RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Understanding community health worker employment preferences in Malang district, Indonesia, using a discrete choice experiment JF BMJ Global Health JO BMJ Global Health FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP e008936 DO 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008936 VO 7 IS 8 A1 Thomas Gadsden A1 Sujarwoto Sujarwoto A1 Nuretha Purwaningtyas A1 Asri Maharani A1 Gindo Tampubolon A1 Delvac Oceandy A1 Devarsetty Praveen A1 Blake Angell A1 Stephen Jan A1 Anna Palagyi YR 2022 UL http://gh.bmj.com/content/7/8/e008936.abstract AB Background Community health workers (CHWs) play a critical role in supporting health systems, and in improving accessibility to primary healthcare. In many settings CHW programmes do not have formalised employment models and face issues of high attrition and poor performance. This study aims to determine the employment preferences of CHWs in Malang district, Indonesia, to inform policy interventions.Methods A discrete choice experiment was conducted with 471 CHWs across 28 villages. Attributes relevant to CHW employment were identified through a multistage process including literature review, focus group discussions and expert consultation. Respondents’ choices were analysed with a mixed multinomial logit model and latent class analyses.Results Five attributes were identified: (1) supervision; (2) training; (3) monthly financial benefit; (4) recognition; and (5) employment structure. The most important influence on choice of job was a low monthly financial benefit (US$~2) (β=0.53, 95% CI=0.43 to 0.63), followed by recognition in the form of a performance feedback report (β=0.13, 95% CI=0.07 to 0.20). A large monthly financial benefit (US$~20) was most unappealing to respondents (β=−0.13, 95% CI=−0.23 to −0.03). Latent class analysis identified two groups of CHWs who differed in their willingness to accept either job presented and preferences over specific attributes. Preferences diverged based on respondent characteristics including experience, hours’ worked per week and income.Conclusion CHWs in Malang district, Indonesia, favour a small monthly financial benefit which likely reflects the unique cultural values underpinning the programme and a desire for remuneration that is commensurate with the limited number of hours worked. CHWs also desire enhanced methods of performance feedback and greater structure around training and their rights and responsibilities. Fulfilling these conditions may become increasingly important should CHWs work longer hours.Data are available upon reasonable request. The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.