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Ijaiya MA, Anjorin S, Uthman OA. Quantifying the increased risk of illness in malnourished children: a global meta-analysis and propensity score matching approach. Glob Health Res Policy 2024; 9:29. [PMID: 39085934 PMCID: PMC11290152 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-024-00371-0] [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: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood morbidity and mortality continue to be major public health challenges. Malnutrition increases the risk of morbidity and mortality from illnesses such as acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, fever, and perinatal conditions in children. This study explored and estimated the magnitude of the associations between childhood malnutrition forms and child morbidity. METHODS We performed an individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis and employed propensity score matching to examine crude (unadjusted) and adjusted associations. Our analysis utilized demographic and health datasets from surveys conducted between 2015 and 2020 in 27 low- and middle-income countries. Our objective was to quantify the risk of morbidity in malnourished children and estimate the population-attributable fraction (PAF) using a natural experimental design with a propensity score-matched cohort. RESULTS The IPD meta-analysis of child morbidity across three childhood malnutrition forms presented nuanced results. Children with double-burden malnutrition had a 5% greater risk of morbidity, which was not statistically significant. In contrast, wasted children had a 28% greater risk of morbidity. Overweight children exhibited a 29% lower risk of morbidity. Using the matched sample, children with double-burden malnutrition and overweight children had lower morbidity risks (1.7%, RR: 0.983 (95% CI, 0.95 to 1.02) and 20%, RR: 0.80 (95% CI, 0.76 to 0.85), respectively), while wasting was associated with a 1.1 times (RR: 1.094 (95% CI, 1.05 to 1.14)) greater risk of morbidity. Eliminating double-burden malnutrition and wasting in the four and seven countries with significant positive risk differences could reduce the child morbidity burden by an estimated average of 2.8% and 3.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed a correlation between specific childhood malnutrition subtypes-double-burden malnutrition and wasting-and increased risks of morbidity. Conversely, overweight children exhibited a lower risk of immediate morbidity, yet they may face potential long-term health challenges, indicating the necessity for nuanced approaches to childhood nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukhtar A Ijaiya
- Jhpiego, Plot 971, Rueben Okoya Crescent, Off Okonjo Iweala Street, Wuye District, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria.
| | - Seun Anjorin
- Big Data Institute, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Olalekan A Uthman
- Warwick Centre for Global Health, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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Howlett N, Fakoya O, Bontoft C, Simmons I, Miners L, Wagner AP, Brown K. A realist evaluation of community champion and participatory action approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1355944. [PMID: 38939557 PMCID: PMC11208485 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1355944] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health teams tried several approaches to circulate accurate health information and engage with community members to understand what they need from public health services. Two such approaches were community champions and community participatory action research (CPAR). This study evaluates two champion programmes and a CPAR programme in terms of what worked, for whom, and in what contexts, including the funding and resourcing associated with implementation. Methods Between June 2022 and June 2023, a realist evaluation of three distinct case studies (COVID-19 champions, Vaccine Champions, and CPAR programmes) in the city of Southampton in England was conducted in three stages: development of initial programme theories and collection of additional contextual information, including funding and resources associated with delivering each programme; initial programme theory testing; synthesis of final programme theories. Data was collected primarily through semi-structured interviews (n = 29) across programme and training leads, voluntary services, community organisations, volunteers, and local community members, and one focus group with local community members (n = 8). Results The City Council used £642 k from two funding awards to deliver the programmes: COVID-19 Champions £41 k; Vaccine Champions £485 k; and CPAR programmes £115 k. Twenty-eight initial programme theories were generated, which were "tested" to support, refine, or refute context-mechanism-outcome relationships, resulting finally in a set of 22 programme theories across the three programmes. Six demi-regularities were generated, each featuring in multiple programme theories, and providing data on how and why these programmes can work, and in which contexts: (1) building trust through community connections; (2) fostering relationships and collaboration; (3) provision of training and resources; (4) local community knowledge and expertise; (5) community representation and leadership; (6) appropriate communication and information sharing. Conclusion This study provides new knowledge and understanding of the factors affecting the implementation of community champion and CPAR approaches during public health emergencies. These findings suggest that representation and involvement of community members, establishing and building on trust, adequate training and resources, and clear communication from trusted community members and organisations are catalysts for meaningful engagement with communities.Evaluation registration: Research Registry identifier: researchregistry8094.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Howlett
- Department of Psychology, Sport, and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Olujoke Fakoya
- Department of Psychology, Sport, and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Charis Bontoft
- Department of Psychology, Sport, and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Isobel Simmons
- Department of Psychology, Sport, and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Miners
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Adam P. Wagner
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Brown
- Department of Psychology, Sport, and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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Mrisho M, Mwangoka G, Ali AM, Mkopi A, Mahende MK, Temu S, Msuya HM, Kazyoba PE, Abdallah G, Mihayo M, Juma O, Hamad A, Jongo S, Lweno O, Tumbo A, Mswata S, Kassim KR, Kishimba R, Haruna H, Kassa H, Kapologwe N, Rashid M, Abdulla S. Pilot deployment of a community health care worker in distributing and offering the COVID-19 AgRDT in Tanzania. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11679. [PMID: 38778088 PMCID: PMC11111661 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62379-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A pilot implementation of the rapid diagnostic test program was performed to collect evidence of the feasibility, acceptability, and uptake of the COVID-19 AgRDT in Tanzania. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study in the community to provide quantitative details of the pilot implementation of the antigen rapid diagnostic test (AgRDT) in Tanzania. This study was undertaken between March 2022 and September 2022. The pilot was implemented by distributing and offering test kits to people suspected of having COVID-19 in Dar es Salaam through community health workers. A total of 1039 participants consented to participate in the survey. All the participants reported having heard about the disease. The radio was the main source (93.2%) of information on COVID-19. With regard to prevention measures, approximately 930 (89.5%) of the respondents thought that COVID-19 could be prevented. Approximately 1035 (99.6%) participants reported that they were willing to have a COVID-19 AgRDT test and wait for 20 min for the results. With regard to the participants' opinions on the AgRDT device, the majority 907 (87.3%) felt comfortable with the test, and 1,029 (99.0%) were very likely to recommend the AgRDT test to their friends. The majority of participants 848 (83.1%) mentioned that they would be willing to pay for the test if it was not available for free. The results suggest overall good acceptance of the COVID-19 AgRDT test. It is evident that the use of trained community healthcare workers allows easy screening of all possible suspects and helps them receive early treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mwifadhi Mrisho
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Grace Mwangoka
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ali M Ali
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Abdallah Mkopi
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Muhidin K Mahende
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Silas Temu
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hajirani M Msuya
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Paul E Kazyoba
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), P O Box 9653, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Gumi Abdallah
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Michael Mihayo
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Omar Juma
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ali Hamad
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Said Jongo
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Omar Lweno
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Anneth Tumbo
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sarah Mswata
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kamaka R Kassim
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Hussein Haruna
- Ministry of Health (MoH), P. O. Box 743, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Hellen Kassa
- FIND|Campus Biotech, Chemin des Mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ntuli Kapologwe
- Department of Health, Social Welfare and Nutrition Services, President's Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG), P.O Box 1923, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Mohammed Rashid
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Salim Abdulla
- Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Kiko Avenue, Off Bagamoyo Road, Mikocheni, P O Box 78373, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Olayinka F, Sauer M, Menning L, Summers D, Wonodi C, Mackay S, MacDonald NE, Peter Figueroa J, Andriamitantsoa B, Bonsu G, Haldar P, Lindstrand A, Shimp L. Building and sustaining public and political commitment to the value of vaccination: Recommendations for the Immunization Agenda 2030 (Strategic Priority Area 2). Vaccine 2024; 42 Suppl 1:S43-S53. [PMID: 36528448 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.11.038] [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: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Vaccines have contributed to substantial improvements in health and social development outcomes for millions in recent decades. However, equitable access to immunization remains a critical challenge that has stalled progress toward improving several health indicators around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic has also negatively impacted routine immunization services around the world further threatening universal access to the benefits of lifesaving vaccines. To overcome these challenges, the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) focuses on increasing both commitment and demand for vaccines. There are three broad barriers that will need to be addressed in order to achieve national and subnational immunization targets: (1) shifting leadership priorities and resource constraints, (2) visibility of disease burden, and (3) social and behavioral drivers. IA2030 proposes a set of interventions to address these barriers. First, efforts to ensure government engagement on immunization financing, regulatory, and legislative frameworks. Next, those in subnational leadership positions and local community members need to be further engaged to ensure local commitment and demand. Governance structures and health agencies must accept responsibility and be held accountable for delivering inclusive, quality, and accessible services and for achieving national targets. Further, the availability of quality immunization services and commitment to adequate financing and resourcing must go hand-in-hand with public health programs to increase access to and demand for vaccination. Last, strengthening trust in immunization systems and improving individual and program resilience can help mitigate the risk of vaccine confidence crises. These interventions together can help ensure a world where everyone, everywhere has access to and uses vaccines for lifesaving vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Molly Sauer
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA; International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Lisa Menning
- Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Chizoba Wonodi
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA; International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - George Bonsu
- Expanded Program on Immunization, Government of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Pradeep Haldar
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Ann Lindstrand
- Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lora Shimp
- JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc, Arlington, USA.
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Kaysin A, Antoniello P, Agarwal S, Perry H. Strategies for Sustained Empowerment of Community Health Workers: A Qualitative Analysis of the Comprehensive Rural Health Project in Jamkhed, India. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2024; 61:469580241235059. [PMID: 38424697 PMCID: PMC10908227 DOI: 10.1177/00469580241235059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
To understand the core aspects of an empowerment-based Community Health Worker (CHW) training program, we studied the model of the Comprehensive Rural Health Project (CRHP) in Jamkhed, India-an organization known for facilitating empowerment of women as Village Health Workers (VHWs) and agents of community change. We define empowerment as a means by which individuals gain health and development-related skills and knowledge to facilitate positive change within their lives and communities. Using VHW training observations and semi-structured interviews with health workers and senior trainers, 6 themes were developed and applied in 4 focus group sessions with 18 multigenerational VHWs trained by the CRHP. Transcripts were qualitatively analyzed under 6 themes-selection, baseline training, continuing education and support, community participation, community empowerment, and commitment and longevity. Empowerment of VHWs was found to be an intentional process involving the creation of safe and supportive environments conducive to long-term participatory and experiential learning with professionals who facilitate and mentor. The impact of the baseline training is maintained through ongoing program-VHW interactions and knowledge reinforcement in both the field and training center. Importantly, these interactions reinforce VHWs' credibility and confidence in communities served. Community participation was found to be of key importance starting at the selection phase. The methods used for selection, training and ongoing support are critical to developing a cadre of competent, effective and motivated VHWs as well as fostering long-lasting self-development and leadership skills. Downstream effectiveness of community empowerment on health outcomes is demonstrated through indicators such as access to safe deliveries, declining child malnutrition rates, high vaccination rates as well as reductions in stigmatization of illness and caste discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kaysin
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Maryland Capital Region Health, Largo, MD, USA
| | - Patricia Antoniello
- Department of Anthropology and Archeology, Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Smisha Agarwal
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Henry Perry
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Nalugga EA, Kukundakwe M, Tibakanya R, Tindyebwa E, Baluku W, Mulindwa K, Asiimwe SP, Twimukye A, Waitt C. It Takes A Village; Involvement of Village Health Teams to Develop Tools and Resources to Communicate about Antiretroviral Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding at Community Level in Uganda. Wellcome Open Res 2023; 8:510. [PMID: 38292066 PMCID: PMC10825416 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19088.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Research findings must be communicated to the populations who will benefit from them, in a manner that is accessible and understandable. Aims We recently generated novel data on medication use in breastfeeding. A Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (Liverpool) grant enabled work with a team of Village Health Teams (VHTs) in Hoima, rural Uganda, to co-create related communication materials for use in their house-to-house visitation and health education. Methods After an initial workshop from 24th to 26th March 2021, training and review of draft materials, 10 VHT pairs visited 50 households in Hoima district. Basic demographic data were collected alongside preferred communication methods. VHTs provided feedback and re-design of materials commenced. This included dramatization of scenarios and photography. A second round of house-to-house visitation informed final adjustments. We conducted focused group discussions and a dissemination workshop attended by VHTs, local healthcare leaders and journalists was hosted on 16th - 17th June 2022. Results Most households (74%) had a breastfeeding baby. Majority could read and had access to radios (60%), but not to smartphones (58%) or television (86%). Most preferred verbal and visual aids for health education, and requested images of "people who look like us".Final co-created materials included posters in English and Runyoro and laminated 'job aids' in both languages . These continue to be in active use. VHTs and community members requested future projects of this nature. Conclusion Healthcare communication to communities must be accessible and clear. Representation of images that the public can identify with is important. Co-creation workshops were successful in rural Uganda, and pave the way for future collaborative, participatory research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Alice Nalugga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mercy Kukundakwe
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Elizabeth Tindyebwa
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - William Baluku
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kenneth Mulindwa
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Simon Peter Asiimwe
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Adelline Twimukye
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Catriona Waitt
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Baynes C, Kanté AM, Exavery A, Tani K, Sikustahili G, Mushi H, Baraka J, Ramsey K, Sherr K, Weiner BJ, Phillips JF. The implementation and effectiveness of multi-tasked, paid community health workers on maternal and child health: A cluster-randomized pragmatic trial and qualitative process evaluation in Tanzania. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002050. [PMID: 37725612 PMCID: PMC10508634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Community health worker programs have proliferated worldwide based on evidence that they help prevent mortality, particularly among children. However, there is limited evidence from randomized studies on the processes and effectiveness of implementing community health worker programs through public health systems. This paper describes the results of a cluster-randomized pragmatic implementation trial (registration number ISRCTN96819844) and qualitative process evaluation of a community health worker program in Tanzania that was implemented from 2011-2015. Program effects on maternal, newborn and child health service utilization, childhood morbidity and sick childcare seeking were evaluated using difference-in-difference regression analysis with outcomes measured through pre- and post-intervention household surveys in intervention and comparison trial arms. A qualitative process evaluation was conducted between 2012 and 2014 and comprised of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with community health workers, community members, facility-based health workers and staff of district health management teams. The community health worker program reduced incidence of illness and improved access to timely and appropriate curative care for children under five; however, there was no effect on facility-based maternal and newborn health service utilization. The positive outcomes occurred because of high levels of acceptability of community health workers within communities, as well as the durability of community health workers' motivation and confidence. Implementation factors that generated these effects were the engagement of communities in program startup; the training, remuneration and supervision of the community health workers from the local health system and community. The lack of program effects on maternal and newborn health service utilization at facilities were attributed to lapses in the availability of needed care at facilities. Strategies that strengthen and align communities' and health systems core capacities, and their ability to learn, adapt and integrate evidence-based interventions, are needed to maximize the health impact of community health workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Baynes
