Which of the following is not a benefit of community engagement in health?

Community engagement in health is centered around involving individuals and groups in the development and implementation of health initiatives. The primary benefits of this engagement include fostering a sense of ownership among community members regarding health initiatives, which empowers them to take an active role in their health outcomes. This increased ownership typically leads to more sustained involvement and support for health initiatives.

Improved collaboration among various stakeholders is another critical benefit of community engagement. Working together, local organizations, health professionals, and community members can share resources, information, and insights, which enhances the overall effectiveness of health programs. When the community is involved, programs can be tailored more effectively to meet the specific needs of the population.

Enhanced effectiveness of health programs is also a significant advantage of community engagement. When programs actively involve community members, they are often more relevant and acceptable to them, leading to better participation and outcomes. Engaging the community allows for input that can significantly improve the design and delivery of health interventions.

In contrast, decreased participation from community members would undermine these benefits and highlight a breakdown in engagement strategies. An effective community engagement approach aims to increase, rather than decrease, community involvement, highlighting the negative impact of disengagement in health initiatives.