Determinants of delivery of health services by community health workers a case of embu district

Public Policy and Administration Research www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-5731(Paper) ISSN 2225-0972(Online)
Vol.3, No.8, 2013
1
Determinants of Delivery of Health Services by Community
Health Workers: A case of Embu District
Judith Museve 1*
, Josphat Mutua2
1. School of Health Sciences, Mount Kenya University, P.O.Box 547, 01000, Thika
2. Ministry of Public Health & Sanitation, P.O. Box, 30016, Nairobi
*judymuseve@gmail.com
Abstract
The introduction of the community strategy involving Community Health Workers (CHWs) was to pacify the
growing demand for quality healthcare by the general population. However there have been concerns on whether
the involvement of the CHWs leads to better delivery of health care services. There is confusion about their
services, sustainability and resources. Also, the community’s role in the implementation of the strategy lacks
clarity. This study sought to identifying demographic, programmatic and community factors that influence the
delivery of health services by CHWs in Embu district.
A cross sectional study design was used, where both quantitative and qualitative data was collected. A structured
questionnaire, key informant interviews (KII) and focused group discussions (FGD) were used. The study
sample comprised of 137 trained CHWs. The quantitative data was processed and analyzed using the statistical
package for social scientists (SPSS, version 17). Odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals was used to show
associations and p-value <0.05 was considered a statistically significant level of precision. Qualitative data was
analyzed manually by themes, subthemes and reviewed to conform to thematic objectives.
The study found out that Community Health Workers offer vital health services at the community level in Embu
district. In terms of delivery of services at level one, referral services, barazas and health education goals were
above average in Embu community units; however the score on visiting selected household per month is low.
The main factors significantly influencing the delivery of health services at level one is the availability of income
and source of income, supplies, period of refresher course, days for giving the services, feedback information
and knowledge on disease signs, symptoms and its management. Older and young CHWs were found to be more
active than middle aged ones. Male CHWs were more active in the delivery of level one health services than
their female counterparts. On average, CHWs in the District work for eight days in a month. Despite supervision
being not significant, all none supervised CHWs scored poorly in the delivery of health services. Community
Health Committees were ranked the best supervisors. Factors enhancing service delivery are appreciation by
community and motivation. Insecurity, lack of motivation, cultural norms, traditional practices, customs and
beliefs hinder the delivery of services.
The study recommends the development of a clear contextualized guideline on the qualification, scope, mandate,
number of working days per month with commensurate reward and motivation of CHWs in order to improve
delivery of level one health services. The strategy to be adopted should be sustainable at community level.
Key words: Delivery, health service, community health workers
1. Introduction
The Community Strategy, which uses community members to render certain basic health services to their
communities is a concept used to scale up delivery of health services worldwide. It uses CHWs and community
resource persons. There are innumerable experiences on the same throughout the world (WHO, 2007). Quite a
number of countries in Africa and South Asia are currently investing in community health workers (CHWs) as a
major part of the community strategy to reach the wider population. It is expected that CHWs preferentially
reach the poor who are less likely to use health facilities. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana and
South Africa are implementing national programs for CHWs (WHO, 2010). In Kenya, there are six levels of
health services delivery; and the community units commonly referred to as level one health service is designed to
provide basic community health service which is promotive, preventive and simple curative services. A
community unit has 5000 people and is served by 50 CHWs who are volunteers and the community’s own
resource persons. The CHWs are trained and supervised by community health extension workers (CHEWS) who
are based at level 2 and 3 but are assigned duties to sub-locations to support the CHWs(MOH, 2007). CHWs are
particularly important in areas where the use of facility-based services is low. They can increase access to and
use of health services, and have played a part in primary health care in tuberculosis, immunization and family

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planning programs. Embu district in Kenya was among the first areas to train community health workers on the
Community Strategy in 2007. The district has four administrative Divisions and six functional community units.
The residents have no distinct cultural identity; they practice agriculture majoring mainly on food crops like
maize, beans, bananas; and also grow tea and coffee.
There is limited research on the quantitative links between the role of CHWs and delivery of services (UNDP,
2005). Therefore there is need to assess the evidence that CHWs can perform the necessary tasks and describe
the determinants of delivery of health care services at level one.
1.0 Problem statement
Africa; Kenya included, faces an acute shortage of health workers (WHO, 2006). In the past decade, Kenya’s
second National Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHSSP II – 2005-2010) adopted Community Health Strategy as
means of addressing the health care needs and challenges at level one. Over the last four years, Embu District
has been implementing the community health strategy. Since then, there are six functional community units.
Despite this, there has been no change in the morbidity and mortality patterns in the established community units
with Malaria (32%), Pneumonia (28%) and Diarrhoea (16%) in children under five years and ameobiasis among
the adults still high (DMOH 2009). Elsewhere there has been concern whether the involvement of the
community’s own resource persons leads to effective delivery of health care services at level one (Sagini, 2010).
Furthermore, there reigns confusion about the sustainability and success of level one workforce, services and
resources. The contribution of community health workers in level one health service delivery remains unclear
and undocumented in the district (DMOH, 2009).The community’s role in the implementation of the community
strategy is not clear (UNICEF 2010). However since its adoption, the roll out of community based health
services has taken a different dimension, acceptance and accessibility at different communities (UNICEF, 2008).
In addition socio-cultural issues such recognition of community health services and service provider, cultural
diversity/ dynamics in urban setting, perception of level one health services and client-provider relation have not
been fully explored (Haines et al., 2007). This research therefore sought to identify the determinants of delivery
of health services at level one by CHWs, with the view to give recommendations that can improve health service
delivery at that level.
2. Literature review
2.1Demographic factors and delivery of health services
Provider characteristics such as Age, gender, marital status and education, may influence the perception and
delivery of health services by an individual (Simkhada etal., 2007). The association between age of the provider
and delivery of health care service has been inconsistent across studies (Babalola and Fatusi, 2009). According
to study by Pallikadavath in Asia and Middle East, the age of a provider was found to be significant in Nepal and
India, but not in Jordan (Pallikadavath et al., 2004).
The presence of male practitioners in obstetric and gynaecological care has been shown to be an important
reason for low use of these services by Asian women in western societies (Whiteford and Szelag, 2000). In their
study conducted in the United Kingdom in 1998, Goddard and Smith concluded that the clustering of patients of
the same ethnic origin in practices staffed by people with the same gender and cultural background was one
reason for the high registration and consultation rates with general medical practitioners in predominantly South
Asian communities. However, a study by Haines reported there was no evidence on the relative effectiveness of
men versus women as community health workers (Haines et al., 2007).
A study by Simkhada, found that the marital status of a health care provider influenced the delivery of health
care services (Simkhada et al., 2007). Yet another study by Kipkorir found out that marriage is highly regarded
in the Africa cultural context and marital status determines perceptions of personalities (Kipkorir, 2008). Other
studies however, found no association between the healthcare provider marital status and delivery of health care
services (Mekonnen and Mekonnen, 2003; Gyimah et al., 2006)
Haines et al (2007) found no association between the education level of the active and inactive CHWs. Yet
another study done in Bosomwe district in Ghana on factors influencing the delivery of intermittent preventive
treatment (IPT) of malaria in pregnancy, found no association between education level and delivery in health
care services (Antwi, 2009).However, in his study Ouma found out that low level of education was associated

