Supporting community health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed methods pilot study

Authors: Pamela Recto, Janna Lesser, Jose Zapata Jr, Eduardo Gandara, Annette Zavala Idar, Martha Castilla

The aim of this study was to examine how the COVID-19 Project ECHO program may have influenced the mental health of CHWs from South Texas, USA. Project ECHO was designed around case-based learning and mentorship to provide support to CHWs and help them gain expertise to provide services to their communities. A mixed methods pilot study was conducted with fifteen CHWs who participated in the program. The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used to measure pre- and post-intervention differences in depression and stress. While PSS mean was found to have reduced following the program’s implementation, CHWs explained that the death of loved ones, feelings of isolation, and work-related concerns influenced their mental health at this time. Given the potential long-lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on CHWs, it is imperative that they receive mental health support and are simultaneously equipped to connect affected communities with vital resources.