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Amuasi J, Agbogbatey MK, Sarfo F, Beyuo A, Agasiya P, Adobasom-Anane A, Newton S, Ovbiagele B. Protocol for a mixed-methods study to explore implementation outcomes of the Phone-based Interventions under Nurse Guidance after Stroke (PINGS-II) across 10 hospitals in Ghana. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e084584. [PMID: 39209507 PMCID: PMC11367291 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke survivors are at a substantially higher risk for adverse vascular events driven partly by poorly controlled vascular risk factors. Mobile health interventions supported by task shifting strategies have been feasible to test in small pilot trials in low-income settings to promote vascular risk reduction after stroke. However, real-world success and timely implementation of such interventions remain challenging, necessitating research to bridge the know-do gap and expedite improvements in stroke management. The Phone-based Interventions under Nurse Guidance after Stroke (PINGS-II) is a nurse-led mHealth intervention for blood pressure control among stroke survivors, currently being assessed for efficacy in a hybrid clinical trial across 10 hospitals in Ghana compared with usual care. This protocol aims to assess implementation outcomes such as feasibility, appropriateness, acceptability, fidelity, cost and implementation facilitators and barriers of the PINGS-II intervention. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study uses descriptive mixed methods. Qualitative data to be collected include in-depth interviews and FGDs with patients who had a stroke on the PINGS-II intervention, as well as key informant interviews with medical doctors and health policy actors (implementation context, barriers and facilitators). Data will be analysed by thematic analysis. Quantitative data sources include structured questionnaires for clinicians (feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness), and patients who had a stroke (fidelity and costs). Analysis will include summary statistics like means, medians, proportions and exploratory tests of association including χ2 analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval was obtained from the Committee for Human Research Publication and Ethics at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Voluntary written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. All the rights of the participants and ethical principles guiding scientific research shall be adhered to. Findings from the study will be presented in scientific conferences and published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. A dissemination meeting will be held with relevant agencies of the Ghana Ministry of Health, clinicians, patient group representatives, and non-governmental organisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Amuasi
- Department of Global Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Implementation Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Fred Sarfo
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Alexis Beyuo
- Department of Development Studies, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, Ghana
| | - Patrick Agasiya
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Sylvester Newton
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Bruce Ovbiagele
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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Liang Y, Lin Y, Jiao B. Health Interventions May Have Divergent Impacts on Health and Economic Equity: A Case Study of the Community-Based Hypertension Improvement Project in Ghana. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2024; 22:353-362. [PMID: 38267804 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-024-00871-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Improving health and economic equity are key objectives in priority setting, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. This study aims to assess the distributional impacts of the Community-based Hypertension Improvement Project (ComHIP) on health and economic outcomes across wealth quintiles in Ghana. METHODS We developed a decision analytical model to simulate a 30 million cohort of Ghanaians aged 15-49 years. The study specified health outcomes as the prevention of stroke cases and averting deaths among those with hypertension. Furthermore, we explored economic impacts, including savings in out-of-pocket costs for stroke patients and government spending. Financial risk protection against catastrophic and impoverishing health expenditures was also examined. We assessed these outcomes across wealth quintiles, and the corresponding concentration indexes (CIXs) were determined. RESULTS It was estimated that ComHIP could prevent 1450 stroke cases and 564 related deaths annually. Health benefits were observed to be more significant among the wealthier quintiles (CIX 0.217), mainly attributed to a higher occurrence of hypertension within these groups. ComHIP was also projected to result in an annual saving of USD 49,885 in individuals' out-of-pocket costs (CIX 0.262) and USD 37,578 in government spending (CIX 0.146). These savings correspond to the prevention of 335 catastrophic health expenditure cases (CIX - 0.239) and 11 impoverishing health expenditure cases (CIX - 0.600). CONCLUSIONS While ComHIP provides greater health benefits to wealthier groups, it offers substantial financial risk protection for the less wealthy. This study highlights the importance of considering equity in both health and financial risk when making priority-setting decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhi Liang
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 90 Smith St, Boston, MA, 02120, USA
| | - Yuqian Lin
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 90 Smith St, Boston, MA, 02120, USA
| | - Boshen Jiao
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 90 Smith St, Boston, MA, 02120, USA.
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Abissegue G, Yakubu SI, Ajay AS, Niyi-Odumosu F. A systematic review of the epidemiology and the public health implications of stroke in Sub-Saharan Africa. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2024; 33:107733. [PMID: 38663647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2024.107733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With approximately 11 million strokes occurring annually worldwide, and over 6.5 million deaths annually, stroke has made its place as one of the major killers in the world. Although developing countries make up more than 4/5 of the global stroke burden, well-grounded information on stroke epidemiology remains lacking there. AIMS This systematic review study aimed to provide a synthesis of studies on the incidence and prevalence of stroke among adults in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), subsequently deduce the associated risk factors and public health implications (mortality rates and economic costs) of the disease on the population of this region. METHODS A systematic review of studies carried out in the region and published on PUBMED. Eligibility criteria were established using the PEO (Population/Patient, Exposure, Outcome) format. Research articles investigating either (or all) of the following: ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke, incidence, prevalence, and risk factors of stroke in adults (≥ 18 years old), in at least one region of SSA were included. Exclusion criteria comprised studies involving populations younger than 18 years old, research conducted outside the designated research region, and articles inaccessible in full text. The PRISMA guidelines were used for the search strategy. RESULTS Fifty-two studies were included review. Among them, over 11 studies investigated the prevalence of the disease. Some older studies within the continent (Nigeria, 2011) showed a prevalence of 1.3 per 100 while more recent studies (Zambia, 2021) showed a prevalence of 4.3 per 1000. The highest prevalence noted in this region was in Madagascar (2017) with 48.17 per 100, while the lowest was recorded in (Zimbabwe, 2017) with 0.61 per 100. The study in Tanzania showed a crude incidence of 94·5 per 100 000 (76·0-115·0) while the study in Ghana in 2018 showed an incidence of 14.19 events per 1000 person-years [10.77-18.38]. The identified risk factors included hypertension, diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, poor diets (more salt, less vegetables), dyslipidaemia, HIV/AIDS co-infection, heart disease (cardiomyopathies, cardiac arrhythmias), obesity, previous stroke and/or family history of stroke. Over 21 studies investigated the mortality rates due to stroke in SSA, with most of the studies being in West Africa. These studies revealed mortality rates as high as 43.3% in Ghana, and as low as 10.9% in Cameroon. Few studies reported on the economic costs of stroke in the region; two in Benin, two in Nigeria and one in Tanzania. CONCLUSION The increasing incidence/prevalence, lifestyle factors and interactions with other diseases, including major communicable diseases, stroke is becoming a pressing public health problem for SSA. Reducing the incidence of stroke in Africa will surely lower mortality, morbidity, disability, and the neurological as well as cognitive aftereffects of stroke, as is clear from the experience of higher-income nations. We recommend a collective intervention involving the governments of nations, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector for greater impact and sustainable outcomes reducing the epidemiology and implications of stroke in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Abissegue
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Aiswarya Seema Ajay
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Faatihah Niyi-Odumosu
- School of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom.
