This study in rural China examined whether a combination of online and in-person training could improve village health workers’ ability to advise families on feeding young children. After the training, the quality of counselling improved greatly, with health workers reporting better knowledge, skills, and confidence. Families in the trained areas were also more likely to … [Read more...] about Effectiveness of a combined online and in-person training model in improving village health workers’ counselling quality and infant and young child feeding practices: a mixed-methods study in rural China
China
Where state, market, and community meet: Village doctors and the governance of rural health in China
This study in rural China looked at the role of village doctors in how health services are managed and delivered. Using field observations and interviews, the researchers found that these doctors do more than provide care; they also act as links between government health policies and local communities. They balance three roles: implementing government rules, caring for … [Read more...] about Where state, market, and community meet: Village doctors and the governance of rural health in China
The long-term effects of early life exposure to primary healthcare expansion: Evidence from the Barefoot Doctor Program
This study looked at the long-term impact of China’s Barefoot Doctors Program and found that children who grew up with access to these community health workers had better health and education later in life, especially women. The improvements were linked to better knowledge about nutrition and healthier diets. The findings show that simple, community-based health programs can … [Read more...] about The long-term effects of early life exposure to primary healthcare expansion: Evidence from the Barefoot Doctor Program
Empowering community volunteers improves the well-being of family caregivers of musculoskeletal disorder patients: a randomized controlled trial
This study in China tested whether trained community volunteers could support family members caring for people with musculoskeletal conditions. Caregivers who received regular home visits from trained volunteers reported less stress, fewer depressive symptoms, and better quality of life after six months compared to those receiving usual community services. The volunteers were … [Read more...] about Empowering community volunteers improves the well-being of family caregivers of musculoskeletal disorder patients: a randomized controlled trial
The mental health benefit of a community-based home-visiting program for prenatal women: evidence from a randomized controlled trial in China
This study looked at whether home visits by community health workers could improve the mental health of pregnant women in rural China. Overall, the visits did not improve mental health for all women. However, they did help women who had strong support from their families, especially those with supportive husbands. The findings suggest that home visit programs work better when … [Read more...] about The mental health benefit of a community-based home-visiting program for prenatal women: evidence from a randomized controlled trial in China