Community Health Promotion Research Articles

Empowering children for better health with child-to-child approach: a systematic literature review

PurposeChild-to-Child (C-to-C) approach is an evidence-based approach that ensures the child’s participation in bringing about positive changes in healthcare. By systematically investigating the literature, the study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the approach and recognize associated themes, methodologies and outcomes.Design/methodology/approachAn extensive search on PubMed, ProQuest, Cochrane and Dimensions AI databases was performed for original research articles on C-to-C intervention, with no time and geographical restrictions. Following PRISMA and PICO, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool assessed the studies. A data tabulation technique was used to summarize these studies.FindingsThe approach shows promising results in enhancing children’s understanding of health issues and their participation in community health promotion. This, in turn, encourages the adoption of better healthcare practices and shows improved health outcomes.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is required to understand the long-term impact of the approach on populations from diverse socioeconomic statuses in different study settings.Practical implicationsThe findings will be helpful for practitioners, educators, policymakers and other stakeholders in creating more successful and effective C-to-C intervention programs to make informed decisions, achieve sustainable behavior change and improve health.Originality/valueThe originality of this review paper is evident in its unique focus on the C-to-C approach, which empowers children not only as recipients of health education but also as active contributors to promoting health. Further, the present research also explores the intricacies of how children learn from each other, offering new insights into effective educational practices.

Public libraries to promote public health and wellbeing: a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling adults

BackgroundLibraries in the UK have evolved from traditional book-lending institutions into dynamic community hubs, This study aims to explore the potential of libraries to act as community hubs to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults, drawing on insights from both library users and library staff in England.DesignA mixed-method, cross-sectional study using online survey and interviews with community-dwelling adults and library staff.MethodsWe collected data using a 14-item electronic survey and interviews with library users and staff to gauge perceptions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to identify key trends and emergent themes.ResultsWe included 605 respondents from the survey and interviewed 12 library users and staff. Libraries remain popular and are considered a ‘safe place by members of the community, regardless of their frequency of service usage irrespective of whether they are frequent users of services. However, a lack of awareness among library users about community-facing services could act as a hurdle to improving community health and wellbeing. Targeted engagement with residents is needed to increase awareness of libraries’ services, including community interventions to help tackle loneliness and inequalities in digital and health literacy. Library staff often did not feel involved in important decision-making. Various barriers, drivers and practical recommendations were identified to leverage libraries as hubs to promote community health and wellbeing.ConclusionLibraries already offer a variety of resources that directly or indirectly support the health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults and young people. However, public awareness of these services is limited. As we navigate post-pandemic recovery, libraries can serve as platforms for community engagement, fostering resilience, mental health support and reducing social isolation. Recognising libraries’ untapped potential can lead to healthier communities and improved wellbeing.

Increase in dental hygienists’ competency and self-directed capacity after capstone-designed class on community dental hygiene

Objectives: This study aimed to verify the effect on students’ competency and self-directed capacity after a capstone-designed teaching method with community dental hygiene class. Methods: The study participants were 34 dental hygiene students taking a 4-year community dental hygiene course at a university located in City C. The research tool consisted of 52 questions on major competency and 20 questions on self-directed capacity. Results: After the capstone design class, overall dental hygienists’ competency increased (p<0.05), and competencies of clinical dental hygiene and community health promotion showed a high increase (p<0.001). As a result of analyzing the increase in dental hygienists’ competency according to self-directed learning ability, the group with low self-directed capacity showed high improvement in clinical dental hygiene competency and community oral health promotion competency. Conclusions: This study confirmed that the capstone-designed community dental hygiene class improved students’ competency and self-directed capacity, and suggests that it is an excellent teaching method for training competencies required for future society.

