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Gonzalez S, Lopez Velasco PN, Mena Antonio CA, Palazuelos D. Detecting sexually transmitted infections beyond the syndromic approach: lessons from a rural setting in Chiapas, Mexico. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1441909. [PMID: 39114476 PMCID: PMC11303321 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1441909] [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: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are a critical global health concern, with low- and middle-income countries carrying the highest burden. The development of rapid point-of-care STI tests has enabled screening in settings without laboratory access. Yet, high-need settings face unique challenges that may influence the implementation and uptake of STI screening. This piece discusses lessons learned from the implementation of STI screening in a rural, low-resource setting in Chiapas, Mexico. Despite minimal privacy and a low staff-to-patient ratio, a streamlined approach was developed to destigmatize and maximize STI screening. The clinic team developed strategies through practice, including incorporating screening into triage procedures and offering screening to family members. This protocol led to an average screening rate of 37% within three months and acceptance of screening by family units. It was observed that access to treatment was necessary to alleviate patient hesitation to screening due to fears of a positive result. As STI screening increases globally, healthcare systems must develop robust access to treatment to effectively prevent and treat STIs worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Gonzalez
- Pathways MD Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - Daniel Palazuelos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Ansu-Mensah M, Bawontuo V, Kuupiel D, Ginindza TG. Sustainable solutions to barriers of point-of-care diagnostic testing services in health facilities without laboratories in the bono region, Ghana: a qualitative study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:179. [PMID: 38778307 PMCID: PMC11110428 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02406-4] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A sustainable point-of-care (POC) diagnostic testing implementation in low-resourced facilities enhances quick diagnostic investigation and halts unnecessary referrals. This study identified the barriers impeding the implementation of POC diagnostic testing in health facilities without laboratories in the Bono Region of Ghana; as well as explored potential solutions that could enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of POC diagnostic testing, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare delivery. METHODS A total of twenty-eight participants were purposively selected from health facilities in low-resourced settings in the Bono Region for a descriptive qualitative study. Of the twenty-eight participants, seventeen including ten healthcare providers from CHPS facilities, six district health depot managers, and one regional depot manager were engaged in in-depth interviews. Additional eleven including nine healthcare providers and two district depot managers were also engaged in focus group discussions. NVivo version 12 software was employed for condensation, labelling, and grouping of themes. Data was analysed narratively. RESULTS Work overloads, limited POC testing services, stock-outs of POC tests at the facilities, and supply-related challenges of POC test kits were identified as major barriers to POC testing services. To solve these barriers, adequate funding, an effective delivery system, stakeholders' engagement and advocacy, and in-service and refresher training courses were suggested as potential solutions to POC diagnostic testing services implementation by the stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS This study's findings emphasize the need to address the barriers hindering the implementation of POC diagnostic testing in health facilities without laboratories in the Bono Region of Ghana. The suggested solutions provide a roadmap for improving the accessibility and effectiveness of POC testing, which has the potential to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery, reduce unnecessary referrals, and ultimately improve patient health outcomes in underserved settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Ansu-Mensah
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
- The University Clinic, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Ghana.
| | - Vitalis Bawontuo
- Department of Health Services Management and Administration, School of Business, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, Ghana
| | - Desmond Kuupiel
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Themba G Ginindza
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- Cancer & Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit (CIDERU), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Wang M, Jin L, Hang-Mei Leung P, Wang-Ngai Chow F, Zhao X, Chen H, Pan W, Liu H, Li S. Advancements in magnetic nanoparticle-based biosensors for point-of-care testing. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1393789. [PMID: 38725992 PMCID: PMC11079239 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1393789] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The significance of point-of-care testing (POCT) in early clinical diagnosis and personalized patient care is increasingly recognized as a crucial tool in reducing disease outbreaks and improving patient survival rates. Within the realm of POCT, biosensors utilizing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have emerged as a subject of substantial interest. This review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the current landscape of POCT, emphasizing its growing significance within clinical practice. Subsequently, the current status of the combination of MNPs in the Biological detection has been presented. Furthermore, it delves into the specific domain of MNP-based biosensors, assessing their potential impact on POCT. By combining existing research and spotlighting pivotal discoveries, this review enhances our comprehension of the advancements and promising prospects offered by MNP-based biosensors in the context of POCT. It seeks to facilitate informed decision-making among healthcare professionals and researchers while also promoting further exploration in this promising field of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Lian Jin
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Polly Hang-Mei Leung
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Franklin Wang-Ngai Chow
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaoni Zhao
- Guangzhou Wanfu Biotechnology Company, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Wenjing Pan
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Hongna Liu
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Song Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Biomedical Nanomaterials and Devices, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, China
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Research and Prevention, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Rare Pediatric Diseases, Ministry of Education, University of South China, Hengyang, China
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Alhassan Y, Otiso L, Okoth L, Murray L, Hemingway C, Lewis JM, Oguche M, Doyle V, Muturi N, Ogwang E, Barsosio HC, Taegtmeyer M. Four antenatal care visits by four months of pregnancy and four vital tests for pregnant mothers: impact of a community-facility health systems strengthening intervention in Migori County, Kenya. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:224. [PMID: 38539129 PMCID: PMC10967157 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06386-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early attendance at antenatal care (ANC), coupled with good-quality care, is essential for improving maternal and child health outcomes. However, achieving these outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa remains a challenge. This study examines the effects of a community-facility health system strengthening model (known as 4byFour) on early ANC attendance, testing for four conditions by four months of pregnancy, and four ANC clinic visits in Migori county, western Kenya. METHODS We conducted a mixed methods quasi-experimental study with a before-after interventional design to assess the impact of the 4byFour model on ANC attendance. Data were collected between August 2019 and December 2020 from two ANC hospitals. Using quantitative data obtained from facility ANC registers, we analysed 707 baseline and 894 endline unique ANC numbers (attendances) based on negative binomial regression. Logistic regression models were used to determine the impact of patient factors on outcomes with Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and likelihood ratio testing used to compare models. Regular facility stock checks were undertaken at the study sites to assess the availability of ANC profile tests. Analysis of the quantitative data was conducted in R v4.1.1 software. Additionally, qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 37 purposively sampled participants, including pregnant mothers, community health volunteers, facility staff, and senior county health officials to explore outcomes of the intervention. The interview data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded; and thematic analysis was conducted in NVivo. RESULTS There was a significant 26% increase in overall ANC uptake in both facilities following the intervention. Early ANC attendance improved for all age groups, including adolescents, from 22% (baseline) to 33% (endline, p = 0.002). Logistic regression models predicting early booking were a better fit to data when patient factors were included (age, parity, and distance to clinic, p = 0.004 on likelihood ratio testing), suggesting that patient factors were associated with early booking.The proportion of women receiving all four tests by four months increased to 3% (27/894), with haemoglobin and malaria testing rates rising to 8% and 4%, respectively. Despite statistical significance (p < 0.001), the rates of testing remained low. Testing uptake in ANC was hampered by frequent shortage of profile commodities not covered by buffer stock and low ANC attendance during the first trimester. Qualitative data highlighted how community health volunteer-enhanced health education improved understanding and motivated early ANC-seeking. Community pregnancy testing facilitated early detection and referral, particularly for adolescent mothers. Challenges to optimal ANC attendance included insufficient knowledge about the ideal timing for ANC initiation, financial constraints, and long distances to facilities. CONCLUSION The 4byFour model of community-facility health system strengthening has the potential to improve early uptake of ANC and testing in pregnancy. Sustained improvement in ANC attendance requires concerted efforts to improve care quality, consistent availability of ANC commodities, understand motivating factors, and addressing barriers to ANC. Research involving randomised control trials is needed to strengthen the evidence on the model's effectiveness and inform potential scale up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yussif Alhassan
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Lilian Otiso
- LVCT Health, Sonning Suites, Suna Road off Ngong Rd, Adams Arcade, P.O. Box 19835, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Linet Okoth
- LVCT Health, Sonning Suites, Suna Road off Ngong Rd, Adams Arcade, P.O. Box 19835, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Lois Murray
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Charlotte Hemingway
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Joseph M Lewis
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Mandela Oguche
- LVCT Health, Sonning Suites, Suna Road off Ngong Rd, Adams Arcade, P.O. Box 19835, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Vicki Doyle
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nelly Muturi
- Airbel Impact Lab- International Rescue Committee, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Emily Ogwang
- LVCT Health, The Key Place, Along Homa Bay-Rongo Road, P.O Box 352-40300, Homabay, Kenya
| | | | - Miriam Taegtmeyer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Unit, Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
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de Vos L, Daniels J, Gebengu A, Mazzola L, Gleeson B, Blümel B, Piton J, Mdingi M, Gigi RMS, Ferreyra C, Klausner JD, Peters RPH. Implementation considerations for a point-of-care Neisseria gonorrhoeae rapid diagnostic test at primary healthcare level in South Africa: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:43. [PMID: 38195446 PMCID: PMC10777514 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10478-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa maintains an integrated health system where syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STI) is the standard of care. An estimated 2 million cases of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae) occur in South Africa every year. Point-of-care diagnostic tests (POCT) may address existing STI control limitations such as overtreatment and missed cases. Subsequently, a rapid lateral flow assay with fluorescence-based detection (NG-LFA) with a prototype reader was developed for N. gonorrhoeae detection showing excellent performance and high usability; however, a better understanding is needed for device implementation and integration into clinics. METHODS A qualitative, time-series assessment using 66 in-depth interviews was conducted among 25 trained healthcare workers involved in the implementation of the NG-LFA. Findings were informed by the Normalization Process Theory (NPT) as per relevant contextual (strategic intentions, adaptive execution, and negotiation capacity) and procedural constructs (coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, reflexive monitoring) to examine device implementation within primary healthcare levels. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed using a thematic approach guided by NPT to interpret results. RESULTS Overall, healthcare workers agreed that STI POCT could guide better STI clinical decision-making, with consideration for clinic integration such as space constraints, patient flow, and workload. Perceived NG-LFA benefits included enhanced patient receptivity and STI knowledge. Further, healthcare workers reflected on the suitability of the NG-LFA given current limitations with integrated primary care. Recommendations included sufficient STI education, and appropriate departments for first points of entry for STI screening. CONCLUSIONS The collective action and participation by healthcare workers in the implementation of the NG-LFA revealed adaptive execution within the current facility environment including team compositions, facility-staff receptivity, and STI management experiences. User experiences support future clinic service integration, highlighting the importance of further assessing patient-provider communication for STI care, organizational readiness, and identification of relevant departments for STI screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey de Vos
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Joseph Daniels
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, United States of America.
