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Apeagyei AE, Sahu M. Claims data from health insurance programmes in sub-Saharan Africa: an untapped resource to promote Universal Health Coverage. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e015310. [PMID: 38991580 PMCID: PMC11268020 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-015310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Angela E Apeagyei
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Maitreyi Sahu
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Sefah IA, Chetty S, Yamoah P, Godman B, Bangalee V. An Assessment of the Current Level of Implementation of the Core Elements of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Public Hospitals in Ghana. Hosp Pharm 2024; 59:367-377. [PMID: 38764988 PMCID: PMC11097926 DOI: 10.1177/00185787231224066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming a threat to global public health. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) program (ASP) is one of the 5 strategic areas in the Ghana National Action Plan to fight this menace. Assessment of the core elements of ASP in a hospital setting has been identified as a pragmatic way of identifying the barriers and facilitators for its effective implementation. Method: The World Health Organization's toolkit for assessment of the 7 core elements of ASP in hospitals in low and middle income countries was used for this situational analysis of public hospitals in 2 regions of Ghana. The core elements included leadership commitment, accountability and responsibility, pharmacy expertize, AMS actions and interventions, education and training, and periodic monitoring and surveillance. Data collected using a checklist were imported into STATA version 14 for descriptive and bivariate analyses. Results: 15 public hospitals were assessed with the toolkit. Most of them were primary health care facilities (n = 12, 80.0%), had bed capacities between 100 and 199 beds, less than 50 medical doctors (n = 12, 80.0%), less than 5 pharmacists (n = 10, 66.7%), and between 100 and 199 nurses. Performances in 4 out of the 7 core elements were most deficient and they included leadership commitment, pharmacy expertize, AMS actions (interventions) implemented, monitoring and surveillance of antibiotic use, and bacteria resistance rates. Pharmacist-led ASPs were also found to be associated with their formal training on AMS. Key barriers identified included lack of skilled human resources, lack of available time for AMS-related duties and poor laboratory infrastructure. Conclusion: There was sub-optimal performance for almost all the core elements of ASP in the public hospitals in Ghana hampered mostly by lack of skilled human and financial resources. Pharmacists must be empowered through formal training and certificate programs in infectious disease management and AMS principles and strategies to enhance their contribution toward ASPs in hospitals. The results from this study should encourage nationwide assessment of ASPs across hospital settings in Ghana to better evaluate the level of their implementation and address potential barriers to guide AMS policies and ASP strategy development toward the fight against AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Abebrese Sefah
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- University of Health and Allied Sciences, Volta Region, Ghana
| | | | - Peter Yamoah
- University of Health and Allied Sciences, Volta Region, Ghana
| | - Brian Godman
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Garankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa
- University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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Gini R, Pajouheshnia R, Gardarsdottir H, Bennett D, Li L, Gulea C, Wientzek-Fleischmann A, Bazelier MT, Burcu M, Dodd C, Durán CE, Kaplan S, Lanes S, Marinier K, Roberto G, Soman K, Zhou X, Platt R, Setoguchi S, Hall GC. Describing diversity of real world data sources in pharmacoepidemiologic studies: The DIVERSE scoping review. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2024; 33:e5787. [PMID: 38724471 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Real-world evidence (RWE) is increasingly used for medical regulatory decisions, yet concerns persist regarding its reproducibility and hence validity. This study addresses reproducibility challenges associated with diversity across real-world data sources (RWDS) repurposed for secondary use in pharmacoepidemiologic studies. Our aims were to identify, describe and characterize practices, recommendations and tools for collecting and reporting diversity across RWDSs, and explore how leveraging diversity could improve the quality of evidence. METHODS In a preliminary phase, keywords for a literature search and selection tool were designed using a set of documents considered to be key by the coauthors. Next, a systematic search was conducted up to December 2021. The resulting documents were screened based on titles and abstracts, then based on full texts using the selection tool. Selected documents were reviewed to extract information on topics related to collecting and reporting RWDS diversity. A content analysis of the topics identified explicit and latent themes. RESULTS Across the 91 selected documents, 12 topics were identified: 9 dimensions used to describe RWDS (organization accessing the data source, data originator, prompt, inclusion of population, content, data dictionary, time span, healthcare system and culture, and data quality), tools to summarize such dimensions, challenges, and opportunities arising from diversity. Thirty-six themes were identified within the dimensions. Opportunities arising from data diversity included multiple imputation and standardization. CONCLUSIONS The dimensions identified across a large number of publications lay the foundation for formal guidance on reporting diversity of data sources to facilitate interpretation and enhance replicability and validity of RWE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Romin Pajouheshnia
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, RTI Health Solutions, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Helga Gardarsdottir
