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Dahal U, Tamang RL, Dræbel TA, Neupane D, Koirala Adhikari S, Soti PB, Gyawali B. Female community health volunteers' experience in navigating social context while providing basic diabetes services in western Nepal: Social capital and beyond from systems thinking. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002632. [PMID: 37992049 PMCID: PMC10664953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has led to an increased mobilization of community health workers (CHWs) in the prevention and management of NCDs, particularly in resource-poor settings. However, little is known about the experiences of CHWs as they navigate the complex social context while proving home-based NCD management. This study aims to explore the experiences of female community health volunteers (FCHVs) in a community-based pilot project in western Nepal, specially regarding the social challenges they face while delivering basic type 2 diabetes (T2D) services. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study conducted two focus group discussions and nine in-depth interviews with a total of 14 and 9 FCHVs, respectively. Social Capital theory was employed to understand the sociological aspects. The findings shed light on the challenges encountered by FCHVs in expanding their social networks, building trust, and fostering reciprocity among T2D intervention recepients. Notably, social trust was a significant challenge, compounded by power dynamics related to gender and socioeconomic status. FCHVs managed to overcome these challenges through their perseverance, self-motivation, and leaveraging their strong bonding and linking social capital. The recognition they received from the community played a crucial role in sustaining their motivation. The study highlights the importance of FCHVs' strong social capital, supported by available resources and personal motivation, in overcoming social obstacles. It is imperative for community health interventions to anticipate challenges across various elements of social capital to ensure the long-term retention and motivation of CHWs. Establishing appropriate support systems that address personal motivating factors and the strengthen social capital is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Dahal
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rekha Lama Tamang
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tania Aase Dræbel
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dinesh Neupane
- Nepal Development Society, Kaski, Nepal
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | | | | | - Bishal Gyawali
- Global Health Section, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Chowdhury MAK, Karim F, Hasan MM, Ali NB, Khan ANS, Siraj MS, Ahasan SMM, Hoque DME. Bottleneck analysis of maternal and newborn health services in hard-to-reach areas of Bangladesh using ‘TANAHASHI’ framework’: An explanatory mixed-method study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268029. [PMID: 35551544 PMCID: PMC9098042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) is of paramount importance in the realm of attaining sustainable development goals that also focuses on universal health coverage (UHC). The study aimed at identifying and exploring the bottlenecks in MNH services in Hard-to-reach (HtR) areas of Bangladesh using the Tanahashi framework exploring the possible remedial approaches. The study was conducted in four different types of HtR areas (hilly, coastal, lowlands, and river islands) by utilizing a sequential explanatory mixed-method design. Overall, we collected information from 20 health facilities and 2,989 households by interviewing 2,768 recently delivered women (RDW) with a structured questionnaire and qualitative interviews (n = 55) of facility managers, local stakeholders, RDWs, and health care providers (HCP). The quantitative data were analyzed principally for descriptive statistics and the qualitative data was analyzed by utilizing the thematic approach. Antenatal care, under-5 care, and family planning services were available in almost all the facilities. However, Normal vaginal deliveries were performed in 55.6% of the union-level facilities. Only 40% of sub-district level facilities had provision for C-sections. Blood transfusion services were available in only 20.1% of facilities, whereas laboratory services were obtainable in 51.7% of facilities. Overall, the bottlenecks were identified in cases of availability of drugs, human resources, transportation, lack of knowledge regarding different essential services and health components, out of pocket expenditure etc. There have been several remedial approaches suggested from both the demand and supply side that included incentives for care providers for staying in these areas, a coordinated transport/referral system, and health education campaigns. More research works are warranted in HtR areas, especially to test the proposed interventions. Meanwhile, the government should take the necessary steps to overcome the bottlenecks identified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farhana Karim
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nazia Binte Ali
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Nurus Salam Khan
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Shahjahan Siraj
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Sasaki Y, Shobugawa Y, Nozaki I, Takagi D, Nagamine Y, Funato M, Chihara Y, Shirakura Y, Lwin KT, Zin PE, Bo TZ, Sone T, Win HH. Association between Happiness and Economic Status among Older Adults in Two Myanmar Regions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3216. [PMID: 35328904 PMCID: PMC8951419 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have examined whether objective or subjective economic status (ES) has a greater association with the happiness of older adults, despite concerns regarding the growing economic cost of morbidity and their functional dependence in developing countries with aging populations. Thus, this study examined whether objective/subjective ES was associated with happiness in older adults in two Myanmar regions. A multistage random sampling procedure and face-to-face interviews were conducted in the urban and rural areas of Myanmar. The happiness of 1200 participants aged >60 years was evaluated using a single happiness score ranging from 0 (very unhappy) to 10 (very happy). The wealth index, used as an objective ES, was calculated from 17 household asset items, such as radio, washing machines, and television. Subjective ES was assessed by asking “Which of the following best describes your current financial situation in light of general economic conditions?” Responses ranged from “very difficult” to “very comfortable”. Both low objective and subjective ES were negatively associated with happiness, after adjusting for confounding variables and stratification by region (urban and rural areas). Although objective and subjective ES had similar associations with happiness in urban areas, subjective ES had a stronger association in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Sasaki
- Department of International Health and Collaboration, National Institute of Public Health, Wako City 351-0197, Japan
| | - Yugo Shobugawa
- Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata City 951-8510, Japan; (Y.S.); (Y.C.); (Y.S.)
