Chronic conditions

Applying the community health worker model to diabetes management: using mixed methods to assess implementation and effectiveness.

The community health worker (CHW) model is a popular method for reaching vulnerable populations with diabetes. This study assessed implementation and effectiveness of the model within diabetes programs. Five CHW roles were identified: educator, case manager, role model, program facilitator, and advocate. Roles, responsibilities and training varied greatly across programs. … [Read more...] about Applying the community health worker model to diabetes management: using mixed methods to assess implementation and effectiveness.

Asthma affects 25-30% of children living in certain disadvantaged Chicago neighborhoods, a rate twice the national prevalence (13%). Children living in poor, minority communities tend to rely heavily on the emergency department (ED) for asthma care and are unlikely to be properly medicated or educated on asthma self-management. A pilot project implemented and evaluated a … [Read more...] about Improving Asthma Management among African-American Children via a Community Health Worker Model: Findings from a Chicago-Based Pilot Intervention

The objective of this study was to estimate the long-term cost-effectiveness of a lifestyle modification program led by community health workers (CHWs) for low-income Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes. The report forecasted disease outcomes, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, and lifetime costs associated with attaining different hemoglobin A1c (A1c) levels. The … [Read more...] about Cost-effectiveness analysis of a community health worker intervention for low-income Hispanic adults with diabetes.

Postpartum depression is a serious and common psychiatric illness. Mothers living in poverty are more likely to be depressed and have greater barriers to accessing treatment than the general population. Mental health utilization is particularly limited for women with postpartum depression and low-income, minority women. As part of an academic-community partnership, … [Read more...] about Screening and Referral for Postpartum Depression among Low-Income Women: A Qualitative Perspective from Community Health Workers

The high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Hispanic population of the United States, together with low rates of health insurance coverage, suggest a potential cardiovascular health crisis. The objective of Project HEART (Health Education Awareness Research Team) was to promote behavior changes to decrease CVD risk factors in a … [Read more...] about A Promotores de Salud Intervention to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk in a High-Risk Hispanic Border Population, 2005-2008