Female Community Health Volunteers Program in Nepal: Perceptions, Attitudes and Experiences on Volunteerism among Female Community Health Volunteers.

ABSTRACT

Nepal has relied on volunteerism for delivery of essential health services for the past 25 years. Remuneration of Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHV) is a highly debated issue. Studies show lack of remuneration results in higher attrition. FCHV's motivation and retention are vital for the programme sustainability.The study explored the perceptions attitude and experiences on volunteerism among FCHV, their supervisors and community. The researcher conducted 15 In-depth interviews in a district of Nepal. Data Analysis was done using QSR NVivo version 7 software. Open and axial coding was done according to grounded theory approach and final conceptual framework was built. FCHVs were motivated to be volunteers either because of their personal goals or due to obligations. FCHVs were motivated to continue as a volunteer because of a sense of reciprocity, service as reward, volunteerism as a spiritual duty, social recognition and attainment of knowledge. Challenges in volunteering included insufficient incentives, expectation of a regular salary, wrong community perception regarding their work and time constraints. Consequences of volunteering were empowerment and economic security.There is conflict between ideals of volunteerism and monetary expectations among FCHV. The issue of fair compensation of volunteers should be addressed.