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Community Health Workers Play Crucial Role in Reducing Heart Disease and Stroke Risk

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A recent scoping review published in Frontiers in Stroke highlights the effectiveness of community health workers (CHWs) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention trials across the United States. The research, conducted by researchers from Columbia University Medical Center, underscores the importance of CHWs in improving health behaviors and outcomes, particularly for underserved populations with limited access to healthcare. The study emphasizes the need for standardized training frameworks, clear role definitions, and collaborative partnerships between CHWs and academic institutions to enhance their contributions to preventive healthcare.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified 24 clinical trials that utilized CHWs in CVD prevention, with CHWs being actively engaged in implementing interventions, providing culturally sensitive education, and supporting lifestyle modifications.
  • CHWs played a crucial role in improving health behaviors and outcomes, particularly for underserved populations with limited access to healthcare.
  • However, the integration of CHWs into academic teams was inconsistent, and their contributions to research efforts were rarely recognized.
  • Training for CHWs varied considerably, with unclear role definitions and insufficient collaboration with academic institutions.
  • Standardized training frameworks, clear role definitions, and collaborative partnerships are necessary to enhance CHW-led preventive healthcare and reduce CVD disparities in the United States.
  • The study emphasizes the importance of community-academic partnerships in promoting more equitable healthcare and reducing health disparities.

Statistics:

  • 24 clinical trials were identified in the study that utilized community health workers (CHWs) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention.
  • CHWs were actively engaged in implementing interventions in 85% of the identified trials.
  • 70% of the trials reported an improvement in health behaviors and outcomes among participants.
  • Only 3 trials specifically targeted secondary stroke prevention.
  • 90% of CHW training programs focused on disease-specific knowledge and communication skills.
  • Only 5% of CHWs received undefined training programs.

Sources:

  • Community health worker roles in intervention delivery: a scoping review of heart disease and stroke prevention trials in the United States. Frontiers in Stroke, 2025, 4.
  • https://doi.org/10.3389/fstro.2025.1658612
  • NewsRx. Report Summarizes Heart Disease Study Findings from Columbia University Medical Center (Community health worker roles in intervention delivery: a scoping review of heart disease and stroke prevention trials in the United States). Clinical Trials Week. October 20, 2025; p 106.

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