INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS IN RAISING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION OF NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES: A CASE STUDY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR TEACHING HOSPITAL (UCTH)
Chapter 1:
Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of infectious diseases that primarily affect populations living in poverty, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. These diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, schistosomiasis, and lymphatic filariasis, often go unnoticed and receive inadequate attention, despite their significant impact on public health. In Nigeria, NTDs pose a significant burden, affecting millions of people and contributing to high morbidity rates.
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a crucial role in bridging the gap between healthcare facilities and communities, especially in resource-constrained settings. CHWs are individuals who are selected and trained to deliver basic healthcare services and health promotion activities within their communities. They have the potential to be effective agents for raising awareness about NTDs, promoting prevention strategies, and facilitating early detection and treatment.
The University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) is a tertiary healthcare institution located in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. With its extensive reach and community engagement programs, UCTH has the potential to leverage CHWs to address NTDs in the surrounding communities. This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of CHWs in raising awareness and prevention of NTDs in the UCTH catchment area.
1.2 Research Aim and Objectives
The aim of this research is to assess the effectiveness of Community Health Workers in raising awareness and prevention of Neglected Tropical Diseases, with a specific focus on the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) catchment area. The objectives of the study include:
- To explore the roles and responsibilities of Community Health Workers in the context of NTD awareness and prevention.
- To assess the level of awareness about NTDs among the community members in the UCTH catchment area.
- To evaluate the impact of CHW-led interventions on the prevention and control of NTDs.
- To identify the challenges faced by CHWs in implementing NTD awareness and prevention strategies.
- To recommend strategies for improving the effectiveness of CHWs in raising awareness and prevention of NTDs.
1.3 Research Questions
To guide this research, the following research questions will be addressed:
- What are the roles and responsibilities of Community Health Workers in raising awareness and prevention of Neglected Tropical Diseases?
- What is the level of awareness about Neglected Tropical Diseases among community members in the UCTH catchment area?
- What is the impact of CHW-led interventions on the prevention and control of Neglected Tropical Diseases?
- What are the challenges faced by Community Health Workers in implementing NTD awareness and prevention strategies in the UCTH catchment area?
- What strategies can be recommended to improve the effectiveness of CHWs in raising awareness and prevention of Neglected Tropical Diseases?
1.4 Significance of the Study
This research project is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the effectiveness of CHWs in addressing Neglected Tropical Diseases, specifically in the UCTH catchment area. The findings will provide insights into the roles, challenges, and potential strategies to enhance the impact of CHWs in NTD awareness and prevention.
Secondly, the research outcomes will inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and relevant stakeholders about the effectiveness of CHWs in the context of NTDs. This information can guide the development and implementation of future interventions aimed at reducing the burden of NTDs and improving community health outcomes.
Lastly, this research will serve as a valuable resource for researchers and academicians interested in the field of community health, neglected tropical diseases, and the role of CHWs in healthcare delivery. It will contribute to the understanding of the factors influencing