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Iuliano A, Burgess RA, Shittu F, King C, Bakare AA, Valentine P, Haruna I, Colbourn T. Linking communities and health facilities to improve child health in low-resource settings: a systematic review. Health Policy Plan 2024; 39:613-635. [PMID: 38619140 PMCID: PMC11145907 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czae028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Community-facility linkage interventions are gaining popularity as a way to improve community health in low-income settings. Their aim is to create/strengthen a relationship between community members and local healthcare providers. Representatives from both groups can address health issues together, overcome trust problems, potentially leading to participants' empowerment to be responsible for their own health. This can be achieved via different approaches. We conducted a systematic literature review to explore how this type of intervention has been implemented in rural and low or lower-middle-income countries, its various features and how/if it has helped to improve child health in these settings. Publications from three electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed and Embase) up to 03 February 2022 were screened, with 14 papers meeting the inclusion criteria (rural setting in low/lower-middle-income countries, presence of a community-facility linkage component, outcomes of interest related to under-5 children's health, peer-reviewed articles containing original data written in English). We used Rosato's integrated conceptual framework for community participation to assess the transformative and community-empowering capacities of the interventions, and realist principles to synthesize the outcomes. The results of this analysis highlight which conditions can lead to the success of this type of intervention: active inclusion of hard-to-reach groups, involvement of community members in implementation's decisions, activities tailored to the actual needs of interventions' contexts and usage of mixed methods for a comprehensive evaluation. These lessons informed the design of a community-facility linkage intervention and offer a framework to inform the development of monitoring and evaluation plans for future implementations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Iuliano
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Rochelle Ann Burgess
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
| | - Funmilayo Shittu
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ibadan, CW23+FJV University College Hospital, Queen Elizabeth I I Road, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo 00285, Nigeria
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Norrbackagatan 4, Stockholm 171 76, Sweden
| | - Carina King
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Norrbackagatan 4, Stockholm 171 76, Sweden
| | - Ayobami Adebayo Bakare
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Norrbackagatan 4, Stockholm 171 76, Sweden
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Ibadan, CW22+H4W, Queen Elizabeth I I Road, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo 200285, Nigeria
| | - Paula Valentine
- Save the Children, 1 St John’s Ln, London EC1M 4AR, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim Haruna
- Save the Children International, Plot 773 Cadastral Zone B03, Wuye District, Ankuru 902101, Nigeria
| | - Tim Colbourn
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
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Bakare AA, Salako J, King C, Olojede OE, Bakare D, Olasupo O, Burgess R, McCollum ED, Colbourn T, Falade AG, Molsted-Alvesson H, Graham HR. 'Let him die in peace': understanding caregiver's refusal of medical oxygen treatment for children in Nigeria. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e014902. [PMID: 38760025 PMCID: PMC11103205 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Efforts to improve oxygen access have focused mainly on the supply side, but it is important to understand demand barriers, such as oxygen refusal among caregivers. We therefore aimed to understand caregiver, community and healthcare provider (HCP) perspectives and experiences of medical oxygen treatments and how these shape oxygen acceptance among caregivers of sick children in Lagos and Jigawa states, which are two contrasting settings in Nigeria. METHODS Between April 2022 and January 2023, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study using reflexive thematic analysis, involving semistructured interviews with caregivers (Jigawa=18 and Lagos=7), HCPs (Jigawa=7 and Lagos=6) and community group discussions (Jigawa=4 and Lagos=5). We used an inductive-deductive approach to identify codes and themes through an iterative process using the theoretical framework of acceptability and the normalisation process theory as the analytic lens. RESULTS Medical oxygen prescription was associated with tension, characterised by fear of death, hopelessness about a child's survival and financial distress. These were driven by community narratives around oxygen, past negative experiences and contextual differences between both settings. Caregiver acceptance of medical oxygen was a sense-making process from apprehension and scepticism about their child's survival chances to positioning prescribed oxygen as an 'appropriate' or 'needed' intervention. Achieving this transition occurred through various means, such as trust in HCPs, a perceived sense of urgency for care, previous positive experience of oxygen use and a symbolic perception of oxygen as a technology. Misconceptions and pervasive negative narratives were acknowledged in Jigawa, while in Lagos, the cost was a major reason for oxygen refusal. CONCLUSION Non-acceptance of medical oxygen treatment for sick children is modifiable in the Nigerian context, with the root causes of refusal being contextually specific. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all policy is unlikely to work. Financial constraints and community attitudes should be addressed in addition to improving client-provider interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayobami Adebayo Bakare
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Julius Salako
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Carina King