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with low delivery of health care services (Ouma et al., 2005). In his study, Elijah found that delivery of health
medications increased with higher levels of formal education (Elijah et al., 2002).
In a study carried out in Bangladesh, Rahman found out that the services offered by the CHWs were influenced
by the cluster they came from and their residence; that is whether rented or personal (Rahman et al., 2010).
2.2 Programmatic factors and delivery of health services
Timely and accurate information forms the basis for management to plan and for care providers to take
appropriate action (Singh, 1992). A study by Mensah found out that very little is known about how health
workers value investments in health information technology and its impact on delivery of health services
(Mensah, 2007). Delivery of health care services is closely related to financial resources. Incentives such as
provider payment mechanisms were found to successfully influence the availability and make-up of services
offered, thus promoting health care provision to population groups with low health care access. Differential
payment can be done to foster provision in specific geographical areas and among priority populations (Lopez et
al., 2004).
Lewis in his study in 2006 concluded that there is need to examine the effectiveness of governance and
specifically the efficiency of its role in delivery of health care services since poor governance can undermine
health care delivery (Lewis, 2006).
In his study, Haines states that the availability of drugs and cost of travel may influence delivery of health care
services although very few studies have assessed the impact of unavailability of drugs and the time used to go
and collect them by community health workers (Haines et al., 2007). The distance covered by CHW to offer
health services and the availability of transport options can have a significant impact on appropriate and timely
delivery of health services (Furuta and Salway, 2006).
The level of training of provider has a big influence on the delivery of service (Brabin et al., 2009). A study done
in rural western Kenya to assess the effect of health care workers training on the use of IPT for malaria in
pregnancy showed that there was an increase in coverage for IPT 1 from 19% in 2002 to 61% 2005 after health
care workers were retrained (Ouma et al., 2005). However, a survey conducted in three health centers in
Kampala showed no effect on malaria guidelines and treatment even after the training of health workers
(Nankwanga and Gorette, 2008). In his study report, Kaseje points out that although the training of CHWs is a
key and major activity in Kenya , it still was not clear on fundamental issues such as duration of training, the
content of training, the designated trainers and the role of the community in the training of the CHWs (Kaseje,
2006).
Human resource is the one of the most important components that determines the performance of public health
system (WHO, 2006). There is contradictory evidence on the contributions of different categories of health
workers and the role of health workers relative to other health system inputs in increasing delivery of essential
services, particularly in developing countries (Kruk et al., 2009). The role of CHWs include home visits,
environmental sanitation, provision of water supply, first aid, treatment of minor and common illnesses, nutrition
counseling, health education and promotion, surveillance, maternal child health, family planning, referrals,
record keeping and data collection among others (Ofuso –Amaah, 2003).
Study findings show that wide differences in social status between the practitioner and patient may inhibit
service delivery (Shah, 2007). Few comprehensive studies have been completed to analyze the patient – provider
relationship and its effect on health care delivery (Turin, 2010).
2.3 Knowledge, attitude, culture and practice
Knowledge may provide consumers with a basis for evaluating whether they or their dependant require
treatment. Evaluating and making the best use of information on good and bad health providers requires a
measure of sophistication in the target group. There is need to assess the level of knowledge on mitigation
measure and knowledge on impact of diseases of CHW in relation to the way level one health service is
delivered (Haines et al., 2007).
Attitudes about medications, illness and health service by provider may interfere with the delivery of health
service (Deventer and Radebe, 2009). Stigma towards certain conditions such as HIV/AIDS has effects on the
delivery of health services (Turin, 2010). The tendency of patients to doubt or question advice offered by
medical practitioners may also contribute to delivery of health services (Frank, 2009). Another study by
Simkhada reports that the traditional perception of events may tie providers to encourage the use of alternative
options and only go for formal systems when the traditional option fails (Simkhada et al., 2007). Lack of

