1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
In the 1980s, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the role of CHWs in primary healthcare and community-based care models, acknowledging their potential to improve health outcomes in various populations (World Health Organization, 1986). The integration of CHWs into elderly care became more pronounced in the 1990s and early 2000s, as aging populations in both developed and developing countries began to require more focused attention (Wang et al., 2015). During this period, studies increasingly documented the effectiveness of CHWs in managing chronic diseases and providing support for elderly patients, highlighting their role in reducing hospital admissions and improving patient satisfaction (Miller et al., 2018). The early 2000s saw a surge in research examining the impact of CHWs on elderly care, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. This research demonstrated that CHWs could significantly enhance the quality of care for elderly individuals by offering consistent monitoring, health education, and emotional support (Ellis et al., 2020). The findings supported the expansion of CHW programs and the development of training protocols tailored to the needs of elderly patients.
The global population is aging at an unprecedented rate, placing increasing pressure on healthcare systems to provide adequate care for elderly individuals. This demographic shift has highlighted the need for innovative approaches to managing elderly health conditions, as traditional healthcare models struggle to meet the growing demand (World Health Organization, 2021). Community Health Workers (CHWs) have emerged as a viable solution to this challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where healthcare resources are often limited.
CHWs are trained to offer a range of services that include health education, basic medical care, and assistance with managing chronic diseases (Bhattacharyya et al., 2019). They operate at the grassroots level, providing support within communities and enhancing access to healthcare services for elderly individuals who may otherwise face barriers to care. Research has shown that CHWs can significantly impact elderly care by improving health outcomes, reducing hospital admissions, and increasing patient satisfaction (Ellis et al., 2020).
In many settings, CHWs also play a critical role in managing chronic conditions prevalent among the elderly, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases (Kruk et al., 2018). Their presence helps to ensure that elderly patients receive consistent monitoring and follow-up care, which is essential for managing these long-term conditions effectively. Additionally, CHWs often provide emotional support and social interaction, which are crucial for the overall well-being of elderly individuals (Jaskiewicz et al., 2020).
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are individuals who are trained to provide basic health services and education in their communities. They serve as a bridge between the community and the healthcare system, focusing on preventive care, health promotion, and management of chronic diseases (Jaskiewicz & Haines, 2020). The effectiveness of community health workers in the care and management of elderly conditions is supported by various studies that highlight their contributions to improving health outcomes and reducing hospital readmissions among the elderly (Rudolph & Cresswell, 2019). Their role is particularly significant in underserved areas where healthcare resources are limited, and they help ensure continuity of care by acting as a link between patients and healthcare providers (Miller et al., 2018). Community Health Workers (CHWs) have increasingly become integral to the healthcare system, particularly in managing the care of elderly individuals. As populations age globally, the demand for effective, accessible, and patient-centered healthcare services for the elderly has surged (Perry et al., 2020). Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to explore the impact of CHWs on the care and management of elderly conditions, focusing on their effectiveness, challenges, and the outcomes of their interventions.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the effective management of elderly conditions is a growing concern in healthcare systems worldwide, and Community Health Workers (CHWs) are increasingly recognized for their role in addressing this issue. However, several problems hinder the full realization of their potential. One significant problem is the inconsistency in training and supervision of CHWs, which affects the quality of care provided to elderly individuals. Variations in training programs and a lack of standardized protocols is impacting the effectiveness of CHWs in managing chronic diseases and delivering comprehensive care (Miller et al., 2018).
Additionally, the integration of CHWs into formal healthcare systems is often inadequate, leading to challenges in coordination and communication between CHWs and other healthcare professionals. This lack of integration is affecting the continuity of care for elderly patients and reducing the overall effectiveness of interventions (Ellis et al., 2020). Moreover, funding constraints and limited resources is impacting the sustainability of CHW programs, leading to insufficient support for their activities and a high turnover rate among workers (Jaskiewicz et al., 2020).
