African Biomedical Research Journal | 12 September 2008
Community Health Worker Programmes for HIV/AIDS Prevention in Rural Western Kenya: Two-Year Impact on Case Detection and Knowledge Spread
M, a, t, i, b, a, O, m, o, n, d, i, ,, K, o, o, m, e, M, w, a, n, g, i, ,, N, j, o, r, o, g, e, C, h, e, r, o, n, o, ,, O, l, u, o, c, h, W, a, f, u, l, a
Abstract
Community health workers (CHWs) play a crucial role in rural areas of Kenya for HIV/AIDS prevention and care. A mixed-methods approach including surveys, focus groups, and observational assessments were conducted among participants and community members to measure changes in HIV/AIDS awareness and testing uptake. CHWs facilitated a significant increase (p < 0.05) of 34% in HIV-positive case detection within two years compared to baseline levels, with CHWs reaching approximately 78% of targeted households. The programme's effectiveness is attributed to the tailored approach and consistent engagement by CHWs in delivering evidence-based interventions. Continuous training for CHWs and sustained community support are recommended to maintain high service delivery standards. HIV/AIDS, Community Health Workers, Rural Kenya, Case Detection, Knowledge Spread Treatment effect was estimated with $\text{logit}(p<em>i)=\beta</em>0+\beta^\top X_i$, and uncertainty reported using confidence-interval based inference.