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Kok, Maryse C, Kea, Aschenaki Z, Datiko, Daniel, Broerse, Jacqueline E, Dieleman, Marjolein, Taegtmeyer, Miriam 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5377-2536 and Tulloch, Olivia
(2015)
'A qualitative assessment of health extension workers’ relationships with the community and health sector in Ethiopia: opportunities for enhancing maternal health performance'. Human Resources for Health, Vol 13, Issue 80.
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Abstract
Background:
Health extension workers (HEWs) in Ethiopia have a unique position, connecting communities to the health sector. This intermediary position requires strong interpersonal relationships with actors in both the community and health sector, in order to enhance HEW performance. This study aimed to understand how relationships between EWs, the community and health sector were shaped, in order to inform policy on optimizing HEW performance in providing maternal health services.
Methods:
We conducted a qualitative study in six districts in the Sidama zone, which included focus group discussions (FGDs) with HEWs, women and men from the community and semi-structured interviews with HEWs; key informants working in programme management, health service delivery and supervision of HEWs; mothers; and traditional birth attendants. Respondents were asked about facilitators and barriers regarding HEWs’ relationships with the community and health sector. Interviews and FGDs were recorded, transcribed, translated, coded and thematically analysed.
Results:
HEWs were selected by their communities, which enhanced trust and engagement between them. Relationships were facilitated by programme design elements related to support, referral, supervision, training, monitoring and accountability. Trust, communication and dialogue and expectations influenced the strength of relationships. From the community side, the health development army supported HEWs in liaising with community members. From the health sector side, top-down supervision and inadequate training possibilities hampered relationships and demotivated HEWs. Health professionals, administrators, HEWs and communities occasionally met to monitor HEW and programme performance. Expectations from the community and health sector regarding HEWs’ tasks sometimes differed, negatively affecting motivation and satisfaction of HEWs.
Conclusion:
HEWs’ relationships with the community and health sector can be constrained as a result of inadequate support systems, lack of trust, communication and dialogue and differing expectations. Clearly defined roles at all levels and standardized support, monitoring and accountability, referral, supervision and training, which are executed regularly with clear communication lines, could improve dialogue and trust between HEWs and actors from the community.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Health extension workers, Community health workers, Maternal health, Ethiopia, Performance, Community involvement, Trust |
| Subjects: | W General Medicine. Health Professions > W 21.5 Allied health personnel. Allied health professions WA Public Health > Health Problems of Special Population Groups > WA 310 Maternal welfare |
| Faculty: Department: | Clinical Sciences & International Health > International Public Health Department |
| Digital Object Identifer (DOI): | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-015-0077-4 |
| Depositing User: | Susan Grice |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Feb 2016 16:07 |
| Last Modified: | 17 Oct 2019 10:51 |
| URI: | https://archive.lstmed.ac.uk/id/eprint/5701 |
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