CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

South Africa

The role of community health workers in non-communicable diseases in Cape Town, South Africa: descriptive exploratory qualitative study

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Community health workers (CHWs) are essential in South Africa's primary health care, particularly in Cape Town's community-oriented primary care model. While their roles in HIV, tuberculosis, maternal, and child health are clear, their role in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) needs further exploration. This study examined CHWs' current involvement with NCDs in Cape Town's … [Read more...] about The role of community health workers in non-communicable diseases in Cape Town, South Africa: descriptive exploratory qualitative study

Piloting Siyakhana: A community health worker training to reduce substance use and depression stigma in South African HIV and TB care

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South Africa faces high rates of HIV and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection, with poor care engagement worsening outcomes. Community health workers (CHWs) help re-engage patients who have dropped out of care but face challenges due to patients' substance use (SU) and depression, and stigma towards these issues. CHWs often lack training in these areas. This study piloted Siyakhana, … [Read more...] about Piloting Siyakhana: A community health worker training to reduce substance use and depression stigma in South African HIV and TB care

Perceptions of community health workers on teenage pregnancy in rural Limpopo: A qualitative study

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This study explores Community Health Workers' (CHWs) perspectives on teenage pregnancy in rural areas of Limpopo province. Through focus group discussions with 81 CHWs, three themes emerged: prevalence of teenage pregnancy, contributing factors, and challenges faced by CHWs. Findings suggest that CHWs encounter difficulties in addressing teenage pregnancy due to community … [Read more...] about Perceptions of community health workers on teenage pregnancy in rural Limpopo: A qualitative study

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Community Health Workers in Relation to Environmental Health Hazards in the Nelson Mandela Bay

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This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Community Health Workers (CHWs) regarding environmental health hazards in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). A questionnaire-based survey involving 110 CHWs revealed moderate knowledge levels and generally positive attitudes toward environmental health hazards. However, significant differences were noted in attitudes and … [Read more...] about Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Community Health Workers in Relation to Environmental Health Hazards in the Nelson Mandela Bay

Mobilisation towards formal employment in the healthcare system A qualitative study of community health workers in South Africa

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This study examined the working conditions of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in South Africa and their efforts to improve their situation. CHWs faced challenges like low pay and lack of resources. In semi-urban areas, they formed a task team and joined a union to negotiate for better conditions, leading to a pay increase. Rural CHWs faced obstacles in organizing due to fear of … [Read more...] about Mobilisation towards formal employment in the healthcare system A qualitative study of community health workers in South Africa