Using the Socio-Ecological Model to Appraise the Implementation of Provincial Health Authority in Rural Districts of Madang Province, Papua New Guinea: a Qualitative Study

EasyChair Preprint 15847

Abstract

 Introduction
Globally, policymakers are adopting novel healthcare models to deliver health services. This study focused on understanding the viewpoints of health workers and local communities regarding socio-ecological factors such as community involvement, resource allocation, and leadership dynamics that influence the execution of the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) model in rural districts of Madang Province, Papua New Guinea.
Methods
The study employed a strong methodology involving semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 30 participants: 21 clinicians, three patients, and six policymakers across three districts in Madang Province from June to December 2024. These discussions were directed by the socio-ecological model, which offered a thorough framework for analysing the emerging themes.
Results
The article offers fresh insights into the socio-ecological elements influencing the execution of essential health policies. Participants highlighted several key themes, including their optimism and hope for continued support, PHA's limited impact at the sub-national level, the necessity to promote multisectoral partnerships and shared resources, capacity management in rural health facilities, strategies for engaging communities, limited collaboration between the PHA and the District Development Authority, and the fragmentation of roles at the sub-national level.
Conclusions
The study's findings have significant implications for policy-makers and implementers in the rural districts of Madang Province. They underscore the importance of recognising and addressing the socio-ecological factors that influence the PHA model at all levels of the healthcare system. By enhancing leadership and management and effectively translating policy into health service delivery, health authorities can create a promising future, significantly improving health services in rural areas districts.

Keyphrases: Papua New Guinea, district development authority, health policy, provincial health authority, rural health services, socio-ecological model

@booklet{EasyChair:15847,
  author    = {Gigil Marme and Andrew Pus and Anna Irumai and Cathy Pamba and Emelda Ariku},
  title     = {Using the Socio-Ecological Model to Appraise the Implementation of Provincial Health Authority in Rural Districts of Madang Province, Papua New Guinea: a Qualitative Study},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 15847},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2025}}