Strategies for Sustained Empowerment of Community Health Workers: A Qualitative Analysis of the Comprehensive Rural Health Project in Jamkhed, India.
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| Title: | Strategies for Sustained Empowerment of Community Health Workers: A Qualitative Analysis of the Comprehensive Rural Health Project in Jamkhed, India. |
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| Authors: | Kaysin, Alexander1 alexander.kaysin@umm.edu, Antoniello, Patricia2, Agarwal, Smisha3, Perry, Henry3 |
| Source: | Inquiry (00469580). 2/29/2024, p1-12. 12p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Focus groups, *Teaching methods, *Research methodology, *Motivation (Psychology), *Professional employee training, *Ability, *Training, *Qualitative research, *Continuing education, *Learning strategies, Community services, Evaluation of human services programs, Professions, Scientific observation, Social support, Patient participation, Leadership, Interviewing, Mentoring, Self-efficacy, Attitudes toward illness, Rural health, Thematic analysis, Commitment (Psychology) |
| Geographic Terms: | India |
| Abstract: | To understand the core aspects of an empowerment-based Community Health Worker (CHW) training program, we studied the model of the Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP) in Jamkhed, India—an organization known for facilitating empowerment of women as Village Health Workers (VHWs) and agents of community change. We define empowerment as a means by which individuals gain health and development-related skills and knowledge to facilitate positive change within their lives and communities. Using VHW training observations and semi-structured interviews with health workers and senior trainers, 6 themes were developed and applied in 4 focus group sessions with 18 multigenerational VHWs trained by the CRHP. Transcripts were qualitatively analyzed under 6 themes—selection, baseline training, continuing education and support, community participation, community empowerment, and commitment and longevity. Empowerment of VHWs was found to be an intentional process involving the creation of safe and supportive environments conducive to long-term participatory and experiential learning with professionals who facilitate and mentor. The impact of the baseline training is maintained through ongoing program-VHW interactions and knowledge reinforcement in both the field and training center. Importantly, these interactions reinforce VHWs' credibility and confidence in communities served. Community participation was found to be of key importance starting at the selection phase. The methods used for selection, training and ongoing support are critical to developing a cadre of competent, effective and motivated VHWs as well as fostering long-lasting self-development and leadership skills. Downstream effectiveness of community empowerment on health outcomes is demonstrated through indicators such as access to safe deliveries, declining child malnutrition rates, high vaccination rates as well as reductions in stigmatization of illness and caste discrimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Inquiry (00469580) is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Education Research Complete |
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