Uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of serious health issues. This study evaluated a self-monitoring blood pressure (SMBP) program at a rural health center in Washington, focusing on nonphysician involvement. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension used BP cuffs to log daily readings and met with community health workers (CHWs) to set management goals over 3-4 months. … [Read more...] about Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Patient-Centered, Nonphysician Led Self-Monitoring Blood Pressure Program in a Rural Federally Qualified Health Center
Assessing the impact of a community-based psychodrama intervention on mental health promotion of adolescents and young adults in Mozambique: A mixed-methods study
This study assessed the impact and acceptability of a community-based psychodrama intervention for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in Beira, Mozambique, both with and without HIV. Over July and August 2023, trained community health workers conducted weekly sessions for AYAs aged 15–24. Of the 354 participants, 315 attended the sessions with a 94.4% participation rate. The … [Read more...] about Assessing the impact of a community-based psychodrama intervention on mental health promotion of adolescents and young adults in Mozambique: A mixed-methods study
Hidden leprosy in a low-endemic area in southern Brazil: changes in endemicity following an active search
This study examined leprosy in a low-endemic area in southern Brazil before and after implementing an active case-finding strategy. The study compared passive detection from 2014-2020 with an active search strategy from January 2021 to August 2023 in Caçador, Santa Catarina, where community health workers used the Leprosy Suspicion Questionnaire (LSQ) screening tool. Of the 48 … [Read more...] about Hidden leprosy in a low-endemic area in southern Brazil: changes in endemicity following an active search
Community case management to accelerate access to healthcare in Mali: A realist process evaluation nested within a cluster randomized trial
The Proactive Community Case Management (ProCCM) trial in Mali aimed to strengthen the health system by removing user fees, employing professional community health workers (CHWs), and upgrading primary health centers (PHCs). Village-clusters were either assigned proactive home visits by CHWs (intervention) or fixed site-based services (control). Over three years, both groups … [Read more...] about Community case management to accelerate access to healthcare in Mali: A realist process evaluation nested within a cluster randomized trial
From the periphery to inclusion within the health system: promoting community health worker empowerment as a way forward
This study explores the role of community health workers (CHWs) in achieving universal health coverage, focusing on their integration and empowerment within the healthcare system. Conducted in rural South Africa, the research analyzed data from a project evaluating supportive supervision for CHWs. The study found that CHWs often operate on the fringes of the healthcare system, … [Read more...] about From the periphery to inclusion within the health system: promoting community health worker empowerment as a way forward