Mother knows best: Community perception of Ugandan village health workers in reducing infant mortality rates

BACKGROUND: The critical shortage of trained health professionals is a global crisis. Uganda's child mortality rates remains one of the highest in the world: 65 per 1000 children. Many researchers have demonstrated that village health workers (VHW) have the potential to significantly expand the reach of a developing country's preexisting healthcare system. In 2010, VHWs were officially included in Uganda's healthcare system. Community support is key for the continued efficacy and sustainability of this health education program. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this descriptive non-experimental quantitative pilot study is to assess the perception of Ugandan women towards the effectiveness of village health workers in reducing infant mortality rate. Additionally, this study will identify local support for continued use of VHWs in prenatal and postnatal education and early identification of illness. METHODS: In April 2013, a descriptive written survey will be given to approximately 50 women in the community surrounding Kampala, Uganda, selected by convenience. Women who have had personal contact with VHWs will be asked to rate their perceptions using a Likert Scale. The survey includes eleven questions plus one free-response question. RESULTS: Anticipated results include the women having an overall positive attitude towards increased access to prenatal/postnatal education in their own community and a perceived improvement in infant outcomes. CONCLUSION: Assessing community support is a vital step in evaluating the success of any VHW program that strives to enhance maternal child health. This study can be used to strengthen future partnerships between lay health workers and mothers, locally and globally.