| | - Ikuma Nozaki
- Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan;
| | - Daisuke Takagi
- Department of Health and Social Behavior, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan;
| | - Yuiko Nagamine
- Department of Family Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan;
| | - Masafumi Funato
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Yuki Chihara
- Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata City 951-8510, Japan; (Y.S.); (Y.C.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yuki Shirakura
- Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata City 951-8510, Japan; (Y.S.); (Y.C.); (Y.S.)
| | - Kay Thi Lwin
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Medicine 1, Yangon 245, Myanmar; (K.T.L.); (P.E.Z.); (T.Z.B.); (H.H.W.)
| | - Poe Ei Zin
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Medicine 1, Yangon 245, Myanmar; (K.T.L.); (P.E.Z.); (T.Z.B.); (H.H.W.)
| | - Thae Zarchi Bo
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Medicine 1, Yangon 245, Myanmar; (K.T.L.); (P.E.Z.); (T.Z.B.); (H.H.W.)
| | - Tomofumi Sone
- National Institute of Public Health, Wako City 351-0197, Japan;
| | - Hla Hla Win
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Medicine 1, Yangon 245, Myanmar; (K.T.L.); (P.E.Z.); (T.Z.B.); (H.H.W.)
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Kapoor S, Mohanty V, Y Balappanavar A, Chahar P, Rijhwani K. Primary Health Care Workforce in Southeast Asia Region, Existing Status and Strategies for Non-Communicable Diseases and Oral Health Alliance: A Scoping Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e22362. [PMID: 35371827 PMCID: PMC8938199 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.22362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCD) share modifiable risk factors and common social determinants, thus creating new opportunities for improving oral health. The existing primary health care workers can play an integral role in NCD and oral health care integration by creating awareness, promoting oral health, controlling risk factors, and referring for timely dental care. This study aimed to identify and understand the roles of the existed human health resources working at primary health care and develop strategies to build on a unified NCD and oral health alliance human resources at this level. A scoping review was conducted to identify the primary health workforce in the Southeast Asia region, their roles and responsibility, and integration in oral health care. Various databases like NCBI (PubMed), Google Scholar, World Health Organisation (WHO)-Southeast Asia region (SEAR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare websites in SEAR were comprehensively searched from January 1980 to December 2020 for reports, reviews, and original research. The keywords used were "primary health care workers," "community health care workers," "primary oral health care in SEAR," etc. Only full-text articles in English language and reports available in Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) sites of SEAR were included in the study. Information was taken from 39 full-text articles, six WHO reports, and two reports from Ministry of Health sites of SEAR. Primary health workers (PHW) are known by multiple names in different countries of Southeast Asia. They share various common roles and responsibilities. There are many opportunities for the prevention and control of oral diseases in the SEAR. Basic systems and human resources for the control of NCD are in place in many countries. Oral health can be integrated with NCD programs and policies to reduce the burden of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Kapoor
- Public Health Dentistry, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | - Vikrant Mohanty
- Public Health Dentistry, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | | | - Puneet Chahar
- Public Health Dentistry, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi, IND
| | - Kavita Rijhwani
- Public Health Dentistry, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi, IND
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Ko SH, Sakai H. Water sanitation, hygiene and the prevalence of diarrhea in the rural areas of the delta region of Myanmar. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2022; 20:149-156. [PMID: 35100162 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2021.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Myanmar is an agriculture-based country with 70% of the total population residing in rural areas. Around half of the total population in Myanmar has to consume water from unimproved sources. The prevalence of diarrhea due to contaminated drinking water is high even in urban areas. The urban community may expect the provision of municipal water supply in the near future if the current revolution against military dictatorship succeeds. However, the rural areas have less or no chance to get quality water because of a lot of other prioritized tasks. Household water treatment is encouraged to be implemented as one of the national water safety plans for rural water supply in Myanmar. This study explored the diarrhea prevention awareness of the rural community using a questionnaire survey. The microbial quality parameters of drinking water sources were also examined. Fecal coliform contamination was detected in all examined drinking water sources. A significant association was found between drinking untreated water and the occurrence of diarrhea. The percentage of people who applied the diarrhea preventive measures was low. Even if they knew how to prevent the disease, very few people applied the measures in reality. Therefore, measures to cause behavioral change should be initiated, together with awareness raising, to promote diarrhea prevention in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Htet Ko
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Urban Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1, Minami-Osawa, Hachioji City, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan E-mail:
| | - Hiroshi Sakai
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Urban Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1, Minami-Osawa, Hachioji City, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan E-mail:
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Laurenzi CA, Skeen S, Rabie S, Coetzee BJ, Notholi V, Bishop J, Chademana E, Tomlinson M. Balancing roles and blurring boundaries: Community health workers' experiences of navigating the crossroads between personal and professional life in rural South Africa. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2021; 29:1249-1259. [PMID: 32885519 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
