Community health workers' understanding of their role in rendering Maternal, Child and Women's Health Services

[摘要] Background: Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a meaningful role in rendering of Maternal, Child and Women's Health (MCWH) in South Africa. CHWs attended training to equip them with the necessary knowledge to render MCWH services at household level. Objective: To explore, interpret and describe the CHWs understanding of their role in rendering MCWH services in their electoral wards. Research Methods: CHWs within Ward Based Outreach Teams (WBOTs) were recruited from four sub-districts (Matlosana, Tlokwe, Maquassi Hills and Ventersdorp) of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District. A total of 8 (eight) focus group interviews were conducted, with two conducted in each sub-district. Data was analysed, themes and sub-themes were extracted. Results: Five themes and fifteen sub-themes emerged from data analysis. Findings revealed that CHWs understand their role in relation to provision of MCWH services. Meeting the client's family, coupled with the support of the Outreach Team Leader (OTL) were found to be major factors perceived by CHWs to can enhance provision of MCWH services by CHWs. Cultural beliefs, HIV & AIDS, stigmatization and inaccessible residential areas were identified as the main barriers to provision of MCWH services by CHWs. The study revealed that most of the CHWs were not coping with the challenges they face as they execute their duties; it further revealed that CHWs discuss their challenges amongst themselves and with their OTLs in order to cope. Participants suggested that Professional Nurses can prepare Ante Natal Care clients and mothers to expect a visit from a CHW at home. Participants also suggested that CHWs should be sent for refresher courses or more training, if possible at a Further Education Training (FET) college: a course which is accredited by SETA. Some of the suggestions were however unrealistic e.g. introduction to ANC clients when they visit the clinic and not moving about with bicycles when visiting households.

[发布机构] North-West University