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Almamy Malick Kanté
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | | | - Kassimu Tani
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Kate Ramsey
- Scope Impact, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
| | - Kenneth Sherr
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Bryan J. Weiner
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - James F. Phillips
- Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
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Howell J, Seaman C, Wallace J, Xiao Y, Scott N, Davies J, de Santis T, Adda D, El-Sayed M, Feld JJ, Gane E, Lacombe K, Lesi O, Mohamed R, Silva M, Tu T, Revill P, Hellard ME. Pathway to global elimination of hepatitis B: HBV cure is just the first step. Hepatology 2023; 78:976-990. [PMID: 37125643 PMCID: PMC10442143 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a major cause of global morbidity and mortality, and the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide. Significant advances have recently been made toward the development of a finite HBV treatment that achieves permanent loss of HBsAg and HBV DNA (so-called "HBV cure"), which could provide the means to eliminate HBV as a public health threat. However, the HBV cure is just one step toward achieving WHO HBV elimination targets by 2030, and much work must be done now to prepare for the successful implementation of the HBV cure. In this review, we describe the required steps to rapidly scale-up future HBV cure equitably. We present key actions required for successful HBV cure implementation, integrated within the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) 2022-2030 framework. Finally, we highlight what can be done now to progress toward the 2030 HBV elimination targets using available tools to ensure that we are preparing, but not waiting, for the cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Howell
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chris Seaman
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jack Wallace
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yinzong Xiao
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nick Scott
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Davies
- Department Global Health and Infectious diseases, Menzies School of Public Health, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Teresa de Santis
- Department Global Health and Infectious diseases, Menzies School of Public Health, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | - Manal El-Sayed
- Department Paediatrics, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Jordan J. Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edward Gane
- Department Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Sorbonne Université, IPLESP, Saint-Antoine Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Olufunmilayo Lesi
- Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programme, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rosmawati Mohamed
- Department of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Marcelo Silva
- Department Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Austral University Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Thomas Tu
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Revill
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret E. Hellard
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Infectious Diseases, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Molla A, Mekonnen S, Alemu K, Tigabu Z, Gebeyehu A. Community-based newborn care intervention fidelity and its implementation drivers in South Wollo Zone, North-east Ethiopia. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001168. [PMID: 37566575 PMCID: PMC10420373 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Community-based newborn care (CBNC) has been implemented in Ethiopia across the maternal, neonatal, and child health continuum of care with the goal of lowering newborn mortality. However, neonatal mortality rate in Ethiopian is among the highest in the world. Why neonatal mortality remains high in the face of such effective interventions is the issue. As a result, the authors claim that it is unknown whether the planned intervention is carried out effectively or not. The purpose of this study was to investigate the fidelity of community-based newborn care intervention and its implementation drivers. Multicenter community-based mixed method study was employed on 898 postpartum women, 16 health extension workers (HEWs) and 10 health posts to evaluate CBNC intervention fidelity. Structured questionnaire and facility audit checklist was used to collect quantitative data. In-depth interview technique was used to explore lived experiences of HEWs on CBNC implementation. CBNC intervention fidelity was computed as a composite index of the product of program coverage, frequency and contents. Multilevel linear regression model with adjusted β-coefficients at P-value of 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to declare a significant relation between CBNC intervention fidelity and its implementation drivers. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed for qualitative data analysis. CBNC intervention fidelity was found to be 4.5% (95% CI: 3.6-5.4) with only two women received the intervention with full fidelity. The overall CBNC intervention coverage was 38.4% (95% CI: 35.2-41.6). Only 8.1% and 1.5% of women received all CBNC interventions with recommended frequency and content, respectively. HEWs knowledge of danger sign was significant facilitator while lack of: health center's feedback, related short-term training, health development army support, health center staff's technical assistance to HEWs and shortage of medical equipment supply were barriers for CBNC intervention fidelity. In conclusion the CBNC intervention fidelity was too low in this study. This indicates that CBNC intervention package was not implemented as envisioned implying an implementation gap. All implementation drivers were poorly implemented to result in improved fidelity and intervention outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asressie Molla
- Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Mekonnen
- Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahun Alemu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Zemene Tigabu
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Abebaw Gebeyehu
- Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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10
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Suwannarong K, Cotter C, Ponlap T, Bubpa N, Thammasutti K, Chaiwan J, Finn TP, Kitchakarn S, Mårtensson A, Baltzell KA, Hsiang MS, Lertpiriyasuwat C, Sudathip P, Bennett A. Assessing the acceptability and feasibility of reactive drug administration for malaria elimination in a Plasmodium vivax predominant setting: a qualitative study in two provinces in Thailand. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1346. [PMID: 37438774 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15852-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reactive case detection (RACD) or testing and treatment of close contacts of recent malaria cases, is commonly practiced in settings approaching malaria elimination, but standard diagnostics have limited sensitivity to detect low level infections. Reactive drug administration (RDA), or presumptive treatment without testing, is an alternative approach, but better understanding regarding community acceptability and operational feasibility are needed. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted as part of a two-arm cluster randomized-controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of RDA targeting high-risk villages and forest workers for reducing Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum malaria in Thailand. Key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted virtually among key public health staff, village health volunteers (VHVs), and household members that implemented or received RDA activities. Transcriptions were reviewed, coded, and managed manually using Dedoose qualitative data analysis software, then underwent qualitative content analysis to identify key themes. RESULTS RDA was well accepted by household members and public health staff that implemented it. RDA participation was driven by fear of contracting malaria, eagerness to receive protection provided by malaria medicines, and the increased access to health care. Concerns were raised about the safety of taking malaria medicines without having an illness, particularly if underlying health conditions existed. Health promotion hospital (HPH) staff implementing RDA noted its operational feasibility, but highlighted difficulty in traveling to remote areas, and requested additional travel resources and hiring more VHVs. Other challenges were highlighted including the need for additional training for VHVs on malaria activities and the inability of HPH staff to conduct RDA due to other health priorities (e.g., Covid-19). More training and practice for VHVs were noted as ways to improve implementation of RDA. CONCLUSIONS To maximize uptake of RDA, regular education and sensitization campaigns in collaboration with village leaders on the purpose and rationale of RDA will be critical. To alleviate safety concerns and increase participant safety, a rigorous pharmacovigilance program will be important. To accelerate uptake of RDA, trust between HPH staff and VHVs and the communities they serve must continue to be strengthened to ensure acceptance of the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was approved by the Committee on Human Research at the University of California San Francisco (19-28,060) and the local Ethics Committee for Research in Human Subjects at Tak Provincial Health office (009/63) and Kanchanaburi Provincial health office (Kor Chor 0032.002/2185). Local authorities and health officers in the provinces, districts, and villages agreed upon and coordinated the implementation of the study. All methods in this study were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.
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Grants
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanokwan Suwannarong
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- SUPA71 Co., Ltd, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chris Cotter
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | - Nisachon Bubpa
- Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand
| | | | - Jintana Chaiwan
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Timothy P Finn
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Suravadee Kitchakarn
- Department of Disease Control, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Andreas Mårtensson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kimberly A Baltzell
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michelle S Hsiang
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cheewanan Lertpiriyasuwat
- Department of Disease Control, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Prayuth Sudathip
- Department of Disease Control, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Adam Bennett
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- PATH, Seattle, WA, USA
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11
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Cirera L, Sacoor C, Meremikwu M, Ranaivo L, Manun'Ebo MF, Pons-Duran C, Arikpo D, Ramirez M, Ramponi F, Figueroa-Romero A, Gonzalez R, Maly C, Roman E, Sicuri E, Pagnoni F, Menéndez C. Cost-effectiveness of community-based distribution of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy in Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e010238. [PMID: 37479498 PMCID: PMC10364184 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-010238] [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: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malaria in pregnancy is a major driver of maternal and infant mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. The WHO recommends the administration of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) at antenatal care (ANC) visits. Despite being a highly cost-effective strategy, IPTp-SP coverage and uptake remains low. A pilot project was conducted to assess the cost-effectiveness (CE) of community-based delivery of IPTp (C-IPTp) in addition to ANC delivery to increase IPTp uptake in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar (MDG), Mozambique (MOZ) and Nigeria (NGA). METHODS Costs and CE estimates of C-IPTp were calculated according to two scenarios: (1) costs in 'programmatic mode' (ie, costs if C-IPTp was to be implemented by national health systems) and (2) costs from the pilot project. The effectiveness of C-IPTp was obtained through estimates of the averted disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) associated with maternal clinical malaria and anaemia, low birth weight and neonatal mortality. RESULTS Net incremental costs of C-IPTp ranged between US$6138-US$47 177 (DRC), US$5552-US$31 552 (MDG), US$10 202-US$53 221 (MOZ) and US$667-US$28 645 (NGA) per 1000 pregnant women, under scenarios (1) and (2), respectively. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) ranged between US$15-US$119 in DRC, US$9-US$53 in MDG, US$104-US$543 in MOZ and US$2-US$66 in NGA per DALY averted, under scenarios (1) and (2), respectively. ICERs fall below the WHO recommended CE threshold based on the gross domestic product per capita. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that C-IPTp is a highly cost-effective intervention. Results can inform policy decisions on adopting and optimising effective interventions for preventing malaria in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Cirera
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Martin Meremikwu
- Cross River Health and Demographic Surveillance System, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Louise Ranaivo
- Malagasy Associates for Numerical Information and Statistical Analysis (MANISA), Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Manu F Manun'Ebo
- Bureau d'Étude et de Gestion de l'Information Statistique (BEGIS), Kinshasa, Congo (the Democratic Republic of the)
| | - Clara Pons-Duran
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dachi Arikpo
- Cross River Health and Demographic Surveillance System, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Maximo Ramirez
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Ramponi
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antia Figueroa-Romero
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Gonzalez
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Manhiça Health Research Center, Manhiça, Mozambique
| | - Christina Maly
- Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins University Affiliate, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elaine Roman
- Jhpiego, Johns Hopkins University Affiliate, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elisa Sicuri
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Health Policy, The London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Franco Pagnoni
- Maternal, Child and Reproductive Health Initiative, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Owusu L, Tuwor RD, Ackam N, Loglo A, Agbavor B, Agbanyo A, Dornu O, Antwi PB, Oppong MN, Adjei JK, Frimpong V, Abass MK, Novignon J, Asiedu K, Laryea DO, Amoako YA, Phillips RO. Role and capacity needs of community based surveillance volunteers in the integrated management of skin neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs): a qualitative study from central Ghana. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1086. [PMID: 37280609 PMCID: PMC10243008 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16015-w] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community Based Surveillance Volunteers (CBSVs) have been instrumental in the management of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) but a concern that their services in scale up programmes may be affected due to high attrition rates has been widely acknowledged. We explored the roles and capacity needs of existing CBSVs to inform for a successful integrated NTD management programme in Ghana and similar contexts. METHODS We conducted qualitative interviews with 50 CBSVs, 21 Community Nurses, 4 Disease control officers, 7 skin NTD researchers, 2 skin NTD patients and a Director of District Health Services in Central Ghana. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and coded prior to translation and thematic analysis. RESULTS The roles of CBSVs in NTD management were shown to have an impact on disease identification, surveillance, health seeking behaviours and status of CBSVs. Lack of motivation, inadequate structures for engagement of CBSVs within the health system and delayed management of reported cases were identified as gaps that hinder effective delivery of CBSV roles. Provision of incentives as recognition for the unpaid services rendered by CBSVs was seen as a major factor to reduce the rate of CBSV attrition in this scale up programme. Other factors included the formulation of policies by government to guide CBSV engagement, regular training of CBSV in NTD management as well as provision of resources and logistics. CONCLUSION Measures including continuous training, institution of rewards and incentivization are important for ensuring the sustainability of CBSVs in the provision of skin NTD services in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ruth Dede Tuwor
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Nancy Ackam
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Aloysius Loglo
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Bernadette Agbavor
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Abigail Agbanyo
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Olivia Dornu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philemon Boasiako Antwi
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Ntiamoah Oppong
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jonathan Kofi Adjei
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Venus Frimpong
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Jacob Novignon
- Department of Economics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Yaw Ampem Amoako
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
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13
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Rahman M, Jahan F, Billah SM, Yeasmin F, Rahman MJ, Jahir T, Parvez SM, Das JB, Amin R, Hossain K, Grant H, Hasan R, Darmstadt GL, Hoque MM, Shahidullah M, Islam MS, Ashrafee S, Foote EM. Feasibility and acceptability of home-based neonatal hyperbilirubinemia screening by community health workers using transcutaneous bilimeters in Bangladesh. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:155. [PMID: 37009866 PMCID: PMC10068237 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-03969-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Universal screening for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia risk assessment is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics to reduce related morbidity. In Bangladesh and in many low- and middle-income countries, there is no screening for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Furthermore, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia may not be recognized as a medically significant condition by caregivers and community members. We aimed to evaluate the acceptability and operational feasibility of community health worker (CHW)-led, home-based, non-invasive neonatal hyperbilirubinemia screening using a transcutaneous bilimeter in Shakhipur, a rural subdistrict in Bangladesh. METHODS We employed a two-step process. In the formative phase, we conducted eight focus group discussions with parents and grandparents of infants and eight key informant interviews with public and private healthcare providers and managers to explore their current knowledge, perceptions, practices, and challenges regarding identification and management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Next, we piloted a prenatal sensitization intervention and home-based screening by CHWs using transcutaneous bilimeters and evaluated the acceptability and operational feasibility of this approach through focus group discussions and key informant interviews with parents, grandparents and CHWs. RESULTS Formative findings identified misconceptions regarding neonatal hyperbilirubinemia causes and health risks among caregivers in rural Bangladesh. CHWs were comfortable with adoption, maintenance and use of the device in routine home visits. Transcutaneous bilimeter-based screening was also widely accepted by caregivers and family members due to its noninvasive technique and immediate display of findings at home. Prenatal sensitization of caregivers and family members helped to create a supportive environment in the family and empowered mothers as primary caregivers. CONCLUSION Adopting household neonatal hyperbilirubinemia screening in the postnatal period by CHWs using a transcutaneous bilimeter is an acceptable approach by both CHWs and families and may increase rates of screening to prevent morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbubur Rahman
- Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.
