How Healthy Are Community Health Workers: Findings from a Chicago-Area Survey

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Workforce Studies
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Community health workers (CHWs) are integral to the U.S. healthcare system.
• Limited data exists on the health and well-being of CHWs themselves.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the health status, behaviors, and mental well-being of CHWs in the Chicago metropolitan area.
• To compare CHW health outcomes to the general Chicago population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional survey of 179 CHWs in the Chicago area.
• Utilized validated measures for general health, chronic conditions, health behaviors, and mental health.
• Statistical comparison with Chicago population data using two-proportion z-tests.

Main Results:

• CHWs reported poorer general health, higher mental distress, and inadequate emotional support compared to the general population.
• Lower prevalence of hypertension, obesity, and high cholesterol was observed in CHWs.
• Significant economic hardship noted: 35.9% earned <$25,000 annually, 61.9% delayed care due to cost.

Conclusions:

• Chicago-area CHWs exhibit a concerning health profile with notable mental health burdens and economic precarity.
• Urgent need for employer and policy initiatives to support and sustain the CHW workforce.