As demand for health services grows, task-shifting to lay health workers has become an attractive solution to address shortages in human resources. Community health workers (CHWs), particularly in low-resource settings, play critical roles in promoting equitable healthcare among underserved populations. However, CHWs often shoulder additional burdens as members of the same communities in which they work. We examined the experiences of a group of CHWs called Mentor Mothers (MMs) working in a maternal and child health programme, navigating the crossroads between personal and professional life in the rural Eastern Cape, South Africa. Semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 10) were conducted by an experienced isiXhosa research assistant, asking MMs questions about their experiences working in their own communities, and documenting benefits and challenges. Interviews were transcribed and translated into English and thematically coded. Emergent themes include balancing roles (positive, affirming aspects of the role) and blurring boundaries (challenges navigating between professional and personal obligations). While many MMs described empowering clients to seek care and drawing strength from being seen as a respected health worker, others spoke about difficulties in adequately addressing clients' needs, and additional burdens they adopted in their personal lives related to the role. We discuss the implications of these findings, on an immediate level (equipping CHWs with self-care and boundary-setting skills), and an intermediate level (introducing opportunities for structured debriefings and emphasising supportive supervision). We also argue that, at a conceptual level, CHW programmes should provide avenues for professionalisation and invest more up-front in their workforce selection, training and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina A Laurenzi
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Sarah Skeen
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Stephan Rabie
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Bronwynè J Coetzee
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Vuyolwethu Notholi
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | | | - Mark Tomlinson
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Franco CM, Lima JG, Giovanella L. Primary healthcare in rural areas: access, organization, and health workforce in an integrative literature review. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2021; 37:e00310520. [PMID: 34259752 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311x00310520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary healthcare is essential for dealing with the iniquities marking rural and remote territories. The concept of rurality is somewhat imprecise, and rural health policies in Brazil are insufficient. A review of the international literature can foster better understanding of the strategies developed in central rural health issues. The article's objective was to identify and analyze the challenges in access, organization of healthcare, and health workforce in primary care in rural areas. An integrative literature review was performed to search for scientific articles published from 2000 to 2019 in the Cochrane and MEDLINE databases and specific rural health journals. The search yielded 69 articles, categorized as addressing access, organization of healthcare, or health workforce. The findings' main themes were analyzed. Articles classified as access presented the following central themes: geographic aspects, patients' needs to travel for care, and access to hospital and specialized services. Articles on organization of healthcare dealt with structure and inputs, functioning of health services, and community-based management. Health workforce featured healthcare workers' profiles and roles and factors for their attraction/retention. Crosscutting issues in strengthening access, organization of healthcare, and health workforce in rural areas were community action, outreach/visiting models, communication/information technologies, access to care, and professional training/development. The review provides a comprehensive understanding of primary care in rural health to promote equity for rural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassiano Mendes Franco
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.,Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Juliana Gagno Lima
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.,Instituto de Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Santarém, Brasil
| | - Lígia Giovanella
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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Taderera BH. Community health volunteers and their role in health system strengthening in peri-urban areas: A qualitative study of Epworth, Zimbabwe. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/20479700.2019.1647379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Hope Taderera
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Johannesburg-Doornfontein Campus, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Rural-Urban Differences in the Factors Affecting Depressive Symptoms among Older Adults of Two Regions in Myanmar. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18062818. [PMID: 33802054 PMCID: PMC7999321 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18062818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate rural–urban differences in depressive symptoms in terms of the risk factors among older adults of two regions in Myanmar to provide appropriate intervention for depression depending on local characteristics. This cross-sectional study, conducted between September and December, 2018, used a multistage sampling method to recruit participants from the two regions, for face-to-face interviews. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Depressive symptoms were positively associated with living in rural areas (B = 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.12,0.72), female (B = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.31,0.79), illness during the preceding year (B = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.45,0.91) and non-Buddhist religion (B = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.001,1.15) and protectively associated with education to middle school level or higher (B = −0.61; 95% CI: −0.94, −0.28) and the frequency of visits to religious facilities (B = −0.20; 95% CI: −0.30, −0.10). In women in urban areas, depressive symptoms were positively associated with illness during the preceding year (B = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.36, 1.20) and protectively associated with education to middle school level or higher (B = −0.67; 95% CI: −1.23, −0.11), middle or high wealth index (B = −0.92; 95% CI: −1.59, −0.25) and the frequency of visits to religious facilities (B = −0.20; 95% CI: −0.38, −0.03). In men in rural areas, illness during the preceding year was positively associated with depressive symptoms (B = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.33, 1.42). In women in rural areas, depressive symptoms were positively associated with illness during the preceding year (B = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.36, 1.30) and protectively associated with primary education (B = −0.62; 95% CI: −1.12, −0.12) and the frequency of visits to religious facilities (B = −0.44; 95% CI: −0.68, −0.21). Religion and wealth could have different levels of association with depression between older adults in the urban and rural areas and men and women. Interventions for depression in older adults should consider regional and gender differences in the roles of religion and wealth in Myanmar.
