This study tested a large suicide-prevention program in rural India. The program combined school lessons on mental health, safe storage of pesticides, and CHW training to spot and support people at risk. Across 124 villages, the program did not reduce the overall number of suicide attempts and deaths when combined, but it did lead to fewer deaths by suicide. Students who … [Read more...] about Implementation of an integrated community-based suicide prevention programme, Gujarat, India: cluster randomised controlled trial
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 version of the WHO’s Self-Help Plus program, called SAMBHAV, to help community health workers (ASHAs) in rural India manage stress and burnout. Forty ASHAs used the app over 12 weeks, showing reduced psychological distress and reporting it was practical, easy to use, and empowering. While some app navigation issues were noted, the … [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
Beyond Core Duties: A Framework for Reimagining Community Health Worker Contributions to Health Systems
This study looked at the everyday work of ASHAs in urban India and found that their jobs stretch far beyond their official duties. Alongside core health tasks, they are pulled into government activities like election work and often take on extra paid or unpaid projects with NGOs and private groups. These overlapping roles leave them overworked and limit their ability to focus … [Read more...] about Beyond Core Duties: A Framework for Reimagining Community Health Worker Contributions to Health Systems
Preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of ASHA-led mobile health intervention for diabetes care in Indian primary health care settings
This study tested whether community health workers in India, supported by a simple digital tool, could help people manage diabetes better. ASHAs screened nearly 1,800 people and found 418 with diabetes. Those in the intervention group received nine months of follow-up from ASHAs, who were guided by a decision-support app and supervised by doctors. More people in the … [Read more...] about Preliminary effectiveness and feasibility of ASHA-led mobile health intervention for diabetes care in Indian primary health care settings
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