This study looked at using preset hearing aids delivered by community health workers (CHWs) in low-income South African communities. Adults with moderate-to-severe hearing loss could choose from four preset programs. Most participants changed their program at least once over six months, and many choices didn’t match clinical recommendations. The findings show CHWs can help … [Read more...] about Preset Hearing Aid Program Selection in Low-Income Communities: A Longitudinal Study
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)
“We might have been prescribing antibiotics to clients who do not need them”: a mixed-methods study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotic use for pediatric acute respiratory illness among community health workers in Uganda
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 … [Read more...] about “We might have been prescribing antibiotics to clients who do not need them”: a mixed-methods study of knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to antibiotic use for pediatric acute respiratory illness among community health workers in Uganda
Community health workers and adolescent health and well-being across sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
This systematic review consolidated evidence from 50 quantitative studies published over the last decade regarding the effectiveness of Community Health Worker (CHW)-led interventions on adolescent health and well-being across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The review found that CHW programs show strong potential for improving adolescent mental health, yielding moderate-certainty … [Read more...] about Community health workers and adolescent health and well-being across sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
Feasibility of community-based hypertension screening and referral by village health teams in eastern Uganda: A quasi-experimental study
A study in Eastern Uganda tested whether community health workers, known as Village Health Teams (VHTs), could help find people with high blood pressure. After receiving basic training, VHTs screened over 5,000 adults in their homes and workplaces. About one in five people had high blood pressure, and most who went to the clinic after being referred were confirmed to have … [Read more...] about Feasibility of community-based hypertension screening and referral by village health teams in eastern Uganda: A quasi-experimental study
Improving Contraception Outreach through Human-Centered Design: A Pilot Study of the Ndingathe (“I Can”) Intervention in Rural Malawi
This study in rural Malawi tested a program called Ndingathe (“I Can”) to help community health workers, known as Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), improve access to contraception; especially self-injectable options. The program gave HSAs tools like bicycles, lunch allowances, and better planning materials, which helped them hold more and longer outreach clinics. Both HSAs … [Read more...] about Improving Contraception Outreach through Human-Centered Design: A Pilot Study of the Ndingathe (“I Can”) Intervention in Rural Malawi
