CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

North America (U.S. and Canada)

Randomized Controlled Trial Demonstrates Efficacy of a Culturally Adapted Behavioral Intervention Delivered in Spanish by Community Health Workers to Reduce Unhealthy Alcohol Use Among Latino/as

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This study tested whether a culturally tailored program could help Latino adults reduce unhealthy drinking. Spanish-speaking community health workers delivered three counseling sessions combining motivational support and case management. Compared to a standard information booklet, participants in the program drank less and had fewer heavy drinking days after 12 and 26 weeks. … [Read more...] about Randomized Controlled Trial Demonstrates Efficacy of a Culturally Adapted Behavioral Intervention Delivered in Spanish by Community Health Workers to Reduce Unhealthy Alcohol Use Among Latino/as

Community Health Worker–Led Interventions Targeting Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

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This review looked at studies where community health workers (CHWs) helped prevent dementia in older adults. Out of over 4,000 articles, 35 met the criteria. Most focused on managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, which can increase dementia risk. Only one study addressed cognitive stimulation directly. The review found that CHWs can help prevent … [Read more...] about Community Health Worker–Led Interventions Targeting Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

A Scoping Review of RCT Studies on Community Health Worker Effectiveness

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This review looked at U.S. studies from 2000 to 2023 that tested community health worker (CHW) programs through randomized control trials. It found 39 studies, mostly based in healthcare systems and community health centers. Few studies focused on CHWs working in public health agencies or insurance settings. Overall, most trials showed that CHWs improved health outcomes. The … [Read more...] about A Scoping Review of RCT Studies on Community Health Worker Effectiveness

A qualitative exploration of multi-level factors that support effective community health worker-social worker collaboration

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This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) and social workers (SWs) work together in healthcare and community settings in the U.S. Focus groups with 37 workers revealed that successful collaboration depends on clear roles, good communication, mutual respect, supportive supervision, and shared workflows. Organizational support, leadership backing, training, and … [Read more...] about A qualitative exploration of multi-level factors that support effective community health worker-social worker collaboration

Community health worker roles in intervention delivery: a scoping review of heart disease and stroke prevention trials in the United States

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This review looked at 24 studies in the US to understand how community health workers (CHWs) help prevent heart disease and stroke. It found that CHWs play a key role in helping people adopt healthier habits, especially in underserved communities. They educate, coach, and support patients to stay active and take their medication. However, their training and involvement in … [Read more...] about Community health worker roles in intervention delivery: a scoping review of heart disease and stroke prevention trials in the United States