented. However, a number of challenges continue to affect the effective functioning of CHPS. This study explored the community level and health system constraints on the effective functioning of CHPS in the delivering of PHC services in the Jirapa Municipality. A qualitative approach was implemented. A criterion-based purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit 51 managers and health service providers of CHPS for key informant interviews. The respondents included 25 community health management committee members, 25 health officers in charge of CHPS facilities, and one municipal CHPS coordinator. The interviews were held from September 18 to November 23, 2020. All interviews were face-to-face, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis based on the constant comparative method was employed to analyse the data. The results showed that low community involvement in CHPS activities, disputes over the location and naming of CHPS zones, inadequate understanding of the CHPS concept and religious beliefs were the key community level factors which negatively affected the functioning of CHPS. Also, lack of logistics, financial constraints, poor attitude of health workers and inadequate staff motivation were the health sector constraints on the effective functioning of CHPS. In conclusion, concerted efforts are needed to tackle the community level and health system constraints to improve the overall functioning and effectiveness of the CHPS strategy. We recommend the strengthening of community sensitization, timely disbursement of funding, and provision of infrastructure and supplies to improve upon the effective functioning of CHPS as a strategy for delivery PHC in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Kuutero Kaburu
- St. Joseph’s Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Jirapa, Upper West Region, Ghana
| | - Umar Haruna
- Department of Social and Behavioral Change, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Gilbert Abotisem Abiiro
- Department of Health Services, Policy, Planning, Management and Economics, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
- Department of Population and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
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Elsey H, Abboah-Offei M, Vidyasagaran AL, Anaseba D, Wallace L, Nwameme A, Gyasi A, Ayim A, Ansah-Ofei A, Amedzro N, Dovlo D, Agongo E, Awoonor-Williams K, Agyepong I. Implementation of the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) in rural and urban Ghana: a history and systematic review of what works, for whom and why. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1105495. [PMID: 37435526 PMCID: PMC10332345 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1105495] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite renewed emphasis on strengthening primary health care globally, the sector remains under-resourced across sub-Saharan Africa. Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) has been the foundation of Ghana's primary care system for over two decades using a combination of community-based health nurses, volunteers and community engagement to deliver universal access to basic curative care, health promotion and prevention. This review aimed to understand the impacts and implementation lessons of the CHPS programme. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods review in line with PRISMA guidance using a results-based convergent design where quantitative and qualitative findings are synthesized separately, then brought together in a final synthesis. Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched using pre-defined search terms. We included all primary studies of any design and used the RE-AIM framework to organize and present the findings to understand the different impacts and implementation lessons of the CHPS programme. Results N = 58 out of n = 117 full text studies retrieved met the inclusion criteria, of which n = 28 were quantitative, n = 27 were qualitative studies and n = 3 were mixed methods. The geographical spread of studies highlighted uneven distribution, with the majority conducted in the Upper East Region. The CHPS programme is built on a significant body of evidence and has been found effective in reducing under-5 mortality, particularly for the poorest and least educated, increasing use and acceptance of family planning and reduction in fertility. The presence of a CHPS zone in addition to a health facility resulted in increased odds of skilled birth attendant care by 56%. Factors influencing effective implementation included trust, community engagement and motivation of community nurses through salaries, career progression, training and respect. Particular challenges to implementation were found in remote rural and urban contexts. Conclusions The clear specification of CHPS combined with a conducive national policy environment has aided scale-up. Strengthened health financing strategies, review of service provision to prepare and respond to pandemics, prevalence of non-communicable diseases and adaptation to changing community contexts, particularly urbanization, are required for successful delivery and future scale-up of CHPS. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=214006, identifier: CRD42020214006.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Elsey
- Department of Health Sciences, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Abboah-Offei
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland (London Campus), London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dominic Anaseba
- Faculty of Public Health, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lauren Wallace
