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Dougherty L, Dadi C, Silva M. Evaluation of the RISE II integrated social and behavior change approach in Niger: A contribution analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0308185. [PMID: 39083501 PMCID: PMC11290641 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Niger faces a myriad of health challenges and development efforts are complicated by persistent poverty, high population growth rates, and climate change. Integrated social and behavior change (SBC) addresses health outcomes through collective action and approaches at the limited points of entry individuals have with the health system. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods study to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated SBC program in the Maradi, and Zinder regions of Niger. We applied contribution analysis, a theory-based plausibility analysis, to assess contributions of the intervention. RESULTS We found the program contributed to improved behavioral determinants. Male engagement and income generating activities provided further support for women to practice health behaviors. However, increases in male partner out-migration was negatively associated with health outcomes. While the program did not generate statistically significant improvements in health outcomes in the intervention area, exposure to health messages and participation in women's groups were positively associated with health outcomes suggesting sustained implementation of the integrated SBC approach at scale may achieve improved health outcomes. CONCLUSION Programs should continue to invest in health promotion efforts that include gender sensitive interventions. Further research is needed to understand how women's agency and autonomy evolves as household composition changes through male out-migration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chaibou Dadi
- Conception Etudes Suivi Evaluation Appuis Formation, Niamey, Niger
| | - Martha Silva
- Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States of America
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Adeniyi A, Akama G, Lukandu O, Ikemeri JE, Jumah A, Chelagat S, Kasuya A, Ruhl L, Songok J, Christoffersen-Deb A. Reducing maternal and child oral health disparities in Sub-Saharan Africa through a community-based strategy. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2024; 5:1429332. [PMID: 39005710 PMCID: PMC11239421 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2024.1429332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral conditions disproportionately affect mothers and children in Sub-Saharan Africa, due to biological vulnerabilities, a scarcity of oral health workers, deficient preventive strategies, and gender-based barriers to care. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends integrating oral health into broader health delivery models, to reduce these disparities. We propose integrating preventive oral healthcare into community-based programs to bridge these gaps. We examine integrating preventive oral healthcare into Western Kenya's Chamas for Change (Chamas) community-based program which aims to reduce maternal and child health disparities. Chamas incorporates women's health and microfinance programs best practices to produce a low-cost, community-driven, sustainable, and culturally acceptable health delivery platform. Our strategy is based on the Maternal and Child Oral Health Framework and uses the WHO Basic Package of Oral Care principles. This framework prioritizes community involvement, cultural sensitivity, regular screenings, and seamless integration into general health sessions. We discuss the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to enriching Chamas with oral health promotion activities. It is crucial to assess the effectiveness, sustainability, and acceptability of the proposed strategy through implementation and evaluation. Future studies should investigate the long-term impact of integrated oral health models on community health and oral health disparity reduction in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiola Adeniyi
- School of Policy and Global Studies, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gladys Akama
- Department of Community, Preventive Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Ochiba Lukandu
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Radiology, School of Dentistry, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Justus E. Ikemeri
- Population Health, Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Anjellah Jumah
- Population Health, Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Sheilah Chelagat
- Population Health, Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Anusu Kasuya
- Population Health, Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Laura Ruhl
- Population Health, Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University Medical School, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Julia Songok
- Population Health, Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
- Child Health and Pediatrics, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Astrid Christoffersen-Deb
- Population Health, Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Yoseph A, Teklesilasie W, Guillen-Grima F, Astatkie A. Community-Based Health Education Led by Women's Groups Significantly Improved Maternal Health Service Utilization in Southern Ethiopia: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1045. [PMID: 38786455 PMCID: PMC11121210 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12101045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effect of health education intervention (HEI) on maternal health service utilization (MHSU) in southern Ethiopia. METHODS From 10 January to 1 August 2023, a community-based, two-arm, parallel-group cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) was conducted among pregnant mothers in the Northern Zone of Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia. We utilized multilevel mixed-effects modified Poisson regression with robust variance to control for the effects of clustering and potential confounders. The level of significance was adjusted for multiple comparisons. RESULTS The overall utilization of at least one antenatal care (ANC) visit was 90.2% in the treatment group and 59.5% in the comparator group (χ2 = 89.22, p < 0.001). Health facility delivery (HFD) utilization was considerably different between the treatment group (74.3%) and the comparator group (50.8%) (χ2 = 70.50, p < 0.001). HEI significantly increased ANC utilization (adjusted risk ratio [ARR]: 1.32; 99% CI: 1.12-1.56) and HFD utilization (ARR: 1.24; 99% CI: 1.06-1.46). The utilization of at least one postnatal care (PNC) service was 65.4% in the treatment group and 52.1% in the comparator group (χ2 = 19.51, p = 0.01). However, after controlling for the effects of confounders and clustering, the impact of HEI on PNC utilization was insignificant between the two groups (ARR: 1.15; 99% CI: 0.89-1.48). CONCLUSION A community-based HEI significantly increased ANC and HFD utilization but did not increase PNC utilization. Expanding the HEI with certain modifications will have a superior effect on improving MHSU. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05865873.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanuel Yoseph
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa P.O. Box 1560, Ethiopia; (W.T.); (A.A.)