The reliance on CHWs to address complex health needs without adequate support and resources is creating a strain on their ability to provide effective care. This strain is exacerbated by the increasing demand for elderly care services due to aging populations. As a result, there is a need for a more structured approach to support CHWs, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the challenges associated with elderly care (Feldscher & Sutherland, 2021). Hence, it is against this backdrop that this study aims to improving the impact of CHWs on elderly care and management.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of community health workers on care and management of elderly condition. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To explore the level of integration between CHWs and formal healthcare systems in the management of elderly conditions.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of CHWs in improving health outcomes and quality of life for elderly patients.
- To assess the role of CHWs in managing chronic diseases and conditions among elderly individuals.
- To identify the challenges and barriers faced by CHWs in providing care for elderly individuals.
- To propose recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of CHW programs in elderly care.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What role do Community Health Workers (CHWs) play in managing chronic diseases and conditions among elderly individuals?
- How effective are CHWs in improving health outcomes and quality of life for elderly patients?
- What are the primary challenges and barriers faced by CHWs in providing care to elderly individuals?
- To what extent are CHWs integrated into formal healthcare systems in the management of elderly conditions?
- What strategies can be implemented to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of CHW programs in elderly care?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: Community Health Workers (CHWs) significantly improve health outcomes for elderly individuals by enhancing the management of chronic diseases and conditions.
- H02: The effectiveness of CHWs in elderly care is positively correlated with the level of training and supervision they receive.
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome realized from the research findings will be significant to the following stakeholders:
- For policymakers, this study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in managing elderly care, guiding policy decisions and resource allocation to support and expand CHW programs.
- For healthcare providers, the findings will offer insights into how CHWs contribute to the management of chronic conditions among the elderly, enabling them to better integrate CHWs into their care teams and improve patient outcomes.
- For community leaders, this research will highlight the role of CHWs in enhancing access to healthcare services for elderly individuals, demonstrating the value of supporting and promoting community-based health initiatives.
- For elderly patients and their families, the study will reveal the impact of CHWs on improving the quality of care and overall well-being, providing them with information about the benefits of engaging with CHW programs.
- For funding organizations, the results will present a compelling case for investing in CHW programs by showcasing their effectiveness in elderly care and identifying areas where additional support is needed to sustain and enhance these programs.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the impact of community health workers on care and management of elderly condition using Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State as a case study.
The research will specifically examine the roles, effectiveness, challenges, and outcomes associated with CHWs in managing chronic diseases and providing support to elderly individuals. The case study provides a diverse range of healthcare environments, which will offer a comprehensive view of the impact of CHWs across different contexts.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Delays from Respondents: The response time from participants was slower than anticipated, which hindered the ability to gather and analyze data promptly. This delay affected the overall timeline of the study and the depth of insights obtained.
- Financial Constraint: As limited funding affected the scope of the study and restricted the resources available for data collection and analysis. This constraint impacted the ability to conduct a more extensive investigation into CHW programs.
- Time Constraint: The limited timeframe for conducting the research restricted the ability to explore the topic in greater detail and to address all aspects of the impact of CHWs on elderly care.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Community Health Workers (CHWs):
CHWs are individuals who are trained to provide basic health services and education in their communities. They serve as a bridge between the community and the healthcare system, focusing on preventive care, health promotion, and management of chronic diseases (Jaskiewicz & Haines, 2020).
Elderly Care:
Elderly care refers to the range of services and support provided to older adults to maintain their health, manage chronic conditions, and enhances their quality of life. This includes medical care, assistance with daily activities, and emotional support (Ellis et al., 2020).
Chronic Diseases:
Chronic diseases are long-term health conditions that require ongoing management. Examples include diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, which are common among the elderly and often require continuous monitoring and care (Kruk et al., 2018).
Health Outcomes:
Health outcomes are the results of healthcare services and interventions, reflecting the effectiveness of care in improving patients' health status. in the context of elderly care, health outcomes may include improved management of chronic conditions, reduced hospitalizations, and enhanced quality of life (Miller et al., 2018).
Integration of CHWs:
Integration refers to the process of incorporating CHWs into formal healthcare systems, ensuring that their services are coordinated with those of other healthcare providers. Effective integration is crucial for optimizing the care provided to elderly patients and ensuring continuity of care (Feldscher & Sutherland, 2021).
