Postpartum depression (PPD) affects mothers' health, bonding with their babies, and child development. This review examined studies on PPD in South Asia and found 20 studies from only four countries: Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Many used community health workers to deliver culturally adapted mental health support. Some studies showed improved maternal mental health … [Read more...] about Interventions to address postpartum depression in South Asian countries: a scoping review
Mental health
A Digital Tool (Technology-Assisted Problem Management Plus) for Lay Health Workers to Address Common Mental Health Disorders: Co-production and Usability Study in Pakistan
A digital mental health tool, Technology-Assisted Problem Management Plus (TA-PM+), was developed to help lady health workers (LHWs) in Pakistan support women with common mental health disorders. The process involved reviewing evidence, consulting stakeholders, and testing usability in both lab and community settings. Challenges included low digital skills, high workloads, and … [Read more...] about A Digital Tool (Technology-Assisted Problem Management Plus) for Lay Health Workers to Address Common Mental Health Disorders: Co-production and Usability Study in Pakistan
A qualitative study assessing acceptability and appropriateness of a technology-assisted mental health intervention by community frontline workers: mPareshan implementation research in rural Pakistan
In rural Pakistan, where mental health specialists are scarce, a mobile app-based mental health program called mPareshan was tested with Lady Health Workers (LHWs). The study found that using LHWs to deliver mental health support is feasible, acceptable, and appropriate. Communities trusted LHWs for this role, and their familiarity with smartphones made the program easier to … [Read more...] about A qualitative study assessing acceptability and appropriateness of a technology-assisted mental health intervention by community frontline workers: mPareshan implementation research in rural Pakistan
Approaches for psychosocial support towards orphans and vulnerable children by community-based workers in the Vhembe district, South Africa
This study explored how community-based workers support orphans and vulnerable children in South Africa's Vhembe district. Focus group discussions revealed that these workers provide various psychosocial interventions, including physical and educational support, psycho-education, social activities, caregiver involvement, and referrals to professionals. However, community-based … [Read more...] about Approaches for psychosocial support towards orphans and vulnerable children by community-based workers in the Vhembe district, South Africa
Development and Validation of Mental Health Literacy Assessment Scale among Community Health Workers and Volunteers in Nepal
This study developed and validated a tool called the Mental Health Literacy Assessment Scale (MHLAS) to measure the mental health knowledge of community health workers (CHWs) and volunteers in Nepal. The tool was created by reviewing existing literature, consulting experts, and gathering feedback from CHWs. It identified four key areas of mental health literacy: positive … [Read more...] about Development and Validation of Mental Health Literacy Assessment Scale among Community Health Workers and Volunteers in Nepal