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The Narratives of Natural Helpers: a Qualitative Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Community Health Workers in Alabama

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dc.contributorDavis, Katherine L.
dc.contributorHites, Lisle
dc.contributorMarcantonio, Tiffany L.
dc.contributorWilkerson, Amanda H.
dc.contributor.advisorNickelson, Jen
dc.contributor.authorAgomo, Carol
dc.date.accessioned2025-02-11T13:21:49Z
dc.date.available2025-02-11T13:21:49Z
dc.date.issued2024
dc.descriptionElectronic Thesis or Dissertationen_US
dc.description.abstractAlabamian access to healthcare is declining in rural areas and rural hospitals are experiencing monetary loss in services due to the high cost in service delivery and low insurance reimbursements. CHWs may complement an under-resourced and over-stretched health workforce, increasing the availability and access to health services. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences and personal knowledge of CHWs in Alabama, share their stories of community impact, and inform CHW employers and decision-makers to guide policy development and training. The research questions that guided this study include: How do lived experiences and personal knowledge of CHWs in Alabama (a) influence their decision to join the CHW workforce, (b) contribute to their ability to work successfully in the field, and (c) influence their motivation to continue in the field? What professional and community-focused aspirations do CHWs in Alabama have for themselves? In what ways do CHWs in Alabama understand their professional identity? How do CHWs in Alabama understand and respond to the contextual messages they receive about their professional role? What challenges and successes do CHWs in Alabama experience as they understand their professional role? Seven CHWs were recruited using purposive sampling and shared their stories in individual online interviews. The findings illuminate the caring nature of CHWs, curiosity as a motivator, and the value CHWs place in having a network of support. Analysis revealed four themes and 12 sub-themes. This study provides insights into the meaning of the CHW role to CHWs in Alabama through their lived experiences.en_US
dc.format.mediumelectronic
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.other1113003
dc.identifier.urihttps://ir.ua.edu/handle/123456789/15367
dc.languageEnglish
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.publisherUniversity of Alabama Libraries
dc.relation.hasversionborn digital
dc.relation.ispartofThe University of Alabama Electronic Theses and Dissertations
dc.relation.ispartofThe University of Alabama Libraries Digital Collections
dc.rightsAll rights reserved by the author unless otherwise indicated.en_US
dc.subjectAlabama
dc.subjectcommunity health worker
dc.subjectnarrative inquiry
dc.subjectrural
dc.titleThe Narratives of Natural Helpers: a Qualitative Exploration of the Lived Experiences of Community Health Workers in Alabamaen_US
dc.typethesis
dc.typetext
etdms.degree.departmentUniversity of Alabama. Department of Health Science
etdms.degree.disciplinePublic health
etdms.degree.grantorThe University of Alabama
etdms.degree.leveldoctoral
etdms.degree.namePh.D.

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