The College of Public Health (CPH) is at the forefront of research exploring the crucial role of community health workers (CHWs) in advancing public health initiatives. Through various studies, CPH researchers are addressing key issues such as CHW training, performance motivation, and self-care, with the goal of enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of CHW programs. This research not only highlights the potential impact CHWs have on improving health outcomes but also informs best practices that can be implemented across communities nationwide.
“It's important to have a Community Health Worker training program in an accredited College of Public Health. This program not only prepares students but also plays a vital role in helping the community bridge the gap in health disparities. As an R1 research university, we have the added responsibility to conduct CHW research that will contribute to the body of knowledge and best practices, ultimately improving the health of our communities,” said Jeff Hallam, Ph.D., senior associate dean for research and global affairs at the College of Public Health and director of the Healthy Communities Research Institute.
Doctor of Philosophy alumni Abir Allam, Dennis Kirimi, and Chelsey Kirkland focused their graduate research on community health workers and the impact they are making in the field.
Abir Allam, Ph.D.
Community Health Workers' Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Awareness of American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations of Safe Sleep Environments
This study explored the role of CHWs in promoting safe sleep practices to prevent infant mortality, particularly related to Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). It assessed CHWs' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations for infant safe sleep practices; communication methods used by CHWs to educate parents and caregivers about safe sleep practices; and the potential association between CHW sociodemographic characteristics and safe sleep-related KAP. The study identified a need for enhanced training to better equip CHWs as advocates for safe sleep practices, emphasizing the importance of follow-up visits with parents and caregivers. These findings highlight the potential of CHWs to support healthcare providers in reducing infant mortality through improved safe sleep education and support.
Dennis Kirimi, Ph.D., CCHW
Director of Pathways HUB Program at Community Action Akron Summit
Assessing Community Health Workers’ Performance Motivation
This research explores the challenges and motivators impacting performance and retention of CHWs in the U.S., including but not limited to self-esteem, attitude, competency, and job satisfaction. The study identifies intrinsic motivation, community relationships, and the CHW's identity profiles as crucial motivators, while financial incentives are less consistently effective. The research highlights that, despite the importance of resources and support, intrinsic motivators and CHW’s personal community connections are also essential. The study concludes that CHWs play a vital role in promoting and supporting efforts to achieve health equity and systemic change by addressing social determinants of health at the individual level.
"The role of CHWs is well established in bridging the gap between the health system and at-risk populations, such as low-income, pregnant women and those with chronic disease, by addressing the social determinants of health and the Pathways HUB Community Action program demonstrates this critical role," says Kirimi. Kirimi serves as the director of the of , where he completed his research study on CHWs Motivation.
"My qualitative research focused on CHWs’ experiences while they provide these services to understand their motivators and de-motivators to recommend training, career growth, livable remuneration, and sustainability of the CHW workface," Kirimi says. "Kent State doctoral program prepared me to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, which is vital in the community to bridge gaps in health disparities by focusing on training and sustainability of CHWs’ workforce within Pathways HUB and other entities. Kent State CPH is continuing the expansion of the CHWs workforce for such programs by offering the Ohio Board of Nursing Certification as well as continuing education to strengthen their skills," he continues.
"Pathways HUB is community-based care coordination model that helps contracts with partner agencies that employ CHWs to bring communities together to support their under-resourced residents and to improve health and well-being. The Pathways HUB CHWs also provide culturally competent services to link clients to services such as housing, food, transportation, enrollment to health insurance, medical appointments, and provides education to increase knowledge on utilization of these services" Kirimi concludes.
Chelsey Kirkland, Ph.D., MPH, CCHW
Researcher at University of Minnesota School of Public Health
Using Peer Support Groups as an Innovative Approach to Improve Wellness and Self-Care Among Community Health Workers
This study focuses on addressing the wellness and self-care needs of CHWs, who often face similar socioeconomic challenges and health risks as the communities they serve. Recognizing a lack of existing wellness and self-care programs tailored to CHWs, the researchers adapted the HANS KAI program using a collective efficacy framework. The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and impact of the CHW HANS KAI program through a formative evaluation; pilot the CHW HANS KAI intervention; and conduct a mixed-methods summative evaluation. Focus groups revealed that the program was culturally appropriate and beneficial to CHW participants. Participants in the pilot CHW HANS KAI intervention reported positive experiences in terms of perceived improvements in physical activity and collective efficacy, and overall benefits from the program, suggesting its potential to enhance CHW wellness and self-care.
"My education and research at Kent State prepared me for my career by teaching me various research methods and analytic techniques and, most importantly, how to think about the best way to approach each research question," says Kirkland, who recently published articles about supporting the CHW workforce on several journals, including the and .
"Most CHW research focuses on health outcomes and the effectiveness of CHW work within clinical and community settings; little research has focused on CHWs themselves," she continues. "Supporting the CHW workforce personally and professionally through research is critical for long-term sustainability. This research often includes understanding the capacities in which CHWs function, CHWs' personal and professional needs, and how CHWs want to be supported. Additionally, the CHW workforce is rapidly expanding, though employers are not always aware of best practices. Therefore, CHW research that embodies and continues to push CHW self-governance and self-determination is needed to ensure the long-held motto, 'nothing about us, without us,'" Kirkland concludes.