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Padda I. Cardiovascular health amongst South Asian populations in British Columbia: A situational and comparative analysis of preventative strategies. Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102570. [PMID: 38604417 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
This analysis provides an overview of cardiovascular health among South Asian populations in British Columbia (BC), Canada utilizing peer-reviewed literature, alongside data from public health authorities and relevant jurisdictions. The analysis identified risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) amongst South Asians and discussed preventative public health strategies and interventions to mitigate disease burden. The situational analysis discussed the disproportionate increased risk for CVD in South Asians when compared to other ethnicities in BC, highlighting lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions, socio-economic status (SES), and post-migration-related challenges. The analysis identified a disproportionate increase in heart disease in South Asian males and females when compared to White males and females. A review of evidence from peer-reviewed literature identified previously conducted studies and intervention strategies to address CVD and its risk factors. Common themes across multiple studies included addressing physical inactivity and dietary habits as increased cholesterol, obesity, and DM reported as the most common prevalent CVD risk factors in South Asians. The most significantly studied modifiable risk factors in literature for South Asians included diet and physical inactivity. To identify promising public health interventions, a comparative analysis was conducted identifying multiple public health programs from three different jurisdictions: Ontario, New York, and California to better understand successful preventative strategies to decrease risk factors for CVD. A New York based study implemented preventive health programs at employment sites with high prevalence of South Asians, such as Taxi drivers. Successful interventions included culturally relevant diabetes prevention programs, community outreach and health risk assessments in religious centers, health fairs at employment sites, and culturally competent online behavioural modification programs addressing diet and physical activity. Findings from the analysis suggest successful implementation of programs include those from a cultural lens. These include culturally tailored virtual classes, programs with modified risk assessment tools, preventative health community outreach in religious centers, interventions at workplaces with a high number of South Asians, and behavioural modification programs with nutritionists and health coaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inderbir Padda
- University of Washington, School of Public Health, Seattle Washington, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Richmond University Medical Center/Mount Sinai, Staten Island, NY, USA.
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2
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Jafar TH, Tavajoh S, de Silva HA, Naheed A, Jehan I, Kanatiwela de Silva C, Chakma N, Huda M, Legido-Quigley H. Post-intervention acceptability of multicomponent intervention for management of hypertension in rural Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka- a qualitative study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280455. [PMID: 36656903 PMCID: PMC9851540 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COBRA-BPS (Control of Blood Pressure and Risk Attenuation-Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka), a multicomponent, community health-worker (CHW)-led hypertension management program, has been shown to be effective in rural communities in South Asia. This paper presents the acceptability of COBRA-BPS multicomponent intervention among the key stakeholders. METHODS We conducted post-implementation interviews of 87 stakeholder including 23 community health workers (CHWs), 19 physicians and 45 patients in 15 rural communities randomized to COBRA-BPS multicomponent intervention in in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. We used Theoretical Framework for Acceptability framework (TFA) with a focus on affective attitude, burden, ethicality, intervention coherence, opportunity cost, perceived effectiveness and self-efficacy. RESULTS COBRA-BPS multicomponent intervention was acceptable to most stakeholders. Despite some concerns about workload, most CHWs were enthusiastic and felt empowered. Physicians appreciated the training sessions and felt trusted by their patients. Patients were grateful to receive the intervention and valued it. However, patients in Pakistan and Bangladesh expressed the need for supplies of free medicines from the primary health facilities, while those in Sri Lanka were concerned about supplies' irregularities. All stakeholders favoured scaling-up COBRA-BPS at a national level. CONCLUSIONS COBRA-BPS multicomponent intervention is acceptable to the key stakeholders in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Community engagement for national scale-up of COBRA-BPS is likely to be successful in all three countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tazeen H. Jafar
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Saeideh Tavajoh
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - H. Asita de Silva
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Aliya Naheed
- Initiative for Noncommunicable Diseases, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Imtiaz Jehan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Chamini Kanatiwela de Silva
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Nantu Chakma
- Initiative for Noncommunicable Diseases, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Maryam Huda
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Helena Legido-Quigley
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Favas C, Ansbro É, Eweka E, Agarwal G, Lazo Porras M, Tsiligianni I, Vedanthan R, Webster R, Perel P, Murphy A. Factors Influencing the Implementation of Remote Delivery Strategies for Non-Communicable Disease Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Narrative Review. Public Health Rev 2022; 43:1604583. [PMID: 35832336 PMCID: PMC9272771 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2022.1604583] [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: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted health care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and necessitated strategies to minimize contact with facilities. We aimed to examine factors influencing implementation of remote (non-facility-based) delivery approaches for people with hypertension and/or diabetes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), to inform NCD care delivery during health service disruption, including humanitarian crises. Methods: Our narrative review used a hermeneutic and purposive approach, including primary studies conducted in LMICs, which assessed implementation factors influencing remote NCD care delivery. Results were analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Results: Twenty-eight included studies revealed the strong influence of both internal organizational and broader contextual factors, such as community health worker policies or technological environment. Addressing patients’ specific characteristics, needs and resources was important for implementation success. Conclusion: This review highlighted the multiple, complex, interdependent factors influencing implementation of remote NCD care in LMICs. Our findings may inform actors designing NCD care delivery in contexts where facility-based access is challenging. Implementation research is needed to evaluate context-adapted e-Health, community-based, and simplified clinical management strategies to facilitate remote NCD care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Favas
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Éimhín Ansbro
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Evette Eweka
- Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gina Agarwal
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Maria Lazo Porras
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals & University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,CRONICAS Centre of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - Ioanna Tsiligianni
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Rethymno, Greece
| | - Rajesh Vedanthan
- Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ruth Webster
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Newtown, NSW, Australia
| | - Pablo Perel
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrianna Murphy
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Hategeka C, Adu P, Desloge A, Marten R, Shao R, Tian M, Wei T, Kruk ME. Implementation research on noncommunicable disease prevention and control interventions in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1004055. [PMID: 35877677 PMCID: PMC9359585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the evidence for the clinical effectiveness of most noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention and treatment interventions is well established, care delivery models and means of scaling these up in a variety of resource-constrained health systems are not. The objective of this review was to synthesize evidence on the current state of implementation research on priority NCD prevention and control interventions provided by health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS AND FINDINGS On January 20, 2021, we searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from 1990 through 2020 to identify implementation research studies that focused on the World Health Organization (WHO) priority NCD prevention and control interventions targeting cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease and provided within health systems in LMICs. Any empirical and peer-reviewed studies that focused on these interventions and reported implementation outcomes were eligible for inclusion. Given the focus on this review and the heterogeneity in aims and methodologies of included studies, risk of bias assessment to understand how effect size may have been compromised by bias is not applicable. We instead commented on the distribution of research designs and discussed about stronger/weaker designs. We synthesized extracted data using descriptive statistics