| | - Avuyonke Gebengu
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | - Mandisa Mdingi
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Ranjana M S Gigi
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, United States of America
| | - Remco P H Peters
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
- Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Vallely LM, Poga P, Riddell MA, Wand H, Mengi A, Badman SG, Bolnga J, Babona D, Pomat WS, Nosi S, Vallely AJ, Kelly-Hanku A. Acceptability of self-collected vaginal swabs and point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted and genital infections among pregnant women in Papua New Guinea. Glob Public Health 2024; 19:2381685. [PMID: 39052956 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2024.2381685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The self-collection of vaginal swabs and point-of-care testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is reported from several low-and middle-income countries. However, the reporting on women's experiences of self-collection and same-day testing and treatment of STIs is less well described. In this paper, we present the acceptability of self-collected vaginal swabs and point-of-care testing and treatment among pregnant women enrolled in a clinical trial (Women and Newborn Trial of Antenatal Intervention and Management - WANTAIM) in Papua New Guinea. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 54 women enrolled into WANTAIM to identify the acceptability of the test and treat approach. Analysis of qualitative data used deductive and inductive thematic analysis applying Sekhon, Cartwright and Francis' acceptability theoretical framework. Most women reported that they understood that the vaginal swab was to identify infections that may affect their unborn baby; however, some were unsure about the specific infections they were being tested for. Among women who tested positive for an STI, some were unsure what they had been treated for. Overall, the self-collection of vaginal swabs for STI testing during pregnancy was highly acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Vallely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Priscilla Poga
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Michaela A Riddell
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Handan Wand
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alice Mengi
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | | | - John Bolnga
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
- Madang Provincial Health Authority, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea
| | | | - William S Pomat
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Somu Nosi
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Andrew J Vallely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
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Ebogo-Belobo JT, Kenmoe S, Mbongue Mikangue CA, Tchatchouang S, Robertine LF, Takuissu GR, Ndzie Ondigui JL, Bowo-Ngandji A, Kenfack-Momo R, Kengne-Ndé C, Mbaga DS, Menkem EZ, Kame-Ngasse GI, Magoudjou-Pekam JN, Kenfack-Zanguim J, Esemu SN, Tagnouokam-Ngoupo PA, Ndip L, Njouom R. Systematic review and meta-analysis of seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus serological markers among pregnant women in Africa, 1984-2020. World J Crit Care Med 2023; 12:264-285. [PMID: 38188451 PMCID: PMC10768416 DOI: 10.5492/wjccm.v12.i5.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health concern, particularly in Africa where HIV rates remain substantial. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of acquiring HIV, which has a significant impact on both maternal and child health. AIM To review summarizes HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa. It also identifies regional and clinical characteristics that contribute to study-specific estimates variation. METHODS The study included pregnant women from any African country or region, irrespective of their symptoms, and any study design conducted in any setting. Using electronic literature searches, articles published until February 2023 were reviewed. The quality of the included studies was evaluated. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was applied to determine HIV pooled seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics, and publication bias was assessed with Egger's test. RESULTS A total of 248 studies conducted between 1984 and 2020 were included in the quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). Out of the total studies, 146 (58.9%) had a low risk of bias and 102 (41.1%) had a moderate risk of bias. No HIV-positive pregnant women died in the included studies. The overall HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women was estimated to be 9.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.3-10.3]. The subgroup analysis showed statistically significant heterogeneity across subgroups (P < 0.001), with the highest seroprevalence observed in Southern Africa (29.4%, 95%CI: 26.5-32.4) and the lowest seroprevalence observed in Northern Africa (0.7%, 95%CI: 0.3-1.3). CONCLUSION The review found that HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women in African countries remains significant, particularly in Southern African countries. This review can inform the development of targeted public health interventions to address high HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women in African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo
- Center for Research in Health and Priority Pathologies, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Sebastien Kenmoe
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea 00237, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | - Guy Roussel Takuissu
- Centre for Food, Food Security and Nutrition Research, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | | | - Arnol Bowo-Ngandji
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Raoul Kenfack-Momo
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | - Cyprien Kengne-Ndé
- Epidemiological Surveillance, Evaluation and Research Unit, National AIDS Control Committee, Douala 00237, Cameroon
| | - Donatien Serge Mbaga
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | | | - Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse
- Center for Research in Health and Priority Pathologies, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Seraphine Nkie Esemu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea 00237, Cameroon
| | | | - Lucy Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea 00237, Cameroon
| | - Richard Njouom
- Department of Virology, Centre Pasteur du Cameroun, Yaounde 00237, Cameroon
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Adella FJ, Vanna M, Adhikari B, Ol S, Tripura R, Davoeung C, Callery JJ, Sovann Y, Chandna A, Bunreth V, Asnong C, von Seidlein L, Dondorp AM, Maude RJ, Lubell Y, Wills B, Lek D, Peto TJ. The feasibility of novel point-of-care diagnostics for febrile illnesses at health centres in Southeast Asia: a mixed-methods study. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2023; 117:788-796. [PMID: 37317948 PMCID: PMC10629948 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trad036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The decline of malaria in Southeast Asia means other causes of fever are increasingly relevant, but often undiagnosed. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of point-of-care tests to diagnose acute febrile illnesses in primary care settings. METHODS A mixed-methods study was conducted at nine rural health centres in western Cambodia. Workshops introduced health workers to the STANDARD(TM) Q Dengue Duo, STANDARD(TM) Q Malaria/CRP Duo and a multiplex biosensor detecting antibodies and/or antigens of eight pathogens. Sixteen structured observation checklists assessed users' performances and nine focus group discussions explored their opinions. RESULTS All three point-of-care tests were performed well under assessment, but sample collection was difficult for the dengue test. Respondents expressed that the diagnostics were useful and could be integrated into routine clinical care, but were not as convenient to perform as standard malaria rapid tests. Health workers recommended that the most valued point-of-care tests would directly inform clinical management (e.g. a decision to refer a patient or to provide/withhold antibiotics). CONCLUSIONS Deployment of new point-of-care tests to health centres could be feasible and acceptable if they are user-friendly, selected for locally circulating pathogens and are accompanied by disease-specific education and simple management algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fidelis Jacklyn Adella
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
| | - Moul Vanna
- Action for Health Development, Battambang 021404, Cambodia
| | - Bipin Adhikari
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Sam Ol
- Action for Health Development, Battambang 021404, Cambodia
| | - Rupam Tripura
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Chan Davoeung
- Battambang Provincial Health Department, Battambang, Cambodia
| | - James J Callery
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Yok Sovann
- Pailin Provincial Health Department, Pailin, Cambodia
| | - Arjun Chandna
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Cambodia Oxford Medical Research Unit, Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap 171202, Cambodia
| | | | - Carina Asnong
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
| | - Lorenz von Seidlein
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Arjen M Dondorp
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Richard J Maude
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Bridget Wills
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Hospital for Tropical Diseases, 764 Vo Van Kiet, Quan 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Dysoley Lek
- School of Public Health, National Institute of Public Health, 80, 289 Samdach Penn Nouth St. (289), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- National Centre for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control, 477 Betong, Khan Sen Sok, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Thomas J Peto
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LG, UK
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Neill R, Zia N, Ashraf L, Khan Z, Pryor W, Bachani AM. Integration measurement and its applications in low- and middle-income country health systems: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1876. [PMID: 37770887 PMCID: PMC10537146 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16724-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite growing interest in and commitment to integration, or integrated care, the concept is ill-defined and the resulting evidence base fragmented, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Underlying this challenge is a lack of coherent approaches to measure the extent of integration and how this influences desired outcomes. The aim of this scoping review is to identify measurement approaches for integration in LMICs and map them for future use. METHODS Arksey and O'Malley's framework for scoping reviews was followed. We conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed literature measuring integration in LMICs across three databases and screened identified papers by predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A modified version of the Rainbow Model for Integrated Care guided charting and analysis of the data. RESULTS We included 99 studies. Studies were concentrated in the Africa region and most frequently focused on the integration of HIV care with other services. A range of definitions and methods were identified, with no single approach for the measurement of integration dominating the literature. Measurement of clinical integration was the most common, with indicators focused on measuring receipt of two or more services provided at a single point of time. Organizational and professional integration indicators were focused on inter- and intra-organizational communication, collaboration, coordination, and continuity of care, while functional integration measured common information systems or patient records. Gaps were identified in measuring systems and normative integration. Few tools were validated or publicly available for future use. CONCLUSION We identified a wide range of recent approaches used to measure integration in LMICs. Our findings underscore continued challenges with lack of conceptual cohesion and fragmentation which limits how integration is understood in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Neill