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satisfaction with a service rendered could be a major demotivating factor to a service provider (Aldana et al.,
2001). Other studies reported the negative attitude of health care workers and the poor relations between
healthcare workers and women as major barriers to service provision (Mathole et al, 2004; Simkhada et al.,
2007).
Many cultural or social factors may impede the delivery of health services. A study by Addai reported that the
cultural perspective on the delivery of health services suggests that medical need is not only determined by the
presence of physical disease but also by the cultural perception of illness. (Addai,2000). In most African rural
communities, health services coexist with indigenous health care services therefore clients must choose between
the options (Addai, 2000). The use of traditional medicines and traditional doctors is not included in healthcare
delivery data in Kenya yet there are strong cultural associations with traditional forms of healthcare (Turin,
2010). In communities where women are not expected to mix freely with men, delivery of health services by
opposite sex may be impeded (Gabrysh and Campbell, 2009).
2.4 Community factors and health service delivery
A study by Duong reported that power hierarchy at home plays a central role in determining the delivery and
utilization of health services (Duong, 2005). Few studies have looked at how family support and the provider’s
position within the household influence the delivery of health services (Furuta and Salway, 2006). This is
supported by a study by Dudgeon which reports that the influence of intentions and practices of close relatives’
especially old people on the delivery of health service have not been thoroughly investigated (Dudgeon and
Inhorn, 2004).
The influence on individual health behavior extends to beliefs and practices of others in the community
(Mayhem, 2008). The role of the community factors on decisions to deliver health services has been largely
ignored (Cheboi, 2011).These community beliefs and norms are reflected in an individual’s health decisions
whereby one’s behavior towards delivery of health services is influenced by how a person thinks the community
views his or her actions (Stephenson et al., 2005). Another study by Wamai, reports that the delivery of health
care may be characterized by the type of care, purpose and acceptance of the services (Wamai, 2009). A number
of studies have reported the importance of community support. One study showed that social support is strong
predictor of delivery of any services (Park et al., 2010).Yet another study reported that the widely publicized
views of politicians, religious groups and other opinion leaders on use of health services play an important role
in skepticism towards delivery and reception of health services (Frank. 2009). A study in Pakistan found that the
resistance by a husband and cultural unacceptability of a health service were more important determinants than
fears of further worsening of disease status (Sathar et al., 2001). Lifestyle is a motivator of delivery of health
service but few studies have looked at the effect of community lifestyle on delivery of health services (Shah,
2007).
Health communication is a dynamic process that at any point in time has a status that may or may not be
appropriate for specific population groups it is meant to inform. However, measuring the status of health
communication for a given population is a complex and ill-defined process (Calderon et al., 2004).
The issue of personal safety and security is a prerequisite for the initiation and continuation of delivery of health
services therefore there is need to assess its role in the delivery of level one health service (Sibhatu, 2008).
2.5 Summary of literature review
There are limited studies evaluating demographic characteristics of the level one health service providers such as
age but not by cohorts, gender and marital status. Several studies have examined the role of education status,
residency, source of income, knowledge of the health provider, attitude and practice but these studies were
limited to quantitative research and non on qualitative research design. On programmatic factors, there is so
much literature on the cost of financing but not on community based health care financing, quality of services,
governance and accessibility of drugs, however the findings are inconclusive and inconsistent. Studies on the
role of supervision, monitoring and evaluation, communication, patient-provider relationship and area covered
by community health worker are limited. Studies on the role of community factors in relation to service delivery
have been done but the results are inconsistent across studies. The roles of alternative medicine, beliefs and
norms have not been fully explored.
3. Methodology

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3.1 Study Design
An explorative, cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the level and factors influencing the delivery of
health services at level one by community health workers. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected.
Study Population was the active community health workers in Embu district. The population of community
health workers in the district was 207. Sample Size determining the population proportion was obtained using
Fisher et al, 1993 formula:
n = Z2
pq
d2
..............................equation 1
Where:
Z = 1.96 (if the population is approximately normal when 95% bounds on the values in the
population)
p = proportion of CHWs expected to deliver health service, 50% (proportion unknown)
1- p = proportion of CHWs expected not to deliver health services
d = 0.05 (degree of accuracy at 95% confidence level)
Hence n = 1.962
*0.5(1 – 0.5) = 384.16 = 384
0.052
nf = n
1+ n
N …………………equation 2
In determining the sample size for this research, a sample size of 384 was needed (rounded from 384.16). Using
the finite correction factor in above equation (equation 2), with N = 207, 1.96 (95% confidence), leads to
nf = 384 = 132.4 = 133
1 + 384
207
A 5% attrition rate was added; hence final sample size was 140 (rounded from 139.65)
Systematic sampling method was used to identify the respondents. A register of the CHWs was obtained from
the DMOH’s office in Embu. Respondents were equally distributed per the six community units.
140 = 23 respondents per community unit (2community units had 24
respondents) 6
3.2Sampling procedure
Kth
= Number of active CHWs in the area
Number of desired sample size
= 207 = 1.5 = 2
140
A table of random numbers was used to identify the first respondent and thereafter every 2nd
CHW from the
register was interviewed until the 23rd
respondent per community unit and 24th respondent in the last two units.
Due to the complex and dynamic nature of interaction and development of indicators that measure overall rate of
delivery of level one health services; this study used four key services of level one to rate delivery of the
services; number of referred clients, number of health education forums conducted, number of barazas addressed
and number of households visited. A code of one was allocated for every service offered above given target