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Zhang J, Chen Z, Chen Q. Advanced Nano-Drug Delivery Systems in the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke. Molecules 2024; 29:1848. [PMID: 38675668 PMCID: PMC11054753 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081848] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the frequency of strokes has been on the rise year by year and has become the second leading cause of death around the world, which is characterized by a high mortality rate, high recurrence rate, and high disability rate. Ischemic strokes account for a large percentage of strokes. A reperfusion injury in ischemic strokes is a complex cascade of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, immune infiltration, and mitochondrial damage. Conventional treatments are ineffective, and the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) leads to inefficient drug delivery utilization, so researchers are turning their attention to nano-drug delivery systems. Functionalized nano-drug delivery systems have been widely studied and applied to the study of cerebral ischemic diseases due to their favorable biocompatibility, high efficiency, strong specificity, and specific targeting ability. In this paper, we briefly describe the pathological process of reperfusion injuries in strokes and focus on the therapeutic research progress of nano-drug delivery systems in ischemic strokes, aiming to provide certain references to understand the progress of research on nano-drug delivery systems (NDDSs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (J.Z.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; (J.Z.); (Z.C.)
| | - Qi Chen
- Interdisciplinary Institute for Medical Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
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Kazibwe J, Gad M, Abassah-Konadu E, Amankwah I, Owusu R, Gulbi G, Torres-Rueda S, Asare B, Vassall A, Ruiz F. The epidemiological and economic burden of diabetes in Ghana: A scoping review to inform health technology assessment. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0001904. [PMID: 38470940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes remains one of the four major causes of morbidity and mortality globally among non-communicable diseases (NCDs. It is predicted to increase in sub-Saharan Africa by over 50% by 2045. The aim of this study is to identify, map and estimate the burden of diabetes in Ghana, which is essential for optimising NCD country policy and understanding existing knowledge gaps to guide future research in this area. We followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework for scoping reviews. We searched electronic databases including Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane and African Index Medicus following a systematic search strategy. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews was followed when reporting the results. A total of 36 studies were found to fulfil the inclusion criteria. The reported prevalence of diabetes at national level in Ghana ranged between 2.80%- 3.95%. At the regional level, the Western region reported the highest prevalence of diabetes: 39.80%, followed by Ashanti region (25.20%) and Central region at 24.60%. The prevalence of diabetes was generally higher in women in comparison to men. Urban areas were found to have a higher prevalence of diabetes than rural areas. The mean annual financial cost of managing one diabetic case at the outpatient clinic was estimated at GHS 540.35 (2021 US $194.09). There was a paucity of evidence on the overall economic burden and the regional prevalence burden. Ghana is faced with a considerable burden of diabetes which varies by region and setting (urban/rural). There is an urgent need for effective and efficient interventions to prevent the anticipated elevation in burden of disease through the utilisation of existing evidence and proven priority-setting tools like Health Technology Assessment (HTA).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Kazibwe
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Mohamed Gad
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ivy Amankwah
- Pharmacy Directorate, Ministry of Health, Accra, Ghana
| | - Richmond Owusu
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Godwin Gulbi
- School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sergio Torres-Rueda
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Asare
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anna Vassall
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Francis Ruiz
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
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Doku A, Tuglo LS, Boima V, Agyekum F, Aovare P, Ali Abdulai M, Godi A, Peters RJG, Agyemang C. Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Factors in Ghana: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Glob Heart 2024; 19:21. [PMID: 38404614 PMCID: PMC10885824 DOI: 10.5334/gh.1307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The increasing cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden threatens the global population as the major cause of disability and premature death. Data are scarce on the magnitude of CVD among the population in West Africa, particularly in Ghana. This study examined the available scientific evidence to determine the pooled prevalence (PP) of CVD and risk factors in Ghana. Methods We searched electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, Science Direct and Africa Journal Online databases to identify literature published from the start of the indexing of the database to 10th February 2023. All articles published in the English language that assessed the prevalence of CVD or reported on CVD in Ghana were included. Two authors independently performed the study selection, assessed the risk of bias, extracted the data and checked by the third author. The effect sizes and pooled odds ratio (POR) were determined using the random-effects DerSimonian-Laird (DL) model. Result Sixteen studies with 58912 participants from 1954 to 2022 were included in the meta-analysis. Six studies out of 16 reported more than one prevalence of CVD, giving a total of 59 estimates for PP. The PP of CVD in the general population in Ghana was 10.34% (95% Cl: [8.48, 12.20]; l2 99.54%, p < 0.001). Based on the subgroup analysis, the prevalence of CVD was higher in hospital-based settings at 10.74% (95%, confidence interval [Cl]: 8.69, 12.79) than in community-based settings at 5.04% (95% Cl: 2.54, 7.53). The risk factors were male gender (pooled odds ratio [POR]: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.70), old age (POR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.45), unemployment (POR: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.33, 5.16), diabetes (POR: 2.79; 95% CI: 1.62, 4.81) and hypertension (POR: 3.41; 95% CI: 1.75, 6.66). Conclusion The prevalence of CVD was high in Ghana. Urgent interventions are needed for the prevention and management of the high burden of CVD and its risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Doku
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
- National Cardiothoracic Centre, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lawrence Sena Tuglo
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Seyuan Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Vincent Boima
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Francis Agyekum
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Pearl Aovare
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martha Ali Abdulai
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Research and Development Division, Ghana Health Service, P.O Box 200, Kintampo-B/E, Ghana
| | - Anthony Godi
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ron J. G. Peters
- Department of Cardiology, University Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Agyekum F, Folson AA, Abaidoo B, Appiah LT, Adu-Boakye Y, Ayetey H, Owusu IK. Behavioural and nutritional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among the Ghanaian population- a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:194. [PMID: 38229036 PMCID: PMC10790451 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17709-5] [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] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lifestyle behavioural risk factors have been linked to increased cardiovascular disease. Recent data have shown increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) burden in Ghana. This study aimed to describe the behavioural and nutritional risk factors for ASCVD among Ghanaians, and how these risk factors vary by ethnicity, demography and residence. METHODS We used data from the Ghana Heart Study, a community-based cross-sectional study that recruited participants from eight communities from four regions using a multi-stage sampling technique. Information about various lifestyle behaviours (LBs), including cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, physical inactivity, and fruit and vegetable intake, was obtained using a questionnaire. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS statistics 25. Univariate and multivariate analysis was used to test associations between demographic characteristics and various LBs. RESULTS The participants' median (interquartile) age was 46.0 (27.0) years. Of the 1,106 participants (58% females, 80.4% urban dwellers), 8.6% reported using tobacco, 48.9% alcohol, 83.7% physically inactive, 81.4% and 84.9% inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, respectively. Age, sex, ethnicity, and religion were associated with tobacco use, whereas age, sex, educational level, marital status, ethnicity, employment status, and region of residence were associated with physical inactivity. Similarly, ethnicity, employment status, and residence region were associated with inadequate fruit and vegetable intake. Rural dwellers were more likely to be physically inactive and consume inadequate fruits and vegetables. Almost 92% had a combination of two or more LBs. The main predictors of two or more LBs for ASCVD were educational level, marital status, ethnicity, and employment status. CONCLUSION Lifestyle risk factors for ASCVD were highly prevalent in Ghana, with significant age, sex, ethnic, and regional differences. These risky lifestyle behaviors tend to occur together and must be considered in tailoring public health education. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study was registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn as ChiCTR1800017374.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Agyekum
- Department of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| | - Aba Ankomaba Folson
- Department of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Benjamin Abaidoo
- Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lambert Tetteh Appiah
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Yaw Adu-Boakye
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Harold Ayetey
- Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Isaac Kofi Owusu
