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
India
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
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 mental health program for community health workers in rural India. Forty women known as ASHAs used a digital version of the WHO’s self-help program to manage stress. After 12 weeks, their stress levels dropped, and most found the app helpful and easy to use, though some faced minor navigation issues. The results show that simple digital … [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
In-person Mental Health Training and Tele Mentoring for Community Health Officers and Mid-level Health Providers in India: A Report from Telangana and Tripura, the Two Diverse States of India
This study tested a training model that combined in-person sessions with tele-mentoring to help Community Health Officers and Mid-Level Health Providers in India deliver better mental health care. Over 460 participants from Telangana and Tripura received training and follow-up video consultations. Their knowledge, attitudes, and practices improved significantly, and most of the … [Read more...] about In-person Mental Health Training and Tele Mentoring for Community Health Officers and Mid-level Health Providers in India: A Report from Telangana and Tripura, the Two Diverse States of India
