"…considered 'essential workers', so we report to work and serve the community": experiences of community health workers during COVID-19 pandemic in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Community health workers (CHWs) played an essential part in providing health services to the communities they served prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and they had some positive impact on community/household health service promotion and delivery. Nonetheless, restricted movement and social isolation made it challenging for community members to access CHW services, which are normally provided in person. We explore community health workers' opinions on the impact of COVID-19 on their responsibilities, clients, and communities in South Africa's Eastern Cape.

Methods

Using a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted individual (n = 10) and focus group discussions (n = 13) with 23 community health workers. Participants were community health workers servici

SUBMITTER: Okafor UB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11524017 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature