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Amoah D, Schmidt M, Mather C, Prior S, Herath MP, Bird ML. An international perspective on young stroke incidence and risk factors: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1627. [PMID: 38890645 PMCID: PMC11186079 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19134-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke among younger age groups is increasing globally. While there is a focus on research conducted on people under 65 years who have had a stroke, there is a paucity of data on the incidence and risk factors of stroke among younger people (≤ 30 years). This scoping review examines evidence on incidence and risk factors for perinatal, paediatric and young adult stroke globally. METHODS The review was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute's scoping review methodology. A systematic search was conducted on 23rd March 2022 across Medline Ovid, Embase, PsycINFO and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). The eligibility criteria included all study designs providing information on the incidence and risk factors of stroke among young people (≤ 30 years) in the last ten years. RESULTS A total of 5750 articles were identified. After screening, 471 articles (224 cohort studies (47.6%), 164 case studies/case series (34.8%), 35 reviews (7.4%), 30 case-control (6.4%) and 18 combinations of designs (3.8%) were included. There was data from 50 different countries, 199 studies were from high-income countries, upper and middle income (n = 38), lower middle-income (n = 39), low-income (n = 3) countries, international study (n = 7) and a further 185 articles did not state the country of research. Most of the studies (63%) focused on risk factors while incidence constituted 37%. Incidence data were reported heterogeneously across studies, leading to an inability to synthesise data. The three most frequently reported risk factors for perinatal stroke were infections, cardiac conditions, and intrapartum factors. Vasculopathies, infection and cardiac conditions accounted for most reported risk factors for paediatric stroke, while chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, vasculopathies and cardiac conditions accounted for the most reported risk factors among young adults. CONCLUSION This review has highlighted different stroke risk factors for each age cohort of people under 30 years. The low number of epidemiological studies suggests that further research of this type is needed to fully understand the incidence and risk factors in young stroke. A standardised reporting of age groupings of incidence data is imperative to enable the comparison of data from different geographical locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinah Amoah
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia.
| | - Matthew Schmidt
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Carey Mather
- School of Nursing, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Sarah Prior
- Tasmanian School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Burnie, Australia
| | - Manoja P Herath
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
| | - Marie-Louise Bird
- School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
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Abissegue G, Yakubu SI, Ajay AS, Niyi-Odumosu F. A systematic review of the epidemiology and the public health implications of stroke in Sub-Saharan Africa. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2024; 33:107733. [PMID: 38663647 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2024.107733] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With approximately 11 million strokes occurring annually worldwide, and over 6.5 million deaths annually, stroke has made its place as one of the major killers in the world. Although developing countries make up more than 4/5 of the global stroke burden, well-grounded information on stroke epidemiology remains lacking there. AIMS This systematic review study aimed to provide a synthesis of studies on the incidence and prevalence of stroke among adults in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), subsequently deduce the associated risk factors and public health implications (mortality rates and economic costs) of the disease on the population of this region. METHODS A systematic review of studies carried out in the region and published on PUBMED. Eligibility criteria were established using the PEO (Population/Patient, Exposure, Outcome) format. Research articles investigating either (or all) of the following: ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke, incidence, prevalence, and risk factors of stroke in adults (≥ 18 years old), in at least one region of SSA were included. Exclusion criteria comprised studies involving populations younger than 18 years old, research conducted outside the designated research region, and articles inaccessible in full text. The PRISMA guidelines were used for the search strategy. RESULTS Fifty-two studies were included review. Among them, over 11 studies investigated the prevalence of the disease. Some older studies within the continent (Nigeria, 2011) showed a prevalence of 1.3 per 100 while more recent studies (Zambia, 2021) showed a prevalence of 4.3 per 1000. The highest prevalence noted in this region was in Madagascar (2017) with 48.17 per 100, while the lowest was recorded in (Zimbabwe, 2017) with 0.61 per 100. The study in Tanzania showed a crude incidence of 94·5 per 100 000 (76·0-115·0) while the study in Ghana in 2018 showed an incidence of 14.19 events per 1000 person-years [10.77-18.38]. The identified risk factors included hypertension, diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, poor diets (more salt, less vegetables), dyslipidaemia, HIV/AIDS co-infection, heart disease (cardiomyopathies, cardiac arrhythmias), obesity, previous stroke and/or family history of stroke. Over 21 studies investigated the mortality rates due to stroke in SSA, with most of the studies being in West Africa. These studies revealed mortality rates as high as 43.3% in Ghana, and as low as 10.9% in Cameroon. Few studies reported on the economic costs of stroke in the region; two in Benin, two in Nigeria and one in Tanzania. CONCLUSION The increasing incidence/prevalence, lifestyle factors and interactions with other diseases, including major communicable diseases, stroke is becoming a pressing public health problem for SSA. Reducing the incidence of stroke in Africa will surely lower mortality, morbidity, disability, and the neurological as well as cognitive aftereffects of stroke, as is clear from the experience of higher-income nations. We recommend a collective intervention involving the governments of nations, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector for greater impact and sustainable outcomes reducing the epidemiology and implications of stroke in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Abissegue
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Aiswarya Seema Ajay
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Faatihah Niyi-Odumosu
- School of Applied Sciences, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom.
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Cui S, Que W, Jiao Z, Deng Q, Zhang X, Cao Y, Liu N, Li A, Sowanou A, Li Z, Wang T, Li Y, Yu J, Pei J. Disease and Economic Burden of Kashin-Beck Disease - China, 2021. China CDC Wkly 2024; 6:40-44. [PMID: 38250701 PMCID: PMC10797301 DOI: 10.46234/ccdcw2024.009] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
What is already known about this topic? Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a chronic and degenerative osteoarthropathy characterized by cartilage degeneration. It is an endemic disease that is highly prevalent among the Chinese population and poses a significant health risk. What is added by this report? This is the first national report on the economic burden of KBD in China. According to the data from 2021, KBD has caused significant disease and economic burdens. The most substantial reduction in healthy life expectancy was observed among patients with degree II severity and those aged 60 years and older, resulting in a total indirect economic burden of 112.74 million Chinese Yuan (CNY). What are the implications for public health practice? The results of this study will contribute to informing the development of tailored prevention and control strategies by the government. These strategies will include targeted policies and recommendations for appropriate healthcare and financial subsidies, which will be based on the demographic characteristics of the endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silu Cui
- NHC Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (Harbin Medical University); Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province; Institute of Kashin-Beck Disease Control, Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Wenjun Que
- NHC Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (Harbin Medical University); Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province; Institute of Endemic Fluorosis Control, Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Zhe Jiao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (Harbin Medical University); Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province; Institute of Kashin-Beck Disease Control, Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Qing Deng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (Harbin Medical University); Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province; Institute of Kashin-Beck Disease Control, Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xufeng Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (Harbin Medical University); Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province; Institute of Kashin-Beck Disease Control, Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yanhong Cao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (Harbin Medical University); Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province; Institute of Kashin-Beck Disease Control, Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ning Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (Harbin Medical University); Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province; Institute of Kashin-Beck Disease Control, Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ailin Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (Harbin Medical University); Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province; Institute of Endemic Fluorosis Control, Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Alphonse Sowanou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (Harbin Medical University); Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province; Institute of Endemic Fluorosis Control, Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Zhe Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (Harbin Medical University); Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province; Institute of Endemic Fluorosis Control, Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Tuo Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (Harbin Medical University); Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province; Institute of Endemic Fluorosis Control, Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yang Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (Harbin Medical University); Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province; Institute of Endemic Fluorosis Control, Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jun Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (Harbin Medical University); Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province; Institute of Kashin-Beck Disease Control, Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Junrui Pei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology (Harbin Medical University); Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Etiology and Epidemiology, Education Bureau of Heilongjiang Province; Institute of Endemic Fluorosis Control, Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Harbin Medical University, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Konlan KD, Lee H, Lee M, Kim Y, Lee H, Abdulai JA. Risk factors associated with the incidence and prevalence of hypertension in Ghana: an integrated review (2016-2021). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:1132-1147. [PMID: 35578383 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2076814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study synthesized the risk factors associated with hypertension among adolescents and adults in Ghana. A systematic search in four databases between 2016 and 2021 retrieved 119 Ghanaian studies, and through screening, 16 were selected. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize extracted data. Prevalence of hypertension ranged from 13.0% to 28.4% and prehypertension 22.0% to 51.4%. The non-modifiable hypertension risk factors were age, marital status, gender, and residence. The modifiable risk factors were consuming additional table salt, salted meat, alcohol, canned meats, smoking, and psychological factors, including stress and anxiety. Also, higher education and socio-economic status, employment, access to medical insurance, overweight, and higher BMI were risk factors. Targeted, sustained, systematic, and effective intervention programs should target high-risk people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kennedy Diema Konlan
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Public Health Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Hyeonkyeong Lee
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
- College of Nursing, Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mikyung Lee
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
- College of Nursing, Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Youlim Kim
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
- College of Nursing, Brain Korea 21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeyeon Lee
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Juliana Asibi Abdulai
- University for Development Studies, University Health Services (Nursing), Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana
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Scheffler E, Mash R. Evaluation of a stroke rehabilitation training programme for community-based primary healthcare. Afr J Disabil 2023; 12:1137. [PMID: 37794954 PMCID: PMC10546249 DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v12i0.1137] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Family caregiver training is an integral part of stroke rehabilitation programmes and is associated with improved caregiver and stroke survivor outcomes. In the Cape Winelands District, a low-resourced rural community-based setting in South Africa, stroke survivors and family caregivers mostly rely on assistance from community health workers (CHWs), despite their lack of stroke-specific rehabilitation training. Objectives To evaluate the implementation and immediate effects of a bespoke, 16 session, 21 h stroke rehabilitation training programme for CHWs to better support family caregivers. Methods Two cooperative inquiry groups participated in participatory action research to design and develop the programme. This article reports on the implementation of this programme. Inquiry group members directly observed the training, obtained written and verbal feedback, interviewed CHWs and observed them in the community. Consensus on their learning was achieved after reflection on their experience and observations. Results Learning of the cooperative inquiry groups was categorised into the effect on community-based care, the training programme's design and development, how training was delivered and implications for service delivery. Community health workers empowered caregivers and stroke survivors and enabled access to care, continuity, coordination and person-centredness. The need for experiential learning and a spiral curriculum was confirmed. Therapists needed a different set of skills to deliver training. A systems approach and effective leadership were needed to enable community health workers to use their new skills. Conclusion The stroke rehabilitation training programme demonstrated potential for integration into service delivery and equipping CHWs to support family caregivers and stroke survivors. Further evaluation of the programme's effectiveness and scale-up is needed. Contribution Evidence of an intervention to train CHWs to support stroke survivors and family caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsje Scheffler
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robert Mash
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Scheffler E, Mash R. A stroke rehabilitation training program for community-based primary health care, South Africa. Afr J Disabil 2023; 12:1135. [PMID: 37065935 PMCID: PMC10091063 DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v12i0.1135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With an increasing burden of stroke and a lack of access to rehabilitation services in rural South African settings, stroke survivors rely on untrained family caregivers for support and care. Community health workers (CHWs) support these families but have no stroke-specific training. Objectives To describe the development of a contextually appropriate stroke training program for CHWs in the Cape Winelands District, South Africa. Method Twenty-six health professionals and CHWs from the local primary healthcare services participated in action research over a 15-month period from September 2014 to December 2015. The groups participated in two parallel cooperative inquiry (CI) groups. The inquiry followed the cyclical steps of planning, action, observation and reflection. In this article, the planning step and how the CI groups used the first three steps of the analyse, design, develop, implement, evaluate (ADDIE) instructional design model are described. Results The CHWs' scope of practice, learning needs, competencies and characteristics, as well as the needs of the caregivers and stroke survivors, were identified in the analysis step. The program design consisted of 16 sessions to be delivered over 20 h. Program resources were developed with appropriate technology, language and instructional methodology. Conclusion The program aims to equip CHWs to support family caregivers and stroke survivors in their homes as part of their generalist scope of practice. The implementation and initial evaluation will be described in a future article. Contribution The study developed a unique training program for CHWs to support caregivers and stroke survivors in a resource-constrained, rural, middle-income country setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsje Scheffler
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robert Mash
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Conroy AL, Datta D, Hoffmann A, Wassmer SC. The kidney-brain pathogenic axis in severe falciparum malaria. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:191-199. [PMID: 36737313 PMCID: PMC11071448 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Severe falciparum malaria is a medical emergency and a leading cause of death and neurodisability in endemic areas. Common complications include acute kidney injury (AKI) and cerebral malaria, and recent studies have suggested links between kidney and brain dysfunction in Plasmodium falciparum infection. Here, we review these new findings and present the hypothesis of a pivotal pathogenic crosstalk between the kidneys and the brain in severe falciparum malaria. We highlight the evidence of a role for distant organ involvement in the development of cerebral malaria and subsequent neurocognitive impairment post-recovery, describe the challenges associated with current diagnostic shortcomings for both AKI and brain involvement in severe falciparum malaria, and explore novel potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Conroy
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Dibyadyuti Datta
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Angelika Hoffmann
- University Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Samuel C Wassmer
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
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Smit S, Hagemeister DT, van Rooyen C. Clinical review of stroke care at National District Hospital, Bloemfontein. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2023; 65:e1-e7. [PMID: 36744481 PMCID: PMC9983283 DOI: 10.4102/safp.v65i1.5608] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality affecting sub-Saharan Africa. Studies show that dedicated stroke units improve patient outcomes. National District Hospital (NDH) manages strokes, with the potential of becoming a dedicated stroke unit in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, management and outcomes of patients presenting with stroke at NDH. METHODS In this retrospective descriptive study, emergency department registers were used to identify patients presenting with symptoms of a stroke between 01 January 2019 and 31 March 2019. Relevant data were extracted from hospital files. RESULTS Of the 106 identified patients, 53 were included in the study. The median age was 61 years (range 28-89 years), with an almost equal split between genders. The most common risk factor was hypertension (81.3%). The median time from symptom onset to presentation at NDH was 9 h. No patient received thrombolysis. One patient received neurosurgical intervention. The most prescribed secondary preventative drugs were antihypertensive medication, statins, anticoagulation and antiretroviral therapy. Half (52.8%) of the patients received rehabilitation as in-patients. Final diagnoses were ischaemic strokes (26/53, 49.0%), transient ischaemic attacks (10/56, 22.7%) and haemorrhagic strokes (6/56, 13.6%). The 6-month post-infarct mortality rate was 37.5%. CONCLUSION Patient outcomes were comparable to similar South African studies. Time delays in stroke management remain a major obstacle. Identified action points include community education, improving emergency medical services and establishing a dedicated stroke unit.Contribution: This study underlines the importance of stroke and cardiovascular disease prevention and stresses the value of establishing dedicated stroke units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Smit
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.
| | - Dirk T. Hagemeister
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Cornel van Rooyen
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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Pillay SC, Redant R, Umuneza N, Hoosen A, Breytenbach F, Haffejee S, Matsena-Zingoni Z, Sekome K. Factors affecting length of hospital stay in stroke survivors in South Africa: A call for a stroke unit. Afr J Disabil 2022; 11:1065. [PMID: 36567925 PMCID: PMC9772707 DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v11i0.1065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stroke in Africa is a growing and neglected crisis with the incidence more than doubling in low- to middle-income countries in the last four decades. Despite this growing threat, implementation of stroke models of care in hospitals is lacking. Stroke units as a model of care have been shown to decrease mortality, reduce length of hospital stay (LOS) and improve outcomes in stroke survivors. Objectives To determine the profile of stroke survivors and identify factors contributing to LOS at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) in South Africa to support stroke unit implementation. Method This study involved a retrospective record review of stroke survivors admitted to CHBAH between September 2018 and May 2019. Factors associated with LOS were determined using linear regression models; univariate and multiple regression models were fitted. Results A total of 567 participants' data were included. Overall, 51.85% of the participants required services from all rehabilitation disciplines. The median LOS was 9 days (interquartile ranges [IQR]: 5-11 days) with each discipline providing an average of six sessions. Participants who were referred to the rehabilitation team 3 days after admission to hospital stayed 6 days longer compared with those participants who were referred earlier (p < 0.001). Conclusion Delayed referral to the rehabilitation team resulted in increased LOS. This study supports the need for dedicated stroke units to decrease hospital LOS and improve patients' outcomes by ensuring early, well-coordinated rehabilitation intervention and discharge planning. Contribution The study highlights the urgency for re-evaluation of stroke care infrastructure within Gauteng to streamline and provide accessible stroke models of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C. Pillay
- Department of Speech Therapy and Audiology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Roxann Redant
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nadia Umuneza
- Department of Physiotherapy, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Azra Hoosen
- Department of Speech Therapy and Audiology, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Fiona Breytenbach
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sameera Haffejee
- Department of Physiotherapy, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zvifadzo Matsena-Zingoni
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kganetso Sekome
- Department of Physiotherapy, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Mark O'Meara R, Ganas U, Hendrikse C. Access to acute stroke care: A retrospective descriptive analysis of stroke patients' journey to a district hospital. Afr J Emerg Med 2022; 12:366-372. [PMID: 36032786 PMCID: PMC9399483 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2022.07.010] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The burden of stroke in Africa has increased in the last two decades, with the population undergoing a rapid epidemiological transition, with a rise in the incidence of stroke risk factors together with the gradual aging of the population. Evidence-based guidelines for acute stroke care are often not feasible in resource challenged settings but even when resources are available, considerable delays to definitive care exists. This study aims to describe the factors that influence time from symptom onset to hospital arrival in patients that present to a district level hospital Emergency Centre with confirmed ischaemic strokes. Methods A descriptive analysis was performed using a retrospective folder and database review. All adult patients with a confirmed ischaemic stroke, on Computed Tomography (CT) scan, presenting to Mitchells Plain Hospital Emergency Centre during the study period of 12 months (1st of January 2019 to 31st of December 2019), were eligible for inclusion. Data were collected from existing electronic patient databases and the time from onset of symptoms to hospital arrival was extracted from the clinical notes. Results A total of 730 (2%) patients presented with a diagnosis of stroke, of which 381 (52%) were included (CT confirmed ischaemic strokes). Only 48 (13%) presented within 4.5 h of symptom onset and the median time from onset of symptoms to presentation to the hospital was 24 h (IQR 12-72 h). The majority of patients (31%) arrived via a primary public emergency medical service (EMS) call, while 29% presented directly to the hospital as self-referrals with private transport. Primary public EMS calls had the shortest call-to-hospital-arrival time (1 hour and 31 minutes), even though the median time from symptom onset to hospital arrival was still 16 h. Conclusion The median time from symptom onset to hospital arrival for patients with stroke symptoms is much longer than what evidence-based guidelines suggest. The chain of survival for emergency stroke care is only as strong as its weakest link and the data from this study suggest that improvement campaigns should target stroke education and access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Mark O'Meara
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ushira Ganas
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Clint Hendrikse
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Kolkenbeck-Ruh A, Soepnel LM, Crouch SH, Naidoo S, Smith W, Norris SA, Davies J, Ware LJ. Obesity, hypertension, and tobacco use associated with left ventricular remodeling and hypertrophy in South African women: Birth to Twenty Plus Cohort. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2022; 22:403. [PMID: 36085014 PMCID: PMC9463769 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-022-02837-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a marker of increased risk in developing future life-threatening cardiovascular disease (CVD), however, it is unclear how CVD risk factors, such as obesity, blood pressure (BP), and tobacco use, are associated with left ventricular (LV) remodeling and LVH in urban African populations. Therefore, we aimed to identify the prevalence of LVH as well as the health factors associated with LV remodeling and LVH, within black South African adult women and their pre-pubescent children. METHODS Black female adults (n = 123; age: 29-68 years) and their children (n = 64; age: 4-10; 55% female) were recruited from the Birth to Twenty Plus Cohort in Soweto, South Africa. Tobacco and alcohol use, physical activity, presence of diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and medication were self-reported. Height, weight, and blood pressure were measured in triplicate to determine the prevalence of obesity and hypertension respectively. Echocardiography was used to assess LV mass at end-diastole, based on linear measurements, and indexed to body surface area to determine LVH. RESULTS Hypertension and obesity prevalences were 35.8% and 59.3% for adults and 45.3% and 6.3% for children. Self-reported tobacco use in adults was 22.8%. LVH prevalence was 35.8% in adults (75% eccentric: 25% concentric), and 6.3% in children. Concentric remodeling was observed in 15.4% of adults, however, concentric remodeling was only found in one child. In adults, obesity [OR: 2.54 (1.07-6.02; p = 0.02)] and hypertension [3.39 (1.08-10.62; p = 0.04)] significantly increased the odds of LVH, specifically eccentric LVH, while concentric LVH was associated with self-reported tobacco use [OR: 4.58 (1.18-17.73; p = 0.03)]. Although no logistic regression was run within children, of the four children LVH, three had elevated blood pressure and the child with normal blood pressure was overweight. CONCLUSIONS The association between obesity, hypertension, tobacco use, and LVH in adults, and the 6% prevalence of LVH in children, calls for stronger public health efforts to control risk factors and monitor children who are at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Kolkenbeck-Ruh
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
- Cardiovascular Pathophysiology and Genomics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Larske M Soepnel
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa.
- Julius Global Health, Julius Centre for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Huispost number: STR 6.131, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Simone H Crouch
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
| | - Sanushka Naidoo
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
| | - Wayne Smith
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Shane A Norris
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
- School of Health and Human Development, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Justine Davies
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lisa J Ware
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Human Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
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Mohammed T, Nyante GG, Mothabeng DJ. An evaluation of the structure and process of stroke rehabilitation in primary, secondary and tertiary hospitals in Ghana. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2022; 78:1637. [PMID: 35747516 PMCID: PMC9210176 DOI: 10.4102/sajp.v78i1.1637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence shows that quality indicators such as the structure and process of stroke rehabilitation can influence patient outcomes. However, not much attention has been paid to the study of these issues in low- and middle-income countries such as Ghana. Objectives Our study evaluated the structure and process of stroke rehabilitation in primary, secondary and tertiary hospitals in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Method A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 111 healthcare professionals. The World Health Organization (WHO) situational analysis and Measure of Processes of Care for Service Providers for Adults (MPOC-SP[A]) questionnaires were administered to gather information on the structure and process of stroke rehabilitation. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise data, and chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to establish associations and comparisons, respectively. Results A stroke unit was only available in the tertiary hospital. Although all three hospitals had a multidisciplinary team approach to care, the constituents differed. Length of hospital-stay, duration of treatment and basis for discharge from acute care were not associated with the hospitals. Therapy sessions, access to computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning were dependent on the hospitals. Conclusion The structure and process of stroke rehabilitation across the three hospitals were similar in some constructs and different in others. Clinical implications Data gathered will help to provide information on the available structure and processes of stroke rehabilitation, which could help assess the quality of care provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawagidu Mohammed
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Healthcare Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Gifty G. Nyante
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Diphale J. Mothabeng
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Healthcare Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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13
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Jansen van Vuuren J, Pillay S, Naidoo A. Circulating Biomarkers in Long-Term Stroke Prognosis: A Scoping Review Focusing on the South African Setting. Cureus 2022; 14:e23971. [PMID: 35547443 PMCID: PMC9090128 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular disease, including both ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes, remains one of the highest causes of global morbidity and mortality. Developing nations, such as South Africa (SA), are affected disproportionately. Early identification of stroke patients at risk of poor clinical prognosis may result in improved outcomes. In addition to conventional neuroimaging, the role of predictive biomarkers has been shown to be important. Little data exist on their applicability within SA. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the currently available data pertaining to blood biomarkers that aid in the long-term prognostication of patients following stroke and its potential application in the South African setting. This scoping review followed a 6-stage process to identify and critically review currently available literature pertaining to prognostic biomarkers in stroke. An initial 1191 articles were identified and, following rigorous review, 41 articles were included for the purposes of the scoping review. A number of potential biomarkers were identified and grouped according to the function or origin of the marker. Although most biomarkers showed great prognostic potential, the cost and availability will likely limit their application within SA. The burden of stroke is increasing worldwide and appears to be affecting developing countries disproportionately. Access to neuroradiological services is not readily available in all settings and the addition of biomarkers to assist in the long-term prognostication of patients following a stroke can be of great clinical value. The cost and availability of many of the reviewed biomarkers will likely hinder their use in the South African setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Jansen van Vuuren
- Department of Neurology, Grey's Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, ZAF
- School of Clinical Medicine, PhD programme, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, ZAF
- Member, Royal Society of South Africa, Cape Town, ZAF
| | | | - Ansuya Naidoo
- Neurology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, ZAF
- Department of Neurology, Grey's Hospital, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, ZAF
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14
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Walker R. Osuntokun Award Lecture 2021: Challenges of Measuring the Burden of Stroke in Africa. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2022; 31:106386. [PMID: 35317913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2022.106386] [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
BACKGROUND Over recent years non-communicable diseases have dramatically increased in low- and middle-income countries, including those of sub-Saharan Africa. With continuing high levels of infectious disease, these countries now face the double burden of disease. Stroke has emerged as a major cause of hospital admission, disability, and mortality for which the major modifiable risk factor is hypertension, which is often not diagnosed and, even if diagnosed, not treated and, even if treated, not controlled. METHODS In this award lecture paper I outline my personal experience of measuring the burden of, and risk factors for, stroke in sub-Saharan Africa, along with the challenges faced. I will specifically describe the measurement of mortality and case fatality, prevalence and incidence as well as commenting on aetiology and risk factors and reflect on future initiatives and directions. RESULTS Over the past 5 decades there has been a dramatic increase in numbers of stroke patients admitted to hospital throughout sub-Saharan Africa, with high in hospital mortality rates, also reflected in high case fatality rates in those cohorts followed up following discharge from hospital. Community-based surveys assessing mortality from stroke using verbal autopsy have demonstrated very high age-adjusted rates. Age adjusted prevalence rates assessed by door-to-door surveys have generally shown lower prevalence than high income countries. The Tanzanian stroke incidence study, which incorporated verbal autopsy for those patients dying before reaching hospital, demonstrated some of the highest age-adjusted stroke incidence rates in the world. There were high rates of stroke in younger ages and high rates of intracranial haemorrhage though not as high as previously shown in hospital-based studies. Hypertension is the main modifiable risk factor but other risk factors such as HIV are important while, certainly in rural populations, raised cholesterol remains rare as does carotid artery stenosis and history of transient ischemic attack. Other vascular disease such as ischemic heart disease and peripheral vascular disease is also less common. CONCLUSIONS There is already a large burden relating to stroke in sub-Saharan Africa and this will only escalate further as the population ages. Hypertension is the biggest risk factor for mortality worldwide and in sub-Saharan Africa prevalence rates are very high with the majority of people suffering with stroke not being diagnosed with their hypertension prior to their stroke. The most important challenge is to improve primary prevention for which improving diagnosis and control rates for hypertension is the number one priority. For those who do have stroke there is a need to increase the number of suitably staffed stroke units as these have been shown to have a very large impact on improving both mortality and morbidity in high income countries. There are still many unanswered questions and a need for more research throughout sub-Saharan Africa on risk factors, and treatment, for stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Walker
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, UK; Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, UK.
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Ntsiea V, Mudzi W, Maleka D, Comley-White N, Pilusa S. Barriers and facilitators of using outcome measures in stroke rehabilitation in South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERAPY AND REHABILITATION 2022. [DOI: 10.12968/ijtr.2020.0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background/Aims Despite outcome measures being found to be useful in stroke rehabilitation, surveys have indicated that therapists do not use them regularly. The aim of this study was to identify outcome measures commonly used in the rehabilitation of patients with stroke in South Africa and the barriers and facilitators to their use. Methods A mixed-methods study was used. A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire to establish the outcome measures used by physiotherapists was undertaken first, and then qualitative interviews of physiotherapists were carried out to establish the barriers and facilitators to the use of outcome measures used in stroke rehabilitation. Results The most commonly used impairment level outcome measure was the Modified Ashworth Scale (84%), while for activity limitation and participation restriction the Berg Balance Scale (96%) and the Stroke Impact Scale (32%) were used. The factors found to have an influence on the choice of outcome measure included time taken to complete the outcome measure, ability to integrate the outcome measure into daily practice, funds to buy the outcome measure, and the physiotherapist's knowledge of the outcome measure. Conclusions The most commonly used outcome measures are the Modified Ashworth Scale, the Berg Balance Scale and the Stroke Impact Scale. Physiotherapists mainly use outcome measures that are freely available, easy to understand, not time consuming, require less space to administer and are meaningful to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ntsiea
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Witnes Mudzi
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Postgraduate School, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Douglas Maleka
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Physiotherapy Department, School of Health Care Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Ga-Rankuwa, South Africa
| | - Nicolette Comley-White
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sonti Pilusa
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Houle B, Gaziano TA, Angotti N, Mojola SA, Kabudula CW, Tollman SM, Gómez-Olivé FX. Hypertension incidence among middle-aged and older adults: findings from a 5-year prospective study in rural South Africa, 2010-2015. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049621. [PMID: 34876423 PMCID: PMC8655592 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is a scarcity of longitudinal cohort studies in sub-Saharan Africa to understand the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease as a basis for intervention. We estimated incident hypertension and associated sociodemographic, health and behavioural risk factors in a population aged 40 years and older over a 5-year period. DESIGN We assessed the association between incident hypertension and sociodemographic, health and behavioural factors using Poisson regression. We adjusted for non-response in 2015 using inverse probability sampling weights from a logistic regression including sex and age at baseline. SETTING Rural South Africa. PARTICIPANTS We used a population-based cohort of normotensive adults in 2010 who were aged 40 years and older at retest in 2015. RESULTS Of 676 individuals completing baseline and 5-year follow-up, there were 193 incident cases of hypertension. The overall hypertension incidence rate was 8.374/100 person-years. In multivariable analyses, those who became hypertensive were more likely to be older, have a high waist circumference (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 1.557, 95% CI: 1.074 to 2.259) and be employed (IRR: 1.579, 95% CI: 1.071 to 2.329) at baseline. Being HIV positive and not on antiretroviral therapy at baseline was associated with lower risk of incident hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Over a 5-year period, 29% of respondents developed hypertension. Given the high burden of hypertension in South Africa, continued longitudinal follow-up is needed to understand the complex interplay of non-communicable and infectious diseases and their underlying and modifiable risk factors to inform public health prevention strategies and programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Houle
- School of Demography, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Thomas A Gaziano
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicole Angotti
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Sociology, American University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sanyu A Mojola
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Sociology, School of Public and International Affairs, and Office of Population Research, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Chodziwadziwa W Kabudula
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephen M Tollman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
- Centre for Global Health Research, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - F Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
- Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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van Niekerk SM, Kamalakannan S, Inglis-Jassiem G, Charumbira MY, Fernandes S, Webster J, English R, Louw QA, Smythe T. Towards universal health coverage for people with stroke in South Africa: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e049988. [PMID: 34824111 PMCID: PMC8627414 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the opportunities and challenges within the health system to facilitate the achievement of universal health coverage (UHC) for people with stroke (PWS) in South Africa (SA). SETTING SA. DESIGN Scoping review. SEARCH METHODS We conducted a scoping review of opportunities and challenges to achieve UHC for PWS in SA. Global and Africa-specific databases and grey literature were searched in July 2020. We included studies of all designs that described the healthcare system for PWS. Two frameworks, the Health Systems Dynamics Framework and WHO Framework, were used to map data on governance and regulation, resources, service delivery, context, reorientation of care and community engagement. A narrative approach was used to synthesise results. RESULTS Fifty-nine articles were included in the review. Over half (n=31, 52.5%) were conducted in Western Cape province and most (n=41, 69.4%) were conducted in urban areas. Studies evaluated a diverse range of health system categories and various outcomes. The most common reported component was service delivery (n=46, 77.9%), and only four studies (6.7%) evaluated governance and regulation. Service delivery factors for stroke care were frequently reported as poor and compounded by context-related limiting factors. Governance and regulations for stroke care in terms of government support, investment in policy, treatment guidelines, resource distribution and commitment to evidence-based solutions were limited. Promising supporting factors included adequately equipped and staffed urban tertiary facilities, the emergence of Stroke units, prompt assessment by health professionals, positive staff attitudes and care, two clinical care guidelines and educational and information resources being available. CONCLUSION This review fills a gap in the literature by providing the range of opportunities and challenges to achieve health for all PWS in SA. It highlights some health system areas that show encouraging trends to improve service delivery including comprehensiveness, quality and perceptions of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sjan-Mari van Niekerk
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Sureshkumar Kamalakannan
- SACDIR Indian Institute of Public Health Hyderabad, Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
- International Center for Evidence in Disability, Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Gakeemah Inglis-Jassiem
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Maria Yvonne Charumbira
- Rehabilitation Sciences, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Silke Fernandes
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jayne Webster
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Tropical Health and Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rene English
- Global Health, Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Quinette A Louw
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Tracey Smythe
- Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Matizirofa L, Chikobvu D. Analysing and quantifying the effect of predictors of stroke direct costs in South Africa using quantile regression. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1560. [PMID: 34404386 PMCID: PMC8369801 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11592-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In South Africa (SA), stroke is the second highest cause of mortality and disability. Apart from being the main killer and cause of disability, stroke is an expensive disease to live with. Stroke costs include death and medical costs. Little is known about the stroke burden, particularly the stroke direct costs in SA. Identification of stroke costs predictors using appropriate statistical methods can help formulate appropriate health programs and policies aimed at reducing the stroke burden. Analysis of stroke costs have in the main, concentrated on mean regression, yet modelling with quantile regression (QR) is more appropriate than using mean regression. This is because the QR provides flexibility to analyse the stroke costs predictors corresponding to quantiles of interest. This study aims to estimate stroke direct costs, identify and quantify its predictors through QR analysis. METHODS Hospital-based data from 35,730 stroke cases were retrieved from selected private and public hospitals between January 2014 and December 2018. The model used, QR provides richer information about the predictors on costs. The prevalence-based approach was used to estimate the total stroke costs. Thus, stroke direct costs were estimated by taking into account the costs of all stroke patients admitted during the study period. QR analysis was used to assess the effect of each predictor on stroke costs distribution. Quantiles of stroke direct costs, with a focus on predictors, were modelled and the impact of predictors determined. QR plots of slopes were developed to visually examine the impact of the predictors across selected quantiles. RESULTS Of the 35,730 stroke cases, 22,183 were diabetic. The estimated total direct costs over five years were R7.3 trillion, with R2.6 billion from inpatient care. The economic stroke burden was found to increase in people with hypertension, heart problems, and diabetes. The age group 55-75 years had a bigger effect on costs distribution at the lower than upper quantiles. CONCLUSIONS The identified predictors can be used to raise awareness on modifiable predictors and promote campaigns for healthy dietary choices. Modelling costs predictors using multivariate QR models could be beneficial for addressing the stroke burden in SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyness Matizirofa
- Department of Statistics, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Florida Campus, 28 Pioneer Avenue, Roodeport, Johannesburg, 1709, South Africa.
| | - Delson Chikobvu
- Department of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, P.O. Box 339, Bloemfontein, South Africa
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Kuo NY, Lin YH, Chen HM. Continuity of Care and Self-Management among Patients with Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:989. [PMID: 34442126 PMCID: PMC8394814 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9080989] [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: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Stroke is an important topic in the healthcare industry. The objective of the present study was to investigate patients' sociodemographic characteristics, health status, continuity of care, self-management, and other predictors that affect their self-management. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study was carried out from March to September 2020, and included a total of 150 patients aged 20 and above who were diagnosed within the past 6 months. The research participants were selected from the Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine/Department of Surgery, at a medical center in Central Taiwan. (3) Results: The mean self-management score of patients with stroke was 110.50 points (30-150 points). As shown in the stepwise regression analysis, the overall regression model explained approximately 44.5% of the variance in self-management. Educational level (10.8%), frequency of exercise per week (2.1%), time that patients were affected by stroke (2.4%), and continuity of care (29.2%) were the main predictors affecting the self-management of stroke patients. (4) Conclusions: To improve stroke patients' self-management, medical teams should provide appropriate continuity of care to those with lower educational levels, those without exercise habits, and those who experienced a stroke within the past six months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Yu Kuo
- Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
- Department of Nursing, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500024, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Huei Lin
- Post-Baccalaureate Program in Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Mei Chen
- Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
- Department of Nursing, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
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20
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Wang J, Wang X, Li H, Yang L, Li Y, Kong C. Spatial distribution and determinants of health loss from Kashin-Beck disease in Bin County, Shaanxi Province, China. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:387. [PMID: 33607974 PMCID: PMC7893884 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10407-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is one of the major endemic diseases in China, which severely impacts the physical health and life quality of people. A better understanding of the spatial distribution of the health loss from KBD and its influencing factors will help to identify areas and populations at high risk so as to plan for targeted interventions. Methods The data of patients with KBD at village-level were collected to estimate and analyze the spatial pattern of health loss from KBD in Bin County, Shaanxi Province. The years lived with disability (YLDs) index was applied as a measure of health loss from KBD. Spatial autocorrelation methodologies, including Global Moran’s I and Local Moran’s I, were used to describe and map spatial clusters of the health loss. In addition, basic individual information and environmental samples were collected to explore natural and social determinants of the health loss from KBD. Results The estimation of YLDs showed that patients with KBD of grade II and patients over 50 years old contributed most to the health loss of KBD in Bin County. No significant difference was observed between two genders. The spatial patterns of YLDs and YLD rate of KBD were clustered significantly at both global and local scales. Villages in the southwestern and eastern regions revealed higher health loss, while those in the northern regions exhibited lower health loss. This clustering was found to be significantly related to organically bound Se in soil and poverty rate of KBD patients. Conclusions Our results suggest that future treatment and prevention of KBD should focus on endemic areas with high organically bound Se in soil and poor economic conditions. The findings can also provide important information for further exploration of the etiology of KBD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10407-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory for Geographical Process Analysis & Simulation, Research Institute of Sustainable Development, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China.,Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaoya Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Hairong Li
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China.
| | - Linsheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yingchun Li
- Binxian Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Binxian, 713500, China
| | - Chang Kong
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
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Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of disability, dementia and death worldwide. Approximately 70% of deaths from stroke and 87% of stroke-related disability occur in low-income and middle-income countries. At the turn of the century, the most common diseases in Africa were communicable diseases, whereas non-communicable diseases, including stroke, were considered rare, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, evidence indicates that, today, Africa could have up to 2-3-fold greater rates of stroke incidence and higher stroke prevalence than western Europe and the USA. In Africa, data published within the past decade show that stroke has an annual incidence rate of up to 316 per 100,000, a prevalence of up to 1,460 per 100,000 and a 3-year fatality rate greater than 80%. Moreover, many Africans have a stroke within the fourth to sixth decades of life, with serious implications for the individual, their family and society. This age profile is particularly important as strokes in younger people tend to result in a greater loss of self-worth and socioeconomic productivity than in older individuals. Emerging insights from research into stroke epidemiology, genetics, prevention, care and outcomes offer great prospects for tackling the growing burden of stroke on the continent. In this article, we review the unique profile of stroke in Africa and summarize current knowledge on stroke epidemiology, genetics, prevention, acute care, rehabilitation, outcomes, cost of care and awareness. We also discuss knowledge gaps, emerging priorities and future directions of stroke medicine for the more than 1 billion people who live in Africa.
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Schouw D, Mash R, Kolbe-Alexander T. Changes in risk factors for non-communicable diseases associated with the 'Healthy choices at work' programme, South Africa. Glob Health Action 2020; 13:1827363. [PMID: 33076762 PMCID: PMC7594846 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1827363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally 71% of deaths are attributed to non-communicable diseases (NCD). The workplace is an opportune setting for health promotion programs and interventions that aim to prevent NCDs. However, much of the current evidence is from high-income countries. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in NCD risk factors, associated with the Healthy Choices at Work programme (HCWP), at a commercial power plant in South Africa. METHODS This was a before-and-after study in a randomly selected sample of 156 employees at baseline and 137 employees at 2-years. The HCWP focused on food services, physical activity, health and wellness services and managerial support. Participants completed questionnaires on tobacco smoking, harmful alcohol use, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, psychosocial stress and history of NCDs. Clinical measures included blood pressure, total cholesterol, random blood glucose, body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. The 10-year cardiovascular risk was calculated using a validated algorithm. Sample size calculations evaluated the power of the sample to detect meaningful changes in risk factors. RESULTS Paired data was obtained for 137 employees, the mean age was 42.7 years (SD 9.7) and 64% were male. The prevalence of sufficient fruit and vegetable intake increased from 27% to 64% (p < 0.001), those meeting physical activity guidelines increased from 44% to 65% (p < 0.001). Harmful alcohol use decreased from 21% to 5% (p = 0.001). There were clinical and statistically significant improvements in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference -10.2 mmHg (95%CI: -7.3 to -13.2); and -3.9 mmHg (95%CI: -1.8 to -5.8); p < 0.001) and total cholesterol (mean difference -0.45 mmol/l (-0.3 to -0.6)). There were no significant improvements in BMI. Psychosocial stress from relationships with colleagues, personal finances, and personal health improved significantly. The cardiovascular risk score decreased by 4.5% (> 0.05). CONCLUSION The HCWP was associated with clinically significant reductions in behavioural, metabolic and psychosocial risk factors for NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcelle Schouw
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robert Mash
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tracy Kolbe-Alexander
- Sport and Exercise Science, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Assessing the Health Loss from Kashin-Beck Disease and Its Relationship with Environmental Selenium in Qamdo District of Tibet, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 18:ijerph18010011. [PMID: 33375039 PMCID: PMC7792790 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD) is one of major endemic diseases in China. In this study, we estimated the health loss from KBD in Qamdo district of Tibet using the years lived with disability (YLD) metric and investigated the influence of environmental selenium (Se) on it by multiple regression model. The results showed that YLD rates produced a different ranking of health loss of KBD from that produced by prevalence rates between Basu and Luolong County, with higher health loss from KBD (43.61 YLD/1000) but lower prevalence (17.86%) in Basu County. YLD rates in two counites were both highest for the 45-64 years age group. Compared with the prevalence rate, the YLD rate had a closer relation to environmental Se and was significantly negatively correlated with Se in both soil and highland barley. The multiple linear regression further revealed that Se contents in cultivated soil and highland barley were main influencing factors for the health loss of KBD, which could explain 90.5% of the variation in YLD rates. The information obtained highlights the significance of the YLD metric in exploring the environmental etiology of KBD and provides important information on which to base decisions on future prevention and control of endemic diseases.
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Augustyn H, de Witt P, Franzsen D. The effect of HIV status on post-stroke outcomes in personal activities of daily living. Br J Occup Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/0308022620902683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction This study explored the impact of HIV on the functional recovery of personal activities of daily living of stroke survivors. This assisted in identifying possible implications for the rehabilitation of stroke survivors who are also HIV-positive. Method A quantitative, descriptive, longitudinal comparative research design was used to determine the change in personal activities of daily living scores of HIV-negative and HIV-positive stroke survivors from admission to 1 month after discharge. Data were collected at a rehabilitation unit using the South African Database Functional Measure. Results There was no difference in the rate and nature of functional recovery of personal activities of daily living between the two groups between admission and discharge. A difference was noticed during the period from admission to 1 month after discharge, during which the HIV-negative group continued to show improvement, while the HIV-positive group showed little improvement or a decline in personal activities of daily living scores. Conclusions While the rate and nature of functional recovery related to personal activities of daily living for HIV-positive and HIV-negative stroke survivors is similar during inpatient care, discharge planning for the HIV-positive group needs to consider the decline in personal activities of daily living functioning post discharge. Regular follow-ups and the inclusion of the stroke survivors in an outpatient treatment programme is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hymeri Augustyn
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patricia de Witt
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Denise Franzsen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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van Niekerk SM, Inglis-Jassiem G, Kamalakannan S, Fernandes S, Webster J, English R, Smythe T, Louw QA. Achieving universal health coverage for people with stroke in South Africa: protocol for a scoping review. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e041221. [PMID: 33046479 PMCID: PMC7552861 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stroke is the second most common cause of death after HIV/AIDS and a significant health burden in South Africa. The extent to which universal health coverage (UHC) is achieved for people with stroke in South Africa is unknown. Therefore, a scoping review to explore the opportunities and challenges within the South African health system to facilitate the achievement of UHC for people with stroke is warranted. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The scoping review will follow the approach recommended by Levac, Colquhoun and O'Brien, which includes five steps: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) selecting the studies, (4) charting the data, and (5) collating, summarising and reporting the results. Health Systems Dynamics Framework and WHO Framework on integrated people-centred health services will be used to map, synthesise and analyse data thematically. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required for this scoping review, as it will only include published and publicly available data. The findings of this review will be published in an open-access, peer-reviewed journal and we will develop an accessible summary of the results for website posting and stakeholder meetings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sjan-Mari van Niekerk
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gakeemah Inglis-Jassiem
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sureshkumar Kamalakannan
- SACDIR, Public Health Foundation of India, Gurgaon, India
- International Center for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Silke Fernandes
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jayne Webster
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rene English
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, London, UK
| | - Tracey Smythe
- International Center for Evidence in Disability, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Q A Louw
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Scheffler E, Mash R. Figuring it out by yourself: Perceptions of home-based care of stroke survivors, family caregivers and community health workers in a low-resourced setting, South Africa. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2020; 12:e1-e12. [PMID: 33054273 PMCID: PMC7565662 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In less resourced settings, formal rehabilitation services for stroke survivors were often absent. Stroke survivors were referred to community health workers (CHWs) who were untrained in rehabilitation. AIM To describe the experience and perceived needs of stroke survivors, their caregivers and CHWs in a context with limited access to and support from formal rehabilitation services. SETTING The Breede Valley subdistrict, Western Cape, South Africa, a rural, less resourced setting. METHODS A descriptive exploratory qualitative study. Four focus group interviews were held with purposively selected stroke survivors and caregivers and four with CHWs. A thematic approach and the framework method were used to analyse the transcripts. FINDINGS A total of 41 CHWs, 21 caregivers and 26 stroke survivors participated. Four main themes and 11 sub-themes were identified. Because of the lack of knowledge, training and rehabilitation services, the main theme for all groups was having to 'figure things out' independently, with incontinence management being particularly challenging. Secondly was the need for emotional support for stroke survivors and caregivers. Thirdly, contextual factors such as architectural barriers and lack of assistive products negatively impacted care and function. Lastly, the organisation of health and rehabilitation services negatively impacted home-based services and professional support. CONCLUSIONS With appropriate training, the CHWs can be pivotal in the training and support of family caregivers and stroke survivors. Care pathways and the role and scope of both CHWs and therapists in home-based stroke rehabilitation should be defined and restructured, including the links with formal services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsje Scheffler
- Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town.
