Prevention of hypertension and diabetes in an urban setting in South Africa: Participatory action research with community health workers
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Date
2007
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Society on Hypertension in Blacks
Abstract
The project aimed to identify factors that contribute to hypertension and diabetes and to
design and implement appropriate local interventions
to prevent these non-communicable
diseases and promote healthy lifestyles.
This was a community-based participatory
action research project in which researchers
and community health workers (CHWs) were
the main participants. The triple A approach to
planning interventions was used, that is, the
process of assessing the situation, analyzing the
findings, and taking action based on this
analysis. Both qualitative and quantitative
methods were employed. Twenty-two CHWs
working in site C, Khayelitsha, a deprived
urban area of Cape Town, South Africa,
participated in the study.
Findings from the situational assessment
indicated a lack of knowledge among CHWs
and the community about hypertension and
diabetes and the risk factors for these non-communicable
diseases. Economic constraints
and cultural beliefs and practices influenced
the community’s food choices and participation
in physical activity. On the basis of these
findings, a training program was proposed that
would provide CHWs with the skills to prevent
hypertension and diabetes in their community.
A program was developed and piloted by the
project team. A health club that focuses on
promoting healthy lifestyles is currently being
piloted.
This paper illustrates the unique involvement
of CHWs in a successful participatory
action research project on the prevention of
hypertension and diabetes and promotion of
health in a deprived urban setting. The project
emphasizes the importance of involving local
people in community-based initiatives to promote
health and identifies that the primary
role of health services is to develop appropriate
skills in the local community, monitor
activities, and facilitate a link with primary
health services.
Description
Keywords
Community health workers, Diabetes, Hypertension, Non-communicable disease, Participatory action research, Prevention, Western Cape
Citation
Bradley H. & Puoane, T. (2007). Prevention of hypertension and diabetes in an urban setting in South Africa: Participatory action research with community health workers. Ethnicity and Disease, 17: 49-51