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Data Science & Biostatistics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Dimitri Bennett
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lin Li
- Epidemiology and Benefit Risk, Sanofi, Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA
| | - Claudia Gulea
- Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence, MSD, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Marloes T Bazelier
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mehmet Burcu
- Department of Epidemiology, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Carlos E Durán
- Department of Data Science & Biostatistics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Kanaka Soman
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology & Clinical Pharmacology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- Global Medical Epidemiology, Pfizer Inc. New York, USA
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Lane J, Stergachis A. Combining legal epidemiology and implementation science to improve global access to medicines: challenges and opportunities. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2024; 3:1291183. [PMID: 38264186 PMCID: PMC10803399 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2023.1291183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Laws and policies affecting access to medicines have been in the global health spotlight for decades, yet our understanding of their effects remains substantially underdeveloped. The emerging field of legal epidemiology combined with the methods of implementation science presents an opportunity to help address this gap. Legal epidemiology refers to the scientific study and deployment of law as a factor in the cause, distribution, and prevention of disease and injury in a population. Legal epidemiology studies consist of a systematic collection and coding of laws and policies relating to a particular topic. Quasi-experimental or observational research methods can then be applied to take advantage of natural experiments resulting from heterogenous adoption and/or implementation of laws and policies. Often legal epidemiology studies fail to account for heterogenous law implementation processes, presenting a need and opportunity to integrate implementation science methods. Researchers may face challenges in integrating these methods for access to medicines studies, including data access issues and a complex legal and implementation environment. Yet, the opportunities presented by increasingly transparent legal environments, improved monitoring of medicine availability, universal health coverage expansion, and electronic health and insurance records integration may facilitate overcoming these challenges. Improved collaboration and communication between researchers, health authorities, manufacturers, and health providers from public and private sectors will be critical. In spite of the challenges, combining the fields of legal epidemiology and implementation science may present an important strategy toward creating a legal and policy environment that supports global and equitable access to medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Lane
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Andy Stergachis
- Departments of Pharmacy and Global Health, Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Sefah IA, Chetty S, Yamoah P, Meyer JC, Chigome A, Godman B, Bangalee V. A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Healthcare Professionals towards Antimicrobial Stewardship in Ghana: Findings and Implications. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1497. [PMID: 37887198 PMCID: PMC10604649 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12101497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are part of the key activities that contribute to reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Good knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among healthcare professionals (HCPs) are essential to improving future antimicrobial use and reducing AMR, which is a priority in Ghana. A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted in six public hospitals in Ghana among key HCPs to assess their level of KAP towards AMS using a validated self-administered electronic questionnaire. Data analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics using STATA version 14. Overall, 339 out of 355 HCPs responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 95.5%. Most responders were nurses (n = 256, 78.2%), followed by medical doctors (n = 45, 13.3%). The study recorded both poor knowledge (8.9%) and practice levels (35.4%), as well as a good attitude (78.8%) towards AMS. Ongoing exposure to AMS structured training, exposure to continuous professional development training on AMS in the previous year, and the number of years of working experience were predictors of the HCPs' level of knowledge (aOR = 3.02 C.I = 1.12-8.11), attitude (aOR = 0.37 C.I = 0.20-0.69) and practice (aOR = 2.09 C.I =1.09-3.99), respectively. Consequently, concentrated efforts must be made to address current low levels of knowledge and poor practices regarding AMS among HCPs in Ghana as part of ongoing strategies in the National Action Plan to reduce AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Abebrese Sefah
- Pharmacy Practice Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Volta Region, Ho PMB 31, Ghana;
| | - Sarentha Chetty
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa;
| | - Peter Yamoah
- Pharmacy Practice Department, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Volta Region, Ho PMB 31, Ghana;
| | - Johanna C. Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Garankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa; (J.C.M.); (A.C.)
- South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Garankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
| | - Audrey Chigome
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Garankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa; (J.C.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Garankuwa, Pretoria 0208, South Africa; (J.C.M.); (A.C.)
