Satisfaction in Delivering Maternal and Neonatal Health Services During a Pandemic: Recommendations for Infection Preparedness and Response Protocols and Employee Support for Community Health Workers 

Abstract Aim: Community health workers (CHWs) have emerged as salient health team members in disadvantaged primary settings to provide critical services to disadvantaged mothers and their newborns. There is need for empirical evidence to understand how CHWs may be supported in delivering maternal and neonatal health services during pandemics. Subject and Methods: In this study we used bivariate regression to identify the lower odds for CHW perceived satisfaction for maternal and neonatal health services, with respect to client socio-demographic characteristics, coronavirus preparedness, coronavirus responsiveness, and employee satisfaction. In addition, we used structural equation modeling to investigate if coronavirus responsiveness and employee satisfaction as mediating variables influence the relationship between coronavirus preparedness and maternal and neonatal health services. Results: From a sample of 350 CHWs across 35 districts of Punjab, we found 30 predictors with respect to coronavirus preparedness, coronavirus responsiveness and employee satisfaction which contribute to lower odds of maternal and neonatal health services. We also identified that employee satisfaction is a key mediator in the relationship between coronavirus preparedness and maternal and neonatal health services. Conclusion: We conclude with 4 critical recommendations to support CMWs in delivering optimal services, comprising: education and training, operational support, public acceptance, and employee support and benefits.