Community Health Worker Interventions for Diabetes Self-Management in Low-Income Urban Populations

Muhindo Anitah

Department of Pharmacy Kampala International University Uganda

Email: anitah.muhindo@studwc.kiu.ac.ug

                                                                       ABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus represented a major public health challenge globally, with a disproportionate burden observed among low-income urban populations where social, economic, and structural barriers compromised effective disease management. Diabetes self-management was essential for glycemic control and prevention of complications,  yet remained difficult to achieve in underserved communities. The purpose of this review was to critically examine the role of community health worker interventions in supporting diabetes self-management among low-income urban
populations. A narrative synthesis of qualitative and quantitative studies evaluating community health worker–led diabetes interventions was undertaken to integrate evidence on program design, mechanisms of action, and health outcomes. Findings from the literature indicated that community health worker interventions were associated with improvements in glycemic control, diabetes knowledge, self-care behaviors, and patient engagement, while also addressing psychosocial stressors and health system navigation challenges. These benefits were largely attributed
to culturally responsive education, peer support, and sustained community-based engagement. Evidence further suggested that such interventions may reduce health disparities and improve access to preventive care when effectively integrated into primary healthcare systems. Community health worker interventions represented a promising and evidence-based strategy for enhancing diabetes self-management in low-income urban populations. Strengthening training, sustainability, and policy support for these programs was critical to maximizing their impact
on population health outcomes.

Keywords: Diabetes self-management, Community health workers, Low-income populations, Urban health, Health disparities.

CITE AS: Muhindo Anitah (2026). Community Health Worker Interventions for Diabetes Self-Management in Low-Income Urban Populations. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES 7(2):111-114.
https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJBAS/2026/7.2.111114