CHW National Library

A randomized controlled trial evaluating the impact of a community health worker intervention in Ethiopia. Participants were newly diagnosed patients with HIV, who were assigned a community health worker to help ensure continuity of care and prevent treatment disctontinuation. Describes challenges faced in implementation, and adaptations necessary in a low-resource setting.

A qualitative study from Community Mental Health Journal examining opportunities for CHWs to improve rural women’s access to mental health care. While rural women are more likely to struggle with depression, treatment options are limited. The authors interviewed CHWs to determine options for connecting women with services in rural areas.

A pilot study from the Disability and Health Journal assessing a lay health worker intervention as a means of improving outcomes for Latinas/os with traumatic brain injuries. Lay health workers visited patients’ homes, with the intention of offering empathy for symptoms, improving communication with providers, and setting goals. Outcomes including caregiver burden, mental health status, somatic symptoms, employment, and others were measured.

A literature review examining community health worker models in the context of primary care. To be included in this analysis, studies were required to address social services beyond health system services. The review illuminates the value in addressing social determinants of health through community health worker interventions.

An issue brief from Families USA. Outlines a framework for funding community health workers through Medicaid. Provides language to use in writing contracts with Medicaid agencies and Medicaid managed care organizations.

An article drawing on the experiences of community health workers in South Africa’s HIV/AIDS treatment programme. Offers insights regarding stresses and succeses of the program, CHW engagement, and challenges in integrating CHWs into the health care system.

A study from the International Journal for Equity in Health. Examines the factors of the community health worker-client relationship that contribute to behavior change, as well as the impact that CHWs can have on client mood.

A study assessing community health workers’ experiences delivering HIV treatment interventions in Zimbabwe. Offers insights regarding sustainability of CHW programs.

A study describing the development of a national community health worker program in Ethiopia intended to improve infant and child health outcomes. Describes training and supervision procedures for community health workers and health extension workers.

A study describing the development of a community health worker evaluation tool and describing its use in the Amazon of Peru. Assesses the utility of this instrument and offers reflections on adapting it for use elsewhere. Describes strengths and challenges of community health workers evaluated using this tool.