and following the review protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021252969). Of 9,683 potential studies and 7,419 unique records screened for inclusion, 222 eligible studies evaluated 265 priority NCD prevention and control interventions implemented in 62 countries (6% in low-income countries and 90% in middle-income countries). The number of studies published has been increasing over time. Nearly 40% of all the studies were on cervical cancer. With regards to intervention type, screening accounted for 49%, treatment for 39%, while prevention for 12% (with 80% of the latter focusing on prevention of the NCD behavior risk factors). Feasibility (38%) was the most studied implementation outcome followed by adoption (23%); few studies addressed sustainability. The implementation strategies were not specified well enough. Most studies used quantitative methods (86%). The weakest study design, preexperimental, and the strongest study design, experimental, were respectively employed in 25% and 24% of included studies. Approximately 72% of studies reported funding, with international funding being the predominant source. The majority of studies were proof of concept or pilot (88%) and targeted the micro level of health system (79%). Less than 5% of studies report using implementation research framework. CONCLUSIONS Despite growth in implementation research on NCDs in LMICs, we found major gaps in the science. Future studies should prioritize implementation at scale, target higher levels health systems (meso and macro levels), and test sustainability of NCD programs. They should employ designs with stronger internal validity, be more conceptually driven, and use mixed methods to understand mechanisms. To maximize impact of the research under limited resources, adding implementation science outcomes to effectiveness research and regional collaborations are promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celestin Hategeka
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Prince Adu
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Allissa Desloge
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Robert Marten
- Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Maoyi Tian
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ting Wei
- The George Institute for Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Margaret E. Kruk
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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5
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Mbuthia GW, Magutah K, Pellowski J. Approaches and outcomes of community health worker's interventions for hypertension management and control in low-income and middle-income countries: systematic review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e053455. [PMID: 35365519 PMCID: PMC8977767 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To critically appraise the scope, content and outcomes of community health worker (CHW) interventions designed to reduce blood pressure (BP) in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHOD We performed a database search (PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, OpenGrey, Cochrane Central Trials Register and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) to identify studies in LMICs from 2000 to 2020. Eligible studies were interventional studies published in English and reporting CHW interventions for management of BP in LMICs. Two independent reviewers screened the titles, abstracts and full texts of publications for eligibility and inclusion. Relevant information was extracted from these studies using a tailored template. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane collaboration risk of bias tool. Qualitative synthesis of results was done through general summary of the characteristics and findings of each study. We also analysed the patterns of interventions and their outcomes across the studies. Results were presented in form of narrative and tables. RESULTS Of the 1557 articles identified, 14 met the predefined criteria. Of these, 12 were cluster randomised trials whereas two were pretest/post-test studies. The CHW interventions were mainly community-based and focused on behaviour change for promoting BP control among hypertensive patients as well as healthy individuals. The interventions had positive effects in the BP reduction, linkage to care, treatment adherence and in reducing cardivascular-disease risk level. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The current review is limited in that, a meta-analysis to show the overall effect of CHW interventions in the management of hypertension was not possible due to the diversity of the interventions, and outcomes of the studies included in the review. Summarised outcomes of individual studies showed CHW enhanced the control and management of hypertension. Further studies are needed to indicate the impact and cost-effectiveness of CHW-led interventions in the control and management of hypertension in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Wambura Mbuthia
- College of Health Sciences, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Karani Magutah
- College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Jennifer Pellowski
- International Health Institute, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Chen MM, Zhang X, Liu YM, Chen Z, Li H, Lei F, Qin JJ, Ji Y, Zhang P, Cai J, She ZG, Zhang XJ, Lu Z, Liu H, Li H. Heavy Disease Burden of High Systolic Blood Pressure During 1990-2019: Highlighting Regional, Sex, and Age Specific Strategies in Blood Pressure Control. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 8:754778. [PMID: 34977177 PMCID: PMC8716441 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.754778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: High systolic blood pressure (HSBP) remains the leading risk factor for mortality worldwide; however, limited data have revealed all-cause and cause-specific burdens attributed to HSBP at global and regional levels. This study aimed to estimate the global burden and priority diseases attributable to HSBP by region, sex, and age. Methods: Based on data and evaluation methods from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019, we estimated trends of age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), the age-standardized rate of disability-adjusted life years (ASDRs), and the age-standardized rate of years lived with disability (ASYRs) attributable to HSBP during 1990-2019. Further, we analyzed cause-specific burdens attributable to HSBP by sex, age, year, and region. Results: Globally, a significant downtrend was found in the ASMR attributed to HSBP while ASYRs did not change substantially during 1990-2019. The majority of HSBP burden has shifted from high-middle sociodemographic index (SDI) regions to lower SDI regions. All-cause and most cause-specific burdens related to HSBP were improved in high SDI regions but the downtrends have stagnated in recent years. Although many cause-specific deaths associated with HSBP declined, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and endocarditis associated deaths were aggravated globally and ischemic heart disease (IHD), atrial fibrillation and flutter, aortic aneurysm (AA), and peripheral artery disease (PAD) associated deaths were on the rise in low/low-middle/middle SDI regions. Additionally, males had higher disease burdens than females. Middle-aged people with CVDs composed the major subgroup affected by HSBP while older people had the highest ASMRs associated with HSBP. Conclusions: This study revealed the global burden and priority diseases attributable to HSBP with wide variation by region, sex, and age, calling for effective and targeted strategies to reduce the prevalence and mortality of HSBP, especially in low/low-middle/middle SDI regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ming Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingyuan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ye-Mao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ze Chen
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haomiao Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Lei
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan-Juan Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanxiao Ji
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingjing Cai
- Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Cardiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi-Gang She
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhibing Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University and Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Model Animal, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Seneviratne S, Desloge A, Haregu T, Kwasnicka D, Kasturiratne A, Mandla A, Chambers J, Oldenburg B. Characteristics and Outcomes of Community Health Worker Training to Improve the Prevention and Control of Cardiometabolic Diseases in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. INQUIRY: THE JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION, AND FINANCING 2022; 59:469580221112834. [PMID: 35916447 PMCID: PMC9350494 DOI: 10.1177/00469580221112834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Community health workers (CHWs) play an important role in controlling
non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this
review was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of CHW training programs
that focused on the prevention and control of cardiometabolic diseases in low-
and middle-income countries (LMICs). Medline, CINAHL Complete, Academic Search
Complete, Directory of Open Access Journal, ScienceDirect, ERIC, Gale Academic,
and OneFile). Studies that described the training programs used to train CHWs
for prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases and type2 diabetes
mellitus in LMICs. Only studies that evaluated the outcomes of training programs
in at least one of the 4 levels of Kirkpatrick’s training evaluation model were
included in the review. CHWs who underwent training focused on the prevention
and control of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We
summarized the resulting evidence using qualitative synthesis through a
narrative review. Training outcomes were assessed in relation to (1) CHW
reactions to training, their degree of learning, and their behaviors following
training, and (2) changes in biochemical and anthropometric indicators in target
populations following the CHW program implementation. PROSPERO (CRD42020162116).