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Sasaki Y, Shobugawa Y, Nozaki I, Takagi D, Nagamine Y, Funato M, Chihara Y, Shirakura Y, Lwin KT, Zin PE, Bo TZ, Sone T, Win HH. Association between depressive symptoms and objective/subjective socioeconomic status among older adults of two regions in Myanmar. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245489. [PMID: 33507963 PMCID: PMC7842968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Low objective socioeconomic status (SES) has been correlated with poor physical and mental health among older adults. Some studies suggest that subjective SES is also important for ensuring sound physical and mental health among older adults. However, few studies have been conducted on the impact of both objective and subjective SES on mental health among older adults. This study examines whether objective or subjective SES is associated with depressive symptoms in older adults in Myanmar. This cross-sectional study, conducted between September and December, 2018, used a multistage sampling method to recruit participants from two regions of Myanmar, for face-to-face interviews. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used to evaluate the depressive symptoms. Participants were classified as having no depressive symptom (GDS score <5) and having depressive symptoms (GDS score ≥5). Objective and subjective SES were assessed using the wealth index and asking participants a multiple-choice question about their current financial situation, respectively. The relationship between objective/subjective SES and depressive symptoms was examined using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. The mean age of the 1,186 participants aged 60 years and above was 69.7 (SD: 7.3), and 706 (59.5%) were female. Among them, 265 (22.3%) had depressive symptoms. After adjusting for objective SES and other covariates, only low subjective SES was positively associated with depressive symptoms (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 4.18, 95% confidence interval, CI: 2.98-5.87). This association was stronger among participants in the rural areas (urban areas, AOR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.08-4.05; rural areas, AOR: 5.65, 95% CI: 3.69-8.64). Subjective SES has a stronger association with depressive symptoms than objective SES, among older adults of the two regions in Myanmar, especially in the rural areas. Interventions for depression in older adults should consider regional differences in the context of subjective SES by reducing socioeconomic disparities among the communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Sasaki
- National Institute of Public Health, Wako, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Yugo Shobugawa
- Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Ikuma Nozaki
- National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Masafumi Funato
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yuki Chihara
- Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yuki Shirakura
- Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | | | - Poe Ei Zin
- University of Medicine 1, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | | | - Hla Hla Win
- University of Medicine 1, Yangon, Myanmar
- University of Public Health, Yangon, Myanmar
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11
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Mhlongo EM, Lutge E, Adepeju L. The roles, responsibilities and perceptions of community health workers and ward-based primary health care outreach teams: a scoping review. Glob Health Action 2020; 13:1806526. [PMID: 32892739 PMCID: PMC7782342 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1806526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community health workers play important roles in rural primary health care settings. They work within ward-based primary health care outreach teams yet their roles are not always clearly defined and operationalized. There is thus a need to explore perceptions about the roles and responsibilities of community health workers. OBJECTIVE To investigate the roles, responsibilities and effectiveness of community health workers working within ward-based primary health care outreach teams. METHOD A scoping review of the published peer reviewed literature on community health workers working in ward-based primary health care outreach teams within low and middle-income countries was conducted. The following five electronic databases were searched: EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, Science Direct, EMBASE, PubMed, and Clinical key. Out of 69,969 identified articles, 31 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies were from South Africa. RESULTS Both positive and negative perceptions were reported. Suggestions for improvements were also put forward. Positive factors included: ongoing training and up skilling; collaboration and trust building with other health care workers; mentoring and supervision; motivation and recognition, and incentives and remuneration. Negative factors covered: inadequate mentorship and poor supervision; role conflict; lack of support; poor remuneration; inadequate manpower; poor knowledge, and insufficient training. The review identified the following as the roles and responsibilities of community health workers: conducting home visits; identifying vulnerable community groups; promoting health and wellness; increasing access to health care; contact tracing; delivering health education; giving counselling and psychosocial support, and providing preventive health services. CONCLUSION The information available for community health workers in terms of their roles, responsibilities and effectiveness is inadequate, considering their roles and responsibilities in ward-based primary health care outreach teams. This lack of information constitutes barriers to effective service delivery, a common situation among this group of community health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Lutge
- School of Nursing & Public Health, University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Lateef Adepeju