- Department of Pharmacoepidemiology, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Varsha Bangalee
- Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa;
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Mommers I, van Boven JFM, Schuiling-Veninga CCM, Bos JHJ, Koetsier M, Hak E, Bijlsma MJ. Real-World Dispensing Patterns of Inhalation Medication in Young Adult Asthma: An Inception Cohort Study. Clin Epidemiol 2023; 15:721-732. [PMID: 37337562 PMCID: PMC10276997 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s410036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) suggests a step-wise approach for pharmacological treatment of asthma. Valid study of real-world treatment patterns using dispensing databases includes proper measurement of medication adherence. We aim to explore such patterns by applying a time-varying proportion of days covered (tPDC)-based algorithm. Patients and Methods We designed a retrospective inception cohort study using the University of Groningen IADB.nl community pharmacy dispensing database. Included were 19,184 young adults who initiated asthma medication anywhere between 1994 and 2021, in the Netherlands. Main treatment steps were defined as: 1 - SABA/ICS-formoterol as needed, 2 - low dose ICS, 3 - low dose ICS + LABA or tiotropium, or intermediate dose ICS, 4 - intermediate to high dose ICS + LABA or tiotropium, triple therapy, or high dose ICS, 5 - treatment prescribed by a specialist. Changes in treatment steps were determined using a time-varying proportion of days covered (tPDC)-based algorithm. Individual drug treatment trajectories were visualized over time using a lasagna plot. Results At initiation, of the 19,184 included individuals, 52%, 7%, 15%, 16%, and 10% started treatment in steps 1 to 5, respectively. The median (IQR) follow-up time was 3 (1-7) years. Median (IQR) number of switches was 1 (0-3). Comparing starting step to last observed step, 37% never switched between treatment steps, 20% of individuals stepped down and 22% stepped up. Conclusion The low proportion of treatment switches between steps indicates that tailoring of treatment to patients' needs might be suboptimal. The tPDC-based algorithm functions well in translating dispensing data into continuous drug-utilization data, enabling a more granular assessment of treatment patterns among asthma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Mommers
- Pharmacotherapy, Epidemiology and -Economics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Job F M van Boven
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jens H J Bos
- Pharmacotherapy, Epidemiology and -Economics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marten Koetsier
- Pharmacotherapy, Epidemiology and -Economics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Eelko Hak
- Pharmacotherapy, Epidemiology and -Economics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten J Bijlsma
- Pharmacotherapy, Epidemiology and -Economics, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Laboratory of Population Health, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
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Durizzo K, Harttgen K, Tediosi F, Sahu M, Kuwawenaruwa A, Salari P, Günther I. Toward mandatory health insurance in low-income countries? An analysis of claims data in Tanzania. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2022; 31:2187-2207. [PMID: 35933731 PMCID: PMC9543525 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Many low-income countries are in the process of scaling up health insurance with the goal of achieving universal coverage. However, little is known about the usage and financial sustainability of mandatory health insurance. This study analyzes 26 million claims submitted to the Tanzanian National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), which covers two million public servants for whom public insurance is mandatory, to understand insurance usage patterns, cost drivers, and financial sustainability. We find that in 2016, half of policyholders used a health service within a single year, with an average annual cost of 33 US$ per policyholder. About 10% of the population was responsible for 80% of the health costs, and women, middle-age and middle-income groups had the highest costs. Out of 7390 health centers, only five health centers are responsible for 30% of total costs. Estimating the expected health expenditures for the entire population based on the NHIF cost structure, we find that for a sustainable national scale-up, policy makers will have to decide between reducing the health benefit package or increasing revenues. We also show that the cost structure of a mandatory insurance scheme in a low-income country differs substantially from high-income settings. Replication studies for other countries are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabrizio Tediosi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteAllschwilSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Maitreyi Sahu
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteAllschwilSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
- University of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - August Kuwawenaruwa
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteAllschwilSwitzerland
- Ifakara Health InstituteDar es SalaamTanzania
| | - Paola Salari
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health InstituteAllschwilSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
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8
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Amporfu E, Agyei-Baffour P, Edusei A, Novignon J, Arthur E. Strategic Health Purchasing Progress Mapping: A Spotlight on Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme. Health Syst Reform 2022; 8:e2058337. [PMID: 35695801 DOI: 10.1080/23288604.2022.2058337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghana is a lower-middle-income economy that has made significant efforts to improve its health system, in order to achieve universal health coverage. Ghana has adopted strategic health purchasing as an important tool for efficient utilization of resources. This paper focuses on Ghana's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) analyzing its governance arrangements and purchasing functions; and providing recommendations for improvement. The study applied the Strategic Health Purchasing Progress Tracking Framework co-created by the Strategic Purchasing Africa Resource Center (SPARC) and its partners to collect data from secondary and primary sources between September 2019 and June 2020. A descriptive and narrative approach was used to synthesize information on the NHIS governance arrangements and purchasing functions based on the framework. Benchmarks were used to describe the NHIS on the continuum from passive to strategic purchasing and to identify steps to make purchasing more strategic. Strengths and weaknesses were found in governance and purchasing functions. Progress was seen in how the NHIS selects the services in the benefit package, regularly reviewing the package to respond to the health needs of the population, and in how it selectively contracts with providers, particularly private providers, to ensure that standards for quality of care are met. However, challenges remain in performance monitoring, due to claims being mostly processed manually, and provider payment, due to frequent unbundling and upcoding of services Ghana has made significant strides toward the achievement of universal health coverage, but there is room for improvement in provider payment and performance monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Amporfu
