Factors influencing motivation and job satisfaction of community health workers in Africa and Asia - a multi-country study

Abimbola Olaniran, Barbara Madaj, Sarah Bar Zeev, Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas and Nynke van den Broek

LSE Research Online Documents on Economics from London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library

Abstract: As key stakeholders continue to affirm the relevance of community health workers (CHWs) in universal health coverage, there is a need for a commensurate focus on their motivation and job satisfaction especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where they play prominent roles. Despite the wealth of literature on motivation and job satisfaction, many studies draw on research conducted in high-income settings. This study explored factors influencing motivation and satisfaction among CHWs in LMICs. Thirty-two focus group discussions and 116 key informant interviews were conducted with CHWs, programme staff, health professionals and community leaders in Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Malawi and Nigeria. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Overall, CHWs desired: (1) CHW programmes with manageable workload; work schedules that address concerns of female CHWs on work-life balance; clear career pathway; and a timely, regular and sustainable remuneration. However, no remuneration type guaranteed satisfaction because of an insatiable quest for additional financial reward. (2) Relationship with stakeholders that enhances their reputation. This was more important for unsalaried CHWs. (3) Opportunities to support community members. This was popular among all cadres as it resonated with their altruistic values. This study provides insights for developing a ‘comprehensive motivation package’ for CHWs.

Keywords: community health worker; motivation; job satisfaction; performance; retention (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J01 R14 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 21 pages
Date: 2022-01-01
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

Published in International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 1, January, 2022, 37(1), pp. 112 - 132. ISSN: 0749-6753

Downloads: (external link)
http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/111837/ Open access version. (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ehl:lserod:111837

Access Statistics for this paper

More papers in LSE Research Online Documents on Economics from London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library LSE Library Portugal Street London, WC2A 2HD, U.K.. Contact information at EDIRC.
Bibliographic data for series maintained by LSERO Manager ().