Evaluating counselling skills of community health workers for pregnant adolescents in Limpopo province.

Abstract

Background: Adolescent pregnancy carries significant global ramifications. Community health workers (CHWs) play a role in empowering adolescents through counselling skills, thereby promoting informed decision-making for better outcomes.

Aim: The study aims to evaluate the counselling skills of CHWs in their efforts to support pregnant adolescents (PA) in Limpopo province.

Setting: The research was carried out with CHWs in the Mopani and Vhembe districts of the Limpopo province.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive approach was used to evaluate CHWs' counselling skills for PAs in Limpopo. A sample of 81 respondents was selected using simple random sampling. Ethical approval was obtained. Data were collected using a questionnaire guided by the Theory of Reasoned Action. Descriptive statistics were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists version 24. The questionnaire's validity was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, resulting in a correlation coefficient of 0.710.

Results: The study identified significant variations in counselling recommendations. Preparation: Using private space with fewer distractions showed considerable variability (standard deviation = 0.218). Introduction: High variability was observed in using the SOLER method (standard deviation = 0.316). Working phase: Suggesting rather than advising had notable variability (standard deviation = 0.396). Termination: Avoiding abrupt endings and informing clients about the session's conclusion demonstrated variability (standard deviation = 0.283). Additionally, the majority (64%) of the participants found record-keeping unnecessary, which demonstrated the highest variability (standard deviation = 0.482).

Conclusion: The study revealed CHWs' proficiency in counselling techniques and emphasised the importance of following the counselling stages.

Contribution: The research highlights the importance of evaluating the counselling skills of CHWs and identifying areas for improvement to develop targeted interventions and enhancing health outcomes for PAs.