This study in Malawi looked at what helps community health volunteers stay in their roles and what causes them to leave. Among nearly 2,900 volunteers, only about 10% had left the program over four years. Volunteers were more likely to stay when they received financial or other incentives, had opportunities to learn from other volunteers, worked in smaller areas, and could take … [Read more...] about Retention and attrition of community health volunteers in rural Malawi; a mixed-methods study
Malawi
Improving palliative care access in rural Malawi: insights from a mixed-methods exploration of structural and social determinants
This study looked at access to palliative care in rural Malawi, where many people live far from health facilities and have limited services. Most patients in the program were older adults, and many traveled long distances for care. Interviews showed that access depends on strong local leadership, reliable supplies, and support for community health workers who help deliver care … [Read more...] about Improving palliative care access in rural Malawi: insights from a mixed-methods exploration of structural and social determinants
Effect of healthcare worker vs. non-health worker delivered health education on modern contraceptive uptake among women in Malawi: a quasi-experimental study
This study looked at whether women in two districts in Malawi were more likely to use modern contraceptives when the information came from health workers or from community figures like religious leaders, traditional leaders, peers, or the media. Among the 414 women surveyed, contraceptive use was almost the same in both groups. The small difference found wasn’t meaningful. The … [Read more...] about Effect of healthcare worker vs. non-health worker delivered health education on modern contraceptive uptake among women in Malawi: a quasi-experimental study
Mental Health Knowledge, Perceived Risk, and Perceived Stigma Among Community Health Workers in Haiti, Malawi, and Rwanda: a cross-sectional study
This study surveyed CHWs in Haiti, Malawi, and Rwanda to understand how they view mental health, what they know, and how much stigma they see around them. Many CHWs saw their risk of mental illness as similar to their risk of physical illness, and women often felt more at risk than men. Knowledge scores were moderate, with common gaps such as not recognizing addiction as a … [Read more...] about Mental Health Knowledge, Perceived Risk, and Perceived Stigma Among Community Health Workers in Haiti, Malawi, and Rwanda: a cross-sectional study
Improving Contraception Outreach through Human-Centered Design: A Pilot Study of the Ndingathe (“I Can”) Intervention in Rural Malawi
This study in rural Malawi tested a program called Ndingathe (“I Can”) to help community health workers, known as Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), improve access to contraception; especially self-injectable options. The program gave HSAs tools like bicycles, lunch allowances, and better planning materials, which helped them hold more and longer outreach clinics. Both HSAs … [Read more...] about Improving Contraception Outreach through Human-Centered Design: A Pilot Study of the Ndingathe (“I Can”) Intervention in Rural Malawi