- Dodowa Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Ghana
| | - Adanna Nwameme
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Akosua Gyasi
- Faculty of Public Health, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrews Ayim
- Faculty of Public Health, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Nina Amedzro
- Department of Health Sciences, Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Delanyo Dovlo
- Faculty of Public Health, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana
| | - Erasmus Agongo
- Faculty of Public Health, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Irene Agyepong
- Faculty of Public Health, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana
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Tay DA, Ocansey RTA. Impact of Urbanization on Health and Well-Being in Ghana. Status of Research, Intervention Strategies and Future Directions: A Rapid Review. Front Public Health 2022; 10:877920. [PMID: 35836994 PMCID: PMC9273841 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.877920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Ghana like other African countries is facing multiple health threats due to expansion of urban populations. Globally, the urbanization phenomenon has received considerable attention and modest steps have been undertaken to address it. Ghana is stalling on implementation of policies and interventions targeted at alleviating the menace. Objectives This review examined research evidence, interventions, and policies relating to urbanization and threats to health and well-being of people living in Ghana. The review focused on three areas including urbanization threats to health and well-being, health risks associated with urbanization, and interventions and policies. Materials and Methods The search spanned from year 2000 to February 2022 covering documents related to urbanization, health, and well-being. Databases used for the search include African Journals Online, Annual Reviews (Biomedical, Life & Physical sciences, Social Sciences), BioMedCentral, BioOne, BLDS digital library, Cambridge University Press, ClinicalKey, CINAHL, University of Ghana Digital Collections/UGSpace, JSTOR, Medline and Wiley Online Library. Results Environmental risk factors, urban planning, water-related, behavior-related, and socioeconomic factors were important urbanization threats to health and well-being. Health risks identified include airborne diseases, waterborne diseases, malaria, and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and lung cancer. Additionally, there is evidence of non-implementation and/or non-enforcement of existing interventions and policies. Conclusion and Recommendation Evidence from this rapid review shows that urbanization impacts on health and well-being of people in Ghana. Urbanization threats that expose populations to health risks could be reduced through commitment to implementation, surveillance and monitoring of policies and interventions. Communities and individuals must be equipped to take control of their health and well-being.
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Ahmed S, Chase LE, Wagnild J, Akhter N, Sturridge S, Clarke A, Chowdhary P, Mukami D, Kasim A, Hampshire K. Community health workers and health equity in low- and middle-income countries: systematic review and recommendations for policy and practice. Int J Equity Health 2022; 21:49. [PMID: 35410258 PMCID: PMC8996551 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01615-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The deployment of Community Health Workers (CHWs) is widely promoted as a strategy for reducing health inequities in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Yet there is limited evidence on whether and how CHW programmes achieve this. This systematic review aimed to synthesise research findings on the following questions: (1) How effective are CHW interventions at reaching the most disadvantaged groups in LMIC contexts? and (2) What evidence exists on whether and how these programmes reduce health inequities in the populations they serve? Methods We searched six academic databases for recent (2014–2020) studies reporting on CHW programme access, utilisation, quality, and effects on health outcomes/behaviours in relation to potential stratifiers of health opportunities and outcomes (e.g., gender, socioeconomic status, place of residence). Quantitative data were extracted, tabulated, and subjected to meta-analysis where appropriate. Qualitative findings were synthesised using thematic analysis. Results One hundred sixty-seven studies met the search criteria, reporting on CHW interventions in 33 LMIC. Quantitative synthesis showed that CHW programmes successfully reach many (although not all) marginalized groups, but that health inequalities often persist in the populations they serve. Qualitative findings suggest that disadvantaged groups experienced barriers to taking up CHW health advice and referrals and point to a range of strategies for improving the reach and impact of CHW programmes in these groups. Ensuring fair working conditions for CHWs and expanding opportunities for advocacy were also revealed as being important for bridging health equity gaps. Conclusion In order to optimise the equity impacts of CHW programmes, we need to move beyond seeing CHWs as a temporary sticking plaster, and instead build meaningful partnerships between CHWs, communities and policy-makers to confront and address the underlying structures of inequity. Trial registration PROSPERO registration number CRD42020177333. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12939-021-01615-y.
