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Magwenzi P, Rusakaniko S, Sibanda EN, Gumbo FZ. Challenges in the diagnosis of asthma in children, what are the solutions? A scoping review of 3 countries in sub Saharan Africa. Respir Res 2022; 23:254. [PMID: 36123720 PMCID: PMC9487077 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-022-02170-y] [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: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Asthma is the commonest chronic respiratory tract disease in children. In low-income countries, challenges exist in asthma diagnosis. In surveys done in children, the prevalence of ‘asthma’ defined by symptoms is high compared to ‘doctor diagnosed asthma’. The questions answered by this review are (i) What challenges have been experienced in the diagnosis of asthma in children? (ii) What solutions will address these challenges? Methods The Arksey and O’Malley’s framework for scoping reviews was used for the study methodology, while the PRISMA-ScR checklist guided the reporting process. Electronic databases: PubMed Central, EMBASE and Google Scholar were searched. Primary quantitative and qualitative studies and reviews from 2010 to 2021, from Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda written in English or translated to English, which answered the study questions were included. The author, title, country, study type, methods, purpose, findings and references were captured onto a predefined data collection table. The ‘Preview, Question, Read, Summarise’ system was used and a narrative report was used to summarise the findings. Results A total of 28 studies were included. The causes of under-diagnosis of asthma include lack of community knowledge and perception of asthma, poor accessibility to health care, strained health systems, lack of diagnostic tests including spirometry, low levels of knowledge among health-care workers and lack of or non-implementation of asthma guidelines. Strategies to improve asthma diagnosis will include community and school based education programmes, revision of asthma diagnostic terms, guideline development and implementation and health systems strengthening. Conclusion This scoping review provides research evidence for policy makers and health-workers involved in the care of asthmatic children on challenges faced in asthma diagnosis and strategies to improve asthma diagnosis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-022-02170-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Magwenzi
- Child and Adolescent Health Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P O Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe.
| | - S Rusakaniko
- Family Medicine, Global and Public Health Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P O Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - E N Sibanda
- Asthma, Allergy and Immune Dysfunction Clinic, 113, Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - F Z Gumbo
- Child and Adolescent Health Unit, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, P O Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Barriers and Enablers to Objective Testing for Asthma and COPD in Primary Care: A Systematic Review Using the Theoretical Domains Framework. Chest 2021; 161:888-905. [PMID: 34740591 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although guidelines have long recommended objective pulmonary function testing to diagnose asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), many primary care patients receive a clinical diagnosis of asthma or COPD without objective testing. This often leads to unnecessary treatment with associated incremental costs and side-effects, and delays actual diagnosis. RESEARCH QUESTION What are the barriers and enablers to lung function testing for asthma and/or COPD in primary care? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We searched the literature for qualitative and quantitative studies reporting barriers and/or enablers to in-office or out-of-office lung function testing for diagnosing asthma and/or COPD, in primary care. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full texts; assessed methodological quality using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool; and extracted data from included studies. Identified barriers and enablers were categorized using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), applying a pre-established coding manual. RESULTS We identified 7988 unique articles, reviewed 336 full-text articles, and included 18 studies in this systematic review. Of these 18, 12 were quantitative, 3 were qualitative, and 3 used mixed methods. All 18 addressed in-office testing and 11 also addressed out-of-office testing. Barriers and enablers overlapped for asthma and COPD, and in- and out-of-office settings. We identified more reported barriers (e.g. lack of knowledge of the usefulness of spirometry) than enablers (e.g. skills for performing reliable spirometry). Barriers mapped to 9 (of a possible 14) TDF domains (for both in- and out-of-office settings). Enablers mapped to three domains for in-office testing and five domains for out-of-office testing. INTERPRETATION Barriers to objective testing for airways disease in primary care are complex and span many theoretical domains. Correspondingly, a successful intervention must leverage multiple behaviour change techniques. A theory-based, multifaceted intervention to address underuse of diagnostic testing for asthma or COPD should now be developed and tested.
