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
CHW Role
Optimizing community health workers and nonbiomedical approaches to assess the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in a school-aged population in rural Rwanda
This study explored whether community health workers in rural Rwanda could use a simple checklist to spot children who might have worm infections. CHWs screened 746 students and referred many for treatment or gave deworming medicine at school. Children who had regular CHW follow-up and those who didn’t walk barefoot were less likely to show symptoms. The results suggest that … [Read more...] about Optimizing community health workers and nonbiomedical approaches to assess the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in a school-aged population in rural Rwanda
Involvement of community health workers in antimicrobial stewardship interventions and programmes: a scoping review
This review looked at how community health workers help promote responsible antibiotic use in several countries across Africa and Asia. The studies showed that CHWs support infection prevention, help identify common illnesses, give health education, and in some cases prescribe antibiotics correctly when allowed. Their work led to better awareness of antibiotic resistance and … [Read more...] about Involvement of community health workers in antimicrobial stewardship interventions and programmes: a scoping review
How Effective are Community Health Workers in Managing and Preventing Perinatal Depression in Sub-Saharan Africa? A Systematic Review of Quantitative Evidence
This review looked at whether community health workers can help prevent and manage depression during and after pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa. Sixteen studies showed that CHW-led support programs consistently lowered the risk of depressed mood in the first year after birth, with benefits starting early and lasting up to 12 months. For women already showing moderate symptoms, … [Read more...] about How Effective are Community Health Workers in Managing and Preventing Perinatal Depression in Sub-Saharan Africa? A Systematic Review of Quantitative Evidence
Safe Patient Handling Musculoskeletal Injury-Prevention Smartphone App for Community Health Care Workers: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study
This study developed and tested the SPH MSIP smartphone app to help community health care workers handle patients safely and prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Through co-design with workers, the app provides step-by-step guidance for high-risk tasks. In a one-month trial with 28 participants, the app was easy to use, useful, and well-received. Results suggest it can support … [Read more...] about Safe Patient Handling Musculoskeletal Injury-Prevention Smartphone App for Community Health Care Workers: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study