Title:
The Role of Health Extension Workers to Control Diarrheal Disease Among Underfive Children in Ethiopia: A Literature Review
Authors:
Hunegnaw, Misganaw Tewachew
Place:
Amsterdam
Publisher:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute [etc.]
Year:
2017
PAGE:
x, 40
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Poverty
Keywords:
Ethiopia, health extension workers, intervention, diarrheal disease, under-five children
Abstract:
Background: Although preventive and curative interventions were provided through Health Extension Workers (HEWs) at grass roots level, diarrheal diseases remains among the leading causes of death among under-five children in Ethiopia. Moreover, there is a lack of organized evidence on the role of HEWs in controlling diarrheal diseases among under-five children. Objective: To identify and analyze the role of HEWs to control diarrheal diseases among under-five children in Ethiopia to improve control programs. Methodology: The study was done by literature review. The adapted lancet diarrhea and pneumonia intervention study group’s conceptual framework is used. Findings: HEWs contribute to the reduction of diarrheal disease among under-five children by providing promotive, preventive and curative interventions at household, community and health post levels. However, the coverage and utilization of interventions to control diarrheal disease are still minimal especially among the poor, low educated and rural populations. Households who have the highest wealth quintile, live in urban areas and have more than a secondary education are more likely to access the interventions. HEWs spent less time on providing health education and spent more time on waiting for clients at health posts and travel between work activities. Despite their roles HEWs face challenges related to lack of proper supervision, training, referral and performance review meetings. Conclusion and recommendation: The HEWs have a major role to control diarrheal disease among under-five children by implementing preventive and curative health interventions. For their role to be improved, HEWs need to be supported by the community and health sector.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Country:
Ethiopia
Region:
East Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health
Category:
Research
Right:
@ 2017 Hunegnaw
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
fXCyVSX3ev_2018041511554107.pdf