- School of Nursing & Public Health, University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Walker C, Burtscher D, Myeni J, Kerschberger B, Schausberger B, Rusch B, Dlamini N, Whitehouse K. "They have been neglected for a long time": a qualitative study on the role and recognition of rural health motivators in the Shiselweni region, Eswatini. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2020; 18:66. [PMID: 32958066 PMCID: PMC7504860 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-020-00504-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community health workers (CHWs) are increasingly engaged to address human resource shortages and fill primary healthcare gaps. In Eswatini, a cadre of CHWs called Rural Health Motivators (RHM) was introduced in 1976 to respond to key public health challenges. However, the emergence of health needs, particularly HIV/TB, has been met with inadequate programme amendments, and the role of RHMs has become marginalised following the addition of other CHWs supported by non-governmental organisations. This study was implemented to understand the role of RHMs in decentralised HIV/TB activities. In this paper, we explore the findings in relation to the recognition of RHMs and the programme. METHODS This exploratory qualitative study utilised individual in-depth interviews, group and focus group discussions, participatory methods (utilising a game format) and observations. Participants were purposively selected and comprised RHM programme implementers, community stakeholders and local and non-governmental personnel. Data collection took place between August and September 2019. Interviews were conducted in English or siSwati and transcribed. SiSwati interviews were translated directly into English. All interviews were audio-recorded, manually coded and thematically analysed. Data was validated through methodical triangulation. RESULTS Suboptimal organisational structure and support, primarily insufficient training and supervision for activities were factors identified through interviews and observation activities. Significant confusion of the RHM role was observed, with community expectations beyond formally endorsed tasks. Community participants expressed dissatisfaction with receiving health information only, preferring physical assistance in the form of goods. Additionally, gender emerged as a significant influencing factor on the acceptability of health messages and the engagement of RHMs with community members. Expectations and structurally limiting factors shape the extent to which RHMs are recognised as integral to the health system, at all social and organisational levels. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the lack of recognition of RHMs and the programme at both community and national levels. This, along with historical neglect, has hindered the capacity of RHMs to successfully contribute to positive health outcomes for rural communities. Renewed attention and support mechanisms for this cadre are needed. Clarification of the RHM role in line with current health challenges and clearer role parameters is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Doris Burtscher
- Vienna Evaluation Unit/Anthropology, Médecins Sans Frontières, Vienna, Austria
| | - John Myeni
- Prevention and Promotion Programme, Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | | | | | | | - Katherine Whitehouse
- Luxembourg Operational Research Unit (LuxOr), Médecins Sans Frontières, Brussels, Belgium
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How to Screen Suitable Service Improve Community Health Care Services by University Students in Taiwan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155402. [PMID: 32727094 PMCID: PMC7432445 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Engaging in social contributions to enhance social participation and attending community experiential service learning or internship courses have become an essential learning experience for university students. On the basis of postmodern education theories, this study adopted images and oral accounts involving personal experiences to construct a postmodern education research scheme by using the method of collaborative ethnography. This study selected and performed the following services: filming a community documentary, administering community health dance classes, and archiving community cultural artifacts in databases. Interviews were also administered to facilitate implementation of the actual services. Community health services commonly seen in Taiwan and abroad were compiled, and the resources required for each service were examined. Subsequently, factor analysis was performed to explore the characteristic of these services in order to recommend feasible services for university students to undertake. The results indicated that the eight resources required for the 59 common community health services were (1) a designated space or venue, (2) materials, (3) monetary resources, (4) human resources, (5) expertise, (6) professional equipment, (7) patience, and (8) empathy. The results revealed three principal components, namely labor services, high-resource services, and professional services, for a total explanatory power of 67.99%; the individual explanatory power of these components accounted for 25.04%, 21.81%, and 21.15%, respectively. Next, community health care services suitable for university students to perform were selected and implemented, and these services were well received. The study results indicated that community and environmental justice can be realized by identifying with the value of community health services and promoting postmodern education theories and social norms. The research results are suitable for implementation after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Miguel-Esponda G, Bohm-Levine N, Rodríguez-Cuevas FG, Cohen A, Kakuma R. Implementation process and outcomes of a mental health programme integrated in primary care clinics in rural Mexico: a mixed-methods study. Int J Ment Health Syst 2020; 14:21. [PMID: 32190108 PMCID: PMC7074983 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-020-00346-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Policies