This study in Malawi looked at what helps community health volunteers stay in their roles and what causes them to leave. Among nearly 2,900 volunteers, only about 10% had left the program over four years. Volunteers were more likely to stay when they received financial or other incentives, had opportunities to learn from other volunteers, worked in smaller areas, and could take … [Read more...] about Retention and attrition of community health volunteers in rural Malawi; a mixed-methods study
CHW Retention
Community Health Workers’ Perspectives on Career Advancement and Job Satisfaction: Indiana, March-August 2024
A survey of 282 community health workers (CHWs) in Indiana found that many face burnout, limited opportunities for career growth, low pay, and a lack of professional recognition and workplace support. About half said they experienced burnout and considered leaving the profession regularly. Despite these challenges, many CHWs remained motivated by the positive impact they have … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers’ Perspectives on Career Advancement and Job Satisfaction: Indiana, March-August 2024
Tools for Recruiting and Retaining CHWs in Public Health Agencies
The "Community Health Worker Toolkit: Capacity Building in Local Health Departments" helps local health departments (LHDs) recruit and retain community health workers (CHWs), who are vital for connecting communities with health and social services. Due to high turnover rates often linked to dissatisfaction with support and pay, the toolkit offers best practices for hiring and … [Read more...] about Tools for Recruiting and Retaining CHWs in Public Health Agencies
Mobilisation towards formal employment in the healthcare system A qualitative study of community health workers in South Africa
This study examined the working conditions of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in South Africa and their efforts to improve their situation. CHWs faced challenges like low pay and lack of resources. In semi-urban areas, they formed a task team and joined a union to negotiate for better conditions, leading to a pay increase. Rural CHWs faced obstacles in organizing due to fear of … [Read more...] about Mobilisation towards formal employment in the healthcare system A qualitative study of community health workers in South Africa
Implementation framework for income generating activities identified by community health volunteers (CHVs): a strategy to reduce attrition rate in Kilifi County, Kenya
This study explores the implementation of Income-Generating Activities (IGAs) for Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in Kilifi County, Kenya, to improve their livelihoods and reduce attrition rates. Through focus group discussions and interviews, CHVs expressed a need for stable income and proposed strategies such as table-banking and seeking funding from government agencies … [Read more...] about Implementation framework for income generating activities identified by community health volunteers (CHVs): a strategy to reduce attrition rate in Kilifi County, Kenya