مدل مطلع جنسیتی برای آموزش کارکنان بهداشت جامعه در بهداشت روانی مادر

The New Haven Mental Health Outreach for MotherS (MOMS) Partnership is a community-academic partnership that works to develop public health approaches to ensure that pregnant and parenting women living in the City of New Haven achieve the highest possible level of mental health. The MOMS Partnership developed a training model for community health workers specializing in maternal mental health. Six community health workers (termed Community Mental Health Ambassadors or CMHAs) were trained on key topics in this gender-informed maternal mental health curriculum. Pre- and post-test questionnaires assessed changes in attitudes, perceived self-efficacy and control using standardized scales. The results indicated preliminary acceptability of the training curriculum in transforming knowledge and attitudes about maternal mental health among community health workers.

Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline public health professionals who are trusted members of the community they serve. As community members, their unique knowledge and understanding of the community allows them to “bridge the gap” between health service providers, researchers and community members. CHWs generally possess qualities similar to those of the target community in terms of race and ethnicity, social and environmental familiarity and an understanding of the community's health beliefs and behaviors (Nemcek & Sabatier, 2003). The role of CHWs often involves increasing access to and use of appropriate health care services, disseminating relevant health information to the community and providing culturally appropriate health education, counseling and social support (Swider, 2002). Through qualitative and quantitative research, CHWs have demonstrated effectiveness in improving clinical outcomes, health and wellness and in creating sustainable changes in health behaviors within the communities they serve (West Rasmus, Pineda-Reyes, Tamez, & Westfall, 2012). CHWs have been used effectively in the United States to address a variety of chronic health conditions and topics including asthma, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, immunizations, maternal and child health, nutrition, smoking behaviors, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS (University of Arizona Rural Health Office and College of Public Health, 2010). While further empirical evaluation is needed, preliminary evidence suggests that CHWs are effective in promoting mental health and improving access to mental health services (Stacciarini et al., 2012).