Factors influencing the performance of community health workers in Kisumu West, Kenya

Prim Health Care Res Dev. 2012 Oct;13(4):294-300. doi: 10.1017/S1463423612000138. Epub 2012 Apr 11.

Abstract

Background: Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a key role in the functioning of Primary Health Care. However, little research on the performance of CHWs has been conducted in Kenya. This study aims to describe their performance and to determine which factors most impacted the performance of CHWs in Kenya.

Methods: A total of 750 CHWs were identified as potential subjects. However, appropriate data were submitted by 172 CHWs because of rejection and loss of their reporting status. Data on CHWs were collected through questionnaires, and information about their performance was gathered from their supervisors.

Results: Approximately 60% of the CHWs were active. CHWs over 40 years of age were likely to display good performance in their job (P < 0.001). In addition, the performance of CHWs was influenced by training partners (P < 0.03).

Conclusion: Older CHWs were likely to perform well. Furthermore, their performance was influenced by their training partners.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Community Health Services / standards*
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Health Personnel / standards*
  • Humans
  • Internationality
  • Kenya
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Primary Health Care / methods*
  • Primary Health Care / standards
  • Professional Competence / standards*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Task Performance and Analysis