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.