ASSESSING THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS IN IMPROVING ACCESS TO PRIMARY HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN REMOTE AREAS: A CASE STUDY OF UUTH UYO IN NIGERIA.
Chapter One:
Introduction
1.1 Background
Access to primary healthcare services is a fundamental right for individuals and communities to achieve optimal health outcomes. However, in many remote areas, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, access to healthcare services remains a significant challenge. Remote areas often face barriers such as geographical isolation, limited healthcare infrastructure, and a shortage of healthcare professionals, which hinder the delivery of essential healthcare services to the population.
To address these challenges, Community Health Workers (CHWs) have emerged as a vital component of primary healthcare delivery. CHWs are trained individuals who are selected from the local community and equipped with basic healthcare knowledge and skills. They play a critical role in bridging the gap between formal healthcare systems and remote communities by providing a range of healthcare services, health education, and disease prevention interventions.
This research project aims to assess the role of Community Health Workers in improving access to primary healthcare services in remote areas, focusing on a case study of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Nigeria. UUTH, located in Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State, serves as a healthcare hub for the surrounding remote communities.
1.2 Research Aim and Objectives
The aim of this research project is to assess the role of Community Health Workers in improving access to primary healthcare services in remote areas, using the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) as a case study. The specific objectives of this study are as follows:
- To examine the current status and characteristics of the Community Health Worker program at UUTH.
- To evaluate the impact of Community Health Workers on healthcare access and utilization in remote areas served by UUTH.
- To identify the challenges and barriers faced by Community Health Workers in delivering healthcare services in remote areas.
- To explore the perspectives of community members and healthcare professionals regarding the effectiveness of Community Health Workers in improving access to primary healthcare services.
- To provide recommendations for optimizing the role of Community Health Workers in remote healthcare settings based on the findings.
1.3 Research Questions
To achieve the research objectives, the following research questions will guide this study:
- What is the current status and characteristics of the Community Health Worker program at UUTH?
- How do Community Health Workers contribute to improving healthcare access and utilization in remote areas served by UUTH?
- What are the challenges and barriers faced by Community Health Workers in delivering healthcare services in remote areas?
- What are the perspectives of community members and healthcare professionals regarding the effectiveness of Community Health Workers in improving access to primary healthcare services?
1.4 Significance of the Study
This research project holds significant importance for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders involved in primary healthcare delivery and community health worker programs in remote areas. By assessing the role of Community Health Workers in improving access to healthcare services, this study can provide evidence-based insights and recommendations for strengthening primary healthcare systems in remote areas.
The findings of this study can contribute to the development of strategies and interventions that optimize the impact of Community Health Workers in remote healthcare settings. By addressing the challenges and barriers faced by Community Health Workers, policymakers and healthcare providers can enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of these programs, leading to improved access to primary healthcare services and better health outcomes for remote communities.
1.5 Scope and Limitations
This research project focuses on a case study of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Nigeria, specifically examining the role of Community Health Workers in improving access to primary healthcare services in remote areas served by UUTH. The research will be conducted within a specific timeframe and resource constraints, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other healthcare settings or regions in Nigeria.
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