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Chikafu H, Chimbari MJ. Levels and Correlates of Physical Activity in Rural Ingwavuma Community, uMkhanyakude District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186739. [PMID: 32947853 PMCID: PMC7559597 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity, among others, confers cardiovascular, mental, and skeletal health benefits to people of all age-groups and health states. It reduces the risks associated with cardiovascular disease and therefore, could be useful in rural South Africa where cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden is increasing. The objective of this study was to examine levels and correlates of physical activity among adults in the Ingwavuma community in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Self-reported data on physical activity from 392 consenting adults (female, n = 265; male, n = 127) was used. We used the one-sample t-test to assess the level of physical activity and a two-level multiple linear regression to investigate the relationship between total physical activity (TPA) and independent predictors. The weekly number of minutes spent on all physical activities by members of the Ingwavuma community was 912.2; standard deviation (SD) (870.5), with males having 37% higher physical activity (1210.6 min, SD = 994.2) than females (769.2, SD = 766.3). Livelihood activities constituted 65% of TPA, and sport and recreation contributed 10%. Participants without formal education (20%), those underweight (27%), and the obese (16%) had low physical activity. Notwithstanding this, in general, the Ingwavuma community significantly exceeded the recommended weekly time on physical activity with a mean difference of 762.1 (675.8–848.6) minutes, t (391) = 17.335, p < 0.001. Gender and age were significant predictors of TPA in level 1 of the multiple regression. Males were significantly more active than females by 455.4 min (β = −0.25, p < 0.001) and participants of at least 60 years were significantly less active than 18–29-year-olds by 276.2 min (β = −0.12, p < 0.05). Gender, marital status, and health awareness were significant predictors in the full model that included education level, employment status, body mass index (BMI), and physical activity related to health awareness as predictors. The high prevalence of insufficient physical activity in some vulnerable groups, notably the elderly and obese, and the general poor participation in sport and recreation activities are worrisome. Hence we recommend health education interventions to increase awareness of and reshape sociocultural constructs that hinder participation in leisure activities. It is important to promote physical activity as a preventive health intervention and complement the pharmacological treatment of CVDs in rural South Africa. Physical activity interventions for all sociodemographic groups have potential economic gains through a reduction in costs related to the treatment of chronic CVD.
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Feris SG, Naicker B. Acute stroke in the emergency department: A chart review at KwaZulu-Natal hospital. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2020; 62:e1-e4. [PMID: 32896140 PMCID: PMC8378012 DOI: 10.4102/safp.v62i1.5126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. There is limited literature detailing the clinical profile of stroke in developing countries’ emergency departments (EDs). The aim of this study is to describe the demographics and risk factors of patients presenting with stroke to an ED in South Africa. Methods This study was a retrospective chart review of all patients with a clinical diagnosis of stroke presenting to an ED of a regional hospital in rural KwaZulu-Natal from November 2018 to November 2019. Results A total of 362 patient charts were screened, and 136 of the charts met the inclusion criteria for the study. Seventy per cent of the patients had pre-existing hypertension, only one patient was not on treatment and two patients were not on secondary prevention. In human immunodeficiency virus–positive patients (20.5%; n = 28), 17 patients were under 50 years old. The most common finding on computer tomography was ischemic strokes (74%, n = 100). Thrombolysis was given to five patients included in the study. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 4.06%. Conclusion This study adds to the limited data about stroke in South Africa. Our population represents a unique blend of infectious and lifestyle disease. More research in this setting is recommended to develop local guidelines on emergency stroke care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve G Feris
- Division of Emergency Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
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Medical complications and mortality of hospitalized stroke patients. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:104990. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.104990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Sudharsanan N, Deshmukh M, Kalkonde Y. Direct estimates of disability-adjusted life years lost due to stroke : a cross-sectional observational study in a demographic surveillance site in rural Gadchiroli, India. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e028695. [PMID: 31699719 PMCID: PMC6858195 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To directly estimate disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost due to stroke in rural Gadchiroli, India and measure the contribution of mortality and disability to total DALYs lost. DESIGN Cross-sectional descriptive study using population census, vital registration and stroke prevalence data. SETTING A demographic surveillance site of 86 villages in Gadchiroli, a rural district in Maharashtra, India. PARTICIPANTS Population counts and mortality information were drawn from a census and vital registration system covering a population of approximately 94 154 individuals; stroke prevalence information was based on a door-to-door evaluation of all 45 053 individuals from 39 of the 86 villages in the surveillance site. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Years of life lost (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD) and DALYs lost due to stroke. RESULTS There were 229 stroke deaths among the total population of 94 154 individuals and 175 stroke survivors among the subpopulation of 45 053 individuals. An estimated 2984 DALYs were lost due to stroke per 100 000 person-years with a higher burden among men compared with women (3142 vs 2821 DALYs). Over three-fourths (80%) of the total DALYs lost due to stroke were between ages 30 and 70 years. YLL accounted for 98.9% of total DALYs lost. CONCLUSIONS There was a high burden of stroke in rural Gadchiroli with a significant burden at premature ages. These results reveal a substantial need for surveillance and improved preventive and curative services for stroke in rural India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikkil Sudharsanan
- Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Mahesh Deshmukh
- Society for Education Action and Research in Community Health, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, India
| | - Yogeshwar Kalkonde
- Society for Education Action and Research in Community Health, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, India
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Interplay Between Socioeconomic Status and Otitis Media Disease Burden in Resource-rich and Resource-poor Nations. Otol Neurotol 2019; 39:e817-e824. [PMID: 30080766 DOI: 10.1097/mao.0000000000001943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To characterize global differences in otitis media (OM)-related disease burden between socioeconomically advantaged and disadvantaged nations. METHODS Using the Global Health Data Exchange, worldwide OM burden was evaluated using age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 individuals in 183 countries from 1990 to 2015. Countries were organized by socioeconomic status using Human Development Index (HDI) values collected from the United Nations Development Program. Gini coefficients and concentration indices were employed to analyze disparities in OM disease burden. RESULTS From 1990 to 2015, the mean DALY rate across all nations decreased by 21.9%. When considering disease burden in relation to socioeconomic status, age-standardized DALYs decreased as HDI values increased (p < 0.001). For both children and adults, DALY rates were significantly different between HDI groups (p < 0.01). Gini coefficients decreased from 0.821 in 1990 to 0.810 in 2015, indicating a modest reduction in international health inequality. Global disparities in OM disease burden, as measured by the concentration index, worsened from 1990 to 2010 before showing a small trend reversal in 2015. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first analysis investigating socioeconomic-related global disparities in OM disease burden using HDI values, Gini coefficients, and concentration indices. While the overall mean decrease in DALY rate from 1990 to 2015 is encouraging, the net decrease in concentration index during this period suggests less-developed nations continue to shoulder a disproportionate burden. Greater resource allocation to resource-poor nations may be warranted, as disease burden negatively impacts these countries to a greater degree.
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Ntsiea MV. Current stroke rehabilitation services and physiotherapy research in South Africa. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2019; 75:475. [PMID: 31392288 PMCID: PMC6676941 DOI: 10.4102/sajp.v75i1.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Stroke is one of the most common causes of morbidity and disability in South Africa, with the burden of stroke particularly high in rural South Africa. Objectives The aim of this study was to collate South African (SA) physiotherapy stroke rehabilitation research. Method A narrative review of physiotherapy stroke rehabilitation research conducted within the last 10 years in South Africa. Results Stroke survivors in South Africa have poor functional ability at discharge from the hospital and have poor access to transport, work and education. Their caregivers experience strain and have a poor quality of life. Inpatient rehabilitation services focus on the medical model approach and patients are discharged into family care because of limited rehabilitation facilities. Physiotherapy interventions found to be effective in SA studies: longitudinal shoulder strapping, balance exercises in the community, task-orientated circuit gait training, saccadic eye movement training with visual scanning exercises for unilateral spatial neglect and workplace intervention programmes to increase return to work after stroke. Caregiver education alone and use of pictorial exercise programmes does not improve patients’ functional ability and adherence to home exercise programmes, respectively. Conclusion There is a need to focus physiotherapy stroke rehabilitation on barriers that hinder full social integration of the patient, including return to work and improving carer support. Most research reviewed focused on description of the problems experienced; however, more intervention studies are now underway to develop context-specific interventions with feasible treatment intensity, frequencies and equipment requirements. Future research should explore new ways of improving post-discharge rehabilitation services. Examples of intervention research that may be beneficial in a SA context are mirror therapy, mental practice and patient-directed activities in rehabilitation. Clinical implications Knowledge of interventions that were found to be effective in this context will encourage clinicians to translate these findings into practice. Noting that outcome measures that are core for stroke rehabilitation are not included in some projects may remind researchers to consider them to make comparisons between different research projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mokgobadibe V Ntsiea
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Scheffler E, Mash R. Surviving a stroke in South Africa: outcomes of home-based care in a low-resource rural setting. Top Stroke Rehabil 2019; 26:423-434. [PMID: 31169468 DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2019.1623473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Little is known of stroke outcomes in low- and middle-income countries with limited formal stroke rehabilitation services and of homebased-stroke services delivered within the primary health care (PHC) context by community health workers (CHWs). Objectives: To describe and analyze the outcomes of patients with stroke from a rural PHC setting in the Western Cape, South Africa. Methods: In a longitudinal survey, 93 stroke patients, referred to home and community-based care services (HCBC) between June 2015 and December 2017, were assessed at baseline, one month and three months. Changes in function (Barthel Index (BI)), caregiver strain (Caregiver Strain Index (CSI)), impact of environmental factors and satisfaction with stroke care were measured. Results: HCBC was delayed, fragmented and brief (median session duration 20 minutes (IQR 15.0-30.0)). Although function improved significantly, dependence remained high: median BI score changed from 40.0 (IQR 15.0-70.0) to 62.5 (IQR 30.0-81.25) (p = .019). A third (33.0% (30/91)) of caregivers initially experienced strain and the median CSI score remained 3.0 (IQR 0.0-7.0) (p = .672). Overall, patient and caregiver satisfaction with HCBC was low with only 46.9% (31/66) of caregivers and 17.4% (12/69) of patients satisfied with all aspects of care. Only 47.6% of assistive product needs were met. Environmental factors negatively impacted on patient function and caregiving. Conclusions: Clinical practice pathways and referral guidelines should be developed for the HCBC platform. Specific training of CHWs, focusing on how to educate, support and train family caregivers, provide assistive devices and refer to health services is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsje Scheffler
- a Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Stellenbosch University , Stellenbosch , South Africa
| | - Robert Mash
- a Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Stellenbosch University , Stellenbosch , South Africa
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Abstract
Background The pattern of stroke in rural population differs from that in urban ones. Although there are many studies on this condition in sub-Saharan Africa, few studies about stroke pattern in a Kenyan rural area exist.. This study therefore aims at describing the characteristics of stroke in a rural Kenyan hospital. Patients and Methods The study was conducted on 227 consecutive patients admitted with a World Health Organization (WHO) diagnosis of stroke in Kangundo Hospital, a level IV facility in Machakos, Eastern Kenya, between April 2015 and September 2016. The sub-type and anatomical distribution of stroke as well as the age, gender of the patients were recorded prospectively. Diagnosis was made through physical neurological examination and confirmed by Computerized Tomography (CT) scan imaging. Only those with complete bio-data, past medical and social history, clinical and physical findings of the patients and imaging results were included. The data were entered into a pre-formatted questionnaire, analysed for means, standard deviations and frequencies, and are presented in tables and bar charts. Results Out of 3200 medical admissions, 227 (7.09%) had a confirmed diagnosis of stroke. Ischaemic stroke was more common (67.4%) than haemorrhagic stroke (32.6%). It affected mainly the anterior circulation, especially the middle cerebral artery (39%). The mean age of patients was 68.8 years, (Range 32–96). It was more common in females (62%) than in males (38%). Hypertension was the most common (74%) risk factor followed by alcohol abuse (63%), tobacco smoking (48%) and diabetes mellitus (42%). Conclusion Ischaemic stroke was the more common major cause of morbidity in the rural hospital studied in Kenya. It occurred most commonly among elderly females, with the most frequent comorbidities being hypertension. In addition, modifiable lifestyle factors like alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking contributed to the prevalence; hence we recommend the control of blood pressure and glucose as well as lifestyle modification to reduce the scourge in our studied population.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was developed to explore the efficacy of introducing the Amharic phrase "Ye-Angol Tikat," which translates to "brain attack" in English, as a mechanism to enhance stroke education among the Amharic-speaking Ethiopian community. METHODS A prospective, nonrandomized, survey was completed by 294 Amharic-speaking persons. The survey explored support and desire for a culturally appropriate terminology for stroke. RESULTS Most of the participants (93%) support the need for an Amharic term to describe stroke. CONCLUSION This pilot project demonstrates a strong support for a descriptive and standardized terminology for stroke within the Amharic-speaking community.