Assessing the Influence of Behavioural Factors of Community Health Promoters on Use of Community Based Health Information Systems in Selected Counties, Kenya

Globally, health management information systems (HMIS) in strengthening health systems have gained recognition due to potential of technology to improve access to quality care in underserved communities. In Kenya, the functionality of Community based- Health Management Information System (CBHMIS) currently stands at 55% down from 64% in year 2015. The aim of this paper was to determine the influence of behavioral factors of community units personnel on CBHMIS. As a nested study, with a broader aimt to establish the operational status of CBHMIS and its use in selected counties in Kenya; The main objective of this research was: To establish whether behavioural factors of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) influence CBHMIS use in Kenya. A mixed method design. was adopted, Kiambu, Kajiado and Nairobi counties formed the study location, a target population of 156 active community units was considered to arrive at a total sample of 122 community units and out of 7800CHPs a sample of 366 respondents was drawn. Multistage sampling was used to identify the CUs, and systematic random sampling to identify 366 respondents. Quantitative data tools were semi-structured closed ended questionnaires. Qualitative data tools included observation checklist, Focus Group Discussion and Key Informant Interviews guides. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS to generate univariate and bivariate analysis at p<0.05 significance level; Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis based on key themes generated from the objectives. Results were presented in form of graphs, tables, figures, and narration. This study showed that the use of Community based- Health Management Information System stood at 56.6%. Behavioural factors were found to significantly influence use of Community based- Health Management Information System. Further, of the total variations in the use of Community based- Health Management Information System, behavioral factor explains 13.7% (R<sup>2</sup> = .137). Results show that the model was valid (F<sub>(1, 363)</sub> = 58.579, <I>P </I>= .001) hence the explanatory variable (X<sub>2</sub>, Behavioral factors) is good in explaining total variations in Use of CbHMIS by community units. This implies that the use of CbHMIS by Community Units (CU) improves significantly when the community units have better behavioural factors. In conclusion, behavioural factors of CHPs have strong and significant influence on the CBHMIS use. Motivation of CHPs is key as a motivator to CBHMIS use, as well as. provision of material support including reporting tools and IEC materials and capacity development technical, computer and electronic reporting skills to enhamce CHP operations and processes.

Statistical analysis plan for a cluster randomised trial in Madhya Pradesh, India: community health promotion and medical provision and impact on neonates (CHAMPION2)

BackgroundNeonatal mortality in India has fallen steadily and was estimated to be 24 per 1000 live births in the year 2017. However, neonatal mortality remains high in rural parts of the country. The Community Health Promotion and Medical Provision and Impact On Neonates (CHAMPION2) trial investigates the effect of a complex health intervention on neonatal mortality in the Satna District of Madhya Pradesh.Methods/designThe CHAMPION2 trial forms one part of a cluster-randomised controlled trial with villages (clusters) randomised to receive either a health (CHAMPION2) or education (STRIPES2) intervention. Villages receiving the health intervention are controls for the education intervention and vice versa. The primary outcome is neonatal mortality. The effect of the active intervention on the primary outcome (compared to usual care) will be expressed as a risk ratio, estimated using a generalised estimating equation approach with robust standard errors that take account of clustering at village level. Secondary outcomes include maternal mortality, stillbirths, perinatal deaths, causes of death, health care and knowledge, hospital admissions of enrolled women during pregnancy or in the immediate post-natal care period or of their babies (during the neonatal period), maternal blood transfusions, and the cost effectiveness of the intervention. A total of 196 villages have been randomised and over 34,000 women have been recruited in CHAMPION2.DiscussionThis update to the published trial protocol gives a detailed plan for the statistical analysis of the CHAMPION2 trial.Trial registrationRegistry of India: CTRI/2019/05/019296. Registered on 23 May 2019. https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?EncHid=MzExOTg=&Enc=&userName=champion2

Empowering Underserved Communities in Southern Puerto Rico: A Formal Training Program in Community Health Promotion

Community health promotion offers a potential solution to persistent healthcare challenges, with community health workers playing a pivotal role. The Community Training Institute for Health Disparities (CTIHD) implemented a problem-solving curriculum in Community Health Promotion, integrating a competency-based learning model through two courses: Introduction to Community Health Promotion and Design of an Action Plan for the Promotion of Community Health. Each course comprised ten three-hour sessions, featuring pre/post-tests, evaluations, and a cognitive debriefing. Knowledge change was assessed using pre/post-test scores among 27 community leaders from southern Puerto Rico. Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 demonstrated an overall retention rate of 62.6% and 96.7%, respectively. Although differences in knowledge gained between cohorts and courses weren’t statistically significant, a trend toward increased knowledge was noted. Cohort 1 experienced a 22% knowledge increase in Course 1 and a 24% increase in Course 2. Cohort 2 demonstrated a 41% knowledge increase in Course 1 and a 25% increase in Course 2. The CTIHD’s Community Health Promotion Program has made significant strides in elevating awareness and knowledge, marking a positive step toward reducing health disparities and fostering healthier, empowered communities in southern Puerto Rico.

