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Caridi TL, Mariño-Polo F, Farra CG, Mingus AM, Memon A, Grijalva MJ, Bates BR. Health literacy & Chagas disease knowledge: A cross-sectional study in Southern Loja Province, Ecuador. PEC INNOVATION 2024; 4:100287. [PMID: 38799258 PMCID: PMC11126796 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2024.100287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Objective Health literacy is associated with many patient outcomes. This study sought to determine the association between a person's level of health literacy and their knowledge about Chagas disease. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with people living in two counties in rural Loja Province, Ecuador who attended a mobile health clinic. The communities in which the study was conducted are at high risk of Chagas disease and have limited access to both health care and educational resources. The Spanish version of Short Assessment for Health Literacy measured health literacy. The Chagas Disease Knowledge questionnaire measured knowledge of Chagas disease. T-tests and correlational analysis were used to assess associations. Results Overall 85 people participated in this study. A majority of the respondents were female (64.1%), and a plurality were married (40.7%) and had education less than secondary (40.7%). The average age of the sample was 44.31 ± 18.85. Health literacy levels and Chagas disease knowledge in the communities were low. About half of people had inadequate health literacy. No association between health literacy and Chagas knowledge was found. Conclusion Health literacy levels and Chagas disease knowledge were not found to be correlated. Explanations for the lack of association may include common causes of inadequate investment in Chagas disease education as well as neglect of health systems in rural Ecuador. Efforts to improve both health literacy and Chagas disease knowledge in poorer, rural areas of Ecuador are needed. Innovation This is the first study to assess relationships between health literacy and knowledge of Chagas disease in an uninfected population. For novel conditions, relationships between health literacy and disease knowledge should be investigated before communication campaigns are adapted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia L. Caridi
- Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, 6775 Bobcat Way Dublin, Ohio 43016, Dublin, OH, USA
| | - Fernanda Mariño-Polo
- Facultad de Medicina, Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, Avenida 12 de Octubre 1076, Quito 170143, Ecuador
| | - Cora G. Farra
- Department of Sociology & Anthropology, Bentley Annex 162, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Alison M. Mingus
- Honors Tutorial College, Ohio University, 35 Park Place, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Athar Memon
- School of Communication Studies, Ohio University, 418 Schoonover Center for Communication, 20 East Union Street, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Mario J. Grijalva
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, 191 West Union Street, Athens, OH, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Department, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Irvine Hall 112, Athens, OH, USA
- Center for Research on Health in Latin America, Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, Calle San Pedro y Pambacienda, Quito 170530, Ecuador
| | - Benjamin R. Bates
- School of Communication Studies, Ohio University, 418 Schoonover Center for Communication, 20 East Union Street, Athens, OH, USA
- Infectious and Tropical Disease Institute, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, 191 West Union Street, Athens, OH, USA
- Center for Research on Health in Latin America, Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, Calle San Pedro y Pambacienda, Quito 170530, Ecuador
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Iglesias Rodríguez IM, Miura S, Maeda T, Imai K, Smith C, Vasquez Velasquez C, Honda S, Hirayama K. Analysis of the Chagas disease situation in Japan: a cross sectional study and cost-effectiveness analysis of a Chagas disease screening program. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 31:100574. [PMID: 36879788 PMCID: PMC9985010 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Japan is estimated to host 3000 cases of Chagas disease (CD). However, there are no epidemiological data and policies for prevention and care. We aimed to analyze the current situation of CD in Japan and identify possible barriers to seeking care. Methods This cross-sectional study included Latin American (LA) migrants living in Japan from March 2019 to October 2020. We obtained blood samples to identify participants infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, and data about sociodemographic information, CD risk factors, and barriers to access to the Japanese national health care system (JNHS). We used the observed prevalence to calculate the cost-effectiveness analysis of the screening of CD in the JNHS. Findings The study included 428 participants, most of them were from Brazil, Bolivia and Peru. The observed prevalence was 1.6% (expected prevalence= 0.75%) and 5.3% among Bolivians. Factors associated with seropositivity were being born in Bolivia, having previously taken a CD test, witnessing the triatome bug at home, and having a relative with CD. The screening model was more cost-effective than the non-screening model from a health care perspective (ICER=200,320 JPY). Factors associated with access to JNHS were being female, length of stay in Japan, Japanese communication skills, source of information, and satisfaction about the JNHS. Interpretation Screening of asymptomatic adults at risk of CD may be a cost-effective strategy in Japan. However, its implementation should consider the barriers that affect LA migrants in access to the JNHS. Funding Nagasaki University and Infectious Diseases Japanese Association.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sachio Miura
- NPO organization, MAIKEN, Motohachioji, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0826, Japan
| | - Takuya Maeda
- Department of Microbiology, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kazuo Imai
- Department of Infectious Disease and Infection Control, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Chris Smith
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Clara Vasquez Velasquez
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Parasitology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Sumihisa Honda
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kenji Hirayama
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical Science, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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The Importance of Screening for Chagas Disease Against the Backdrop of Changing Epidemiology in the USA. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022; 9:185-193. [PMID: 36105114 PMCID: PMC9463514 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00264-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This review seeks to identify factors contributing to the changing epidemiology of Chagas disease in the United States of America (US). By showcasing screening programs for Chagas disease that currently exist in endemic and non-endemic settings, we make recommendations for expanding access to Chagas disease diagnosis and care in the US. Recent Findings Several factors including but not limited to increasing migration, climate change, rapid population growth, growing urbanization, changing transportation patterns, and rising poverty are thought to contribute to changes in the epidemiology of Chagas disease in the US. Outlined are some examples of successful screening programs for Chagas disease in other countries as well as in some areas of the US, notably those which focus on screening high-risk populations and are linked to affordable and effective treatment options. Summary Given concerns that Chagas disease prevalence and even risk of transmission may be increasing in the US, there is a need for improving detection and treatment of the disease. There are many successful screening programs in place that can be replicated and/or expanded upon in the US. Specifically, we propose integrating Chagas disease into relevant clinical guidelines, particularly in cardiology and obstetrics/gynecology, and using advocacy as a tool to raise awareness of Chagas disease.
