Date of Award
Spring 3-18-2020
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Science (DNS)
Department
Nursing
Committee Chair/First Advisor
Dr. Judith Hold
Committee Chair
Dr. Barbara J. Blake
Second Committee Member
Dr. Iván M. Jorrín Abellán
Third Committee Member
Dr. Nicole Mareno
Abstract
In order to mitigate the growing health worker shortage, many low-middle income countries (LMICs) use community health workers (CHWs) to extend health services to underserved communities. Community health workers are laypersons with minimal training who provide basic health services for they communities in which they live. Although past research has demonstrated that CHWs can provide appropriate care that contributes to positive health outcomes, many CHW programs fail to achieve long-term sustainability. As the largest group of health professionals, nurses often work closely with CHWs, and are therefore well-positioned to support sustainability of CHW programs.
The purpose of this participatory action research (PAR) study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of CHWs living and working in a northern region of the Dominican Republic (D.R.). Using the PAR method known as photovoice, 13 CHWs were recruited to take photographs that represented their perceptions of the CHW role and the factors that supported and impeded their work. After generating photographs, participants took part in individual interviews and a focus group, during which the photographs were used to enhance understanding of participants’ experiences as CHWs.
Findings from the study demonstrated that participants viewed themselves as leaders and change agents for their communities, and that they perceived their work as having positive consequences for their communities and themselves. Furthermore, important intrinsic and external support systems were described, and several significant barriers were identified. Findings can be used to develop strategies to build upon existing strengths and design interventions to mitigate challenges encountered by CHWs.