194 Increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake through community engagement: collaborative efforts among Cooperative Extension and Clinical and Translational Science Institutes

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The CDC-funded Program to Alleviate National Disparities in Ethnic and Minority Immunizations in the Community intersects two national networks that transform building trust in communities: Cooperative Extension Systems and Clinical and Translational Science Awardees, with the goal of reducing vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccine uptake. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: PANDEMIC included North Central Florida; Greater Sacramento, California; Bronx, New York; St. Louis and the Ozarks, Missouri; rural Kentucky; and Minnesota. Our 10 Promising Practices (PPs) focus on the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and health information, with two detailing collaborative efforts to better achieve health equity: PP3) Bringing Services and Vaccines to People Where They Are & PP5) Creating Coalitions with Trusted Neighborhood Partners. CHWs and Extension Educators, trusted community members, work together to deliver culturally/linguistically diverse health messages in plain language in areas of high vaccine hesitancy and bring vaccines to people where they are. All outreach activities are tracked and categorized by PP affiliation. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: From November 2021 – August 2023, PANDEMIC has administered nearly 11,000 COVID-19 vaccines at over 2,500 outreach events. At events, Community Health Workers (CHWs) listen to community members to assess vaccine perceptions and health needs/concerns. We adapt messaging and outreach initiatives to promote vaccination through data analyses that help us understand perceptions. Responses are calculated for the populations of focus (PoF)–Latino/Hispanic, African American/Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander) compared to others (Non-Latino/Hispanic White or unspecified race). Over 16,000 surveys were collected from November 2021 – August 2023 with 60% coming from the PoF. Key differences in perceptions will be shown along with other cross-site metrics. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: PANDEMIC offers an innovative model for collaboration among CTSAs and Cooperative Extension Systems to better understand community perceptions and support vaccination efforts and overall health promotion in communities of greatest need, with a focus on racial and ethnic minority communities and underinsured/uninsured populations.

Moving toward a Healthy Eating Pattern: Exploring the Interrelationship of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior in Young Adults

Purpose of the study: The main aim of this research is to evaluate the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and dietary behavior in young adults in the area around the Pondok Tinggi health center..
 Methodology: Correlational type quantitative methods were used in this research. The sampling technique in this research used simple random sampling. The collecting technique in this research used a questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes and dietary behavior. Data analysis in this research uses correlation hypothesis testing with prerequisite tests for normality and linearity.
 Main Findings: The results of the analysis show that there is a significant relationship between people's knowledge and attitudes and dietary behavior. These findings indicate that better knowledge about healthy eating patterns and positive attitudes towards healthy eating patterns significantly contribute to the adoption of better eating behavior in young adults. Thus, this research provides evidence that education and increasing awareness about the importance of healthy eating patterns can be an effective strategy in improving public health.
 Novelty/Originality of this study: This research offers a holistic approach in evaluating the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and dietary behavior in adults aged 20-44 years around the Pondok Tinggi Community Health Center, Sungai Banyak City, Jambi province, highlighting the importance of these factors in community health promotion.

Community Health Profile of Selected Area of Birgunj Metropolitan City, Parsa

Background: Community assessment is the basic foundation for promoting and improving the health of community populations. The objective of this survey is to appraise the health profile of the community and assist in promoting community health. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out from August 14, 2019, to September 21, 2019. The population of the study was residents of ward number 1, Chhapkaiya of Birgunj Metropolitan City, a Slum area of the ward selected purposively, where there were 200 houses and a total population was 1364. Data were collected using the interview technique. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data. Results: The majority (79.0%) of respondents threw waste in an open field. Only 19.0% of respondents had used latrines. Most women (80.25%) became mothers at the age of fewer than 20 years. More than half (57.31%) of pregnant women had done an ANC visit up to the fourth time, among them, 90.0% of respondents had delivered in a government hospital 86.0% of the mothers had colostrum feeding practiced as well and 90.12% had done exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months. Female sterilisation (38%) were more common in the society. Above sixty percent (62.86%) of families, had done diarrheal management in the home of under 5 children. Conclusion: The health profile of the Chhapkaiya community is satisfactory. All populations used safe water but open field defecation is prevalent and most of the population threw waste in the open field. The majority of the women became mothers below 20 years of age and home delivery is still practiced in this community. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 12(1): 39-45.

