This study looked at how pairing male and female village health volunteers in remote Lao communities affects maternal health outreach. In areas where most CHWs are men, women often feel uncomfortable discussing pregnancy and childbirth with them. The paired model allowed female volunteers to support mothers directly, while male volunteers engaged husbands and community leaders. … [Read more...] about Working in pairs: male-female village health volunteers supporting maternal health and community engagement in remote and ethnic communities of Lao PDR-a qualitative study
Asia
More work for ASHAs? Exploring the role of whatsapp messaging and community health work in urban slum areas of Varanasi, India
This study looked at India’s community health workers (CHWs) and their growing responsibilities, including family planning, vaccinations, and maternal nutrition. While digital tools were meant to ease their work, they often added extra administrative tasks. CHWs remain crucial for building trust and improving vaccine uptake, especially in urban slums, but they need better … [Read more...] about More work for ASHAs? Exploring the role of whatsapp messaging and community health work in urban slum areas of Varanasi, India
A Digital Adaptation of the WHO’s Self-Help Plus Psychological Intervention to Alleviate Stress Among Community Health Workers: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the SAMBHAV Program in Rural India
This study tested a smartphone-based mental health program for community health workers in rural India. Forty women known as ASHAs used a digital version of the WHO’s self-help program to manage stress. After 12 weeks, their stress levels dropped, and most found the app helpful and easy to use, though some faced minor navigation issues. The results show that simple digital … [Read more...] about A Digital Adaptation of the WHO’s Self-Help Plus Psychological Intervention to Alleviate Stress Among Community Health Workers: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the SAMBHAV Program in Rural India
In-person Mental Health Training and Tele Mentoring for Community Health Officers and Mid-level Health Providers in India: A Report from Telangana and Tripura, the Two Diverse States of India
This study tested a training model that combined in-person sessions with tele-mentoring to help Community Health Officers and Mid-Level Health Providers in India deliver better mental health care. Over 460 participants from Telangana and Tripura received training and follow-up video consultations. Their knowledge, attitudes, and practices improved significantly, and most of the … [Read more...] about In-person Mental Health Training and Tele Mentoring for Community Health Officers and Mid-level Health Providers in India: A Report from Telangana and Tripura, the Two Diverse States of India
Effectiveness of Community-Based Culturally Tailored Cervical Cancer Awareness Interventions among Women and Decision-Making Men in Low-Resource Settings: A Pre-Post Design Evaluation
This study tested a culturally tailored program to raise awareness about cervical cancer among women and male household decision-makers in rural Uganda and Bangladesh. The program used mass media and community health worker outreach. After the intervention, both women and men showed a major increase in knowledge about cervical cancer risks and symptoms. Involving men and … [Read more...] about Effectiveness of Community-Based Culturally Tailored Cervical Cancer Awareness Interventions among Women and Decision-Making Men in Low-Resource Settings: A Pre-Post Design Evaluation