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, 615 N. Wolfe Street Suite E8527, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Nukhba Zia
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, 615 N. Wolfe Street Suite E8527, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Lamisa Ashraf
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, 615 N. Wolfe Street Suite E8527, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Zainab Khan
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, 615 N. Wolfe Street Suite E8527, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Wesley Pryor
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
| | - Abdulgafoor M Bachani
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, Health Systems Program, 615 N. Wolfe Street Suite E8527, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Moloi H, Daniels K, Brooke-Sumner C, Cooper S, Odendaal WA, Thorne M, Akama E, Leon N. Healthcare workers' perceptions and experiences of primary healthcare integration: a scoping review of qualitative evidence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 7:CD013603. [PMID: 37466272 PMCID: PMC10355136 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013603.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary healthcare (PHC) integration has been promoted globally as a tool for health sector reform and universal health coverage (UHC), especially in low-resource settings. However, for a range of reasons, implementation and impact remain variable. PHC integration, at its simplest, can be considered a way of delivering PHC services together that sometimes have been delivered as a series of separate or 'vertical' health programmes. Healthcare workers are known to shape the success of implementing reform interventions. Understanding healthcare worker perceptions and experiences of PHC integration can therefore provide insights into the role healthcare workers play in shaping implementation efforts and the impact of PHC integration. However, the heterogeneity of the evidence base complicates our understanding of their role in shaping the implementation, delivery, and impact of PHC integration, and the role of contextual factors influencing their responses. OBJECTIVES To map the qualitative literature on healthcare workers' perceptions and experiences of PHC integration to characterise the evidence base, with a view to better inform future syntheses on the topic. SEARCH METHODS We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 28 July 2020. We did not search for grey literature due to the many published records identified. SELECTION CRITERIA We included studies with qualitative and mixed methods designs that reported on healthcare worker perceptions and experiences of PHC integration from any country. We excluded settings other than PHC and community-based health care, participants other than healthcare workers, and interventions broader than healthcare services. We used translation support from colleagues and Google Translate software to screen non-English records. Where translation was not feasible we categorised these records as studies awaiting classification. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS For data extraction, we used a customised data extraction form containing items developed using inductive and deductive approaches. We performed independent extraction in duplicate for a sample on 10% of studies allowed for sufficient agreement to be reached between review authors. We analysed extracted data quantitatively by counting the number of studies per indicator and converting these into proportions with additional qualitative descriptive information. Indicators included descriptions of study methods, country setting, intervention type, scope and strategies, implementing healthcare workers, and client target population. MAIN RESULTS The review included 184 studies for analysis based on 191 included papers. Most studies were published in the last 12 years, with a sharp increase in the last five years. Studies mostly employed methods with cross-sectional qualitative design (mainly interviews and focus group discussions), and few used longitudinal or ethnographic (or both) designs. Studies covered 37 countries, with close to an even split in the proportions of high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There were gaps in the geographical spread for both HICs and LMICs and some countries were more dominant, such as the USA for HICs, South Africa for middle-income countries, and Uganda for low-income countries. Methods were mainly cross-sectional observational studies with few longitudinal studies. A minority of studies used an analytical conceptual model to guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of the integration study. The main finding was the various levels of diversity found in the evidence base on PHC integration studies that examined healthcare workers' perceptions and experiences. The review identified six different configurations of health service streams that were being integrated and these were categorised as: mental and behavioural health; HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and sexual reproductive health; maternal, women, and child health; non-communicable diseases; and two broader categories, namely general PHC services, and allied and specialised services. Within the health streams, the review mapped the scope of the interventions as full or partial integration. The review mapped the use of three different integration strategies and categorised these as horizontal integration, service expansion, and service linkage strategies. The wide range of healthcare workers who participated in the implementation of integration interventions was mapped and these included policymakers, senior managers, middle and frontline managers, clinicians, allied healthcare professionals, lay healthcare workers, and health system support staff. We mapped the range of client target populations. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This scoping review provides a systematic, descriptive overview of the heterogeneity in qualitative literature on healthcare workers' perceptions and experience of PHC integration, pointing to diversity with regard to country settings; study types; client populations; healthcare worker populations; and intervention focus, scope, and strategies. It would be important for researchers and decision-makers to understand how the diversity in PHC integration intervention design, implementation, and context may influence how healthcare workers shape PHC integration impact. The classification of studies on the various dimensions (e.g. integration focus, scope, strategy, and type of healthcare workers and client populations) can help researchers to navigate the way the literature varies and for specifying potential questions for future qualitative evidence syntheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hlengiwe Moloi
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Carrie Brooke-Sumner
- Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, The South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sara Cooper
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Social & Behavioural Sciences Division, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Willem A Odendaal
- HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Eliud Akama
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Natalie Leon
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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11
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Moloi H, Daniels K, Brooke-Sumner C, Cooper S, Odendaal WA, Thorne M, Akama E, Leon N. Healthcare workers' perceptions and experiences of primary healthcare integration: a scoping review of qualitative evidence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 7:CD013603. [PMID: 37434293 PMCID: PMC10335778 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013603.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary healthcare (PHC) integration has been promoted globally as a tool for health sector reform and universal health coverage (UHC), especially in low-resource settings. However, for a range of reasons, implementation and impact remain variable. PHC integration, at its simplest, can be considered a way of delivering PHC services together that sometimes have been delivered as a series of separate or 'vertical' health programmes. Healthcare workers are known to shape the success of implementing reform interventions. Understanding healthcare worker perceptions and experiences of PHC integration can therefore provide insights into the role healthcare workers play in shaping implementation efforts and the impact of PHC integration. However, the heterogeneity of the evidence base complicates our understanding of their role in shaping the implementation, delivery, and impact of PHC integration, and the role of contextual factors influencing their responses. OBJECTIVES To map the qualitative literature on healthcare workers' perceptions and experiences of PHC integration to characterise the evidence base, with a view to better inform future syntheses on the topic. SEARCH METHODS We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 28 July 2020. We did not search for grey literature due to the many published records identified. SELECTION CRITERIA We included studies with qualitative and mixed methods designs that reported on healthcare worker perceptions and experiences of PHC integration from any country. We excluded settings other than PHC and community-based health care, participants other than healthcare workers, and interventions broader than healthcare services. We used translation support from colleagues and Google Translate software to screen non-English records. Where translation was not feasible we categorised these records as studies awaiting classification. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS For data extraction, we used a customised data extraction form containing items developed using inductive and deductive approaches. We performed independent extraction in duplicate for a sample on 10% of studies allowed for sufficient agreement to be reached between review authors. We analysed extracted data quantitatively by counting the number of studies per indicator and converting these into proportions with additional qualitative descriptive information. Indicators included descriptions of study methods, country setting, intervention type, scope and strategies, implementing healthcare workers, and client target population. MAIN RESULTS The review included 184 studies for analysis based on 191 included papers. Most studies were published in the last 12 years, with a sharp increase in the last five years. Studies mostly employed methods with cross-sectional qualitative design (mainly interviews and focus group discussions), and few used longitudinal or ethnographic (or both) designs. Studies covered 37 countries, with close to an even split in the proportions of high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There were gaps in the geographical spread for both HICs and LMICs and some countries were more dominant, such as the USA for HICs, South Africa for middle-income countries, and Uganda for low-income countries. Methods were mainly cross-sectional observational studies with few longitudinal studies. A minority of studies used an analytical conceptual model to guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of the integration study. The main finding was the various levels of diversity found in the evidence base on PHC integration studies that examined healthcare workers' perceptions and experiences. The review identified six different configurations of health service streams that were being integrated and these were categorised as: mental and behavioural health; HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and sexual reproductive health; maternal, women, and child health; non-communicable diseases; and two broader categories, namely general PHC services, and allied and specialised services. Within the health streams, the review mapped the scope of the interventions as full or partial integration. The review mapped the use of three different integration strategies and categorised these as horizontal integration, service expansion, and service linkage strategies. The wide range of healthcare workers who participated in the implementation of integration interventions was mapped and these included policymakers, senior managers, middle and frontline managers, clinicians, allied healthcare professionals, lay healthcare workers, and health system support staff. We mapped the range of client target populations. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This scoping review provides a systematic, descriptive overview of the heterogeneity in qualitative literature on healthcare workers' perceptions and experience of PHC integration, pointing to diversity with regard to country settings; study types; client populations; healthcare worker populations; and intervention focus, scope, and strategies. It would be important for researchers and decision-makers to understand how the diversity in PHC integration intervention design, implementation, and context may influence how healthcare workers shape PHC integration impact. The classification of studies on the various dimensions (e.g. integration focus, scope, strategy, and type of healthcare workers and client populations) can help researchers to navigate the way the literature varies and for specifying potential questions for future qualitative evidence syntheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hlengiwe Moloi
