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Task-Shifting: Can Community Health Workers Be Part of the Solution to an Inactive Nation?

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  • Estelle D. Watson

    (Department of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
    Department of Exercise Science, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand)

  • Shabir Moosa

    (Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa)

  • Dina C. Janse Van Rensburg

    (Section Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa)

  • Martin Schwellnus

    (Section Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa)

  • Estelle V. Lambert

    (UCT Research Centre for Health through Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Sport (HPALS), Department of Human Biology, Division of Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Division of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa)

  • Mark Stoutenberg

    (Department of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
    College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Estelle D. Watson & Shabir Moosa & Dina C. Janse Van Rensburg & Martin Schwellnus & Estelle V. Lambert & Mark Stoutenberg, 2023. "Task-Shifting: Can Community Health Workers Be Part of the Solution to an Inactive Nation?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(17), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:17:p:6675-:d:1227865
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    References listed on IDEAS

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