Table 2 CHW survey in Sylhet District, Bangladesh: factors influencing decision to become a CHW

Self-development

I expected the experience will enhance my communication skills.

38 (83%)

17 (74%)

55 (80%)

N.S.

I expected to get involved in the community.

33 (72%)

15 (65%)

48 (70%)

N.S.

I expected I will have a new sense of self-pride and accomplishment.

37 (80%)

18 (78%)

55 (80%)

N.S.

I hoped to gain skills that would enable me to work as a health practitioner.

34 (74%)

20 (87%)

54 (78%)

N.S.

I wanted to eventually work elsewhere and knew that field experience was required.

28 (61%)

13 (57%)

41 (59%)

N.S.

Financial independence

I needed to earn money to help support my family.

23 (50%)

8 (35%)

31 (45%)

N.S.

I wanted to earn money to save for school

5 (11%)

2 (9%)

7 (10%)

N.S.

Value and recognition

My family and friends encouraged me apply for the job.

16 (35%)

13 (57%)

29 (42%)

0.022

I knew of other CHWs who were respected in the community.

12 (26%)

4 (17%)

16 (23%)

N.S.

I believed working as a CHW was a respectable, honourable job.

29 (63%)

12 (52%)

41 (59%)

N.S.

Use of available time

I wanted to spend my time constructively.

23 (50%)

11 (48%)

34 (49%)

N.S.

I knew much of my time would be required, but I had a lot time to offer.

20 (43%)

16 (70%)

36 (52%)

0.024

Improve community health

I wanted to learn about newborn and maternal care for my own family.

29 (63%)

20 (87%)

49 (71%)

0.039

I wanted to improve the health of the community.

36 (78%)

22 (96%)

58 (84%)

N.S.