This study explored users' experiences with accessing and using healthcare services for managing Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) in Primary Health Care (PHC). Interviews with 38 people from Basic Health Units (BHUs) in Rio de Janeiro revealed challenges in scheduling appointments, getting test results, and obtaining medications. Community Health Workers (CHWs) helped by … [Read more...] about Experiences of access and use of primary health care by users with systemic arterial hypertension
South America
Santiago Santi, Naporuna indigenous community health worker from the Amazonian region of Ecuador
Santiago Santi, a member of the Naporuna ethnic group in Ecuador's Amazon region, has been a volunteer Community Health Worker (CHW) for 30 years. He recently published his memoir, "I Know Where I Come From, I Don't Know Where I'm Going." Santiago co-founded the "Asociación de promotores de salud Naporunas Sandi Yura," now 30 years old and the largest CHW movement in Ecuador, … [Read more...] about Santiago Santi, Naporuna indigenous community health worker from the Amazonian region of Ecuador
Primary Health Care in transitional care of people with stroke
This study explored how Primary Health Care (PHC) teams support stroke patients after hospital discharge. Through interviews, observations, and document analysis, the study highlighted the crucial roles of community health workers, multidisciplinary teams, and nurses in managing care, promoting health, and preventing further issues. Home visits were identified as essential, but … [Read more...] about Primary Health Care in transitional care of people with stroke
Hidden leprosy in a low-endemic area in southern Brazil: changes in endemicity following an active search
This study examined leprosy in a low-endemic area in southern Brazil before and after implementing an active case-finding strategy. The study compared passive detection from 2014-2020 with an active search strategy from January 2021 to August 2023 in Caçador, Santa Catarina, where community health workers used the Leprosy Suspicion Questionnaire (LSQ) screening tool. Of the 48 … [Read more...] about Hidden leprosy in a low-endemic area in southern Brazil: changes in endemicity following an active search
Impacts of Integrating Early Childhood with Health Services: Experimental Evidence from the Cresça Com Seu Filho Home Visiting Program
This study looked at a new government home visiting program that integrated early childhood development tasks into the work of community health workers. The program aimed to use existing public resources to improve home environments for children. While the program slightly improved the quality of home environments, it didn’t significantly affect child development or health. The … [Read more...] about Impacts of Integrating Early Childhood with Health Services: Experimental Evidence from the Cresça Com Seu Filho Home Visiting Program