In rural Pakistan, where mental health specialists are scarce, a mobile app-based mental health program called mPareshan was tested with Lady Health Workers (LHWs). The study found that using LHWs to deliver mental health support is feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. Communities trusted LHWs for this role, and their familiarity with smartphones made the program easier to … [Read more...] about A qualitative study assessing acceptability and appropriateness of a technology-assisted mental health intervention by community frontline workers: mPareshan implementation research in rural Pakistan
mHealth and Technology
A Novel Cascaded Approach for Classification of Tuberculosis Using Cough Audio in Real-Time Environment
This study explores using artificial intelligence to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) by analyzing cough sounds. The researchers developed a system that first distinguishes between coughs and background noise, then classifies the cough as either TB-related or not. They collected cough recordings from patients at a hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, and tested the system using various … [Read more...] about A Novel Cascaded Approach for Classification of Tuberculosis Using Cough Audio in Real-Time Environment
Factors Associated With Digital Capacity for Health Promotion Among Primary Care Workers: Cross-Sectional Survey Study
This study examined the digital skills of 1199 community health workers in Shanghai for promoting health using digital media. On average, their digital capacity scored 16.71 out of 25. Factors like higher education, trust in digital media, positive attitudes, and prior experience improved skills, while senior job titles were linked to lower capacity. Nearly half spent over 19.6 … [Read more...] about Factors Associated With Digital Capacity for Health Promotion Among Primary Care Workers: Cross-Sectional Survey Study
Adapting and deploying a digital program for training non-specialist providers on a brief psychological intervention for depression in rural Gujarat, India
A pilot study in Gujarat, India, tested a digital training program for community health workers and frontline providers to deliver a brief depression care intervention. Of the 43 participants, 91% completed the training, showing improved knowledge scores after the course. Despite technical challenges, participants found the digital format useful. The study suggests digital … [Read more...] about Adapting and deploying a digital program for training non-specialist providers on a brief psychological intervention for depression in rural Gujarat, India
A digital health intervention model using community health workers: findings from primary health services in rural Bangladesh
This study evaluated a digital health intervention in rural Bangladesh, where community health workers provided monthly doorstep health services to over 32,000 people. The program identified key health issues, such as high rates of overweight individuals, prehypertension, diabetes, and child malnutrition. Older adults were at higher risk of hypertension, diabetes, and … [Read more...] about A digital health intervention model using community health workers: findings from primary health services in rural Bangladesh