This study in rural Guatemala tested a tablet-based tool used by community health workers to help identify and manage people with high blood pressure. Six community health workers used the tool for six months and shared their experiences through surveys and group discussions. They found the tool helpful and easy to use, and said it improved how they cared for patients. However, … [Read more...] about Community Health Worker Feedback on an mHealth Intervention for Hypertension in Rural Guatemala: Mixed Methods Formative Study
Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)
Culturally and linguistically appropriate vaccine education (CLAVE) for Indigenous communities: design and implementation study of a community-based approach to digital vaccine education in the Central Highlands of Guatemala
This study tested a multilingual vaccine education campaign shared through social media and community health workers. The campaign reached hundreds of thousands of people and showed strong engagement, especially in local languages. Community health workers found the videos and materials useful and used them often when talking about vaccines. The study suggests that combining … [Read more...] about Culturally and linguistically appropriate vaccine education (CLAVE) for Indigenous communities: design and implementation study of a community-based approach to digital vaccine education in the Central Highlands of Guatemala
An Integrative Review of Community Health Volunteer-Led Training to Improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Practices in Haiti
This review looked at how training community health volunteers can improve water, sanitation, and hygiene practices in underserved communities. Across nine studies, training programs helped volunteers gain knowledge, confidence, and motivation to promote healthy hygiene behaviors and engage their communities. While knowledge improved in most cases, changes in behavior were less … [Read more...] about An Integrative Review of Community Health Volunteer-Led Training to Improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Practices in Haiti
Development of a Cervical Cancer Screening Program in Rural Guatemala
In San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala, many women face barriers to cervical cancer screening. This project trained community health workers (CHWs) to educate women and distribute HPV self-swab kits. Samples were collected at home, tested in a lab, and women with positive results received free follow-up care, including same-day treatment for early cases. From February to November … [Read more...] about Development of a Cervical Cancer Screening Program in Rural Guatemala
Navigating double burden Community health workers in rural Dominican Republic living and working through the epidemiologic transition
In rural Dominican Republic, community health workers (CHWs) are dealing with both infectious diseases and rising non-communicable diseases at the same time. In interviews, CHWs said they see themselves as leaders improving community health, but their work has become harder. Their roles have grown, yet they face low pay, heavy workloads, and added pressure due to gender … [Read more...] about Navigating double burden Community health workers in rural Dominican Republic living and working through the epidemiologic transition