| | - Farjana Jahan
- Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Sk Masum Billah
- Maternal and Child Health Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Farzana Yeasmin
- Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | | | - Tania Jahir
- College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sarker Masud Parvez
- Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
- Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jyoti Bhushan Das
- Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Ruhul Amin
- Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Khobair Hossain
- Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Hannah Grant
- John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rezaul Hasan
- Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sarani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Gary L Darmstadt
- Prematurity Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Md Mahbubul Hoque
- Department of Neonatology, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Muhammad Shariful Islam
- National Newborn Health Program (NNHP) and Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sabina Ashrafee
- National Newborn Health Program (NNHP) and Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Eric M Foote
- Prematurity Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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14
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The impact of community delivery of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy on its coverage in four sub-Saharan African countries (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Nigeria): a quasi-experimental multicentre evaluation. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e566-e574. [PMID: 36925177 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00051-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is recommended at each antenatal care clinic visit in high-moderate transmission areas. However, its coverage remains unacceptably low in many countries. Community health workers can effectively deliver malaria preventive interventions. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of community delivery of IPTp (C-IPTp) on antenatal care and IPTp coverage. METHODS A community-based IPTp administration approach was implemented in four sub-Saharan countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), Madagascar, Mozambique, and Nigeria. A quasi-experimental before and after evaluation by cluster sampling was designed where C-IPTp was implemented in selected country areas in different phases. Baseline (before C-IPTp implementation), midline, and endline household surveys were carried out to assess IPTp intake in pregnant women in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Eligible participants of the household survey were women of reproductive age (13-50 years old, depending on the country) that had a pregnancy that ended (any pregnancy regardless of pregnancy outcome) in the 6 months before the interview. For the first baseline surveys, the target population was women who had a pregnancy that ended in the 12 months before the interview. The primary outcome from the household surveys was the proportion of women who reported having received at least three doses of IPTp during pregnancy. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03600844. FINDINGS A total of 32 household surveys were conducted between March 15, and Oct 30, 2018, and data from 18 215 interviewed women were analysed. The coverage of at least three doses of IPTp (IPTp3+) increased after the first year of C-IPTp implementation in all project areas in DR Congo (from 22·5% [170/755] to 31·8% [507/1596]), Madagascar (from 17·7% [101/572] to 40·8% [573/1404]), and Nigeria (from 12·7% [130/1027] to 35·2% [423/1203]), with increases between 145·6% (Madagascar) and 506·6% (Nigeria). IPTp3+ coverage increased between baseline and endline in all districts, except for Murrupula (Mozambique) and ranged between 9·6% and 533·6%. This pattern was similar in DR Congo, Madagascar, and Nigeria, and in Mozambique, the increase was lower than the other countries. Antenatal care attendance did not change or increased lightly in all study countries. INTERPRETATION C-IPTp was associated with an increase in IPTp uptake without reducing antenatal care attendance. The strategy might be considered for malaria control in pregnancy. FUNDING UNITAID [2017-13-TIPTOP].
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15
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Lukyamuzi Z, Ssuna B, Mirembe RN, Mawanda D, Kinkumu P, Nalugo C, Adikin E, Namisango F, Nakalega R, Atuhaire P, Musoke P, Butler LM. Experiences and challenges of using community health worker-led mechanism in supporting HIV disclosure among adults living with HIV in heterosexual relationships in the rural Uganda. AIDS Res Ther 2023; 20:14. [PMID: 36906557 PMCID: PMC10008611 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-023-00508-0] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV status disclosure among sexual partners is vital in HIV management. Community health workers (CHW) support HIV disclosure among adults living with HIV (ALHIV) in sexual relationships with disclosure difficulties. However, experiences and challenges of using CHW-led disclosure support mechanism were not documented. This study explored experiences and challenges involved in using CHW-led disclosure support mechanism among ALHIV in heterosexual relationships in the rural Uganda. METHODS This was a phenomenological qualitative study involving in-depth interviews among CHWs and ALHIV with HIV disclosure difficulties to sexual partners in greater Luwero region, Uganda. We conducted 27 interviews among purposively selected CHWs and participants who had participated in the CHW-led disclosure support mechanism. Interviews were conducted until saturation was reached; and analysis was done using inductive and deductive content analysis in Atlas. RESULTS All respondents viewed HIV disclosure as an important strategy in HIV management. Provision of adequate counseling and support to those intending to disclose was instrumental for successful disclosure. However, fear of the negative disclosure outcomes was viewed as a barrier to disclosure. The CHWs were viewed as having an added advantage in supporting disclosure as opposed to the routine disclosure counseling. However, HIV disclosure using CHW-led support mechanism would be limited by possible bleach of client's confidentiality. Therefore, respondents thought that appropriate selection of CHWs would improve their trust in the community. Additionally, providing CHWs with adequate training and facilitation during the disclosure support mechanism was viewed to improve their work. CONCLUSION Community health workers were viewed as being more supportive in HIV disclosure among ALHIV with disclosure difficulties to sexual partners compared to routine facility based disclosure counseling. Therefore, near location CHW-led disclosure mechanism was acceptable and useful in supporting HIV disclosure among HIV-affected sexual partners in rural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubair Lukyamuzi
- Johns Hopkins University Collaboration (MU-JHU), Makerere University, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda. .,School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Bashir Ssuna
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium (U-TIRC), Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ruth Nabisere Mirembe
- Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Denis Mawanda
- Johns Hopkins University Collaboration (MU-JHU), Makerere University, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Kinkumu
- Mildmay Hospital and Institute of Health Sciences, Mildmay Uganda, Box 24985, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Christine Nalugo
- Mildmay Hospital and Institute of Health Sciences, Mildmay Uganda, Box 24985, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Esther Adikin
- Mildmay Hospital and Institute of Health Sciences, Mildmay Uganda, Box 24985, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Rita Nakalega
- Johns Hopkins University Collaboration (MU-JHU), Makerere University, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patience Atuhaire
- Johns Hopkins University Collaboration (MU-JHU), Makerere University, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Philippa Musoke
- Johns Hopkins University Collaboration (MU-JHU), Makerere University, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lisa M Butler
- Institute for Collaboration On Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
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Sakeah E, Bawah AA, Kuwolamo I, Anyorikeya M, Asuming PO, Aborigo RA. How different incentives influence reported motivation and perceptions of performance in Ghanaian community-based health planning and services zones. BMC Res Notes 2023; 16:17. [PMID: 36803880 PMCID: PMC9942281 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-023-06286-2] [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: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal mortality is still a burden worldwide, and Ghana's maternal and child mortalities are still high. Incentive schemes have been effective in improving health workers' performance thereby reducing maternal and child deaths. The efficiency of public health services in most developing countries has been linked to the provision of incentives. Thus, financial packages for Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) serve as enablers for them to be focused and committed to their work. However, the poor performance of CHVs is still a challenge in health service delivery in many developing countries. Although the reasons for these persistent problems are understood, we need to find out how to implement what works in the face of political will and financial constraints. This study assesses how different incentives influence reported motivation and perceptions of performance in Community-based Health Planning and Services Program (CHPS) zones in the Upper East region. METHODS A quasi-experimental study design with post-intervention measurement was used. Performance-based interventions were implemented for 1 year in the Upper East region. The different interventions were rolled out in 55 of 120 CHPS zones. The 55 CHPS zones were randomly assigned to four groups: three groups of 14 CHPS zones with the last group containing 13 CHPS zones. Several alternative types of financial and non-financial incentives as well as their sustainability were explored. The financial incentive was a small monthly performance-based Stipend. The non-financial incentives were: Community recognition; paying for National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) premiums and fees for CHV, one spouse, and up to two children below 18 years, and; quarterly performance-based Awards for best-performing CHVs. The four groups represent the four different incentive schemes. We conducted 31 In-depth interviews (IDIs) and 31 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with health professionals and community members. RESULTS Community members and the CHVs wanted the stipend as the first incentive but requested that it be increased from the current level. The Community Health Officers (CHOs) prioritized the Awards over the Stipend because they felt it was too small to generate the required motivation in the CHVs. The second incentive was the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registration. Community recognition was also considered by health professionals as effective in motiving CHVs and work support inputs and CHVs training helped in improving output. The various incentives have helped increase health education and facilitated the work of the volunteers leading to increased outputs: Household visits and Antenatal Care and Postnatal Care coverage improved. The incentives have also influenced the initiative of volunteers. Work support inputs were also regarded as motivators by CHVs, but the challenges with the incentives included the size of the stipend and delays in disbursement. CONCLUSION Incentives are effective in motivating CHVs to improve their performance, thereby improving access to and use of health services by community members. The Stipend, NHIS, Community recognition and Awards, and the work support inputs all appeared to be effective in improving CHVs' performance and outcomes. Therefore, if health professionals implement these financial and non-financial incentives, it could bring a positive impact on health service delivery and use. Also, building the capacities of CHVs and providing them with the necessary inputs could improve output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn Sakeah
- School of Public Health, C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, Ghana. .,Population/Public Health Department, Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana.
