Differences in psychosocial factors among novice, experienced, and veteran health promotion volunteers in Japan

Objective: To examine differences in psychosocial factors among health promotion volunteers (HPVs) according to years of experience. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Sample: A total of 604 HPVs in Koka and Konan cities in Japan in 2005. Measurements: Demographic data, extent of HPV activity (such as years of HPV experience), and psychosocial factors such as overall activity satisfaction, burden of HPV activities, and social support. Results: Compared with HPVs with 1-3 years of experience, those with 4-8 years of experience indicated that the head of the neighborhood association failed to recognize their role and lacked knowledge of HPV activity content, but that they felt greater support from community members. Those with 9 or more years of experience had more managerial experience, were more highly motivated at the end of the HPV training course, and indicated greater support from community members than those with 1-3 years of experience. Conclusions: When considering the constellation of HPV activities; the ways in which these activities are performed; and the strategies to recruit, train, support, and retain HPVs; it may be important to take into account the differences among HPVs by years of experience.