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Table 3 Results of structured interviews with peer counsellors (N = 17)

From: Characteristics and experiences of peer counsellors in urban Dhaka: a structured interview study

Question

Theme identified/comprehension score

N

Understanding of what the project is about*

Limited understanding

2

Some understanding

6

Moderate understanding

8

High level understanding

1

Understanding of peer counsellors’ role in project*

Limited understanding

5

Some understanding

6

Moderate understanding

3

High level understanding

3

Satisfied with job

Yes

17

No

0

Number of daily visits performed

1

4

2

11

3

2

Perceived workload

I don’t have much (light)

9

Average medium

6

No mention

2

Happy with training they received

Yes

17

No

0

Wants further training

Yes

13

No

4

Felt they were able to deal with problems

Yes

2

Mostly

15

No

0

Steps taken when peer counsellors unsure of how to deal with problems

Discuss with supervisor

16

No issues yet

1

Specific aspects of training that they found useful**

Benefits of colostrum

7

Benefits and difficulties of exclusive breastfeeding

7

Assisting with position and attachment

7

Nutritious food for mother and child

3

Iron tablets

3

Antenatal care

2

Disadvantages of formula feeding

2

Procedure for complementary feeding

1

Proper meal for age

1

What affects your ability to perform your job?**

Interruptions (phone rings, neighbours, older children interrupting during visits

7

Mothers are too busy

6

Mothers are kept quiet by in-laws

3

Mothers not concentrating

2

Mothers unhappy with messages

2

Can’t make it to the birth within 3 days

1

Limited by only giving nutrition information

1

Peer counsellor very busy

1

Child crying

1

Mothers not home

1

Do peer counsellors see mothers outside visits

Yes

17

Peer counsellors developed a close friendship with mothers

Yes

17

How do you deal with obstacles within the mothers family during the peer counselling session**

Try and motivate family members

16

Enlist assistance from supervising peer counsellor

4

Try and correct misconceptions

1

Peer counsellors happy with incentives given

Yes

5

Would appreciate an increment in salary

11

No

1

  1. *see Table 1 for explanation of how coding was developed **questions presented as open-ended, number represents the number of peer counsellor who raised this issue