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Table 4 Comparing the changes at the beginning of the fist cycle and the end of the action research

From: Empowering health volunteer’s through participatory action research in a comprehensive healthcare center

Problems and Actions

Before the first cycle

End of the first cycle

End of the second cycle

Class order

Disorganized classes and constant cancellation without notice

Class cancellation without notice for two times

Orderly and organized class schedule, in case the instructor could not come (with prior notice) a substitute (an expert or another volunteer) would be introduced

Orderly presence of the volunteers in the classes

Disorganization, absence or on time presence, absence without prior notice

Less disorganization, most absence were without prior notice

Limited absence with prior notice

Interference in information communication and content transfer

Lack of order and access to information, being limited to contents of educational books

Creating groups in social media regarding the volunteers’ activities, using the group and educational pamphlets for transferring scientific content

Most volunteers had joined the group, they borrowed educational books and copied them, use of other valid sources

Location of the class

Home of volunteers

A room in the healthcare center

A room in the healthcare center

Content presentation in the class

Only by the instructor

Participation of both the instructor and the volunteer

Participation of both the instructor and the volunteer as well as other invited experts

Regular public training program

Very limited

Monthly sessions at the local center for religious activities, training at religious gatherings, recreational activities with family and friends

Qualitative and quantitative increase in public education, volunteers now have plans for public education themselves

Organized volunteer record keeping

Annually and only by the instructor

Every three months but still mostly by the instructor

Every three months with the guidance of the instructor

Volunteers’ sense of responsibility

Only for participating in the classes

Increased sense of responsibility for cooperating with the instructor and collecting family statistics

Increased sense of responsibility for cooperating with the instructor and collecting family statistics

Keeping track of issues with authorities

Limited and dispersed

Dome with more group participation and follow-up

Individual and group follow-up