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Carrie Brooke-Sumner
- Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, The South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sara Cooper
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- Social & Behavioural Sciences Division, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Willem A Odendaal
- HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Eliud Akama
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Natalie Leon
- Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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12
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de Vos L, Daniels J, Gebengu A, Mazzola L, Gleeson B, Piton J, Mdingi M, Gigi R, Ferreyra C, Klausner JD, Peters RPH. Usability of a novel lateral flow assay for the point-of-care detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae: A qualitative time-series assessment among healthcare workers in South Africa. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286666. [PMID: 37267319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate and user-friendly rapid point-of-care diagnostic tests (POCT) are needed to optimize treatment of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, especially in low-resource settings where syndromic management is the standard of care for sexually transmitted infections. This study aimed to assess the acceptability and usability of a novel lateral flow assay and portable reader for the point-of-care detection of N. gonorrhoeae infection (NG-LFA). This mixed-methods study was conducted as part of a diagnostic performance and usability evaluation of a prototype NG-LFA for detection of N. gonorrhoeae in symptomatic men and women at primary healthcare facilities in the Buffalo City Metro, South Africa. The Standardized System Usability Scale (SUS) was administered, and in-depth interviews were conducted among healthcare professionals (HCPs) and fieldworkers (FWs) at pre-implementation, initial use and 3- and 6-month study implementation to assess user expectations, practical experience, and future implementation considerations for the NG-LFA. Data collection and analysis was guided by the Health Technology Adoption Framework, including new health technology attributes, learnability, satisfaction, and suitability. The framework was adapted to include perceived durability. A total of 21 HCPs and FWs were trained on the NG-LFA use. SUS scores showed good to excellent acceptability ranging from 78.8-90.6 mean scores between HCPs and FWs across study time points. All transcripts were coded using Dedoose and qualitative findings were organized by learnability, satisfaction, suitability, and durability domains. Usability themes are described for each time point. Initial insecurity dissipated and specimen processing dexterity with novel POCT technology was perfected over time especially amongst FWs through practical learning and easy-to-use instructions (learnability). Participants experienced both positive and negative test results, yielding perceived accuracy and minimal testing challenges overall (satisfaction). By 3- and 6-month use, both HCPs and FWs found the NG-LFA convenient to use in primary health care facilities often faced with space constraints and outlined perceived benefits for patients (suitability and durability). Findings show that the NG-LFA device is acceptable and usable even amongst paraprofessionals. High SUS scores and qualitative findings demonstrate high learnability, ease-of-use and suitability that provide valuable information for first-step scale-up requirements at primary healthcare level. Minor prototype adjustments would enhance robustness and durability aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey de Vos
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Joseph Daniels
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Avuyonke Gebengu
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Laura Mazzola
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Jérémie Piton
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mandisa Mdingi
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
| | - Ranjana Gigi
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Remco P H Peters
- Research Unit, Foundation for Professional Development, East London, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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13
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Gutman JR, Mwesigwa JN, Arnett K, Kangale C, Aaron S, Babarinde D, Buekens J, Candrinho B, Debe S, Digre P, Drake M, Gansané A, Gogue C, Griffith KS, Hicks J, Kinda R, Koenker H, Lemwayi R, Munsey A, Obi E, Ogouyèmi-Hounto A, Okoko OO, Onikpo F, Onoja A, Porter T, Savaio B, Tynuv K, Uhomoibhi P, Wagman J, Wolf K, Zulliger R, Walker P, Miller JM, Robertson M. Using antenatal care as a platform for malaria surveillance data collection: study protocol. Malar J 2023; 22:99. [PMID: 36932384 PMCID: PMC10022568 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04521-6] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While many malaria-endemic countries have health management information systems that can measure and report malaria trends in a timely manner, these routine systems have limitations. Periodic community cross-sectional household surveys are used to estimate malaria prevalence and intervention coverage but lack geographic granularity and are resource intensive. Incorporating malaria testing for all women at their first antenatal care (ANC) visit (i.e., ANC1) could provide a more timely and granular source of data for monitoring trends in malaria burden and intervention coverage. This article describes a protocol designed to assess if ANC-based surveillance could be a pragmatic tool to monitor malaria. METHODS This is an observational, cross-sectional study conducted in Benin, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia. Pregnant women attending ANC1 in selected health facilities will be tested for malaria infection by rapid diagnostic test and administered a brief questionnaire to capture key indicators of malaria control intervention coverage and care-seeking behaviour. In each location, contemporaneous cross-sectional household surveys will be leveraged to assess correlations between estimates obtained using each method, and the use of ANC data as a tool to track trends in malaria burden and intervention coverage will be validated. RESULTS This study will assess malaria prevalence at ANC1 aggregated at health facility and district levels, and by gravidity relative to current pregnancy (i.e., gravida 1, gravida 2, and gravida 3 +). ANC1 malaria prevalence will be presented as monthly trends. Additionally, correlation between ANC1 and household survey-derived estimates of malaria prevalence, bed net ownership and use, and care-seeking will be assessed. CONCLUSION ANC1-based surveillance has the potential to provide a cost-effective, localized measure of malaria prevalence that is representative of the general population and useful for tracking monthly changes in parasite prevalence, as well as providing population-representative estimates of intervention coverage and care-seeking behavior. This study will evaluate the representativeness of these measures and collect information on operational feasibility, usefulness for programmatic decision-making, and potential for scale-up of malaria ANC1 surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Siaka Debe
- Centre National de Recherche Et de Formation Sur Le Paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Adama Gansané
- Centre National de Recherche Et de Formation Sur Le Paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Kevin S Griffith
- US President's Malaria Initiative, US Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Réné Kinda
- Centre National de Recherche Et de Formation Sur Le Paludisme, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Anna Munsey
- Malaria Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Emmanuel Obi
- National Malaria Elimination Program, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Ali Onoja
- Ibolda Health International Ltd, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rose Zulliger
- US President's Malaria Initiative, US Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Molly Robertson
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
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Ansu-Mensah M, Kuupiel D, Asiamah EA, Ginindza TG. Facilitators and barriers to in vitro diagnostics implementation in resource-limited settings: A scoping review. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2023; 15:e1-e9. [PMID: 36861922 PMCID: PMC9982514 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v15i1.3777] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) developed the model list of essential in vitro diagnostics (EDL) to guide countries to develop and update point-of-care (POC) per their disease priorities. The EDL includes POC diagnostic tests for use in health facilities without laboratories; however, their implementation might face several challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). AIM To identify facilitators and barriers to POC testing service implementations in the primary health care facilities in the LMICs. SETTING Low- and middle-income countries. METHODS This scoping review was guided by Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework. A comprehensive keyword search for literature was conducted in Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect using the Boolean terms ('AND' and 'OR'), as well as Medical Subject Headings. The study considered published articles in the English language from 2016 to 2021 and was limited to qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method studies. Two reviewers independently screened the articles at the abstract and full-text screening phases guided by the eligibility criteria. Data were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. RESULTS Of the 57 studies identified through literature searches, 16 met this study's eligibility criteria. Of the 16 studies, 7 reported on both facilitators and barriers; and the remainder reported on only barriers to POC test implementation such as inadequate funding, insufficient human resource, stigmatisation, et cetera. CONCLUSION The study demonstrated a wide research gap in facilitators and barriers, especially in the general POC diagnostic test for use in health facilities without laboratories in the LMICs. Extensive research in POC testing service is recommended to improve service delivery.Contribution: This study's findings contribute to a few works of literature on existing evidence of POC testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Ansu-Mensah
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; and The University Clinic, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani.