and programmes in Mexico promote the integration of mental health services into primary health care (PHC), however these services remain largely unavailable in the country. Since 2014 a non-governmental organisation has delivered a mental health programme at PHC clinics in the state of Chiapas, in partnership with the local Ministry of Health (MoH). The programme provides mental health services based on the mhGAP guidelines through multiple implementation strategies, including programme financing, infrastructure strengthening, high-intensity training, and supervision. This study aimed to examine the implementation process and outcomes of this mental health programme to understand the extent to which mental health care integration has been achieved and to identify the successes and remaining challenges in order to inform the development and implementation of similar programmes. Methods We used a mixed-methods convergent design. Quantitative data for the period between December 2016 and December 2017 were extracted from the organisation’s health information system to capture process indicators, including the amount (dose) and quality (fidelity) of services delivered. We conducted two focus groups and 24 semi-structured interviews with health providers and managers to ascertain implementation outcome data: penetration, fidelity, acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using descriptive and framework analyses, respectively. Results During the study period, health providers delivered mental health consultations to 486 adults diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder. Programme fidelity was limited given that talk-based interventions, which are required in all consultations according to programme guidelines, were only provided in 24% of consultations. Only 42% of service users attended more than 50% of scheduled mental health follow-up consultations, which also hindered fidelity. Low attendance is partially attributed to limited programme appropriateness, given that interventions to address social risk factors are not available. High levels of acceptability and feasibility enabled through strong support from the organisation were key programme strengths. Conclusions Mental health programmes at PHC can be implemented when adequate support and supervision structures are in place, and key resources are available. There is an urgent need for health systems strengthening to support efforts to provide mental health care, and to link PHC with locally-relevant social interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Miguel-Esponda
- 1Centre for Global Mental Health, Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT UK
| | | | | | - Alex Cohen
- 1Centre for Global Mental Health, Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT UK
| | - Ritsuko Kakuma
- 1Centre for Global Mental Health, Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT UK
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Alegbeleye A, Dada J, Oresanya O, Jiya J, Counihan H, Gimba P, Ozor L, Maxwell K. Community engagement and mobilisation of local resources to support integrated Community Case Management of childhood illnesses in Niger State, Nigeria. J Glob Health 2019; 9:010804. [PMID: 31263549 PMCID: PMC6594662 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.09.010804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite strong evidence of integrated community case management (iCCM) of childhood illnesses being a proven intervention for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality, sustainability remains a challenge in most settings. Community ownership and contribution are important factors in sustainability. The purpose of this study was to document the process and scale achieved for community engagement and mobilisation to foster ownership, service uptake and sustainability of iCCM activities. Methods A review of data collected by the RAcE project was conducted to describe the scale and achievement of leveraging community resources to support the community-oriented resource persons (CORPs). The Rapid Access Expansion (RAcE)-supported iCCM programme in Niger state (2014-2017), aimed at improving coverage of case management services for malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea, among children aged 2–59 months. Resources donated were documented and costed based on the market value of goods and services at the time of donation. These monetary valuations were validated at community dialogue meetings. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise quantitative variables. The mean of the number of CORPs in active service and the percentages of the mobilised resources received by CORPs were calculated. Results The community engagement activities included 143 engagement and advocacy visits, and meetings, 300 community dialogues, reactivation of 60 ward development committees, and 3000 radio messages in support of iCCM. 79.5% of 1659 trained CORPs were still in active iCCM service at the end of the project. We estimated the costs of all support provided by the community to CORPs in cash and kind as US$ 123 062. Types of support included cash; building materials; farming support; fuel for motorcycles, and transport fares. Conclusions The achievements of community engagement, mobilisation, and the resources leveraged, demonstrated acceptability of the project to the beneficiaries and their willingness to contribute to uninterrupted service provision by CORPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lynda Ozor
- World Health Organization, Abuja, Nigeria
