Researchers

Thomas Gadsden

Abstract

Frontline health workers are integral to the public health response to COVID-19. In Malang District, Indonesia, the role of community health workers (kaders) has been to reinforce public health messaging, facilitate social distancing measures, and act as village-level educators. However, it is unclear how effectively kaders have been able to fulfill this role. Their capacity may be influenced by a range of factors, including a kader’s willingness to work with heightened safety risks and their personal knowledge and understanding of coronavirus and COVID-19 risk mitigation, which in turn will undoubtedly influence their level of confidence to undertake this task and overall motivation. The demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the village in which their neighborhood is situated, the preferences of the community, and factors such as the level of trust in government and social capital may also influence the effectiveness of such community mobilization activities. Research is needed to further identify these factors and understand their influence on kader activity and their potential impact on reducing the spread of COVID-19.

Project Outcomes of Interest

(1) Identify the specific roles designated to kaders in the public health response to COVID-19 across different rural locations; (2) Identify the factors that influence the ability of kaders to undertake these roles; (3) Identify the levels and characteristics of social capital among kaders and villages in Malang District, Indonesia; (4) Examine how these factors influence the capacity of kaders to fulfill their role in reinforcing public health messaging; and, (5) Assess whether these factors are associated with village-level incidence rates of COVID-19.

Partners

Universitas Brawijaya

Impact Goals

Project Data Collection Mode

Results Status

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