CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

South Africa

Exploration of Health Care Providers’ Knowledge-Based Care and Support Given to Family Members and Caregivers of People Living with Epilepsy

by

In South Africa, around half a million people live with epilepsy, affecting many families and caregivers. This study examined the knowledge and support healthcare providers offer to these families. Fifteen participants from Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces were interviewed, including community health workers, nurse practitioners, and auxiliary nurses. Data analysis identified … [Read more...] about Exploration of Health Care Providers’ Knowledge-Based Care and Support Given to Family Members and Caregivers of People Living with Epilepsy

Results of the Sukuma Ndoda (“Stand up, Man”) HIV Self-Screening and Assisted Linkage to Care Project in Johannesburg: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post Evaluation

by

In South Africa, HIV testing rates among men are lower than for women and fall short of national targets. This study evaluated a strategy where community health workers (CHWs) distributed HIV self-screening (HIVSS) kits and provided follow-up support to men in Johannesburg who hadn't been tested in the past 12 months. Follow-up was either personal support (PS) or automated SMS. … [Read more...] about Results of the Sukuma Ndoda (“Stand up, Man”) HIV Self-Screening and Assisted Linkage to Care Project in Johannesburg: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post Evaluation

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

by

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

by

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

by

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