Esteem Needs and the Retention of Community Health Volunteers in Primary Health Care Service Provision in Bungoma County, Kenya

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to investigate how the self-esteem of the Community health volunteers (CHVs) influences the retention of CHVs in primary health-care (PHC) service provision. The study design was descriptive cross-sectional study design. Cluster samplings followed by systematic sampling methods were adopted to obtain a randomized study sample. Fisher’s formula was used to obtain the required sample size of 222 from the current 2010 CHVs and 222 from the former 990 CHVs. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from current and former CHVs. Other data collection instruments for qualitative data were key informant interview guide for the CHVs’ supervisors; and focus group discussion (FGD) guide for current and former CHVs who were identified from existing records. Data were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics to calculate distribution and tendencies. Cross tabulation and Chi-square tests were applied in testing the strength of the relationship between variables. To explore the relationship between variables, Chi-square test was done. The key findings from the study were that majority of the CHVs, in Bungoma County; did not have a means of transport provided by either the ministry or its partners. Thus, they had to walk in the course of executing their duties. Among those that had access to a means of transport, most used bicycles then motorcycles. The means of transport contributes to retention of CHVs because it contributes to their esteem while enhancing efficiency in their work. The means of transport that was most preferred by the CHVs in Bungoma were Motorcycle followed by the bicycle. A majority of the CHVs in Bungoma County did not have drug kits available for their use in PHC work. Drug kits were appreciated by the CHVs as an important requirement for their work. The drug kit motivates the CHVs because it facilitates them to execute health functions in community and thus builds their esteem in the community.