The practical difficulties in indigenous community health work: The perspective of a non-governmental organization worker

Background: A large number of non-governmental organization (NGO) workers work with ethnic indigenous (Malayo- Polynesian) Taiwanese. Therefore, understanding the difficulties and related practical issues frequently encountered by NGO workers in the course of such work is necessary. Purpose: This study was designed to understand the challenges faced by NGO community workers who work with indigenous groups in Taiwan. Methods: In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 24 NGO and 31 community-based workers. The first interview tranche was conducted between July and September 2005, with all subjects interviewed. The second, conducted from August to September 2006, held an additional interview session with seven selected workers. Content analysis was used to analyze interview data. Results: Main work-related challenges noted by subjects included the pressures of being an insider, the influence of religious groups, competing political party politics and goal conflicts among local governments, NGOs, and communities. Conclusion: Indigenous communities have their distinctive histories and cultures. NGO community workers should utilize in as flexible a manner as possible the various available resources and social connections to achieve community work goals. Cooperation among local governments, NGOs and communities is a must in order to achieve community work goals.