The Role of Community Health Workers in Improving Maternal and Child Health Outcomes in Pakistan: A Qualitative Discourse Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/0h46gf74Keywords:
Community health workers; maternal health; child health; qualitative research; Pakistan; primary healthcareAbstract
Background: Maternal and child health outcomes in Pakistan remain influenced by structural barriers, sociocultural norms, and limited access to healthcare services. Community health workers (CHWs), particularly Lady Health Workers, play a key role in bridging the gap between communities and the health system. However, the mechanisms through which they influence health behaviors are not fully understood. Objective: To explore perceptions of CHWs’ roles in maternal and child health, and to identify barriers and facilitators affecting their effectiveness within community settings. Methods: This qualitative endline study used in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with CHWs, mothers, and community members. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns in communication, trust, and healthcare practices. Results: Five major themes emerged: CHWs as health educators, facilitators of maternal healthcare access, promoters of preventive child health practices, trusted community members, and actors constrained by systemic barriers. Trust, cultural familiarity, and repeated interaction were key mechanisms influencing care-seeking behavior, while structural challenges such as workload, supply gaps, and institutional limitations reduced effectiveness. Conclusion: CHWs contribute to maternal and child health through socially embedded mechanisms of communication and trust. Strengthening their impact requires improved system support, resource availability, and integration within primary healthcare services.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Laiba Fatima, Muhammad Uzair, Sahar Khalil, Arshia Memon, Mustafa Bashir, Sibghat Ullah, Alina Shaukat, Noor Ullah, Sift Ali, Abdul Basir (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
