This brief looks at how community health workers (CHWs) support adolescent health in sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing on over 60 studies, it shows that CHWs; both peers and adults; can effectively improve mental health, HIV care, and sexual and reproductive health. It highlights what works best for reaching adolescents, building trust, protecting confidentiality, and addressing … [Read more...] about Harnessing Community Health Workers to Improve Adolescent Health and Well-being in Africa
Adolescents
Community health workers and adolescent health and well-being across sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
This systematic review consolidated evidence from 50 quantitative studies published over the last decade regarding the effectiveness of Community Health Worker (CHW)-led interventions on adolescent health and well-being across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The review found that CHW programs show strong potential for improving adolescent mental health, yielding moderate-certainty … [Read more...] about Community health workers and adolescent health and well-being across sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
Empowering community health workers in Malawi to deliver gender responsive life skills training for adolescent mothers to overcome social exclusion
This study explored how community health workers (CHWs) in Malawi were trained to better support adolescent mothers. After attending workshops, the CHWs became more open and supportive, moving away from judgmental attitudes. The training helped them deliver life skills sessions in a more gender-responsive way, showing that such programs can improve support for young mothers. … [Read more...] about Empowering community health workers in Malawi to deliver gender responsive life skills training for adolescent mothers to overcome social exclusion
Implementing an Adolescent Community Health Worker Model to Support Adolescents Transitioning to Adult Medicine
Young adults often struggle to move from adolescent to adult healthcare. This project introduced Adolescent Community Health Workers (Adol CHWs) to help with this transition at a hospital in New York. Trained Adol CHWs assisted adolescents (ages 18-22) by coordinating care and ensuring they attended their first adult medicine appointment. Over a year, 80 adolescents were … [Read more...] about Implementing an Adolescent Community Health Worker Model to Support Adolescents Transitioning to Adult Medicine
Patient navigator programmes for children and adolescents with chronic diseases
Despite the rise in chronic diseases among children and teens, there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of patient navigator programs designed to help them manage these conditions. This review of 17 studies found that patient navigators, who guide patients and their families through healthcare systems, may not significantly improve quality of life or reduce hospital … [Read more...] about Patient navigator programmes for children and adolescents with chronic diseases