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Obeng FY, Amponsah SK, Ofori EK, Afriyie DK. Medication errors at a diabetes management center in a resource-poor setting. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RISK & SAFETY IN MEDICINE 2024; 35:259-270. [PMID: 38788093 DOI: 10.3233/jrs-230062] [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: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication errors are known to cause adverse drug reactions, hospital admissions and mortality. In most resource-poor settings, medication errors occur but are undocumented. OBJECTIVE This study sought to investigate medication errors in a diabetic clinic at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ghana. METHODS The research combined both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The quantitative aspect involved retrospectively reviewing patient folders over two years (1st January 2019 to 31st December 2021). Patients' folders were reviewed to identify possible medication errors. The qualitative arm explored underlying factors and experiences related to medication errors through interviews with healthcare workers. Ten healthcare professionals at KATH were interviewed using an interview guide. RESULTS A total of 264 patients' folders were retrieved. The majority (23.11%) of the patients were between 18 and 25 y.o., and there were more females (52.27%) than males. About 60% of the patients had diabetes and hypertension comorbidity. The overall prevalence of medication errors was 18.18%. The most prevalent type of medication error identified was wrong drug formulation (n = 19, 39.58%). About 47.92% of the medication errors resulted in adverse events and this was predominantly caused by antidiabetic drugs (47.83%) and anti-hypertensive drugs (34.78%). Patients in the age category of 26-35 y.o. [aOR: 0.31, CI: 0.11-0.90] had reduced odds of medication errors whilst patients with comorbidity of diabetes and hypertension [aOR: 5.95, CI: 2.43-14.60] had an increased odds of medication errors. Large patient population, low staff numbers and inadequate knowledge of drugs by healthcare workers were factors that contributed to medication errors. CONCLUSION Medication errors was moderately high in this diabetic clinic, and the errors led to a number of adverse events. Age, diabetes and hypertension comorbidity, large patient population, low staff numbers, and inadequate knowledge about drugs were identified as factors that influenced medication errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Yaw Obeng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Seth Kwabena Amponsah
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Kwaku Ofori
- Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
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Chekol YM, Merid MW, Tesema GA, Tesfie TK, Tebeje TM, Gelaw NB, Gebi NB, Seretew WS. Development and Validation of a Risk Prediction Model to Estimate the Risk of Stroke Among Hypertensive Patients in University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Gondar, 2012 to 2022. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2023; 13:89-110. [PMID: 38116193 PMCID: PMC10728309 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s435806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A risk prediction model to predict the risk of stroke has been developed for hypertensive patients. However, the discriminating power is poor, and the predictors are not easily accessible in low-income countries. Therefore, developing a validated risk prediction model to estimate the risk of stroke could help physicians to choose optimal treatment and precisely estimate the risk of stroke. Objective This study aims to develop and validate a risk prediction model to estimate the risk of stroke among hypertensive patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Methods A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 743 hypertensive patients between September 01/2012 and January 31/2022. The participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Model performance was evaluated using discrimination, calibration, and Brier scores. Internal validity and clinical utility were evaluated using bootstrapping and a decision curve analysis. Results Incidence of stroke was 31.4 per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 26.0, 37.7). Combinations of six predictors were selected for model development (sex, residence, baseline diastolic blood pressure, comorbidity, diabetes, and uncontrolled hypertension). In multivariable logistic regression, the discriminatory power of the model was 0.973 (95% CI: 0.959, 0.987). Calibration plot illustrated an overlap between the probabilities of the predicted and actual observed risks after 10,000 times bootstrap re-sampling, with a sensitivity of 92.79%, specificity 93.51%, and accuracy of 93.41%. The decision curve analysis demonstrated that the net benefit of the model was better than other intervention strategies, starting from the initial point. Conclusion An internally validated, accurate prediction model was developed and visualized in a nomogram. The model is then changed to an offline mobile web-based application to facilitate clinical applicability. The authors recommend that other researchers eternally validate the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazachew Moges Chekol
- Department of Health Information Technician, Mizan Aman College of Health Science, Mizan Aman, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Tigabu Kidie Tesfie
- Department of Public Health, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Tsion Mulat Tebeje
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | | | | | - Wullo Sisay Seretew
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Sarfo FS, Boateng R, Opare-Addo PA, Gyamfi RA, Nguah SB, Ovbiagele B. Prevalence and predictors of low folate levels among stroke survivors in a country without mandatory folate food fortification: Analysis of a Ghanaian sample. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:107239. [PMID: 37480805 PMCID: PMC10529575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107239] [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: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While additional folic acid (FA) treatment has a neutral effect on lowering overall vascular risk in countries that mandate FA fortification of food, meta-analytic data suggest that folate supplementation reduces stroke risk in certain patient subgroups, and among people living in countries without mandatory folate food fortification. However, the burden of folate deficiency among adults with stroke in the world's poorest continent is unknown. PURPOSE To assess the prevalence and predictors of folate deficiency among recent ischemic stroke survivors. METHODS We analyzed data among consecutively encountered ischemic stroke patients aged ≥18 years at a tertiary medical center in Kumasi, Ghana between 10/2020 - 08/2021. We identified a modest sample of stroke free adults to serve as a comparator group. Fasting serum folate was measured using a radioimmunoassay and a cut-off of 4ng/mL used to define folate deficiency. Factors associated with serum folate concentration were assessed using a multilinear regression model. RESULTS Comparing stroke cases (n = 116) with stroke-free comparators (n = 20), mean folate concentration was lower among stroke cases (7 ng/ml vs. 10.2 ng/ml, p = 0.004). Frequency of folate deficiency was higher among stroke cases vs. stroke-free controls (31% vs 5%, p = 0.02). Male sex (beta coefficient of -2.6 (95% CI: -4.2, -0.9) and LDL (β: -0.76; -1.4, -0.07) were significantly associated with serum folate concentration. CONCLUSION Almost one in three ischemic stroke survivors have folate deficiency potentially accentuating their risk for further adverse atherosclerotic events in a setting without folate fortification. A clinical trial of folate supplementation among stroke survivors is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | | | | | | | - Samuel Blay Nguah
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Bruce Ovbiagele
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San-Francisco, USA
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11
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Sarfo FS, Ayisi-Boateng NK, Nguah SB, Sarfo-Kantanka O, Kokuro C, Ababio H, Adu-Boakye Y, Ovbiagele B. Determinants of visit-to-visit systolic blood pressure variability among Ghanaians with hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Ghana Med J 2023; 57:28-36. [PMID: 37576371 PMCID: PMC10416271 DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v57i1.5] [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: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To identify the determinants of systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) among Ghanaians. Design We undertook a secondary analysis of data collected in a prospective study. Setting The study involved patients with hypertension and or diabetes receiving care in five hospitals in Ghana. Main outcome measures We assessed determinants of SBPV among 2,785 Ghanaian patients. We calculated the standard deviation (SD) of systolic BP recordings of 3 to 10 visits per patient over 18 months as a measure of SBPV. A multivariate linear regression analysis was fitted to identify factors independently associated with risk visit-to-visit SBP standard deviation. Results The mean SD of individual patient visit-to-visit SBP overall was 14.8± 6.3 mm Hg. Those with hypertension and diabetes had the highest SD of 15.4 ±6.2 mm Hg followed by 15.2 ±6.5 mm Hg among those with hypertension only and then 12.0 ± 5.2 mm Hg among those with diabetes only, p<0.0001. Factors independently associated with SBPV with adjusted β coefficients (95% CI) included age: 0.06 (0.03 - 0.08) for each year rise in age, eGFR -0.03 (-0.05 - -0.02) for each ml/min rise, low monthly income of <210 Ghana cedis 1.45 (0.43-2.46), and secondary level of education -1.10 (-1.69, -0.50). Antihypertensive classes were associated with SBPV, the strongest associations being hydralazine 2.35 (0.03 - 4.68) and Methyldopa 3.08 (2.39 - 3.77). Conclusion Several socio-demographic and clinical factors are associated with SBPV. Future studies should assess the contribution of SBPV to CVD outcomes among indigenous Africans and identify actionable targets. Funding Funding for this study was provided by MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sanofi (each a Participant Company) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (collectively, the Funders) through the New Venture Fund (NVF). FSS and BO are also supported by funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (R01HL152188).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred S Sarfo
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Samuel B Nguah
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Collins Kokuro
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Hanson Ababio
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Yaw Adu-Boakye
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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12
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Prevalence, risk factors, and self-awareness for hypertension and diabetes: rural–urban and male–female dimensions from a cross-sectional study in Ghana. Int J Diabetes Dev Ctries 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13410-022-01141-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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13
