This study examines the challenges faced by HIV-positive mothers in the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) programs. Despite increased availability of PMTCT services, many mothers are lost to follow-up (LTFU) or fail to adhere to treatment, leading to new infections. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study found that social factors like family dynamics, fear … [Read more...] about Social patterns of loss to follow-up and non-adherence in the Limpopo Province prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes
South Africa
Exploration of Health Care Providers’ Knowledge-Based Care and Support Given to Family Members and Caregivers of People Living with Epilepsy
In South Africa, around half a million people live with epilepsy, affecting many families and caregivers. This study examined the knowledge and support healthcare providers offer to these families. Fifteen participants from Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces were interviewed, including community health workers, nurse practitioners, and auxiliary nurses. Data analysis identified … [Read more...] about Exploration of Health Care Providers’ Knowledge-Based Care and Support Given to Family Members and Caregivers of People Living with Epilepsy
Results of the Sukuma Ndoda (“Stand up, Man”) HIV Self-Screening and Assisted Linkage to Care Project in Johannesburg: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post Evaluation
In South Africa, HIV testing rates among men are lower than for women and fall short of national targets. This study evaluated a strategy where community health workers (CHWs) distributed HIV self-screening (HIVSS) kits and provided follow-up support to men in Johannesburg who hadn't been tested in the past 12 months. Follow-up was either personal support (PS) or automated SMS. … [Read more...] about Results of the Sukuma Ndoda (“Stand up, Man”) HIV Self-Screening and Assisted Linkage to Care Project in Johannesburg: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post Evaluation
The role of community health workers in non-communicable diseases in Cape Town, South Africa: descriptive exploratory qualitative study
Community health workers (CHWs) are essential in South Africa's primary health care, particularly in Cape Town's community-oriented primary care model. While their roles in HIV, tuberculosis, maternal, and child health are clear, their role in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) needs further exploration. This study examined CHWs' current involvement with NCDs in Cape Town's … [Read more...] about The role of community health workers in non-communicable diseases in Cape Town, South Africa: descriptive exploratory qualitative study
Piloting Siyakhana: A community health worker training to reduce substance use and depression stigma in South African HIV and TB care
South Africa faces high rates of HIV and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection, with poor care engagement worsening outcomes. Community health workers (CHWs) help re-engage patients who have dropped out of care but face challenges due to patients' substance use (SU) and depression, and stigma towards these issues. CHWs often lack training in these areas. This study piloted Siyakhana, … [Read more...] about Piloting Siyakhana: A community health worker training to reduce substance use and depression stigma in South African HIV and TB care