CHW Central

A global resource for and about Community Health Workers

Mental health

Implementation of an integrated community-based suicide prevention programme, Gujarat, India: cluster randomised controlled trial

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This study tested a large suicide-prevention program in rural India. The program combined school lessons on mental health, safe storage of pesticides, and CHW training to spot and support people at risk. Across 124 villages, the program did not reduce the overall number of suicide attempts and deaths when combined, but it did lead to fewer deaths by suicide. Students who … [Read more...] about Implementation of an integrated community-based suicide prevention programme, Gujarat, India: cluster randomised controlled trial

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

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This study tested a smartphone-based version of the WHO’s Self-Help Plus program, called SAMBHAV, to help community health workers (ASHAs) in rural India manage stress and burnout. Forty ASHAs used the app over 12 weeks, showing reduced psychological distress and reporting it was practical, easy to use, and empowering. While some app navigation issues were noted, the … [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

Mental Health Knowledge, Perceived Risk, and Perceived Stigma Among Community Health Workers in Haiti, Malawi, and Rwanda: a cross-sectional study

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This study surveyed CHWs in Haiti, Malawi, and Rwanda to understand how they view mental health, what they know, and how much stigma they see around them. Many CHWs saw their risk of mental illness as similar to their risk of physical illness, and women often felt more at risk than men. Knowledge scores were moderate, with common gaps such as not recognizing addiction as a … [Read more...] about Mental Health Knowledge, Perceived Risk, and Perceived Stigma Among Community Health Workers in Haiti, Malawi, and Rwanda: a cross-sectional study

Bridging The Mental Health Gap: The Contribution Of Community Health Workers In Low-Resource Settings

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This review explores how community health workers can help close mental health treatment gaps in underserved areas. The evidence shows that with good training and support, they can deliver effective care, improve access, and lower costs. To make these programs work at scale, health systems need to invest in strong training, supervision, funding, and clear links to existing … [Read more...] about Bridging The Mental Health Gap: The Contribution Of Community Health Workers In Low-Resource Settings

Barriers and Facilitators for Implementing a Dementia Family Caregiver Support Strategy Among Latinos in Primary Care

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This study explored how community health workers (CHWs) can support Latino family caregivers of people with dementia through a program called ¡Unidos Podemos!, which uses a comic-style booklet, group discussions, and follow-up calls. Interviews with CHWs, providers, and clinic staff showed strong enthusiasm for the program and its simple format. Challenges included logistics, … [Read more...] about Barriers and Facilitators for Implementing a Dementia Family Caregiver Support Strategy Among Latinos in Primary Care