Thirty-two studies were included. Methods used to train CHWs included:
face-to-face lectures, interactive group activities, and blended teaching with
online support. Training focused on identifying people with elevated risk of
cardiometabolic diseases and their risk factors as well as supporting people to
adopt healthy lifestyles. Many studies that utilized trained CHWs did not
publish CHW training methods and evaluations, and therefore could not be
included in this study. Training programs resulted in an increase in knowledge
and skills among CHWs demonstrating that there are certain activities that can
be shifted to CHWs following training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilanthi Seneviratne
- Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Dominika Kwasnicka
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poland
| | | | | | - John Chambers
- Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and Imperial College London, London, UK
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Mercer T, Nulu S, Vedanthan R. Innovative Implementation Strategies for Hypertension Control in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: a Narrative Review. Curr Hypertens Rep 2020; 22:39. [PMID: 32405820 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-020-01045-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes the most recent and innovative implementation strategies for hypertension control in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). RECENT FINDINGS Implementation strategies from Latin America, Africa, and Asia were organized across three levels: community, health system, and policy/population. Multicomponent interventions involving task-shifting strategies, with or without mobile health tools, had the most supporting evidence, with policy or population-level interventions having the least, focused only on salt reduction with mixed results. More research is needed to better understand how context affects intervention implementation. There is an emerging evidence base for implementation strategies for hypertension control and CVD risk reduction in LMICs at the community and health system levels, but further research is needed to determine the most effective policy and population-level strategies. How to best account for local context in adapting and implementing these evidence-based interventions in LMICs still remains largely unknown. Accelerating the translation of this implementation research into policy and practice is imperative to improve health and save lives globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Mercer
- Department of Population Health, Division of Global Health, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, 1601 Trinity St., Bldg. B, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Shanti Nulu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rajesh Vedanthan
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Ni Z, Atluri N, Shaw RJ, Tan J, Khan K, Merk H, Ge Y, Shrestha S, Shrestha A, Vasudevan L, Karmacharya B, Yan LL. Evaluating the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Mobile Health-Based Female Community Health Volunteer Program for Hypertension Control in Rural Nepal: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e15419. [PMID: 32149712 PMCID: PMC7091025 DOI: 10.2196/15419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the world's leading cause of death. The prevalence of hypertension is disproportionately higher in South Asian countries than in other regions of the world. Screening for hypertension in primary care settings remains a challenge in many South Asian countries, including Nepal. Nepal is located in the Himalayan Mountains region, posing significant geographical challenges for its rural citizens to access primary health care and service delivery. This barrier increases the costs and inconvenience for rural Nepalis to access hypertension screening and treatment. As a result, the prevalence of hypertension in Nepal tripled in the last 25 years to 22.4%-38.6%. Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population relies on female community health volunteers to link health centers and communities to provide basic health services. Over 50,000 of these volunteers in Nepal have received basic health care training and are assigned to take care of maternal and child health. Due to limited health care resources, adopting new methods to control hypertension is an urgent need in Nepal. Several recent studies in Nepal have recommended extending the role of female community health volunteers to include hypertension management through blood pressure monitoring and home-based education. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to assess if a mobile health-based female community health volunteer approach of combining the traditional community health volunteer program with digital technologies would be feasible and acceptable in rural Nepal. METHODS In this study, we recruited 17 female community health volunteers and extended their role from maternal and child health to hypertension management through screening blood pressures. RESULTS All 17 female community health volunteers successfully measured 1113 rural Nepalis' blood pressures, identified 169 hypertensive patients, and collected health behaviors data of the 169 hypertensive patients. Among the 169 patients, 70% of them had a mobile phone, and 92% were interested in receiving health-related information via a mobile phone. Among those who were interested in receiving information via a mobile phone, 84% preferred voice calls, and 7% and 1% preferred texting and apps, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study indicate that a digital health intervention that leverages feature-phones combined with female community health volunteers may be an acceptable and pragmatic way to implement an evidence-based program to reduce hypertension in rural Nepal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Ni
- Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | | | | | - Kinza Khan
- Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Yunfan Ge
- Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, China
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10
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Jafar TH, Gandhi M, de Silva HA, Jehan I, Naheed A, Finkelstein EA, Turner EL, Morisky D, Kasturiratne A, Khan AH, Clemens JD, Ebrahim S, Assam PN, Feng L. A Community-Based Intervention for Managing Hypertension in Rural South Asia. N Engl J Med 2020; 382:717-726. [PMID: 32074419 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1911965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of hypertension is escalating, and control rates are poor in low- and middle-income countries. Cardiovascular mortality is high in rural areas. METHODS We conducted a cluster-randomized, controlled trial in rural districts in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. A total of 30 communities were randomly assigned to either a multicomponent intervention (intervention group) or usual care (control group). The intervention involved home visits by trained government community health workers for blood-pressure monitoring and counseling, training of physicians, and care coordination in the public sector. A total of 2645 adults with hypertension were enrolled. The primary outcome was reduction in systolic blood pressure at 24 months. Follow-up at 24 months was completed for more than 90% of the participants. RESULTS At baseline, the mean systolic blood pressure was 146.7 mm Hg in the intervention group and 144.7 mm Hg in the control group. At 24 months, the mean systolic blood pressure fell by 9.0 mm Hg in the intervention group and by 3.9 mm Hg in the control group; the mean reduction was 5.2 mm Hg greater with the intervention (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.2 to 7.1; P<0.001). The mean reduction in diastolic blood pressure was 2.8 mm Hg greater in the intervention group than in the control group (95% CI, 1.7 to 3.9). Blood-pressure control (<140/90 mm Hg) was achieved in 53.2% of the participants in the intervention group, as compared with 43.7% of those in the control group (relative risk, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.35). All-cause mortality was 2.9% in the intervention group and 4.3% in the control group. CONCLUSIONS In rural communities in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, a multicomponent intervention that was centered on proactive home visits by trained government community health workers who were linked with existing public health care infrastructure led to a greater reduction in blood pressure than usual care among adults with hypertension. (Funded by the Joint Global Health Trials scheme; COBRA-BPS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02657746.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tazeen H Jafar
- From the Program in Health Services and Systems Research (T.H.J., E.A.F., L.F.) and the Center for Quantitative Medicine (M.G.), Duke-NUS Medical School, the Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (T.H.J.), and the Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute (M.G., P.N.A.) - all in Singapore; the Duke Global Health Institute (T.H.J., E.A.F., E.L.T.) and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University (E.L.T.) - both in Durham, NC; the Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland (M.G.); the Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology (H.A.S.), and the Department of Public Health (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; the Department of Community Health Sciences (I.J.) and the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.H.K.), Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.N., J.D.C.); the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles (D.M.); and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (S.E.)
| | - Mihir Gandhi
- From the Program in Health Services and Systems Research (T.H.J., E.A.F., L.F.) and the Center for Quantitative Medicine (M.G.), Duke-NUS Medical School, the Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (T.H.J.), and the Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute (M.G., P.N.A.) - all in Singapore; the Duke Global Health Institute (T.H.J., E.A.F., E.L.T.) and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University (E.L.T.) - both in Durham, NC; the Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland (M.G.); the Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology (H.A.S.), and the Department of Public Health (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; the Department of Community Health Sciences (I.J.) and the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.H.K.), Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.N., J.D.C.); the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles (D.M.); and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (S.E.)
| | - H Asita de Silva
- From the Program in Health Services and Systems Research (T.H.J., E.A.F., L.F.) and the Center for Quantitative Medicine (M.G.), Duke-NUS Medical School, the Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (T.H.J.), and the Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute (M.G., P.N.A.) - all in Singapore; the Duke Global Health Institute (T.H.J., E.A.F., E.L.T.) and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University (E.L.T.) - both in Durham, NC; the Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland (M.G.); the Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology (H.A.S.), and the Department of Public Health (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; the Department of Community Health Sciences (I.J.) and the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.H.K.), Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.N., J.D.C.); the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles (D.M.); and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (S.E.)