| | - Desmond Kuupiel
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Emmanuel A. Asiamah
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit (CIDERU), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Themba G. Ginindza
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Centre for Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit (CIDERU), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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15
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Zhang Y, Guy R, Camara H, Applegate TL, Wiseman V, Treloar C, Lafferty L. Barriers and facilitators to HIV and syphilis rapid diagnostic testing in antenatal care settings in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-009408. [PMID: 36319030 PMCID: PMC9628546 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testing and treatment during pregnancy is a well-established and cost-effective prevention strategy, which relies largely on use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Yet, in many low-income and-middle-income countries, the uptake of RDTs is suboptimal. A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to identify the barriers and enablers to use of HIV and syphilis RDTs among pregnant women in low-income and middle-income countries. METHODS This review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed publications, which used qualitative methods to explore HIV and syphilis RDT in antenatal care clinics in low-income and middle-income countries. Studies focusing on perspectives of pregnant women, healthcare workers and/or stakeholders were included. We used an inductive approach informed by a modified socioecological model to synthesise the data. RESULTS 62 manuscripts met the eligibility criteria. For pregnant women, initial acceptance of the RDT and continuation in antenatal care depends on the perception that engaging in testing will be a beneficial experience for their baby and themselves, often influenced by the provision of services that are gender-sensitive, confidential, respectful, flexible and considers their well-being into the future. Local sociocultural beliefs about pregnancy and diseases, awareness of diseases and gender roles in society also influenced RDT acceptability among pregnant women. For healthcare workers, the ability to provide high-quality RDT care required ongoing training, accurate and easy to use tests, support from supervisors and communities, sufficient resources and staffing to provide services, and reliable salary. At the stakeholder level, well-developed guidelines and health system infrastructures were imperative to the delivery of RDT in antenatal clinics. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight clear gaps to the provision of sustainable and culturally acceptable maternal HIV and/or syphilis screening using RDTs. In addition, greater attention needs to be paid to community stakeholders in promoting the uptake of RDT in antenatal clinics. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018112190.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hawa Camara
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tanya L Applegate
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lise Lafferty
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Samuels AM, Towett O, Seda B, Wiegand RE, Otieno K, Chomba M, Lucchi N, Ljolje D, Schneider K, Walker PGT, Kwambai TK, Slutsker L, ter Kuile FO, Kariuki SK. Diagnostic Performance of Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification and Ultrasensitive Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Malaria Screening Among Pregnant Women in Kenya. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:696-707. [PMID: 35811308 PMCID: PMC9585193 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screen-and-treat strategies with sensitive diagnostic tests may reduce malaria-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes. We conducted a diagnostic accuracy study to evaluate new point-of-care tests to screen pregnant women for malaria at their first antenatal visit in western Kenya. METHODS Consecutively women were tested for Plasmodium infection by expert microscopy, conventional rapid diagnostic test (cRDT), ultra sensitive RDT (usRDT), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Photoinduced electron-transfer polymerase chain reaction (PET-PCR) served as the reference standard. Diagnostic performance was calculated and modelled at low parasite densities. RESULTS Between May and September 2018, 172 of 482 screened participants (35.7%) were PET-PCR positive. Relative to PET-PCR, expert microscopy was least sensitive (40.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 32.7%-47.9%), followed by cRDT (49.4%; 95% CI, 41.7%-57.1), usRDT (54.7%; 95% CI, 46.9%-62.2%), and LAMP (68.6%; 95% CI, 61.1%-75.5%). Test sensitivities were comparable in febrile women (n = 90). Among afebrile women (n = 392), the geometric-mean parasite density was 29 parasites/µL and LAMP (sensitivity = 61.9%) and usRDT (43.2%) detected 1.74 (95% CI, 1.31-2.30) and 1.21 (95% CI, 88-2.21) more infections than cRDT (35.6%). Per our model, tests performed similarly at densities >200 parasites/µL. At 50 parasites/µL, the sensitivities were 45%, 56%, 62%, and 74% with expert microscopy, cRDT, usRDT, and LAMP, respectively. CONCLUSIONS This first-generation usRDT provided moderate improvement in detecting low-density infections in afebrile pregnant women compared to cRDTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Samuels
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, CDC, Atlanta, GA, 30329, United States of America
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Towett
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
| | - Brian Seda
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
| | - Ryan E. Wiegand
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, CDC, Atlanta, GA, 30329, United States of America
| | - Kephas Otieno
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
| | - Miriam Chomba
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
| | - Naomi Lucchi
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, CDC, Atlanta, GA, 30329, United States of America
| | - Dragan Ljolje
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, CDC, Atlanta, GA, 30329, United States of America
| | - Kammerle Schneider
- Center for Malaria Control and Elimination, PATH, Seattle, WA, 98121, United States of America
| | - Patrick GT Walker
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Titus K. Kwambai
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Laurence Slutsker
- Center for Malaria Control and Elimination, PATH, Seattle, WA, 98121, United States of America
| | - Feiko O. ter Kuile
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Simon K. Kariuki
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, 40100, Kenya
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Adawiyah RA, Boettiger D, Applegate TL, Probandari A, Marthias T, Guy R, Wiseman V. Supply-side readiness to deliver HIV testing and treatment services in Indonesia: Going the last mile to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000845. [PMID: 36962570 PMCID: PMC10021386 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite national efforts to integrate Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV services into antenatal care in Indonesia, the rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV remains the highest in the world. A range of barriers to uptake and long-term engagement in care have been identified, but far less is known about health system preparedness to deliver PMTCT of HIV services. This study explored supply-side barriers to the delivery of PMTCT services in Indonesia and whether these factors are associated with the uptake of antenatal HIV testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS An ecological analysis was undertaken, linking data from the World Bank Quality Service and Delivery Survey (2016) with routine data from Indonesia's HIV and AIDS case surveillance system and district health profile reports (2016). Supply-side readiness scores-generated from a readiness index that measures overall structural capacity and is often used as proxy for quality of care-were adapted from the WHO Service Availability and Readiness Assessment and presented by sector and geographic area. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was used to explore factors associated with the uptake of antenatal HIV testing in public facilities. RESULTS In general, public facilities scored more highly in most inputs compared to private facilities. Facilities located in urban areas also scored more highly in the majority of inputs compared to ones in rural areas. Readiness scores were lowest for PMTCT services compared to Antenatal Care and HIV Care and Support services, especially for the availability of medicines such as zidovudine and nevirapine. The national composite readiness score for PMTCT was only 0.13 (based on a maximum score of 1) with a composite score of 0.21 for public facilities and 0.06 for private facilities. The multivariate analysis shows that the proportion of pregnant women tested for HIV was more likely to be greater than or equal to 10% in facilities with a higher readiness score and a higher number of trained counsellors available, and less likely in facilities located outside of Java-Bali and in facilities supporting a higher number of village midwives. DISCUSSION Despite targeted efforts by the Indonesian government and multinational agencies, significant gaps exist in the delivery of PMTCT that compromise the standard of care delivered in Indonesia. Future strategies should focus on improving the availability of tests and treatment, especially in the private sector and in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Boettiger
- The Kirby Institute, University New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Ari Probandari
- The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia
| | - Tiara Marthias
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, University New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- The Kirby Institute, University New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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18
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Doe MTT, Bajinka O, Barrow A. Antenatal care positive responses to pregnant women in preventing and controlling malaria in pregnancy: the sub-Saharan African perspective. World J Pediatr 2022; 18:453-462. [PMID: 35616810 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-022-00549-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The response to antenatal care (ANC) for maternal and offspring outcomes, especially in pregnant women has been thoroughly studied. However, despite the number of interventional studies on the treatment of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine combination (IPTp-SP) uptake, the point in point cases of the positive responses of ANC in improving health conditions of pregnant women are not found in the literature. DATA SOURCES This review collected ANC responses to the positive health outcomes for pregnant women with malaria, the challenges faced regarding IPTp-SP uptake during ANC visits and the role of ANC in preventing and controlling malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. It elucidated ANC and uptake of optimal intermittent preventive IPTp-SP and further described ANC as a tool for heterogeneity for malaria prevention. RESULTS ANC is seen as a microscope to malaria in pregnacy, maternal iron deficiency and anemia checkpoints, ANC and malaria treatment strategies, and ANC and the use of insecticide treated nets (ITN). The review further discussed ANC attendance influencing factors, limitations to ANC implications and the prospects in ANC visits on preventing malaria in pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS A declining trend of malaria transmission in Africa has been observed in recent years. However, the burden of malaria in pregnancy remains a health concern. The rate of SP resistance, low uptake of IPTp-SP, low LLINs distribution, late gestational ANC visits and low turnaround for optimal ANC visits for first time mothers' aggrevated the malaria-endemic settings among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Tete Telay Doe
