Internationale Zeitschrift für öffentliche Gesundheit und Sicherheit

Taking Up the Community Health Intervention Package Faces Challenges

Abstract

Jessica Coetzer*

Participants thought it was important to consider the fear of disclosure and potential stigma if a mental health intervention is provided by an employer, however, in trying to ensure confidentiality for each CHW, participants also advised against providing generic interventions that do not meet their unique mental health needs. The participants thought this barrier might be overcome if CHWs perceived that a third party provided the intervention. In addition, participants recommended involving influential stakeholders such as religious/ faith and community leaders that CHWs respect and listen to help overcome the stigma of accessing mental health treatment. The participants were concerned that the acceptability and accessibility of digital interventions might be limited by poor internet connectivity in rural areas, low digital literacy, a preference for in-person events, and the costs of acquiring a smartphone or a laptop.