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Kargbo DK, Nyarko K, Sackey S, Addo-Lartey A, Kenu E, Anto F. Determinants of low birth weight deliveries at five referral hospitals in Western Area Urban district, Sierra Leone. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:212. [PMID: 34711248 PMCID: PMC8554995 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01160-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Low birth weight (LBW) contributes significantly to infant and child mortality. Each year, about 20 1million deliveries are LBW with 96.5% occurring in developing countries. Whiles the incidence of LBW is reducing in other districts of Sierra Leone, it has been reported to be increasing in the Western Area Urban district. Determining the risk factors in a specific geographic area is important for identifying mothers at risk and thereby for planning and taking appropriate action. The current study sought to identify factors associated with LBW deliveries in the Western Area Urban district of Sierra Leone. Methods A hospital-based unmatched 1:2 case-control study was conducted among mothers who delivered live singleton babies from November, 2019 to February, 2020 in five referral health facilities. Mothers were conveniently sampled and sequentially enrolled into the study after delivery. Their antenatal care cards were reviewed and a pre-tested questionnaire administered to the mothers. Data analysis was done using Stata 15.0 and association between maternal socio-demographic, socio-economic, obstetric and lifestyle factors and LBW assessed using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results A total of 438 mothers (146 cases and 292 controls), mean age: 24.2 (±5.8) and 26.1 (±5.5) years for cases and controls respectively participated in the study. Multivariable analysis revealed that being unemployed (AoR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.16–5.49, p = 0.020), having anaemia during pregnancy (AoR = 3.88, 95% CI 1.90–7.90, p < 0.001), having less than 2 years inter-pregnancy interval (AoR = 2.53, 95% CI 1.11–5.73, p = 0.026), and smoking cigarettes during pregnancy (AoR = 4.36, 95% CI 1.94–9.80, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with having LBW babies. Conclusion Factors associated with LBW identified were unemployment, anaemia during pregnancy, < 2 years inter-pregnancy interval and cigarette smoking during pregnancy. Health care providers should screen and sensitize mothers on the risk factors of LBW during antenatal sessions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13052-021-01160-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kabba Kargbo
- Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.,Field Epidemiology Training Program, Free Town, Sierra Leone
| | - Kofi Nyarko
- Field Epidemiology Training Program, Free Town, Sierra Leone
| | - Samuel Sackey
- Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Adolphina Addo-Lartey
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ernest Kenu
- Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Francis Anto
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
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Abboah-Offei M, Gyasi Darkwa A, Ayim A, Ansah-Ofei AM, Dovlo D, Awoonor-Williams JK, Agongo EEA, Agyepong IA, Elsey H. Adapting the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) to engage poor urban communities in Ghana: protocol for a participatory action research study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049564. [PMID: 34315798 PMCID: PMC8317127 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With rapid urbanisation in low-income and middle-income countries, health systems are struggling to meet the needs of their growing populations. Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) in Ghana have been effective in improving maternal and child health in rural areas; however, implementation in urban areas has proven challenging. This study aims to engage key stakeholders in urban communities to understand how the CHPS model can be adapted to reach poor urban communities. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A Participatory Action Research (PAR) will be used to develop an urban CHPS model with stakeholders in three selected CHPS zones: (a) Old Fadama (Yam and Onion Market community), (b) Adedenkpo and (c) Adotrom 2, representing three categories of poor urban neighbourhoods in Accra, Ghana. Two phases will be implemented: phase 1 ('reconnaissance phase) will engage and establish PAR research groups in the selected zones, conduct focus groups and individual interviews with urban residents, households vulnerable to ill-health and CHPS staff and key stakeholders. A desk review of preceding efforts to implement CHPS will be conducted to understand what worked (or not), how and why. Findings from phase 1 will be used to inform and co-create an urban CHPS model in phase 2, where PAR groups will be involved in multiple recurrent stages (cycles) of community-based planning, observation, action and reflection to develop and refine the urban CHPS model. Data will be managed using NVivo software and coded using the domains of community engagement as a framework to understand community assets and potential for engagement. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study has been approved by the University of York's Health Sciences Research Governance Committee and the Ghana Health Service Ethics Review Committee. The results of this study will guide the scale-up of CHPS across urban areas in Ghana, which will be disseminated through journal publications, community and government stakeholder workshops, policy briefs and social media content. This study is also funded by the Medical Research Council, UK.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Akosua Gyasi Darkwa
- Public Health Faculty, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrews Ayim
- Public Health Faculty, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Delanyo Dovlo
- Public Health Faculty, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | | | - Helen Elsey