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ousman Bajinka
- Department of Microbiology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Provinces, China.,China-Africa Research Centre of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.,School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Amadou Barrow
- Heidelberg, Institute of Global Health, University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of The Gambia, Banjul, The Gambia
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Martin K, Wenlock R, Roper T, Butler C, Vera JH. Facilitators and barriers to point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:561. [PMID: 35725437 PMCID: PMC9208134 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07534-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are predominantly managed by syndromic management. However, most STIs are asymptomatic. These untreated STIs cause individual morbidity, and lead to high STI prevalences. There is increasing interest in the use of point-of-care tests (POCTs) for STIs in LMICs, which could facilitate same day testing and treatment. To best utilise these tests, we must understand the facilitators and barriers to their implementation. The aim of this review is to explore how point-of-care testing for STIs has been implemented into healthcare systems in LMIC and the facilitators and barriers to doing so. METHODS A scoping review was conducted by searching MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, the Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses for studies published between 1st January 1998 and 5th June 2020. Abstracts and full articles were screened independently by two reviewers. Studies were considered for inclusion if they assessed the acceptability, feasibility, facilitators, or barriers to implementation of point-of-care testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis or syphilis in LMICs. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and present the facilitators and barriers to point-of-care STI testing. RESULTS The literature search revealed 82 articles suitable for inclusion; 44 (53.7%) from sub-Saharan Africa; 21 (25.6%) from Latin American and the Caribbean; 10 (12.2%) from East Asia and the Pacific; 6 (7.3%) from South Asia; and one (1.2%) multi-regional study. Thematic analysis revealed seven overarching themes related to the implementation of POCTs in LMICs, namely (i) Ideal test characteristics, (ii) Client factors, (iii) Healthcare provision factors, (iv) Policy, infrastructure and health system factors, (v) Training, audit, and feedback, (vi) Reaching new testing environments, and (vii) Dual testing. CONCLUSION Implementation of POCTs in LMICs is complex, with many of the barriers due to wider health system weakness. In addition to pressing for broader structural change to facilitate basic healthcare delivery, these themes may also be used as a basis on which to develop future interventions. The literature was heavily skewed towards syphilis testing, and so more research needs to be conducted assessing chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis testing, as well as home or self-testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Martin
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe.
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.
| | - Rhys Wenlock
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Tom Roper
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Ceri Butler
- Department of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Jaime H Vera
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
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20
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Naidu P, Tsang RSW. Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network guidelines for the use of point-of-care tests for Treponema pallidum in Canada. JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE CANADA = JOURNAL OFFICIEL DE L'ASSOCIATION POUR LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE ET L'INFECTIOLOGIE CANADA 2022; 7:85-96. [PMID: 36337357 PMCID: PMC9608113 DOI: 10.3138/jammi-2021-0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few years, the increase in infectious syphilis outbreaks in major urban centres and remote or rural locations in Canada, often affecting hard-to-reach patient populations, has renewed an interest and urgency in studying the use of point-of-care tests (POCTs) that can provide test results at the time and place of primary health care delivery, obviating the repeat visit necessary with traditional syphilis serology or molecular diagnostic tests. In 2015, the Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network released its first laboratory guideline for the use of POCTs in the diagnosis of syphilis in Canada. Although Canada has no licensed POCT, two POCTs (Syphilis Health Check and the DPP® HIV Syphilis System) have received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval under premarket approval applications. Most syphilis POCTs detect antibodies to treponemal antigens, so their results cannot be used to differentiate between active and past infection. The only POCT that detects antibodies to both treponemal and non-treponemal antigens does not yet have Health Canada or FDA approval. In this updated guideline, the current landscape of POCTs for syphilis, with an emphasis on data from low-prevalence countries, is described. Individual operators should consider the questions of where, when, how, and why a POCT is used before its actual implementation. Training in the operation and interpretation, quality control, proficiency program, safety, and careful documentation of the process and results are especially important for the successful implementation of POCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prenilla Naidu
- Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Raymond SW Tsang
- Syphilis Diagnostic Unit, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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21
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Wall KM, Karita E, Nyombayire J, Ingabire R, Mukamuyango J, Parker R, Brill I, Price M, Haddad LB, Tichacek A, Hunter E, Allen S. Genital Abnormalities, Hormonal Contraception, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission Risk in Rwandan Serodifferent Couples. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:81-91. [PMID: 33560366 PMCID: PMC8253127 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We explored the role of genital abnormalities and hormonal contraception in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission among heterosexual serodifferent couples in Rwanda. METHODS From 2002 to 2011, HIV-serodifferent couples who were not using antiretroviral treatment were followed up, and sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, family planning provided, and HIV-negative partners retested. Couples were assessed for genital ulcers; nonulcerative genital sexually transmitted infection (STIs), including gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis; and non-STI vaginal infections, including bacterial vaginosis and candida. Multivariable models evaluated associations between covariates and HIV transmission genetically linked to the index partner. RESULTS Among 877 couples in which the man was HIV positive, 37 linked transmissions occurred. Factors associated with women's HIV acquisition included genital ulceration in the female partner (adjusted hazard ratio, 14.1) and nonulcerative STI in the male partner (8.6). Among 955 couples in which the woman was HIV positive, 46 linked transmissions occurred. Factors associated with HIV acquisition in men included nonulcerative STI in the female partner (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.4), non-STI vaginal dysbiosis (7.1), and genital ulceration in the male partner (2.6). Hormonal contraception use was not associated with HIV transmission or acquisition. CONCLUSIONS Our findings underscore the need for integrating HIV services with care for genital abnormalities. Barriers (eg, cost of training, demand creation, advocacy, and client education; provider time; and clinic space) to joint HIV/STI testing need to be considered and addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Wall
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Etienne Karita
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Projet San Francisco, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Julien Nyombayire
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Projet San Francisco, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Rosine Ingabire
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Projet San Francisco, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jeannine Mukamuyango
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Projet San Francisco, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Rachel Parker
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ilene Brill
- Department of Epidemiology, Ryals School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Matt Price
- IAVI, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lisa B Haddad
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Amanda Tichacek
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Susan Allen
- Rwanda Zambia Health Research Group, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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22
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Haider MR, Kingori C, Gebre HS. Factors associated with HIV testing among women during pregnancy in Kenya: evidence from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2014. AIDS Care 2021; 34:193-200. [PMID: 33576689 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1883508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the factors affecting HIV testing among women during pregnancy while on ANC visits in Kenya, using the 2014 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey data. The sample included 3,747 (weighted N = 36,626) pregnant women who gave birth in last two years. Survey-weighted bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed. More than four-fifths (83.9%) of the participants reported that they had an HIV test during ANC visits in last two years. In the adjusted model, married (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]:1.48, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]:1.06, 2.06, p < 0.001) than not in a union, having HIV counselling (aOR:1.89, 95% CI: 1.39, 2.56, p < 0.001), higher knowledge on HIV transmission (aOR:1.19, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.34, p = 0.006), increased the likelihood of testing for HIV. While women who were ≥20 years, living in other regions except Nyanza and Nairobi than people living in Coastal region, and who had higher HIV-related stigma (OR:0.83, 95%CI:0.73, 0.94, p = 0.004) had less chance of being tested. These findings have implications on the successful utilization of ANC services in resource limited regions. Culturally appropriate health education can influence cultural norms and enhance timely access of ANC services among women during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rifat Haider
- Department of Social and Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Caroline Kingori
- Department of Social and Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Henon Solomon Gebre
- Department of Social and Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Professions, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
