This study assessed a community health worker (CHW)-led program in rural Rwanda to screen and manage soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections among school-aged children. Using a non-biomedical screening tool called Beta CommScreen, CHWs identified 43% of children with potential STH symptoms. About 29% were referred for clinic treatment, while deworming medication was provided … [Read more...] about Optimizing community health workers and non-biomedical approaches to assess the burden of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in a school-aged population in rural Rwanda
Home visit to the older adults from the perspective of community health workers and the notion of health territory
This study analyzed how community health workers engage with older adults in Foz do Iguaçu, Southern Brazil, focusing on home visits. It involved 114 workers, mostly women, with an average age of 43 years and primarily with high school education. The study identified three main challenges: understanding the health needs of older adults within their communities, adapting … [Read more...] about Home visit to the older adults from the perspective of community health workers and the notion of health territory
Reimagining the role of community health workers in saarc countries
After the Alma Ata declaration, SAARC countries established community health workers (CHWs) to address primary healthcare needs, initially focusing on maternal and child health. Now facing rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health issues, these countries are creating specialized CHWs for these new challenges. The effectiveness of CHWs, especially during crises, … [Read more...] about Reimagining the role of community health workers in saarc countries
Factors associated with perceived health of school-aged children in rural Rwanda: An opportunity to leverage community health workers to enhance primary healthcare systems linkages
Public schools can improve health, but children's needs in rural areas are under-researched. This study assessed children's health and the role of community health workers (CHWs) in rural Rwandan schools. Surveys and interviews with 479 participants (425 community members, 54 teachers) revealed that 46% rated children's health as poor. Factors linked to better health included … [Read more...] about Factors associated with perceived health of school-aged children in rural Rwanda: An opportunity to leverage community health workers to enhance primary healthcare systems linkages
Perception and reasons for the choice of informal provider among women receiving antenatal care services from traditional birth attendants in rural communities of Lagos state, Nigeria
Unskilled delivery, especially with traditional birth attendants (TBAs), poses a major risk to reducing maternal mortality in Africa. This study examined why pregnant women in rural Lagos, Nigeria, continue to use TBA services. Among 347 pregnant women surveyed, 70.3% used only TBA services, while 29.7% used both TBA and healthcare facilities. Positive perceptions of TBAs were … [Read more...] about Perception and reasons for the choice of informal provider among women receiving antenatal care services from traditional birth attendants in rural communities of Lagos state, Nigeria