CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

Mental health

Burnout and mental distress among community health workers in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review of studies during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Community health workers (CHWs) in low- and middle-income countries faced significant mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including depression, anxiety, burnout, and stress. These issues were driven by heavy workloads, financial struggles, and poor workplace conditions. CHWs coped using humor, family support, denial, and sometimes substance use, while also … [Read more...] about Burnout and mental distress among community health workers in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review of studies during the COVID-19 pandemic

Task-sharing to promote caregiver mental health, positive parenting practices, and violence prevention in vulnerable families in Sierra Leone: a pilot feasibility study

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Household violence is common in low- and middle-income countries, harming mental health and child development. This study tested a home-visiting program in rural Sierra Leone to improve parenting and reduce violence. Community Health Workers were trained to deliver the intervention to families with young children. Compared to standard care, the program improved caregiver-child … [Read more...] about Task-sharing to promote caregiver mental health, positive parenting practices, and violence prevention in vulnerable families in Sierra Leone: a pilot feasibility study

Essentials Counselling Skills for Community Health Workers: Supporting Pregnant Adolescents

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This study evaluated the counselling skills of Community Health Workers (CHWs) in supporting pregnant adolescents in Limpopo, South Africa. It found that CHWs were generally skilled in counselling but showed variability in techniques like using private spaces, engaging with clients, and ending sessions smoothly. Many CHWs did not see record-keeping as necessary. The findings … [Read more...] about Essentials Counselling Skills for Community Health Workers: Supporting Pregnant Adolescents

Perceptions around occupational mental well-being of community health workers and an intervention package for its promotion: A mixed-methods study in rural Chiapas, Mexico

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Community health workers (CHWs) in rural Mexico face mental health challenges due to difficult working conditions. In response, an NGO introduced a program in 2021 to support CHW mental well-being. A study involving 52 CHWs found their sense of community impact and peer connections boosted well-being, while work-life balance and uneven access to interventions posed challenges. … [Read more...] about Perceptions around occupational mental well-being of community health workers and an intervention package for its promotion: A mixed-methods study in rural Chiapas, Mexico

Witnessing for Black mental health: Formative steps for designing a community-based mental health education intervention

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After a racially motivated mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, a partnership developed culturally tailored mental health programs for the local Black community. Researchers interviewed community health workers and focus groups of community members to identify barriers like stigma, cost, and poverty, and risks such as lack of social support. Participants showed growing openness … [Read more...] about Witnessing for Black mental health: Formative steps for designing a community-based mental health education intervention