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Hill J, Ouma P, Oluoch S, Bruce J, Kariuki S, Desai M, Webster J. Intermittent screening and treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy: implementation feasibility in a routine healthcare system setting in western Kenya. Malar J 2020; 19:433. [PMID: 33238999 PMCID: PMC7690090 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03505-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is recommended for preventing malaria in pregnancy in areas of moderate-to-high transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. However, due to increasing parasite resistance to SP, research on alternative strategies is a priority. The study assessed the implementation feasibility of intermittent screening and treatment (ISTp) in the second and third trimester at antenatal care (ANC) with malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and treatment of positive cases with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) compared to IPTp-SP in western Kenya. Methods A 10-month implementation study was conducted in 12 government health facilities in four sub-counties. Six health facilities were assigned to either ISTp-DP or IPTp-SP. Evaluation comprised of facility audits, ANC observations, and exit interviews. Intermediate and cumulative effectiveness analyses were performed on all processes involved in delivery of ISTp-DP including RDT proficiency and IPTp-SP ± directly observed therapy (DOT, standard of care). Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of receiving each intervention. Results A total of 388 and 389 women were recruited in the ISTp-DP and IPTp-SP arms, respectively. For ISTp-DP, 90% (289/320) of eligible women received an RDT. Of 11% (32/289) who tested positive, 71% received the correct dose of DP and 31% the first dose by DOT, and only 6% were counselled on subsequent doses. Women making a sick visit and being tested in a facility with a resident microscopist were more likely to receive ISTp-DP (AOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.31, 2.41; and AOR 3.75, 95% CI 1.31, 2.40, respectively). For IPTp-SP, only 57% received a dose of SP by DOT. Payment for a laboratory test was independently associated with receipt of SP by DOT (AOR 6.43, 95% CI 2.07, 19.98). Conclusions The findings indicate that the systems effectiveness of ANC clinics to deliver ISTp-DP under routine conditions was poor in comparison to IPTp-SP. Several challenges to integration of ISTp with ANC were identified that may need to be considered by countries that have introduced screening at first ANC visit and, potentially, for future adoption of ISTp with more sensitive RDTs. Understanding the effectiveness of ISTp-DP will require additional research on pregnant women’s adherence to ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Peter Ouma
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Seth Oluoch
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jane Bruce
- Disease Control Department, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, UK
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Meghna Desai
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jayne Webster
- Disease Control Department, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, UK
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Smart materials for point-of-care testing: From sample extraction to analyte sensing and readout signal generator. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 170:112682. [PMID: 33035898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The last decade has seen a surge of technical developments in the field on point-of-care testing (POCT). While these developments are extremely diverse, the common aim is to implement improved methods for quick, reliable and inexpensive diagnosis of patients within the clinical setting. While examples of successful introduction and use of POCT techniques are growing, further developments are still necessary to create POCT devices with better portability, usability and performance. Advances in smart materials emerge as potentially valuable know-hows to provide a competitive edge to the development of next generation POCT devices. This review describes the key advantages of adopting smart material-based technologies at different analytical stages of a POCT platform. Under these analytical stages which involves sample pre-treatment, analyte sensing and readout signal generator, several concepts and approaches from contemporary research work in using smart material-based technologies will be the major focus in this review. Lastly, challenges and potential outlook in implementing materials technologies from the application point of view for POCT will be discussed.
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25
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Hansen GT. Point-of-Care Testing in Microbiology: A Mechanism for Improving Patient Outcomes. Clin Chem 2020; 66:124-137. [PMID: 31811002 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2019.304782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasingly, demands for improved health and quality of life conflict with the realities of delivering healthcare in an environment of higher expenditures, adherence to test utilization, and patient-centered experience. Patient-centered care is commonly identified as a goal of healthcare delivery, and yet healthcare systems struggle with delivery of care to patients, often failing to identify the seriously ill and capitalize on the predictive qualities of diagnostic testing. Point-of-care (POC) testing provides access to rapid diagnosis and predictive value key to realizing patient outcomes. An evaluation of cost-effective models and the clinical impact of POC testing for clinical microbiology is needed. CONTENT Accurate and rapid diagnostics have the potential to affect healthcare decisions to a degree well out of proportion to their cost. Contemporary healthcare models increasingly view POC testing as a mechanism for efficient deployment of healthcare. POC testing can deliver rapid diagnosis in environments where testing results can be used to direct management during patient visits and in areas where centralized laboratory testing may limit access to care. Nucleic acid assays, designed for POC testing, can match, or exceed, the sensitivity of conventional laboratory-based testing, eliminating the need for confirmation testing. Here, the goals of POC testing for microbiology, applications, and technologies, as well as outcomes and value propositions, are discussed. SUMMARY The combination of rapid reporting, an increasing array of organisms capable of causing disease, actionable resulting, and improved patient outcomes is key in the evolution of POC testing in clinical microbiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen T Hansen
- Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Hennepin County Medical Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN.,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine University of Minnesota, School of Medicine.,Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN
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26
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Young N, Taetgmeyer M, Zulaika G, Aol G, Desai M, Ter Kuile F, Langley I. Integrating HIV, syphilis, malaria and anaemia point-of-care testing (POCT) for antenatal care at dispensaries in western Kenya: discrete-event simulation modelling of operational impact. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1629. [PMID: 31795999 PMCID: PMC6892244 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7739-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite WHO advocating for an integrated approach to antenatal care (ANC), testing coverage for conditions other than HIV remains low and women are referred to distant laboratories for testing. Using point-of-care tests (POCTs) at peripheral dispensaries could improve access to testing and timely treatment. However, the effect of providing additional services on nurse workload and client wait times are unknown. We use discrete-event simulation (DES) modelling to understand the effect of providing four point-of-care tests for ANC on nurse utilization and wait times for women seeking maternal and child health (MCH) services. METHODS We collected detailed time-motion data over 20 days from one high volume dispensary in western Kenya during the 8-month implementation period (2014-2015) of the intervention. We constructed a simulation model using empirical arrival distributions, activity durations and client pathways of women seeking MCH services. We removed the intervention from the model to obtain wait times, length-of-stay and nurse utilization rates for the baseline scenario where only HIV testing was offered for ANC. Additionally, we modelled a scenario where nurse consultations were set to have minimum durations for sufficient delivery of all WHO-recommended services. RESULTS A total of 183 women visited the dispensary for MCH services and 14 of these women received point-of-care testing (POCT). The mean difference in total waiting time was 2 min (95%CI: < 1-4 min, p = 0.026) for MCH women when integrated POCT was given, and 9 min (95%CI: 4-14 min, p < 0.001) when integrated POCT with adequate ANC consult times was given compared to the baseline scenario. Mean length-of-stay increased by 2 min (95%CI: < 1-4 min, p = 0.015) with integrated POCT and by 16 min (95%CI: 10-21 min, p < 0.001) with integrated POCT and adequate consult times compared to the baseline scenario. The two nurses' overall daily utilization in the scenario with sufficient minimum consult durations were 72 and 75%. CONCLUSION The intervention had a modest overall impact on wait times and length-of-stay for women seeking MCH services while ensuring pregnant women received essential diagnostic testing. Nurse utilization rates fluctuated among days: nurses experienced spikes in workload on some days but were under-utilized on the majority of days. Overall, our model suggests there was sufficient time to deliver all WHO's required ANC activities and offer integrated testing for ANC first and re-visits with the current number of healthcare staff. Further investigations on improving healthcare worker, availability, performance and quality of care are needed. Delivering four point-of-care tests together for ANC at dispensary level would be a low burden strategy to improve ANC.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Young
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | - M Taetgmeyer
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- Tropical Infectious Disease Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, UK
| | - G Zulaika
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - G Aol
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Center for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - M Desai
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - F Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - I Langley
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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27
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28
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Mayor A, Menéndez C, Walker PGT. Targeting Pregnant Women for Malaria Surveillance. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:677-686. [PMID: 31395496 PMCID: PMC6708786 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Women attending antenatal care (ANC) are a generally healthy, easy-access population, contributing valuable data for infectious disease surveillance at the community level. ANC-based malaria surveillance would provide a routine measure of the malaria burden in pregnancy, which countries lack, whilst potentially improving pregnancy outcomes. It could also offer contemporary information on temporal trends and the geographic distribution of malaria burden as well as intervention coverage in the population to guide resource allocation and to assess progress towards elimination. Here, we review the factors underlying the relationship between Plasmodium falciparum in pregnancy and in the community, and outline strengths and limitations of an ANC-based surveillance in sub-Saharan Africa, its potential role within wider malaria surveillance systems, and subsequent programmatic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Mayor
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique.