Implementation of a Social Media Strategy for Public Health Promotion in Communities of Color during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Understanding metrics and processes in a cross-sectional study. (Preprint)

Implementation of a Social Media Strategy for Public Health Promotion in Communities of Color during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Understanding metrics and processes in a cross-sectional study. (Preprint)

Piloting a Community-Based, Culturally Adapted Health Promotion Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Disabilities in First-Generation Korean Immigrant Families.

Children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities (ASD/DD) face barriers to participation in health promotion programs due to the lack of available and/or affordable programs and trained staff at recreation centers. Children with ASD/DD in Korean immigrant families are one of the most underserved minority groups due to language, racial/ethnic discrimination, and stigma and shame within their own ethnic community. However, little research is available on development, implementation, and evaluation of a culturally adapted community health promotion program in this population. The purpose of this study is to assess effectiveness of a pilot program for children with ASD/DD from first-generation Korean immigrant families. The pilot study used a quantitative, quasiexperimental design (one-group design with pre- and posttest) following a seven-week health promotion program. We recruited 15 children with ASD/DD, ages nine through 16, from first-generation Korean immigrant families. The findings of the study suggest that the pilot program was effective in gaining nutrition knowledge and increasing physical involvement among participants. Given the fact that Asian immigrants are a fast-growing population and that nearly 75 percent of them were born abroad, development and evaluation of a community-based, culturally adapted health promotion program is urgently needed.

Study protocol: Project 2VIDA! SARS-CoV-2 vaccine intervention delivery for adults in Southern California.

To date, the United States (US) leads the world in the number of infections and deaths due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality are staggering. Age-adjusted data show that AA and Latino individuals have had higher rates of death over most of the pandemic and during surges. Project 2VIDA! is community-based participatory research (CBPR) that was developed to address individual, social, and contextual factors related to access and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among African American and Latino communities in Southern California. This paper describes the study protocol and overarching objectives. Project 2VIDA! is a multilevel intervention that builds on the principals of CBPR and is designed to increase uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among African American and Latino individuals (≥16 years and older) in San Diego County. The intervention was developed with a working group comprised of representatives from community and academia and centers on targeted COVID-19 individual awareness and education, linkage to medical and supportive services, COVID-19 community outreach and health promotion and offering the COVID-19 vaccine through community pop-up clinics. Findings from 2VIDA! will provide data on the impact, feasibility, and acceptability of the intervention which are all crucial for the adaptation, refinement, and improvement of vaccine outreach interventions for COVID-19 and other vaccine preventable infectious diseases that severely impact African American and Latino communities. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05022472?term=Project+2VIDA&draw=2&rank=1, NCT05022472.

Non-Govermental Organizations: Social mobilization and empowerment for community health promotion

Non-Govermental Organizations: Social mobilization and empowerment for community health promotion

Level of knowledge about neonatal danger signs and associated factors among postpartum mothers in public hospitals, northeastern Ethiopia

BackgroundKnowing and seeking medical attention for neonatal danger signs has many benefits for reducing neonatal morbidity and death. Despite numerous interventions that have been made to raise mothers’ awareness about neonatal danger signs, the desired level of knowledge has not yet been reached in Ethiopia. ObjectiveTo assess the level of knowledge of neonatal danger signs and associated factors among postpartum mothers in public hospitals in the Eastern Amhara region, northeastern Ethiopia. MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in four government hospitals between January 10, 2023, and February 10, 2023.421 participants in the study were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews, observation, and chart reviews were used to collect the data. The association was discovered through multivariate logistic regression analysis. ResultOnly 36.6% (154) of mothers were knowledgeable about newborn danger signs in this study. Mothers who had higher institution status [(adjusted odds ratio) AOR = 3.355, 95% CI (1.751, 6.428)]; who were civil servants or a private employer [AOR = 2.986, 95% CI (1.822, 4.892)] and [AOR = 2.544, 95% CI (1.269, 5.138)]; and who had counseling about breastfeeding [AOR = 2.614, 95% CI (1.695, 4.029)] were positive predictors of awareness of neonatal danger signs. ConclusionIn this study, the level of mothers' awareness of newborn danger signs was low and required more effort. Moreover, mothers who were educated, worked as civil servants or private employers, had a family size of 4–6, and received breastfeeding counseling were linked to mothers’ good awareness of newborn danger signs. As a result, intensive community and facility-based health promotion activities on newborn danger signs should be strengthened, with special emphasis on uneducated and housewife mothers and breastfeeding counseling sessions.

