International Journal of Health Systems and Implementation Research

The current journal issue brings together significant articles that delve into critical aspects of public health challenges and innovations, offering insights into caregiving, digital healthcare transformations, healthcare workforce dynamics, and disease management.

The editorial titled ‘Caring for Older Caregivers: Managing Depressive Symptoms and Stress among Family Caregivers of Persons with Severe Mental Illnesses (PwSMI)’ addresses the often-overlooked emotional and physical toll on caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses. Highlighting the cultural nuances of caregiving in South and Southeast Asia, the article underscores the pressing need for psychoeducation, community support, and systemic healthcare resources to alleviate caregiver burden and improve outcomes for caregivers and patients. With mental health disorders affecting millions globally, this article calls attention to the critical role of family caregivers and the necessity of prioritizing their well-being especially in the Indian context.

The viewpoint on ‘Digitalization of ASHA Work: Enhancing Efficiency or Jeopardizing Quality and Transparency?’ examines the digital transformation of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in India, particularly in non-communicable disease screening. While digital tools promise enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and transparency, the article identifies barriers such as limited digital literacy, data integrity concerns, and inadequate incentive structures. The analysis emphasizes the importance of robust support systems to ensure that digitalization enhances, rather than undermines, the quality of healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.

In the short review article, ‘The Growing Burden: Workload on Community Health Officers,’ the authors explore the escalating responsibilities of Community Health Officers (CHOs) in rural and underserved areas. The study highlights how clinical duties, administrative tasks, and insufficient support from Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) exacerbate CHOs' workload, potentially compromising efficiency and well-being. The article advocates for clearer role delineation, structured guidelines, and greater accountability to mitigate these challenges and optimize primary healthcare services.

The research article, ‘A Formative Study to Analyse Awareness, Knowledge, and Utilisation Gap about ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) at a Tertiary Care Health Setting,’ evaluates the awareness and utilization of the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) in Chandigarh. Despite creating 8.6 lakh ABHA IDs in the region, usage remains negligible, indicating a significant knowledge gap among the population. The study highlights the need for targeted information campaigns, particularly through social media, to enhance understanding and adoption of this digital initiative aimed at universal health coverage.

Lastly, the research article ‘Non-Adherence to Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment Among Newly Diagnosed Tuberculosis Patients Treated Under DOTS in District Raipur, Chhattisgarh’ explores the reasons behind non-adherence to tuberculosis treatment. Factors such as drug side effects, alcohol consumption, and migration are identified as major contributors. The study emphasizes the need for patient education on disease transmission, preventive measures, and treatment adherence to curb the spread of tuberculosis and improve patient outcomes.

Together, these articles provide a comprehensive overview of key public health issues, emphasizing the need for systemic improvements, community engagement, and tailored interventions to address healthcare and health system challenges effectively.