Qualitative

Psychometric properties of MERIT: A concise tool for community health workers to screen priority mental disorders

This study developed and tested a simple screening tool called MERIT to help community health workers in India identify common mental health problems. The tool covers issues like substance use, anxiety, depression, severe mental illness, and suicide risk, and can be used quickly by asking one person in a household. Results showed that the tool is reliable and accurate in most … [Read more...] about Psychometric properties of MERIT: A concise tool for community health workers to screen priority mental disorders

This study looked at how a community health worker–led mental health program helps people with depression and anxiety. The program included training in mindfulness and encouraged people to take an active role in managing their mental health. Among over 1,000 participants, the results showed that improvements were mainly linked to increased mindfulness and confidence in managing … [Read more...] about Examining theoretical mediators in a culturally adapted, community health worker-led intervention for depression and anxiety.

This study explored how community health workers help build trust between patients and healthcare providers. Through group discussions with workers from rural health centers in California, the study found that trust is affected by power differences between providers and patients, the quality of communication, and respect for patients’ culture and language. Community health … [Read more...] about Community Health Worker Perspectives on Building Patient-Provider Trust in Rural Communities of the San Joaquin Valley, California: A Qualitative Study

This study examined how community health promoters in Kenya are involved in helping people manage high blood pressure. Although national policies now allow them to support services for chronic diseases, their involvement in hypertension care is still limited and inconsistent in practice. Community health promoters can play an important role because they already work closely … [Read more...] about Understanding what factors influence community health worker involvement in hypertension service delivery in Kenya: applying a community health system lens

This study explored whether community health workers could take on a larger role in supporting mental health care within community organizations. Interviews with workers from five U.S. states showed that many were open to the idea and felt capable of doing tasks such as assessing mental health, supporting patients, and working with mental health specialists, especially if they … [Read more...] about From clinics to communities: community health workers’ perspectives on taking on the behavioral health care manager role for community-based geriatric depression treatment