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(yes=1) and zero for services delivered below given targets (no=0). A dichotomous outcome (delivery of level
one health services) was done by scoring four target variables where one(1) meant yes for achieving the set
targets per month and zero(0) meant number not achieving the set targets. The overall results were computed for
all the questionnaires and the aggregate “yes” meant “delivery of service” while for “no” meant “no service
delivery” by CHWs.
3.3 Data analysis
The quantitative data was cleaned, coded, entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists
(SPSS version 17). Association between socio-demographic factors and service delivery, programmatic factors
and delivery of health service, knowledge, and practice and health service delivery were determined. A
contingence table for testing dependence through chi-squire test was developed. Level of health service delivery
was defined as those who achieved the set targets per month while those who did not achieve the said targets
were considered ‘No service delivery’. The analysis sought to measure the associations between variables, and
odds ratio was used to show the strength of the associations. A value of p <0.05 and OR>1 were taken to be
significant.
4. Findings
4.0 Introduction
This chapter presents the findings of the study on the determinants of health services at the level one in Embu
district. A total of 137 CHWs against a target of 140 (CHW) participated in the study. Out of this, 79% of them
were females while the rest were males. This was a response rate of about 97%. Qualitative data was obtained
from key informants namely; the community health extension worker, area assistant chief, a church elder and
some selected CHWs in a focus group discussion. Data was treated by use of inferential comparison and
reviewed to confirm its reflection of the objectives.
4.1 Rates of delivery of health services at level one
Majority (2
/3) of the community units had overall good delivery of health services. A half of the community
units achieved the desired number of barazas, 2/3 of them had met the threshold for health education forums
while ½ of the units met the threshold for client referral. Household visits scored poorly in all community units.
Overall, the 3 key targets of health services delivery at level one rated above average (56% of barazas, 62% of
health education and 56% of referral of patients). Conversely, target household visits rated way below average at
16%. Sixty percent (60%) of the CHWs met the criteria and threshold of delivery of level one health services.
Delivery of level one health services was based on the rates of four level one health services. Majority (60%) of
the CHWs scored above average in three of these four targets (number of barazas, health education and referral
of patients). However 84% of these CHWs rated poorly in the number of household visited per month
4.2 Association between demographic factors and health services delivery
Table 1 below shows the association between demographic factors and health service delivery at level one. The
median age of the respondents was 39years with majority of them being aged 26 – 45 years. From the results,
only a source of income was significantly associated with the delivery of health services at level one (p=0.036).
CHWs that were most likely to deliver health services are those who were salaried, had family support or were
farmers. Self-employed CHWs were the least likely to deliver health services.
Although gender was not significantly associated with delivery of health care services, 72 % of the male CHWs
met the threshold for delivery of level one health services compared to 58% of the females. CHWs who had
completed secondary school education were the most likely to either deliver or not deliver health services.

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Table 1: Association between demographic factors and delivery of health services at level one
Demographic factors Delivery of level one health services , N=137
Service,
n(%)
No service
n(%)
df P-value
Gender:
Male
Female
21(72.4%)
63((58.3%)
8(27.6%)
45(41.7%) 1.911 1 0.167
Respondents age (years):
15-25
26-35
36-45
46-55
Over 56
5(71.4)
26(56.4)
27(54.0)
20(76.9)
6(75.0)
2(28.6)
20(43.5)
23(46.0)
6(23.1)
2(25.0)
5.177 4 0.27
Source of income:
Salary
Farmer
Self-employed
Casual
Family support
2(100.0)
35(66.0)
15(37.5)
19(54.3)
5(71.4)
0(0.0)
18(34.0)
25(62.5)
16(45.7)
2(28.6)
9.973 4 0.036
Education level:
None
Primary(incomplete)
Primary(complete)
Secondary(incomplete)
Secondary(complete)
Tertiary
1(100)
3(100.0)
11(45.8)
18(72.0)
48(59.3)
5(100)
0(0.0)
0(0.0)
13(54.2)
7(28.0)
33(40.7)
0(0.0)
9.624 5 0.080
Marital status:
Married
Single
Divorced
Separated
Widowed
68(62.4)
10(52.6)
1(100.0)
2(66.7)
3(60.0)
41(37.6)
9(47.4)
0(0)
1(33.3)
2(40.0)
1.327 4 0.920
Religion:
Catholics
Protestants
Muslims
Indigenous
29(61.7)
50(60.2)
4(66.7)
1(100)
18(38.3)
33(39.8)
2(33.3)
0(0.0)
0.747 3 0.783
Residency in area(years):
1-2
3-4
>5
1(100.0)
10(50.0)
73(62.9)
0(0.0)
10(50.0)
43(37.1)
1.838 2 0.399
P <0.05
From Figure 1 below, level of income was significantly associated with delivery of health services (p=0.036).
The results were computed using Fischer’s exact test due to counts of less than 5. Majority of the respondents
earned a monthly income of less than 2,500 Kenyan shillings. These respondents were more than three times
likely to deliver health services compared to those earning more than 2,500 Kenyan shillings.
Figure 1: Association between level of income and delivery of health services