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
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Ekholuenetale M, Nzoputam CI, Barrow A. Prevalence and Socioeconomic Inequalities in Eight or More Antenatal Care Contacts in Ghana: Findings from 2019 Population-Based Data. Int J Womens Health 2021; 13:349-360. [PMID: 33790659 PMCID: PMC8001171 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s306302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background For the prevention of complications and death during pregnancy, adequate antenatal care (ANC) contacts are important. To achieve optimal obstetric care, the latest ANC guidance recommends eight or more ANC contacts. The aim of this analysis is to investigate the prevalence and socio-economic differences of eight or more Ghanaian ANC contacts. Methods A total sample of 1404 women of reproductive age who had given birth after eight or more ANC contacts had been initiated, taking into account 9 months of gestation, was studied. The Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey of 2019 (GMIS) was used. In the univariate analysis, percentage was used. The curve and concentration index of Lorenz were used to assess socio-economic disparities for eight or more ANC contacts. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results The weighted prevalence of eight or more ANC contacts was 41.9% (95% CI: 37.9–45.9%). The prevalence of eight or more ANC contacts among the poorest, poorer, middle, richer and richest households was 34.0%, 36.1%, 35.8%, 42.4% and 59.6%, respectively. Similarly, 33.0%, 37.7% and 42.6% prevalence of eight or more ANC contacts were estimated among women with no formal education, primary, secondary or higher, respectively. In addition, women from rich household had greater coverage of eight or more ANC contacts (Conc. Index= 0.089; SE= 0.019) and educated women had greater coverage of eight or more ANC contacts in Ghana (Conc. Index= 0.053; SE= 0.017) (all p<0.001). Conclusion Eight or more ANC contacts from the WHO in 2016 have yet to be fully institutionalized in Ghana. In order to increase access to the recommended prenatal care and for a healthy pregnancy experience, measures that resolve disparities in healthcare usage need to be prioritized for the country. Efforts should be made to expand the health insurance services available, as well as to enact policies that will increase free health care particularly among the poor and uneducated women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ekholuenetale
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Chimezie Igwegbe Nzoputam
- Department of Community Health, Center of Excellence in Reproductive Health Innovation (CERHI), College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria
| | - Amadou Barrow
- Department of Public & Environmental Health, School of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences, University of the Gambia, Kanifing, The Gambia
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Wahl B, Lehtimaki S, Germann S, Schwalbe N. Expanding the use of community health workers in urban settings: a potential strategy for progress towards universal health coverage. Health Policy Plan 2020; 35:91-101. [PMID: 31651958 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czz133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Community health worker (CHW) programmes have been used for decades to improve access to health services in rural settings in low- and middle-income countries. With more than half of the world's population currently living in urban areas and this population expected to grow, equitable access to health services in urban areas is critically important. To understand the extent to which CHW programmes have been successfully deployed in low-income urban settings, we conducted a review of the literature between 2000 and 2018 to identify studies evaluating and describing CHW programmes implemented fully or partially in urban or peri-urban settings. We identified 32 peer-reviewed articles that met our inclusion criteria. Benefits have been documented in several urban settings in low- and middle-income countries including those to address TB/HIV, child health, maternal health and non-communicable diseases through a variety of study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Wahl
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, International Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205-2103, USA
- Spark Street Consulting, 55 White Street, New York, NY 10013, USA
| | | | - Stefan Germann
- Fondation Botnar, St. Alban-Vorstadt 56, 4052 Basil, Switzerland
| | - Nina Schwalbe
- Spark Street Consulting, 55 White Street, New York, NY 10013, USA
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Mirzoev T, Poudel AN, Gissing S, Doan TTD, Ferdous T, Regmi S, Duong MD, Baral S, Chand O, Huque R, Hoang VM, Elsey H. Is evidence-informed urban health planning a myth or reality? Lessons from a qualitative assessment in three Asian cities. Health Policy Plan 2019; 34:773-783. [PMID: 31603206 PMCID: PMC6913712 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czz097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