| | - Clara Menéndez
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigação em Saúde da Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Patrick G T Walker
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
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29
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Vallely AJ, Pomat WS, Homer C, Guy R, Luchters S, Mola GDL, Kariwiga G, Vallely LM, Wiseman V, Morgan C, Wand H, Rogerson SJ, Tabrizi SN, Whiley DM, Low N, Peeling R, Siba P, Riddell M, Laman M, Bolnga J, Robinson LJ, Morewaya J, Badman SG, Batura N, Kelly-Hanku A, Toliman PJ, Peter W, Babona D, Peach E, Garland SM, Kaldor JM. Point-of-care testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections to improve birth outcomes in high-burden, low-income settings: Study protocol for a cluster randomized crossover trial (the WANTAIM Trial, Papua New Guinea). Wellcome Open Res 2019; 4:53. [PMID: 32030356 PMCID: PMC6979472 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15173.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chlamydia trachomatis,
Neisseria gonorrhoeae,
Trichomonas vaginalis and bacterial vaginosis have been associated with preterm birth and low birth weight, and are highly prevalent among pregnant women in many low- and middle-income settings. There is conflicting evidence on the potential benefits of screening and treating these infections in pregnancy. Newly available diagnostic technologies make it possible, for the first time, to conduct definitive field trials to fill this knowledge gap. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate whether antenatal point-of-care testing and immediate treatment of these curable sexually transmitted and genital infections (STIs) leads to reduction in preterm birth and low birth weight. Methods: The Women and Newborn Trial of Antenatal Interventions and Management (WANTAIM) is a cluster-randomised crossover trial in Papua New Guinea to compare point-of-care STI testing and immediate treatment with standard antenatal care (which includes the WHO-endorsed STI ‘syndromic’ management strategy based on clinical features alone without laboratory confirmation). The unit of randomisation is a primary health care facility and its catchment communities. The primary outcome is a composite measure of two events: the proportion of women and their newborns in each trial arm, who experience either preterm birth (delivery <37 completed weeks of gestation as determined by ultrasound) and/or low birth weight (<2500 g measured within 72 hours of birth). The trial will also evaluate neonatal outcomes, as well as the cost-effectiveness, acceptability and health system requirements of this strategy, compared with standard care. Conclusions: WANTAIM is the first randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, acceptability and health system requirements of point-of-care STI testing and treatment to improve birth outcomes in high-burden settings. If the intervention is proven to have an impact, the trial will hasten access to these technologies and could improve maternal and neonatal health in high-burden settings worldwide. Registration: ISRCTN37134032.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Vallely
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea.,The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - William S Pomat
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea
| | - Caroline Homer
- Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Stanley Luchters
- Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Glen D L Mola
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, NCD, Papua New Guinea
| | - Grace Kariwiga
- Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority, Alotau, MBP, Papua New Guinea
| | - Lisa M Vallely
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea.,The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Chris Morgan
- Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Handan Wand
- The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Doherty Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Sepehr N Tabrizi
- Department of Microbiology, The Royal Women's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - David M Whiley
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Rosanna Peeling
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Peter Siba
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea
| | - Michaela Riddell
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea.,The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Moses Laman
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea
| | - John Bolnga
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Modilon General Hospital, Madang, MP, Papua New Guinea
| | - Leanne J Robinson
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea.,Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Jacob Morewaya
- Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority, Alotau, MBP, Papua New Guinea
| | - Steven G Badman
- The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Neha Batura
- Centre for Global Health Economics, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea.,The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Pamela J Toliman
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea.,The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Wilfred Peter
- Provincial Health Office, Madang, MP, Papua New Guinea
| | - Delly Babona
- St Mary's Vunapope Rural Hospital, Kokopo, ENBP, 613, Papua New Guinea
| | - Elizabeth Peach
- Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Suzanne M Garland
- Department of Microbiology, The Royal Women's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - John M Kaldor
- The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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30
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Vallely AJ, Pomat WS, Homer C, Guy R, Luchters S, Mola GDL, Kariwiga G, Vallely LM, Wiseman V, Morgan C, Wand H, Rogerson SJ, Tabrizi SN, Whiley DM, Low N, Peeling R, Siba P, Riddell M, Laman M, Bolnga J, Robinson LJ, Morewaya J, Badman SG, Batura N, Kelly-Hanku A, Toliman PJ, Peter W, Babona D, Peach E, Garland SM, Kaldor JM. Point-of-care testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections to improve birth outcomes in high-burden, low-income settings: Study protocol for a cluster randomized crossover trial (the WANTAIM Trial, Papua New Guinea). Wellcome Open Res 2019. [PMID: 32030356 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15173.1] [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: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis and bacterial vaginosis have been associated with preterm birth and low birth weight, and are highly prevalent among pregnant women in many low- and middle-income settings. There is conflicting evidence on the potential benefits of screening and treating these infections in pregnancy. Newly available diagnostic technologies make it possible, for the first time, to conduct definitive field trials to fill this knowledge gap. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate whether antenatal point-of-care testing and immediate treatment of these curable sexually transmitted and genital infections (STIs) leads to reduction in preterm birth and low birth weight. Methods: The Women and Newborn Trial of Antenatal Interventions and Management (WANTAIM) is a cluster-randomised crossover trial in Papua New Guinea to compare point-of-care STI testing and immediate treatment with standard antenatal care (which includes the WHO-endorsed STI 'syndromic' management strategy based on clinical features alone without laboratory confirmation). The unit of randomisation is a primary health care facility and its catchment communities. The primary outcome is a composite measure of two events: the proportion of women and their newborns in each trial arm, who experience either preterm birth (delivery <37 completed weeks of gestation as determined by ultrasound) and/or low birth weight (<2500 g measured within 72 hours of birth). The trial will also evaluate neonatal outcomes, as well as the cost-effectiveness, acceptability and health system requirements of this strategy, compared with standard care. Conclusions: WANTAIM is the first randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, acceptability and health system requirements of point-of-care STI testing and treatment to improve birth outcomes in high-burden settings. If the intervention is proven to have an impact, the trial will hasten access to these technologies and could improve maternal and neonatal health in high-burden settings worldwide. Registration: ISRCTN37134032.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Vallely
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea.,The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - William S Pomat
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea
| | - Caroline Homer
- Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Stanley Luchters
- Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Glen D L Mola
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, NCD, Papua New Guinea
| | - Grace Kariwiga
- Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority, Alotau, MBP, Papua New Guinea
| | - Lisa M Vallely
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea.,The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Virginia Wiseman
- The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.,London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Chris Morgan
- Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Handan Wand
- The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Stephen J Rogerson
- Doherty Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Sepehr N Tabrizi
- Department of Microbiology, The Royal Women's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - David M Whiley
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Nicola Low
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Rosanna Peeling
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Peter Siba
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea
| | - Michaela Riddell
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea.,The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Moses Laman
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea
| | - John Bolnga
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Modilon General Hospital, Madang, MP, Papua New Guinea
| | - Leanne J Robinson
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea.,Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Jacob Morewaya
- Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority, Alotau, MBP, Papua New Guinea
| | - Steven G Badman
- The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Neha Batura
- Centre for Global Health Economics, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea.,The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Pamela J Toliman
- Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research, Goroka, EHP, 441, Papua New Guinea.,The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Wilfred Peter
- Provincial Health Office, Madang, MP, Papua New Guinea
| | - Delly Babona
- St Mary's Vunapope Rural Hospital, Kokopo, ENBP, 613, Papua New Guinea
| | - Elizabeth Peach
- Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Suzanne M Garland
- Department of Microbiology, The Royal Women's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - John M Kaldor
- The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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