Vol.3, No.8, 2013
8
P<0.05
4.3 Association between programmatic factors and delivery of health services
Table 2 below summarizes the association between key programmatic factors and delivery of health services.
The results show that most of the CHWs work for 6-10 days per month and they are mainly supervised by the
Community Health Extension Worker. The group working for 6-10 days had the lowest rate of service delivery.
This group had the largest number of CHWs offering service and those not offering the service. The median
number of days the respondents committed to health service work was 8 days per month (IQR 6-10). Only a few
CHWs work more than 10 days in a month and the number decreases with increase in the number of days.
The CHWs closer to a health facility were more likely to deliver health services, with stationary being cited as
the main supply influencing delivery of health services. All the CHWs utilize feedback reports with a large
majority of them having been trained in Infant and Young child feeding. A significant number (48%) of the
CHWs had not received any refresher training.
The type of refresher course (p=0.010), period of training (p=0.019) and use of feedback reports (p=0.012) were
significantly associated with delivery of health services. CHWs who were trained in Breast feeding, Infant and
Young Child feeding and Home-based care were the most likely to deliver health care services. Those who were
trained for a longer period of time (> 1week) were the most likely (80%) to deliver health services. Likewise,
those who used planning feedback reports were the most likely to deliver the services.
This finding was supported by the views of the FGD discussants who unanimously agreed that training was
crucial in their work. A key informant who was an Assistant chief summed it thus; “Since the selection and
training of CHWs, my work has been made easy. I am able to monitor what is happening in every village using
my phone… Jointly with them, we have increased toilet coverage greatly.” Another discussant in FGD 2
affirmed the importance of training as follows; “Since our last training in 2008, I have never attended any other
course on public health. Sometimes I feel that am not sure of what to tell people. I think I have even forgotten
some of the issues we trained on”.
CHWs who received drugs as supplies were the most likely to offer service delivery. Although supplies were not
significantly associated with service delivery, all the FGD discussants thought they were a major challenge
affecting their work. The magnitude of the supplies problem was vividly captured by a discussant who said:
“Why has the government taken so long to give us the kits they promised. A CHW without a First-aid kit is like a
soldier without a gun”.
The feedback reports were found to be critical in service delivery with majority of the respondents using the
reports mainly for planning. This finding was in agreement with the views of both the discussants and key
informants as per the following excerpts:

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One Key informant summarized it thus: The CHWs reports are very important to my office. It assists me
to identify those births that have not been notified and registered”.
One discussant in FGD 3 summed their view as: We make monthly reports and take them to the Public Health Officer’s
office. At times we don’t know what happens after that”.
Table 2: Association between programmatic factors and delivery of health services
Programmatic factor Delivery of level one health
services (N=137)
Service (%) No service
(%)
df p-value
Supplies:
Drugs
Stationary
Means of transport
Identification badges
None
3(75.0)
46(59.7)
8(66.7)
8(61.5)
19(61.3)
1(25.0)
31(40.3)
4(33.3)
5(38.5)
12(38.7)
0.541 4 0.997
Type of refresher training:
Home-based care
PMTCT
Disability
Reproductive health
Infant & young child feeding
Breast feeding
None
5(71.4)
3(60.0)
2(33.3)
2(50.0)
23(71.9)
16(94.1)
34(51.5)
2(28.6)
2(40.0)
4(66.7)
2(50.0)
9(28.2)
1(5.9)
32(48.5)
15.480 6 0.010
Period of refresher training:
< 1week
1 week
>1 week
None
45(73.8)
0(0.0)
4(80.0)
35(53.0)
16(26.2)
5(100.0)
1(20.0)
31(47.0)
8.582 3 0.019
Working days per month:
< 5
6 - 10
11 – 15
16 -20
21 -25
26 -30
10(47.6)
53(63.9)
3(27.3)
13(76.5)
1(100)
4(100)
11(52.4)
30(36.1)
8(72.7)
4(23.5)
0(0.0)
0(0.0)
1.838 5 0.399
Supervision:
Community Health Committee
Community Health Extension worker
NGO representative
None
4(66.7)
76(63.3)
4(50.0)
0(0.0)
2(33.3)
44(36.7)
4(50.0)
3(100.0)
5.465 3 0.141
Proximity to Health facility:
< 5 km
5 – 10 km
>10 km
72(63.7)
11(50.0)
1(50.0)
41(36.3)
11(50.0)
1(50.0)
1.570 2 4.56
Use of feedback report:
Planning
Address gaps
All the above
None
25(78.1)
11(52.4)
40(48.2)
0(0.0)
7(21.9)
10(47.6)
43(51.8)
1((100)
8.463 3 0.012
*Fischer exact test was applied where parameters had options with less than 5 counts.

Vol.3, No.8, 2013
10
Figure 2 below shows the association between the number of working days per month and health service
delivery. Generally, the rate of health service delivery increases with increase in the number of working days.
Figure 2: Association between number of working days and delivery of health services
4.4 Association between Knowledge, attitude, practice and delivery of health services
4.4.1 Knowledge on disease conditions and delivery of health services
Table 3 below shows the results of the assessment of the knowledge of CHWs on disease symptoms and signs;
and management of common disease conditions. There was a statistical significance between the knowledge on
diarrhoea signs and symptoms and service delivery (p=0.016). Majority of the respondents correctly identified
the signs and symptoms of diarrhoea.
Table 3: Association between Knowledge of signs and symptoms of diarrhoea and delivery of health services
Knowledge factor Delivery of health services
df p-value
Service No service
Diarrhoea Signs and symptoms:
1 loose motion per day
4 loose motions per day
Total
12(85.7%)
64(52.0%)
76(55.5%)
2(14.3%)
59(48.0%)
61(45.5%)
5.77 1 0.016
4.4.2 Association between practice factors and health service delivery
4.4.2.1 Channels of communication
The channel of communication was significantly associated with the delivery of services (p=0.044). All the
respondents who used baraza and church as the only channel of communication delivered the health services.
The CHWs who utilized all forms of channels of communication had the highest likely hood of delivering health
services.

