CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

South Africa

Bringing Child Health Closer to Families: Lessons From a Family MUAC Intervention in Urban and Rural South Africa

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This study looked at a program in South Africa where community health workers taught mothers how to check their children for malnutrition using a simple arm measurement (MUAC). The program was more active in rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) than in urban Gauteng. Most trained mothers in KZN were able to measure correctly, while fewer did so in Gauteng. Only a small number of mothers … [Read more...] about Bringing Child Health Closer to Families: Lessons From a Family MUAC Intervention in Urban and Rural South Africa

Relationship of perinatal outcomes to the competence and quantity of contact with community health workers

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This study examined how community health worker (CHW) behaviors impact maternal and child health outcomes in a rural home visit program. CHWs were assigned to either a standard care group or an intervention group with improved monitoring and supervision. Results showed that consistent home visits took 9–12 months to establish, with fewer visits due to COVID-19. More visits were … [Read more...] about Relationship of perinatal outcomes to the competence and quantity of contact with community health workers

Community-based follow-up of very low birth weight neonates discharged from a regional hospital in Cape Town: a descriptive study

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Neonatal deaths remain a major concern in South Africa, with nearly half linked to prematurity. The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program supports very low birth weight (VLBW) babies through community health worker visits. This study examined VLBW infants discharged from a regional hospital, their follow-up care, health outcomes, and caregiver experiences. Among 169 … [Read more...] about Community-based follow-up of very low birth weight neonates discharged from a regional hospital in Cape Town: a descriptive study

Brief Report: Preferences and Acceptability in Methods of Tenofovir Diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots Collection and Feedback in a Cohort of PLWH in Cape Town South Africa

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Monitoring HIV treatment adherence using dried blood spots (DBS) is highly acceptable among people living with HIV in South Africa. In a study of 224 participants, 99% supported DBS testing, and 96% found it helpful. Most preferred clinic staff to collect samples (79.5%), while fewer were comfortable with community health workers (26.1%) or pharmacists (37.0%). Over half (52%) … [Read more...] about Brief Report: Preferences and Acceptability in Methods of Tenofovir Diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots Collection and Feedback in a Cohort of PLWH in Cape Town South Africa

Assessing the physical activity training needs and preferences of community health workers in South Africa

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This study explored the interest of South African community health promoters (CHPs) in promoting physical activity (PA). Most CHPs saw PA as important for health and part of their job, though few knew the correct PA guidelines. Nearly all wanted more training to improve their skills and apply it in their work. Focus groups highlighted the need for ongoing training, structured … [Read more...] about Assessing the physical activity training needs and preferences of community health workers in South Africa