Transformation through university-community partnerships: Using Participatory Action Research to enhance Community Health Workers’ delivery of quality primary health care to underserved communities in post-apartheid South Africa.
1
Basic Medical Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1011
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Community Health Workers (CHWs) form an integral component of the primary health care landscape in post-apartheid South Africa, where they play a critical role in extending essential services to underserved populations(1,2). Many CHWs do not receive formal training, relying on in-service training to gain the knowledge and skills they need to perform their duties. However, resource constraints can limit opportunities for in-house training(3). CHWs have also reported dissatisfaction with training due to irregularity, limited practical components, and misalignment with lived experience(4). These challenges impact CHWs capacity to deliver high-quality care. This study employed participatory action research (PAR) to enhance CHW capacity through targeted training. The research was a collaboration between the Durban University of Technology(5) and the Denis Hurley Centre(6), a non-government organization serving marginalised communities of Durban.
METHODS:
A PAR cycle typically comprises four main phases: planning, action, observation, and reflection(7,8). During the planning phase, two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to establish priority training needs. The action phase comprised a 12-week training program in collaboration with three DUT departments: Basic Medical Sciences, Nursing, and Emergency Medical Care5. The training program incorporated wound care, first aid, infection control, waste management, and health promotion skills. Training occurred weekly, allowing the observation phase to occur concurrently. The reflection phase involved two FGDs exploring the suitability and impact of the training as well as ideas for the next PAR cycle to ensure continued growth and sustainability. Data were analysed thematically.
RESULTS:
Participants reported considerable improvements in personal knowledge and skills, giving positive feedback on scheduling, facilitators, and emphasising the benefits of hands-on reinforcement. Participants also reported a sense of personal empowerment and pride.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study underscored the transformative impact of academic-community partnerships in addressing healthcare training gaps, and the potential for PAR in fostering continued improvements community health services.
Community Health Workers (CHWs) form an integral component of the primary health care landscape in post-apartheid South Africa, where they play a critical role in extending essential services to underserved populations(1,2). Many CHWs do not receive formal training, relying on in-service training to gain the knowledge and skills they need to perform their duties. However, resource constraints can limit opportunities for in-house training(3). CHWs have also reported dissatisfaction with training due to irregularity, limited practical components, and misalignment with lived experience(4). These challenges impact CHWs capacity to deliver high-quality care. This study employed participatory action research (PAR) to enhance CHW capacity through targeted training. The research was a collaboration between the Durban University of Technology(5) and the Denis Hurley Centre(6), a non-government organization serving marginalised communities of Durban.
METHODS:
A PAR cycle typically comprises four main phases: planning, action, observation, and reflection(7,8). During the planning phase, two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to establish priority training needs. The action phase comprised a 12-week training program in collaboration with three DUT departments: Basic Medical Sciences, Nursing, and Emergency Medical Care5. The training program incorporated wound care, first aid, infection control, waste management, and health promotion skills. Training occurred weekly, allowing the observation phase to occur concurrently. The reflection phase involved two FGDs exploring the suitability and impact of the training as well as ideas for the next PAR cycle to ensure continued growth and sustainability. Data were analysed thematically.
RESULTS:
Participants reported considerable improvements in personal knowledge and skills, giving positive feedback on scheduling, facilitators, and emphasising the benefits of hands-on reinforcement. Participants also reported a sense of personal empowerment and pride.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study underscored the transformative impact of academic-community partnerships in addressing healthcare training gaps, and the potential for PAR in fostering continued improvements community health services.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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