| | - Ayaga A. Bawah
- grid.8652.90000 0004 1937 1485Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra Ghana
| | - Irene Kuwolamo
- grid.415943.ePopulation/Public Health Department, Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Maria Anyorikeya
- grid.415943.ePopulation/Public Health Department, Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Patrick O. Asuming
- grid.8652.90000 0004 1937 1485Business School, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra Ghana
| | - Raymond Akawire Aborigo
- grid.415943.ePopulation/Public Health Department, Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana
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Rahman M, Tariqujjaman M, Ahmed T, Sarma H. Effect of home visits by community health workers on complementary feeding practices among caregivers of children aged 6-23 months in 10 districts of Bangladesh. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1014281. [PMID: 36777779 PMCID: PMC9912980 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1014281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Suboptimal complementary feeding contributes to undernutrition in children aged 6-23 months in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. Multifaceted interventions have been taken to improve complementary feeding practices, but there is limited evidence about the effect of home visits by community health workers (CHWs) on complementary feeding practices of the caregivers of children. Methods We collated data from the baseline and the corresponding follow-up survey done as part of an evaluation of Bangladesh Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) programme. We collected data on complementary feeding practices using a 24-h recall questionnaire. Age-appropriate dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency, and minimum acceptable diet were assessed based on recommended food consumption as per child's age. To understand the effect of CHWs' visits on complementary feeding practices, we performed Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) procedure for dealing with correlated data and adjusted other covariates. Results A total of 758 and 745 caregivers of children aged 6-23 months participated in the baseline and follow-up survey, respectively. Complementary feeding practices were improved in 1 year of programme implementation; dietary diversity increased from 46 to 54%, minimum meal frequency from 82 to 91%, and minimum acceptable diet from 41 to 53%. Caregivers of children who had received the visit of CHWs in the last 12 months prior to the day of the follow-up survey were more likely (AOR 1.51; 95% CI 1.10-2.10) to maintain dietary diversity in their children's feeding practices than the caregivers who had not received a CHW visit in the last 12 months. The likelihood of maintaining a minimum acceptable diet in feeding practices was 1.57 times higher (AOR 1.57; 95% CI 1.14-2.17) among the caregivers who were exposed to the visits of the CHWs in the last 12 months compared to the caregivers who were not exposed to the CHW's visits in the last 12 months. Conclusion Integration of promotional activities of complementary feeding practices into the mainstream nutrition programme can be instrumental in optimizing complementary feeding practices among the caregivers of the under-five children. However, home visits by CHWs should be prioritized in such an integrated programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahfuzur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b), Dhaka, Bangladesh,*Correspondence: Mahfuzur Rahman ✉
| | - Md. Tariqujjaman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tahmeed Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr, b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Haribondhu Sarma
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Tougri H, Compaoré R, Ouédraogo AM, Bila B, Temmerman M, Kouanda S. Community health workers' involvement in mother-child care during the 1st year after birth, in Kaya health district, Burkina Faso: A contribution analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 10:938967. [PMID: 36711332 PMCID: PMC9875076 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.938967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Maternal and infant morbidity and mortality remain high in sub-Saharan Africa. However, actions to strengthen postpartum care are still weak and mainly limited to health facilities (HFs). In Kaya health district, Burkina Faso, community health workers (CHWs) were involved in mother and child care during the 1st year postpartum through home visits, outreach sessions and accompanying mothers to health facilities. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of CHWs to postpartum women's attendance at the health facilities. Methods We conducted an effect assessment using Mayne and Lemire's contribution analysis framework. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through project documents review and individual semi-structured interviews with key-informants. Results All the participants interviewed acknowledged that the number of women, who came to postpartum care, had increased since the implementation of the project activities. Postpartum consultation rates within the 1st week postpartum increased from 29% in 2011 to 80% in 2015 and from 19 to 50% within 6 weeks. Others interventions such as Performance based financing, Save The Children nutritional project and the health services component of Missed Opportunities in Mother and Infant Health (MOMI) were the alternative explanations. Conclusions CHWs involvement in women care contributed to improve their adherence to postpartum consultations in Kaya health district.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halima Tougri
- Département Biomedical/Santé Publique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso,*Correspondence: Halima Tougri ✉ ; ✉
| | - Rachidatou Compaoré
- Département Biomedical/Santé Publique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Adja Mariam Ouédraogo
- Département Biomedical/Santé Publique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Blandine Bila
- Département Biomedical/Santé Publique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH) Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium,Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Séni Kouanda
- Département Biomedical/Santé Publique, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé (IRSS), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso,Département d'Épidémiologie, Institut Africain de Santé Publique (IASP), Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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Pandya S, Hamal M, Abuya T, Kintu R, Mwanga D, Warren CE, Agarwal S. Understanding Factors That Support Community Health Worker Motivation, Job Satisfaction, and Performance in Three Ugandan Districts: Opportunities for Strengthening Uganda's Community Health Worker Program. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:2886-2894. [PMID: 35461208 PMCID: PMC10105203 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2022.6219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uganda's community health worker (CHW) program experiences several challenges related to the appropriate motivation, job satisfaction, and performance of the CHW workforce. This study aims to identify barriers in the effective implementation of financial and non-financial incentives to support CHWs and to strengthen Uganda's CHW program. METHODS The study was implemented in Uganda's Lira, Wakiso, and Mayuge districts in May 2019. Ten focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with 91 CHWs, 17 in-depth interviews (IDIs) were held with CHW supervisors, and 7 IDIs were held with policy-level stakeholders. Participants included stakeholders from both the Ugandan government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Utilizing a thematic approach, themes around motivation, job satisfaction, incentive preferences, and CHW relationships with the community, healthcare facilities, and government were analyzed. RESULTS CHWs identified a range of factors that contributed to their motivation or demotivation. Non-monetary factors included recognition from the health system and community, access to transportation, methods for identification as a healthcare worker, provision of working tools, and training opportunities. Monetary factors included access to monthly stipends, transportation-related refunds, and timely payment systems to reduce refund delays to CHWs. Additionally, CHWs indicated wanting to be considered for recruitment into the now-halted rollout of a salaried CHW cadre, given the provision of payment. CONCLUSION It is imperative to consider how to best support the current CHW program prior to the introduction of new cadres, as it can serve to exacerbate tensions between cadres and further undermine provision of community health. Providing a harmonized, balanced, and uniform combination of both monetary incentives with non-monetary incentives is vital for effective CHW programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Pandya
- Department of International Health, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mukesh Hamal
- Department of International Health, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Smisha Agarwal
- Department of International Health, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Nonaka D, Inthavong N, Takahashi K, Chanthakoumane K, Toyama Y, Luangphaxay C, Pongvongsa T, Kounnavong S. Primary health care situations in remote rural villages of the Savannakhet province, Lao People's Democratic Republic. Trop Med Health 2022; 50:90. [PMID: 36443857 PMCID: PMC9703750 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-022-00482-9] [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: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To improve the health of the rural population in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), the government has emphasized a primary health care approach in the Health Sector Reform Strategy by 2025. The objective of the present study was to describe the health-related situations of remote rural villages of the Lao PDR to inform strategies for promoting primary health care in such villages. METHODS Ten remote rural villages were purposively selected from the catchment areas of two health centers in the Xepon district, Savannakhet province. The surveyors collected data by conducting a questionnaire-based interview with village health volunteers and by observing the village environment in 2018. The survey focused on village situations on the eight elements of primary health care (health education; food supply and nutrition; safe water and basic sanitation; maternal and child health care; immunization; prevention and control of locally endemic diseases; treatment of common diseases and injuries; and provision of essential drug). RESULTS The common health problems were diarrhea, followed by malaria, and cough. The identified possible risk factors for the health problems were not washing hands with soap, open defecation, not boiling drinking water, not exclusively breastfeeding, presence of animal feces on the village ground, absence of garbage management system, not using a bed net when sleeping in the forest, and exposure to indoor cooking and tobacco smoke. In many villages, villagers were not able to eat enough food and did not eat protein-rich food and vegetables daily. CONCLUSIONS Potential risk factors for the reported common health problems were often prevalent in the study villages. Villagers can address most of these risk factors, as interventions to address such risk factors do not require a large financial input. There is a need for intersectoral actions between the health and other sectors to address food shortages and indoor air pollution due to indoor cooking using biomass fuel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Nonaka
- grid.267625.20000 0001 0685 5104Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Nouhak Inthavong
- grid.415768.90000 0004 8340 2282Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Kenzo Takahashi
- grid.264706.10000 0000 9239 9995Teikyo University Graduate School of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ketmany Chanthakoumane
- grid.415768.90000 0004 8340 2282Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Yuko Toyama
- grid.267625.20000 0001 0685 5104Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Chanthaly Luangphaxay
- grid.415768.90000 0004 8340 2282Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Tiengkham Pongvongsa
- grid.415768.90000 0004 8340 2282Savannakhet Provincial Health Department, Ministry of Health, Savannakhet, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Sengchanh Kounnavong
- grid.415768.90000 0004 8340 2282Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
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Alonso Y, Lusengi W, Manun'Ebo MF, Rasoamananjaranahary AM, Rivontsoa NM, Mucavele E, Torres N, Sacoor C, Okebalama H, Agbor UJ, Nwankwo O, Meremikwu M, Roman E, Pagnoni F, Menéndez C, Munguambe K, Enguita-Fernàndez C. The social dimensions of community delivery of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy in Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-010079. [PMID: 36319032 PMCID: PMC9628536 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-010079] [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: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulphadoxine pyrimethamine (IPTp) is a key malaria prevention strategy in sub-Saharan African countries. We conducted an anthropological study as part of a project aiming to evaluate a community-based approach to the delivery of IPTp (C-IPTp) through community health workers (CHWs) in four countries (the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Mozambique and Nigeria), to understand the social context in order to identify key factors that could influence C-IPTp acceptability. METHODS A total of 796 in-depth interviews and 265 focus group discussions were undertaken between 2018 and 2021 in the four countries with pregnant women, women of reproductive age, traditional and facility-based healthcare providers, community leaders, and relatives of pregnant women. These were combined with direct observations (388) including both community-based and facility-based IPTp delivery. Grounded theory guided the overall study design and data collection, and data were analysed following a combination of content and thematic analysis. RESULTS A series of key factors were found to influence acceptability, delivery and uptake of C-IPTp in project countries. Cross-cutting findings include the alignment of the strategy with existing social norms surrounding pregnancy and maternal health-seeking practices, the active involvement of influential and trusted actors in implementation activities, existing and sustained trust in CHWs, the influence of husbands and other relatives in pregnant women's care-seeking decision-making, the working conditions of CHWs, pregnant women's perceptions of SP for IPTp and persistent barriers to facility-based antenatal care access. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide evidence on the reported acceptability of C-IPTp among a wide range of actors, as well as the barriers and facilitators for delivery and uptake of the intervention. Overall, C-IPTp was accepted by the targeted communities, supporting the public health value of community-based interventions, although the barriers identified should be examined if large-scale implementation of the intervention is considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Alonso
- ISGlobal Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wade Lusengi
- Bureau d'Étude et de Gestion de l'Information Statistique (BEGIS), Kinshasa, Congo
| | - Manu F Manun'Ebo
- Bureau d'Étude et de Gestion de l'Information Statistique (BEGIS), Kinshasa, Congo
| | | | | | - Estêvão Mucavele
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Neusa Torres
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Charfudin Sacoor
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Hope Okebalama
- Cross River Health and Demographic Surveillance System, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Ugo James Agbor
- Cross River Health and Demographic Surveillance System, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Ogonna Nwankwo
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Martin Meremikwu
- Cross River Health and Demographic Surveillance System, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Elaine Roman
- JHPIEGO, a Johns Hopkins University affiliate, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Franco Pagnoni
- ISGlobal Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Menéndez
- ISGlobal Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Khátia Munguambe
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique.,Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
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Lukyamuzi Z, Nabisere RM, Nakalega R, Atuhaire P, Kataike H, Ssuna B, Baroudi M, Kiweewa FM, Musoke P, Butler LM. Community Health Workers Improve HIV Disclosure Among HIV-Affected Sexual Partners in Rural Uganda: A Quasi-Experimental Study. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2022; 10:e2100631. [PMID: 36316143 PMCID: PMC9622292 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We evaluated the efficacy of a community health worker (CHW)-led intervention in supporting disclosure among adults living with HIV in heterosexual relationships. METHODS We conducted a quasi-experimental study with 2 arms allocated by geographically determined clusters and adjusted for between-group differences among adults living with HIV in the greater Luwero region of Uganda who had never disclosed their status to their current primary sexual partners. Clusters were allocated to either a CHW-led intervention or a control arm. In both arms, participants were consecutively recruited. As opposed to receiving routine care for the control arm, participants in the intervention arm received additional CHW disclosure support. The overall follow-up was 6 months, and the primary outcome was disclosure to the sexual partner. Data were analyzed using a clustered modified Poisson regression model with robust standard errors to determine independent factors associated with disclosure. RESULTS Of the 245 participants who enrolled, 230 (93.9%) completed the study, and 112 (48.7%) of those were in the intervention arm. The median age was 30 (interquartile range=25-37) years, the majority were women (76.5%), and most (80%) did not know their partners' HIV status at study entry. At the end of follow-up, the overall disclosure prevalence was 74.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]=68.2, 79.9) and participants in the intervention arm were 51% more likely to disclose compared to those in the control (adjusted relative ratio [aRR]=1.51; 95% CI=1.28, 1.77). Men were 24% (aRR=1.24; 95% CI=1.07, 1.44) more likely to disclose compared to women, and membership in an HIV/AIDS association increased disclosure by 18% (aRR=1.18; 95% CI=1.01, 1.39). CONCLUSION CHW support improved disclosure among adults living with HIV in heterosexual relationships when compared to routine care. Therefore, CHW-led mechanisms may be utilized in increasing disclosure among adults living with HIV in heterosexual relationships in rural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubair Lukyamuzi
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda.
