Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women in India, with conditions like hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) posing risks. SMARThealth Pregnancy, a mobile-based intervention for community health workers (CHWs), was developed to identify and counsel high-risk pregnant women. In a pilot trial across two … [Read more...] about A Mobile Clinical Decision Support System for High-Risk Pregnant Women in Rural India (SMARThealth Pregnancy): Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
“Helping Mentally Ill, a Reward Both in this Life and After”: A Qualitative Study Among Community Health Professionals in Somaliland
This study explored the experiences of community mental health workers, predominantly female, nurses, and doctors providing mental health services in Borama, Somaliland. Through focus group discussions, they identified challenges such as stigma, lack of resources, and the dominance of traditional healers. Despite obstacles, they found their work rewarding and crucial in … [Read more...] about “Helping Mentally Ill, a Reward Both in this Life and After”: A Qualitative Study Among Community Health Professionals in Somaliland
Exploring the Association Between Floods and Diarrhea among Under-five Children in Rural India
This study investigated the link between floods and diarrhea in young children in rural India. Using data from a national health survey and flood reports from 2018 to 2020, researchers found that children who experienced three consecutive floods from 2019 to 2021 were 34% more likely to suffer from diarrhea compared to those who faced fewer floods. The findings suggest that … [Read more...] about Exploring the Association Between Floods and Diarrhea among Under-five Children in Rural India
Cost-utility analysis of home blood pressure measurement for screening and diagnosis of hypertension through village health volunteer mechanism in Thailand
This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of various blood pressure screening methods for Thai individuals aged 35 and older, focusing on the role of village health volunteers. It compared Home Blood Pressure Measurement (HBPM), clinic BP measurement followed by HBPM for those with high BP (Serial1), and for those without high BP (Serial2). The results showed that Serial1 was … [Read more...] about Cost-utility analysis of home blood pressure measurement for screening and diagnosis of hypertension through village health volunteer mechanism in Thailand
Reducing Disparities in Breastfeeding: “Breast for Success” Excels a Second Time
Breastfeeding is an important public health issue, especially as African American and Black (AA/B) women often face challenges in starting and continuing breastfeeding due to historical and systemic racism. This study evaluated the "Breast for Success" (BFS) program, which includes support from Community Health Workers (CHWs), to see if it could improve breastfeeding rates … [Read more...] about Reducing Disparities in Breastfeeding: “Breast for Success” Excels a Second Time