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Chang WW, Fei SZ, Pan N, Yao YS, Jin YL. Incident Stroke and Its Influencing Factors in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and/or Hypertension: A Prospective Cohort Study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:770025. [PMID: 35224030 PMCID: PMC8863944 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.770025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To understand the incidence of stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or hypertension (HTN), and provide a basis for the prevention of stroke in these patients. Methods A prospective cohort study was performed for adults with T2DM and/or HTN. The follow-up period was 1 year. The incidence and recurrence rate of stroke was calculated and a multivariate Cox proportional hazard was used to analyze influencing factors of stroke occurrence and recurrence in the follow-up of patients with T2DM and/or HTN. Results Of the 1,650 patients with T2DM and/or HTN, 1,213 patients had no history of stroke. After 1 year of follow-up, 147 new stroke cases occurred, and the incidence rate of stroke was 12.1%. Among the patients who had stroke history (413), there were 116 cases of stroke with a recurrence rate of 26.5%. Seven risk factors were independently associated with stroke occurrence among patients without stroke history, included smoking, abnormal total cholesterol abnormal low-density lipoprotein patients with comorbid T2DM with HTN, physical inactivity, carotid artery stenosis (CAS), and higher scores of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Higher scores of NHISS and CAS were independent risk factors for the recurrence of stroke among patients with stroke history. Conclusions Patients with T2DM and/or HTN have a higher rate of new stroke and recurrence after 1-year follow-up. Actively identifying the controllable risk factors, such as smoking and physical inactivity, will help reduce the risk of stroke and recurrence in patients with T2DM and HTN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Wei Chang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Shi-Zao Fei
- Department of Neurology, The Second People's Hospital, Wuhu, China
| | - Na Pan
- The Fifth People's Hospital of Wuhu City (Wannan Rehabilitation Hospital), Wuhu, China
| | - Ying-Shui Yao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
- Anhui College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhu, China
- Ying-Shui Yao
| | - Yue-Long Jin
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
- *Correspondence: Yue-Long Jin
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14
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Melak AD, Wondimsigegn D, Kifle ZD. Knowledge, Prevention Practice and Associated Factors of Stroke Among Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients - A Systematic Review. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:3295-3310. [PMID: 34408515 PMCID: PMC8364969 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s324960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Because of the inadequate level of public awareness of the disease, the incidence of stroke has been sharply rising. Eventually, due to the prehospital delay, many stroke cases could not be eligible for thrombolysis thereby poor rehabilitative outcome has been tremendously increased. Thus, this study aimed to review the level of knowledge, prevention practice, and associated factors of stroke among hypertensive and diabetic patients. METHODS A systematic review of primarily published articles (2010-2020) related to knowledge and prevention practices of stroke was performed by searching online electronic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Refseek, Science direct, ResearchGate, and manual Google search by using the keywords and MeSH terms. Studies conducted on knowledge and prevention practices amongst hypertensive and/or diabetic patients were included. RESULTS Out of 531 searched studies, 42 articles were identified to be reviewed. The reported overall knowledge of stroke was ranging from 4.4% to 79%. Knowledge to the signs/symptoms of stroke was 23.6% to 87%. However, 15% to 77% of subjects were also reported that they did not know any sign of stroke. The range of risk factor knowledge was 10.5% to 86.6%. The reported level of stroke prevention practice was 2.4% to 72% but physical activity and weight reduction practice were relatively low. Inadequate level of knowledge and prevention practice of stroke was related to elderly, female gender, uneducated, unmarried, rural residents, economically low, comorbidity and unemployed individuals. CONCLUSION The current finding revealed that the level of knowledge and prevention practice of stroke was inadequate. Hence, the finding highlights health educational programs should be planned as an important avenue to enhance stroke awareness among the high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abreham Degu Melak
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Dawit Wondimsigegn
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics and Social Pharmacy, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Zemene Demelash Kifle
- University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Gondar, Ethiopia
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15
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Sarfo FS, Norman B, Appiah L, Ovbiagele B. Factors associated with incidence of stroke and heart failure among people living with HIV in Ghana: Evaluating Vascular Event Risk while on Long-Term Antiretroviral Suppressive Therapy (EVERLAST) Study. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2021; 23:1252-1259. [PMID: 33939257 PMCID: PMC8678797 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
People living with HIV (PLWH) have a two‐fold higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) compared with HIV‐negative populations. Although 70% of the global HIV population reside in Africa, data on CVD outcomes among PLWH are scarce. We seek to evaluate factors associated with incidence of stroke and heart failure in a prospective cohort of Ghanaian PLWH. We followed up a cohort of PLWH on antiretroviral therapy for 12 months to assess rates of clinically adjudicated stroke, and heart failure. We calculated incidence rates of events/1000 person‐years and fitted Cox proportional hazards regression models to identify factors associated with incident stroke and heart failure as a combined outcome measure and as separate outcome measures. Among 255 participants, the mean age was 46 years and 211 (82.7%) were female. The participants contributed 245 years of follow‐up data with mean follow‐up duration of 11.5 months. There were three incident strokes giving an incidence rate of 12.24 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 3.13–33.33) and two heart failure events with an incidence rate of 8.16 (95%CI: 1.37–26.97) per 1000 py. The combined event rate was 20.41 (95% CI: 7.48–45.24) per 1000 py. Being hypertensive was associated with aHR of 8.61 (1.32–56.04) of the combined outcome while each 100 cells/mm3 rise in CD4 count was associated with aHR of 0.56 (0.35–0.88). Carotid bulb intimal media thickness was independently associated with stroke occurrence with aHR of 12.23 (1.28–117.07). People living with HIV on long‐term cART in this Ghanaian sample have high rates of clinically adjudicated cardiovascular diseases driven by uncontrolled hypertension and persisting immunosuppression. Integration of CVD care into routine HIV management may help alleviate this untoward confluence of rising CVDs among PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Betty Norman
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Lambert Appiah
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
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16
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Bosu WK, Bosu DK. Prevalence, awareness and control of hypertension in Ghana: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248137. [PMID: 33667277 PMCID: PMC7935309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is a major health problem in Ghana, being a leading cause of admissions and deaths in the country. In the context of a changing food and health policy environment, we undertook a systematic review (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020177174) and a meta-analysis of the prevalence of adult hypertension, and its awareness and control in Ghana. METHODS We searched major databases including PubMed, Embase as well as Google Scholar and online digital collections of public universities of Ghana to locate relevant published and unpublished community-based articles up till April 2020. FINDINGS Eighty-five articles involving 82,045 apparently-healthy subjects aged 15-100 years were analyzed. In individual studies, the prevalence of hypertension, defined in most cases as blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg, ranged from 2.8% to 67.5%. The pooled prevalence from the meta-analysis was 27.0% (95% CI 24.0%-30.0%), being twice as high in the coastal (28%, 95% CI: 24.0%-31.0%) and middle geo-ecological belts (29%, 95% CI: 25.0%-33.0%) as in the northern belt (13%, 95% CI: 7.0%-21.0%). The prevalence was similar by sex, urban-rural residence or peer-review status of the included studies. It did not appear to vary over the study year period 1976-2019. Of the subjects with hypertension, only 35% (95% CI: 29.0%-41.0%) were aware of it, 22% (95% CI: 16.0%-29.0%) were on treatment and 6.0% (95% CI: 3.0%-10.0%) had their blood pressure controlled. Sensitivity analyses corroborated the robust estimates. There was, however, high heterogeneity (I2 = 98.7%) across the studies which was partly explained by prevalent obesity in the subjects. CONCLUSION More than one in four adults in Ghana have hypertension. This high prevalence has persisted for decades and is similar in rural and urban populations. With the low awareness and poor control of hypertension, greater investments in cardiovascular health are required if Ghana is to meet the global target for hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Kofi Bosu
- Department of Public Health and Research, West African Health Organisation, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Dary Kojo Bosu
- Department of Paediatrics, St Dominic’s Hospital, Akwatia, Ghana
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17
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Association between hand grip strength and stroke in China: a prospective cohort study. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:8204-8213. [PMID: 33686964 PMCID: PMC8034956 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The association between weak hand grip strength (HGS) and stroke recovery has been studied; however, few studies focused on the association of HGS with stroke prevalence and incidence. METHODS A prospective cohort baseline study of a nationally representative sample in Chinese adults aged 45 years and older in 2011 was followed up in 2015. 8871 participants without stroke at baseline were followed. The associations of HGS and its changes with stroke prevalence and incidence were investigated using logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS Association of HGS and stroke prevalence was significant. HGS weakness significantly increased risk of stroke incidence, with 89.3% higher risk when compared to normal HGS. During 35,263 person-years of follow-up, 112 stroke patients occurred. The four-year incidence rate ratio of stroke for participants with a HGS weakness was 2.15, compared to normal HGS participants. HGS changes in weakness/weakness from 2011 to 2015(D-HGS) and normal/weakness D-HGS had higher risks of stroke incidence when compared with those who had normal/normal D-HGS. CONCLUSIONS HGS weakness and decline of HGS were associated with stroke incidence for adults aged 45 years and older in China.
