@article{98288,
  keywords = {Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health, Community based Surveillance volunteers, Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), Motivation, incentives, Sustainability, Ghana},
  author = {Owusu L and Tuwor RD and Ackam N and Loglo A and Agbavor B and Agbanyo A and Dornu O and Antwi PB and Oppong MN and Adjei JK and Frimpong V and Abass MK and Novignon J and Asiedu K and Laryea DO and Amoako YA and Phillips RO},
  title = {Role and capacity needs of community based surveillance volunteers in the integrated management of skin neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs): a qualitative study from central Ghana},
  abstract = {<p><strong>Background:</strong> Community Based Surveillance Volunteers (CBSVs) have been instrumental in the management of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) but a concern that their services in scale up programmes may be affected due to high attrition rates has been widely acknowledged. We explored the roles and capacity needs of existing CBSVs to inform for a successful integrated NTD management programme in Ghana and similar contexts.</p>

<p><strong>Methods:</strong> We conducted qualitative interviews with 50 CBSVs, 21 Community Nurses, 4 Disease control officers, 7 skin NTD researchers, 2 skin NTD patients and a Director of District Health Services in Central Ghana. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and coded prior to translation and thematic analysis.</p>

<p><strong>Results:</strong> The roles of CBSVs in NTD management were shown to have an impact on disease identification, surveillance, health seeking behaviours and status of CBSVs. Lack of motivation, inadequate structures for engagement of CBSVs within the health system and delayed management of reported cases were identified as gaps that hinder effective delivery of CBSV roles. Provision of incentives as recognition for the unpaid services rendered by CBSVs was seen as a major factor to reduce the rate of CBSV attrition in this scale up programme. Other factors included the formulation of policies by government to guide CBSV engagement, regular training of CBSV in NTD management as well as provision of resources and logistics.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Measures including continuous training, institution of rewards and incentivization are important for ensuring the sustainability of CBSVs in the provision of skin NTD services in Ghana.</p>
},
  year = {2023},
  journal = {BMC Public Health},
  volume = {23},
  pages = {1-12},
  publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media LLC},
  issn = {1471-2458},
  url = {https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s12889-023-16015-w.pdf},
  doi = {10.1186/s12889-023-16015-w},
  language = {Eng},
}