CHW Role

A Lay Health Worker-Led Symptom Intervention and Acute Care Use in Older Adults With Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study tested whether lay health workers could help older adults with cancer by regularly checking their symptoms by phone. Patients who received these assessments had fewer emergency visits and hospitalizations, lower healthcare costs, and were less likely to use acute care near the end of life. The findings suggest that lay health worker–led symptom monitoring can improve … [Read more...] about A Lay Health Worker-Led Symptom Intervention and Acute Care Use in Older Adults With Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study tested a mental health program, Strong Minds, delivered by community health workers to Spanish-speaking Latine immigrants in the U.S. Participants who completed the 10-session program showed improvements in depression and anxiety. People with more severe symptoms were more likely to finish the program. The results suggest CHWs can effectively deliver mental health … [Read more...] about Effectiveness of a Community Health Worker-Delivered Depression Intervention for Uninsured Latine Immigrants

This study evaluated HealthStart, a program where youth volunteers coach older adults after health screenings to improve follow-up and healthy behaviors. Among 192 participants, follow-up with primary care providers doubled from 43% to 85%, and 66% met their health goals. Participants were satisfied with the program, and interviews showed that support, goal-setting, and digital … [Read more...] about Impact of Youth Community Health Volunteers on Community Health Screening Program Outcomes for Older Adults: Mixed Methods Evaluation Study

This study looked at whether community health workers’ knowledge about tuberculosis (TB) affected how they detect patients with respiratory symptoms in primary care in Brazil. Among 129 workers, mostly women aged 40–49, the study found no link between their TB knowledge and their attitudes or practices. This suggests that factors other than knowledge influence how workers carry … [Read more...] about Community health workers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices in the detection of respiratory symptomatic patients

This study looked at whether female community health volunteers in rural Nepal can advise people about high cholesterol. At first, the volunteers were interested but lacked knowledge and confidence. After training, their understanding and confidence improved, but gaps remained. Heavy workload, limited time, and low incentives made it hard for them to take on this role. The … [Read more...] about Understanding community health workers’ readiness to provide hyperlipidemia-related self-management support in rural Nepal: a biphasic mixed-methods evaluation