The U.S. faces a mental health care crisis, worsened by a shortage of providers and high costs, particularly affecting marginalized and rural communities. Community health workers (CHWs) have long increased access to physical health care and are now being used in mental health care to improve access. However, their role raises issues regarding policy, reimbursement, and … [Read more...] about Community Mental Health Workers: Their Workplaces, Roles, and Impact
How do family members influence smokeless tobacco consumption during pregnancy in India? Perspectives of pregnant women
In South Asia, smokeless tobacco (ST) use is culturally ingrained. This study explored how family and community health workers influence pregnant women's attitudes and behaviors toward ST use in selected Indian populations. Interviews with pregnant and postpartum women revealed a shift in social norms, with family members increasingly encouraging women to stop using ST during … [Read more...] about How do family members influence smokeless tobacco consumption during pregnancy in India? Perspectives of pregnant women
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards yaws in endemic areas of Ghana, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire
Yaws, a disease affecting children in remote areas of West Africa, was studied in Ghana, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire to understand community knowledge and practices. The study found differing beliefs about the causes of yaws: many in Ghana attributed it to germs, while in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, it was often linked to infected water sources. Some participants in Côte … [Read more...] about Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards yaws in endemic areas of Ghana, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire
Integration of Acute Malnutrition Treatment Into Integrated Community Case Management in Three Districts in Southern Mali: An Economic Evaluation
In this study conducted in Mali, the cost and cost-effectiveness of community health workers (CHWs) treating acute malnutrition were evaluated across three districts. Different levels of CHW and health center supervision were assessed for their impact on treatment outcomes. Costs per child treated ranged from US$203.40 to US$279.90, depending on the level of supervision, with … [Read more...] about Integration of Acute Malnutrition Treatment Into Integrated Community Case Management in Three Districts in Southern Mali: An Economic Evaluation
Acceptability and Feasibility of a Community Dementia Stigma Reduction Program in Kenya
In rural Kenya, this study developed and piloted a dementia stigma reduction intervention using Community Health Workers (CHWs). Ten CHWs were trained to conduct four workshops for 59 participants, focusing on reducing negative beliefs about dementia treatment, living well with dementia, and caregiving. The intervention was well-received, especially for its format and … [Read more...] about Acceptability and Feasibility of a Community Dementia Stigma Reduction Program in Kenya