| | - Imtiaz Jehan
- From the Program in Health Services and Systems Research (T.H.J., E.A.F., L.F.) and the Center for Quantitative Medicine (M.G.), Duke-NUS Medical School, the Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (T.H.J.), and the Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute (M.G., P.N.A.) - all in Singapore; the Duke Global Health Institute (T.H.J., E.A.F., E.L.T.) and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University (E.L.T.) - both in Durham, NC; the Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland (M.G.); the Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology (H.A.S.), and the Department of Public Health (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; the Department of Community Health Sciences (I.J.) and the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.H.K.), Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.N., J.D.C.); the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles (D.M.); and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (S.E.)
| | - Aliya Naheed
- From the Program in Health Services and Systems Research (T.H.J., E.A.F., L.F.) and the Center for Quantitative Medicine (M.G.), Duke-NUS Medical School, the Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (T.H.J.), and the Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute (M.G., P.N.A.) - all in Singapore; the Duke Global Health Institute (T.H.J., E.A.F., E.L.T.) and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University (E.L.T.) - both in Durham, NC; the Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland (M.G.); the Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology (H.A.S.), and the Department of Public Health (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; the Department of Community Health Sciences (I.J.) and the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.H.K.), Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.N., J.D.C.); the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles (D.M.); and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (S.E.)
| | - Eric A Finkelstein
- From the Program in Health Services and Systems Research (T.H.J., E.A.F., L.F.) and the Center for Quantitative Medicine (M.G.), Duke-NUS Medical School, the Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (T.H.J.), and the Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute (M.G., P.N.A.) - all in Singapore; the Duke Global Health Institute (T.H.J., E.A.F., E.L.T.) and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University (E.L.T.) - both in Durham, NC; the Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland (M.G.); the Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology (H.A.S.), and the Department of Public Health (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; the Department of Community Health Sciences (I.J.) and the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.H.K.), Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.N., J.D.C.); the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles (D.M.); and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (S.E.)
| | - Elizabeth L Turner
- From the Program in Health Services and Systems Research (T.H.J., E.A.F., L.F.) and the Center for Quantitative Medicine (M.G.), Duke-NUS Medical School, the Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (T.H.J.), and the Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute (M.G., P.N.A.) - all in Singapore; the Duke Global Health Institute (T.H.J., E.A.F., E.L.T.) and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University (E.L.T.) - both in Durham, NC; the Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland (M.G.); the Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology (H.A.S.), and the Department of Public Health (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; the Department of Community Health Sciences (I.J.) and the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.H.K.), Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.N., J.D.C.); the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles (D.M.); and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (S.E.)
| | - Donald Morisky
- From the Program in Health Services and Systems Research (T.H.J., E.A.F., L.F.) and the Center for Quantitative Medicine (M.G.), Duke-NUS Medical School, the Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (T.H.J.), and the Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute (M.G., P.N.A.) - all in Singapore; the Duke Global Health Institute (T.H.J., E.A.F., E.L.T.) and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University (E.L.T.) - both in Durham, NC; the Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland (M.G.); the Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology (H.A.S.), and the Department of Public Health (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; the Department of Community Health Sciences (I.J.) and the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.H.K.), Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.N., J.D.C.); the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles (D.M.); and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (S.E.)
| | - Anuradhani Kasturiratne
- From the Program in Health Services and Systems Research (T.H.J., E.A.F., L.F.) and the Center for Quantitative Medicine (M.G.), Duke-NUS Medical School, the Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (T.H.J.), and the Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute (M.G., P.N.A.) - all in Singapore; the Duke Global Health Institute (T.H.J., E.A.F., E.L.T.) and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University (E.L.T.) - both in Durham, NC; the Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland (M.G.); the Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology (H.A.S.), and the Department of Public Health (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; the Department of Community Health Sciences (I.J.) and the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.H.K.), Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.N., J.D.C.); the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles (D.M.); and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (S.E.)
| | - Aamir H Khan
- From the Program in Health Services and Systems Research (T.H.J., E.A.F., L.F.) and the Center for Quantitative Medicine (M.G.), Duke-NUS Medical School, the Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (T.H.J.), and the Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute (M.G., P.N.A.) - all in Singapore; the Duke Global Health Institute (T.H.J., E.A.F., E.L.T.) and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University (E.L.T.) - both in Durham, NC; the Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland (M.G.); the Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology (H.A.S.), and the Department of Public Health (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; the Department of Community Health Sciences (I.J.) and the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.H.K.), Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.N., J.D.C.); the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles (D.M.); and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (S.E.)
| | - John D Clemens
- From the Program in Health Services and Systems Research (T.H.J., E.A.F., L.F.) and the Center for Quantitative Medicine (M.G.), Duke-NUS Medical School, the Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (T.H.J.), and the Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute (M.G., P.N.A.) - all in Singapore; the Duke Global Health Institute (T.H.J., E.A.F., E.L.T.) and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University (E.L.T.) - both in Durham, NC; the Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland (M.G.); the Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology (H.A.S.), and the Department of Public Health (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; the Department of Community Health Sciences (I.J.) and the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.H.K.), Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.N., J.D.C.); the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles (D.M.); and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (S.E.)
| | - Shah Ebrahim
- From the Program in Health Services and Systems Research (T.H.J., E.A.F., L.F.) and the Center for Quantitative Medicine (M.G.), Duke-NUS Medical School, the Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (T.H.J.), and the Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute (M.G., P.N.A.) - all in Singapore; the Duke Global Health Institute (T.H.J., E.A.F., E.L.T.) and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University (E.L.T.) - both in Durham, NC; the Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland (M.G.); the Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology (H.A.S.), and the Department of Public Health (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; the Department of Community Health Sciences (I.J.) and the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.H.K.), Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.N., J.D.C.); the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles (D.M.); and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (S.E.)
| | - Pryseley N Assam
- From the Program in Health Services and Systems Research (T.H.J., E.A.F., L.F.) and the Center for Quantitative Medicine (M.G.), Duke-NUS Medical School, the Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (T.H.J.), and the Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute (M.G., P.N.A.) - all in Singapore; the Duke Global Health Institute (T.H.J., E.A.F., E.L.T.) and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University (E.L.T.) - both in Durham, NC; the Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland (M.G.); the Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology (H.A.S.), and the Department of Public Health (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; the Department of Community Health Sciences (I.J.) and the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.H.K.), Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.N., J.D.C.); the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles (D.M.); and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (S.E.)
| | - Liang Feng
- From the Program in Health Services and Systems Research (T.H.J., E.A.F., L.F.) and the Center for Quantitative Medicine (M.G.), Duke-NUS Medical School, the Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (T.H.J.), and the Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute (M.G., P.N.A.) - all in Singapore; the Duke Global Health Institute (T.H.J., E.A.F., E.L.T.) and the Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University (E.L.T.) - both in Durham, NC; the Center for Child Health Research, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland (M.G.); the Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology (H.A.S.), and the Department of Public Health (A.K.), Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka; the Department of Community Health Sciences (I.J.) and the Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine (A.H.K.), Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan; the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh (A.N., J.D.C.); the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, Los Angeles (D.M.); and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London (S.E.)
