Africa

Mental Health Knowledge and Attitudes of Community Health Workers in Northern Nigeria Thirty Years After Mental Health Was Integrated into Primary Healthcare Settings

In Nigeria, many community health workers still lack proper knowledge and hold negative views about mental health, even after 30 years of trying to include mental health in basic health services. This study looked at 130 health workers in northern Nigeria and found that nearly half had poor understanding and attitudes about mental health. Workers in the northeast knew the … [Read more...] about Mental Health Knowledge and Attitudes of Community Health Workers in Northern Nigeria Thirty Years After Mental Health Was Integrated into Primary Healthcare Settings

This study looked at how community health workers in rural northern Ghana successfully promote HIV/AIDS awareness. It found that using local cultural events—like community durbars with traditional music, storytelling, and support from chiefs and elders—makes health messages more effective. CHWs also give HIV education during school meetings and prenatal care visits. The study … [Read more...] about The power of community and culture: a study on community-based HIV/AIDS health promotion strategies in Ghana

This study looked at a seven-part online training program on high blood pressure for community health workers in Nigeria. Over 1,400 people took part, and most said the sessions were useful. Participants' knowledge improved after the sessions, and many used what they learned to care for patients. Some workers faced issues like poor internet or busy schedules, and they preferred … [Read more...] about Implementation of the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes Model for Hypertension Education of Frontline Health Care Workers in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria: Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Evaluation

In Zambia, a program that combined community-based malaria care and targeted testing (CCM + RTAT) using community health workers helped people get malaria treatment earlier. This led to fewer cases showing up at health facilities and lower death rates among children hospitalized with malaria. The children also had less severe illness and shorter hospital stays. However, while … [Read more...] about Program Evaluation of Community Case Management with Reactive Test and Treat for Malaria in a High-Transmission Setting

Severe malnutrition is a big health problem for young children in sub-Saharan Africa. This study in Burkina Faso looked at whether using a simple arm measurement (MUAC) by community health workers to find and refer malnourished children for treatment helped improve their health or reduced deaths. Among over 65,000 children screened, only a small number were referred. The … [Read more...] about Effectiveness of mass screening for severe acute malnutrition using mid-upper arm circumference: a prospective regression discontinuity design