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Afolabi MO, Diaw A, Fall EHB, Sall FB, Diédhiou A, Seck A, Camara B, Niang D, Manga IA, Mbaye I, Sougou NM, Sow D, Greenwood B, Ndiaye JLA. Provider and User Acceptability of Integrated Treatment for the Control of Malaria and Helminths in Saraya, South-Eastern Senegal. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:1047-1056. [PMID: 37722662 PMCID: PMC10622492 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Integration of vertical programs for the control of malaria, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis has been recommended to achieve elimination of malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTD) by 2030. This qualitative study was conducted within the context of a randomized controlled trial to explore the perceptions and views of parents/caregivers of at-risk children and healthcare providers to determine their acceptability of the integrated malaria-helminth treatment approach. Randomly selected parents/caregivers of children enrolled in the trial, healthcare providers, trial staff, malaria, and NTD program managers were interviewed using purpose-designed topic guides. Transcripts obtained from the interviews were coded and common themes identified using content analysis were triangulated. Fifty-seven study participants comprising 26 parents/caregivers, 10 study children aged ≥ 10 years, 15 trial staff, four healthcare providers, and two managers from the Senegal Ministry of Health were interviewed. Thirty-eight of the participants (66.7%) were males, and their ages ranged from 10 to 65 years. Overall, the integrated malaria-helminth treatment approach was considered acceptable, but the study participants expressed concerns about the taste, smell, and side effects associated with amodiaquine and praziquantel in the combination package. Reluctance to accept the medications was also observed among children aged 10 to 14 years due to peer influence and gender-sensitive cultural beliefs. Addressing concerns about the taste and smell of amodiaquine and praziquantel is needed to optimize the uptake of the integrated treatment program. Also, culturally appropriate strategies need to be put in place to cater for the inclusion of children aged 10 to 14 years in this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed O. Afolabi
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Aminata Diaw
- Faculté de Medecine Pharmacie d’Odonto-Stomatologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | | | | | - Adams Diédhiou
- Faculté de Medecine Pharmacie d’Odonto-Stomatologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Amadou Seck
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie, Université de Thies, Thies, Senegal
| | - Baba Camara
- Hospital Administration, Saraya Health Centre, Saraya, Senegal
| | - Diatou Niang
- Hospital Administration, Saraya Health Centre, Saraya, Senegal
| | - Isaac A. Manga
- Faculté de Medecine Pharmacie d’Odonto-Stomatologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Ibrahima Mbaye
- Hospital Administration, Saraya Health Centre, Saraya, Senegal
| | - Ndèye Mareme Sougou
- Faculté de Medecine Pharmacie d’Odonto-Stomatologie, Université Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Doudou Sow
- Service de Parasitologie et Mycologie, Université Gaston Berger de Saint-Louis, Saint-Louis, Senegal
| | - Brian Greenwood
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Adokiya MN, Boah M, Atinbire SA, Achana F, Ndago JA, Kanligi DA, Abotiyire Z, Moyer CA. A qualitative study of health workers' perspectives on malaria case identification and management among pregnant women in Savelugu Municipality, Ghana. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001963. [PMID: 37224167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Despite successes in malaria control interventions over the past two decades, malaria remains a major public health concern. Over 125 million women live in endemic areas and experience adverse pregnancy outcomes due to malaria. Understanding health workers' perspectives on malaria identification and management is important to informing policy changes on the control and eradication of the disease. This study explored the perspectives of health workers on malaria case identification and management among pregnant women in Savelugu Municipality, Ghana. A qualitative study with a phenomenology design was conducted among participants. Participants were purposively selected and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was performed and the results were presented as themes and sub-themes. Four themes and eight sub-themes regarding case identification and management of malaria in pregnancy were identified including malaria case identification training (trained and untrained), identification approach (signs/symptoms and routine laboratory test), diagnostic tools (rapid diagnostic test and microscopy) and management options. It revealed that attending malaria training programs was generally optional. Some of the participants had not undergone any refresher training for malaria identification after their formal training at health institutions. Participants identified malaria by its signs and symptoms. However, they often referred clients for routine laboratory tests for confirmation. When malaria is confirmed in pregnancy, quinine is used for first trimester treatment, while Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies are prescribed after the first trimester. Clindamycin was not used in the first trimester treatment. This study found that training programs were optional for health workers. Some participants have not received refresher training after graduating from health institutions. Treatment of confirmed cases did not include clindamycin for first trimester malaria infections. Malaria refresher training programs should be made mandatory for health workers. Every suspected case should be confirmed using Rapid Diagnostic Test or microscopy before treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Nyaaba Adokiya
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Michael Boah
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | | | - Felix Achana
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Disease Control, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Joyce Aputere Ndago
- Department of Social and Behavioral Change, School of Public Health, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - David Abatanie Kanligi
- Pediatric Unit, Savelugu Municipal Hospital, Ghana Health Service, Northern Region, Ghana
| | | | - Cheryl A Moyer
- Department of Learning Health Sciences and OB/GYN, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