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11
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Gamage DG, Riddell MA, Joshi R, Thankappan KR, Chow CK, Oldenburg B, Evans RG, Mahal AS, Kalyanram K, Kartik K, Suresh O, Thomas N, Mini GK, Maulik PK, Srikanth VK, Arabshahi S, Varma RP, Guggilla RK, D’Esposito F, Sathish T, Alim M, Thrift AG. Effectiveness of a scalable group-based education and monitoring program, delivered by health workers, to improve control of hypertension in rural India: A cluster randomised controlled trial. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1002997. [PMID: 31895945 PMCID: PMC6939905 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New methods are required to manage hypertension in resource-poor settings. We hypothesised that a community health worker (CHW)-led group-based education and monitoring intervention would improve control of blood pressure (BP). METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted a baseline community-based survey followed by a cluster randomised controlled trial of people with hypertension in 3 rural regions of South India, each at differing stages of epidemiological transition. Participants with hypertension, defined as BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg or taking antihypertensive medication, were advised to visit a doctor. In each region, villages were randomly assigned to intervention or usual care (UC) in a 1:2 ratio. In intervention clusters, trained CHWs delivered a group-based intervention to people with hypertension. The program, conducted fortnightly for 3 months, included monitoring of BP, education about hypertension, and support for healthy lifestyle change. Outcomes were assessed approximately 2 months after completion of the intervention. The primary outcome was control of BP (BP < 140/90 mm Hg), analysed using mixed effects regression, clustered by village within region and adjusted for baseline control of hypertension (using intention-to-treat principles). Of 2,382 potentially eligible people, 637 from 5 intervention clusters and 1,097 from 10 UC clusters were recruited between November 2015 and April 2016, with follow-up occurring in 459 in the intervention group and 1,012 in UC. Mean age was 56.9 years (SD 13.7). Baseline BP was similar between groups. Control of BP improved from baseline to follow-up more in the intervention group (from 227 [49.5%] to 320 [69.7%] individuals) than in the UC group (from 528 [52.2%] to 624 [61.7%] individuals) (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.1; P = 0.001). In secondary outcome analyses, there was a greater decline in systolic BP in the intervention than UC group (-5.0 mm Hg, 95% CI -7.1 to -3.0; P < 0.001) and a greater decline in diastolic BP (-2.1 mm Hg, 95% CI -3.6 to -0.6; P < 0.006), but no detectable difference in the use of BP-lowering medications between groups (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8-1.9; P = 0.34). Similar results were found when using imputation analyses that included those lost to follow-up. Limitations include a relatively short follow-up period and use of outcome assessors who were not blinded to the group allocation. CONCLUSIONS While the durability of the effect is uncertain, this trial provides evidence that a low-cost program using CHWs to deliver an education and monitoring intervention is effective in controlling BP and is potentially scalable in resource-poor settings globally. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered with the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2016/02/006678).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilan Giguruwa Gamage
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michaela A. Riddell
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rohina Joshi
- George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
| | - Kavumpurathu R. Thankappan
- Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Clara K. Chow
- George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian Oldenburg
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roger G. Evans
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ajay S. Mahal
- School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kartik Kalyanram
- Rishi Valley Rural Health Centre, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Kamakshi Kartik
- Rishi Valley Rural Health Centre, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Oduru Suresh
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Rishi Valley Rural Health Centre, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Nihal Thomas
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gomathyamma K. Mini
- Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
- Global Institute of Public Health, Ananthapuri Hospitals and Research Institute, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Pallab K. Maulik
- George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
- George Institute for Global Health, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Velandai K. Srikanth
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Peninsula Clinical School, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia
| | - Simin Arabshahi
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ravi P. Varma
- Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Rama K. Guggilla
- George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
- Department of Population Medicine and Civilization Diseases Prevention, Faculty of Medicine, Division of Dentistry and Division of Medical Education in English, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Fabrizio D’Esposito
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thirunavukkarasu Sathish
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Mohammed Alim
- George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi, India
- University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Amanda G. Thrift
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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12
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Chukwuma A, Gong E, Latypova M, Fraser-Hurt N. Challenges and opportunities in the continuity of care for hypertension: a mixed-methods study embedded in a primary health care intervention in Tajikistan. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:925. [PMID: 31796016 PMCID: PMC6889695 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-4779-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension, a significant risk factor for ischemic heart disease and other chronic conditions, is the third-highest cause of death and disability in Tajikistan. Thus, ensuring the early detection and appropriate management of hypertension is a core element of strategies to improve population health in Tajikistan. For a strategy to be successful, it should be informed by the causes of gaps in service delivery and feasible solutions to these challenges. The objective of this study was to undertake a systematic assessment of hypertension case detection and retention in care within Tajikistan's primary health care system, and to identify challenges and appropriate solutions. METHODS Our mixed methods study drew on the cascade of care framework to examine patient progression through the recommended stages of hypertension care. We triangulated data from household surveys and facility registries within Tajikistan's Health Services Improvement Project (HSIP) to describe the cascade. Focus group discussions with local HSIP stakeholders identified the barriers to and facilitators for care. Drawing on global empirical evidence on effective interventions and stakeholder judgments on the feasibility of implementation, we developed recommendations to improve hypertension service delivery that were informed by our quantitative and qualitative findings. RESULTS We review the results for the case detection stage of the cascade of care, which had the most significant gaps. Of the half a million people with hypertension in Khatlon and Sogd Oblasts (administrative regions), about 10% have been diagnosed in Khatlon and only 5% in Sogd. Barriers to case detection include misinformation about hypertension, ambiguous protocols, and limited delivery capacity. Solutions identified to these challenges were mobilizing faith-based organizations, scaling up screening through health caravans, task-shifting to increase provider supply, and introducing job aids for providers. CONCLUSIONS Translating findings on discontinuities in care for hypertension and other chronic diseases to actionable policy insights can be facilitated by collaboration with local stakeholders, triangulation of data sources, and identifying the intersection between the feasible and the effective in defining solutions to service delivery challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adanna Chukwuma
- Health, Nutrition, and Population Global Practice, World Bank Group, Washington, DC, 20433, USA.
| | - Estelle Gong
- Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY, 10019, USA
| | - Mutriba Latypova
- Health, Nutrition, and Population Global Practice, World Bank Group, Washington, DC, 20433, USA
| | - Nicole Fraser-Hurt
- Health, Nutrition, and Population Global Practice, World Bank Group, Washington, DC, 20433, USA
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13
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Vedanthan R, Ray M, Fuster V, Magenheim E. Hypertension Treatment Rates and Health Care Worker Density. Hypertension 2019; 73:594-601. [PMID: 30612489 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.118.11995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Elevated blood pressure is the leading cause of death worldwide; however, treatment and control rates for hypertension are low. Here, we analyze the relationship between physician and nurse density and hypertension treatment rates worldwide. Data on hypertension treatment rates were collected from the STEPwise approach to Surveillance country reports, individual studies resulting from a PubMed search for articles published between 1990 and 2010, and manual search of the reference lists of extracted studies. Data on health care worker density were obtained from the Global Atlas of the Health Workforce. We controlled for a variety of variables related to population characteristics and access to health care, data obtained from the World Bank, World Development Indicators, United Nations, and World Health Organization. We used clustering of SEs at the country level. Full data were available for 154 hypertension treatment rate values representing 68 countries between 1990 and 2010. Hypertension treatment rate ranged from 3.4% to 82.5%, with higher treatment rates associated with higher income classification. Physician and nurse/midwife generally increased with income classification. Total healthcare worker density was significantly associated with hypertension treatment rate in the unadjusted model ( P<0.001); however, only nurse density remained significant in the fully adjusted model ( P=0.050). These analyses suggest that nurse density, not physician density, explains most of the relationship with hypertension treatment rate and remains significant even after adjusting for other independent variables. These results have important implications for health policy, health system design, and program implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Vedanthan
- From the Section for Global Health, Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, NY (R.V.)
| | - Mondira Ray
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA (M.R.)
| | - Valentin Fuster
- Mount Sinai Heart, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY (V.F.)
