This paper explores the motivation to become a community health assistant (CHA) in Zambia, the experiences of working in a rural district, and how these experiences affected CHAs’ motivation to work. To examine CHAs’ experiences, data was collected through in-depth interviews with 12 CHAs and observations were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Personal … [Read more...] about Hope and despair: community health assistants’ experiences of working in a rural district in Zambia.
CHWs and Mental Health
Preventing occupational stress in healthcare workers
Healthcare workers can be susceptible to work related stress. This may be a result of the high expectations they face in their work place, the absence of social support among colleagues, time restraints, and a lack of resources and training. Occupational stress for healthcare workers has the potential to lead to physical illness, “burnout”, or distress and may become an … [Read more...] about Preventing occupational stress in healthcare workers
A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Trauma-Informed Support, Skills, and Psychoeducation Intervention for Survivors of Torture and Related Trauma in Kurdistan, Northern Iraq
An evaluation of trauma-informed support, skills, and psychoeducation interventions provided by CHWs on depressive symptoms, dysfunction, post-traumatic stress, traumatic grief and anxiety symptoms was conducted in the northern Dohuk region of Kurdistan Iraq. Recruited community health workers included pharmacists, nurses, and physician assistants without any prior formal … [Read more...] about A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Trauma-Informed Support, Skills, and Psychoeducation Intervention for Survivors of Torture and Related Trauma in Kurdistan, Northern Iraq
Community Health Workers: a Resource to Support Antipsychotic Medication Adherence
Community health workers are becoming increasingly integrated into medical settings for the prevention, treatment, and control of chronic disease, particularly for underserved populations. One specific population that may benefit from CHW intervention is individuals with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This commentary examines the ways in … [Read more...] about Community Health Workers: a Resource to Support Antipsychotic Medication Adherence
CHWs and Mental Health: Equipping community health workers with essential skills for addressing mental health and violence in the home
This full version of a previous feature goes into detail about CHWs and mental health. CHWs encounter psychosocial issues on a daily basis, but their training does not cover this area. This paper discusses the role CHWs can potentially fill in regards to mental health care, the evidence showing the effectiveness of such care, and World Vision’s approach to training CHWs in … [Read more...] about CHWs and Mental Health: Equipping community health workers with essential skills for addressing mental health and violence in the home