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Omotayo E Olojede
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Damola Bakare
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olabisi Olasupo
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Rochelle Burgess
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eric D McCollum
- Global Program in Pediatric Respiratory Sciences, Eudowood Division of Pediatric Respiratory Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tim Colbourn
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Adegoke G Falade
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Hamish R Graham
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Centre for International Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, University of Melbourne, MCRI, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Schedwin M, Furaha AB, Hildenwall H, Elimian K, Malembaka EB, Yambayamba MK, Forsberg BC, Van Damme W, Alfvén T, Carter SE, Okitayemba PW, Mapatano MA, King C. Exploring different health care providers´ perceptions on the management of diarrhoea in cholera hotspots in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A qualitative content analysis. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002896. [PMID: 38502678 PMCID: PMC10950234 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Global cholera guidelines support wider healthcare system strengthening interventions, alongside vertical outbreak responses, to end cholera. Well-trained healthcare providers are essential for a resilient health system and can create synergies with childhood diarrhoea, which has higher mortality. We explored how the main provider groups for diarrhoea in cholera hotspots interact, decide on treatment, and reflect on possible limiting factors and opportunities to improve prevention and treatment. We conducted focus group discussions in September 2022 with different healthcare provider types in two urban and two rural cholera hotspots in the North Kivu and Tanganyika provinces in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Content analysis was used with the same coding applied to all providers. In total 15 focus group discussions with medical doctors (n = 3), nurses (n = 4), drug shop vendors (n = 4), and traditional health practitioners (n = 4) were performed. Four categories were derived from the analysis. (i) Provider dynamics: scepticism between all cadres was prominent, whilst also acknowledging the important role all provider groups have in current case management. (ii) Choice of treatment: affordability and strong caregiver demands shaped by cultural beliefs strongly affected choice. (iii) Financial consideration on access: empathy was strong, with providers finding innovative ways to create access to treatment. Concurrently, financial incentives were important, and providers asked for this to be considered when subsiding treatment. (iv) How to improve: the current cholera outbreak response approach was appreciated however there was a strong wish for broader long-term interventions targeting root causes, particularly community access to potable water. Drug shops and traditional health practitioners should be considered for inclusion in health policies for cholera and other diarrhoeal diseases. Financial incentives for the provider to improve access to low-cost treatment and investment in access to potable water should furthermore be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias Schedwin
- Department of Global Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aurélie Bisumba Furaha
- Paediatric Department, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Helena Hildenwall
- Department of Global Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden
- Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Karolinska Institutet, Intervention and Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kelly Elimian
- Department of Global Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden
- Exhale Health Foundation, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Espoir Bwenge Malembaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Center for Tropical Diseases and Global Health, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Marc K. Yambayamba
- Vetsuisse Faculty, Section Epidemiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | | | - Wim Van Damme
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tobias Alfvén
- Department of Global Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sach’s Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Simone E. Carter
- Public Health Emergencies, UNICEF, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Placide Welo Okitayemba
- Programme National d’Elimination du Choléra et de Lutte Contre les Autres Maladies Diarrhéiques, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Mala Ali Mapatano
- Department of Nutrition, Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Carina King
- Department of Global Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden
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Quach A, Spence H, Nguyen C, Graham SM, von Mollendorf C, Mulholland K, Russell FM. Slow progress towards pneumonia control for children in low-and-middle income countries as measured by pneumonia indicators: A systematic review of the literature. J Glob Health 2022; 12:10006. [PMID: 36282893 PMCID: PMC9595578 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.12.10006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The integrated Global Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (GAPPD) has the goal of ending preventable childhood deaths from pneumonia and diarrhoea by 2025 with targets and indicators to monitor progress. The aim of this systematic review is to summarise how low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) reported pneumonia-specific GAPPD indicators at national and subnational levels and whether GAPPD targets have been achieved. Methods We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and Global Health Databases, and the World Health Organization (WHO) website. Publications/reports between 2015 and 2020 reporting on two or more GAPPD-pneumonia indicators from LMICs were included. Data prior to 2015 were included if available in the same report series. Quality of publications was assessed with the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. A