This study tested whether trained community health workers, supported by a tablet-based decision tool, could help manage type 2 diabetes in rural Lesotho. Compared with the usual clinic-based care, patients supported by community health workers were more likely to stay engaged in their treatment and showed slightly better control of their blood sugar levels, without increasing … [Read more...] about Community health worker-led versus facility-based type 2 diabetes care in rural Lesotho: a cluster-randomized trial within the ComBaCaL cohort study
Lesotho
Lay community health worker-led care with mobile decision support for uncontrolled hypertension: a cluster-randomized trial
This study in rural Lesotho tested whether community health workers could safely manage high blood pressure using a mobile tool that guides treatment decisions. In 103 villages, people with hypertension either received care from trained community health workers or were referred to health facilities for usual care. After one year, more patients in the community health worker … [Read more...] about Lay community health worker-led care with mobile decision support for uncontrolled hypertension: a cluster-randomized trial
Benefits and limitations of rigorous cost analyses in community health
Hypertension and diabetes are major challenges in low-income areas, where many people lack diagnosis or care. In Lesotho, a program showed that community health workers (CHWs) using a tablet-based tool can effectively screen for these conditions. Scaling up is challenging, as many CHWs lack pay, training, and support, and adding tasks can strain them. Careful integration, CHW … [Read more...] about Benefits and limitations of rigorous cost analyses in community health
Costs and coverage of community health worker-led hypertension and diabetes screening in rural Lesotho (ComBaCaL): cost–consequence analysis of a cohort study
In rural Lesotho, community health workers (CHWs) used a tablet-based clinical decision support app to screen adults for hypertension and diabetes, reaching high coverage at moderate costs. Over 6 months, CHWs screened 88% of eligible adults for hypertension and 95% for diabetes. The cost per person screened was $41 in the project model and $17 in a routine implementation … [Read more...] about Costs and coverage of community health worker-led hypertension and diabetes screening in rural Lesotho (ComBaCaL): cost–consequence analysis of a cohort study
Feasibility and Acceptability of Diabetes and Hypertension Screening and Diagnosis by Community Health Workers in Rural Lesotho: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study
This pilot study in rural Lesotho tested whether community health workers (CHWs) could screen people at home for high blood pressure and diabetes. Ten CHWs visited 687 households and screened over 1,800 people between 2022 and 2023. About one in four had high blood pressure, and one in twenty had diabetes. Almost everyone welcomed the service and appreciated being tested in … [Read more...] about Feasibility and Acceptability of Diabetes and Hypertension Screening and Diagnosis by Community Health Workers in Rural Lesotho: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study