| | - Wondwosen Teklesilasie
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa P.O. Box 1560, Ethiopia; (W.T.); (A.A.)
| | - Francisco Guillen-Grima
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Healthcare Research Institute of Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Institute of Health Carlos III, 46980 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ayalew Astatkie
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa P.O. Box 1560, Ethiopia; (W.T.); (A.A.)
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Birhane BM, Assefa Y, Belay DM, Nibret G, Munye Aytenew T, Liyeh TM, Gelaw KA, Tiruneh YM. Interventions to improve the quality of maternal care in Ethiopia: a scoping review. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1289835. [PMID: 38694232 PMCID: PMC11061455 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1289835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Quality improvement interventions have been part of the national agenda aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortality. Despite different interventions, neonatal mortality and morbidity rates remain steady. This review aimed to map and synthesize the evidence of maternal and newborn quality improvement interventions in Ethiopia. Methods A scoping review was reported based on the reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis extensions for the scoping review checklist. Data extraction, collation, and organization were based on the Joanna Briggs Institute manual of the evidence synthesis framework for a scoping review. The maternal and neonatal care standards from the World Health Organization and the Donabedian quality of health framework were used to summarize the findings. Results Nineteen articles were included in this scoping review. The review found that the studies were conducted across various regions of Ethiopia, with the majority published after 2013. The reviewed studies mainly focused on three maternal care quality interventions: mobile and electronic health (eHealth), quality improvement standards, and human resource mobilization. Moreover, the reviewed studies explored various approaches to quality improvement, such as providing training to healthcare workers, health extension workers, traditional birth attendants, the community health development army, and mothers and supplying resources needed for maternal and newborn care. Conclusion In conclusion, quality improvement strategies encompass community involvement, health education, mHealth, data-driven approaches, and health system strengthening. Future research should focus on the impact of physical environment, culture, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term effects of interventions. Healthcare providers' knowledge, skills, attitudes, satisfaction, and adherence to guidelines should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binyam Minuye Birhane
- College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yibeltal Assefa
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Demeke Mesfin Belay
- College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Gedefaye Nibret
- College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | | | - Tewachew Muche Liyeh
- College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Muriithi FG, Banke-Thomas A, Forbes G, Gakuo RW, Thomas E, Gallos ID, Devall A, Coomarasamy A, Lorencatto F. A systematic review of behaviour change interventions to improve maternal health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002950. [PMID: 38377077 PMCID: PMC10878526 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The rate of decline in the global burden of avoidable maternal deaths has stagnated and remains an issue of concern in many sub-Saharan Africa countries. As per the most recent evidence, an average maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 223 deaths per 100,000 live births has been estimated globally, with sub-Saharan Africa's average MMR at 536 per 100,000 live births-more than twice the global average. Despite the high MMR, there is variation in MMR between and within sub-Saharan Africa countries. Differences in the behaviour of those accessing and/or delivering maternal healthcare may explain variations in outcomes and provide a basis for quality improvement in health systems. There is a gap in describing the landscape of interventions aimed at modifying the behaviours of those accessing and delivering maternal healthcare for improving maternal health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. Our objective was to extract and synthesise the target behaviours, component behaviour change strategies and outcomes of behaviour change interventions for improving maternal health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Our protocol was published a priori on PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022315130). We searched ten electronic databases (PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL PLUS, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online, and Web of Science) and included randomised trials and quasi-experimental studies. We extracted target behaviours and specified the behavioural interventions using the Action, Actor, Context, Time, and Target (AACTT) framework. We categorised the behaviour change strategies using the intervention functions described in the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW). We reviewed 52 articles (26 randomized trials and 26 quasi-experimental studies). They had a mixed risk of bias. Out of these, 41 studies (78.8%) targeted behaviour change of those accessing maternal healthcare services, while seven studies (13.5%) focused on those delivering maternal healthcare. Four studies (7.7%) targeted mixed stakeholder groups. The studies employed a range of behaviour change strategies, including education 37 (33.3%), persuasion 20 (18%), training 19 (17.1%), enablement 16 (14.4%), environmental restructuring 8 (7.2%), modelling 6 (5.4%) and incentivisation 5 (4.5%). No studies used restriction or coercion strategies. Education was the most common strategy for changing the behaviour of those accessing maternal healthcare, while training was the most common strategy in studies targeting the behaviour of those delivering maternal healthcare. Of the 52 studies, 40 reported effective interventions, 7 were ineffective, and 5 were equivocal. A meta-analysis was not feasible due to methodological and clinical heterogeneity across the studies. In conclusion, there is evidence of effective behaviour change interventions targeted at those accessing and/or delivering maternal healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa. However, more focus should be placed on behaviour change by those delivering maternal healthcare within the health facilities to fast-track the reduction of the huge burden of avoidable maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis G. Muriithi
