Engagement of Peer Educators from India’s National Adolescent Health Programme for the COVID-19 response activities: Qualitative Findings from iSaathiya study

Abstract

Abstract Background The study was conducted to understand the role of peer educators recruited under Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) for COVID-19 response activities in two Indian states (Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra). Methods In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with stakeholders (n = 110, Maharashtra: 57, Madhya Pradesh: 53) engaged in the implementation of the Peer Education programme of RKSK at the state, district, block, and village levels. Additionally, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were also conducted with adolescents who were part of the peer group of peer educators (n = 120 adolescents, Maharashtra: 66 and Madhya Pradesh: 54). IDIs and FGDs were audio-recorded, translated, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically. Adopting inductive and deductive approaches, a data-driven open coding framework was developed for thematic analysis. Results The study findings highlighted the crucial role of peer educators affiliated with RKSK by demonstrating their ability to act as innovators, communicators and navigators to promote the well-being of adolescents and the community during the pandemic. They contributed beyond their predefined roles and responsibilities within the RKSK. They supported frontline healthcare workers in raising awareness and promoting COVID-19-appropriate behaviours in the community. Amid the lockdown, they ensured access to menstrual hygiene products for adolescent girls, distributed essential groceries and medications to the needy members of the community, and generated employment opportunities for families by providing opportunities to make masks. Additionally, considering their technology competence, peer educators supported health workers in the registration process for beneficiaries on the COWIN platform. Furthermore, study findings demonstrated that they acted as a navigator to the health system. By getting their first dose and spreading awareness and busting myths about vaccines, they served as role models and helped to reduce vaccine hesitancy in the community. Conclusion Despite their unpreparedness, peer educators demonstrated their tenacity during COVID-19. Their ability to act responsibly and support frontline health workers underscores the potential of further honing their skills to support the public health system. There is also a need to grant more visibility through awards, incentives, skill courses and additional grades through Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) to sustain the momentum of work within RKSK and beyond.