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Polivka J, Polivka J, Pesta M, Rohan V, Celedova L, Mahajani S, Topolcan O, Golubnitschaja O. Risks associated with the stroke predisposition at young age: facts and hypotheses in light of individualized predictive and preventive approach. EPMA J 2019; 10:81-99. [PMID: 30984317 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-019-00162-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is one of the most devastating pathologies of the early twenty-first century demonstrating 1-month case-fatality rates ranging from 13 to 35% worldwide. Though the majority of cases do occur in individuals at an advanced age, a persistently increasing portion of the patient cohorts is affected early in life. Current studies provide alarming statistics for the incidence of "young" strokes including adolescents. Young stroke is a multifactorial disease involving genetic predisposition but also a number of modifiable factors, the synergic combination of which potentiates the risks. The article analyzes the prevalence and impacts of "traditional" risk factors such as sedentary lifestyle, smoking, abnormal alcohol consumption, drug abuse, overweight, hypertension, abnormal sleep patterns, and usage of hormonal contraceptives, among others. Further, less explored risks such as primary vascular dysregulation and associated symptoms characteristic for Flammer syndrome (FS) are considered, and the relevance of the FS phenotype for the stroke predisposition at young age is hypothesized. Considering the high prevalence of known genetic and modifiable risk factors in the overall predisposition to the young stroke, the risk mitigating measures are recommended including innovative screening programs by application of specialized questionnaires and biomarker panels as well as educational programs adapted to the target audiences such as children, adolescents, and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Polivka
- 1Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Staré Město, Czech Republic
- 2Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Staré Město, Czech Republic
- 3Department of Neurology, University Hospital Pilsen, and Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Staré Město, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Polivka
- 3Department of Neurology, University Hospital Pilsen, and Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Staré Město, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pesta
- 2Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Staré Město, Czech Republic
- 4Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Staré Město, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimir Rohan
- 3Department of Neurology, University Hospital Pilsen, and Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Staré Město, Czech Republic
| | - Libuse Celedova
- 5Department of Social and Assessment Medicine, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Staré Město, Czech Republic
| | | | - Ondrej Topolcan
- 7Department of Immunochemistry, University Hospital Pilsen, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Golubnitschaja
- 8Radiological Clinic, UKB, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- 9Breast Cancer Research Centre, UKB, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- 10Centre for Integrated Oncology, Cologne-Bonn, UKB, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Malambo P, De Villiers A, Lambert EV, Puoane T, Kengne AP. The relationship between objectively-measured attributes of the built environment and selected cardiovascular risk factors in a South African urban setting. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:847. [PMID: 29986681 PMCID: PMC6038294 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5772-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence concerning the relationship between objectively-measured attributes of the built environment with cardio-metabolic risk in populations from lower- and middle-income countries is lacking. In this paper, we describe the association between the objectively-measured built environment with body mass index, blood pressure and physical activity in adult South Africans. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 341 adults aged ≥35 years drawn from the Cape Town arm of the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) cohort study. All Cape Town PURE participants were invited to take part in the study. Actigraph GT3X accelerometer and Geographic Information Systems were used to measure physical activity and built environment attributes (community center, shopping center and taxi rank). RESULTS In age and sex adjusted models (reference 500 m), access to community centers (1000 m) was positively related to body mass index [beta 4.70 (95%CI: 2.06 to 7.34)] and diastolic blood pressure [4.97 (0.00 to 9.95)]. Distance from a community center (1600 m) was positively related to diastolic blood pressure [6.58 (1.57 to 11.58)] and inversely with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [- 69.30 (- 134.92 to - 3.70)]. Distance to a shopping center (1600 m) was positively related to body mass index [4.78 (1.11 to 8.45)] and shopping center (1000 m) was positively related to systolic blood pressure respectively [76.99 (0.03 to 83.95)]. CONCLUSION Distance to community and shopping centers were significantly associated with BMI, systolic, diastolic blood pressure and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Future research should include multiple aspects of built environment variables in order to provide for a broader understanding of their effect on cardiovascular risk profile of African populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasmore Malambo
- Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville, Cape Town, 7535 South Africa
| | - Anniza De Villiers
- South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl Drive, Parowvallei, P.O. Box 19070, Cape Town, Tygerberg 7505 South Africa
| | - Estelle V. Lambert
- Division of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, P.O. Box 115, Cape Town, Newlands 7725 South Africa
| | - Thandi Puoane
- Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Rd, Bellville, Cape Town, 7535 South Africa
| | - Andre P. Kengne
- South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl Drive, Parowvallei, P.O. Box 19070, Cape Town, Tygerberg 7505 South Africa
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Akinyemi RO, Owolabi MO, Ihara M, Damasceno A, Ogunniyi A, Dotchin C, Paddick SM, Ogeng'o J, Walker R, Kalaria RN. Stroke, cerebrovascular diseases and vascular cognitive impairment in Africa. Brain Res Bull 2018; 145:97-108. [PMID: 29807146 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
With increased numbers of older people a higher burden of neurological disorders worldwide is predicted. Stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases do not necessarily present with different phenotypes in Africa but their incidence is rising in tandem with the demographic change in the population. Age remains the strongest irreversible risk factor for stroke and cognitive impairment. Modifiable factors relating to vascular disease risk, diet, lifestyle, physical activity and psychosocial status play a key role in shaping the current spate of stroke related diseases in Africa. Hypertension is the strongest modifiable risk factor for stroke but is also likely associated with co-inheritance of genetic traits among Africans. Somewhat different from high-income countries, strokes attributed to cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) are higher >30% among sub-Saharan Africans. Raised blood pressure may explain most of the incidence of SVD-related strokes but there are likely other contributing factors including dyslipidaemia and diabetes in some sectors of Africa. However, atherosclerotic and cardioembolic diseases combined also appear to be common subtypes as causes of strokes. Significant proportions of cerebrovascular diseases are ascribed to various forms of infectious disease including complications of human immunodeficiency virus. Cerebral SVD leads to several clinical manifestations including gait disturbance, autonomic dysfunction and depression. Pathological processes are characterized by arteriolosclerosis, lacunar infarcts, perivascular spaces, microinfarcts and diffuse white matter changes, which can now all be detected on neuroimaging. Except for isolated cases of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy or CADASIL, hereditary arteriopathies have so far not been reported in Africa. Prevalence estimates of vascular dementia (2-3%), delayed dementia after stroke (10-20%) and vascular cognitive impairment (30-40%) do not appear to be vastly different from those in other parts of the world. However, given the current demographic transition in both urban and rural settings these figures will likely rise. Wider application of neuroimaging modalities and implementation of stroke care in Africa will enable better estimates of SVD and other subtypes of stroke. Stroke survivors with SVD type pathology are likely to have low mortality and therefore portend increased incidence of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rufus O Akinyemi
- Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Mayowa O Owolabi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Masafumi Ihara
- Department of Neurology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, 5-7-1 Fujishiro-dai, Suita, Osaka, 565-8565, Japan
| | | | - Adesola Ogunniyi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Catherine Dotchin
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, United Kingdom
| | - Stella-Maria Paddick
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, United Kingdom
| | - Julius Ogeng'o
- Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Richard Walker
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AX, United Kingdom
| | - Raj N Kalaria
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Campus for Ageing & Vitality, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, United Kingdom.
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Hullur N, D'Ambruoso L, Edin K, Wagner RG, Ngobeni S, Kahn K, Tollman S, Byass P. Community perspectives on HIV, violence and health surveillance in rural South Africa: a participatory pilot study. J Glob Health 2018; 6:010406. [PMID: 27231542 PMCID: PMC4871061 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.06.010406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa faces a complex burden of disease consisting of infectious and non-communicable conditions, injury and interpersonal violence, and maternal and child mortality. Inequalities in income and opportunity push disease burdens towards vulnerable populations, a situation to which the health system struggles to respond. There is an urgent need for health planning to account for the needs of marginalized groups in this context. The study objectives were to develop a process to elicit the perspectives of local communities in the established Agincourt health and socio-demographic surveillance site (HDSS) in rural north-east South Africa on two leading causes of death: HIV/AIDS and violent assault, and on health surveillance as a means to generate information on health in the locality. METHODS Drawing on community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods, three village-based groups of eight participants were convened, with whom a series of discussions were held to identify and define the causes of, treatments for, and problems surrounding, deaths due to HIV/AIDS and violent assault. The surveillance system was also discussed and recommendations generated. The discussion narratives were the main data source, examined using framework analysis. RESULTS The groups identified a range of social and health systems issues including risky sexual health behaviors, entrenched traditional practices, alcohol and substance abuse, unstable relationships, and debt as causative. Participants also explained how compromised patient confidentiality in clinics, insensitive staff, and a biased judicial system were problematic for the treatment and reporting of both conditions. Views on health surveillance were positive. Recommendations to strengthen an already well-functioning system related to maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity, and extending ancillary care obligations. CONCLUSION The discussions provided information not available from other sources on the social and health systems processes through which access to good quality health care is constrained in this setting. On this basis, further CBPR in routine HDSS to extend partnerships between researchers, communities and health authorities to connect evidence with the means for action is underway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitya Hullur
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - Lucia D'Ambruoso
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK; Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Edin
- Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ryan G Wagner
- Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sizzy Ngobeni
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; INDEPTH - An International Network for the Demographic Evaluation of Populations and Their Health, Accra, Ghana
| | - Stephen Tollman
- Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; INDEPTH - An International Network for the Demographic Evaluation of Populations and Their Health, Accra, Ghana
| | - Peter Byass
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK; Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Martí-Carvajal AJ, Solà I, Lathyris D, Dayer M. Homocysteine-lowering interventions for preventing cardiovascular events. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 8:CD006612. [PMID: 28816346 PMCID: PMC6483699 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd006612.pub5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease, which includes coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease, is a leading cause of death worldwide. Homocysteine is an amino acid with biological functions in methionine metabolism. A postulated risk factor for cardiovascular disease is an elevated circulating total homocysteine level. The impact of homocysteine-lowering interventions, given to patients in the form of vitamins B6, B9 or B12 supplements, on cardiovascular events has been investigated. This is an update of a review previously published in 2009, 2013, and 2015. OBJECTIVES To determine whether homocysteine-lowering interventions, provided to patients with and without pre-existing cardiovascular disease are effective in preventing cardiovascular events, as well as reducing all-cause mortality, and to evaluate their safety. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2017, Issue 5), MEDLINE (1946 to 1 June 2017), Embase (1980 to 2017 week 22) and LILACS (1986 to 1 June 2017). We also searched Web of Science (1970 to 1 June 2017). We handsearched the reference lists of included papers. We also contacted researchers in the field. There was no language restriction in the search. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials assessing the effects of homocysteine-lowering interventions for preventing cardiovascular events with a follow-up period of one year or longer. We considered myocardial infarction and stroke as the primary outcomes. We excluded studies in patients with end-stage renal disease. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We performed study selection, 'Risk of bias' assessment and data extraction in duplicate. We estimated risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes. We calculated the number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB). We measured statistical heterogeneity using the I2 statistic. We used a random-effects model. We conducted trial sequential analyses, Bayes factor, and fragility indices where appropriate. MAIN RESULTS In this third update, we identified three new randomised controlled trials, for a total of 15 randomised controlled trials involving 71,422 participants. Nine trials (60%) had low risk of bias, length of follow-up ranged from one to 7.3 years. Compared with placebo, there were no differences in effects of homocysteine-lowering interventions on myocardial infarction (homocysteine-lowering = 7.1% versus placebo = 6.0%; RR 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95 to 1.10, I2 = 0%, 12 trials; N = 46,699; Bayes factor 1.04, high-quality evidence), death from any cause (homocysteine-lowering = 11.7% versus placebo = 12.3%, RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.06, I2 = 0%, 11 trials, N = 44,817; Bayes factor = 1.05, high-quality evidence), or serious adverse events (homocysteine-lowering = 8.3% versus comparator = 8.5%, RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.14, I2 = 0%, eight trials, N = 35,788; high-quality evidence). Compared with placebo, homocysteine-lowering interventions were associated with reduced stroke outcome (homocysteine-lowering = 4.3% versus comparator = 5.1%, RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.99, I2 = 8%, 10 trials, N = 44,224; high-quality evidence). Compared with low doses, there were uncertain effects of high doses of homocysteine-lowering interventions on stroke (high = 10.8% versus low = 11.2%, RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.22, I2 = 72%, two trials, N = 3929; very low-quality evidence).We found no evidence of publication bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In this third update of the Cochrane review, there were no differences in effects of homocysteine-lowering interventions in the form of supplements of vitamins B6, B9 or B12 given alone or in combination comparing with placebo on myocardial infarction, death from any cause or adverse events. In terms of stroke, this review found a small difference in effect favouring to homocysteine-lowering interventions in the form of supplements of vitamins B6, B9 or B12 given alone or in combination comparing with placebo.There were uncertain effects of enalapril plus folic acid compared with enalapril on stroke; approximately 143 (95% CI 85 to 428) people would need to be treated for 5.4 years to prevent 1 stroke, this evidence emerged from one mega-trial.Trial sequential analyses showed that additional trials are unlikely to increase the certainty about the findings of this issue regarding homocysteine-lowering interventions versus placebo. There is a need for additional trials comparing homocysteine-lowering interventions combined with antihypertensive medication versus antihypertensive medication, and homocysteine-lowering interventions at high doses versus homocysteine-lowering interventions at low doses. Potential trials should be large and co-operative.