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Becker S. Progress towards health systems strengthening in Myanmar. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL HEALTH REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.29392/joghr.2.e2018006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Myint NPST, Aung NM, Win MS, Htut TY, Ralph AP, Cooper DA, Nyein ML, Kyi MM, Hanson J. The clinical characteristics of adults with rheumatic heart disease in Yangon, Myanmar: An observational study. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192880. [PMID: 29466408 PMCID: PMC5821331 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major cause of premature death in low and middle-income countries. The greatest barrier to RHD control is neglect of the disease in national health policies and a lack of prevalence data that might inform control efforts. Myanmar is making remarkable progress against many infectious diseases, but there are almost no data to define the clinical burden of RHD in the country. This prospective audit was performed in an adult medical ward of a tertiary-referral hospital in Yangon, to gain an insight into the prevalence of RHD in Myanmar. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS All patients admitted to the ward between May 1, 2016 and April 30, 2017 were eligible for enrolment. RHD was confirmed in 96 patients who were admitted on 134 occasions, representing 1.1% of the 12,172 adult medical admissions during the study period. This compared with 410 (3.4%) admissions with HIV and 14 (0.1%) with malaria. Patients with RHD had a median age of 44 years (interquartile range: 35-59); 70 (73%) were female. Only one patient had ever had surgery despite 79 (82%) meeting criteria for intervention; 54 (56%) patients were not receiving any regular clinician review. Prior to hospitalisation only 18 (19%) patients were receiving regular penicillin. Only 8 (19%) of the 42 women <50 years were using contraception. Of 49 patients who had been hospitalised previously, 22 (45%) were receiving no regular therapy. During the study three (3.1%) patients died, and 28 (29%) were lost to follow-up. Of the 65 (68%) alive and retained in care, 21 (32%) were still experiencing moderate-severe RHD-related symptoms at the study's end. CONCLUSIONS There is a significant and unmet clinical burden of RHD in Myanmar. A national RHD programme would improve patient care, reducing morbidity and mortality from this preventable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Phyu Sin Toe Myint
- Department of Medicine, Insein General Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
- University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Ne Myo Aung
- Department of Medicine, Insein General Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
- University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Myint Soe Win
- Department of Cardiology, North Okkalapa General Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Thu Ya Htut
- Department of Medicine, Insein General Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Anna P. Ralph
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - David A. Cooper
- Director’s Unit, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Myo Lwin Nyein
- University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Myanmar
- Department of Cardiology, North Okkalapa General Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Mar Mar Kyi
- Department of Medicine, Insein General Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar
- University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Josh Hanson
- University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Myanmar
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
- Director’s Unit, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Taderera BH, Hendricks SJH, Pillay Y. Human resource for health reform in peri-urban areas: a cross-sectional study of the impact of policy interventions on healthcare workers in Epworth, Zimbabwe. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2017; 15:83. [PMID: 29246149 PMCID: PMC5732467 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-017-0260-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The need to understand how healthcare worker reform policy interventions impact health personnel in peri-urban areas is important as it also contributes towards setting of priorities in pursuing the universal health coverage goal of health sector reform. This study explored the impact of post 2008 human resource for health reform policy interventions on healthcare workers in Epworth, a peri-urban community in Harare, Zimbabwe, and the implications towards health sector reform policy in peri-urban areas. METHODS The study design was exploratory and cross-sectional and involved the use of qualitative and quantitative methods in data collection, presentation, and analysis. A qualitative study in which data were collected through a documentary search, five key informant interviews, seven in-depth interviews, and five focus group discussions was carried out first. This was followed by a quantitative study in which data were collected through a documentary search and 87 semi-structured sample interviews with healthcare workers. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically whilst descriptive statistics were used to examine quantitative data. All data were integrated during analysis to ensure comprehensive, reliable, and valid analysis of the dataset. RESULTS Three main factors were identified to help interpret findings. The first main factor consisted policy result areas that impacted most successfully on healthcare workers. These included the deployment of community health workers with the highest correlation of 0.83. Policy result areas in the second main factor included financial incentives with a correlation of 0.79, training and development (0.77), deployment (0.77), and non-financial incentives (0.75). The third factor consisted policy result areas that had the lowest satisfaction amongst healthcare workers in Epworth. These included safety (0.72), equipment and tools of trade (0.72), health welfare (0.65), and salaries (0.55). CONCLUSIONS The deployment of community health volunteers impacted healthcare workers most successfully. This was followed by salary top-up allowances, training, deployment, and non-financial incentives. However, health personnel were least satisfied with their salaries. This had negative implications towards health sector reform interventions in Epworth peri-urban community between 2009 and 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Hope Taderera
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, 31 Bophelo Road, Gezina, Pretoria, South Africa.
