Severe malnutrition is a big health problem for young children in sub-Saharan Africa. This study in Burkina Faso looked at whether using a simple arm measurement (MUAC) by community health workers to find and refer malnourished children for treatment helped improve their health or reduced deaths. Among over 65,000 children screened, only a small number were referred. The … [Read more...] about Effectiveness of mass screening for severe acute malnutrition using mid-upper arm circumference: a prospective regression discontinuity design
Screening
The importance of role and setting in health system social determinants of health screening results
This study looked at how different healthcare workers screen patients for social needs at Henry Ford Health in Detroit. In 2023, over one million screenings were done, mostly by Medical Assistants (MAs), but they found fewer needs compared to Community Health Workers (CHWs), case managers, and paramedics, who identified more issues even though they did fewer screenings. CHWs … [Read more...] about The importance of role and setting in health system social determinants of health screening results
Impact of Preschool Hearing Screening in Low-Income Communities: Program Outcomes and Caregiver Perspectives
This study looked at a preschool hearing screening program in a low- and middle-income country, led by community health workers. Over 21 months, more than 13,000 children were screened, and 6% were referred for more testing. Nearly half of those referred were found to have hearing loss. Caregivers strongly supported the program, especially when screenings happened in … [Read more...] about Impact of Preschool Hearing Screening in Low-Income Communities: Program Outcomes and Caregiver Perspectives
Community health worker and caregiver experiences and perceptions of a multimodal handheld pulse oximeter used in sick child consultations in rural Burundi: A qualitative evaluation
This study explored the use of pulse oximeters by community health workers (CHWs) in rural Burundi to help diagnose childhood illnesses like pneumonia. CHWs were trained to use the oximeters during home visits for children aged 6-59 months. After eight weeks, CHWs and caregivers reported that the devices were useful and easy to store, but there were challenges in using the … [Read more...] about Community health worker and caregiver experiences and perceptions of a multimodal handheld pulse oximeter used in sick child consultations in rural Burundi: A qualitative evaluation
Adapting a mobile TB screening unit to provide integrated screening services and linkage to primary care
We piloted a mobile health screening program in underserved communities in Lima, Peru, combining checks for TB, hypertension, diabetes, and depression. To reduce TB stigma, the program was rebranded, and community health workers (CHWs) helped link people to care. Between August and December 2023, 1,000 adults were screened, with 254 referred for evaluation. Of these, 197 … [Read more...] about Adapting a mobile TB screening unit to provide integrated screening services and linkage to primary care