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Akodui OS, Faleti AO, Adekanmbi FA, Ogunlesi TA. Predicted Reference Equations for Spirometry Indices as a Proxy from Anthropometry Measurements of Nigerian Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia Aged 5-12 Years. J Trop Pediatr 2021; 67:6012893. [PMID: 33254231 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmaa095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant morbidity and mortality in patients with sickle cell disease are accounted for by lung complications. To facilitate good respiratory care for children with sickle cell anaemia the generation of local predicted values is highly important. OBJECTIVE To determine the reference equations for spirometry indices estimation in children with sickle cell anaemia, which can be readily used as proxy when there is no easy accessibility to spirometer. METHODS A cross-sectional study with linear regression models developed to estimate reference values for spirometric indices in Nigerian children with sickle cell anaemia aged 5-12 years. RESULTS Age as independent variables for estimation of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) was associated with lowest coefficient of determination (R2) and highest standard error. The coefficient of determination (R2) and standard error was highest and lowest, respectively, when arm span was used to determine peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Prediction models for PEFR and FEV1 gave the closest mean estimates that were 0.18 and 0.16 lower and higher than the actual mean PEFR and FEV1, respectively, but the differences was significant only in FEV1. On the contrary the prediction models for forced vital capacity (FVC) gave mean estimates that was 1.02 higher than the actual mean FVC, however, the finding was not significant. CONCLUSION Preferred proxy for spirometry indices in children with sickle cell anaemia may be arm span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olufemi S Akodui
- Department of Paediatrics, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - Abiodun O Faleti
- Department of Paediatrics, Mercy Street Children Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Folashade A Adekanmbi
- Department of Paediatrics, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun, Nigeria
| | - Tinuade A Ogunlesi
- Department of Paediatrics, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun, Nigeria
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Ayuk A, Ndukwu C, Uwaezuoke S, Ekop E. Spirometry practice and the impact of a phase 1 training workshop among health workers in southern Nigeria: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pulm Med 2020; 20:258. [PMID: 33023557 PMCID: PMC7538053 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-020-01291-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global standards require that spirometry should be performed by trained and experienced personnel, who would be able to assess the correct performance of tests by patients and assure good quality of the result. The complete achievement of this requires a two-step assessment where competency in both knowledge and skills are tested. This study aims to assess the impact of a one-day hands-on spirometry training (Phase1), on the knowledge and application of spirometry among health workers. METHODS This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which describes a one-day (seven hours) spirometry training and skills impartation done at two conference city locations in Enugu and Calabar in the southern part of Nigeria. All the verbally consenting attendees who completed the training assessment tests constituted the study population. The assessment of the spirometry knowledge base before and after the theory and practical sessions, on the various aspects of spirometry, according to international best practices, quality assurance and the interpretation of results, was done and the outcome was analyzed. Factors that could affect the outcome were also assessed. RESULTS There were 64 consenting participants of whom 54.7% (35/64) were females. Theparticipants demonstrated much improved post-intervention knowledge and could satisfactorily perform spirometry, calibration, interpretation of test results and quality control as evidenced by the post test scores after practical sessions were conducted. Pre-test mean scores improved by a mean difference of 12% (p < 001) and were affected by the year of academic graduation and availability of spirometers at the place of work, an effect that was no longer seen at post-test following the hands-on spirometry training. CONCLUSION The present study has shown that a one-day spirometry workshop significantly improved the knowledge of spirometry practice. There is need to set up more frequent locally-organized spirometry workshops since a one-day seven-hour effective knowledge and practical training would most likely have significant impact on participants' spirometry practice with its expected positive outcome on respiratory health in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adaeze Ayuk
- College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Ituku-Ozalla Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Chizalu Ndukwu
- Department of Paediatrics, College of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra Nigeria
| | - Samuel Uwaezuoke
- College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Ituku-Ozalla Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Eno Ekop
- College of Health Science, University of Abuja, Abjua, Nigeria
- Department of Paediatrics, Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital Abuja FCT, Abuja, Nigeria
