CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

South Africa

Implementation of mHealth applications in community-based health care: Insights from Ward-Based Outreach Teams in South Africa

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In this qualitative study, researchers collected data from 28 CHWs in North West Province in South Africa. Authors aimed to explore how an mHealth application, Mobenzi, impacted community health work before its termination. Focus group discussions were conducted with 24 CHWs and four outreach team leaders. From the discussions, three main themes emerged. Firstly, participants … [Read more...] about Implementation of mHealth applications in community-based health care: Insights from Ward-Based Outreach Teams in South Africa

Cultural adaptation of psychological interventions for people with mental disorders delivered by lay health workers in Africa: scoping review and expert consultation

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This literature review sought to explore the cultural appropriateness and sustainability of psychological services provided by Lay Health Workers in Africa. Authors reviewed ten peer-reviewed articles from Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Africa, and Zambia. Of the interventions, five described group-based therapy, three described problem solving therapy, and two others explored … [Read more...] about Cultural adaptation of psychological interventions for people with mental disorders delivered by lay health workers in Africa: scoping review and expert consultation

Acceptability of Home-Based HIV Care Offered by Community Health Workers in Tshwane District, South Africa: A Survey

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This study aimed to assess the acceptability of a CHW-led HIV service in the Tshwane district, South Africa. Researchers surveyed 10 clinics between November 2020 and May 2021. Overall, 674 participants were surveyed. Participants were interviewed about their willingness to disclose their HIV status, their openness to CHW home visits, and other themes. After analysis, authors … [Read more...] about Acceptability of Home-Based HIV Care Offered by Community Health Workers in Tshwane District, South Africa: A Survey

Application of primary healthcare principles in national community health worker programmes in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review

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This systematic review sought to investigate how primary health care (PHC) principles in CHW programs impact health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. Four PHC principles were included in the review: universal health care, community participation, intersectoral coordination, and appropriateness of services. Authors screened 281 papers, and included 26 for review. … [Read more...] about Application of primary healthcare principles in national community health worker programmes in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review

Challenges experienced by community health workers and their motivation to attend a self-management programme

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This study sought to investigate the challenges, both professional and personal, that CHWs face while carrying out their daily activities. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 15 CHWs from the Western Cape, South Africa. Through these interviews, five themes emerged regarding professional challenges faced by CHWs: social conditions, patients’ mental health, work … [Read more...] about Challenges experienced by community health workers and their motivation to attend a self-management programme