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18
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Akpa OM, Okekunle AP, Ovbiagele B, Sarfo FS, Akinyemi RO, Akpalu A, Wahab KW, Komolafe M, Obiako R, Owolabi LF, Ogbole G, Fawale B, Fakunle A, Asaleye CM, Akisanya CO, Hamisu DA, Ogunjimi L, Adeoye A, Ogah O, Lackland D, Uvere EO, Faniyan MM, Asowata OJ, Adeleye O, Aridegbe M, Olunuga T, Yahaya IS, Olaleye A, Calys-Tagoe B, Owolabi MO. Factors associated with hypertension among stroke-free indigenous Africans: Findings from the SIREN study. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2021; 23:773-784. [PMID: 33484599 PMCID: PMC8263562 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) globally. Understanding risk factors for hypertension among individuals with matching characteristics with stroke patients may inform primordial/primary prevention of hypertension and stroke among them. This study identified the risk factors for hypertension among community-dwelling stroke-free population in Ghana and Nigeria. Data for 4267 community-dwelling stroke-free controls subjects in the Stroke Investigative Research and Education Network (SIREN) study in Nigeria and Ghana were used. Participants were comprehensively assessed for sociodemographic, lifestyle and metabolic factors using standard methods. Hypertension was defined as a previous diagnosis by a health professional or use of an anti-hypertensive drug or mean systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of hypertension and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) at p < .05. Overall, 56.7% of the participants were hypertensive with a higher proportion among respondents aged ≥60 years (53.0%). Factors including physical inactivity (aOR: 9.09; 95% CI: 4.03 to 20.53, p < .0001), diabetes (aOR: 2.70; CI: 1.91 to 3.82, p < .0001), being ≥60 years (aOR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.78 to 2.77, p < .0001), and family history of CVD (aOR 2.02; CI: 1.59 to 2.56, p < .0001) were associated with increased aOR of hypertension. Lifestyle factors were associated with hypertension in the current population of community-dwelling stroke-free controls in west Africa. Community-oriented interventions to address sedentary lifestyles may benefit this population and reduce/prevent hypertension and stroke among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onoja M Akpa
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Preventive Cardiology Research Unit, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Akinkunmi P Okekunle
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.,The Postgraduate College, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Bruce Ovbiagele
- School of Medicine, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San-Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Fred S Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Rufus O Akinyemi
- Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Albert Akpalu
- Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kolawole W Wahab
- Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Morenikeji Komolafe
- Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Reginald Obiako
- Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Lukman F Owolabi
- Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Godwin Ogbole
- Department of Radiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Bimbo Fawale
- Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Adekunle Fakunle
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Christianah M Asaleye
- Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Luqman Ogunjimi
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Shagamu, Nigeria
| | - Abiodun Adeoye
- Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Okechukwu Ogah
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Dan Lackland
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ezinne O Uvere
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Osahon J Asowata
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Mayowa Aridegbe
- Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Taiwo Olunuga
- Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Isah S Yahaya
- Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Adeniji Olaleye
- Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Benedict Calys-Tagoe
- Department of Community Health, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mayowa O Owolabi
- Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Ojo T, Ryan N, Birkemeier J, Appleton N, Ampomah I, Glozah F, Adongo PB, Adanu R, Boden-Albala B. Adapting a skills-based stroke prevention intervention for communities in Ghana: a qualitative study. Implement Sci Commun 2020; 1:104. [PMID: 33292870 PMCID: PMC7672911 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-020-00084-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is a major cause of death in Ghana. Evidence-based interventions for stroke prevention have been successful in the US; however, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), such interventions are scarce. The "Discharge Education Strategies for Reduction of Vascular Events" (DESERVE) intervention led to a 10-mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) among Hispanic survivors of mild/moderate stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) at 1-year follow-up. Our objectives were to capture the perceptions of a diverse set of stakeholders in an urban community in Ghana regarding (1) challenges to optimal hypertension management and (2) facilitators and barriers to implementation of an evidence-based, skills-based educational tool for hypertension management in this context. METHODS This exploratory study used purposive sampling to enroll diverse stakeholders in Accra (N = 38). To identify facilitators and barriers, we conducted three focus group discussions: one each with clinical nurses (n = 5), community health nurses (n = 20), and hypertensive adults (n = 10). To further examine structural barriers, we conducted three key informant interviews with medical leadership. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was carried out via deductive coding based on Proctor's implementation outcomes taxonomy, which conceptualizes constructs that shape implementation, such as acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, cost, and feasibility. RESULTS Findings highlight facilitators, such as a perceived fit (appropriateness) of the core intervention components across stakeholders. The transferable components of DESERVE include: (1) a focus on risk knowledge, medication adherence, and patient-physician communication, (2) facilitation by lay workers, (3) use of patient testimonials, (4) use of a spirituality framework, and (5) application of a community-based approach. We report potential barriers that suggest adaptations to increase appropriateness and feasibility. These include addressing spiritual etiology of disease, allaying mistrust of biomedical intervention, and tailoring for gender norms. Acceptability may be a challenge among individuals with hypertension, who perceive relative advantage of alternative therapies like herbalism. Key informant interviews highlight structural barriers (high opportunity costs) among physicians, who perceive they have neither time nor capacity to educate patients. CONCLUSIONS Findings further support the need for theory-driven, evidence-based interventions among hypertensive adults in urban, multiethnic Ghana. Findings will inform implementation strategies and future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Temitope Ojo
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Nessa Ryan
- Program in Public Health, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Joel Birkemeier
- Global Health Program, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Noa Appleton
- Department of Population Health, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Franklin Glozah
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Ghana School of Public Health, Accra, Ghana
| | - Philip Baba Adongo
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Ghana School of Public Health, Accra, Ghana
| | - Richard Adanu
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, University of Ghana School of Public Health, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bernadette Boden-Albala
- Departments of Health Society and Behavior and Epidemiology, Program in Public Health, Susan and Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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20
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Sarfo FS, Mobula LM, Adade T, Commodore-Mensah Y, Agyei M, Kokuro C, Adu-Gyamfi R, Duah C, Ovbiagele B. Low blood pressure levels & incident stroke risk among elderly Ghanaians with hypertension. J Neurol Sci 2020; 413:116770. [PMID: 32172015 PMCID: PMC7250714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.116770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical trial data indicate that more intensive blood pressure (BP) lowering below standard cut-off targets is associated with lower risks of strokes in the elderly. There is a relative paucity of real-world practice data on this issue, especially among Africans. OBJECTIVE To assess BP control rates, its determinants, and whether a lower BP < 120/80 mmHg is associated with a lower incident stroke risk among elderly Ghanaians with hypertension. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated data, which were prospectively collected as part of a cohort study involving adults with hypertension and/or diabetes in 5 Ghanaian hospitals. BP control was defined using the JNC-8 guideline of <150/90 mmHg for elderly with hypertension aged >60 years or 140/90 mmHg for those with diabetes mellitus. Risk factors for poor BP control were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models. We calculated incident stroke risk over an 18-month follow-up at 3 BP cut-off's of <120/80, 120-159/80-99, and > 160/100 mmHg. RESULTS Of the 1365 elderly participants with hypertension, 38.2% had diabetes mellitus and 45.8% had uncontrolled BP overall. Factors associated with uncontrolled BP were higher number of antihypertensive medications prescribed adjusted odds ratio of 1.45 (95% CI: 1.27-1.66), and having diabetes 2.56 (1.99-3.28). Among the elderly, there were 0 stroke events/100py for BP < 120/80 mmHg, 1.98 (95%CI: 1.26-2.98) for BP between 120 and 159/80-99 mmHg and 2.46 events/100py (95% CI: 1.20-4.52 at BP > 160/100 mmHg. CONCLUSION A lower BP target <120/80 mmHg among elderly Ghanaians with hypertension is associated with a signal of lower incident stroke risk. Pragmatic trials are needed to evaluate lower BP targets on stroke incidence in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Linda Meta Mobula
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Titus Adade
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Martin Agyei
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Collins Kokuro
