This multi-method study investigated Lady Health Workers' (LHWs) viewpoints on their job description, the problems they face and the levels of stress they encounter. All LHWs in one rural sub-district in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, were surveyed. Around a quarter of LHWs were found to have significant occupational stress. The authors conclude that improvements in remuneration, … [Read more...] about Job stress among community health workers: a multi-method study from Pakistan
Case studies
Knowledge and communication needs assessment of community health workers in a developing country: a qualitative study
This study documents the perceptions of CHWs on their knowledge and communication needs, image building through mass media and mechanisms for continued education. Focus group discussions were held with health workers and their supervisors in all four provinces in Pakistan. About four fifths of the respondents described their communication skills as moderately sufficient and … [Read more...] about Knowledge and communication needs assessment of community health workers in a developing country: a qualitative study
Thirty years after Alma-Ata: a systematic review of the impact of community health workers delivering curative interventions against malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea on child mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa
The authors conducted a systematic review of studies conducted between 1987 and 2007 in sub-Saharan Africa on the impact of CHW programs on morbidity and mortality of children under six. Seven studies in which CHWs provided curative treatment were included in the review. The authors conclude that CHW programs have the potential to contribute to large gains in child survival. … [Read more...] about Thirty years after Alma-Ata: a systematic review of the impact of community health workers delivering curative interventions against malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhoea on child mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa
Non-financial Incentives for Voluntary Community Health Workers: A Qualitative Study
This article describes a qualitative study that examines the efficacy of non-financial incentives in sustaining volunteerism among CHWs. The study addresses: the motivation of volunteer CHWs; barriers and de-motivating factors; the effectiveness of non-financial incentives; and the mechanisms by which incentives motivate volunteer CHWs. The study also explores the role of … [Read more...] about Non-financial Incentives for Voluntary Community Health Workers: A Qualitative Study
Lay Health Worker Attrition: Important but often ignored
This case study examines lay health worker attrition by examining three questions: What is the magnitude of attrition in programs? What are the determinants of attrition? What are the most successful ways of reducing attrition? Several important factors have been identified including: supportive supervision, defined roles with specific tasks, locally relevant incentives, … [Read more...] about Lay Health Worker Attrition: Important but often ignored