This study in rural Thailand assessed health literacy (HL) among 840 Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) after COVID-19. Most VHVs had adequate (65.5%) or excellent (29.4%) HL. Higher HL was linked to positive attitudes, strong motivation, and over 10 years of experience, while higher household income was associated with lower HL. The findings suggest training and support should … [Read more...] about Exploring health literacy and demographic determinants among village health volunteers in the post-COVID-19 era: a web-based cross-sectional study
Asia
Coexisting traditional and biomedical healthcare systems: a mixed-methods analysis of community health workers and traditional birth attendants’ contributions to perinatal health behaviors in rural India
This study looked at how community health workers (ASHAs) and traditional birth attendants (Dais) influence maternal and newborn care in rural Bihar, India. ASHAs mainly supported mothers during pregnancy and labor, helping increase antenatal visits and institutional deliveries. Dais had more influence after birth, promoting traditional practices like newborn massage. When both … [Read more...] about Coexisting traditional and biomedical healthcare systems: a mixed-methods analysis of community health workers and traditional birth attendants’ contributions to perinatal health behaviors in rural India
The mental health benefit of a community-based home-visiting program for prenatal women: evidence from a randomized controlled trial in China
This study looked at whether home visits by community health workers could improve the mental health of pregnant women in rural China. Overall, the visits did not improve mental health for all women. However, they did help women who had strong support from their families, especially those with supportive husbands. The findings suggest that home visit programs work better when … [Read more...] about The mental health benefit of a community-based home-visiting program for prenatal women: evidence from a randomized controlled trial in China
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Traditional Birth Attendants in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study on Maternal and Newborn Healthcare in Local Community
This study looked at how traditional birth attendants in Bangladesh care for mothers and newborns. It found that they use a mix of helpful and risky practices. Many support good habits like cleanliness and physical activity, but some also rely on traditional methods that may not be safe. Their knowledge and training levels varied. The findings show a need for better training … [Read more...] about Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Traditional Birth Attendants in Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study on Maternal and Newborn Healthcare in Local Community
“Now that they come to our doorsteps to teach us these things…” – Postpartum contraception outcomes from a pre-post effectiveness-implementation study of an integrated community health worker intervention in rural Nepal
This study looked at whether full-time, paid community health workers could improve contraceptive use after childbirth in remote areas of Nepal. After the program started, many more women used contraception both soon after giving birth and later in the postpartum period. Ongoing support from community health workers helped women make decisions despite fears about side effects … [Read more...] about “Now that they come to our doorsteps to teach us these things…” – Postpartum contraception outcomes from a pre-post effectiveness-implementation study of an integrated community health worker intervention in rural Nepal