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Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Community Health Workers in Relation to Environmental Health Hazards in the Nelson Mandela Bay

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  • David G. Morton

    (Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa)

  • Mpinane F. Senekane

    (Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa)

Abstract

Background: Community health workers (CHWs) cover extensive areas observing the environmental conditions in which community members live. However, current CHW training modules do not have modules focusing specifically on environmental health. CHWs appear to lack knowledge of environmental health hazards, and little is known of their attitudes and practices regarding environmental health hazards. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of CHWs in relation to environmental health hazards in the Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). Methods: This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional research design. A sample of 110 respondents completed the questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on the literature, consisting of 36 items in four sections. Data analysis consisted of descriptive and inferential statistics. Reliability and validity were enhanced by utilizing a pre-test study. Results: There were significant differences in attitudes (t = −2.308, df = 91.107, p = 0.023) and practices (t = −2.936, df = 62.491, p = 0.005). Those trained in environmental health had a significantly lower mean attitudes score (m = 3.2365, sd = 1.113) compared to those not trained in environmental health (m = 3.694, sd = 0.894). In addition, those trained in environmental health had a significantly lower mean practice score (practiced more frequently) (m = 1.231, sd = 0.327) compared to those not trained in environmental health (m = 1.4605, sd = 0.4162). Regarding training, 62% ( n = 67) of CHWs felt they needed additional training in environmental health. Conclusion: Most of the CHWs had a moderate knowledge of environmental health hazards. Furthermore, most of the CHWs had a very positive or positive attitude towards environmental health hazards. However, there is a need for CHWs to receive very specific training in environmental health. In addition, the scope of work of CHWs, as well as their role in relation to environmental health, needs to be further explored.

Suggested Citation

  • David G. Morton & Mpinane F. Senekane, 2024. "Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Community Health Workers in Relation to Environmental Health Hazards in the Nelson Mandela Bay," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-13, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:3:p:353-:d:1357926
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fletcher Njororai & Daniel Ganu & Kogutu Caleb Nyaranga & Cholo Wilberforce, 2021. "Role of Socio-Demographic and Environmental Determinants on Performance of Community Health Workers in Western Kenya," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-11, November.
    2. Angela Mathee & Jocelyn Moyes & Thulisa Mkhencele & Jackie Kleynhans & Brigitte Language & Stuart Piketh & Elias Moroe & Floidy Wafawanaka & Neil Martinson & Meredith McMorrow & Stefano Tempia & Kathl, 2021. "Housing Quality in a Rural and an Urban Settlement in South Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-17, February.
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