Health-care workers caring for children : The Early Childhood Development Program in La Paz, Bolivia

Abstract: ABSTRACT Background: Bolivia has a high child mortality rate and many children´s living conditions are inadequate. In order to reach the Millennium Development Goals non-governmental organizations play an important role when the governmental efforts are insufficient. ChildFund Bolivia works with the Early Childhood Development [ECD] program in order to reinforce the development, growth and health for children under the age of eight. Aim: The aim of this study was to illuminate factors that affect the care given by health workers working with the ECD-program in the urban area of La Paz, Bolivia. Method: An empirical study with qualitative method was performed, using participant observations with an ethnographic approach. The data was analyzed through inductive content analysis where different themes were developed. Results: The results are presented in five themes, Creativity, Different needs, Environment, Continuity and Love and passion. All five themes showed sign of significant health promotion strategies that conform to Nola Pender´s Health Promotion Model. Conclusion: This study illuminates how ChildFund’s health workers in La Paz care for children through the globally used ECD-Program. This contributes to the shared global objective to reach the Millennium Development goals by enhancing children´s opportunity to grow and develop.  Health workers cared for the children with multiple strategies within the common method of the ECD-program. Implications for clinical practice: The outcome of this study might give people better knowledge about similarities and areas of diversity in pediatric nursing care worldwide, hence enjoy better knowledge in global nursing.