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women’s Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- School of Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, Greenwich, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Forbes
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth W. Gakuo
- Department of Nursing, Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Lenton, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Thomas
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women’s Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ioannis D. Gallos
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women’s Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Adam Devall
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women’s Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Arri Coomarasamy
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women’s Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Fabiana Lorencatto
- Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Oyo-Ita A, Oduwole O, Arikpo D, Effa EE, Esu EB, Balakrishna Y, Chibuzor MT, Oringanje CM, Nwachukwu CE, Wiysonge CS, Meremikwu MM. Interventions for improving coverage of childhood immunisation in low- and middle-income countries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 12:CD008145. [PMID: 38054505 PMCID: PMC10698843 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008145.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunisation plays a major role in reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. Getting children immunised against potentially fatal and debilitating vaccine-preventable diseases remains a challenge despite the availability of efficacious vaccines, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. With the introduction of new vaccines, this becomes increasingly difficult. There is therefore a current need to synthesise the available evidence on the strategies used to bridge this gap. This is a second update of the Cochrane Review first published in 2011 and updated in 2016, and it focuses on interventions for improving childhood immunisation coverage in low- and middle-income countries. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effectiveness of intervention strategies to boost demand and supply of childhood vaccines, and sustain high childhood immunisation coverage in low- and middle-income countries. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Global Index Medicus (11 July 2022). We searched Embase, LILACS, and Sociological Abstracts (2 September 2014). We searched WHO ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov (11 July 2022). In addition, we screened reference lists of relevant systematic reviews for potentially eligible studies, and carried out a citation search for 14 of the included studies (19 February 2020). SELECTION CRITERIA Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised RCTs (nRCTs), controlled before-after studies, and interrupted time series conducted in low- and middle-income countries involving children that were under five years of age, caregivers, and healthcare providers. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We independently screened the search output, reviewed full texts of potentially eligible articles, assessed the risk of bias, and extracted data in duplicate, resolving discrepancies by consensus. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses and used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS Forty-one studies involving 100,747 participants are included in the review. Twenty studies were cluster-randomised and 15 studies were individually randomised controlled trials. Six studies were quasi-randomised. The studies were conducted in four upper-middle-income countries (China, Georgia, Mexico, Guatemala), 11 lower-middle-income countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Nepal, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Zimbabwe), and three lower-income countries (Afghanistan, Mali, Rwanda). The interventions evaluated in the studies were health education (seven studies), patient reminders (13 studies), digital register (two studies), household incentives (three studies), regular immunisation outreach sessions (two studies), home visits (one study), supportive supervision (two studies), integration of immunisation services with intermittent preventive treatment of malaria (one study), payment for performance (two studies), engagement of community leaders (one study), training on interpersonal communication skills (one study), and logistic support to health facilities (one study). We judged nine of the included studies to have low risk of bias; the risk of bias in eight studies was unclear and 24 studies had high risk of bias. We found low-certainty evidence that health education (risk ratio (RR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15 to 1.62; 6 studies, 4375 participants) and home-based records (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.75; 3 studies, 4019 participants) may improve coverage with DTP3/Penta 3 vaccine. Phone calls/short messages may have little or no effect on DTP3/Penta 3 vaccine uptake (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.25; 6 studies, 3869 participants; low-certainty evidence); wearable reminders probably have little or no effect on DTP3/Penta 3 uptake (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.07; 2 studies, 1567 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Use