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Ayuk AC, Uwaezuoke SN, Ndukwu CI, Ndu IK, Iloh KK, Okoli CV. Spirometry in Asthma Care: A Review of the Trends and Challenges in Pediatric Practice. Clin Med Insights Pediatr 2017; 11:1179556517720675. [PMID: 28781518 PMCID: PMC5521334 DOI: 10.1177/1179556517720675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the rising incidence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) globally, especially bronchial asthma, there is the need to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality by adopting an objective means of diagnosis and monitoring. AIM This article aims to review the trends and challenges in the use of spirometry for managing childhood bronchial asthma especially in developing countries. METHODS We conducted a literature search of published data on the use of spirometry for the diagnosis of childhood bronchial asthma with special emphasis resource-poor countries. RESULTS Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood asthma recommend the use of spirometry, but this is currently underused in both tertiary and primary care settings especially in developing countries. Lack of spirometers and proper training in their use and interpretation of findings as well as a dearth of asthma guidelines remains core to the underuse of spirometry in managing children with asthma. Targeting education of health care staff was, however, observed to improve its utility, and practical implementable strategies are highlighted. CONCLUSIONS Spirometry is not frequently used for asthma diagnosis in pediatric practice especially in resource-poor countries where the NCD burden is higher. Strategies to overcome the obstacles are implementable and can make a difference in reducing the burden of NCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adaeze C Ayuk
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Samuel N Uwaezuoke
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Chizalu I Ndukwu
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
- Department of Pediatrics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Nigeria
| | - Ikenna K Ndu
- Department of Pediatrics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Kenechukwu K Iloh
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Chinyere V Okoli
- Department of Pediatrics, Nyanya General Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria
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Desalu OO, Adeoti AO, Ogunmola OJ, Fadare JO, Kolawole TF. Quality of acute asthma care in two tertiary hospitals in a state in South Western Nigeria: A report of clinical audit. Niger Med J 2016; 57:339-346. [PMID: 27942102 PMCID: PMC5126747 DOI: 10.4103/0300-1652.193860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To audit the quality of acute asthma care in two tertiary hospitals in a state in the southwestern region of Nigeria and to compare the clinical practice against the recommendations of the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guideline. Patients and Methods: We carried out a retrospective analysis of 101 patients who presented with acute exacerbation of asthma to the hospital between November 2010 and October 2015. Results: Majority of the cases were females (66.3%), <45 years of age (60.4%), and admitted in the wet season (64.4%). The median duration of hospital stay was 2 days (interquartile range; 1–3 days) and the mortality was 1.0%. At admission, 73 (72.3%) patients had their triggering factors documented and 33 (32.7%) had their severity assessed. Smoking status, medication adherence, serial oxygen saturation, and peak expiratory flow rate measurement were documented in less than half of the cases, respectively. Seventy-six (75.2%) patients had nebulized salbutamol, 89 (88.1%) had systemic corticosteroid, and 78 (77.2%) had within 1 h. On discharge, 68 (67.3%) patients were given follow-up appointment and 32 (31.7%) were reviewed within 30 days after discharge. Less than half were prescribed an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), a self-management plan, or had their inhaler technique reviewed or controller medications adjusted. Overall, adherence to the GINA guideline was not satisfactory and was very poor among the medical officers. Conclusion: The quality of acute asthma care in our setting is not satisfactory, and there is a low level of compliance with most recommendations of asthma guidelines. This audit has implicated the need to address the non-performing areas and organizational issues to improve the quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joseph Olusesan Fadare
- Department of Pharmacology, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
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Onyedum C, Ukwaja K, Desalu O, Ezeudo C. Challenges in the management of bronchial asthma among adults in Nigeria: a systematic review. Ann Med Health Sci Res 2014; 3:324-9. [PMID: 24116307 PMCID: PMC3793433 DOI: 10.4103/2141-9248.117927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inadequate attention given to the management of asthma and ways of improving bronchial asthma control could be an important factor for the rising morbidity and mortality from asthma despite major advances in our understanding of the disease process. There is a paucity of data concerning the challenges faced in the management of asthma in Africa. This review was aimed at highlighting the challenges facing asthma management and to discuss various strategies in improving asthma control in Nigeria. Data were sourced from PubMed, Medline, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, and by reviewing the references of relevant