Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

5-2024

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Health Promotion

First Committee Member

Dejun Su, PhD

Second Committee Member

Jessica Ern, MPH

Third Committee Member

Fabiana Brito, PhD

Abstract

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) developed a training and certificate program for Community Health Workers (CHWs) in faith-based organizations in Northern Omaha. Each recruited trainee developed an experimental program they implemented in their faith-based community. This research study aims to explore and analyze the implementation of these programs in the community, the effects that these programs have on the community, and the extent to which the goals of the CHWs' implemented programs were met.

To achieve this, data was collected through a 41-question survey administered via REDCap to 12 CHW trainees. Descriptive statistics of this data were analyzed using the REDCap Statistics function and open-ended data was sorted using thematic analysis. Major perceived needs of the community that were addressed by the CHWs included diabetes (83.3%), heart disease (75.0%), hypertension (75.0%), mental/behavioral health (75.0%), and obesity (66.7%). Most activities conducted by the CHWs included individual or community outreach (8, 66.7%) and promoting healthy lifestyles through nutrition and physical activity support (8, 66.7%). CHWs primarily monitored community members’ healthcare in the interventions through self-reported changes. When observing the CHWs’ perception of their work and their project’s impact on the community, most respondents reported positive experiences.

A wide range of health needs were addressed by these CHWs and were similar to important health factors that are prevalent in African American churches in Omaha, Nebraska. Areas to explore and possibly address in the future include implementing relationships between healthcare providers and the community for easier access to medical services, incorporating ways to help community members stay continuously engaged in the implemented program, and providing effective tools to assess community health outcomes and avoid self-reporting bias.

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Available for download on Saturday, April 18, 2026

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