Community Health Worker Adherence to Self-Determination Theory in the Women’s Initiative Supporting Health Intervention-Based Study

Authors: Antoinette T Nguyen, Josephine Powers, Peter Braick, Jeremy Foss, Diane Morse

This study looked at how community health workers (CHWs) with past incarceration experience supported women recently released from prison through the WISH program, which helps them access care for HIV, hepatitis C, and substance use. The researchers analyzed 15 recorded sessions and found that CHWs often encouraged independence, confidence, and connection, while also using trauma-informed approaches. Overall, the CHWs followed good practices and created supportive environments, though sometimes gave direct advice instead of fully supporting independence. More training and feedback could help improve and sustain the program.