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ruth Mirembe Nabisere
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rita Nakalega
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patience Atuhaire
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hajira Kataike
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bashir Ssuna
- Uganda Tuberculosis Implementation Research Consortium, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mazen Baroudi
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Flavia Matovu Kiweewa
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Philippa Musoke
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lisa M Butler
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Greenberg JL, Bateisibwa J, Ngonzi J, Donato K. Demand-Side Factors in Maternal Health Outcomes: Evidence from a Community Health Worker Programme in Uganda. THE JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES 2022; 59:114-132. [PMID: 36714168 PMCID: PMC9879266 DOI: 10.1080/00220388.2022.2120805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
While community health workers (CHWs) are a core feature of many low-resource healthcare systems, evidence on both their health impacts and the mechanisms behind these impacts remains limited. Using a difference-in-differences design with a control and treatment group, this study evaluated a CHW programme in southwestern Uganda aimed at improving maternal health outcomes. We found relatively little evidence of an overall programme effect on health behaviours, including antenatal care attendance and delivery under skilled supervision. Analysis of heterogeneity by gestational age at first antenatal visit - which should have modulated exposure to the intervention - provided suggestive evidence that treatment effects varied predictably with gestational age. Altogether, the absence of strong programme effects may have been due to suboptimal performance by CHWs, thus highlighting the importance of studying and instituting appropriate monitoring and incentive schemes for such programmes. Additionally, in contrast to the weak treatment effect findings, analysis of the entire study sample between the pre- and post-intervention periods showed large improvements in healthcare-seeking behaviour across both the treatment and control groups. These changes may have arisen from concurrent supply-side health facility improvements affecting the entire study population, spillover effects from the CHWs, or background health trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L. Greenberg
- Medical School and Department of Economics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Joseph Ngonzi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Haddy E, Brown J, Burden F, Raw Z, Kaminski J, Proops L. “What can we do to actually reach all these animals?” Evaluating approaches to improving working equid welfare. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273972. [PMID: 36084063 PMCID: PMC9462723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
NGOs utilise a range of programming to bring about desired changes. This study examines the advantages and limitations of the range of approaches used by one particular NGO sector: working equid welfare organisations, from the perspective of NGO staff. NGO staff hold a wealth of knowledge regarding the design and implementation of welfare improvement initiatives; however this knowledge is rarely systematically documented. Through 32 semi-structured interviews the experiences of staff across multiple organisations were explored. The nine most commonly utilised approaches within equid focussed NGO programming were discussed with participants. Many themes resulting from the interviews centred around the strengths and disadvantages of these individual approaches, implemented both historically and presently by different NGOs. The influences of the context in which initiatives took place and barriers to welfare improvement that existed across approaches were also examined. Striking a balance came through as a strong theme at many levels. Balancing top-down versus bottom-up approaches was a frequently voiced concern, as was balancing the utility of certain approaches against associated factors warranting caution. Combinations of approaches that were felt to be complementary provided a balance that drew on the strengths and mitigated for the weaknesses of different approaches. The need to tailor approaches to individual contexts was also raised and is especially relevant to INGOs working across multiple countries, cultures and political structures. The study provides an informed insight into potential factors to consider when designing future welfare initiatives. The collaborative pooling of experience across different NGOs could help make welfare initiatives more effective and provide a framework for NGOs in other fields to learn from each other’s collective knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Haddy
- Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (EH); (LP)
| | - Julia Brown
- School of the Environment, Geography & Geosciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Faith Burden
- The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Raw
- The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, Devon, United Kingdom
| | - Juliane Kaminski
- Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Leanne Proops
- Centre for Comparative and Evolutionary Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (EH); (LP)
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Hosokawa Y, Yako-Suketomo H, Ishii K, Oka K. Factors promoting collaboration between community sports leaders and guardians in urban areas of Japan: A cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:940580. [PMID: 36106162 PMCID: PMC9464937 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.940580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Community sports leaders (CSLs) are expected to play an important role in promoting regional sports in Japan. Increased opportunities for CSLs to work in schools and engage with guardians could encourage middle-aged adults to participate in regional sports activities. However, few CSLs work with guardians, and there is no evidence regarding what CSL characteristics encourage collaboration. The present study aimed to ascertain the aspects of coordination for CSLs collaborating with guardians in urban areas. Methods A self-administered questionnaire survey was mailed to all 1,489 CSLs through 59 municipalities using the CSL out of 62 in Tokyo, Japan, from July to November 2021. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic data, variables related to CSL activities, coordination functions, and experience collaborating with guardians. We conducted a binomial logistic regression analysis using experience collaborating with guardians as the dependent variable, coordination function as the explanatory variable, and gender, age, residence duration, years of CSL experience, and the number of activities as covariates. Results The analyzed sample comprised 478 CSLs. Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between experience collaborating with guardians and the coordination function of internal/external CSL organizations, such as participation in non-CSL community activities, experience teaching and supporting their own children's sports, activity initiatives, number of times they used the school gymnasium, awareness of the regional sports plan, and cooperation with the chairman of the neighborhood association. Conclusions Collaboration with guardians was related to CSL's individual experience engaging in regional sports from parenting and community collaboration, such as participation in non-CSL community activities and their relationship with the chairman of the neighborhood association. CSL activities may have the potential to encourage middle-aged adults to participate in regional sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshino Hosokawa
- Graduate School of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan,*Correspondence: Yoshino Hosokawa
| | - Hiroko Yako-Suketomo
- Faculty of Physical Education, Japan Women's College of Physical Education, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Ishii
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Koichiro Oka
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
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Orji BC, Bryce E, Odio B, Onuoha HE, Njoku E, Anoke C, Ugwa E, Enne J, Oniyire A, Otolorin E, Afolabi K, Ogbulafor NC, Oliveras E. Retrospective evaluation of referral by community health workers on the uptake of intermittent preventive treatment of Malaria in pregnancy in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:599. [PMID: 35896992 PMCID: PMC9327266 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04921-7] [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: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of three doses of quality-assured sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy (IPTp), in moderate to high malaria transmission areas in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, coverage of IPTp lags behind coverage of antenatal care (ANC) visits; in Nigeria, 57% of women attended four or more ANC visits, whereas only 17% received the recommended three or more doses of IPTp. The innovative program aimed to close this gap by providing counseling on the benefits of comprehensive ANC, referral to ANC and community distribution of IPTp (C-IPTp), complementing IPTp at ANC. The study aimed to examine whether CHW referral to ANC improved the likelihood of receiving three or more doses of IPTp. Methods The data for this study were extracted from the maternity record books of 1437 pregnant women seen at 25 public health facilities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The outcome of interest was defined as the receipt of three or more doses of IPTp (IPTp3) and the independent variable was referral to ANC by a community health worker for any visit. Descriptive statistics were reported and the results from the multi-level regressions are reported as adjusted odds and prevalence ratios with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results Of the 936 women included in the analysis, 24.47% received the recommended three or more IPTp doses and 61.32% were referred by a community health worker (CHW) for at least one ANC visit. There was no difference in the mean number of ANC visits between women who received C-IPTp and those who received IPTp exclusively at a facility (2.40 vs 2.52; p = 0.374). There were no maternal characteristics associated with CHW referral. Women who were referred by a CHW had 60% greater odds (95% CI, 1.08–2.38) of receiving IPTp3 than those who were never referred. Conclusion The results indicate that CHW referrals conducted within a C-IPTp program are associated with higher IPTp uptake but not fewer ANC visits and that CHWs applied the referral process equally. This strengthens the evidence base for C-IPTp scale-up, which could have a large impact in sub-Saharan Africa in mitigating existing health systems issues. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04921-7.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily Bryce
- Jhpiego - an Affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bartholomew Odio
- Jhpiego - an Affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Elizabeth Njoku
- Jhpiego - an Affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Charity Anoke
- Jhpiego - an Affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Joseph Enne
- Jhpiego - an Affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Emmanuel Otolorin
- Jhpiego - an Affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kayode Afolabi
- Reproductive Health Division, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Nnenna C Ogbulafor
- National Malaria Elimination Program, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
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Satav AR, Satav KA, Bharadwaj A, Pendharkar J, Dani V, Ughade S, Raje D, Simões EAF. Effect of home-based childcare on childhood mortality in rural Maharashtra, India: a cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-008909. [PMID: 35851283 PMCID: PMC9297228 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Melghat, an impoverished rural area in Maharashtra state, India; has scarce hospital services and low health-seeking behaviour. At baseline (2004) the under-five mortality rate (U5MR) (number of deaths in children aged 0–5 years/1000 live births) was 147.21 and infant mortality rate (IMR) (number of deaths of infants aged under 1 year/1000 live births) was 106.6 per 1000 live births. We aimed at reducing mortality rates through home-based child care (HBCC) using village health workers (VHWs). Methods A cluster-randomised control trial was conducted in 34 randomly assigned clusters/villages of Melghat, Maharashtra state, between 2004 and 2009. Participants included all under-five children and their parents. Interventions delivered through VHWs were patient–public involvement, newborn care, disease management and behaviour change communications. Primary outcome indicators were U5MR and IMR. Secondary outcome indicators were neonatal mortality rate (NMR) (number of neonatal deaths aged 0–28 days/1000 live births) and perinatal mortality rate (PMR) (number of stillbirths and early neonatal deaths/1000 total births). Analysis was by intention-to-treat at the individual level. This trial was extended to a service phase (2010–2015) in both arms and a government replication phase (2016–2019) only for the intervention clusters/areas (IA). Findings There were 18 control areas/clusters (CA) allocated and analysed with 4426 individuals, and 16 of 18 allocated IA, analysed with 3230 individuals. The IMR and U5MR in IA were reduced from 106.60 and 147.21 to 32.75 and 50.38 (reduction by 69.28% and 65.78%, respectively) compared with increases in CA from 67.67 and 105.3 to 86.83 and 122.8, respectively, from baseline to end of intervention. NMR and PMR in IA showed reductions from 50.76 to 22.67 (by 55.34%) and from 75.06 to 24.94 (by 66.77%) respectively. These gains extended to villages in the service and replication phases. Interpretation This socio-culturally contextualised model for HBCC through VHWs backed up with institutional support is effective for significant reduction of U5MR, IMR and NMR in impoverished rural areas. This reduction was maintained in the study area during the service phase, indicating feasibility of implementation in large-scale public health programmes. Replicability of the model was demonstrated by a linear decline in all the mortality rates in 20 new villages during the government phase. Trial registration number NCT02473796.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Rambhau Satav
- Community Medicine, MAHAN Trust, Dharni, Amaravati, Maharashtra, India .,Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Tribal Hospital, Amaravati, Maharashtra, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Suresh Ughade
- Preventive and Social Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital Nagpur, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | | | - Eric A F Simões
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Professor of Epidemiology, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Stansert Katzen L, Skeen S, Dippenaar E, Laurenzi C, Notholi V, le Roux K, Rotheram-Borus MJ, le Roux I, Mbewu N, Tomlinson M. Are we listening to community health workers? Experiences of the community health worker journey in rural South Africa. Res Nurs Health 2022; 45:380-389. [PMID: 35184308 PMCID: PMC9271365 DOI: 10.1002/nur.22220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Access to healthcare in developing countries remains a challenge. As a result, task-shifting to community health workers (CHWs) is increasingly used to mitigate healthcare worker shortages. Although there is solid evidence of CHW program effectiveness, less is known about CHWs' experiences of becoming and then working daily as CHWs-information that should play an important role in the design of CHW programs. We examined the experiences of a group of CHWs working in a government-run CHW program in South Africa's rural Eastern Cape Province. Semistructured qualitative interviews (N = 9) and focus groups (N = 2) focusing on motivations for becoming a CHW and experiences of working as CHWs were conducted and thematically analyzed. Three themes were identified: (1) becoming a CHW, (2) facing challenges in the field, and (3) gaining community acceptance through respect and legitimacy. In this study, CHWs were motivated by altruism and a desire to help their community. They faced a range of challenges such as limited training, lack of supervision, equipment shortages, logistical issues, and clinics with limited services. Respect and legitimacy through community acceptance and trust is crucial for effective CHW work. CHWs in this study described how confidentiality and their own persistence facilitated the process of gaining respect and legitimacy. CHWs have a unique knowledge of contexts and requirements for successful programs and greater efforts are needed to include their perspectives to improve and develop programs. Recognition is needed to acknowledge the significant personal input required by CHWs for programs to be successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Stansert Katzen
- Department of Global Health, Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarah Skeen
- Department of Global Health, Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elaine Dippenaar
- Department of Global Health, Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christina Laurenzi
- Department of Global Health, Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Vuyolwethu Notholi
- Department of Global Health, Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karl le Roux
- Department of Global Health, Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Family Medicine, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha, South Africa
| | - Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ingrid le Roux
- Philani Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Trust, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nokwanele Mbewu
- Philani Maternal, Child Health and Nutrition Trust, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Department of Global Health, Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queens University, Belfast, UK
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Roy A, Hossain MM, Ullah MB, Mridha MK. Maternal and neonatal peripartum factors associated with late initiation of breast feeding in Bangladesh: a secondary analysis. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e051004. [PMID: 35584874 PMCID: PMC9119162 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Late initiation of breast feeding (LIBF) is associated with increased neonatal mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to assess the association between intrapartum, early postpartum and neonatal factors, and LIBF in Bangladesh. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS In this analysis, we used data from the mothers participating in a cluster-randomised controlled trial (Rang-Din Nutrition Study) conducted in rural northwest Bangladesh. Mothers (n=3594) were interviewed about the time of initiation of breast feeding, and peripartum maternal and neonatal complications within the first 72 hours of delivery. LIBF was defined as initiation of breast feeding 1 hour after birth. Factors associated with LIBF were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prevalence and associated factors of LIBF. RESULTS The prevalence of LIBF was 18.5%. Factors significantly associated with LIBF in multivariable logistic regression were assisted vaginal delivery (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.17, 95% CI 1.44 to 3.27); delivery by caesarean section (AOR 9.67, 95% CI 7.21 to 12.96); maternal health problems during childbirth (AOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.00); preterm newborns (AOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.78); newborns moved slowly immediately after birth (AOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.94); and sick newborns (AOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.29). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study suggest that to reduce LIBF, peripartum maternal and neonatal complications should be prevented and treated. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01715038.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijeet Roy
- Centre for Non-communicable Diseases and Nutrition, BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Dhaka District, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mokbul Hossain
- Centre for Non-communicable Diseases and Nutrition, BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Dhaka District, Bangladesh