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A model for point of care testing for non-communicable disease diagnosis in resource-limited countries. GLOBAL HEALTH EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GENOMICS 2019; 4:e7. [PMID: 31555457 PMCID: PMC6749552 DOI: 10.1017/gheg.2019.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Non-communicable disease diagnosis frequently relies on biochemical measurements but laboratory infrastructure in low-income settings is often insufficient and distances to clinics may be vast. We present a model for point of care (POC) epidemiology as used in our study of chronic disease in the Haiti Health Study, in rural and urban Haiti. Point of care testing (POCT) of creatinine, cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c as well as physical measurements of weight, height, and waist circumference allowed for diagnosis of diabetes, chronic kidney disease, dyslipidemias, and obesity. Methods and troubleshooting techniques for the data collection of this study are presented. We discuss our method of community-health worker (CHW) training, community engagement, study design, and field data collection. We also discuss the machines used and our quality control across CHWs and across geographical regions. Pitfalls tended to include equipment malfunction, transportation issues, and cultural differences. May this paper provide information for those attempting to perform similar diagnostic and screening studies using POCT in resource poor settings.
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Patil SJ, Lewis M, Tallon EM, Wareg NK, Murray KS, Elliott SG, Stevermer JJ, Kruse RL, Mehr DR. Lay Advisor Interventions in Rural Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Prev Med 2019; 57:117-126. [PMID: 31130461 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2019.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Age-adjusted death rates for heart disease are higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Lay advisors could potentially facilitate improvement in cardiovascular health outcomes. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to estimate lay advisor intervention effects on cardiovascular health metrics in rural populations. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Searches of databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Scopus from 1975 through October 2017 retrieved 323 citations, of which 272 abstracts were reviewed. Two authors independently abstracted data from eligible studies. Analysis was conducted in March 2018. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Of 21 articles included in the systematic review, eight were RCTs and 13 were pre- and post-intervention studies. Of the RCTs, three took place in the U.S. Only two studies had low risk of bias. Using a random effects model, meta-analysis of six RCTs (1,641 participants) showed that lay advisor interventions in rural residents were associated with improvement in HbA1c of 0.4% (95% CI=0.13, 0.66, p=0.004, I2=60.65%). From four RCTs (873 participants), lay advisor interventions significantly improved BMI with pooled effect of 2.18 (95% CI=1.13, 3.24, p<0.001, I2=0.00%). Most studies had normal baseline blood pressure and cholesterol levels before intervention, and no significant effects were noted for these outcomes. Diverse types of measures used for diet, physical activity, and smoking precluded statistical synthesis. CONCLUSIONS Lay advisor interventions had significant positive effects on glycemic control and BMI for rural residents; however, further rigorous studies are needed in U.S. rural populations, and elements of effective lay advisor interventions require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal J Patil
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.
| | - Melissa Lewis
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Erin M Tallon
- Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Nuha K Wareg
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Katie S Murray
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Susan G Elliott
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - James J Stevermer
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Robin L Kruse
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - David R Mehr
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
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Anand TN, Joseph LM, Geetha AV, Prabhakaran D, Jeemon P. Task sharing with non-physician health-care workers for management of blood pressure in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2019; 7:e761-e771. [PMID: 31097278 PMCID: PMC6527522 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(19)30077-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Task sharing for the management of hypertension could be useful for understaffed and resource-poor health systems. We assessed the effectiveness of task-sharing interventions in improving blood pressure control among adults in low-income and middle-income countries. METHODS We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL for studies published up to December 2018. We included intervention studies involving a task-sharing strategy for management of blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. We extracted data on population, interventions, blood pressure, and task sharing groups. We did a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. FINDINGS We found 3012 references, of which 54 met the inclusion criteria initially. Another nine studies were included following an updated search. There were 43 trials and 20 before-and-after studies. We included 31 studies in our meta-analysis. Systolic blood pressure was decreased through task sharing in different groups of health-care workers: the mean difference was -5·34 mm Hg (95% CI -9·00 to -1·67, I2=84%) for task sharing with nurses, -8·12 mm Hg (-10·23 to -6·01, I2=57%) for pharmacists, -4·67 mm Hg (-7·09 to -2·24, I2=0%) for dietitians, -3·67 mm Hg (-4·58 to -2·77, I2=24%) for community health workers, and -4·85 mm Hg (-6·12 to -3·57, I2=76%) overall. We found a similar reduction in diastolic blood pressure (overall mean difference -2·92 mm Hg, -3·75 to -2·09, I2=80%). The overall quality of evidence based on GRADE criteria was moderate for systolic blood pressure, but low for diastolic blood pressure. INTERPRETATION Task-sharing interventions are effective in reducing blood pressure. Long-term studies are needed to understand their potential impact on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. FUNDING Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- T N Anand
- Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, India
| | | | - A V Geetha
- Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Dorairaj Prabhakaran
- Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, India; Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Panniyammakal Jeemon
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
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Legido-Quigley H, Naheed A, de Silva HA, Jehan I, Haldane V, Cobb B, Tavajoh S, Chakma N, Kasturiratne A, Siddiqui S, Jafar TH. Patients' experiences on accessing health care services for management of hypertension in rural Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211100. [PMID: 30682093 PMCID: PMC6347162 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and leading cause of premature death globally. In 2008, approximately 40% of adults were diagnosed with hypertension, with more than 1.5 billion people estimated to be affected globally by 2025. Hypertension disproportionally affects low- and middle-income countries, where the prevalence is higher and where the health systems are more fragile. This qualitative study explored patients' experiences on the management and control of hypertension in rural Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. We conducted sixty semi-structured interviews, with 20 participants in each country. Hypertensive individuals were recruited based on age, gender and hypertensive status. Overall, patients' reported symptoms across the three countries were quite similar, although perceptions of hypertension were mixed. The majority of patients reported low knowledge on how to prevent or treat hypertension. The main barriers to accessing health services, as reported by participants, were inadequate services and poor quality of existing facilities, shortage of medicine supplies, busyness of doctors due to high patient load, long travel distance to facilities, and long waiting times once facilities were reached. Patients also mentioned that cost was a barrier to accessing services and adhering to medication. Many patients, when asked for areas of improvement, reported on the importance of the provider-patient relationship and mentioned valuing doctors who spent time with them, provided advice, and could be trusted. However, most patients reported that, especially at primary health care level and in government hospitals, the experience with their doctor did not meet their expectations. Patients in the three countries reported desire for good quality local medical services, the need for access to doctors, medicine and diagnostics and decreased cost for medication and medical services. Patients also described welcoming health care outreach activities near their homes. Areas of improvement could focus on reorienting community health workers' activities; involving family members in comprehensive counseling for medication adherence; providing appropriate training for health care staff to deliver effective information and services for controlling hypertension to patients; enhancing primary health care and specialist services; improving supplies of hypertensive medication in public facilities; taking into account patients' cultural and social background when providing services; and facilitating access and treatment to those who are most vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aliya Naheed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - H Asita de Silva
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Imtiaz Jehan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Victoria Haldane
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Cobb
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Saeideh Tavajoh
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nantu Chakma
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Anuradhani Kasturiratne
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Sahar Siddiqui
