Mental health

“They need people to actually show up in their lives:” deploying community health workers to improve mental health and substance use outcomes among PLWH

This study explored factors driving mental health issues, substance use, and HIV care challenges among people living with HIV (PLWH). It also examined the role of community health workers (CHWs) in improving access to harm reduction, mental health services, and HIV treatment. Interviews revealed that poor mental health, substance use, and housing insecurity hinder HIV care. … [Read more...] about “They need people to actually show up in their lives:” deploying community health workers to improve mental health and substance use outcomes among PLWH

This study examines cardiovascular health and stress among community health workers in Fika, Yobe State, Nigeria. Although most participants (99.2%) had no diagnosed heart conditions, many reported symptoms related to blood sugar and heart health. Family, health, and life-related stress were linked to higher cardiovascular risk. Specifically, family stress, health stress, and … [Read more...] about Psychosocial Stressors and Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Community Health Workers in Fika, Yobe State, Nigeria

The World Health Organization and South Africa’s Mental Health Care Act promote providing mental health services in communities by involving community health workers (CHWs). This study reviewed literature to find out what helps or hinders this approach. Out of 15 articles reviewed, 9 met the criteria. It found that challenges include insufficient training, stigma, family … [Read more...] about Enablers and barriers for task sharing of mental health care from nurses to community health workers: A scoping review

This study tested a heart rate variability-biofeedback (HRV-BF) intervention against a health promotion (HP) program to improve mental health in homeless adults in Los Angeles. Forty participants were divided into two groups, receiving eight weekly sessions over two months, delivered by a nurse-led team of community health workers (CHWs). Both interventions improved heart rate … [Read more...] about Pilot randomized controlled trial of biofeedback on reducing psychological and physiological stress among persons experiencing homelessness

This study assessed the impact and acceptability of a community-based psychodrama intervention for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in Beira, Mozambique, both with and without HIV. Over July and August 2023, trained community health workers conducted weekly sessions for AYAs aged 15–24. Of the 354 participants, 315 attended the sessions with a 94.4% participation rate. The … [Read more...] about Assessing the impact of a community-based psychodrama intervention on mental health promotion of adolescents and young adults in Mozambique: A mixed-methods study