Exploring the knowledge of community health workers about behavioral risk factors contributing to NCDs in Bushbuckridge, Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
- 1Department of Public Health, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, Limpopo, South Africa
- 2Dikgale Mamabolo Mothiba (DIMAMO) Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
- 3Department of Public Health, Walter Sisulu University, Butterworth, South Africa
Abstract
Background: Community health workers are essential in helping patients with non-communicable diseases; they must stay up to date on the latest information to carry out their duties efficiently. The present study aimed to explore CHWs' understanding of behavioral risk factors contributing to NCDs, providing valuable insights into their capacity to support NCD prevention and management, with a focus not only on behavioral risk factors but also on systemic and contextual challenges faced by CHWs.
Methods: The study explores community health workers' knowledge about behavioral risk factors contributing to non-communicable diseases. Purposive sampling was used to select 20 CHWs. The study employed a qualitative, explorative, and descriptive design, and focus group discussions were used. Using thematic analysis, the researchers were able to organize and interpret the data presented in themes systematically.
Results: Two themes emerged (Behavioral Risk Factors and Health System Analysis), along with seven subthemes, regarding the knowledge of community health workers about behavioral risk factors contributing to non-communicable diseases. The subthemes included unhealthy eating habits and poor lifestyle choices, mental health issues and stress, socio-economic influences, prevention support for lifestyle-related diseases, collaboration among healthcare professionals and stakeholders, conducting home visits, and logistical and structural challenges.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study highlighted factors contributing to non-communicable diseases, including unhealthy diets, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress, particularly among women, as well as systemic barriers like financial constraints and long lines at the clinic that hinder treatment adherence. Community health workers emphasized the importance of prevention through health education on nutrition, stress management, and physical activity, along with collaborative efforts with healthcare professionals to manage chronic conditions effectively.
Related
- Exploring contributing factors to fatalities occurring within an emergency department: a qualitative analysis informed by root cause analysis principles.
- Exploring and Mapping Expert Views on the Mechanisms Contributing to Patients’ Demand for Low-Value Care: A Complex Systems Approach
- Exploring patient perspectives on barriers contributing to lost to follow-up in hypertension care: A qualitative study in a tertiary-care hospital in Coastal Karnataka, India
- Effectiveness of behavioral interventions on knowledge, attitude, and adherence to prenatal Multiple Micro-nutrients Suplement among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a post-test only cluster randomized controlled trial
- Exploring the Relationship Between Positive Play and Perceived Knowledge in Traditional Sports Gambling
BibTeX
@article{pilusa2026exploring,
title = {{Exploring the knowledge of community health workers about behavioral risk factors contributing to NCDs in Bushbuckridge, Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa}},
author = {Thabo Difference Pilusa and Cairo Bruce Ntimana and Eric Maimela},
journal = {Frontiers in Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fpubh.2026.1971276},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1971276},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Exploring the knowledge of community health workers about behavioral risk factors contributing to NCDs in Bushbuckridge, Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
AU - Thabo Difference Pilusa
AU - Cairo Bruce Ntimana
AU - Eric Maimela
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/12
JO - Frontiers in Public Health
DO - 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1971276
UR - https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1971276
AB - Background: Community health workers are essential in helping patients with non-communicable diseases; they must stay up to date on the latest information to carry out their duties efficiently. The present study aimed to explore CHWs' understanding of behavioral risk factors contributing to NCDs, providing valuable insights into their capacity to support NCD prevention and management, with a focus not only on behavioral risk factors but also on systemic and contextual challenges faced by CHWs. Methods: The study explores community health workers' knowledge about behavioral risk factors contributing to non-communicable diseases. Purposive sampling was used to select 20 CHWs. The study employed a qualitative, explorative, and descriptive design, and focus group discussions were used. Using thematic analysis, the researchers were able to organize and interpret the data presented in themes systematically. Results: Two themes emerged (Behavioral Risk Factors and Health System Analysis), along with seven subthemes, regarding the knowledge of community health workers about behavioral risk factors contributing to non-communicable diseases. The subthemes included unhealthy eating habits and poor lifestyle choices, mental health issues and stress, socio-economic influences, prevention support for lifestyle-related diseases, collaboration among healthcare professionals and stakeholders, conducting home visits, and logistical and structural challenges. Conclusion: The findings of the present study highlighted factors contributing to non-communicable diseases, including unhealthy diets, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress, particularly among women, as well as systemic barriers like financial constraints and long lines at the clinic that hinder treatment adherence. Community health workers emphasized the importance of prevention through health education on nutrition, stress management, and physical activity, along with collaborative efforts with healthcare professionals to manage chronic conditions effectively.
SN - 2296-2565
ER -