Vol.3, No.8, 2013
11
Figure 3: shows the association between the channels of communication and the delivery of services.
4.4.2.2 Supervision of CHWs and delivery of health services
Figure 4 below shows the association between supervision of CHWs and the delivery of health services. From
the results, although programmatic factors were not significantly associated with delivery of services,
supervision was observed to be critical. All CHWs who were not supervised did not deliver health services.
Although community health committees were ranked as the best supervisors, majority of the CHWs are
supervised by CHEWs .
Figure 4: Association between supervision and delivery of services
The FGD discussants agreed with this result and acknowledged the challenge of supervision. One key informant
summed it thus: “We are only two Public Health Officers in my division which has 2 community units. The
official responsibilities are too much for the two of us to also monitor the work of the CHWs, especially
considering the terrain of this place”.
Although community health committees had been cited as the best supervisors, one discussant in FGD two gave
a conflicting opinion thus: “We are told to work closely and report to community health committees. But some of
them don’t know our work. They were not trained so it’s probably not their fault. They have not been sensitized
on their roles”.

Vol.3, No.8, 2013
12
4.4.3 Traditional practices, customs and beliefs
The community still subscribes to the use of traditional and other non-conventional medicines in the
management of common illnesses. This can be attributed to cultural values, cost and accessibility of medical
services. For instance, the community advocates for the use of herbs (mwarobaini) for treatment of malaria; and
ovulectomy for the management of upper respiratory tract infections and coughs. Ash from specific plants is
used in the treatment of diarrhoea and removal of milk teeth among children. One key informant confirmed the
use of ovulectomy as follows: “Ovulectomy is a deep rooted cultural practice here. Even one of our former
senior politicians had his uvula cut in Manyatta division in Embu district”.
It is a custom of the community to circumcise girls. Female circumcision is still common with any woman who
has not undergone the rite being socially discriminated among community members. One elderly male discussant
commented as follows; “An uncircumcised girl cannot address the village elders, it’s an abomination. Hence,
this young girls walking around the village as health educators are only wasting their time”.
The community deeply believes and subscribes to witchcraft and religious fanaticism. The people seek the
services of medicine men and religious prayers in the management of common ailments. A discussant in FGD
one summarized it as follows: “My parents treated me using medicine from the local medicine man and I grew
up as a healthy person. Why shouldn’t I do the same to my children and relatives? Nobody in this village has
ever complained or failed to respond to this medicine. It’s our way of life; they are wasting their time”.
Some young mothers seek the opinion of their mother-in-laws (especially if the child is named after her) or
husband before taking a child for treatment.
4.5 Community based factors affecting delivery of health services
Table 4 below illustrates the association between community based factors and delivery of health services. The
results show that a large majority of the CHWs (96%) were appreciated by the community. Out of these, 53% of
them achieved the required threshold for delivery of health services.
Insecurity and lack of motivation are the key challenges in the delivery of health services, with those who cited
them as a challenge being the least likely to deliver health services. Apparently, very few of the CHWs viewed
culture as a challenge to their work. From the FGD discussants, it emerged that male chauvinism was common in
the community with the entry of females into the community services being accepted skeptically. From most of
the FGDs , it seemed that age and gender were critical factors in the delivery of the health services. One
discussant in FGD two summed it thus: “We are not well received in the community. It appears there are gender
preferences with the males accepting male CHWs more and the trend is the same for females… Young people as
health educators are only wasting their time since elderly people accept information from people of a certain
age and not just everybody”.
Appreciation by the community was significantly associated with delivery of services (p=0.025). Community
appreciation impacted positively on the delivery of health services.

Vol.3, No.8, 2013
13
Table 4: Association between community based factors and delivery of level one health services
Community factors Delivery of level one health
services (N=137) df p-value
Service
n(%)
No service
n(%)
Source of support:
Spouse
Family
Community
Provincial administration
None
24(68.6)
15(51.7)
24(63.2)
4(80.0)
17(56.6)
11(31.4)
14(48.3)
14(36.8)
1(20.0)
13(43.4)
2.965 4 0.564
Type of support:
Transport
Encouragement
None
13(72.2)
54(60.7)
17(56.7)
5(27.8)
35(39.3)
13(43.3)
1.191 2 0.551
Community appreciation:
Yes
No
70(53.4)
6(100.0)
61(46.6)
0(0.0)
5.04 1 0.025
Challenges:
Insecurity
Terrain
Lack of motivation
Family issues
Long distance
Cultural issues
8(47.0)
4(66.7)
48(57.1)
4(66.7)
17(80.9)
3(100)
9(53.0)
2(33.3)
36(42.9)
2(33.3)
4(19.1)
0(0.0)
7.525 5 0.184
Figure 5 below shows the relation between the type of support and delivery of health service. The findings
indicate that those who were supported by the provincial administration, spouse and community were the most
likely to deliver health services compared to those with general family and no support.
Figure 5: Association between type of support and delivery of health services
4.6 Multivariate analysis of key determinants of health service delivery
Table 5 below shows the results of a multivariate analysis of the key variables associated with service delivery
using multinomial logistic regression.

