This study in Bangladesh explored the experiences and mental wellbeing of community health workers serving rural and underserved communities. Twenty workers shared their experiences and identified heavy workloads, poor working conditions, shortages of medicines, limited training, low and irregular pay, job insecurity, and little opportunity for career growth as major sources of … [Read more...] about Exploring mental well-being of community health workers in Bangladesh: Using photovoice to illuminate stressors, coping strategies, and sources of motivation
Physical and mental health of community health workers in Bolivia: Evidence from a large NGO-run program
This study in Bolivia explored the physical and mental health of volunteer community health workers and how their work affects their wellbeing. The workers generally considered themselves physically healthy, but many faced difficulties accessing routine health checks because of long waiting times and inconvenient service hours. Some also experienced anxiety, depression, and … [Read more...] about Physical and mental health of community health workers in Bolivia: Evidence from a large NGO-run program
Understanding Maternal Nutrition Through the Voices of Community Health Workers and Mother Mentors in Limpopo Province, South Africa
This study in Limpopo, South Africa explored what community health workers and mother mentors know and experience when supporting pregnant women with healthy nutrition. Interviews with 45 workers found that they understood the importance of good nutrition but faced challenges such as cultural beliefs, poverty, limited resources, misinformation, and concerns about pregnancy … [Read more...] about Understanding Maternal Nutrition Through the Voices of Community Health Workers and Mother Mentors in Limpopo Province, South Africa
A Structured Human-Centered Design Process for Integrating Community Health Worker Insights Into Program Policy in Pakistan
This study in Pakistan explored whether community health workers could help improve polio vaccination programs by sharing their ideas and experiences. More than 900 workers took part in a structured process where they identified problems and suggested possible improvements. They submitted 181 ideas, with nine selected for implementation. The workers said it was meaningful to … [Read more...] about A Structured Human-Centered Design Process for Integrating Community Health Worker Insights Into Program Policy in Pakistan
Assessment of community health workforce governance in federal Nepal
This study in Nepal looked at how the shift to local government control has affected the management and support of female community health volunteers. Interviews, group discussions, and document reviews found that local decision-making has made the system somewhat more responsive to community needs and improved accountability and participation. However, local governments still … [Read more...] about Assessment of community health workforce governance in federal Nepal