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Ramos-Sesma V, Navarro M, Llenas-García J, Gil-Anguita C, Torrus-Tendero D, Wikman-Jorgensen P, García-López M, Amador-Prous C, Ventero-Martín MP, Guevara-Hernández P, Garijo-Saiz A, Sanchez-Sanchez A, Bernal-Alcaraz C, Pujades-Tarraga AI, Muñoz-Perez R, Flores-Chávez M, Ramos-Rincón JM. Community-based screening of Chagas disease among Latin American migrants in a non-endemic country: an observational study. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:117. [PMID: 34526137 PMCID: PMC8441044 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00897-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease is a parasitic disease endemic to Latin America, but it has become a disease of global concern due to migration flows. Asymptomatic carriers may host the parasite for years, without knowing they are infected. The aim of this study is to assess prevalence of Chagas disease and evaluate the participants' level of knowledge between Latin American migrants attending a community-based screening campaign. METHODS Three community-based campaigns were performed in Alicante (Spain) in 2016, 2017 and 2018, including educational chats and blood tests for Trypanosoma cruzi serology. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing knowledge about the mechanisms of transmission, disease presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. People seropositive for T. cruzi underwent diagnostic confirmation by two different tests. Results were analyzed by multivariable logistic regression and expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs), adjusting for age, sex, and time in Spain. RESULTS A total of 596 participants were included in the study; 17% were aged under 18 years. Prevalence in adults was 11% [54/496; 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.3-14.5%] versus 0% among children. All but one case were in Bolivians. Diagnosis was independently associated with having been born in Bolivia (aOR: 102, 95% CI: 13-781) and a primary school-level education (aOR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.14-5.06). Of 54 people diagnosed with Chagas disease (most of whom were asymptomatic), 42 (77.7%) returned to the clinic at least once, and 24 (44.4%) received treatment. Multivariable analysis showed that coming from Argentina (aOR: 13, 95% CI: 1.61-1188) or Bolivia (aOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.19-3.39) and having received information about Chagas disease in Spain (aOR: 4.63, 95% CI: 2.54-8.97) were associated with a good level of knowledge on the disease. Having primary level studies (aOR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.34-0.98) and coming from Ecuador (aOR: 4.63, 95% CI: 2.52-847) were independently associated with a lower level of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS Community-based interventions are a good strategy for diagnosing neglected diseases such as Chagas disease in non-endemic countries and for identifying and treating infected, asymptomatic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriam Navarro
- Public Health, Science History and Gynecology Department, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
- Epidemiology Unit Public Health Center of Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Jara Llenas-García
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja de Orihuela (Alicante, Spain)-Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Alicante, Spain
- Clinical Medicine Department, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Concepción Gil-Anguita
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Marina BaixaLa Vila Joiosa (Alicante, Spain)-FISABIO, Alicante, Spain
| | - Diego Torrus-Tendero
- Internal Medicine Department, General University Hospital of Alicante-Biomedical and Health Research Institute of Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
- Parasitology Area, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Philip Wikman-Jorgensen
- Internal Medicine Department, University Hospital of Sant Joan, (Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain)- FISABIO, Alicante, Spain
| | - María García-López
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja de Orihuela (Alicante, Spain)-Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Alicante, Spain
| | - Concepción Amador-Prous
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Marina BaixaLa Vila Joiosa (Alicante, Spain)-FISABIO, Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Pedro Guevara-Hernández
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja de Orihuela (Alicante, Spain)-Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Alicante, Spain
| | - Ana Garijo-Saiz
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Marina BaixaLa Vila Joiosa (Alicante, Spain)-FISABIO, Alicante, Spain
| | - Ares Sanchez-Sanchez
- Pediatric Department, General University Hospital of Alicante-ISABIAL, Alicante, Spain
| | - Cristina Bernal-Alcaraz
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Vega Baja de Orihuela (Alicante, Spain)-Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region (FISABIO), Alicante, Spain
| | - Ana-Isabel Pujades-Tarraga
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Marina BaixaLa Vila Joiosa (Alicante, Spain)-FISABIO, Alicante, Spain
| | - Roser Muñoz-Perez
- Digestive Service, General University Hospital of Alicante-ISABIAL, Alicante, Spain
| | - María Flores-Chávez
- Reference and Research Laboratory in Parasitology, National Center of Microbiology/Mundo Sano Foundation, Madrid, Spain
| | - José-Manuel Ramos-Rincón
- Clinical Medicine Department, University Miguel Hernández of Elche, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain.
- Internal Medicine Department, General University Hospital of Alicante-Biomedical and Health Research Institute of Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain.
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