18Feb 2017

COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS PROFILE, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TOWARDS DEMAND CREATION FOR SKILLED MATERNAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN SIAYA COUNTY.

  • Department of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
  • Department of Biological Sciences, School of Biological and Physical Sciences, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
  • Department of Health, County Government of Siaya.
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Background: Community health workers (CHWs) are increasingly identified as a potential vehicle for creating demand and expanding access to maternal health care services. However, despite their engagement to create demand for skilled maternal healthcare services in Siaya County, utilization has remained low while mothers continue to die from preventable maternal conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the CHWs profile, knowledge and perception towards demand creation for skilled maternal healthcare services in Siaya County. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross sectional study involving 123 community health workers. The study used both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Statistical tests including independent sample t-test, chi-square test, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to test the association between research variables. Results: The results revealed that Married CHWs; (aOR=1.16, 95% CI: 3.21–3.27), Widowed (aOR=1.37, 95% CI: 4.32–2.74), those with secondary (aOR 1.12 CI: 4.33-4.58), Tertiary education (aOR 1.43 CI: 2.87-4.63), and those with ?100 households (aOR 1.65 CI: 1.27-2.60) were more likely to create demand for skilled maternal healthcare services that their other counterparts. The majority of CHWs had inadequate knowledge on maternal health and danger signs. Conclusion: Empowering Community health workers (CHWs) with adequate knowledge on maternal health would enhance their competency in maternal health while assigning fewer households would enable them intensify demand creation for skilled maternal healthcare services in Siaya County.

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[Obinge Elizabeth Omondi, Fred A. Amimo, Omondi S. Owino and Asito Stephen Amolo. (2017); COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS PROFILE, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE TOWARDS DEMAND CREATION FOR SKILLED MATERNAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN SIAYA COUNTY. Int. J. of Adv. Res. 5 (Feb). 600-614] (ISSN 2320-5407). www.journalijar.com

Obinge, Elizabeth, Omondi
Self

DOI:

Article DOI: 10.21474/IJAR01/3191      
DOI URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.21474/IJAR01/3191

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