This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) in Shanghai encourage older adults to get the flu vaccine. Researchers interviewed 15 CHWs and found that while most were willing to recommend the vaccine, many were cautious. Their approach was shaped by concerns about trust, meeting patients’ needs, avoiding blame, and the impact of COVID-19. The study suggests creating … [Read more...] about Exploring community health workers’ perspectives on recommending influenza vaccination to older adults: a phenomenological study
Asia
Synthesising key findings from Indonesia’s first civil society-led forum on primary health care: PHC forum, Jakarta, 13-14 November 2023
The 2023 PHC Forum in Jakarta brought together 783 participants from around the world to discuss how to strengthen primary health care (PHC) and improve health equity. Key themes included investing in PHC to achieve universal health coverage, empowering communities as active partners, supporting community health workers with fair pay and conditions, increasing funding, using … [Read more...] about Synthesising key findings from Indonesia’s first civil society-led forum on primary health care: PHC forum, Jakarta, 13-14 November 2023
Resilience, ingenuity, and identity: A multi-level analysis of the Filipino community health worker experience in rural and remote municipalities in the Philippines
This study explored the experiences of community health workers (CHWs) in rural and remote areas of the Philippines. Through focus group discussions with 34 CHWs, researchers found that their roles go beyond providing health services, often requiring them to navigate political challenges and limited resources. CHWs relied on their skills, social networks, and organizational … [Read more...] about Resilience, ingenuity, and identity: A multi-level analysis of the Filipino community health worker experience in rural and remote municipalities in the Philippines
Acceptability, feasibility and fidelity of an expanded role for community health workers for malaria elimination in Myanmar: A mixed-method study
This study in Myanmar looked at expanding the role of malaria community health workers (CHWs) to also provide basic primary health care. Surveys, interviews, and focus groups showed that the expanded role was widely accepted by CHWs, health leaders, and 97% of community members. It was seen as helpful because it met local health needs and strengthened CHWs’ roles. The program … [Read more...] about Acceptability, feasibility and fidelity of an expanded role for community health workers for malaria elimination in Myanmar: A mixed-method study
Urban community health workers in Punjab, India: A qualitative study of ASHAs’ roles in the health system
The ASHA program in India is the world’s largest all-female community health worker initiative, but little is known about how ASHAs work in cities. This study explored the roles and challenges of urban ASHAs in Punjab through interviews, focus groups, and observation. Urban ASHAs play a key role in connecting vulnerable communities to healthcare, but they face major challenges … [Read more...] about Urban community health workers in Punjab, India: A qualitative study of ASHAs’ roles in the health system