'Hospitals Are Medicine and More….' An Assessment of Subsidised Health Insurance Beneficiaries' Experience in Western Kenya

Financial protection remains an important hurdle to overcome if Universal Health Coverage is to be achieved in sub-Saharan Africa. An innovative model of subsidised health insurance to vulnerable households was implemented in one level four and two primary health care facilities in Western Kenya. The project aimed to determine whether reduced insurance costs, socioeconomic empowerment, and the availability of drugs would improve patients' experience and encourage them to co-pay. This was a secondary analysis of a mixed methods study with a cross-sectional household survey consisting of 18 semi-structured interviews conducted with NHIF subsidy program beneficiaries. Most beneficiaries accessed care as a result of the program. However, challenges of stockouts and inadequate healthcare workers persisted and discouraged some of them from going to the participating facilities. Community Health Promoters were very instrumental in enlightening the community on the cover and getting the sick beneficiaries to go to the hospital. The socioeconomic empowerment programme was beneficial but was mostly long-term and required financial input from the community members before they could sell the poultry or agricultural produce. Most community members were willing to pay after receiving health services using the cover. The study recommends contextualisation of socioeconomic empowerment programs, which are very important in enabling families to generate income to pay for health insurance. Additionally, improving the service delivery experience is important by reducing stockouts, having sufficient healthcare workers, and eliminating facility-related delays, which would improve the confidence of communities in public health facilities, thus retaining health insurance

Using a participatory design to develop an implementation framework for integrating falls prevention for older people within the Chinese primary health care system

BackgroundChinese National Essential Public Health Service Package (NEPHSP) has mandated primary health care providers to provide falls prevention for community-dwelling older people. But no implementation framework is available to guide better integration of falls prevention for older people within the primary health care system.MethodsThis is a two-stage online participatory design study consisting of eight workshops with stakeholders from three purposively selected cities. First, two workshops were organised at each study site to jointly develop the framework prototype. Second, to refine, optimise and finalise the prototype via two workshops with all study participants. Data analysis and synthesis occurred concurrently with data collection, supported by Tencent Cloud Meeting software.ResultsAll participants confirmed that the integration of falls prevention for older people within the NEPHSP was weak and reached a consensus on five opportunities to better integrate falls prevention, including workforce training, community health promotion, health check-ups, health education and scheduled follow-up, during the delivery of NEPHSP. Three regional-tailored prototypes were then jointly developed and further synthesised into a generic implementation framework by researchers and end-users. Guided by this framework, 11 implementation strategies were co-developed under five themes.ConclusionsThe current integration of falls prevention in the NEPHSP is weak. Five opportunities for integrating falls prevention in the NEPHSP and a five-themed implementation framework with strategies are co-identified and developed, using a participatory design approach. These findings may also provide other regions or countries, facing similar challenges, with insights for promoting falls prevention for older people.

Promoting school-based learning about nutrition and physical activity using Photovoice: A systematic review

Objective: Photovoice as a participatory research method seeks to capture and share participants’ perspectives and experiences. It has been widely used in school settings to prioritise student voice in health research. Photovoice also presents opportunities for health education. There is limited synthesis on school-based Photovoice focused on nutrition and physical activity (PA). This systematic review examined the use of school-based Photovoice in relation to nutrition and PA for 10- to 18-year-olds. The research questions explored were twofold: what Photovoice approaches and implementation processes have been used in schools with respect to nutrition and PA; and what were the student learning outcomes? Methods: Six electronic databases were searched: MedLine, PsycInfo, EMBASE, ProQuest Education Journal, Cochrane Central and ERIC. The Participant, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome and Study (PICOS) framework was used to specify inclusion/exclusion criteria. Nineteen articles were selected from the search results of 2,305 articles based on fit with the established criteria. Iterative inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data with a focus on (1) approaches and implementation, and (2) student learning outcomes. Results: Nineteen studies were included in the review. Themes related to approaches and implementation were the importance in introductory sessions; processes for meaning-making; student-led community engagement and health promotion; and learning from challenges and limitations. Themes related to student learning outcomes included critical awareness of nutrition and PA environmental influences; capability development; and agency and empowerment. Conclusion: School-based Photovoice benefits health research by generating data with a focus on student voice. An under-valued and under-reported benefit relates to student learning outcomes, supporting the potential for healthy behaviour change. Multisectoral education and health research should value both types of goals. Photovoice can be used as a curriculum-linked pedagogical tool to add value to the pursuit of educational goals in school.