| | - Md Barkat Ullah
- Department of Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Malay Kanti Mridha
- Centre for Non-communicable Diseases and Nutrition, BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Dhaka District, Bangladesh
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Perera C, Aldamman K, Hansen M, Haahr-Pedersen I, Caballero-Bernal J, Caldas-Castañeda ON, Chaparro-Plata Y, Dinesen C, Wiedemann N, Vallières F. A brief psychological intervention for improving the mental health of venezuelan migrants and refugees: A mixed-methods study. SSM - MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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Hobbs AJ, Manalili K, Turyakira E, Kabakyenga J, Kyomuhangi T, Nettel-Aguirre A, Kyokushaba C, Rwandekeye P, Brenner JL. Five-year retention of volunteer community health workers in rural Uganda: a population-based retrospective cohort. Health Policy Plan 2022; 37:483-491. [PMID: 34922343 PMCID: PMC9006062 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czab151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Community health workers (CHWs) effectively improve maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) outcomes in low-to-middle-income countries. However, CHW retention remains a challenge. This retrospective registry analysis evaluated medium-term retention of volunteer CHWs in two rural Ugandan districts, trained during a district-wide MNCH initiative. From 2012 to 2014, the Healthy Child Uganda partnership facilitated district-led CHW programme scale-up. CHW retention was tracked prospectively from the start of the intervention up to 2 years. Additional follow-up occurred at 5 years to confirm retention status. Database analysis assessed CHW demographic characteristics, retention rates and exit reasons 5 years post-intervention. A multivariable logistic regression model examined 5-year retention-associated characteristics. Of the original cohort of 2317 CHWs, 70% were female. The mean age was 38.8 years (standard deviation, SD: 10.0). Sixty months (5 years) after the start of the intervention, 84% of CHWs remained active. Of those exiting (n = 377), 63% reported a 'logistical' reason, such as relocation (n = 96), new job (n = 51) or death (n = 30). Sex [male, female; odds ratio (OR) = 1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1 · 20-1 · 96] and age group (<25 years, 30-59; OR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.25-0.62) were significantly associated with 5-year retention in multivariable modelling. Education completion (secondary school, primary) was not significantly associated with retention in adjusted analyses. CHWs in this relatively large cohort, trained and supervised within a national CHW programme and district-wide MNCH initiative, were retained over the medium term. Importantly, high 5-year retention in this intervention counters findings from other studies suggesting low retention in government-led and volunteer CHW programmes. Encouragingly, findings from our study suggest that retention was high, not significantly associated with timing of external partner support and largely not attributed to the CHW role i.e. workload and programme factors. Our study showcases the potential for sustainable volunteer CHW programming at scale and can inform planners and policymakers considering programme design, including selection and replacement planning for CHW networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly Manalili
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, TRW Building 3rd Floor, 3280 Hospital Drive NW., Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Eleanor Turyakira
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jerome Kabakyenga
- Maternal Newborn and Child Health Institute, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Teddy Kyomuhangi
- Maternal Newborn and Child Health Institute, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Alberto Nettel-Aguirre
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, TRW Building 3rd Floor, 3280 Hospital Drive NW., Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Centre for Health and Social Analytics, National Institute for Applied Statistics Research Australia, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, NIASRA Administration Office, Room 263, Level 2, Building 39C, Australia
| | - Clare Kyokushaba
- Maternal Newborn and Child Health Institute, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Polar Rwandekeye
- Maternal Newborn and Child Health Institute, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. BOX 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jennifer L Brenner
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, TRW Building 3rd Floor, 3280 Hospital Drive NW., Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW., Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Canada
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“Mothers will be lucky if utmost receive a single scheduled postnatal home visit”: An exploratory qualitative study, Northern Ethiopia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265301. [PMID: 35353832 PMCID: PMC8967047 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Postnatal home visits (PNHVs) have been endorsed as strategy for delivery of postnatal care (PNC) to reduce newborn mortality and improve maternal outcomes. Despite the important role of the Health Extension Workers (HEWs) in improving the overall healthcare coverage, PNHV remains as a missed opportunity in rural Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators of scheduled postnatal home visits in Northern Ethiopia. Methods We conducted an exploratory qualitative study on a total of 16 in-depth interviews with HEWs and mothers who gave birth one year prior to the study. In addition, focus group discussions were conducted with HEWs and key informant interviews were conducted with women development group leaders, supervisors, and healthcare authorities from April to June 2019 in two rural districts of Northern Ethiopia. Discussions and interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim in the local language (Tigrigna) and translated into English. The translated scripts were thematically coded using Atlas ti scientific software. Field notes were also taken during the discussion and while conducting the interviews. Results Health system factors, community context, and individual level factors were considered as the barriers and facilitators of scheduled PNHVs. Leadership, governance, management, support and supervision, referral linkages, overwhelming workload, capacity building, logistics and supplies are the major sub-themes identified as health system factors. Physical characteristics like geographical location and topography, distance, and coverage of the catchment; and community support and participation like support from women’s development groups (WDGs), awareness of the community on the presence of the service and cultural and traditional beliefs were community contexts that affect PNHVs. Self-motivation to support and intrinsic job satisfaction were individual level factors that were considered as barriers and facilitators. Conclusion The finding of this study suggested that the major barriers of postnatal home visits were poor attention of healthcare authorities of the government bodies, lack of effective supervision, poor functional linkages, inadequate logistics and supplies, unrealistic catchment area coverage, poor community participation and support, and lack of motivation of HEWs. Henceforth, to achieve the scheduled PNHV in rural Ethiopia, there should be strong political commitment and healthcare authorities should provide attention to postnatal care both at facility and home with a strong controlling system.
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Effectiveness of four interventions in improving community health workers' performance in western Kenya: a quasi-experimental difference-in-differences study using a longitudinal data. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2022; 23:e20. [PMID: 35331360 PMCID: PMC8991856 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423622000135] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Community health workers (CHWs) are up-front health workers delivering the most effective life-saving health services to communities. They are the key driver to achieve Universal Health Coverage. However, maintaining CHWs’ performance is one of the challenges in sustaining their effectiveness. This article assessed the effectiveness of the four interventions and their combinations on the CHWs’ performance in terms of health knowledge, job satisfaction, and household coverage. Methods: We used the longitudinal survey data collected in western Kenya. Our study participants were the representative of all CHWs working in the four districts, Kenya. The four types of interventions were composed of a basic core intervention (i.e., refresher training with/without defaulter tracing) and three supplementary interventions (i.e., provision of a bicycle, frequent supportive supervision, and financial incentives). We performed the three fixed-effect models to assess the effectiveness of the four interventions and their combinations on the three performance indicators. Results: Three single and combination interventions significantly increased CHWs’ health knowledge: refresher training only [Coef.: 48.43, 95% CI: 42.09–54.76, P < 0.001]; refresher training plus defaulter-tracing [Coef.: 38.80, 95% CI: 32.71–44.90, P < 0.001]; combination of refresher training plus defaulter-tracing and frequent supervision [Coef.: 17.02, 95% CI: 7.90–26.15, P < 0.001]. Financial support was the only intervention that significantly increased job satisfaction among CHWs [Coef.: 4.97, 95% CI: 0.20–9.75, P = 0.041]. There was no single intervention that significantly increased household coverage. Yet, the combinations of the interventions significantly increased household coverage. Conclusions: There was no single intervention to improve all the aspects of CHWs’ performance. The refresher training significantly improved their health knowledge, while financial incentive enhanced the level of their job satisfaction. The combinations of regular refresher training and other intervention(s) are the recommended as the effective interventions in improving and further sustaining CHWs’ performance.
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Mbachu C, Etiaba E, Ebenso B, Ogu U, Onwujekwe O, Uzochukwu B, Manzano A, Mirzoev T. Village health worker motivation for better performance in a maternal and child health programme in Nigeria: A realist evaluation. J Health Serv Res Policy 2022; 27:222-231. [PMID: 35089105 PMCID: PMC9277337 DOI: 10.1177/13558196211055323] [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] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Community health workers play an important role in linking communities with
formal health service providers, thereby improving access to and utilization
of health care. A novel cadre of community health workers known as village
health workers (VHWs) were recruited to create demand for maternal health
services in the Nigerian Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P/MCH). In
this study, we investigated the role of contextual factors and underlying
mechanisms motivating VHWs. Methods We used realist evaluation to understand the impact of a multi-intervention
maternal and child health programme on VHW motivation using Anambra State as
a case study. Initial working theories and logic maps were developed through
literature review and stakeholder engagement; programme theories were
developed and tested using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews
with various stakeholder groups. Interview transcripts were analysed through
an integrated approach of Context, Mechanism and Outcomes (CMO)
categorisation and connecting, and matching of patterns of CMO
configurations. Motivation theories were used to explain factors that
influence VHW motivation. Explanatory configurations are reported in line
with RAMESES reporting standards. Results The performance of VHWs in the SURE-P maternal and child health programme was
linked to four main mechanisms of motivation: feelings of confidence, sense
of identity or feeling of acceptance, feeling of happiness and
hopefulness/expectation of valued outcome. These mechanisms were triggered
by interactions of programme-specific contexts and resources such as
training and supervision of VHWs by skilled health workers, provision of
first aid kits and uniforms, and payments of a monthly stipend. The monthly
payment was considered to be the most important motivational factor by VHWs.
VHWs used a combination of innovative approaches to create demand for
maternity services among pregnant women, and their performance was
influenced by health system factors such as organisational capacity and
culture, and societal factors such as relationship with the community and
community support. Conclusion This paper highlights important contextual factors and mechanisms for VHW
motivation that can be applied to other interventions that seek to
strengthen community engagement and demand creation in primary health care.
Future research on how to sustain VHW motivation is also required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinyere Mbachu
- Health Policy Research Group, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.,Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Enyi Etiaba
- Health Policy Research Group, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.,Department of Health Administration and Management, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Bassey Ebenso
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, 150514University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Udochukwu Ogu
- Health Policy Research Group, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Obinna Onwujekwe
- Health Policy Research Group, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.,Department of Health Administration and Management, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Benjamin Uzochukwu
- Health Policy Research Group, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria.,Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Ana Manzano
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, 150514University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Tolib Mirzoev
- Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development, 150514University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Faculty of Public Health and Policy, 150514London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Community Health Worker Impact on Knowledge, Antenatal Care, And Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Review. Matern Child Health J 2022; 26:79-101. [PMID: 34981332 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-021-03299-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Community health worker (CHW) interventions have been shown to be effective in areas of maternal and child health (MCH), mostly in relation to infant and neonatal mortality. The specific aims of this review were to expand outcomes to include improving knowledge related to pregnancy and infant health and the receipt of antenatal care (ANC), along with birth outcomes. We also summarized the role, characteristics and activities of CHWs in interventions conducted in settings with demonstrated improvements in key MCH outcomes. METHODS Articles were retrieved from: PubMed, CINAHL, Global Health, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from January 2008 through 2018. We included evaluation studies that utilized CHWs as all or part of an intervention to improve outcomes, were printed in English, and published in peer-reviewed journals. RESULTS Initial electronic database search identified 816 studies and 123 studies met inclusion criteria for full text review. The quality assessment resulted in 0 strong-, 19 moderate-, and 25 weak-rated studies. In most interventions, CHWs were a component of a larger intervention. The majority of the studies (n = 10) found that a CHW intervention can have a positive impact on outcomes. CHW interventions showed improvements in knowledge and ANC. When combined with clinical services, the interventions positively impacted birth outcomes. Most conducted home visits and utilized CHW that were members of the community. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE CHWs serve an important role as health educators conducting home visits as a member of the community they serve. They should also continue to collaborate with clinical providers to address MCH outcomes.
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Westgard CM, Orrego-Ferreyros LA. An mHealth tool for community health workers to improve caregiver knowledge of child health in the Amazon: An effectiveness-implementation hybrid evaluation. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0001118. [PMID: 36962686 PMCID: PMC10021143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
When community health workers (CHWs) are effective, they can teach healthy child rearing practices in their communities and improve child health and development outcomes. An effective mHealth tool can improve the capacity of CHWs to transmit knowledge to caregivers. This article evaluates the implementation of an mHealth tool in a CHW program in the Amazon of Peru. The intervention was designed, implemented, and evaluated with the guidance of multiple implementation science tools. A Hybrid Type 3 evaluation design was used to test the effectiveness of the implementation strategies and appropriateness of the intervention. The implementation outcomes: acceptability, adoption, dosage, and fidelity were analyzed with mixed methods approach to determine if the intervention was successfully installed in the CHW program. The service outcome, knowledge scores, was analyzed with an independent samples t-test and one way ANOVA to determine the effect of the program. The implementation strategies resulted in high degrees of acceptability, adoption, and fidelity of the mHealth tool. The surveillance component of the mHealth tools was not adequately adopted. The group of caregivers that received home visits with the mHealth tool (N = 48) had significantly higher knowledge scores (+1.26 standard deviations) than those in the control group (N = 138) (t(184) = -4.39, p<0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic significantly decreased the dosage of the intervention received by the participants. The CHEST App intervention is a promising tool to improve the capacity of CHWs during their home visits. Trial registered with ISRCTN on 11/29/2018 at https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN43591826.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Westgard
- Department of Research and Innovation, Elementos, Lima, Peru
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Luis A Orrego-Ferreyros
- Department of Research and Innovation, Elementos, Lima, Peru
- Facultad de Medicina Alberto Hurtado, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Guerra PH, Silvestre R, Mello THTD, Carvalho ALBS, Costa FFD, Florindo AA. Effects of community health worker-based interventions on physical activity levels in children: a systematic review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 40:e2020232. [PMID: 34706032 PMCID: PMC8547134 DOI: 10.1590/1984-0462/2022/40/2020232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To identify the strategies and effects of interventions carried out by community health workers (CHW) on physical activity (PA) levels in children and adolescents. Data source: In August 2020, a systematic review, designed according to the PRISMA checklist items, was conducted by searches in seven electronic databases and in reference lists. Original studies were searched without restriction with regard to year of publication; they were written in Spanish, English or Portuguese and examined interventions implemented by CHW, involving theoretical and/or practical contents of PA, with a focus on children and/or adolescents between three and 19 years of age. Data synthesis: Of the 2,321 studies initially retrieved, eight were included, targeting samples with more specific characteristics (e.g., clinical, ethnic and/or socioeconomic). In all studies, CHW were trained to lead educational activities. In three non-controlled trials, positive results were observed, involving indicators such as moderate and vigorous PA and physical inactivity reduction. Also, two positive results were found in reducing sedentary behavior. Conclusions: Even though most of the interventions included did not have a significant effect on increasing PA levels, the available findings reinforce the role of CHW as an important strategy for dialogue between health services and the most vulnerable communities, and they suggest a greater articulation of these professionals in the actions developed in the school context.
