In rural India, where tobacco use among pregnant women is prevalent, a study explored the feasibility of task-shifting tobacco cessation support to female Community Health Workers (CHWs) within maternal and child health (MCH) programs. Through interviews and focus groups, stakeholders expressed willingness to integrate cessation interventions into existing MCH services. CHWs … [Read more...] about Integration of a tobacco cessation program into a rural community-based maternal and child health program in India: A stakeholders’ perspective on task shifting
Asia
Status of Women after joining the profession as lady health workers
In Pakistan's healthcare system, Lady Health Workers (LHWs) are crucial community-based professionals serving women and children. This study explores the opinions and experiences of LHWs regarding their family and community status after starting their careers. Most reported family complaints about neglect due to work obligations, but the community generally respected and valued … [Read more...] about Status of Women after joining the profession as lady health workers
Equity and empowerment effects: Multiple styles of ‘voluntarism’ in community-based health projects.
Community health workers (CHWs), often volunteers or minimally paid, play vital roles in addressing health disparities. This study focuses on "change-agent" CHWs in an Indian nutrition education program.The analysis reveals challenges in volunteer selection, tensions between volunteer expectations, training and empowerment, and varied perspectives on CHWs payments. While … [Read more...] about Equity and empowerment effects: Multiple styles of ‘voluntarism’ in community-based health projects.
Towards stunting eradication in Indonesia: Time to invest in community health workers.
Indonesia, home to a large population of young children, faces a high prevalence of stunting, a serious issue with lasting consequences. The government aims to eliminate stunting by 2030, with community health workers (CHWs) playing a central role. Over 1.5 million Indonesian CHWs conduct crucial monthly monitoring and counseling. This assessment explores CHWs' current … [Read more...] about Towards stunting eradication in Indonesia: Time to invest in community health workers.
“We are everyone’s ASHAs but who’s there for us?” a qualitative exploration of perceptions of work stress and coping among rural frontline workers in Madhya Pradesh, India.
Over a million female village-level health workers known as 'Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs)' in India are experiencing significant stress due to demanding work and low pay, compounded by poverty and gender inequality. Through qualitative research, the study delved into ASHAs' views on work stress and their coping mechanisms. The findings highlighted specific … [Read more...] about “We are everyone’s ASHAs but who’s there for us?” a qualitative exploration of perceptions of work stress and coping among rural frontline workers in Madhya Pradesh, India.