This study assessed Belize’s national community health worker (CHW) program, which has been crucial in improving population health since its launch in 1982. Using a qualitative approach, the research found that while the program has benefited from strategic health system changes and WHO guidelines, challenges remain in areas like funding, medication availability, and … [Read more...] about Optimizing the Community Health Worker (CHW) Program in Belize and Understanding its Unique Intermediary Position within the Health System: Perspective from the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Systems Approach
Communities of Practice to Improve the Delivery of Contact Tracing for Tuberculosis by Community Health Workers: Antecedents and Mechanisms of Action
This study explored how Communities of Practice (CoPs) can help community health workers (CHWs) improve their performance in low-resource settings, specifically in Uganda. CoPs are groups that regularly meet to share knowledge and support each other. The research showed that CoPs enhanced collective efficacy and social support among CHWs, improving their ability to conduct … [Read more...] about Communities of Practice to Improve the Delivery of Contact Tracing for Tuberculosis by Community Health Workers: Antecedents and Mechanisms of Action
Pilot randomized controlled trial of biofeedback on reducing psychological and physiological stress among persons experiencing homelessness
This study tested a heart rate variability-biofeedback (HRV-BF) intervention against a health promotion (HP) program to improve mental health in homeless adults in Los Angeles. Forty participants were divided into two groups, receiving eight weekly sessions over two months, delivered by a nurse-led team of community health workers (CHWs). Both interventions improved heart rate … [Read more...] about Pilot randomized controlled trial of biofeedback on reducing psychological and physiological stress among persons experiencing homelessness
Collaborative Integration of Community Health Workers in Hospitals and Health Centers to Reduce Pediatric Asthma Disparities: A Quality Improvement Program Evaluation
A program in Chicago used community health workers (CHWs) to visit homes and help manage pediatric asthma, aiming to reduce asthma-related health issues and hospital visits. The study included 123 children, mostly non-Hispanic black, aged 2–18. After participating, children had fewer daytime and nighttime asthma symptoms and used less rescue medication. Emergency department … [Read more...] about Collaborative Integration of Community Health Workers in Hospitals and Health Centers to Reduce Pediatric Asthma Disparities: A Quality Improvement Program Evaluation
The impacts of task shifting on the management and treatment of malnourished children in Northern Kenya
This study tested whether community health volunteers in northern Kenya could effectively treat children with acute malnutrition at home using simple tools. The study compared two groups: one where volunteers treated malnourished children at home and another where they only screened and referred children to health facilities. The results showed that children treated at home by … [Read more...] about The impacts of task shifting on the management and treatment of malnourished children in Northern Kenya