literature. Additional articles were obtained via communications with colleagues and reviewing the Abstract Books of Nigeria Thoracic Society Annual Scientific Conference from 2005 to 2012. The data search was up-to-date as of December 31, 2012. Challenges in asthma management were found during diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. There are wide variations in diagnostic criteria for bronchial asthma and lack of standard diagnostic equipment leading to under or misdiagnosis. Treatment challenges include poor communication gap between the health-care providers and the patients, a high-cost and unavailability of essential asthma medications. Poor technique uses for medication devices, especially the inhalational drugs and Lack of National/hospital protocol or guidelines for treating asthma. Several challenges affect asthma management in developing countries, which borders on poverty, inadequate resources, weak health systems, and poor infrastructure. Efforts should be made to address these challenges by the Nigerian government, Nigerian Thoracic Society, pharmaceutical industries, and the health-care workers in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cc Onyedum
- Respiratory Unit, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria
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van Gemert F, van der Molen T, Jones R, Chavannes N. The impact of asthma and COPD in sub-Saharan Africa. PRIMARY CARE RESPIRATORY JOURNAL : JOURNAL OF THE GENERAL PRACTICE AIRWAYS GROUP 2012; 20:240-8. [PMID: 21509418 DOI: 10.4104/pcrj.2011.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa have the highest risk of developing chronic diseases and are the least able to cope with them. AIMS To assess the current knowledge of the prevalence and impact of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in sub- Saharan Africa. METHODS A literature search was conducted using Medline (1995-2010) and Google Scholar. RESULTS Eleven studies of the prevalence of asthma in sub-Saharan Africa were identified, all of which showed a consistent increase, particularly in urban regions. The data on asthma show a wide variation (5.7-20.3%), with the highest prevalence in 'westernised' urban areas. Only two studies of the prevalence of COPD in sub-Saharan Africa have been performed. Nevertheless, COPD has become an increasing health problem in sub-Saharan Africa due to tobacco smoking and exposure to biomass fuels. In most countries of sub-Saharan Africa, 90% of the rural households depend on biomass fuel for cooking and heating, affecting young children (acute lower respiratory infections) and women (COPD). This is the cause of significant mortality and morbidity in the region. CONCLUSIONS Asthma and COPD in sub-Saharan Africa are under-recognised, under-diagnosed, under-treated, and insufficiently prevented. A major priority is to increase the awareness of asthma and COPD and their risk factors, particularly the damage caused by biomass fuel. Surveys are needed to provide local healthcare workers with the possibility of controlling asthma and COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik van Gemert
- Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Desalu OO, Onyedum CC, Iseh KR, Salawu FK, Salami AK. Asthma in Nigeria: are the facilities and resources available to support internationally endorsed standards of care? Health Policy 2010; 99:250-4. [PMID: 21056506 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2010.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2010] [Revised: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 10/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to assess the facilities and resources available to support internationally endorsed standards of asthma care at tertiary hospitals (University teaching, Federal Medical Centre and State specialist Hospitals) in Nigeria. METHODS This cross sectional study was conducted among 68 tertiary hospitals (TH) in Nigeria from June 2009 to December 2009. Structured standards of care questionnaires on asthma based on the Global initiative for asthma (GINA) guideline were completed by physician working in each of the TH. RESULTS Most TH lacked the services of respiratory physicians, internists, and pediatricians. Available basic infrastructures were asthma clinics (0%), clinic registers (20.6%), and hospital protocol (17.6%), doctor's attendance of asthma CME (8.8%) and nurse educator with a bias for asthma (14.7%). Thirty eight percent of TH had peak flow meter, 29.4% had spirometer, skin allergy test kits (15.6%), pulse oximeter (38.2%) while 17.6% had arterial blood gases analyser. Nebuliser and spacer were available in 41.2% and 20.6% of TH respectively. Oral short acting beta 2 agonist (SABA) was available in 79.4% of the hospitals, glucocorticosteroid (79.4%), theophyllines (76.5%), and SABA (metered-dose inhaler MDI: 76.5%, Nebules: 35.3%). Long acting beta 2 agonist (LABA) and steroid fixed dose combination inhaler (50%) was available in 50% of TH. Glucocorticosteroid nasal spray was available in 33.3% of TH and <10% reported the availability of anti-cholinergic and chromoglycate inhaler and oral leukotriene antagonist. Standard oxygen delivery system and self-educational support materials were available in 52.9% of TH. CONCLUSION The available facilities and human resources for asthma management in Nigerian tertiary hospitals were not enough to support the standard internationally endorsed for asthma care. Provisions of deficient infrastructures and continuous training of health care personnel in asthma management are imperative to enhance the quality of care.
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