narrative synthesis of the literature was performed to describe which countries and WHO regions were reporting on GAPPD indicators and progress in GAPPD coverage targets. Results Our search identified 17 publications/reports meeting inclusion criteria, with six from peer-reviewed publications. Data were available from 139 LMICs between 2010 and 2020, predominantly from Africa. Immunisation coverage rates were the indicators most commonly reported, followed by exclusive breastfeeding rates and pneumonia case management. Most GAPPD indicators were reported at the national level with minimal reporting at the subnational level. Immunisation coverage (Haemophilus influenzae, measles, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccines) in the WHO Europe, Americas and South-East Asia regions were meeting 90% coverage targets, while pneumococcal conjugate vaccine coverage lagged globally. The remaining GAPPD indicators (breastfeeding, pneumonia case management, antiretroviral prophylaxis, household air pollution) were not meeting GAPPD targets in LMICs. There was a strong negative correlation between pneumonia specific GAPPD coverage rates and under-five mortality (Pearson correlation coefficient range = -0.74, -0.79). Conclusion There is still substantial progress to be made in LMICs to achieve the 2025 GAPPD targets. Current GAPPD indicators along with country reporting mechanisms should be reviewed with consideration of adding undernutrition and access to oxygen therapy as important indicators which impact pneumonia outcomes. Further research on GAPPD indicators over longer time periods and at subnational levels can help identify high-risk populations for targeted pneumonia interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Quach
- Asia-Pacific Health Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hollie Spence
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
- The Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cattram Nguyen
- Asia-Pacific Health Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen M Graham
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
- The Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire von Mollendorf
- Asia-Pacific Health Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kim Mulholland
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona M Russell
- Asia-Pacific Health Group, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Graham HR, Olojede OE, Bakare AAA, McCollum ED, Iuliano A, Isah A, Osebi A, Seriki I, Ahmed T, Ahmar S, Cassar C, Valentine P, Olowookere TF, MacCalla M, Uchendu O, Burgess RA, Colbourn T, King C, Falade AG. Pulse oximetry and oxygen services for the care of children with pneumonia attending frontline health facilities in Lagos, Nigeria (INSPIRING-Lagos): study protocol for a mixed-methods evaluation. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e058901. [PMID: 35501079 PMCID: PMC9062461 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-058901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this evaluation is to understand whether introducing stabilisation rooms equipped with pulse oximetry and oxygen systems to frontline health facilities in Ikorodu, Lagos State, alongside healthcare worker (HCW) training improves the quality of care for children with pneumonia aged 0-59 months. We will explore to what extent, how, for whom and in what contexts the intervention works. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Quasi-experimental time-series impact evaluation with embedded mixed-methods process and economic evaluation. SETTING seven government primary care facilities, seven private health facilities, two government secondary care facilities. TARGET POPULATION children aged 0-59 months with clinically diagnosed pneumonia and/or suspected or confirmed COVID-19. INTERVENTION 'stabilisation rooms' within participating primary care facilities in Ikorodu local government area, designed to allow for short-term oxygen delivery for children with hypoxaemia prior to transfer to hospital, alongside HCW training on integrated management of childhood illness, pulse oximetry and oxygen therapy, immunisation and nutrition. Secondary facilities will also receive training and equipment for oxygen and pulse oximetry to ensure minimum standard of care is available for referred children. PRIMARY OUTCOME correct management of hypoxaemic pneumonia including administration of oxygen therapy, referral and presentation to hospital. SECONDARY OUTCOME 14-day pneumonia case fatality rate. Evaluation period: August 2020 to September 2022. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval from University of Ibadan, Lagos State and University College London. Ongoing engagement with government and other key stakeholders during the project. Local dissemination events will be held with the State Ministry of Health at the end of the project (December 2022). We will publish the main impact results, process evaluation and economic evaluation results as open-access academic publications in international journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12621001071819; Registered on the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish R Graham
- Centre for International Child Health, MCRI, University of Melbourne, The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Omotayo E Olojede
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Ayobami Adebayo A Bakare
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Eric D McCollum
- Eudowood Division of Pediatric Respiratory Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Agnese Iuliano
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Adamu Isah
- Save the Children International, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | - Adams Osebi
- Save the Children International, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Obioma Uchendu
- Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | | | - Timothy Colbourn
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Carina King
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Adegoke G Falade
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
