Hypertension and diabetes are major challenges in low-income areas, where many people lack diagnosis or care. In Lesotho, a program showed that community health workers (CHWs) using a tablet-based tool can effectively screen for these conditions. Scaling up is challenging, as many CHWs lack pay, training, and support, and adding tasks can strain them. Careful integration, CHW … [Read more...] about Benefits and limitations of rigorous cost analyses in community health
Lesotho
Costs and coverage of community health worker-led hypertension and diabetes screening in rural Lesotho (ComBaCaL): cost–consequence analysis of a cohort study
In rural Lesotho, community health workers (CHWs) used a tablet-based clinical decision support app to screen adults for hypertension and diabetes, reaching high coverage at moderate costs. Over 6 months, CHWs screened 88% of eligible adults for hypertension and 95% for diabetes. The cost per person screened was $41 in the project model and $17 in a routine implementation … [Read more...] about Costs and coverage of community health worker-led hypertension and diabetes screening in rural Lesotho (ComBaCaL): cost–consequence analysis of a cohort study
Feasibility and Acceptability of Diabetes and Hypertension Screening and Diagnosis by Community Health Workers in Rural Lesotho: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study
This pilot study in rural Lesotho tested whether community health workers (CHWs) could screen people at home for high blood pressure and diabetes. Ten CHWs visited 687 households and screened over 1,800 people between 2022 and 2023. About one in four had high blood pressure, and one in twenty had diabetes. Almost everyone welcomed the service and appreciated being tested in … [Read more...] about Feasibility and Acceptability of Diabetes and Hypertension Screening and Diagnosis by Community Health Workers in Rural Lesotho: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study
Feasibility and Acceptability of Diabetes and Hypertension Screening and Diagnosis by Community Health Workers in Rural Lesotho: A Mixed‑Methods Pilot Study
In rural Lesotho, a pilot study tested whether community health workers (CHWs) could screen people for high blood pressure and diabetes in their homes. Ten CHWs visited 687 households and screened over 1,800 people. About 27% had high blood pressure, and around 5% had diabetes. Community members welcomed the screenings and trusted the CHWs. The study showed that CHW-led testing … [Read more...] about Feasibility and Acceptability of Diabetes and Hypertension Screening and Diagnosis by Community Health Workers in Rural Lesotho: A Mixed‑Methods Pilot Study
Empowering Community Health Workers With Scripted Medicine: Design Science Research Study
This study developed and tested a new mobile health tool called Scripted Medicine to help community health workers (CHWs) in Lesotho take on more responsibilities in caring for chronic diseases. The tool uses clear medical guidelines and social communication scripts to teach CHWs both medical and counseling skills. Results showed that these tools helped CHWs feel more confident … [Read more...] about Empowering Community Health Workers With Scripted Medicine: Design Science Research Study
