Improving the quality of life and workplace productivity of 134 community health workers in South Africa with aerobic laughter therapy psychosocial support programs over three and six month periods

Background: Community health workers experience high levels of stress. Many experience depression and burnout that can reduce the quality and quantity of care provided. Psychosocial support programs using aerobic laughter therapy (ALT) provide cognitive behavioral therapy within the framework of positive psychology. The efficacy of this program in improving the quality of life and productivity of community health workers was investigated in two groups of home based healthcare workers. Methods: 37 workers in Northwest province providing care to HIV affected adults and children (group 1), and 97 workers in Eastern Cape Province providing care to OVC (group 2), received ALT training and engaged in daily peer-to-peer ALT therapy group sessions of 10-15 minutes for six months and three months respectively. Qualitative, quantitative and performance assessments were conducted with participants before training, then after 2 weeks, 2, 4, and 6 months (group 1), and after 2 weeks and 2 months (group 2). Results: Results for group 1 showed dramatic reductions in absenteeism (52%), presenteeism, burnout, stress, depression, workplace conflict, and other factors known to reduce workplace efficacy. Similar increases were seen in happiness, satisfaction with life, problem solving ability, emotional intelligence, productivity (56%), and mindfulness. Participants reported significant improvements in patient relations and patient outcomes including adherence to medications and treatment. Results for group 2 confirmed these findings. Conclusions: Aerobic laughter based PSS programs can result in significant improvements in the quality of life and productivity of community health workers.