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Tazeen H Jafar
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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Gandhi M, Assam PN, Turner EL, Morisky DE, Chan E, Jafar TH. Statistical analysis plan for the control of blood pressure and risk attenuation-rural Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka (COBRA-BPS) trial: a cluster randomized trial for a multicomponent intervention versus usual care in hypertensive patients. Trials 2018; 19:658. [PMID: 30486858 PMCID: PMC6263546 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-3022-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In rural south Asia, hypertension remains a significant public health issue with sub-optimal blood pressure (BP) control rates. The goal of the trial is to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention (MCI) compared to usual care on lowering BP among adults with hypertension in rural south-Asian communities. This article describes the statistical analysis plan for the primary and secondary objectives related to intervention effectiveness based on clinical and patient-reported endpoints. METHODS/DESIGN The study is a cluster randomized trial which will enroll 2550 participants aged ≥ 40 years with hypertension from rural communities in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The unit of randomization is a cluster defined by 250-300 households. Thirty clusters, 10 from each country, are randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either MCI or usual care, stratified by country and their distance from the clinic. All participants will be assessed every six months over a two-year period after baseline with measurements of systolic and diastolic BP, antihypertensive and statin medication use, medication adherence, physical activity level, anthropometric parameters, smoking status, and dietary habits. The primary objective is to assess the effectiveness of MCI as compared with usual care in terms of mean change in systolic BP from baseline to final follow-up at two years. The primary outcome will be modelled using a generalized linear mixed-model for repeated measures based on a participant-level analysis. The model will include cluster random-effects and will use a non-independence residual correlation matrix to account for repeated measures on the same participant. Sensitivity analyses for the primary endpoint will be based on multiple imputation as well as pattern mixture model tipping point analyses. Secondary outcomes will be analyzed using the same modeling approach as for the primary outcome, with appropriate distributions within the exponential family and corresponding link functions. DISCUSSION The a priori statistical analysis plan will avoid reporting bias and data-driven analysis for the primary and key secondary outcomes. The results of the study will provide evidence of the benefits and risks of the MCI for BP control in rural communities in south Asian countries with low-resourced public health infrastructure. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02657746 . Registered on 14 January 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihir Gandhi
- Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, #02-01, Nanos, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Leve 6, Academia, 20 College Road, Singapore, Singapore
- Tampere Center for Child Health Research, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Arvo Building, Lääkärinkatu 1, Tampere, Finland
| | - Pryseley Nkouibert Assam
- Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, #02-01, Nanos, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Leve 6, Academia, 20 College Road, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Elizabeth L. Turner
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, 2424 Erwin Road, Durham, NC USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Trent Hall, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC USA
| | - Donald E. Morisky
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California USA
| | - Edwin Chan
- Department of Epidemiology, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, #02-01, Nanos, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tazeen H. Jafar
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Trent Hall, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC USA
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, Singapore
| | - on behalf of the COBRA-BPS Study Group
- Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, #02-01, Nanos, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Leve 6, Academia, 20 College Road, Singapore, Singapore
- Tampere Center for Child Health Research, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Arvo Building, Lääkärinkatu 1, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, 2424 Erwin Road, Durham, NC USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Trent Hall, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC USA
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, #02-01, Nanos, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore, Singapore
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, Singapore
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Jafar TH, Gandhi M, Jehan I, Naheed A, de Silva HA, Shahab H, Alam D, Luke N, Wee Lim C. Determinants of Uncontrolled Hypertension in Rural Communities in South Asia-Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Am J Hypertens 2018; 31:1205-1214. [PMID: 29701801 PMCID: PMC6188532 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpy071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) is a leading risk factor for death and disability in South Asia. We aimed to determine the cross-country variation, and the factors associated with uncontrolled BP among adults treated for hypertension in rural South Asia. METHODS We enrolled 1,718 individuals aged ≥40 years treated for hypertension in a cross-sectional study from rural communities in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the factors associated with uncontrolled BP (systolic BP ≥140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg). RESULTS Among hypertensive individuals, 58.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 55.7, 60.4) had uncontrolled BP: 52.8% (49.0, 56.6) in Bangladesh, 70.6% (65.7, 75.1) in Pakistan, and 56.5% (52.7, 60.1) in Sri Lanka. The odds (odds ratio (95% CI)) of uncontrolled BP were significantly higher in individuals with lower wealth index (1.17 (1.02, 1.35)); single vs. married (1.46 (1.10, 1.93)); higher log urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (1.41 (1.24, 1.60)); lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (1.23 (1.01, 1.49)); low vs. high adherence to antihypertensive medication (1.50 (1.16, 1.94)); and Pakistan (2.91 (1.60, 5.28)) vs. Sri Lanka. However, the odds were lower in those with vs. without self-reported kidney disease (0.51 (0.28, 0.91)); and receiving vs. not receiving statins (0.62 (0.44, 0.87)). CONCLUSIONS The majority of individuals with treated hypertension have uncontrolled BP in rural Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka with significant disparities among and within countries. Urgent public health efforts are needed to improve access and adherence to antihypertensive medications in disadvantaged populations in rural South Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tazeen H Jafar
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mihir Gandhi
- Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Singapore
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Tampere Center for Child Health Research, University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Imtiaz Jehan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aliya Naheed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - H Asita de Silva
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Hunaina Shahab
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Dewan Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathasha Luke
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
| | - Ching Wee Lim
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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Naheed A, Haldane V, Jafar TH, Chakma N, Legido-Quigley H. Patient pathways and perceptions of hypertension treatment, management, and control in rural Bangladesh: a qualitative study. Patient Prefer Adherence 2018; 12:1437-1449. [PMID: 30147302 PMCID: PMC6097513 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s163385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hypertension is an increasing threat to global public health, a leading cause of premature death, and an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Despite evidence on the efficacy of antihypertensive medication for blood-pressure control and mortality prevention, a large proportion of individuals are undiagnosed and untreated, especially in resource-constrained settings. This qualitative study explored patient pathways to care, as well as knowledge of and adherence to hypertension care. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 hypertensive patients in two rural districts in Bangladesh. Interviews were conducted and transcribed in Bangla and translated to English. QSR NVivo 10 software was used for analyses. We mapped patient pathways and report here on patient experiences accessing care from local pharmacies, the government, and private clinics. RESULTS Overall, most patients reported hypertension awareness prior to diagnosis and were conscious about consequences of hypertension. However, patients had little knowledge about prevention and treatment strategies. Most patients considered hypertension an important disease, albeit reporting taking medication only when symptomatic. Patients were aware of dietary advice; however, they were largely sedentary. Qualified doctors in both private and government settings diagnosed hypertension in the majority of the patients, and some were diagnosed by an informal provider and a few reported self-care at home. Patients followed three pathways: specialized hospitals for acute care, private hospitals/local pharmacy for nonacute symptoms, and incidental hypertension identification while being treated for another condition. CONCLUSION We identify barriers to access to hypertension prevention and care that prevented patients from seeking and receiving treatment from government facilities. Challenges included a lack of support to enable community screening by government health workers, long waiting times, and inadequate supplies for hypertension treatment. Expanding community-health workers' scope in the dissemination of chronic-disease information may improve patient pathways to hypertension care in rural communities in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliya Naheed
