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Kabukye JK, Namugga J, Mpamani CJ, Katumba A, Nakatumba-Nabende J, Nabuuma H, Musoke SS, Nankya E, Soomre E, Nakisige C, Orem J. Implementing Smartphone-Based Telemedicine for Cervical Cancer Screening in Uganda: Qualitative Study of Stakeholders' Perceptions. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e45132. [PMID: 37782541 PMCID: PMC10580134 DOI: 10.2196/45132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Uganda, cervical cancer (CaCx) is the commonest cancer, accounting for 35.7% of all cancer cases in women. The rates of human papillomavirus vaccination and CaCx screening remain low. Digital health tools and interventions have the potential to improve different aspects of CaCx screening and control in Uganda. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to describe stakeholders' perceptions of the telemedicine system we developed to improve CaCx screening in Uganda. METHODS We developed and implemented a smartphone-based telemedicine system for capturing and sharing cervical images and other clinical data, as well as an artificial intelligence model for automatic analysis of images. We conducted focus group discussions with health workers at the screening clinics (n=27) and women undergoing screening (n=15) to explore their perceptions of the system. The focus group discussions were supplemented with field observations and an evaluation survey of the health workers on system usability and the overall project. RESULTS In general, both patients and health workers had positive opinions about the system. Highlighted benefits included better cervical visualization, the ability to obtain a second opinion, improved communication between nurses and patients (to explain screening findings), improved clinical data management, performance monitoring and feedback, and modernization of screening service. However, there were also some negative perceptions. For example, some health workers felt the system is time-consuming, especially when it had just been introduced, while some patients were apprehensive about cervical image capture and sharing. Finally, commonplace challenges in digital health (eg, lack of interoperability and problems with sustainability) and challenges in cancer screening in general (eg, arduous referrals, inadequate monitoring and quality control) also resurfaced. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the feasibility and value of digital health tools in CaCx screening in Uganda, particularly with regard to improving patient experience and the quality of screening services. It also provides examples of potential limitations that must be addressed for successful implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnblack K Kabukye
- SPIDER - The Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jane Namugga
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
- Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Andrew Katumba
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Hanifa Nabuuma
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Senkomago Musoke
- Global Programs for Research and Training, University of California San Francisco, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Edna Soomre
- SPIDER - The Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Guillaume D, Moise R, Chepkorir J, Alexander K, Alcaide ML, Chandler R, Rolland C, Pierre-Joseph N. Sociodemographics and health-literacy as predictors of cervical cancer screening practices among Haitian women: A secondary data analysis of 2016-17 DHS surveys. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002221. [PMID: 37552701 PMCID: PMC10409270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer screening rates in Haiti are concerningly low. Access to health-related information and health literacy may be important determinants of engagement in cervical cancer screening. This study explored the relationship between sociodemographics,literacy, and sources of information on cervical cancer screening among Haitian women. A secondary data analysis was conducted using USAID Demographics and Health Survey Haiti household data from 2016-2017. Univariate logistic regressions identified significant predictor covariates measuring sociodemographics and sources of information in cervical cancer screening uptake.Two multivariate logistic regression models with adjusted odds ratios were developed using the significant predictor variables from the univariate analysis. N = 610 women responded to questions pertaining to cervical cancer screening. The first multivariate model evaluating sociodemographics demonstrated an economic background of poorer (aOR = 4.06, 95% CI [1.16,14.27]) and richest (aOR = 19.10 , 95% CI[2.58,141.57]), higher education levels (aOR 7.58 , 95% CI [1.64,34.97]), and having insurance (aOR = 16.40, [95% CI 2.65, 101.42]) were significant predictors of cervical cancer screening. The second model evaluating literacy and sources of information indicated that access to a television (aOR = 4.28, 95% CI [1.21,9.34]), mobile phone ownership (aOR = 4.44, 95% CI [1.00,5.59]), and reading the newspaper (aOR = 3.57, [95% CI 1.10,11.59]) were significant predictors of cervical cancer screening. Diverse health communication initiatives that are adapted for literacy level and that incorporate multimedia components may effective in raising women's cervical cancer knowledge and awareness , and increasing intention and uptake of cervical cancer screening in Haiti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Guillaume
- Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Jhpiego, A Johns Hopkins University Affiliate, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- International Vaccine Access Center, International Health Department, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Rhoda Moise
- Center for Translational Sleep and Circadian Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Joyline Chepkorir
- Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Kamila Alexander
- Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Maria Luisa Alcaide
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Rasheeta Chandler
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Claire Rolland
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Natalie Pierre-Joseph
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Guillaume D, Amédée LM, Rolland C, Duroseau B, Alexander K. Exploring engagement in cervical cancer prevention services among Haitian women in Haiti and in the United States: a scoping review. J Psychosoc Oncol 2022; 41:610-629. [PMID: 36514967 DOI: 10.1080/07347332.2022.2154730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION Haitian women in Haiti and in the United States experience a disproportionate burden of cervical cancer, however their uptake of cervical cancer prevention services remains concerningly low. LITERATURE SEARCH A comprehensive search on bibliographic databases coupled with a grey literature search was conducted. A total of 401 studies were identified, with 28 studies retained after following Arksey and O'Malley's Scoping Review Guidelines. DATA EVALUATION/SYNTHESIS Knowledge levels of HPV and cervical cancer, along with preventative measures was alarmingly low. Traditional health practices, cultural worldviews, and social networks had an influence on the uptake of cervical cancer prevention. Health systems barriers were found to be a prevalent barrier among Haitian women in the U.S. CONCLUSIONS Future health promotion interventions developed for Haitian women must address personal, cultural, social, and structural factors with an emphasis on modifying knowledge and beliefs to improve engagement in cervical cancer prevention behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Guillaume
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Jhpiego, A Johns Hopkins University affiliate, Baltimore, MD, USA
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD, USA
| | | | - Claire Rolland
- College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA
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Venkatas J, Singh M. Cervical cancer: a meta-analysis, therapy and future of nanomedicine. Ecancermedicalscience 2020; 14:1111. [PMID: 33144879 PMCID: PMC7581334 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2020.1111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of female death, with an annual mortality rate exceeding 200,000 in developing communities. Despite the past decade bearing witness to a reduction in cervical cancer cases throughout developed countries, the prevalence in developing countries continues to rapidly rise. The increase in cervical cancer cases is attributed to the lack of financial resources and the unavoidable risk factors of the disease. Traditional means of anticancer therapy are compromised by reduced drug potency, non-specificity, negative side effects and the development of multiple drug resistance (MDR), which leads to a decrease in the long-term anticancer therapeutic efficacy. Recent advances in nanomedicine have elucidated the potential of nanoparticles to reduce the side effects and improve the survival rate of patients, by enhancing selective delivery and uptake of photosensitive, therapeutic and genetic material to cervical cancer cells, thereby enhancing antitumour efficiency. This review paper analyses the risk factors and epidemiology of cervical cancer globally, especially in developing communities, whilst demonstrating the enhanced anticancer treatment using selected nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeaneen Venkatas
- Nano-Gene and Drug Delivery Group, Discipline of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
- https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5061-0788
| | - Moganavelli Singh
- Nano-Gene and Drug Delivery Group, Discipline of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa
- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9985-6567
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McKenzie ND, Ahmad S, Bernard J, DeGennaro V. Empowering and training front-line providers treating cervical cancer in Haiti: perspective of a gynecologic oncologist's experience with international surgical missions. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2019; 30:274-275. [PMID: 31451561 DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2019-000758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie D McKenzie
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, AdventHealth Cancer Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Sarfraz Ahmad
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, AdventHealth Cancer Institute, Orlando, Florida, USA
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