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Koroma O, Chen Y, Wang P, Chen G, Lin Q, Cheung MY, Zhu J. Community health workers' job satisfaction in Ebola-stricken areas of Sierra Leone and its implication for COVID-19 containment: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051645. [PMID: 34670763 PMCID: PMC8529614 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Community health workers (CHWs) played important roles in supplementing scarce healthcare workforce in Sierra Leone during the Ebola outbreak, causing the government to launch the National Community Health Worker Policy 2016-2020. This study evaluated this ambitious policy and examined CHWs' sustainability through their job satisfaction and the underlying factors to inform new policy recommendations, especially the implication for COVID-19 containment. DESIGN A mixed-methods approach applying structured questionnaires and semistructured interviews. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 188 CHWs in Bombali District (key Ebola-stricken areas) of Sierra Leone, 184 of them participated in follow-up interviews. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Quantitative and qualitative elements were triangulated to improve robustness of investigation: job satisfaction was measured by the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), and factors associated with job satisfaction were identified through thematic analysis and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS The MSQ score of CHWs in Sierra Leone was 65.09, extremely low even among low-income and middle-income countries. Five themes (grouped from 16 subthemes) emerged through the semistructured interviews and were tested quantitatively. Payment was CHWs' top concern. Low stipend and payment tardiness were significantly associated with dissatisfaction. Those with Ebola experience were 5.20 times (95% CI 1.51 to 17.95, p=0.009) more likely to be dissatisfied. This study also found that working conditions, medical material supplies and career development were far from what the CHW policy promised. CHWs' commitment was the only 'positive' theme, and their intrinsic job satisfaction (mean=3.61) was much higher than the extrinsic job satisfaction (mean=2.72). CONCLUSIONS Some critical components of the 2016 National Community Health Worker Policy, aiming to promote CHWs and strengthen primary healthcare, have severe shortfalls in practice. The Sierra Leone government should address the underlying factors that have impaired CHWs' job satisfaction to ensure sustainability of its CHW network, especially during the combat against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Koroma
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- District Health Management Team, Sierra Leone Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Yanhua Chen
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Peicheng Wang
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Geer Chen
- PBC School of Finance, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Lin
- Institute for Hospital Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jiming Zhu
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Omer K, Joga A, Dutse U, Hasan K, Aziz A, Ansari U, Gidado Y, Baba MC, Gamawa AI, Mohammad R, Andersson N, Cockcroft A. Impact of universal home visits on child health in Bauchi State, Nigeria: a stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1085. [PMID: 34641865 PMCID: PMC8513291 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07000-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nigeria is the second biggest contributor to global child mortality. Infectious diseases continue to be major killers. In Bauchi State, Nigeria, a stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial tested the health impacts of universal home visits to pregnant women and their spouses. We present here the findings related to early child health. METHODS The home visits took place in eight wards in Toro Local Government Authority, randomly allocated into four waves with a delay of 1 year between waves. Female and male home visitors visited all pregnant women and their spouses every 2 months during pregnancy, with a follow up visit 12-18 months after the birth. They presented and discussed evidence about household prevention and management of diarrhoea and immunisation. We compared outcomes among children 12-18 months old born to mothers visited during the first year of intervention in each wave (intervention group) with those among children 12-18 months old pre-intervention in subsequent waves (control group). Primary outcomes included prevalence and management of childhood diarrhoea and immunisation status, with intermediate outcomes of household knowledge and actions. Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE), with an exchangeable correlation matrix and ward as cluster, tested the significance of differences in outcomes. RESULTS The analysis included 1796 intervention and 5109 control children. In GEE models including other characteristics of the children, intervention children were less likely to have suffered diarrhoea in the last 15 days (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30-0.53) and more likely to have received increased fluids and continued feeding in their last episode of diarrhoea (OR 6.06, 95% CI 2.58-14.20). Mothers of intervention children were more likely to identify lack of hygiene as a cause of diarrhoea (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.27-3.95) and their households had better observed hygiene (OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.45-7.45). Intervention children were only slightly more likely to be fully immunised (OR 1.67, 95% CI 0.78-3.57). CONCLUSIONS Evidence-based home visits to both parents stimulated household actions that improved prevention and management of childhood diarrhoea. Such visits could help to improve child health even in settings with poor access to quality health services. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN82954580 . Date: 11/08/2017. Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Omer
- Centro de Investigación de EnfermedadesTropicales (CIET), Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Acapulco, Mexico
| | - Altine Joga
- Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Umar Dutse
- Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Khalid Hasan
- Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Amar Aziz
- Centro de Investigación de EnfermedadesTropicales (CIET), Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Acapulco, Mexico
| | - Umaira Ansari
- Centro de Investigación de EnfermedadesTropicales (CIET), Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Acapulco, Mexico
| | - Yagana Gidado
- Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Muhd Chadi Baba
- Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bauchi, Nigeria
| | | | - Rilwanu Mohammad
- Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Bauchi, Nigeria
| | - Neil Andersson
- Centro de Investigación de EnfermedadesTropicales (CIET), Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Acapulco, Mexico
- CIET-PRAM, Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Anne Cockcroft
- Centro de Investigación de EnfermedadesTropicales (CIET), Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Acapulco, Mexico
- CIET-PRAM, Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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LeBan K, Kok M, Perry HB. Community health workers at the dawn of a new era: 9. CHWs' relationships with the health system and communities. Health Res Policy Syst 2021; 19:116. [PMID: 34641902 PMCID: PMC8506091 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-021-00756-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is the ninth paper in our series, "Community Health Workers at the Dawn of a New Era". Community health workers (CHWs) are in an intermediary position between the health system and the community. While this position provides CHWs with a good platform to improve community health, a major challenge in large-scale CHW programmes is the need for CHWs to establish and maintain beneficial relationships with both sets of actors, who may have different expectations and needs. This paper focuses on the quality of CHW relationships with actors at the local level of the national health system and with communities. METHODS The authors conducted a selective review of journal articles and the grey literature, including case study findings in the 2020 book Health for the People: National CHW Programs from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe. They also drew upon their experience working with CHW programmes. RESULTS The space where CHWs form relationships with the health system and the community has various inherent strengths and tensions that can enable or constrain the quality of these relationships. Important elements are role clarity for all actors, working referral systems, and functioning supply chains. CHWs need good interpersonal communication skills, good community engagement skills, and the opportunity to participate in community-based organizations. Communities need to have a realistic understanding of the CHW programme, to be involved in a transparent process for selecting CHWs, and to have the opportunity to participate in the CHW programme. Support and interaction between CHWs and other health workers are essential, as is positive engagement with community members, groups, and leaders. CONCLUSION To be successful, large-scale CHW programmes need well-designed, effective support from the health system, productive interactions between CHWs and health system staff, and support and engagement of the community. This requires health sector leadership from national to local levels, support from local government, and partnerships with community organizations. Large-scale CHW programmes should be designed to enable local flexibility in adjusting to the local community context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryse Kok
- Department of Global Health, KIT Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henry B Perry
- Department of International Health, Health Systems Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Afzal MM, Pariyo GW, Lassi ZS, Perry HB. Community health workers at the dawn of a new era: 2. Planning, coordination, and partnerships. Health Res Policy Syst 2021; 19:103. [PMID: 34641912 PMCID: PMC8506104 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-021-00753-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community health workers (CHWs) play a critical role in grassroots healthcare and are essential for achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals. While there is a critical shortage of essential health workers in low- and middle-income countries, WHO and international partners have reached a consensus on the need to expand and strengthen CHW programmes as a key element in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The COVID-19 pandemic has further revealed that emerging health challenges require quick local responses such as those utilizing CHWs. This is the second paper of our 11-paper supplement, "Community health workers at the dawn of a new era". Our objective here is to highlight questions, challenges, and strategies for stakeholders to consider while planning the introduction, expansion, or strengthening of a large-scale CHW programme and the complex array of coordination and partnerships that need to be considered. METHODS The authors draw on the outcomes of discussions during key consultations with various government leaders and experts from across policy, implementation, research, and development organizations in which the authors have engaged in the past decade. These include global consultations on CHWs and global forums on human resources for health (HRH) conferences between 2010 and 2014 (Montreux, Bangkok, Recife, Washington DC). They also build on the authors' direct involvement with the Global Health Workforce Alliance. RESULTS Weak health systems, poor planning, lack of coordination, and failed partnerships have produced lacklustre CHW programmes in countries. This paper highlights the three issues that are generally agreed as being critical to the long-term effectiveness of national CHW programmes-planning, coordination, and partnerships. Mechanisms are available in many countries such as the UHC2030 (formerly International Health Partnership), country coordinating mechanisms (CCMs), and those focusing on the health workforce such as the national Human Resources for Health Observatory and the Country Coordination and Facilitation (CCF) initiatives introduced by the Global Health Workforce Alliance. CONCLUSION It is imperative to integrate CHW initiatives into formal health systems. Multidimensional interventions and multisectoral partnerships are required to holistically address the challenges at national and local levels, thereby ensuring synergy among the actions of partners and stakeholders. In order to establish robust and institutionalized processes, coordination is required to provide a workable platform and conducive environment, engaging all partners and stakeholders to yield tangible results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George W Pariyo
- Health Systems Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zohra S Lassi
- Robinson Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Henry B Perry
- Health Systems Program, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Mkopi A, Mtenga S, Festo C, Mhalu G, Shabani J, Tillya R, Masemo A, Kheir K, Nassor M, Mwengee W, Lyimo D, Masanja H. Factors affecting non-coverage of measles-rubella vaccination among children aged 9-59 months in Tanzania. Vaccine 2021; 39:6041-6049. [PMID: 34531077 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Globally, measles remains a major cause of child mortality, and rubella is the leading cause of birth defects among all infectious diseases. In 2012, the World Health Assembly endorsed the Global Vaccine Action Plan that set a target to eliminate Measles-Rubella (MR) in five of the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions by 2020. This was cross-sectional study employed both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The sample size was calculated to provide overall, age- and sex-specific coverage estimates for MR vaccine among children aged between 9 and 59 months at the national level. Using desired precision of ±5% with an expected coverage of 95%, a total of 15,235 households were required. The age of children, a child who had received the MR vaccine before the campaign, household wealth quintile, the age of caregivers, and their marital status were associated with non-coverage of MR vaccination among children aged 9-59 months in Tanzania. Nationally, an estimated 88.2% (95% CI: 87.3-89%) of children aged 9-59 months received the MR campaign dose, as assessed by caregivers' recall. These estimates revealed slightly higher coverage in Zanzibar 89.6% (95% CI: 84.7-93%) compared to Mainland Tanzania 88.1% (95% CI 87.2-88.9%). These associated factors revealed causes of unvaccinated children and may be some of the reasons for Tanzania's failure to meet the MR campaign target of 95 percent vaccination coverage. Thus, vaccine development must increase programmatic oversight in order to improve immunization activities and communication strategies in Tanzanian areas with low MR coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sally Mtenga
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Grace Mhalu
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Ame Masemo
- Zanzibar Health Research Institute, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Khamis Kheir
- Zanzibar Health Research Institute, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Mohamed Nassor
- World Health Organization, Tanzania Country Office, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - William Mwengee
- World Health Organization, Tanzania Country Office, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Dafrossa Lyimo
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly, and Children, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Decouttere C, De Boeck K, Vandaele N. Advancing sustainable development goals through immunization: a literature review. Global Health 2021; 17:95. [PMID: 34446050 PMCID: PMC8390056 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-021-00745-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunization directly impacts health (SDG3) and brings a contribution to 14 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as ending poverty, reducing hunger, and reducing inequalities. Therefore, immunization is recognized to play a central role in reaching the SDGs, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite continuous interventions to strengthen immunization systems and to adequately respond to emergency immunization during epidemics, the immunization-related indicators for SDG3 lag behind in sub-Saharan Africa. Especially taking into account the current Covid19 pandemic, the current performance on the connected SDGs is both a cause and a result of this. METHODS We conduct a literature review through a keyword search strategy complemented with handpicking and snowballing from earlier reviews. After title and abstract screening, we conducted a qualitative analysis of key insights and categorized them according to showing the impact of immunization on SDGs, sustainability challenges, and model-based solutions to these challenges. RESULTS We reveal the leveraging mechanisms triggered by immunization and position them vis-à-vis the SDGs, within the framework of Public Health and Planetary Health. Several challenges for sustainable control of vaccine-preventable diseases are identified: access to immunization services, global vaccine availability to LMICs, context-dependent vaccine effectiveness, safe and affordable vaccines, local/regional vaccine production, public-private partnerships, and immunization capacity/capability building. Model-based approaches that support SDG-promoting interventions concerning immunization systems are analyzed in light of the strategic priorities of the Immunization Agenda 2030. CONCLUSIONS In general terms, it can be concluded that relevant future research requires (i) design for system resilience, (ii) transdisciplinary modeling, (iii) connecting interventions in immunization with SDG outcomes, (iv) designing interventions and their implementation simultaneously, (v) offering tailored solutions, and (vi) model coordination and integration of services and partnerships. The research and health community is called upon to join forces to activate existing knowledge, generate new insights and develop decision-supporting tools for Low-and Middle-Income Countries' health authorities and communities to leverage immunization in its transformational role toward successfully meeting the SDGs in 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Decouttere
- KU Leuven, Access-To-Medicines research Center, Naamsestraat 69, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kim De Boeck
- KU Leuven, Access-To-Medicines research Center, Naamsestraat 69, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nico Vandaele
- KU Leuven, Access-To-Medicines research Center, Naamsestraat 69, Leuven, Belgium
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Are Working Children in Developing Countries Hidden Victims of Pandemics? SOCIAL SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci10090321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The consequences of the recent pandemic have been disproportionately disruptive to several social groups, including children. As developing economies have been firefighting the recent pandemic, the welfare of minors could be affected and children’s economic exploitation and abuse could increase. Therefore, the present research aims to shed light on and to investigate the association between child labour in developing countries and pandemics, including the coronavirus, through conducting a systematic literature review on previous empirical studies. The present research concludes that previous studies on non-COVID-19 pandemics have mainly focused on the African economies, while studies on the recent pandemic have focused on Asian countries. In addition, differences were observed in relation to the methodological approaches and the characteristics of minor employees and the protection services in certain countries have proven to be insufficient. Suggestions for future research and policy implications are presented.