City governments are well-positioned to effectively address urban health challenges in the context of rapid urbanization in Asia. They require good quality and timely evidence to inform their planning decisions. In this article, we report our analyses of degree of data-informed urban health planning from three Asian cities: Dhaka, Hanoi and Pokhara. Our theoretical framework stems from conceptualizations of evidence-informed policymaking, health planning and policy analysis, and includes: (1) key actors, (2) approaches to developing and implementing urban health plans, (3) characteristics of the data itself. We collected qualitative data between August 2017 and October 2018 using: in-depth interviews with key actors, document review and observations of planning events. Framework approach guided the data analysis. Health is one of competing priorities with multiple plans being produced within each city, using combinations of top-down, bottom-up and fragmented planning approaches. Mostly data from government information systems are used, which were perceived as good quality though often omits the urban poor and migrants. Key common influences on data use include constrained resources and limitations of current planning approaches, alongside data duplication and limited co-ordination within Dhaka's pluralistic system, limited opportunities for data use in Hanoi and inadequate and incomplete data in Pokhara. City governments have the potential to act as a hub for multi-sectoral planning. Our results highlight the tensions this brings, with health receiving less attention than other sector priorities. A key emerging issue is that data on the most marginalized urban poor and migrants are largely unavailable. Feasible improvements to evidence-informed urban health planning include increasing availability and quality of data particularly on the urban poor, aligning different planning processes, introducing clearer mechanisms for data use, working within the current systemic opportunities and enhancing participation of local communities in urban health planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolib Mirzoev
- University of Leeds, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, 10.31b, Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds LS2 9NL, UK
| | - Ak Narayan Poudel
- University of Leeds, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, 10.31b, Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds LS2 9NL, UK
| | - Stefanie Gissing
- University of Leeds, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, 10.31b, Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds LS2 9NL, UK
| | - Thi Thuy Duong Doan
- Hanoi University of Public Health, 1A Duc Thang, North Tu Liem, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tarana Ferdous
- ARK Foundation, C4, House 6, Road 109, Gulshan 2, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
| | - Shophika Regmi
- HERD International, PO Box 24144, Thapathali Height 11, Kathmandu, Nepal 44600
| | - Minh Duc Duong
- Hanoi University of Public Health, 1A Duc Thang, North Tu Liem, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Sushil Baral
- HERD International, PO Box 24144, Thapathali Height 11, Kathmandu, Nepal 44600
| | - Obindra Chand
- HERD International, PO Box 24144, Thapathali Height 11, Kathmandu, Nepal 44600
| | - Rumana Huque
- ARK Foundation, C4, House 6, Road 109, Gulshan 2, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
| | - Van Minh Hoang
- Hanoi University of Public Health, 1A Duc Thang, North Tu Liem, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Helen Elsey
- University of Leeds, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, 10.31b, Worsley Building, Clarendon Way, Leeds LS2 9NL, UK
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Seto M, Nemoto H, Kobayashi N, Kikuchi S, Honda N, Kim Y, Kelman I, Tomita H. Post-disaster mental health and psychosocial support in the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake: a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:261. [PMID: 31455275 PMCID: PMC6712862 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2243-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies exploring the actual practices implemented for long-term mental health and psychosocial support after a natural disaster have been published. This study aimed to reveal (1) the types of activities that were actually provided as mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in the long-term phase after the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) and (2) the problems that must be addressed to provide post-disaster MHPSS activities. METHODS An open-ended questionnaire was sent to organizations in the Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures that were potentially involved in providing MHPSS to communities affected by the GEJE. The organizations were asked to describe their activities and the problems that needed to be addressed to provide these support activities. The collected statements were analysed using content analysis with NVivo11. RESULTS The support activities conducted to provide MHPSS in the long-term phase after the catastrophe were diverse and classified into 7 major categories, namely, (1) one-on-one support for individuals in need of assistance, (2) support for collective activities, (3) support around living conditions and income, (4) increasing public awareness about mental health, (5) human resource development to improve response capabilities for MHPSS, (6) support for MHPSS providers, and (7) facilitating collaborations among the MHPSS activities provided to affected communities. Problems with human resources and funding were the most frequently mentioned concerns among the organizations participating in the survey. CONCLUSIONS The establishment of systems to collect and share sufficient and relevant knowledge and to coordinate organizations for long-term post-disaster postventions would be desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moe Seto
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8573, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Harumi Nemoto
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8573, Japan
| | | | - Saya Kikuchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan
| | - Nami Honda
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Kim
- Department of Adult Mental Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
- National Information Center of Disaster Mental Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Ilan Kelman
- Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction and Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
- University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Hiroaki Tomita
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo-Machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8573, Japan.
- Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Japan.