of community leaders in combination with provider intervention probably increases the uptake of DTP3/Penta 3 vaccine (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.69; 1 study, 2020 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). We are uncertain about the effect of immunisation outreach on DTP3/Penta 3 vaccine uptake in children under two years of age (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.56; 1 study, 541 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are also uncertain about the following interventions improving full vaccination of children under two years of age: training of health providers on interpersonal communication skills (RR 5.65, 95% CI 3.62 to 8.83; 1 study, 420 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and home visits (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.45; 1 study, 419 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The same applies to the effect of training of health providers on interpersonal communication skills on the uptake of DTP3/Penta 3 by one year of age (very low-certainty evidence). The integration of immunisation with other services may, however, improve full vaccination (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.44; 1 study, 1700 participants; low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Health education, home-based records, a combination of involvement of community leaders with health provider intervention, and integration of immunisation services may improve vaccine uptake. The certainty of the evidence for the included interventions ranged from moderate to very low. Low certainty of the evidence implies that the true effect of the interventions might be markedly different from the estimated effect. Further, more rigorous RCTs are, therefore, required to generate high-certainty evidence to inform policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Oyo-Ita
- Department of Community Health, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Olabisi Oduwole
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Achievers University, Owo, Nigeria
| | - Dachi Arikpo
- Cochrane Nigeria, Institute of Tropical Diseases Research and Prevention, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel E Effa
- Internal Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Ekpereonne B Esu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medical Sciences, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Yusentha Balakrishna
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Moriam T Chibuzor
- Cochrane Nigeria, Institute of Tropical Diseases Research and Prevention, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
| | - Chioma M Oringanje
- GIDP Entomology and Insect Science, University of Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Charles S Wiysonge
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Programme, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, Cité du Djoué, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Martin M Meremikwu
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
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Maluka SO, Mpambije CJ, Kamuzora PC, Fitzgerald S. The effects of community-based interventions on the uptake of selected maternal and child health services: experiences of the IMCHA project in Iringa Tanzania, 2015-2020. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:328. [PMID: 37158851 PMCID: PMC10165785 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05638-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal and child health (MCH) improvement has been prioritised in resource-constrained countries. This is due to the desire to meet the global sustainable development goals of achieving a maternal mortality rate of 70 per 100000 live births by 2030. The uptake of key maternal and child health services is crucial for reducing maternal and child health mortalities. Community-Based Interventions (CBIs) have been regarded as among the important strategies to improve maternal and child health service uptake. However, a paucity of studies examines the impacts of CBIs and related strategies on maternal and child health. This paper unveils the contribution of CBIs toward improving MCH in Tanzania. METHODS Convergent mixed method design was employed in this study. Questionnaires were used to examine the trajectory and trend of the selected MCH indicators using the baseline and end-line data for the implemented CBI interventions. Data was also collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, mainly with implementers of the interventions from the community and the implementation research team. The collected quantitative data was analysed using IBM SPSS, while qualitative data was analysed thematically. RESULTS Antenatal care visits increased by 24% in Kilolo and 18% in Mufindi districts, and postnatal care increased by 14% in Kilolo and 31% in Mufindi districts. Male involvement increased by 5% in Kilolo and 13% in Mufindi districts. The uptake of modern family planning methods increased by 31% and 24% in Kilolo and Mufindi districts, respectively. Furthermore, the study demonstrated improved awareness and knowledge on matters pertaining to MCH services, attitude change amongst healthcare providers, and increased empowerment of women group members. CONCLUSION Community-Based Interventions through participatory women groups are vital for increasing the uptake of MCH services. However, the success of CBIs depends on the wide array of contextual settings, including the commitment of implementers of the interventions. Thus, CBIs should be strategically designed to enlist the support of the communities and implementers of the interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Oswald Maluka
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35169, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
- Dar Es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE), P. O Box 2329, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Chakupewa Joseph Mpambije
- Department of Development Studies, History and Political Sciences, Mkwawa University College of Education (MUCE), P.O. Box 2513, Iringa, Tanzania.
