The use of community health workers (CHWs) has been considered as one of the strategies to address the growing shortage of health workers, predominantly in low-income countries. They are playing a pivotal role in lessening health disparities through improving health outcomes for underserved populations. Yet, little is known about what factors motivate and drive them to continue working as CHWs. This study aimed to examine factors contributing to the motivation of volunteer CHWs (vCHWs) in Ethiopia currently known as one-to-five network leaders (1to5NLs) and explore variations between attributes of social and work-related determinants.
Findings of the study indicated that non-financial incentives such as the creation of career development models are the key to motivating and retaining CHWs where they are not receiving stipends. The sustainability of CHW program should consider exploring enhanced innovations to strengthen supportive supervision, development of better mechanisms to publicize the role of CHWs, and improvement of recognition and appreciation schemes for CHWs’ efforts and accomplishments.
Authors: Habtamu Abdissa Jigssa, Binyam Fekadu Desta, Hilbret Alemu Tilahun, Jan McCutcheon, Peter Berman, 2018
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