298540
Service user awareness of community health worker programming: A comparative analysis
Methods: Anonymous surveys were conducted among users of two different rural CHW programs in Honduras and Ghana. Responses were collected and coded independently for each study. The results were subsequently evaluated both in the context of each separate program and as a comparative analysis.
Results: Preliminary data reveals strong support among both cohorts for an active, education-based CHW program (Community Investment Index (CII) Honduras=0.97, CII Ghana=0.99). Both awareness of current CHW programming and utilization of available resources among service users was significantly higher among the Honduran cohort than the Ghanaian (Awareness and Utilization Index (AUI) Honduras=0.70, AUI Ghana=0.16).
Conclusion: While nearly all community members supported CHW programming, the majority of beneficiaries underutilized such services due to a lack of awareness as to the location or perceived role of CHWs. The discrepancy between awareness and utilization rates between cohorts is attributable to modifiable differences in program funding, training, and oversight. Goals for advancement and curriculum development for the specific programs studied here should include greater transparency in access to service and an increased emphasis on community education as to CHW role and existence.
Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health educationConduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice
Learning Objectives:
Identify indicators of community awareness in evaluating service users' ability to access and utilize CHW resources.
Differentiate service users' awareness and utilization of their respective CHW programs among two different cohorts.
Discuss factors that contribute to increased utilization of CHW programs among community members.
Identify elements of CHW programs that allow for increased community member interest and involvement.
Discuss the importance of knowledge and awareness among community members regarding established CHW programming and how to access it as a necessary element in the success of such programs.
Keyword(s): Community Health Workers and Promoters, Performance Measurement
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I conceived the research questions and methods through my own personal previous experience with the topic, having worked closely with members of each cohort for extended periods of time. I am the co-investigator of this project and sole recipient of all funding. I acted as the field investigator for all data collection and performed all data input and analysis. I remain involved in ongoing CHW program evaluation and implementation.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.