This study highlights how qualitative data and mechanism maps can improve the understanding of why health programs succeed or fail. Using a community health worker (CHW)-led gestational diabetes (GDM) screening program in Pune, India, as an example, researchers identified factors that increased screening uptake, such as CHWs' support and education efforts. However, treatment … [Read more...] about Generalizing from qualitative data a case example using critical realist thematic analysis and mechanism mapping to evaluate a community health worker-led screening program in India
Malaria elimination challenges in countries approaching the last mile: a discussion among regional stakeholders
Cambodia, Nepal, and Bhutan aim to eliminate malaria by 2025–2030 but face challenges like isolated outbreaks and imported cases. A 2022 outbreak in Cambodia, likely linked to forest workers, was quickly contained with support from village malaria workers and health centers. Nepal and Bhutan also reported outbreaks, often traced to migrant workers from India. Strengthening … [Read more...] about Malaria elimination challenges in countries approaching the last mile: a discussion among regional stakeholders
Mental Health Literacy Among Female Community Health Workers: A Multi-setting Cross-sectional Study
This study examined mental health knowledge among 454 female community health workers in Indonesia. Many had misconceptions about mental illness, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment. For example, most believed stress and personal weakness cause mental illness, while fewer recognized hereditary factors. Many thought medication alone could fully cure mental disorders … [Read more...] about Mental Health Literacy Among Female Community Health Workers: A Multi-setting Cross-sectional Study
Cost-effectiveness analysis of proactive home visits compared with site-based community health worker care on antenatal care outcomes in Mali: a cluster-randomised trial
This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of community health workers (CHWs) making proactive home visits to improve antenatal care (ANC) in Mali. Compared to fixed-site CHW services, home visits significantly increased ANC use, including early and frequent visits, while saving costs. The approach was more effective and cost-efficient, showing strong potential for improving … [Read more...] about Cost-effectiveness analysis of proactive home visits compared with site-based community health worker care on antenatal care outcomes in Mali: a cluster-randomised trial
Assessing feasibility and acceptability of increasing access to sexual and reproductive health and rights through pharmacy outlets and community health volunteers: lessons from pilot study in Kenya
This study explored the use of private pharmacies and community health volunteers to increase access to medication abortion and other sexual and reproductive health services in Homa Bay County, Kenya. Between April and December 2022, 527 clients received medication abortion drugs from participating pharmacies, with a steady rise in the number of clients over time. The study … [Read more...] about Assessing feasibility and acceptability of increasing access to sexual and reproductive health and rights through pharmacy outlets and community health volunteers: lessons from pilot study in Kenya