Community health workers can increase access to, and coverage of, health services – particularly maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes in Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries. This 5 year study aimed to evaluate the Nigerian CHW scheme using a mixed-methods realist approach will make an important contribution to health systems strengthening in Nigeria. … [Read more...] about Study protocol: realist evaluation of effectiveness and sustainability of a community health workers programme in improving maternal and child health in Nigeria
Effectiveness of the Home Based Life Saving Skills training by community health workers on knowledge of danger signs, birth preparedness, complication readiness and facility delivery, among women in Rural Tanzania
Community health workers in Tanzania are trained in Home Based Life Saving Skills to educate communities on danger signs, birth preparedness, and complication readiness regarding childbirth. However, maternal mortality is currently greater than 400 per 100,000 live births, leading to the question of the effectiveness of this training program. Using a quasi-experimental study … [Read more...] about Effectiveness of the Home Based Life Saving Skills training by community health workers on knowledge of danger signs, birth preparedness, complication readiness and facility delivery, among women in Rural Tanzania
How equitable are community health worker programmes and which programme features influence equity of community health worker services? A systematic review
CHWs often improve health care delivery in their communities by bringing health services closer to hard to reach populations. This study utilized systematic database searches to determine the extent of CHW program equity. Many programs reduced inequity related to location, gender, education, and socioeconomic status. While CHW programs do seem to promote equity, care should … [Read more...] about How equitable are community health worker programmes and which programme features influence equity of community health worker services? A systematic review
What Influences Adolescent Girls’ Decision-Making Regarding Contraceptive Methods Use and Childbearing? A Qualitative Exploratory Study in Rangpur District, Bangladesh
In order to get a better understanding of adolescent use of contraceptives in Bangladesh, researchers interviewed married adolescent girls, key informants, and CHWs. Main factors regarding the lack of contraceptive use among married adolescents include lack of health knowledge, communication ability, and mistrust towards contraceptive methods. CHWs played an important role in … [Read more...] about What Influences Adolescent Girls’ Decision-Making Regarding Contraceptive Methods Use and Childbearing? A Qualitative Exploratory Study in Rangpur District, Bangladesh
Monitoring iCCM referral systems: Bugoye Integrated Community Case Management Initiative (BIMI) in Uganda
Integrated community case management (iCCM) trains village health workers (VHWs) to provide treatment to the most common childhood diseases in Uganda, including malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea. One of iCCM’s key features is a referral system for treatment at health facilities, but these referrals are difficult to monitor. A study was conducted to evaluate the referral system … [Read more...] about Monitoring iCCM referral systems: Bugoye Integrated Community Case Management Initiative (BIMI) in Uganda