Vol.3, No.8, 2013
14
With adjustment for no refresher course, the results show that the CHWs who attended a refresher course
pertaining to importance of breastfeeding were fifteen times more likely to deliver health services at level one
(p=0.01, 0R= 15.057) compared to those who had training on infant and child feeding. There was no significant
association between those who attended HBC, PMTCT and reproductive health, and delivery of health services
at level one. Apparently, CHWs who had a refresher course lasting less than one week, were more likely to
deliver health services (p=0.026, OR=0.424). When adjusted for no feedback report, the combined use of
feedback reports to plan and address gaps was highly associated with delivery of health services at level one
(p=0.001, OR=3.609)
Table 5: Multivariate analysis for key independent variables
Variable Levels Exp(β) 95% CL for Exp(β) p- value
Lower Upper
Type of refresher
course
HBC 2.353 0.426 13.002 2.353
PMTCT 1.412 0.221 9.007 1.412
Disabilities 0.471 0.081 2.748 0.471
Reproductive
health
0.941 0.125 7.085 0.941
Infant and
child feeding
2.405 0.961 5.971 0.057
Breast feeding
15.057 1.887 20.196 0.010
None Ref - - -
Period of refresher
course
None Ref - - -
< I week 0.424 0.199 0.903 0.026
I week 1.298 0.318 5.289 0.716
>1 week 2.513 2.513 2.513 2.513
Use of feedback
reports
Planning 2.106 6.071 6.455 0.001
Address gaps 4.223 1.278 1.396 0.001
All the above 3.609 3.609 3.809 0.001
None Ref - - -
No of working
Days/month
0-5 1.925 0.633 5.653 0.248
6-10 0.991 0.428 2.282 0.048
Over 11 days Ref - - -
Knowledge of
signs& symptoms of
diarrhoea
I loose motion 0.283 0.059 1.350 0.113
4 loose motions Ref - - -
5. Discussion
5.1 Overall delivery of level one health services
From the study findings on determinants of delivery of health services at level one, the service is considered
good. About 60% of the CHWs met the criteria and threshold of delivery of level one health services. Delivery
of was based on the rates of four level one health services. Majority (60%) of the CHWs scored above average in
three of these four target (number of barazas, health education and referral of patients). However 84% of these
CHWs rated poorly in the number of households visited per month. This can be attributed to the fact that visiting
households is an involving personal task, entailing travelling, planning and coordinating personal security,
whereas the three other services are group based targets which are delivered at any community function or

Vol.3, No.8, 2013
15
meeting. This is in agreement with the findings of Furuta and Salway (2006) which show that the distance
covered by CHW to offer health services and the availability of transport options can have a significant impact
on appropriate and timely delivery of health services.
The rates were similar in both urban and rural based community units except in visiting of households where the
urban based community units scored low (Dallas 10% and Njukiri 11%). This may be due to accessibility,
privacy, diversity and the dynamics of urban life. This finding is in line with that of Shah (2007) who reported
that wide differences in social status between practitioner and patient may inhibit service delivery.
5.2 Influence of demographic factors on delivery of health services at level one
This study found out that income and source of income for CHWs had influence on delivery of level one health
services. This was cross cutting at all levels of community units. All the CHWs earning a monthly salary met the
threshold of delivery of level one health services while 62% of those who were self employed did not meet the
threshold of delivery of level one health services. Among those earning a salary, those with less earnings were
more active than those with more earnings. This can be attributed to the fact that unemployed CHWs have other
competing tasks of maintaining their livelihoods while their employed peers can organize their time better and
facilitate their movement within and about the community unit. These findings concur with those of Rahman
(2010) in a study on factors affecting the recruitment and retention of community workers in Bangladesh which
reported that the services offered by a CHW was influenced by the cluster they come from and the kind of house
they live in whether rented or personal. There was no statistical significance between age and delivery of level
one health services; however young and elderly CHWs scored highly in the delivery of level one health services
than the middle aged. It can be hypothesized that old people have no competing tasks and are self actualized
hence are committed to their work while young people are enthusiastic and eager to perform in the first job
assignments. The middle aged persons are busy taking care of their young families, high ambitions, leisure and
other community demands. However this contradicts with a study by Ndedda (2010) in Busia on social
demographic determinants of CHWs performance where CHWs aged 30-40 years were the most active. These
findings substantiate those of Babalola and Fatusi(2009) in which age of the service provider was significant in
South Asia but not in Middle East. Gender had no statistical significance with delivery of level one health
services. Majority of the CHWs were females agreeing with Ndedda (2010) but males participated more than
female colleagues in the delivery of level one health services in all except Kavutiri community unit. This is
probably because males have fewer tasks in the households and community level than females.
CHW’s level of education had no statistical association with delivery of health services at level one of health
care. CHWs with no basic education offered similar services to CHWs with tertiary level of education. The
trends were the same in both rural and peri urban based community units. This study concurs with that of Haines
et al (2007) which found no significant association between the education status of active and inactive CHWs.
Marital status, period of residence and religion had no statistical value on delivery of level one health services.
This is in agreement with the report of Mekonnen (2003) and Gyimah et al (2006) which found no association
between the health care provider marital status and delivery of health care services.
5.3 Programmatic factors and the delivery of health services
Supplies elicited significant statistics with delivery of level one health services. Seventy five percent (75%) of
the CHWs who had received drug supplies performed their role and scored highly in the delivery of level one
health services. This agrees with WHO (2011) report which showed that community health workers supplied
with injectables enhanced access and uptake of contraceptives at the community level. This was supported by
FGD discussants who reiterated that lack of supplies especially drugs was a major challenge. Training in general
had no statistical value in the delivery of level one health services but the type and period of training or refresher
course had significance. CHWs who were trained in Breast feeding, Infant and Young Child feeding and Home-
based care were the most likely to deliver health care services. These are common areas of concern in the
community hence have greater demand and interest. Those who had attended refresher course for more than one
week were more {2 (100%); 1 (57%)} involved than those who had not in the delivery of level one health
services. This may be because they were eager to share their new knowledge with the community and secondly
their tools of services were restocked. This is in agreement with the study by Brabin et al (2009) which showed
that the level of training of provider has a big influence on the delivery of service. The argument is supported by
another study done in Busia by Ouma (2005) which reported that the level of service delivery increased
considerably after the retraining of CHWs. This was also supported by all FGD discussants who felt that
training gave them the confidence to deliver services and retraining kept them abreast with necessary

