Perceptions of Community Health Workers (CHW) on barriers and enablers to care for people with psychosis in rural Mozambique: findings of a focus group discussion study using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour framework (COM-B framework)

Barriers and Facilitators to Medical Help-seeking in Rural Patients with Mental Illness: A Qualitative Meta-synthesis

PURPOSE

Numerous barriers hinder individuals with mental illness from seeking medical assistance in rural regions, yet a comprehensive understanding of these challenges remains elusive. This meta-synthesis aims to understand the barriers and facilitators in medical help-seeking among rural individuals with mental illness.

METHODS

We systematically searched seven databases [PubMed, CINAHL, Medline (OVID), PsycINFO (OVID), Cochrane, Embase, and ProQuest] in May 2023 and included the studies if they reported the barriers or/and facilitators to seek healthcare in rural patients with mental illness. We conducted hand search and citation search on Google Scholar for literature supplements. Thematic analysis was employed.

RESULTS

The study included 27 articles reporting on the barriers and facilitators to seeking medical help in this population from 2007 to 2023. We ultimately identified themes at three levels: navigating the terrain of vulnerability and empowerment (the individual with mental illness), navigating the terrain of external environment (the external environment) and connectivity within the healthcare ecosystem for mental health (the health service system).

CONCLUSIONS

We must design more effective strategies to improve mental healthcare access for rural patients, considering cultural nuances and health service utilization patterns. This requires a multi-level approach, tailored to the unique needs of diverse populations.

Principles for task shifting hypertension and diabetes screening and referral: a qualitative study exploring patient, community health worker and healthcare professional perceptions in rural Uganda

BACKGROUND

A shortage of healthcare workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) combined with a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes mellitus has resulted in increasing gaps in care delivery for NCDs. As community health workers (CHWs) often play an established role in LMIC healthcare systems, these programs could be leveraged to strengthen healthcare access. The objective of this study was to explore perceptions of task shifting screening and referral for hypertension and diabetes to CHWs in rural Uganda.

METHODS

This qualitative, exploratory study was conducted in August 2021 among patients, CHWs and healthcare professionals. Through 24 in-depth interviews and ten focus group discussions, we investigated perceptions of task shifting to CHWs in the screening and referral of NCDs in Nakaseke, rural Uganda. This study employed a holistic approach targeting stakeholders involved in the implementation of task shifting programs. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically guided by the framework method.

RESULTS

Analysis identified elements likely to be required for successful program implementation in this context. Fundamental drivers of CHW programs included structured supervision, patients' access to care through CHWs, community involvement, remuneration and facilitation, as well as building CHW knowledge and skills through training. Additional enablers comprised specific CHW characteristics such as confidence, commitment and motivation, as well as social relations and empathy. Lastly, socioemotional aspects such as trust, virtuous behavior, recognition in the community, and the presence of mutual respect were reported to be critical to the success of task shifting programs.

CONCLUSION

CHWs are perceived as a useful resource when task shifting NCD screening and referral for hypertension and diabetes from facility-based healthcare workers. Before implementation of a task shifting program, it is essential to consider the multiple layers of needs portrayed in this study. This ensures a successful program that overcomes community concerns and may serve as guidance to implement task shifting in similar settings.