- Department of Economics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Peter Agyei-Baffour
- Department of Health Policy Management and Economics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Anthony Edusei
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, Disability, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jacob Novignon
- Department of Economics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eric Arthur
- Department of Economics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Sefah IA, Essah DO, Kurdi A, Sneddon J, Alalbila TM, Kordorwu H, Godman B. Assessment of adherence to pneumonia guidelines and its determinants in an ambulatory care clinic in Ghana: findings and implications for the future. JAC Antimicrob Resist 2021; 3:dlab080. [PMID: 34223139 PMCID: PMC8210001 DOI: 10.1093/jacamr/dlab080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to local standard guidelines is seen as a pragmatic way to measure and improve the quality of future prescribing in ambulatory care to reduce morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. OBJECTIVES To evaluate adherence to the Ghana Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) for the empirical antibiotic treatment of ambulatory care patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a region in Ghana and factors associated with it. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a checklist to collect data from the hospital electronic database, which included sociodemographic details, payment type and clinical information of all ambulatory patients attending Keta Municipal Hospital, diagnosed and managed for CAP from September 2018 to January 2019. Prescriptions were assessed for adherence to the Ghana STG based on choice of antibiotics. A χ2 test and multiple logistic regression were subsequently conducted. RESULTS A total of 1929 patient records with diagnosis of CAP within the study period at the ambulatory clinic were identified. The overall rate of adherence to the Ghana STG was 32.50% (n = 627). From the patient records collected, 62.50% were female, 41.84% were children (0-12 years), and 97.15% had a valid national health insurance status. Adherence was associated with the duration of antibiotic prescribing, number of additional antibiotics prescribed and some patients' clinical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS The rate of adherence to Ghana STG among the study population was low. Efforts must be made to train and encourage prescribers to follow empirical guidelines to reduce inappropriate selection of antibiotics in the ambulatory care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Abebrese Sefah
- Pharmacy Practice Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Volta Region, Ghana
- Pharmacy Department, Keta Municipal Hospital, Ghana Health Service, Keta-Dzelukope, Ghana
| | - Darius Obeng Essah
- Pharmacy Department, Keta Municipal Hospital, Ghana Health Service, Keta-Dzelukope, Ghana
| | - Amanj Kurdi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Jacqueline Sneddon
- Scottish Antimicrobial Prescribing Group, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Delta House, 50 West Nile Street, Glasgow, G12NP, UK
| | - Thelma Mpoku Alalbila
- Pharmacy Department, Keta Municipal Hospital, Ghana Health Service, Keta-Dzelukope, Ghana
| | - Hope Kordorwu
- Nursing Department, Keta Municipal Hospital, Ghana Health Service, Keta-Dzelukope, Ghana
| | - Brian Godman
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
- School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, 0208, South Africa
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Donneyong MM, Chang TJ, Pottegård A, Ankrah D, Asenso-Boadi F, Addo-Cobbiah V, Dsane-Selby L, Hallas J. Prevalence and quality of antihypertensive therapy among hypertension patients enrolled in the Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2021; 30:1566-1575. [PMID: 34038608 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity in Ghana. However, there is insufficient data on the prevalence and quality of antihypertensive therapy. OBJECTIVES To describe the prevalence of use and quality of antihypertensive therapy. METHODS A cross-sectional study design was used to analyze the 2015 Ghana National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) electronic claims data. Hypertension diagnosis was defined using ICD-10 codes. The primary outcomes assessed were the prevalence of use and quality of antihypertensive therapy. Quality of antihypertensive therapy was defined as the use of antihypertensive agents recommended for treating hypertension patients with comorbid heart failure, myocardial Infarction/Coronary Artery Disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or stroke. We used multivariable logistic regression models to identify predictors of antihypertensive use and quality of therapy. RESULTS Antihypertensive medication use was very high (86%) among the 161 873 hypertension patients covered under the Ghana NHIS. Only a third (32%) of hypertension patients received guideline-concordant therapy. Angiotensin receptor blockers were consumed at the highest dosages of 120 (Interquartile Range [IQR]: 60, 180) daily defined doses over a year. Males (odds ratio [OR] = 0.60; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]:0.58, 0.61) and those with comorbid stroke (OR = 0.91, 95% CI:0.84, 0.99), diabetes (OR = 0.72; 95% CI:0.69, 0.74) and stroke (OR = 0.74, 95%CI:0.68, 0.80) were less likely to use antihypertensives, all other predictors were associated with higher use. CONCLUSION Antihypertensive medication use was very high among hypertension patients covered under the Ghana NHIS. However, there was indication of suboptimal quality of the antihypertensive therapy provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarius M Donneyong
- Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Teng-Jen Chang
- Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Anton Pottegård
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Hospital Pharmacy, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Jesper Hallas
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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