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Sarfo FS, Akinyemi R, Howard G, Howard VJ, Wahab K, Cushman M, Levine DA, Ogunniyi A, Unverzagt F, Owolabi M, Ovbiagele B. Vascular-brain Injury Progression after Stroke (VIPS) study: concept for understanding racial and geographic determinants of cognitive decline after stroke. J Neurol Sci 2020; 412:116754. [PMID: 32120131 PMCID: PMC9132491 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.116754] [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: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment and dementia (CID) are major public health problems with substantial personal, social, and financial burdens. African Americans are at a heightened risk for Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI) compared to European Americans. Recent lines of evidence also suggest a high burden of Post-stroke VCI among indigenous Africans. A better understanding of the cause(s) of the racial disparity in CID, specifically VCI, is needed in order to develop strategies to reduce it. We propose and discuss the conceptual framework for a unique tri-population, trans-continental study titled The Vascular brain Injury Progression after Stroke (VIPS) study. The overarching objective of the VIPS Study will be to explore the interplay of multiple factors (racial, geographical, vascular, lifestyle, nutritional, psychosocial and inflammatory) influencing the level and trajectory of post-stroke cognitive outcomes and examine whether differences between indigenous Africans, African Americans and European Americans exist. We hypothesize that differences which might be due to racial factors will be observed in African Americans versus European Americans as well as Indigenous Africans versus European Americans but not in African Americans versus Indigenous Americans; differences due to geographical factors will be observed in Indigenous Americans versus African Americans and Indigenous Africans versus European Americans but not in African Americans versus European Americans. This overarching objective could be accomplished by building upon existing National Institutes of Health investments in the REasons for Geographical And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study (based in the United States of America) and the Stroke Investigative Research and educational Network (SIREN) study (based in Sub-Saharan Africa).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Neurology Division, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - George Howard
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Virginia J Howard
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Kolawole Wahab
- Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Mary Cushman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Deborah A Levine
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan (U-M) Medical School (UMMS), Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Fred Unverzagt
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Bruce Ovbiagele
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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22
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Godman B, Basu D, Pillay Y, Mwita JC, Rwegerera GM, Anand Paramadhas BD, Tiroyakgosi C, Okwen PM, Niba LL, Nonvignon J, Sefah I, Oluka M, Guantai AN, Kibuule D, Kalemeera F, Mubita M, Fadare J, Ogunleye OO, Distiller LA, Rampamba EM, Wing J, Mueller D, Alfadl A, Amu AA, Matsebula Z, Kalungia A, Zaranyika T, Masuka N, Wale J, Hill R, Kurdi A, Timoney A, Campbell S, Meyer JC. Review of Ongoing Activities and Challenges to Improve the Care of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Across Africa and the Implications for the Future. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:108. [PMID: 32265688 PMCID: PMC7098994 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There has been an appreciable increase in the number of people in Africa with metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in recent years as a result of a number of factors. Factors include lifestyle changes, urbanisation, and the growing consumption of processed foods coupled with increasing levels of obesity. Currently there are 19 million adults in Africa with diabetes, mainly T2DM (95%), estimated to grow to 47 million people by 2045 unless controlled. This has a considerable impact on morbidity, mortality and costs in the region. There are a number of issues to address to reduce the impact of T2DM including improving detection rates and current access to services alongside addressing issues of adherence to prescribed medicines. There are also high rates of co-morbidities with infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis in patients in Africa with T2DM that require attention. Objective Document ongoing activities across Africa to improve the care of patients with T2DM especially around issues of identification, access, and adherence to changing lifestyles and prescribed medicines. In addition, discussing potential ways forward to improve the care of patients with T2DM based on ongoing activities and experiences including addressing key issues associated with co-morbidities with infectious diseases. Our Approach Contextualise the findings from a wide range of publications including internet based publications of national approaches coupled with input from senior level government, academic and other professionals from across Africa to provide future guidance. Ongoing Activities A number of African countries are actively instigating programmes to improve the care of patients with T2DM starting with improved diagnosis. This recognises the growing burden of non-communicable diseases across Africa, which has been neglected in the past. Planned activities include programmes to improve detection rates and address key issues with diet and lifestyle changes, alongside improving monitoring of care and activities to enhance adherence to prescribed medicines. In addition, addressing potential complexities involving diabetes patients with infectious disease co-morbidities. It is too early to fully assess the impact of such activities. Conclusion There are a number of ongoing activities across Africa to improve the management of patients with diabetes including co-morbidities. However, more needs to be done considering the high and growing burden of T2DM in Africa. Ongoing research will help further benefit resource allocation and subsequent care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Health Economics Centre, University of Liverpool Management School, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Debashis Basu
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Yogan Pillay
- HIV & AIDS, TB and Maternal, Child and Women's Health, National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Julius C Mwita
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Godfrey Mutashambara Rwegerera
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.,Department of Medicine, Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Celda Tiroyakgosi
- Botswana Essential Drugs Action Program, Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Patrick Mbah Okwen
- Effective Basic Services (eBASE) Africa, Bamenda, Cameroon.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Loveline Lum Niba
- Effective Basic Services (eBASE) Africa, Bamenda, Cameroon.,Department of Public Health, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
| | | | - Israel Sefah
- Department of Pharmacy, Keta Municipal Hospital, Ghana Health Service, Keta, Ghana
| | - Margaret Oluka
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Anastasia N Guantai
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Dan Kibuule
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Francis Kalemeera
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Mwangana Mubita
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Joseph Fadare
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.,Department of Medicine, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Olayinka O Ogunleye
- Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Toxicology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria.,Department of Medicine, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Larry A Distiller
- Centre for Diabetes & Endocrinology (Pty) Ltd, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Enos M Rampamba
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Pharmacy, Tshilidzini Regional Hospital, Limpopo Department Of Health, Shayandima, South Africa
| | - Jeffrey Wing
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Debjani Mueller
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Charlotte Maxeke Medical Research Cluster, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Abubakr Alfadl
- National Medicines Board, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan.,Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Aubrey Kalungia
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Trust Zaranyika
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nyasha Masuka
- Independent Health Systems Consultant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Janney Wale
- Independent Consumer Advocate, Brunswick, VIC, Australia
| | - Ruaraidh Hill
- Liverpool Reviews and Implementation Group, Liverpool University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Amanj Kurdi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Angela Timoney
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,NHS Lothian Director of Pharmacy, NHS Lothian, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Campbell
- Centre for Primary Care, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Johanna C Meyer
- Division of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
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23
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Nichols M, Singh A, Sarfo FS, Treiber F, Tagge R, Jenkins C, Ovbiagele B. Post-intervention qualitative assessment of mobile health technology to manage hypertension among Ghanaian stroke survivors. J Neurol Sci 2019; 406:116462. [PMID: 31610382 PMCID: PMC7653548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.116462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of death in Africa and a key modifiable risk factor for the index and recurrent stroke is through the adequate management of blood pressure. Recent guidelines encourage management beyond clinic settings, yet implementation of these guidelines can be challenging, especially in resource constrained regions, such as in Sub-Saharan Africa. Mobile health technology may offer an innovative and cost-effective approach to improve BP monitoring and facilitate adherence to antihypertensive medications. Stroke survivors (n = 16) and their caregivers (n = 8) who participated in a 3-month feasibility study were invited to share post-intervention insights via focus groups (n = 3). Clinician (n = 7) input on intervention delivery and clinical impressions was also obtained via a separate focus group (n = 1). Four major themes emerged highlighting the ability to self-monitor, the use of technology as an interventional tool, training and support, and post-intervention adherence. Overwhelming receptivity toward home blood pressure monitoring and the use of mobile health (mHealth) was noted. Feedback indicated benefits in having access to equipment and that message prompts facilitated adherence. Post-intervention adherence declined following study intervention, indicating a need for increased exposure to facilitate long-term behavioral change, although participants conveyed a heightened awareness of the importance of BP monitoring and lifestyle changes needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Nichols
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States of America.
| | - Arti Singh
- KNUST Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Neurology Unit, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Frank Treiber
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States of America.
| | - Raelle Tagge
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States of America.
| | - Carolyn Jenkins
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States of America.
| | - Bruce Ovbiagele
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America.
