“A guardian angel that just appeared”: the impact of a community health worker in supporting treatment adherence and follow-up for Chagas Disease patients

Authors: Cristina Juan Jimenez, Marta Arsuaga Vicente, María Santamaría Seijas, Maria Mar Lago, Marta Díaz Menéndez, Rosa de Miguel Buckley, Fernando de la Calle Prieto, Ana Ayuso Alvarez, Marina Gold

This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) help Latin American migrants with Chagas disease in Madrid. Most patients were Bolivian women working in domestic jobs and were diagnosed in Spain. Many had heart-related symptoms but no severe heart disease. Patients often knew little about Chagas, and many doctors also missed or delayed diagnoses. Barriers included lack of awareness, paperwork issues, long distances, and job or money challenges. CHWs helped patients stay on treatment and follow up with care by offering culturally sensitive support. The study suggests training primary care providers, improving referrals, and creating a patient support group to make care more accessible.