- Initiative for Noncommunicable Diseases, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Victoria Haldane
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tazeen H Jafar
- Program for Health Services and Systems Research, Duke NUS Medical School, Singapore,
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA,
| | - Nantu Chakma
- Initiative for Noncommunicable Diseases, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (icddr), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Healy JM, Tang S, Patcharanarumol W, Annear PL. A framework for comparative analysis of health systems: experiences from the Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. WHO South East Asia J Public Health 2018; 7:5-12. [PMID: 29582843 DOI: 10.4103/2224-3151.228421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Drawing on published work from the Asia Pacific Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, this paper presents a framework for undertaking comparative studies on the health systems of countries. Organized under seven types of research approaches, such as national case-studies using a common format, this framework is illustrated using studies of low- and middle-income countries published by the Asia Pacific Observatory. Such studies are important contributions, since much of the health systems research literature comes from high-income countries. No one research approach, however, can adequately analyse a health system, let alone produce a nuanced comparison of different countries. Multiple comparative studies offer a better understanding, as a health system is a complex entity to describe and analyse. Appreciation of context and culture is crucial: what works in one country may not do so in another. Further, a single research method, such as performance indicators, or a study of a particular health system function or component, produces only a partial picture. Applying a comparative framework of several study approaches helps to inform and explain progress against health system targets, to identify differences among countries, and to assess policies and programmes. Multi-method comparative research produces policy-relevant learning that can assist countries to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3: ensure healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Mary Healy
- School of Regulation and Global Governance, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Shenglan Tang
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
| | | | - Peter Leslie Annear
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Jafar TH, Tan NC, Allen JC, Finkelstein EA, Goh P, Moey P, Quah JHM, Hwang SW, Bahadin J, Thiagarajah AG, Chan J, Kang G, Koong A. Management of hypertension and multiple risk factors to enhance cardiovascular health in Singapore: The SingHypertension cluster randomized trial. Trials 2018. [PMID: 29540213 PMCID: PMC5852962 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2559-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypertension is a serious public health problem in Singapore and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) with considerable implications for health-care resources. The goal of the trial is to compare a multicomponent intervention (MCI) to usual care to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the MCI for lowering blood pressure (BP) among adults with uncontrolled hypertension in Singapore primary-care clinics. Methods/design The study is a cluster randomized trial in eight polyclinics in Singapore: four deliver a structured MCI and four deliver usual care. The components of the MCI are: (1) an algorithm-driven antihypertensive treatment for all hypertensive individuals using single-pill combination (SPC) and lipid-lowering medication for high-risk hypertensive individuals, (2) a motivational conversation for high-risk hypertensive individuals, (3) telephone-based follow-ups of all hypertensive individuals by polyclinic nurses, and (4) discounts on SPC antihypertensive medications. The trial will be conducted with 1000 individuals aged ≥ 40 years with uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, based on the mean of the last two of three measurements) in eight polyclinics in Singapore. The primary outcome is change in systolic BP from baseline to follow-up at 24 months post-randomization. The incremental cost of MCI per CVD disability adjusted life years (DALY) averted and quality adjusted life years (QALY) saved will be computed. Discussion The demonstration of an effective and cost-effective hypertension control program that is implementable in busy polyclinics would provide compelling evidence for upscaling the program across all primary-care centers in Singapore, and possibly other regional countries with a similar health-care structure. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02972619. Registered on 23 November 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2559-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tazeen H Jafar
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Renal Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore. .,Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Ngiap Chuan Tan
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore.,Health Services Research Centre, SingHealth, Singapore, Singapore
| | - John C Allen
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Office of Clinical Sciences, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eric A Finkelstein
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Paul Goh
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peter Moey
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | - Jason Chan
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gary Kang
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Agnes Koong
- SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore, Singapore
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Jafar TH, Jehan I, de Silva HA, Naheed A, Gandhi M, Assam P, Finkelstein EA, Quigley HL, Bilger M, Khan AH, Clemens JD, Ebrahim S, Turner EL, Kasturiratne A. Multicomponent intervention versus usual care for management of hypertension in rural Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial. Trials 2017; 18:272. [PMID: 28606184 PMCID: PMC5469065 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2018-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High blood pressure (BP) is the leading attributable risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In rural South Asia, hypertension continues to be a significant public health issue with sub-optimal BP control rates. The goal of the trial is to compare a multicomponent intervention (MCI) to usual care to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the MCI for lowering BP among adults with hypertension in rural communities in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. METHODS/DESIGN This study is a stratified, cluster randomized controlled trial with a qualitative component for evaluation of processes and stakeholder feedback. The MCI has five components: (1) home health education by government community health workers (CHWs), (2) BP monitoring and stepped-up referral to a trained general practitioner using a checklist, (3) training public and private providers in management of hypertension and using a checklist, (4) designating hypertension triage counter and hypertension care coordinators in government clinics and (5) a financing model to compensate for additional health services and provide subsidies to low income individuals with poorly controlled hypertension. Usual care will comprise existing services in the community without any additional training. The trial will be conducted on 2550 individuals aged ≥40 years with hypertension (with systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg, based on the mean of the last two of three measurements from two separate days, or on antihypertensive therapy) in 30 rural communities in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The primary outcome is change in systolic BP from baseline to follow-up at 24 months post-randomization. The incremental cost of MCI per CVD disability-adjusted life years averted will be computed. Stakeholders including policy makers, provincial- and district-level coordinators of relevant programmes, physicians, CHWs, key community leaders, hypertensive individuals and family members in the identified clusters will be interviewed. DISCUSSION The study will provide evidence of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of MCI strategies for BP control compared to usual care in the rural public health infrastructure in South Asian countries. If shown to be successful, MCI may be a long-term sustainable strategy for tackling the rising rates of CVD in low resourced countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02657746 . Registered on 14 January 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tazeen H Jafar
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore.
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Imtiaz Jehan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - H Asita de Silva
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Aliya Naheed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mihir Gandhi
- Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Singapore, 138669, Singapore
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, 16957, Singapore
| | - Pryseley Assam
- Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Singapore, 138669, Singapore
| | - Eric A Finkelstein
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Helena Legido Quigley
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117549, Singapore
| | - Marcel Bilger
- Program in Health Services & Systems Research, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | | | | | - Shah Ebrahim
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth L Turner
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Anuradhani Kasturiratne
- Clinical Trials Unit, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Ragama, Sri Lanka
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