| | - Peter Clever Kamuzora
- Institute of Development Studies, University of Dar Es Salaam, P.O. Box 35169, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
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Scanlon ML, Maldonado LY, Ikemeri JE, Jumah A, Anusu G, Chelagat S, Keter JC, Songok J, Ruhl LJ, Christoffersen-Deb A. 'It was hell in the community': a qualitative study of maternal and child health care during health care worker strikes in Kenya. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:210. [PMID: 34556148 PMCID: PMC8461886 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01549-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health care workers in Kenya have launched major strikes in the public health sector in the past decade but the impact of strikes on health systems is under-explored. We conducted a qualitative study to investigate maternal and child health care and services during nationwide strikes by health care workers in 2017 from the perspective of pregnant women, community health volunteers (CHVs), and health facility managers. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with three populations: women who were pregnant in 2017, CHVs, and health facility managers. Women who were pregnant in 2017 were part of a previous study. All participants were recruited using convenience sampling from a single County in western Kenya. Interviews and FGDs were conducted in English or Kiswahili using semi-structured guides that probed women's pregnancy experiences and maternal and child health services in 2017. Interviews and FGDs were audio-recorded, translated, and transcribed. Content analysis followed a thematic framework approach using deductive and inductive approaches. RESULTS Forty-three women and 22 CHVs participated in 4 FGDs and 3 FGDs, respectively, and 8 health facility managers participated in interviews. CHVs and health facility managers were majority female (80%). Participants reported that strikes by health care workers significantly impacted the availability and quality of maternal and child health services in 2017 and had indirect economic effects due to households paying for services in the private sector. Participants felt it was the poor, particularly poor women, who were most affected since they were more likely to rely on public services, while CHVs highlighted their own poor working conditions in response to strikes by physicians and nurses. Strikes strained relationships and trust between communities and the health system that were identified as essential to maternal and child health care. CONCLUSION We found that the impacts of strikes by health care workers in 2017 extended beyond negative health and economic effects and exacerbated fundamental inequities in the health system. While this study was conducted in one County, our findings suggest several potential avenues for strengthening maternal and child health care in Kenya that were highlighted by nationwide strikes in 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Scanlon
- Indiana University Center for Global Health, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite RO 101, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya.
| | - Lauren Y Maldonado
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya.,Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justus E Ikemeri
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Anjellah Jumah
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Getrude Anusu
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Sheilah Chelagat
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Julia Songok
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya.,Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Laura J Ruhl
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya.,Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Astrid Christoffersen-Deb
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Scanlon ML, Maldonado LY, Ikemeri JE, Jumah A, Anusu G, Bone JN, Chelagat S, Keter JC, Ruhl L, Songok J, Christoffersen-Deb A. A retrospective study of the impact of health worker strikes on maternal and child health care utilization in western Kenya. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:898. [PMID: 34465317 PMCID: PMC8408013 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06939-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been dozens of strikes by health workers in Kenya in the past decade, but there are few studies of their impact on maternal and child health services and outcomes. We conducted a retrospective survey study to assess the impact of nationwide strikes by health workers in 2017 on utilization of maternal and child health services in western Kenya. METHODS We utilized a parent study to enroll women who were pregnant in 2017 when there were prolonged strikes by health workers ("strike group") and women who were pregnant in 2018 when there were no major strikes ("control group"). Trained research assistants administered a close-ended survey to retrospectively collect demographic and pregnancy-related health utilization and outcomes data. Data were collected between March and July 2019. The primary outcomes of interest were antenatal care (ANC) visits, delivery location, and early child immunizations. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate risk ratios between the strike and control groups, adjusting for socioeconomic status, health insurance status, and clustering. Adjusted risk ratios (ARR) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS Of 1341 women recruited in the parent study in 2017 (strike group), we re-consented 843 women (63%) to participate. Of 924 women recruited in the control arm of the parent study in 2018 (control group), we re-consented 728 women (79%). Women in the strike group were 17% less likely to attend at least four ANC visits during their pregnancy (ARR 0.83, 95%CI 0.74, 0.94) and 16% less likely to deliver in a health facility (ARR 0.84, 95%CI 0.76, 0.92) compared to women in the control group. Whether a child received their first oral polio vaccine did not differ significantly between groups, but children of women in the strike group received their vaccine significantly longer after birth (13 days versus 7 days, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION We found that women who were pregnant during nationwide strikes by health workers in 2017 were less likely to receive WHO-recommended maternal child health services. Strategies to maintain these services during strikes are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Scanlon
- Indiana University Center for Global Health, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite RO 101, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya.
