Ethiopia’s Health Extension Program (HEP), launched in 2003 to expand access to primary healthcare, faces challenges with staff inefficiency, including absenteeism and unproductive work. This study explored why health extension workers (HEWs) struggle to use their time effectively. Interviews and focus groups revealed that HEWs often spend time on non-health tasks like … [Read more...] about Insights to optimizing health extension workers’ time use and efficiency in Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Qualitative
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
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
Social Worker and Community Health Worker Collaboration in Addressing Social Needs
This study explored how social workers (SWs) and community health workers (CHWs) help families with social needs during and after a child’s hospital stay. Interviews with staff at three children’s hospitals showed that SWs and CHWs play different but complementary roles. They work to support families while encouraging independence, but face challenges like keeping resource … [Read more...] about Social Worker and Community Health Worker Collaboration in Addressing Social Needs
Incorporating community-engaged research into a statewide community health worker-driven infrastructure for addressing health disparities in public health emergency
This study looked at a new statewide model in Indiana that puts community health workers (CHWs) at the center of efforts to reduce health disparities and strengthen public health. Through focus groups across nine districts, CHWs and community partners proposed solutions like improving health literacy, expanding transportation, increasing access to care, and offering preventive … [Read more...] about Incorporating community-engaged research into a statewide community health worker-driven infrastructure for addressing health disparities in public health emergency