Dementia care is difficult in rural parts of Latin America, where tools for diagnosis often don’t work well because they are not designed with local needs in mind. This study looked at how working closely with community health workers and local healthcare staff in rural Peru helped create a mobile app to screen for dementia. Over 18 months, the team used feedback from the … [Read more...] about Design and Development of a mHealth Dementia Screening Tool in Resource-Limited Settings: Lessons Learned from Designing for and with Community Health Workers in Peru
Peru
Adapting a mobile TB screening unit to provide integrated screening services and linkage to primary care
We piloted a mobile health screening program in underserved communities in Lima, Peru, combining checks for TB, hypertension, diabetes, and depression. To reduce TB stigma, the program was rebranded, and community health workers (CHWs) helped link people to care. Between August and December 2023, 1,000 adults were screened, with 254 referred for evaluation. Of these, 197 … [Read more...] about Adapting a mobile TB screening unit to provide integrated screening services and linkage to primary care
Community Health Agents Dismantling Gender Norms in a Machismo Society
Community health agents (CHAs) in Peru highlighted that women often face barriers, disrespect, and limited roles at home. They believe empowering women requires better education, inclusion in decisions, and independence, supported by families and communities. These focus group discussions identified that women CHAs, with their community influence, can play a key role in driving … [Read more...] about Community Health Agents Dismantling Gender Norms in a Machismo Society
Designing with Community Health Workers in Latin America
This project focuses on designing a mobile app for community health workers (CHWs) in rural and remote areas of Peru to screen older adults for dementia. CHWs play a vital role in Peru’s healthcare system, bridging gaps due to limited resources. The app helps evaluate cognitive and functional abilities of older adults. The design aims to keep CHWs motivated, as they often work … [Read more...] about Designing with Community Health Workers in Latin America
The Role of Community Health Agents in Promoting Social Change in Peru
This study examines the impact of Community Health Agents (CHAs) on gender and social norms in peri-urban areas of Peru. Through group discussions with 53 female CHAs, it was found that their role led to changes in family dynamics, including increased support and status, and shifts in gender roles within households. Additionally, CHAs experienced greater respect and recognition … [Read more...] about The Role of Community Health Agents in Promoting Social Change in Peru