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24
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Tannor EK, Sarfo FS, Mobula LM, Sarfo‐Kantanka O, Adu‐Gyamfi R, Plange‐Rhule J. Prevalence and predictors of chronic kidney disease among Ghanaian patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus: A multicenter cross-sectional study. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2019; 21:1542-1550. [PMID: 31465141 PMCID: PMC8030392 DOI: 10.1111/jch.13672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rapidly rising in developing countries due to astronomical increases in key risk factors including hypertension and diabetes. We sought to assess the burden and predictors of CKD among Ghanaians with hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus in a multicenter hospital-based study. We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Ghana Access and Affordability Program (GAAP) involving adults with hypertension only (HPT), hypertension with diabetes mellitus (HPT + DM), and diabetes mellitus only (DM) in 5 health facilities in Ghana. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect data on demographic variables, medical history, and clinical examination. Serum creatinine and proteinuria were measured, and estimated glomerular filtration rate derived using the CKD-EPI formula. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with CKD. A total of 2781 (84.4%) of 3294 participants had serum creatinine and proteinuria data available for analysis. The prevalence of CKD was 242 (28.5%) among participants with both DM and HPT, 417 (26.3%) among participants with HPT, and 56 (16.1%) among those with DM alone. Predictors of CKD were increasing age aOR 1.26 (1.17-1.36), low educational level aOR 1.7 (1.23-2.35), duration of HPT OR, 1.02 (1.01-1.04), and use of herbal medications aOR 1.39 (1.10-1.75). Female gender was protective of CKD aOR 0.75 (0.62-0.92). Among patients with DM, increasing age and systolic blood pressure were associated with CKD. There is high prevalence of CKD among DM and hypertension patients in Ghana. Optimizing blood pressure control and limiting the use of herbal preparations may mitigate CKD occurrence in high cardiovascular risk populations in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Komfo Anokye Teaching HospitalKumasiGhana
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & TechnologyKumasiGhana
| | - Linda M. Mobula
- Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMDUSA
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMDUSA
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25
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Tu R, Li Y, Shen L, Yuan H, Mao Z, Liu X, Zhang H, Zhang L, Li R, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang C. The prevalence and influencing factors of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in the rural population in China: the Henan Rural Cohort Study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e029590. [PMID: 31481557 PMCID: PMC6731809 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence and influencing factors of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) in rural areas of China. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING A multistage, stratified cluster sampling method was used to obtain samples in the general population of Henan province in China. PARTICIPANTS 38 515 participants aged 18-79 years were enrolled from the Henan Rural Cohort Study for the cross-sectional study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess the levels of PA and SB. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to calculate ORs and 95% CIs of potential influencing factors with physical inactivity. RESULTS The age-standardised prevalence of light PA and sitting >7.5 hours per day were 32.74% and 26.88% in the general Chinese rural adults, respectively. Gender differences were: 34.91%, 29.76% for men and 31.75%, 25.16% for women, respectively. The prevalence of participants with both light PA and sitting >7.5 hours per day was 13.95%. Education at least junior middle school, divorced/widowed/unmarried, RMB1000> per capita monthly income ≥RMB500, sitting >7.5 hours per day were negatively associated with light PA. For sitting >7.5 hours per day, the negative factors were being men, divorced/widowed/unmarried, heavy smoking, Fishery products, vegetable and fruits intake . CONCLUSION Physical inactivity and SB were high in rural China. There is an increased need to promote a healthy lifestyle to the rural population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Register.Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runqi Tu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuqian Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lijun Shen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - HuiJuan Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhenxing Mao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaotian Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haiqing Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liying Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruiying Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yikang Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuming Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chongjian Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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26
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Sarfo FS, Mobula LM, Arthur L, Plange-Rhule J, Burnham G, Sablah J, Gavor E, Ansong D, Sarfo-Kantanka O, Adu Gyamfi R, Duah J, Abraham B, Ofori-Adjei D. Differential pricing of medicines to improve access to medicines for hypertension and diabetes control in Ghana: The Ghana Access and Affordability Program, a multi-center prospective trial. Gates Open Res 2019. [DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13044.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Access to medicines for hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) management is challenging in resource-limited countries. We sought to assess whether differential pricing of medicines based on socio-economic status would improve affordability of antihypertensive and anti-diabetic medications. A quasi-experimental, prospective cohort study was implemented at five Ghanaian health facilities, using medicines differentially priced by three pharmaceutical companies. Methods: Adult patients ≥18 years with hypertension or DM were enrolled and assigned to a lower tiered differential price (DP arm) or market price (MP arm) based on minimum wage earning or a score >6/18 on a multi-dimensional poverty index scale. Study medicines were purchased at either the DP or MP when prescribed. Participants were followed for 18 months to assess blood pressure (BP) and glycemic control. Predictors of ability to purchase study medicines were assessed using parsimonious logistic regression models. Results: 3,296 participants were enrolled with mean age of 57±12.7 years, 76.6% females. 1,869 (56.7%) had hypertension, 422 (12.8%) had DM, and 1,005 (30.5%) with both hypertension and DM. Average follow-up was 14 months. There were prescriptions of study medications for 526 participants of which 238 (45.2%) were able to make purchases at DP 60.9% versus MP 39.1%. Independent predictors of purchasing ability were higher income, MP arm, willingness to purchase additional medicines, and being at tertiary level institution. Conclusions: Approximately 45% of Ghanaians could afford prescribed study medicines provided at a differential pricing mechanism albeit at an unsustainable basis. Further price reductions are expected to enhance access to medicines for hypertension and DM control.
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27
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Kawada T. Patients with hypertension and/or diabetes and incident stroke: A risk assessment. J Neurol Sci 2019; 403:162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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28
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Sarfo FS. Response by Sarfo to letter regarding “Patients with hypertension and/or diabetes and incident stroke: A risk assessment”. J Neurol Sci 2019; 403:163-164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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29
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Sarfo FS, Nichols M, Singh A, Hardy Y, Norman B, Mensah G, Tagge R, Jenkins C, Ovbiagele B. Characteristics of hypertension among people living with HIV in Ghana: Impact of new hypertension guideline. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2019; 21:838-850. [PMID: 31125188 DOI: 10.1111/jch.13561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Data on the burden of hypertension among people living with HIV (PLWH) in Africa are limited, especially after new expert consensus hypertension guidelines were published in 2017. The authors sought to assess the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among PLWH. This is a cross-sectional study involving PLWH on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) (n = 250) compared with sex-matched cART-naïve PLWH (n = 201) in Ghana. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg or use of antihypertensive drugs. The authors also assessed the prevalence and predictors associated with hypertension using the recent guideline recommended cutoff BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with hypertension among PLWH. The mean age of PLWH on cART was 45.7 ± 8.6 years, and 42.9 ± 8.8 years among PLWH cART-naive with 81% of study participants being women. The prevalence of hypertension among PLWH on cART and PLWH cART-naïve was 36.9% and 23.4%, P = 0.002 at BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg and 57.2% and 42.3%, respectively, P = 0.0009, at BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg. Factors associated with hypertension at BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg in the PLWH group with adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) were increasing age, 2.08 (1.60-2.71) per 10 years, and body mass index, 1.53 (1.24-1.88) per 5 kg/m2 rise. At BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg, cART exposure, aOR of 1.77 (95% CI: 1.20-2.63), family history of hypertension, aOR of 1.43 (1.12-1.83), and hypertriglyceridemia, aOR of 0.54 (0.31-0.93), were associated with hypertension. Among PLWH, cART exposure was associated with higher prevalence of hypertension per the new guideline definition, a finding which warrants further investigation and possible mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michelle Nichols
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Arti Singh
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Betty Norman
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.,Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Ralle Tagge
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Carolyn Jenkins
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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30