| | - Lauren Y Maldonado
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justus E Ikemeri
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Anjellah Jumah
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Getrude Anusu
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Jeffrey N Bone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sheilah Chelagat
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Laura Ruhl
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Julia Songok
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Department of Child Health and Paediatrics, College of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Astrid Christoffersen-Deb
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Vedanthan R, Kamano JH, Chrysanthopoulou SA, Mugo R, Andama B, Bloomfield GS, Chesoli CW, DeLong AK, Edelman D, Finkelstein EA, Horowitz CR, Manyara S, Menya D, Naanyu V, Orango V, Pastakia SD, Valente TW, Hogan JW, Fuster V. Group Medical Visit and Microfinance Intervention for Patients With Diabetes or Hypertension in Kenya. J Am Coll Cardiol 2021; 77:2007-2018. [PMID: 33888251 PMCID: PMC8065205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incorporating social determinants of health into care delivery for chronic diseases is a priority. OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of group medical visits and/or microfinance on blood pressure reduction. METHODS The authors conducted a cluster randomized trial with 4 arms and 24 clusters: 1) usual care (UC); 2) usual care plus microfinance (MF); 3) group medical visits (GMVs); and 4) GMV integrated into MF (GMV-MF). The primary outcome was 1-year change in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Mixed-effects intention-to-treat models were used to evaluate the outcomes. RESULTS A total of 2,890 individuals (69.9% women) were enrolled (708 UC, 709 MF, 740 GMV, and 733 GMV-MF). Average baseline SBP was 157.5 mm Hg. Mean SBP declined -11.4, -14.8, -14.7, and -16.4 mm Hg in UC, MF, GMV, and GMV-MF, respectively. Adjusted estimates and multiplicity-adjusted 98.3% confidence intervals showed that, relative to UC, SBP reduction was 3.9 mm Hg (-8.5 to 0.7), 3.3 mm Hg (-7.8 to 1.2), and 2.3 mm Hg (-7.0 to 2.4) greater in GMV-MF, GMV, and MF, respectively. GMV and GMV-MF tended to benefit women, and MF and GMV-MF tended to benefit poorer individuals. Active participation in GMV-MF was associated with greater benefit. CONCLUSIONS A strategy combining GMV and MF for individuals with diabetes or hypertension in Kenya led to clinically meaningful SBP reductions associated with cardiovascular benefit. Although the significance threshold was not met in pairwise comparison hypothesis testing, confidence intervals for GMV-MF were consistent with impacts ranging from substantive benefit to neutral effect relative to UC. Incorporating social determinants of health into care delivery for chronic diseases has potential to improve outcomes. (Bridging Income Generation With Group Integrated Care [BIGPIC]; NCT02501746).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Vedanthan
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
| | - Jemima H Kamano
- School of Medicine, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya; Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Richard Mugo
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Benjamin Andama
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | - Eric A Finkelstein
- Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Carol R Horowitz
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Simon Manyara
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Diana Menya
- School of Public Health, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Violet Naanyu
- School of Arts and Social Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Vitalis Orango
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Valentin Fuster
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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