Factors influencing retention and attrition of community health volunteers engaged in Malawi
Abstract
Executive summary
Type of research
The study will use a mixed method descriptive research design to estimate community health
worker retention and understand factors affecting retention. Quantitative questionnaire will be
supported by qualitative data collection through key informant interviews and focus group
discussions with key stakeholders at community and district levels.
Problem statement
The human resource for health in Malawi is below the recommended standards by the World
Health Organization (WHO). A focus on factors influencing retention and attrition of health
workers is of importance in ensuring that the sector delivers quality health services. Globally, there
is a close association between the concentrations of qualified health workers and key health
outcomes, such as immunization and infant, child and maternal survival.
This study therefore aims to bridge this gap by assessing the factors affecting retention and attrition
of community health volunteers in three districts of Malawi with a case study on volunteers
working on Malaria programs across Malawi in districts of Phalombe, Lilongwe, and Machinga.
Objectives
The main objective of this study is to assess the factors influencing retention and attrition of
community health volunteers in Malawi. Specifically, the study will:
1. To determine the rate of retention of community volunteers on the Malaria Vaccine
Implementation Program (MVIP) in Malawi
2. To assess factors associated with retention and attrition of village health volunteers on the
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3. To assess how expectations of future employment affect retention of village health
volunteers on the malaria program in Malawi
Methodology
The researcher will use mixed methods to undertake this study. A questionnaire, key informant
interviews and FGDs will be used to collect data. The collected data will be coded and transcribed
using N Vivo software.
Expected findings and dissemination
Findings from this study will be used by policy makers to design better community volunteer
programs and will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations at scientific
conferences including the Kamuzu university of Health Sciences annual dissemination conference.
The researcher will submit a project completion report to the College of Medicine Research and
Ethics Committee and the Malaria Alert Centre.