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Jardim TV, Reiger S, Abrahams-Gessel S, Gomez-Olive FX, Wagner RG, Wade A, Bärnighausen TW, Salomon J, Tollman S, Gaziano TA. Hypertension management in a population of older adults in rural South Africa. J Hypertens 2017; 35:1283-1289. [PMID: 28441697 PMCID: PMC5505070 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000001312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assess awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension, as an indication of its management, in rural South Africa, especially regarding modifiers of these variables. METHODS A population-representative sample of adults aged at least 40 years residing in the rural Agincourt subdistrict (Mpumalanga Province) covered by a long-term health and sociodemographic surveillance system was recruited. In-person interviews, physical exams, and dried blood spots were collected. Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control rates were assessed. A regression model was built to identify predictors of those outcomes. RESULTS The mean age of the 2884 hypertensive participants was 64.1 ± 12.7 years. Hypertension awareness rate was 64.4%, treatment among those aware was 89.3 and 45.8% of those treated were controlled. Considering aware and unaware hypertensives, treatment rate was 49.7% and control 22.8%. In the multivariable regression model, awareness was predicted by female sex, age at least 60 years, higher social economic status, prior cardiovascular disease (CVD), nonimmigrant status, literacy, and physical limitation. Improved control among those treated was predicted by age at least 60 years. Blood pressure control among all hypertensive study participants was predicted by female sex, being HIV-negative, age at least 60 years, nonimmigrant status, and prior CVD. CONCLUSION High rates of awareness and treatment of hypertension as well as good levels of control were found in this population, probably explained by the long-term surveillance program conducted in the area. Considering the predictors of hypertension management, particular attention should be given to men, residents younger than 60 years, immigrants, and study participants without CVD as these characteristics were predictors of poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Veiga Jardim
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston
| | - Sheridan Reiger
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston
| | | | - F. Xavier Gomez-Olive
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
- Africa Wits-INDEPTH Genomic Studies of Cardiovascular Disease, University of the Witwatersrand; Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine
| | - Ryan G. Wagner
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
- Africa Wits-INDEPTH Genomic Studies of Cardiovascular Disease, University of the Witwatersrand; Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine
- Umea Centre for Global Health Research, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Alisha Wade
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
- Africa Wits-INDEPTH Genomic Studies of Cardiovascular Disease, University of the Witwatersrand; Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Till W. Bärnighausen
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Mtubatuba, South Africa
- Institute of Public Health, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joshua Salomon
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen Tollman
- Medical Research Council/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
- Africa Wits-INDEPTH Genomic Studies of Cardiovascular Disease, University of the Witwatersrand; Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine
- Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), Mtubatuba, South Africa
| | - Thomas A. Gaziano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston
- Center for Health Decision Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston
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Fan L, Gui L, Chai EQ, Wei CJ. Routine hematological parameters are associated with short- and long-term prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke. J Clin Lab Anal 2017; 32. [PMID: 28543551 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.22244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies indicated that some routine hematological parameters are associated with the prognosis of ischemic stroke (IS), but none of study has evaluated them simultaneously. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of routine hematological parameters in IS patients. METHODS Using medical record database, we retrospectively reviewed the patients with IS admitted in Gansu Province Hospital between June 2014 and July 2015. The prognostic value of routine hematological parameters on admission was analyzed using logistic regression model, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS Patients with hospital mortality had significantly higher white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), while their lymphocyte, monocyte, and eosinophil were significantly lower. The area under ROC curve (AUC) for eosinophil, neutrophil, WBC, RDW, NLR, monocyte, and lymphocyte were 0.74 (95% CI, 0.67-0.82), 0.76 (95% CI, 0.67-0.84), 0.72 (95% CI, 0.64-0.81), 0.65 (95% CI, 0.56-0.73), 0.76 (95% CI, 0.68-0.84), 0.67 (95% CI, 0.59-0.76), and 0.75 (95% CI, 0.67-0.83), respectively. In a multivariable logistical regression model, only WBC, NLR, and NIHSS were independently associated with hospital mortality. In a multivariable model, age, NIHSS, RDW, NLR, and eosinophil were independent prognostic factors for all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION Red blood cell distribution width, NLR and eosinophil are independent prognostic factors for IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luo Fan
- Nursing College, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Emergency Department, The Gansu Province Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Li Gui
- Nursing College, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Er-Qing Chai
- Cerebrovascular Disease Center, The Gansu Province Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chao-Jun Wei
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Gansu Province Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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Keates AK, Mocumbi AO, Ntsekhe M, Sliwa K, Stewart S. Cardiovascular disease in Africa: epidemiological profile and challenges. Nat Rev Cardiol 2017; 14:273-293. [PMID: 28230175 DOI: 10.1038/nrcardio.2017.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
From a global perspective, the large and diverse African population is disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD). The historical balance between communicable and noncommunicable pathways to CVD in different African regions is dependent on external factors over the life course and at a societal level. The future risk of noncommunicable forms of CVD (predominantly driven by increased rates of hypertension, smoking, and obesity) is a growing public health concern. The incidence of previously rare forms of CVD such as coronary artery disease will increase, in concert with historically prevalent forms of disease, such as rheumatic heart disease, that are yet to be optimally prevented or treated. The success of any strategies designed to reduce the evolving and increasing burden of CVD across the heterogeneous communities living on the African continent will be dependent upon accurate and up-to-date epidemiological data on the cardiovascular profile of every major populace and region. In this Review, we provide a contemporary picture of the epidemiology of CVD in Africa, highlight key regional discrepancies among populations, and emphasize what is currently known and, more importantly, what is still unknown about the CVD burden among the >1 billion people living on the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley K Keates
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Level 5, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Ana O Mocumbi
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Ministério da Saúde, Av. Eduardo Mondlane/Salvador Allende Caixa Postal 264, Maputo, Moçambique
| | - Mpiko Ntsekhe
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Old Main Building, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Karen Sliwa
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Level 5, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Cape Heart Centre, 4th floor Chris Barnard Building, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Simon Stewart
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Level 5, 215 Spring Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Cape Heart Centre, 4th floor Chris Barnard Building, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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Bardach AE, Caporale JE, Rubinstein AL, Danaei G. Impact of level and patterns of alcohol drinking on coronary heart disease and stroke burden in Argentina. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173704. [PMID: 28282416 PMCID: PMC5345854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke are expected to increase in Latin America. Moderate and regular alcohol consumption confers cardiovascular protection, while binge drinking increases risk. We estimated the effects of alcohol use on the number of annual CHD and stroke deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in Argentina. METHODS Alcohol use data were obtained from a nationally representative survey (EnPreCosp 2011), and etiological effect sizes from meta-analyses of epidemiological studies. Cause-specific mortality rates were from the vital registration system. RESULTS There were 291,475 deaths in 2010 including 24,893 deaths from CHD and 15,717 from stroke. 62.7% of men and 38.7% of women reported drinking alcohol in the past year. All heavy drinkers (i.e. women who drank >20g/day and men who drank >40g/day of alcohol) met the definition of binge drinking and therefore did not benefit from cardioprotective effects. Alcohol drinking prevented 1,424 CHD deaths per year but caused 935 deaths from stroke (121 ischemic and 814 hemorrhagic), leading to 448 CVD deaths prevented (58.3% in men). Alcohol use was estimated to save 85,772 DALYs from CHD, but was responsible for 52,171 lost from stroke. CONCLUSIONS In Argentina, the cardioprotective effect of regular and moderate alcohol drinking is slightly larger than the harmful impact of binge drinking on CVD. However, considering global deleterious effects of alcohol in public health, policies to reduce binge drinking should be enforced, especially for young people. Studies are still needed to elucidate effects on cardiovascular health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Esteban Bardach
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy’, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET)–Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Joaquín Enzo Caporale
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy’, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET)–Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Adolfo Luis Rubinstein
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy’, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET)–Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Goodarz Danaei
- Department of Global Health and Population–Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, United States of America
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Andrews M, Pillay M. Poor consistency in evaluating South African adults with neurogenic dysphagia. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2017; 64:e1-e14. [PMID: 28155280 PMCID: PMC5842977 DOI: 10.4102/sajcd.v64i1.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Speech-language therapists are specifically trained in clinically evaluating swallowing in adults with acute stroke. Incidence of dysphagia following acute stroke is high in South Africa, and health implications can be fatal, making optimal management of this patient population crucial. However, despite training and guidelines for best practice in clinically evaluating swallowing in adults with acute stroke, there are low levels of consistency in these practice patterns. OBJECTIVE The aim was to explore the clinical practice activities of speech-language therapists in the clinical evaluation of swallowing in adults with acute stroke. Practice activities reviewed included the use and consistency of clinical components and resources utilised. Clinical components were the individual elements evaluated in the clinical evaluation of swallowing (e.g. lip seal, vocal quality, etc.)Methods: The questionnaire used in the study was replicated and adapted from a study increasing content- and criterion-related validity. A narrative literature review determined what practice patterns existed in the clinical evaluation of swallowing in adults. A pilot study was conducted to increase validity and reliability. Purposive sampling was used by sending a self-administered, electronic questionnaire to members of the South African Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Thirty-eight participants took part in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data and the small qualitative component was subjected to textual analysis. RESULTS There was high frequency of use of 41% of the clinical components in more than 90% of participants (n = 38). Less than 50% of participants frequently assessed sensory function and gag reflex and used pulse oximetry, cervical auscultation and indirect laryngoscopy. Approximately a third of participants showed high (30.8%), moderate (35.9%) and poor (33.3%) consistency of practice each. Nurses, food and liquids and medical consumables were used usually and always by more than 90% of participants. CONCLUSION Infrequent use of clinical components and high variability in clinical practice among speech-language therapists calls for uniform curricula in the clinical evaluation of swallowing at South African universities and for continued professional development post-graduation. Different contexts and patient symptoms contribute towards varied practice; however, there is still a need to improve consistency of practice for quality health care delivery. A research-based policy for the clinical swallowing evaluation for a resource-limited context is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mckinley Andrews
- Discipline of Speech-Language Pathology, University of KwaZulu-Natal.