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Sarfo FS, Nichols M, Gebregziabher M, Tagge R, Asibey SO, Jenkins C, Ovbiagele B. Evaluation of Vascular Event Risk while on Long-term Anti-retroviral Suppressive Therapy [EVERLAST]: Protocol for a prospective observational study. eNeurologicalSci 2019; 15:100189. [PMID: 31011634 PMCID: PMC6460293 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2019.100189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & objective Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among the HIV population is high due to a combination of accelerated atherosclerosis from the pro-inflammatory milieu created by chronic HIV infection and the potentially adverse metabolic side effects from cART (combination antiretroviral therapy) medications. Although sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) bears 70% of the global burden of HIV disease, there is a relative paucity of studies comprehensively assessing CVD risk among people living with HIV on the continent. The overarching objective of the Evaluation of Vascular Event Risk while on Long-term Anti-retroviral Suppressive Therapy (EVERLAST) Study is to characterize the burden of CVD among HIV patients on ART in Ghana, and explore factors influencing it. Methods The EVERLAST study incorporates prospective CVD risk assessments and a convergent mixed methods approach. This prospective study will evaluate CVD risk by measuring Carotid Intimal Media Thickness (CIMT) and presence of traditional medical and lifestyle vascular risk among 240 Ghanaian HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy compared with age- and sex-matched HIV uninfected (n = 240) and HIV positive ART naïve controls (n = 240). A contextual qualitative analysis will also be conducted to determine attitudes/perceptions of various key local stakeholders about CVD risk among HIV patients. The primary outcome measure will be CIMT measured cross-sectionally and prospectively among the three groups. A host of secondary outcome variables including CVD risk factors, CVD risk equations, HIV associated neurocognitive dysfunction and psychological well-being will also be assessed. Conclusion EVERLAST will provide crucial insights into the unique contributions of ART exposure and environmental factors such as lifestyle, traditional beliefs, and socio-economic indicators to CVD risk among HIV patients in a resource-limited setting. Ultimately, findings from our study will be utilized to develop interventions that will be tested in a randomized controlled trial to provide evidence to guide CVD risk management in SSA. EVERLAST seeks to assess the burden and determinants of cardiovascular risk among Ghanaian HIV patients A mixed methods study with prospective analyses of CVD risk factors among HIV patients and HIV-negative controls over 12 months Primary outcome measure is sub-clinical carotid atherosclerosis measured using B-mode ultrasound. Secondary outcome measures include neurocognitive dysfunction, and CVD events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
- Corresponding author at: Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | | | | | - Raelle Tagge
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
| | | | | | - Bruce Ovbiagele
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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Sarfo FS, Castelnuovo B, Fanti I, Feldt T, Incardona F, Kaiser R, Lwanga I, Marrone G, Sonnerborg A, Tufa TB, Zazzi M, De Luca A. Longer-term effectiveness of protease-inhibitor-based second line antiretroviral therapy in four large sub-Saharan African clinics. J Infect 2019; 78:402-408. [PMID: 30849438 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Data on the longer-term effectiveness of second line combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are lacking. We sought to assess the probability and determinants of 2nd line ART failure in SSA. METHODS A retrospective, multi-center study of 2nd line ART initiated between 2005 and 2017 at four ART centers in Ethiopia, Ghana and Uganda. Main outcome measure was virologic failure (VF) defined as VL>1000 copies/ml after >6 months on 2nd line therapy. Predictors of VF and virologic re-suppression on 2nd line were evaluated using Cox Proportional Hazards and multivariable logistic regression models, respectively. RESULTS 2191 subjects started 2nd line therapy, 61.5% females. Switching from 1st line (56.4% NVP-based, 70.3% including thymidine-analogues) to 2nd line therapy occurred after mean of 4.1 years. 98.9% of patients started boosted PI with NRTI backbone (TDF+3TC/FTC 67.3%, AZT+3TC 18.5%, others 14.2%). There were 267 (12.0%) VF with a 5-year estimated probability of 15.0% (95% CI 13.2-16.9). Key determinants of VF were concomitant rifampicin use (aHR 2.50 [95% CI 1.54-4.05]) and clinical/immunological failure versus virologic failure as reason for switching therapy (aHR, 0.53 [0.33-0.86]). 138 of 267 (51.7%) subsequently achieved virologic re-suppression and predictors included HIV RNA levels at 2nd-line failure: +1 log higher aOR 0.59 [0.43-0.80], experiencing change within 2nd line ART before VF: aOR 0.17 [0.05-0.56], and more recent calendar year of 2nd line initiation: aOR 0.85 [0.75-0.94]. CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of current 2nd line ART regimens in SSA is good but challenged by interactions with TB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred S Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Private Mail Bag, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | | | | | - Torsten Feldt
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Dusseldorf, Germany
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Kawada T. Estimated glomerular filtration rate and incident stroke in patients with hypertension and/or diabetes. J Neurol Sci 2019; 397:80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Sarfo FS. Response by Sarfo to letter regarding “Estimated glomerular filtration rate and incident stroke in patients with hypertension and/or diabetes”. J Neurol Sci 2019; 397:112-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Sarfo FS, Nichols M, Agyei B, Singh A, Ennin E, Nyantakyi AD, Asibey SO, Tagge R, Gebregziabher M, Jenkins C, Ovbiagele B. Burden of subclinical carotid atherosclerosis and vascular risk factors among people living with HIV in Ghana. J Neurol Sci 2018; 397:103-111. [PMID: 30599299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people living with HIV (PLWH) in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to rise due to a rapid epidemiological transition and improved treatment of HIV infection on the sub-continent. OBJECTIVE The Evaluation of Vascular Event Risk while on Long-term Anti-retroviral Suppressive Therapy (EVERLAST) Study sought to assess the extent of subclinical atherosclerosis and characterize the nature of CVD risk factors among HIV patients on Antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Ghana. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study involving HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (n = 250) in comparison with HIV positive ART naïve (n = 201), and HIV uninfected controls (n = 250). We assessed prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, central obesity, and carotid atherosclerosis using B-mode carotid Doppler ultrasonography. We assessed factors associated with subclinical atherosclerosis defined by a carotid intimal media thickness (CIMT) cut-off of ≥0.78 mm among PLWH using a logistic regression model. RESULTS Mean age of PLWH on combination ART (cART) was 45.7 ± 8.6 years, 42.9 ± 8.8 years among PLWH not on cART, and 44.9 ± 9.5 years among HIV negative controls of which 81.2%, 81.6% and 81.1% respectively were females. Prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis at the common carotid artery in the three groups was 67.6%, 66.7% and 62.4%, p = 0.43. Among PLWH, raised serum total cholesterol (OR 1.16, 95% CI: 1.00-1.35) and triglycerides (OR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.01-1.73) were significantly associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Prevalence of vascular risk factors among PLWH on cART, PLWH cART naïve, and HIV negative controls respectively were as follows: dyslipidemia- 79.5%, 83.1%, and 73.5%, p = 0.04; hypertension- 40.2%, 23.4%, and 44.9%, p < 0.0001; central obesity-61.8%, 66.7%, and 78.2%, p < 0.0001; diabetes mellitus-6.8%, 5.5% and 4.9%, p = 0.53. CONCLUSION Overall while there is a high baseline prevalence of CVD risk factors in the Ghanaian population, serum lipid derangements appear to be more prevalent among HIV infected patients, and are linked to sub-clinical atherosclerosis. Future studies need to confirm these findings, explore the underlying pathophysiology, and optimize treatment strategies to avert untoward CVD outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | | | - Benedict Agyei
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Arti Singh
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | | | - Raelle Tagge
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
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Sarfo FS, Mobula LM, Sarfo-Kantanka O, Adamu S, Plange-Rhule J, Ansong D, Gyamfi RA, Duah J, Abraham B, Ofori-Adjei D. Estimated glomerular filtration rate predicts incident stroke among Ghanaians with diabetes and hypertension. J Neurol Sci 2018; 396:140-147. [PMID: 30471633 PMCID: PMC6330840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Sub-Saharan Africa is currently experiencing a high burden of both chronic kidney disease (CKD) and stroke as a result of a rapid rise in shared common vascular risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. However, no previous study has prospectively explored independent associations between CKD and incident stroke occurrence among indigenous Africans. This study sought to fill this knowledge gap. Methods A prospective cohort study involving Ghanaians adults with hypertension or type II diabetes mellitus from 5 public hospitals. Patients were followed every 2 months in clinic for 18 months and assessed clinically for first ever stroke by physicians. Serum creatinine derived estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) were determined at baseline for 2631 (81.7%) out of 3296 participants. We assessed associations between eGFR and incident stroke using a multivariate Cox Proportional Hazards regression model. Results Stroke incidence rates (95% CI) increased with decreasing eGFR categories of 89, 60–88, 30–59 and <29 ml/min corresponding to incidence rates of 7.58 (3.58–13.51), 14.45 (9.07–21.92), 29.43 (15.95–50.04) and 66.23 (16.85–180.20)/1000 person-years respectively. Adjusted hazard ratios (95%CI) for stroke occurrence according to eGFR were 1.42 (0.63–3.21) for eGFR of 60-89 ml/min, 1.88 (1.17–3.02) for 30-59 ml/min and 1.52 (0.93–2.43) for <30 ml/min compared with eGFR of >89 ml/min. Adjusted HR for stroke occurrence among patients with hypertension with eGFR<60 ml/min was 3.69 (1.49–9.13), p = .0047 and among those with diabetes was 1.50 (0.56–3.98), p = .42. Conclusion CKD is dose-dependently associated with occurrence of incident strokes among Ghanaians with hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Further studies are warranted to explore interventions that could attenuate the risk of stroke attributable to renal disease among patients with hypertension in SSA. We assessed association between incident stroke and estimated glomerular filtration rate. 2631 participants stroke-free Ghanaian adults with hypertension or diabetes were followed for 14 months. There were 45 incident strokes. Incident stroke risk independently increased with declining eGFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fred Stephen Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Linda Meta Mobula
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Osei Sarfo-Kantanka
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Sheila Adamu
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Daniel Ansong
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | | | - David Ofori-Adjei
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, University of Ghana, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Accra, Ghana
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