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King C, Burgess RA, Bakare AA, Shittu F, Salako J, Bakare D, Uchendu OC, Iuliano A, Isah A, Adams O, Haruna I, Magama A, Ahmed T, Ahmar S, Cassar C, Valentine P, Olowookere TF, MacCalla M, Graham HR, McCollum ED, Falade AG, Colbourn T. Integrated Sustainable childhood Pneumonia and Infectious disease Reduction in Nigeria (INSPIRING) through whole system strengthening in Jigawa, Nigeria: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:95. [PMID: 35101109 PMCID: PMC8802253 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05859-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child mortality remains unacceptably high, with Northern Nigeria reporting some of the highest rates globally (e.g. 192/1000 live births in Jigawa State). Coverage of key protect and prevent interventions, such as vaccination and clean cooking fuel use, is low. Additionally, knowledge, care-seeking and health system factors are poor. Therefore, a whole systems approach is needed for sustainable reductions in child mortality. METHODS This is a cluster randomised controlled trial, with integrated process and economic evaluations, conducted from January 2021 to September 2022. The trial will be conducted in Kiyawa Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria, with an estimated population of 230,000. Clusters are defined as primary government health facility catchment areas (n = 33). The 33 clusters will be randomly allocated (1:1) in a public ceremony, and 32 clusters included in the impact evaluation. The trial will evaluate a locally adapted 'whole systems strengthening' package of three evidence-based methods: community men's and women's groups, Partnership Defined Quality Scorecard and healthcare worker training, mentorship and provision of basic essential equipment and commodities. The primary outcome is mortality of children aged 7 days to 59 months. Mortality will be recorded prospectively using a cohort design, and secondary outcomes measured through baseline and endline cross-sectional surveys. Assuming the following, we will have a minimum detectable effect size of 30%: (a) baseline mortality of 100 per 1000 livebirths, (b) 4480 compounds with 3 eligible children per compound, (c) 80% power, (d) 5% significance, (e) intra-cluster correlation of 0.007 and (f) coefficient of variance of cluster size of 0.74. Analysis will be by intention-to-treat, comparing intervention and control clusters, adjusting for compound and trial clustering. DISCUSSION This study will provide robust evidence of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of community-based participatory learning and action, with integrated health system strengthening and accountability mechanisms, to reduce child mortality. The ethnographic process evaluation will allow for a rich understanding of how the intervention works in this context. However, we encountered a key challenge in calculating the sample size, given the lack of timely and reliable mortality data and the uncertain impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN 39213655 . Registered on 11 December 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina King
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 18, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Ayobami A Bakare
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Tomtebodavägen 18, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Funmilayo Shittu
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Julius Salako
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Damola Bakare
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Obioma C Uchendu
- Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Agnese Iuliano
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Adamu Isah
- Save the Children International, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Osebi Adams
- Save the Children International, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hamish R Graham
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Centre for International Child Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eric D McCollum
- Eudowood Division of Pediatric Respiratory Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Adegoke G Falade
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Tim Colbourn
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
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A Qualitative Exploration of the Referral Process of Children with Common Infections from Private Low-Level Health Facilities in Western Uganda. CHILDREN 2021; 8:children8110996. [PMID: 34828709 PMCID: PMC8618635 DOI: 10.3390/children8110996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Over 50% of sick children are treated by private primary-level facilities, but data on patient referral processes from such facilities are limited. We explored the perspectives of healthcare providers and child caretakers on the referral process of children with common childhood infections from private low-level health facilities in Mbarara District. We carried out 43 in-depth interviews with health workers and caretakers of sick children, purposively selected from 30 facilities, until data saturation was achieved. The issues discussed included the process of referral, challenges in referral completion and ways to improve the process. We used thematic analysis, using a combined deductive/inductive approach. The reasons for where and how to refer were shaped by the patients’ clinical characteristics, the caretakers’ ability to pay and health workers’ perceptions. Caretaker non-adherence to referral and inadequate communication between health facilities were the major challenges to the referral process. Suggestions for improving referrals were hinged on procedures to promote caretaker adherence to referral, including reducing waiting time and minimising the expenses incurred by caretakers. We recommend that triage at referral facilities should be improved and that health workers in low-level private health facilities (LLPHFs) should routinely be included in the capacity-building trainings organised by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and in workshops to disseminate health policies and national healthcare guidelines. Further research should be done on the effect of improving communication between LLPHFs and referral health facilities by affordable means, such as telephone, and the impact of community initiatives, such as transport vouchers, on promoting adherence to referral for sick children.
