ABSTRACT

Background: Under the Ayushman Bharat initiative, Community Health Officers (CHOs) represent a novel group of non-physician healthcare workers. These CHOs are set to play a crucial role in delivering an expanded range of essential healthcare services as part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care. Aim: To evaluate the perceptions of residents regarding the roles and responsibilities of Community Health Officers. Additionally, the study aims to establish any potential links between residents' attitudes towards these roles and selected socio-demographic factors. Lastly, the research seeks to gain insights into how residents perceive the roles and responsibilities of Community Health Officers. Methodology: This study employed a mixed-method research approach using the Convergent Parallel Variant research design. A total of 400 residents were chosen through non- probability purposive sampling. The quantitative aspect of the research gathered data on residents' attitudes towards the roles and responsibilities of Community Health Officers using a five-point Likert scale. The collected data were organized and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. In addition, a self-structured questionnaire was utilized to qualitatively explore the roles and responsibilities of Community Health Officers through a thematic analysis, the qualitative data were refined and evaluated. Findings: The study findings revealed that a significant majority of subjects (49%) agreed with the roles and responsibilities of Community Health Officers, while a smaller percentage (9%) strongly agreed. The mean and standard deviation for this attitude were 3.66 and 0.36, respectively. Moreover, approximately 35% of the surveyed residents expressed satisfaction with the services provided by the Community Health Officer. Around 25% acknowledged her helpfulness in times of need, and 30% reported her effectiveness in conducting diverse health awareness programs. However, 45% of respondents found her communication skills lacking. Only 10% felt that she maintained good relations with the community. In terms of specific services, 25% noted the provision of antenatal care, and 25% praised her for organizing various awareness programs and providing training to health workers on topics like immunization, maternal, and child healthcare. Conclusion: In conclusion, the study highlighted that a significant proportion of residents endorse the role of Community Health Officers in promoting environmental health through measures like ensuring clean water and safe sanitation. Additionally, these officers are perceived as valuable assets for delivering health education to villagers. The study further emphasized their role in mobilizing communities for childhood immunization and antenatal care, as well as their capacity to offer treatment for minor ailments. Keywords: Community Health Officer, Inhabitants, Attitude, Roles and responsibilities
Publication date: 15/12/2023

https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2023/December/MS_IJBPAS_2023_DECEMBER_SPCL_1032.pdf

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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2023/12.12.1032