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Musoke D, Namata C, Ndejjo R, Ssempebwa JC, Musoke MB. Integrated malaria prevention in rural communities in Uganda: a qualitative feasibility study for a randomised controlled trial. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2021; 7:155. [PMID: 34376257 PMCID: PMC8352755 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-021-00894-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A randomised controlled trial (RCT) on integrated malaria prevention, which advocates the use of several malaria prevention methods holistically, has been proposed. However, before conducting an RCT, it is recommended that a feasibility study is carried out to provide information to support the main study, particularly for such a complex intervention. Therefore, a feasibility study for an RCT on integrated malaria prevention in Uganda was conducted. Methods The qualitative study carried out in Wakiso District employed focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) to explore community willingness to participate in the RCT as well as assess stakeholder perspectives on the future study. The participants of the FGDs were community members, while the key informants were selected from malaria stakeholders including Ministry of Health officials, health practitioners, local leaders, district health team members, and community health workers (CHWs). Thematic analysis was employed with the support of NVivo. Results A total of 12 FGDs and 19 KIIs were conducted. Five main themes emerged from the study: malaria prevention practices related to integrated malaria prevention; preferred malaria prevention methods in the integrated approach; potential challenges of integrated malaria prevention; perspectives on the proposed RCT; and sustainability of integrated malaria prevention. Despite a few methods being employed holistically in the community, insecticide-treated nets were the most widely used and preferred method for malaria prevention mainly because they were provided free by the government. The main challenges in the integrated approach were the high cost of some methods such as house screening, and concerns about the potential side effects of insecticide-based methods such as indoor residual spraying. Participants expressed high willingness to participate in the RCT to promote the use of multiple methods in their households and community. Involvement of CHWs during implementation was proposed as a sustainability strategy for the RCT interventions. Conclusion There was high willingness to participate in the proposed RCT on integrated malaria prevention. However, high cost and perceived negative health effects from some methods were identified as potential challenges. The type of methods to be included as well as sustainability mechanisms needs to be considered during the design of the RCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Musoke
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Carol Namata
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rawlance Ndejjo
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John C Ssempebwa
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Miph B Musoke
- Department of Applied Sciences, School of Sciences, Nkumba University, Entebbe, Uganda
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Ward V, Abdalla S, Raheel H, Weng Y, Godfrey A, Dutt P, Mitra R, Sastry P, Chamberlain S, Shannon M, Mehta K, Bentley J, Darmstadt Md GL. Implementing health communication tools at scale: mobile audio messaging and paper-based job aids for front-line workers providing community health education to mothers in Bihar, India. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-005538. [PMID: 34312155 PMCID: PMC8728373 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As part of an investment by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support the Government of Bihar to improve reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition (RMNCHN) statewide, BBC Media Action implemented multiple communication tools to support front-line worker (FLW) outreach. We analyse the impacts of a package of mHealth audio messaging and paper-based job aids used by FLWs during government-sponsored village health, sanitation and nutrition days (VHSNDs) on knowledge and practices of childbearing women across the RMNCHN continuum of care. METHODS Data from two surveys collected between July and September 2016 were analysed using logistic regression to compare health-related knowledge and behaviours between women who had been exposed at VHSNDs to the mHealth GupShup Potli (GSP) audio recordings or interpersonal communication (IPC) tools versus those who were unexposed. RESULTS Exposure to GSP recordings (n=2608) was associated with improved knowledge across all continuum-of-care domains, as well as improved health-related behaviours in some domains. The odds of having taken iron-folic acid (IFA) tablets were significantly higher in exposed women (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.2), as was contraceptive use (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.2). There were no differences in birth preparedness or complementary feeding practices between groups. Exposure to IPC paper-based tools (n=2002) was associated with a twofold increased odds of IFA consumption (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.7 to 3.2) and contraceptive use (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.8). Women exposed to both tools were generally at least twice as likely to subsequently discuss the messages with others. CONCLUSION BBC Media Action's mHealth audio messaging job aids and paper-based IPC tools were associated with improved knowledge and practices of women who were exposed to them across multiple domains, suggesting their important potential for improving health outcomes for beneficiaries at scale in low-resource settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02726230.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Ward
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Safa Abdalla
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Hina Raheel
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Yingjie Weng
- Quantitaitve Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Kala Mehta
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jason Bentley
- Quantitaitve Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gary L Darmstadt Md
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Idris IO, Obwoya JG, Tapkigen J, Lamidi SA, Ochagu VA, Abbas K. Impact evaluation of immunisation service integration to nutrition programmes and paediatric outpatient departments of primary healthcare centres in Rumbek East and Rumbek Centre counties of South Sudan. Fam Med Community Health 2021; 9:e001034. [PMID: 34433617 PMCID: PMC8388298 DOI: 10.1136/fmch-2021-001034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of immunisation service integration to nutrition programmes and under 5-year-old paediatric outpatient departments of primary healthcare centres in Rumbek East and Rumbek Centre counties of South Sudan. DESIGN Retrospective intervention study. SETTING Three primary healthcare centres in Rumbek East county and three primary healthcare centres in Rumbek Centre county of Lakes state in South Sudan. PARTICIPANT We extracted the data for the uptake of pentavalent vaccine (first, second and third dose) given to children aged between 6 weeks and 23 months from immunisation records for January-June 2019 before immunisation service integration and July-December 2019 after immunisation service integration from the District Health Information System 2 website to estimate the immunisation uptake ratios and drop-out rates. RESULTS The uptake of the first dose of the pentavalent vaccine improved from 61% to 96% (p<0.001) after immunisation service integration into the nutrition programmes of the primary healthcare centres in Rumbek Centre county. The uptake of the second pentavalent dose improved from 37% to 69% (p<0.001) and for the third pentavalent dose from 36% to 62% (p<0.001), while the drop-out rate reduced from 57% to 40% (p<0.001). While in Rumbek East county, the uptake of the first dose of the pentavalent vaccine improved from 55% to 77% (p<0.001) after immunisation service integration into the under 5-year-old paediatric outpatient departments. The uptake of the second dose improved from 36% to 62% (p<0.001) and for the third dose from 44% to 63% (p<0.001), while the drop-out rate reduced from 40% to 28% (p<0.001). Children were 23% more likely (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.36, p<0.001) to be immunised with the first dose of the pentavalent vaccine on immunisation service integration into the nutrition programmes of primary healthcare centres of Rumbek Centre county in comparison to integration into under 5-year-old outpatient departments of Rumbek East county. CONCLUSION Integration of immunisation service delivery to nutrition sites and children's outpatient departments improved the immunisation coverage and decreased drop-out rates in the Rumbek East and Rumbek Centre counties of South Sudan. This evidence of positive impact should encourage the stakeholders of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation to focus on the sustainability and scale-up of this intervention to other counties in South Sudan, as logistically as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Oluwaseyidayo Idris
- Health Policy Unit, Department of Public Administration and State Management, Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, V N Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Justin Geno Obwoya
- Department of Field Operation and Project Coordination, Health Pooled Fund, Rumbek, South Sudan
| | - Janet Tapkigen
- Department of Nutrition for Global Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London, UK
| | - Serifu Ayobami Lamidi
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Victor A Ochagu
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Kaja Abbas
- Vaccine Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Kane S, Radkar A, Gadgil M, McPake B. Community Health Workers as Influential Health System Actors and not "Just Another Pair Of Hands". Int J Health Policy Manag 2021; 10:465-474. [PMID: 32610755 PMCID: PMC9056200 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2020.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last 20 years, community health workers (CHWs) have become a mainstay of human resources for health in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A large body of research chronicles CHWs' experience of their work. In this study we focus on 2 narratives that stand out in the literature. The first is the idea that social, economic and health system contexts intersect to undermine CHWs' experience of their work, and that a key factor underpinning this experience is that LMIC health systems tend to view CHWs as just an 'extra pair of hands' to be called upon to provide 'technical fixes.' In this study we show the dynamic and evolving nature of CHW programmes and CHW identities and the need, therefore, for new understandings. METHODS A qualitative case study was carried out of the Indian CHW program (CHWs are called accredited social health activists: ASHAs). It aimed to answer the research question: How do ASHAs experience being CHWs, and what shapes their experience and performance? In depth interviews were conducted with 32 purposively selected ASHAs and key informants. Analysis was focused on interpreting and on developing analytical accounts of ASHAs' experiences of being CHWs; it was iterative and occurred throughout the research. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and transcripts were analysed using a framework approach (with Nvivo 11). RESULTS CHWs resent being treated as just another pair of hands at the beck and call of formal health workers. The experience of being a CHW is evolving, and many are accumulating substantial social capital over time - emerging as influential social actors in the communities they serve. CHWs are covertly and overtly acting to subvert the structural forces that undermine their performance and work experience. CONCLUSION CHWs have the potential to be influential actors in the communities they serve and in frontline health services. Health systems and health researchers need to be cognizant of and consciously engage with this emerging global social dynamic around CHWs. Such an approach can help guide the development of optimal strategies to support CHWs to fulfil their role in achieving health and social development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Kane
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anjali Radkar
- Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mukta Gadgil
- State Health Systems Resource Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Barbara McPake
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Ludwick T, Morgan A, Kane S, Kelaher M, McPake B. The distinctive roles of urban community health workers in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review of the literature. Health Policy Plan 2021; 35:1039-1052. [PMID: 32494801 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czaa049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Addressing urban health challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been hampered by lack of evidence on effective mechanisms for delivering health services to the poor. The urban disadvantaged experience poor health outcomes (often worse than rural counterparts) and face service barriers. While community health workers (CHWs) have been extensively employed in rural communities to address inequities, little attention has been given to understanding the roles of CHWs in urban contexts. This study is the first to systematically examine urban CHW roles in LMICs. It aims to understand their roles vis-à-vis other health providers and raise considerations for informing future scope of practice and service delivery models. We developed a framework that presents seven key roles performed by urban CHWs and position these roles against a continuum of technical to political functions. Our scoping review included publications from four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Social Sciences Citation Index) and two CHW resource hubs. We included all peer-reviewed, CHW studies situated in urban/peri-urban, LMIC contexts. We identify roles (un)commonly performed by urban CHWs, present the range of evidence available on CHW effectiveness in performing each role and identify considerations for informing future roles. Of 856 articles, 160 met the inclusion criteria. Programmes spanned 34 LMICs. Studies most commonly reported evidence on CHWs roles related to health education, outreach and elements of direct service provision. We found little overlap in roles between CHWs and other providers, with some exceptions. Reported roles were biased towards home visiting and individual-capacity building, and not well-oriented to reach men/youth/working women, support community empowerment or link with social services. Urban-specific adaptations to roles, such as peer outreach to high-risk, stigmatized communities, were limited. Innovation in urban CHW roles and a better understanding of the unique opportunities presented by urban settings is needed to fully capitalize on their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teralynn Ludwick
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 333 Exhibition Street, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Alison Morgan
- Maternal Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sumit Kane
- Maternal Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret Kelaher
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Barbara McPake
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Blanchard AK, Colbourn T, Prost A, Ramesh BM, Isac S, Anthony J, Dehury B, Houweling TAJ. Associations between community health workers' home visits and education-based inequalities in institutional delivery and perinatal mortality in rural Uttar Pradesh, India: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e044835. [PMID: 34253660 PMCID: PMC8276308 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION India's National Health Mission has trained community health workers called Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) to visit and counsel women before and after birth. Little is known about the extent to which exposure to ASHAs' home visits has reduced perinatal health inequalities as intended. This study aimed to examine whether ASHAs' third trimester home visits may have contributed to equitable improvements in institutional delivery and reductions in perinatal mortality rates (PMRs) between women with varying education levels in Uttar Pradesh (UP) state, India. METHODS Cross-sectional survey data were collected from a representative sample of 52 615 women who gave birth in the preceding 2 months in rural areas of 25 districts of UP in 2014-2015. We analysed the data using generalised linear modelling to examine the associations between exposure to home visits and education-based inequalities in institutional delivery and PMRs. RESULTS Third trimester home visits were associated with higher institutional delivery rates, in particular public facility delivery rates (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 1.32, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.34), and to a lesser extent private facility delivery rates (aRR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.13), after adjusting for confounders. Associations were stronger among women with lower education levels. Having no compared with any third trimester home visits was associated with higher perinatal mortality (aRR 1.18, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.28). Having any versus no visits was more highly associated with lower perinatal mortality among women with lower education levels than those with the most education, and most notably among public facility births. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that ASHAs' home visits in the third trimester contributed to equitable improvements in institutional deliveries and lower PMRs, particularly within the public sector. Broader strategies must reinforce the role of ASHAs' home visits in reaching the sustainable development goals of improving maternal and newborn health and leaving no one behind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Katryn Blanchard
- Institute for Global Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Tim Colbourn
- Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Audrey Prost
- Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Banadakoppa Manjappa Ramesh
- Institute for Global Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Shajy Isac
- Institute for Global Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- India Health Action Trust, Lucknow, India
| | - John Anthony
- Institute for Global Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- India Health Action Trust, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Tanja A J Houweling
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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