Authors: Kristen S Regenauer, Alexandra L Rose, Jennifer M Belus, Kim Johnson, Nonceba Ciya, Sibabalwe Ndamase, Yuche Jacobs, Lexy Staniland, Goodman Sibeko, Ingrid V Bassett, John Joska, Bronwyn Myers, Jessica F Magidson
South Africa faces high rates of HIV and tuberculosis (TB) co-infection, with poor care engagement worsening outcomes. Community health workers (CHWs) help re-engage patients who have dropped out of care but face challenges due to patients’ substance use (SU) and depression, and stigma towards these issues. CHWs often lack training in these areas. This study piloted Siyakhana, a brief training program for CHWs to reduce stigma and improve skills for re-engaging patients with HIV/TB. The study assessed the program’s effectiveness and feasibility among 17 CHWs and supervisors. Results showed a significant decrease in SU stigma and improved clinical competence. Depression stigma was lower than SU stigma and did not significantly change. The training was well-received, with CHWs finding nonjudgmental communication particularly helpful. Following this pilot, the training is being refined for a larger clinical trial.
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Resource Topic: CHW training, HIV and AIDS, Substance Use, Tuberculosis
Resource Type: Randomized controlled trial
Year: 2024
Region:
Country: South Africa
Publisher May Restrict Access: No
