Task-shifting : can community health workers be part of the solution to an inactive nation?
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Date
Authors
Watson, Estelle D.
Moosa, Shabir
Janse van Rensburg, Dina Christina
Schwellnus, Martin Peter
Lambert, Estelle V.
Stoutenberg, Mark
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In low-to-middle income countries (LMICs), there is a growing burden of
non-communicable diseases (NCDs) placing strain on the facilities and human resources of healthcare
systems. Prevention strategies that include lifestyle behavior counseling have become increasingly
important. We propose a potential solution to the growing burden of NCDs through an expansion
of the role for community health workers (CHWs) in prescribing and promoting physical activity
in public health settings. This discussion paper provides a theoretical model for task-shifting of
assessment, screening, counseling, and prescription of physical activity to CHWs. Five proposed
tasks are presented within a larger model of service delivery and provide a platform for a structured,
standardized, physical activity prevention strategy aimed at NCDs using CHWs as an integral part
of reducing the burden of NCDs in LMICs. However, for effective implementation as part of national
NCD plans, it is essential that CHWs received standardized, ongoing training and supervision
on physical activity and other lifestyle behaviors to optimally impact community health in low
resource settings.
Description
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT: No new data were created or analyzed in this study. Data sharing is not applicable to this article.
Keywords
Advocacy, Behavior change, Health promotion, Physical activity, Community health worker (CHW), SDG-03: Good health and well-being, Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-03:Good heatlh and well-being
SDG-10:Reduces inequalities
SDG-17:Partnerships for the goals
SDG-10:Reduces inequalities
SDG-17:Partnerships for the goals
Citation
Watson, E.D.; Moosa, S.; Janse Van Rensburg, D.C.; Schwellnus, M.; Lambert, E.V.; Stoutenberg, M. Task-Shifting: Can Community Health Workers Be Part of the Solution to an Inactive Nation?. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2023, 20, 6675. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20176675.