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Mwanga-Amumpaire J, Ndeezi G, Källander K, Obua C, Migisha R, Nkeramahame J, Stålsby Lundborg C, Kalyango JN, Alfvén T. Capacity to provide care for common childhood infections at low-level private health facilities in Western, Uganda. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257851. [PMID: 34669729 PMCID: PMC8528317 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-level private health facilities (LLPHFs) handle a considerable magnitude of sick children in low-resource countries. We assessed capacity of LLPHFs to manage malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, and, possible severe bacterial infections (PSBIs) in under-five-year-olds. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 110 LLPHFs and 129 health workers in Mbarara District, Uganda between May and December 2019. Structured questionnaires and observation forms were used to collect data on availability of treatment guidelines, vital medicines, diagnostics, and equipment; health worker qualifications; and knowledge of management of common childhood infections. RESULTS Amoxicillin was available in 97%, parental ampicillin and gentamicin in 77%, zinc tablets and oral rehydration salts in >90% while artemether-lumefantrine was available in 96% of LLPHF. About 66% of facilities stocked loperamide, a drug contraindicated in the management of diarrhoea in children. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests and microscopes were available in 86% of the facilities, timers/clocks in 57% but only 19% of the facilities had weighing scales and 6% stocked oxygen. Only 4% of the LLPHF had integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) booklets and algorithm charts for management of common childhood illnesses. Of the 129 health workers, 52% were certificate nurses/midwives and (26% diploma nurses/clinical officers; 57% scored averagely for knowledge on management of common childhood illnesses. More than a quarter (38%) of nursing assistants had low knowledge scores. No notable significant differences existed between rural and urban LLPHFs in most parameters assessed. CONCLUSION Vital first-line medicines for treatment of common childhood illnesses were available in most of the LLPHFs but majority lacked clinical guidelines and very few had oxygen. Majority of health workers had low to average knowledge on management of the common childhood illnesses. There is need for innovative knowledge raising interventions in LLPHFs including refresher trainings, peer support supervision and provision of job aides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Mwanga-Amumpaire
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- * E-mail:
| | - Grace Ndeezi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Karin Källander
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Programme Division, Health Section, UNICEF, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Celestino Obua
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Richard Migisha
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Juvenal Nkeramahame
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Joan Nakayaga Kalyango
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Tobias Alfvén
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Sachs’ Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Graham HR, Olojede OE, Bakare AA, Iuliano A, Olatunde O, Isah A, Osebi A, Ahmed T, Uchendu OC, Burgess R, McCollum E, Colbourn T, King C, Falade AG. Measuring oxygen access: lessons from health facility assessments in Lagos, Nigeria. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-006069. [PMID: 34344666 PMCID: PMC8336153 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted global oxygen system deficiencies and revealed gaps in how we understand and measure 'oxygen access'. We present a case study on oxygen access from 58 health facilities in Lagos state, Nigeria. We found large differences in oxygen access between facilities (primary vs secondary, government vs private) and describe three key domains to consider when measuring oxygen access: availability, cost, use. Of 58 facilities surveyed, 8 (14%) of facilities had a functional pulse oximeter. Oximeters (N=27) were typically located in outpatient clinics (12/27, 44%), paediatric ward (6/27, 22%) or operating theatre (4/27, 15%). 34/58 (59%) facilities had a functional source of oxygen available on the day of inspection, of which 31 (91%) facilities had it available in a single ward area, typically the operating theatre or maternity ward. Oxygen services were free to patients at primary health centres, when available, but expensive in hospitals and private facilities, with the median cost for 2 days oxygen 13 000 (US$36) and 27 500 (US$77) Naira, respectively. We obtained limited data on the cost of oxygen services to facilities. Pulse oximetry use was low in secondary care facilities (32%, 21/65 patients had SpO2 documented) and negligible in private facilities (2%, 3/177) and primary health centres (<1%, 2/608). We were unable to determine the proportion of hypoxaemic patients who received oxygen therapy with available data. However, triangulation of existing data suggested that no facilities were equipped to meet minimum oxygen demands. We highlight the importance of a multifaceted approach to measuring oxygen access that assesses access at the point-of-care and ideally at the patient-level. We propose standard metrics to report oxygen access and describe how these can be integrated into routine health information systems and existing health facility assessment tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish R Graham
- Centre for International Child Health, MCRI, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia .,Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Omotayo E Olojede
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Ayobami A Bakare
- Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria.,Institute for Global Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agnese Iuliano
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Oyaniyi Olatunde
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Adamu Isah
- Save the Children Nigeria, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | - Adams Osebi
- Save the Children Nigeria, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | | | - Obioma C Uchendu
- Department of Community Medicine, University College Hospital Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria.,Department of Community Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Rochelle Burgess
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eric McCollum
- Global Program in Respiratory Sciences, Eudowood Division of Pediatric Respiratory Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tim Colbourn
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Carina King
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK.,Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adegoke G Falade
- Department of Paediatrics, University College Hospital Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
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