PhD defence Anirudh Gaurang Gudlavalleti
Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Onno C.P. van Schayck, Prof. Dr. Sophie Vanbelle, Prof. Dr. Giridhara R Babu
Keywords: Community health workers training, Type 2 diabetes, Screening, Task-shifting
"Impact of Community Health Worker Training on Competence of Type 2 Diabetes Screening, Management, and Complications in Rural India"
Type 2 diabetes is among the fastest-growing health issues globally, with India bearing the second-largest burden, affecting nearly 90 million people. The situation is particularly critical in rural areas, where access to clinics, affordable treatment, and trained health personnel is a major challenge. In Telangana, a South Indian state with over 60% of its population living in rural areas, diabetes prevalence exceeds the national average.
India depends on over one million ASHAS, community health workers, to connect with these communities. Their roles include screening individuals for diabetes, referring them for tests, and monitoring their treatment. However, previous studies have highlighted significant gaps in their knowledge and practices. This dissertation investigated whether a structured, competency-based training programme could bridge gaps and enhance care at the ground level. In a cluster-randomised trial across eight rural health centres, we examined 240 community health workers: some were trained under the new programme, while others continued with traditional practices. Throughout the study, these workers screened over 25,000 individuals.
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