Authors: Emily J Ciccone, Ana T Bravo Gutierrez, Grace Nyangoma, Victoria Shelus, Georget Kibaba, Fred Mwebembezi, Emmanuel Baguma, Raquel Reyes, Jonathan J Juliano, Ross M Boyce, Moses Ntaro, Edgar M Mulogo
This mixed-methods study in rural Uganda assessed Community Health Workers’ (CHWs) practices regarding antibiotic use for pediatric Acute Respiratory Illness (ARI). While CHWs were knowledgeable about antibiotics, they recognized that the standard ICCM diagnostic algorithm relying on breathing rate likely contributes to overuse. Training on an enhanced ICCM algorithm (STAR SCJA) that included a C-reactive protein (CRP) test led to a major shift in CHW prescribing practices. CHWs strongly favored the enhanced algorithm, feeling it improved treatment accuracy and confidence. The research concludes that CHWs are an underutilized resource for Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS).
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Resource Topic: Antimicrobial resistance, CHW Role, Child Care
Resource Type: Mixed Methods
Year: 2025
Region: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
Country: Uganda
Publisher May Restrict Access: No