Consented indicators for the evaluation of integrated strategies of community health promotion targeting children and adolescents: results of an eDelphi.

To date, there is no consensus on indicators for the evaluation of integrated community-based interventions for health promotion and prevention targeting children and adolescents. This study aims at consenting on a scoped set of indicators to evaluate integrated community-based interventions. Out of 738 indicators derived from a literature search, we preselected 94 indicators allotted to 20 domains based on an internal quality appraisal and consensus process and conducted an eDelphi procedure to assess their relevance in view of experts. Experts were recruited in the field of public health, health sciences and communal health promotion in practice and were invited as participants in this eDelphi. During the eDelphi, 47 experts rated the relevance of 94 indicators in two rounds. Consensus was defined as agreement of 75% (or above). After round 1, 27 indicators among 11 consented subdomains reached a consensus on relevance. After round 2, a total of 36 indicators reached consensus on relevance in 9 subdomains (such as socioeconomic factors, health education, nutrition and physical activity, oral health, overall health status, specific health conditions, drug related behavior, exposure to drugs and violence, family factors). These identified indicators may provide a basis for evaluation concepts of integrated community-based interventions for children and adolescents to inform stakeholders about intervention impacts.

Suicide Prevention Strategies in Nigeria: Exploring Religious Roles, Insights, and Challenges

Suicide is a pressing issue in Nigeria, often linked to the stigmatisation of mental health rooted in supernatural beliefs. Revealing one’s mental health status is an invitation stigma, which discourages disclosure. The study of the problem of suicide has been reported in various academic publications that deal with the driving factors or the aftermath of suicide incidents in the country. Pastoral caregivers have been shown to play a crucial role in addressing this multifaceted problem. However, some clergy and religious caregivers lack knowledge about mental health, and healthcare providers may have negative attitudes. This conceptual review analyses the role of religion in suicide prevention, focusing on existing research in Nigeria. It examines different religious perspectives on suicide, recognising that acceptance varies within religious contexts. Chaplains and religious healthcare practitioners provide pastoral care through hospital visits, offering support, encouragement, and prayer. This paper advocates for suicide awareness in pastoral care, emphasising the importance of mental health promotion in religious communities. Recognising the challenges of identifying suicidal signs, the emotional impact, and the limited training of religious leaders, this paper concludes by highlighting the complexity of suicide prevention in religious settings. Despite the barriers, the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing mental health and the importance of perseverance in prevention efforts are emphasised.

Retention of Community Health Workers in the Public Health Workforce: Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey, 2017 and 2021.

Objectives. To investigate the organizational factors contributing to the intent of community health workers (CHWs) to quit their jobs in local and state health departments in the United States. Methods. We used the 2017 (n = 844) and 2021 (n = 1014) Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey data sets to predict CHWs' intent to leave with Stata 17 balanced repeated replication survey estimations. Results. CHWs dissatisfied with organizational support, pay, or job security had high probabilities of reporting an intent to leave (50%, P < .01; 39%, P < .01; and 42%, P < .01, respectively) relative to satisfied or neutral workers (24%, P < .01; 21%, P < .01; and 26%, P < .01, respectively). Conclusions. Improving organizational support, pay satisfaction, and job security satisfaction in public health agencies can significantly improve CHW retention, potentially lowering overall organizational costs, enhancing organizational morale, and promoting community health. Public Health Implications. Our findings shed light on actionable ways to improve CHW retention, including assessing training needs; prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion; and improving communication between management and workers. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(1):44-47. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307462).