- Department of Political and Administrative Studies, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mount Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | | | - Yogan Pillay
- National Department of Health of the Republic of South Africa, Civitas Building, 222 Thabo Sehume St, Pretoria, South Africa
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Russell DJ, Zhao Y, Guthridge S, Ramjan M, Jones MP, Humphreys JS, Wakerman J. Patterns of resident health workforce turnover and retention in remote communities of the Northern Territory of Australia, 2013-2015. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2017; 15:52. [PMID: 28810919 PMCID: PMC5558760 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-017-0229-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The geographical maldistribution of the health workforce is a persisting global issue linked to inequitable access to health services and poorer health outcomes for rural and remote populations. In the Northern Territory (NT), anecdotal reports suggest that the primary care workforce in remote Aboriginal communities is characterised by high turnover, low stability and high use of temporary staffing; however, there is a lack of reliable information to guide workforce policy improvements. This study quantifies current turnover and retention in remote NT communities and investigates correlations between turnover and retention metrics and health service/community characteristics. METHODS This study used the NT Department of Health 2013-2015 payroll and financial datasets for resident health workforce in 53 remote primary care clinics. Main outcome measures include annual turnover rates, annual stability rates, 12-month survival probabilities and median survival. RESULTS At any time point, the clinics had a median of 2.0 nurses, 0.6 Aboriginal health practitioners (AHPs), 2.2 other employees and 0.4 additional agency-employed nurses. Mean annual turnover rates for nurses and AHPs combined were extremely high, irrespective of whether turnover was defined as no longer working in any remote clinic (66%) or no longer working at a specific remote clinic (128%). Stability rates were low, and only 20% of nurses and AHPs remain working at a specific remote clinic 12 months after commencing. Half left within 4 months. Nurse and AHP turnover correlated with other workforce measures. However, there was little correlation between most workforce metrics and health service characteristics. CONCLUSIONS NT Government-funded remote clinics are small, experience very high staff turnover and make considerable use of agency nurses. These staffing patterns, also found in remote settings elsewhere in Australia and globally, not only incur higher direct costs for service provision-and therefore may compromise long-term sustainability-but also are almost certainly contributing to sub-optimal continuity of care, compromised health outcomes and poorer levels of staff safety. To address these deficiencies, it is imperative that investments in implementing, adequately resourcing and evaluating staffing models which stabilise the remote primary care workforce occur as a matter of priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J Russell
- Monash Rural Health, Monash University, PO Box 666, Bendigo, Victoria, 3552, Australia.
| | - Yuejen Zhao
- Department of Health, PO Box 40596, Darwin, NT, 0800, Australia
| | | | - Mark Ramjan
- Department of Health, PO Box 40596, Darwin, NT, 0800, Australia
| | - Michael P Jones
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - John S Humphreys
- Monash Rural Health, Monash University, PO Box 91, Strathdale, Victoria, 3550, Australia
| | - John Wakerman
- Flinders Northern Territory, School of Medicine, Flinders University, PO Box U362, Casuarina, NT, 0815, Australia
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Kuule Y, Dobson AE, Woldeyohannes D, Zolfo M, Najjemba R, Edwin BMR, Haven N, Verdonck K, Owiti P, Wilkinson E. Community Health Volunteers in Primary Healthcare in Rural Uganda: Factors Influencing Performance. Front Public Health 2017; 5:62. [PMID: 28424765 PMCID: PMC5372810 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Community health volunteers (CHVs) play an integral role in primary healthcare. Several countries rely on CHV programs as a major element in improving access to care and attaining universal health coverage. However, their performance has been heterogeneous and at times context-specific, and influenced by multiple factors. We describe the socio-demographic and workplace characteristics affecting CHVs’ performance in a public health program in rural western Uganda. Methods This was a cross-sectional study based on routine program data of CHVs serving the catchment of Bwindi Community Hospital, Kanungu District, South Western Uganda, in 2014 and 2015. Information was collected on individual socio-demographic and workplace characteristics of the CHVs. To assess their work output, we defined study-specific targets in terms of attendance at monthly CHVs’ meetings with community health nurses, households followed-up and reported, children screened for malnutrition, immunization coverage, and health facility deliveries. Frequencies and proportions are reported for characteristics and outputs and odds ratios for study-specific factors associated with overall performance. Results Of the 508 CHVs, 65% were women, 48% were aged 35 years and below, and 37% took care of more than the recommended 20–30 households. Seventy-eight percent of the CHVs had ≥80% of pregnant women under their care delivering in health units, 71% had ≥95% of the children on schedule for routine immunization, while 27% screened ≥75% of the children under 5 years for malnutrition. More refresher trainings was associated with better overall performance [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 12.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–93.6, P = 0.02] while overseeing more than the recommended 20–30 households reduced overall performance (aOR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4–0.9, P = 0.02). Conclusion Being in-charge of more than the recommended households was associated with reduced performance of CHVs, while more refresher trainings were associated with improved performance. If the CHVs are to remain a strategic pillar in universal health coverage, it is imperative to address those factors known to impact on their performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusufu Kuule
- Church of Uganda Bwindi Community Hospital, Kinkizi Diocese, Kanungu, Uganda
| | - Andrew Eric Dobson
- Church of Uganda Bwindi Community Hospital, Kinkizi Diocese, Kanungu, Uganda
| | | | - Maria Zolfo
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Nahabwe Haven
- Church of Uganda Bwindi Community Hospital, Kinkizi Diocese, Kanungu, Uganda
| | | | - Philip Owiti
- The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France.,Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Ewan Wilkinson
- Institute of Medicine, University of Chester, Chester, UK
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