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Olindo S, Saint-Vil M, Jeannin S, Signate A, Edimonana-Kaptue M, Cabre P, Chausson N, Smadja D, Joux J. One-year disability, death and recurrence after first-ever stroke in a Black Afro-Caribbean population. Int J Stroke 2017; 12:844-850. [PMID: 28043214 DOI: 10.1177/1747493016685720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Few data on stroke outcomes and no data on stroke recurrence are available in Black mono-racial population with high socio-economic status. Aims We investigated outcomes and stroke recurrence at one year in the Black Afro-Caribbean population of Martinique and examined potential predictors of poor prognosis and recurrence. Methods Patients from ERMANCIA II (Etude Réalisée en MArtinique et Centrée sur l'Incidence des Accidents vasculaires cérébraux), a Black population-based and prospective observational study, were followed up at 28-days, three months and one year post stroke. Stroke characteristics, survival, disability (modified Rankin Scale > 2), and stroke recurrence were assessed. A survival-based approach was used for time-to-event analysis, and multivariable regression analysis assessed the predictors of death, disability and stroke recurrence. Results Of 544 first-ever stroke patients, cumulative risks of death increased from 17.6% (95% confidence interval, 14.5-20.4) at 28 days to 22.8% (18.6-25.0) at three months and to 31.3% (27.4-34.6) at one year. Disability rates in survivors decreased from 43.7% (39.5-47.2) at 28 days to 35% (30.9-38.4) at three months and to 28.8% (24.9-32.1) at one year. Cumulative risks of recurrent stroke were estimated to 2.1% (0.9-2.9) at 28 days, 4.5% (2.7-6.1) at three months and 9.3% (6.1-11.6) at one year. Age (odds ratio (OR), 1.08 (1.05-1.10)), admission NIHSS (OR, 1.22 (1.17-1.29)), metabolic syndrome (OR, 2.07 (1.22-3.52)) and recurrence (OR, 5.06 (1.87-13.7)) were independent predictors of death or disability at one year. Conclusion Stroke Outcomes in Black Afro-Caribbean population with a high socio-economic status appear globally similar to outcomes reported in Caucasian population. After a first-ever stroke, the implementation of early programs of recurrence prevention seems crucial to reduce the risk of poor prognosis at one year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephane Olindo
- 1 Stroke Unit, University Hospital of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Martine Saint-Vil
- 2 Stroke Unit, University Hospital of Martinique, Fort de France, Martinique FWI, France
| | - Severine Jeannin
- 2 Stroke Unit, University Hospital of Martinique, Fort de France, Martinique FWI, France
| | - Aissatou Signate
- 2 Stroke Unit, University Hospital of Martinique, Fort de France, Martinique FWI, France
| | | | - Philippe Cabre
- 2 Stroke Unit, University Hospital of Martinique, Fort de France, Martinique FWI, France
| | - Nicolas Chausson
- 3 Stroke Unit, Hospital Sud Francilien, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Didier Smadja
- 3 Stroke Unit, Hospital Sud Francilien, Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Julien Joux
- 2 Stroke Unit, University Hospital of Martinique, Fort de France, Martinique FWI, France
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Thrift AG, Thayabaranathan T, Howard G, Howard VJ, Rothwell PM, Feigin VL, Norrving B, Donnan GA, Cadilhac DA. Global stroke statistics. Int J Stroke 2016; 12:13-32. [PMID: 27794138 DOI: 10.1177/1747493016676285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 271] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Up to date data on incidence, mortality, and case-fatality for stroke are important for setting the agenda for prevention and healthcare. Aims and/or hypothesis We aim to update the most current incidence and mortality data on stroke available by country, and to expand the scope to case-fatality and explore how registry data might be complementary. Methods Data were compiled using two approaches: (1) an updated literature review building from our previous review and (2) direct acquisition and analysis of stroke events in the World Health Organization (WHO) mortality database for each country providing these data. To assess new and/or updated data on incidence, we searched multiple databases to identify new original papers and review articles that met ideal criteria for stroke incidence studies and were published between 15 May 2013 and 31 May 2016. For data on case-fatality, we searched between 1980 and 31 May 2016. We further screened reference lists and citation history of papers to identify other studies not obtained from these sources. Mortality codes for ICD-8, ICD-9, and ICD-10 were extracted. Using population denominators provided for each country, we calculated both the crude mortality from stroke and mortality adjusted to the WHO world population. We used only the most recent year reported to the WHO for which both population and mortality data were available. Results Fifty-one countries had data on stroke incidence, some with data over many time periods, and some with data in more than one region. Since our last review, there were new incidence studies from 12 countries, with four meeting pre-determined quality criteria. In these four studies, the incidence of stroke, adjusted to the WHO World standard population, ranged from 76 per 100,000 population per year in Australia (2009-10) up to 119 per 100,000 population per year in New Zealand (2011-12), with the latter being in those aged at least 15 years. Only in Martinique (2011-12) was the incidence of stroke greater in women than men. In countries either lacking or with old data on stroke incidence, eight had national clinical registries of hospital based data. Of the 128 countries reporting mortality data to the WHO, crude mortality was greatest in Kazhakstan (in 2003), Bulgaria, and Greece. Crude mortality and crude incidence of stroke were both positively correlated with the proportion of the population aged ≥ 65 years, but not with time. Data on case-fatality were available in 42 studies in 22 countries, with large variations between regions. Conclusions In this updated review, we describe the current data on stroke incidence, case-fatality and mortality in different countries, and highlight the growing trend for national clinical registries to provide estimates in lieu of community-based incidence studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda G Thrift
- 1 Stroke and Ageing Research, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Tharshanah Thayabaranathan
- 1 Stroke and Ageing Research, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - George Howard
- 2 Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Virginia J Howard
- 3 Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Peter M Rothwell
- 4 Stroke Prevention Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (Clinical Neurology), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Valery L Feigin
- 5 National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bo Norrving
- 6 Skane University Hospital, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Geoffrey A Donnan
- 7 Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, Australia.,8 Neurology Department, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dominique A Cadilhac
- 1 Stroke and Ageing Research, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,7 Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Heidelberg, Australia
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Verguet S, Memirie ST, Norheim OF. Assessing the burden of medical impoverishment by cause: a systematic breakdown by disease in Ethiopia. BMC Med 2016; 14:164. [PMID: 27769296 PMCID: PMC5075208 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-016-0697-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Out-of-pocket (OOP) medical expenses often lead to catastrophic expenditure and impoverishment in low- and middle-income countries. Yet, there has been no systematic examination of which specific diseases and conditions (e.g., tuberculosis, cardiovascular disease) drive medical impoverishment, defined as OOP direct medical costs pushing households into poverty. METHODS We used a cost and epidemiological model to propose an assessment of the burden of medical impoverishment in Ethiopia, i.e., the number of households crossing a poverty line due to excessive OOP direct medical expenses. We utilized disease-specific mortality estimates from the Global Burden of Disease study, epidemiological and cost inputs from surveys, and secondary data from the literature to produce a count of poverty cases due to OOP direct medical costs per specific condition. RESULTS In Ethiopia, in 2013, and among 20 leading causes of mortality, we estimated the burden of impoverishment due to OOP direct medical costs to be of about 350,000 poverty cases. The top three causes of medical impoverishment were diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, and road injury, accounting for 75 % of all poverty cases. CONCLUSIONS We present a preliminary attempt for the estimation of the burden of medical impoverishment by cause for high mortality conditions. In Ethiopia, medical impoverishment was notably associated with illness occurrence and health services utilization. Although currently used estimates are sensitive to health services utilization, a systematic breakdown of impoverishment due to OOP direct medical costs by cause can provide important information for the promotion of financial risk protection and equity, and subsequent design of health policies toward universal health coverage, reduction of direct OOP payments, and poverty alleviation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Verguet
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | | | - Ole Frithjof Norheim
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Abstract
Background Stroke is the second leading cause of mortality and leading cause of disability in South Africa yet published data on the economic costs of stroke is lacking particularly in rural settings. Methods We estimate the total direct costs of stroke in 2012 from a health system perspective using a prevalence-based, bottom-up costing approach. Direct costs include diagnosis, inpatient and outpatient care. Analysis is based on the Agincourt health and socio-demographic surveillance system, which covers approximately 90,000 people. Published data from the SASPI study, Tintswalo Hospital Stroke register, and national cost databases were used. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to account for the variability in the data used. Results The total direct costs of stroke were estimated to be R2.5–R4.2 million (US$283,500–US$485,000) in 2012 or 1.6–3% of the sub-district health expenditure. Of this, 80% was attributed to inpatient costs. Total costs were most sensitive to the underlying incidence rates and to assumptions regarding service utilisation. Conclusions Our study provides a snapshot of costs incurred on stroke in rural South Africa. We show that stroke is a disease with high economic costs. Further studies that assess the lifetime costs of stroke are needed to better understand savings accrued from intervening at different stages of the disease. We present the first estimates of costs of treating stroke in rural South Africa. Stroke imposes a high economic burden in this setting. Total direct costs of US$283,500 –US$485,000 represent 1.6-3% of the sub-district health expenditure. Cost-of-illness studies for stroke can be conducted using available information sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Maredza
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Corresponding author at: MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Education Campus, St Andrews Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa.MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt)School of Public HealthUniversity of the WitwatersrandEducation Campus, St Andrews Road, ParktownJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Lumbwe Chola
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
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Manyema M, Veerman LJ, Tugendhaft A, Labadarios D, Hofman KJ. Modelling the potential impact of a sugar-sweetened beverage tax on stroke mortality, costs and health-adjusted life years in South Africa. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:405. [PMID: 27240422 PMCID: PMC4886444 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3085-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke poses a growing human and economic burden in South Africa. Excess sugar consumption, especially from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), has been associated with increased obesity and stroke risk. Research shows that price increases for SSBs can influence consumption and modelling evidence suggests that taxing SSBs has the potential to reduce obesity and related diseases. This study estimates the potential impact of an SSB tax on stroke-related mortality, costs and health-adjusted life years in South Africa. METHODS A proportional multi-state life table-based model was constructed in Microsoft Excel (2010). We used consumption data from the 2012 South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, previously published own and cross price elasticities of SSBs and energy balance equations to estimate changes in daily energy intake and BMI arising from increased SSB prices. Stroke relative risk, and prevalent years lived with disability estimates from the Global Burden of Disease Study and modelled disease epidemiology estimates from a previous study, were used to estimate the effect of the BMI changes on the burden of stroke. RESULTS Our model predicts that an SSB tax may avert approximately 72 000 deaths, 550 000 stroke-related health-adjusted life years and over ZAR5 billion, (USD400 million) in health care costs over 20 years (USD296-576 million). Over 20 years, the number of incident stroke cases may be reduced by approximately 85 000 and prevalent cases by about 13 000. CONCLUSIONS Fiscal policy has the potential, as part of a multi-faceted approach, to mitigate the growing burden of stroke in South Africa and contribute to the achievement of the target set by the Department of Health to reduce relative premature mortality (less than 60 years) from non-communicable diseases by the year 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercy Manyema
- PRICELESS-SA, MRC/Wits Rural Public, Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lennert J Veerman
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aviva Tugendhaft
- PRICELESS-SA, MRC/Wits Rural Public, Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Demetre Labadarios
- Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation (PHHSI), Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Karen J Hofman
- PRICELESS-SA, MRC/Wits Rural Public, Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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