Vol.3, No.8, 2013
16
information. Man hours had no statistical significance with delivery of level one health services with majority of
the respondents working eight days per month on average.
Feedback information had a significant statistical association with delivery of health services at level one. This
information assisted the respondents to re-plan and address gaps within their mandate. It can be hypothesized
that planning improved the outcome of their work hence enhanced the confidence of the CHWs. The Channels of
communication applied by CHWs in relaying health messages had no significant value in this study. The use of
multiple means to delivery information was the most efficient while home visit came second. This may be
because the CHWs use home visit to deliver personal and private services while public messages are relayed
through different channels. The varied means ensured more coverage of services.
5.4 Knowledge, practice and attitude and the effect on delivery services
Knowledge of disease conditions by the respondent was significant in this study, with 90% of the CHWs being
aware of common signs and symptoms of basic conditions such as diarrhoea. This finding is supported by the
study done by Frank (2009) who reported that the tendency of patients to doubt or question advice offered by
medical practitioners may also contribute to delivery of health services. Thus a knowledgeable CHW would
deliver services more. Supervision, rewards and proximity to health facility were significant in the delivery of
level one health services. None of the unsupervised CHWs met the threshold of delivery of level one health
services. Support supervision increased the morale and confidence of the CHWs to deliver services. This was
reiterated in a study on Community based distributors of contraceptives in Ethiopia (WHO, 2009) which showed
that service delivery was enhanced by supervision. The best supervisory service was offered by Community
Health Committees, then Community Health Extension Worker and the least was by an NGO representative.
This is probably because Community Health Committees are local people, always available, friendly to the
CHWs and may not require any resources to interact with CHWs.
This study reports that the community subscribes to the use of traditional medicine and other non conventional
medicine to manage common illness. These practices and subscriptions to alternative medicine may be a
hindrance to the services offered by CHWs. The community members resort or consult community health
workers when they do not respond to their first line treatment which is alternative medicine. The belief in
witchcraft and religious fanaticism is highly subscribed to by the Aembu community. The people attribute the
attacks by common health related conditions (miscarriage, cough, malaria and diarrhoea) to witch craft and bad
omen therefore consult witch-doctors and religious people for solutions. This finding concurs with that of Turin
(2010) which reported that the use of traditional medicines and traditional doctors is not included in healthcare
delivery data in Kenya yet there are strong cultural associations with traditional forms of healthcare.
The study found out that the community highly upholds the practice of FGM and any female who has not
undergone the cut is socially not acceptable. Since majority of the CHWs are women this practice may be
restricting non-circumcised female CHWs from rendering services. The study found that male chauvinism is
high within the Aembu community. This norm restricts the interaction of people of opposite sex therefore female
CHWs may be restricted and limited to female colleagues in the delivery of level one health services. This is
supported by the study done by Gabrysh and Campbell (2009) which reported that in communities where women
are not expected to mix freely with men, delivery of health services by opposite sex may be impeded.
5.5 Community factors and the delivery of services
Appreciation by community had statistical significance with delivery of level one health services. This agrees
with another study done in Bangladesh where CHWs felt that they are needed by the community (Rahman et al,
2010). However a significant number of respondents (46.6%) did not meet the threshold of delivery of level one
health services despite receiving community appreciation. This can be attributed to the fact the delivery of a
service relies on some other factors not only community appreciation. The other factors (community support,
communication and security) in this objective had no statistical significance. It can be hypothesized that the low
service delivery is due to the community practices and beliefs.
Age was also an issue with young people being under estimated in the society while the elderly are respected and
accepted in the society. This may explain why CHWs of over 46 years of age performed well in the delivery of
level one health services. This study contrasts with one done in Busia by Ndedda (2010) which showed that
those CHWs aged 30 to 40years were doing better.
Insecurity and lack of motivation was the key challenge hindering the delivery of level one service among the
respondents. A study in Nigeria by Khan (2006) on the reasons for high CHWs turnover cited low salaries, lack
of support for personal development and poor supervision as the key reasons for dropout by CHWs. The issue of

Vol.3, No.8, 2013
17
motivation may be the reason why CHWs scored poorly in targets requiring personal input and score highly in
targets with public input such as the number of barazas and health education forums. Motivation may also be the
reason for most of the CHWs working eight days per month. Insecurity, terrain, cultural values and family issues
were the other challenges mentioned.
6 Conclusions and recommendations
6.1 Conclusion
Community health workers offer vital health services at the community level in Embu district. Generally, the
level of service delivery is above average in all the key target areas of community service except in the area of
visiting households. The main socio—demographic factor influencing the delivery of health services at level one
is the availability of income and source of income. Age and gender influence service delivery whereby older
CHWs are more active in service delivery than the younger ones. Male CHWs are more active than female
CHWs. Leading programmatic factors influencing service delivery at level one are availability of supplies,
period of refresher training course, use of feedback information and knowledge of the signs and management of
common diseases. Community factors hindering health service delivery at level one are cultural values, customs,
beliefs, traditional practices, insecurity and lack of motivation. Factors that enhance delivery of services at level
one are appreciation by the community, supervision and motivation.
6.2 Recommendation
6.2.1 Policy
i. There is need for the Ministry of Health to develop clear contextualized guidelines on the qualifications,
recruitment, mandate, scope of work, motivation and supervision of CHWs who deliver health services at level
one.
6.2.2 Practice
i. There is need to provide all trained CHWs with a sustainable kit with essential supplies.
ii. There is need to scale up the recruitment and training of all Community Health Committees since they play a
pivotal role in the supervision of CHWs.
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2. Addai I., 2000, Determinants of use of maternal-child health services in rural Ghana.
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rural Vietnam. Soc Sci Med 2004, 59(12): 2585-2595.
4. Furuta M. and Salway S, 2006, Women’s position within the household as a determinant of maternal health
care use in Nepal.
5. Gabrysch S. and Campbell O., 2009, “Still too far to walk”: Literature review of the determinants of delivery
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