The Perceptions of Health Extension Workers' Experience of How Local Government Influences Healthcare Practices in Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study (original) (raw)

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore how health extension workers’ (HEWs’) experience with local governance influences their perceptions and healthcare practices in Ethiopia. The researcher used a qualitative case study, conducting semi-structured interviews with 14 participants who worked as HEWs in Gondar, in the Amhara region. The open-ended questions explored different perceptions of how health extension workers’ (HEWs’) experience with local governance influences their perceptions and healthcare practices. Five themes emerged from the analysis of interview data: (a) the government’s lack of prioritization and significance of HEW’s work; (b) a lack of clarity in lines of accountability, supervision, and responsibility; (c) unmet expectations in working conditions and career advancement; (d) the HEWs’ relationship with Kebele cabinets at times failed to meet objectives due to challenges found in the different work environments, and (e) assignments from the woreda and other government officials can affect the treatment of Tuberculosis patients. The study contributed to an understanding of how and why HEWs in Ethiopia are impacted by the government they serve while implementing healthcare prevention programs. The discussion section focuses on recommendations for future research and the limitations of the study.