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
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Kaunda-Khangamwa BN, van den Berg H, McCann RS, Kabaghe A, Takken W, Phiri K, van Vugt M, Manda-Taylor L. The role of health animators in malaria control: a qualitative study of the health animator (HA) approach within the Majete malaria project (MMP) in Chikwawa District, Malawi. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:478. [PMID: 31299974 PMCID: PMC6624973 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4320-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria continues to place a high burden on communities due to challenges reaching intervention target levels in Chikwawa District, Malawi. The Hunger Project Malawi is using a health animator approach (HA) to address gaps in malaria control coverage. We explored the influence of community-based volunteers known as health animators (HAs) in malaria control. We assessed the impact of HAs on knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards malaria interventions. METHODS This paper draws on the qualitative data collected to explore the roles of communities, HAs and formal health workers attending and not attending malaria workshops for malaria control. Purposive sampling was used to select 78 respondents. We conducted 10 separate focus group discussions (FGDs)-(n = 6) with community members and (n = 4) key informants. Nine in-depth interviews (IDIs) were held with HAs and Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) in three focal areas near Majete Wildlife Reserve. Nvivo 11 was used for coding and analysis. We employed the framework analysis and social capital theory to determine how the intervention influenced health and social outcomes. RESULTS Using education, feedback sessions and advocacy in malaria workshop had mixed outcomes. There was a high awareness of community participation and comprehensive knowledge of the HA approach as key to malaria control. HAs were identified as playing a complementary role in malaria intervention. Community members' attitudes towards advocacy for better health services were poor. Attendance in malaria workshops was sporadic towards the final year of the intervention. Respondents mentioned positive attitudes and practices on net usage for prevention and prompt health-seeking behaviours. CONCLUSION The HA approach is a useful strategy for complementing malaria prevention strategies in rural communities and improving practices for health-seeking behaviour. Various factors influence HAs' motivation, retention, community engagement, and programme sustainability. However, little is known about how these factors interact to influence volunteers' motivation, community participation and sustainability over time. More research is needed to explore the acceptability of an HA approach and the impact on malaria control in other rural communities in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blessings N. Kaunda-Khangamwa
- The School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- The Malaria Alert Centre, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- The University of Witwatersrand, School of Public Health, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Henk van den Berg
- Amsterdam UMC, location Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert S. McCann
- Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Training and Research Unit of Excellence, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alinune Kabaghe
- The School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- Training and Research Unit of Excellence, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Willem Takken
- Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kamija Phiri
- The School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- Training and Research Unit of Excellence, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Michele van Vugt
- Amsterdam UMC, location Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lucinda Manda-Taylor
- The School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- Training and Research Unit of Excellence, University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
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Elsey H, Agyepong I, Huque R, Quayyem Z, Baral S, Ebenso B, Kharel C, Shawon RA, Onwujekwe O, Uzochukwu B, Nonvignon J, Aryeetey GC, Kane S, Ensor T, Mirzoev T. Rethinking health systems in the context of urbanisation: challenges from four rapidly urbanising low-income and middle-income countries. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001501. [PMID: 31297245 PMCID: PMC6577312 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The world is now predominantly urban; rapid and uncontrolled urbanisation continues across low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Health systems are struggling to respond to the challenges that urbanisation brings. While better-off urbanites can reap the benefits from the 'urban advantage', the poorest, particularly slum dwellers and the homeless, frequently experience worse health outcomes than their rural counterparts. In this position paper, we analyse the challenges urbanisation presents to health systems by drawing on examples from four LMICs: Nigeria, Ghana, Nepal and Bangladesh. Key challenges include: responding to the rising tide of non-communicable diseases and to the wider determinants of health, strengthening urban health governance to enable multisectoral responses, provision of accessible, quality primary healthcare and prevention from a plurality of providers. We consider how these challenges necessitate a rethink of our conceptualisation of health systems. We propose an urban health systems model that focuses on: multisectoral approaches that look beyond the health sector to act on the determinants of health; accountability to, and engagement with, urban residents through participatory decision making; and responses that recognise the plurality of health service providers. Within this model, we explicitly recognise the role of data and evidence to act as glue holding together this complex system and allowing incremental progress in equitable improvement in the health of urban populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Elsey
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, North Yorkshire, UK
| | - Irene Agyepong
- Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
- Public Health Faculty, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Zahidul Quayyem
- Centre of Excellence for Urban Equity and Health, BRAC University James P Grant School of Public Health, Dhaka, Dhaka District, Bangladesh
| | | | - Bassey Ebenso
- Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Riffat Ara Shawon
- Public Health Research, Centre for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Obinna Onwujekwe
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Nigeria Faculty of Medical Sciences, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Benjamin Uzochukwu
- Health Policy Research Group, College of Medicine, Universiy of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Justice Nonvignon
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Sumit Kane
- Nossal Institute for Global Health Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim Ensor
- Nuffield Centre for Health, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Tolib Mirzoev
- Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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