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Martiáñez-Vendrell X, Skjefte M, Sikka R, Gupta H. Factors Affecting the Performance of HRP2-Based Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7100265. [PMID: 36288006 PMCID: PMC9611031 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7100265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global malaria elimination programs, resulting in a sharp increase in malaria morbidity and mortality. To reduce this impact, unmet needs in malaria diagnostics must be addressed while resuming malaria elimination activities. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), the unsung hero in malaria diagnosis, work to eliminate the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria through their efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly qualities in detecting the antigen HRP2 (histidine-rich protein 2), among other proteins. However, the testing mechanism and management of malaria with RDTs presents a variety of limitations. This paper discusses the numerous factors (including parasitic, host, and environmental) that limit the performance of RDTs. Additionally, the paper explores outside factors that can hinder RDT performance. By understanding these factors that affect the performance of HRP2-based RDTs in the field, researchers can work toward creating and implementing more effective and accurate HRP2-based diagnostic tools. Further research is required to understand the extent of these factors, as the rapidly changing interplay between parasite and host directly hinders the effectiveness of the tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Martiáñez-Vendrell
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, LUMC Center for Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands or
| | - Malia Skjefte
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ruhi Sikka
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura 281406, UP, India
| | - Himanshu Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura 281406, UP, India
- Correspondence: or
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Gutman JR, Khairallah C, Stepniewska K, Tagbor H, Madanitsa M, Cairns M, L'lanziva AJ, Kalilani L, Otieno K, Mwapasa V, Meshnick S, Kariuki S, Chandramohan D, Desai M, Taylor SM, Greenwood B, ter Kuile FO. Intermittent screening and treatment with artemisinin-combination therapy versus intermittent preventive treatment with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine for malaria in pregnancy: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 41:101160. [PMID: 34746720 PMCID: PMC8556518 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, the efficacy of intermittent preventive therapy in pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) for malaria in pregnancy is threatened by parasite resistance. We conducted an individual-participant data (IPD) meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of intermittent screening with malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and treatment of RDT-positive women with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ISTp-ACT) compared to IPTp-SP, and understand the importance of subpatent infections. METHODS We searched MEDLINE and the Malaria-in-Pregnancy Library on May 6, 2021 for trials comparing ISTp-ACT and IPTp-SP. Generalised linear regression was used to compare adverse pregnancy outcomes (composite of small-for-gestational-age, low birthweight (LBW), or preterm delivery) and peripheral or placental Plasmodium falciparum at delivery. The effects of subpatent (PCR-positive, RDT/microscopy-negative) infections were assessed in both arms pooled using multi-variable fixed-effect models adjusting for the number of patent infections. PROSPERO registration: CRD42016043789. FINDINGS Five trials conducted between 2007 and 2014 contributed (10,821 pregnancies), two from high SP-resistance areas where dhfr/dhps quintuple mutant parasites are saturated, but sextuple mutants are still rare (Kenya and Malawi), and three from low-resistance areas (West-Africa). Four trials contributed IPD data (N=10,362). At delivery, the prevalence of any malaria infection (relative risk [RR]=1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.16, I2=67.0 %) and patent infection (RR=1.02, 0.61-1.16, I2=0.0%) were similar. Subpatent infections were more common in ISTp recipients (RR=1.31, 1.05-1.62, I2=0.0%). There was no difference in adverse pregnancy outcome (RR=1.00, 0.96-1.05; studies=4, N=9,191, I2=54.5%). Subpatent infections were associated with LBW (adjusted RR=1.13, 1.07-1.19), lower mean birthweight (adjusted mean difference=32g, 15-49), and preterm delivery (aRR=1.35, 1.15-1.57). INTERPRETATION ISTp-ACT was not superior to IPTp-SP and may result in more subpatent infections than the existing IPTp-SP policy. Subpatent infections were associated with increased LBW and preterm delivery. More sensitive diagnostic tests are needed to detect and treat low-grade infections. FUNDING Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Worldwide Antimalarial Resistance Network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Carole Khairallah
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kasia Stepniewska
- WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network (WWARN), Oxford, UK
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, UK
| | - Harry Tagbor
- University of Health and Allied Science, Ho, Ghana
| | | | | | - Anne Joan L'lanziva
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Linda Kalilani
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kephas Otieno
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Victor Mwapasa
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Steve Meshnick
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Meghna Desai
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Steve M. Taylor
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Feiko O. ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
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Doumbia I, Seydou F, Diakalia K, Bennis I. The provider's checklist to improve pregnant women coverage by intermittent preventive malaria treatment in Mali: a pilot implementation study. Malar J 2021; 20:402. [PMID: 34656113 PMCID: PMC8520273 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03940-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) is a comprehensive treatment protocol of anti-malarial drugs administered to pregnant women to prevent malaria, started at the fourth pregnancy month, with at least three doses of sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP), taken as directly observed treatment (DOT) every 30 days at intervals until childbirth, in combination with other preventive measures. This paper introduces feasibility and adoption concepts as implementation research outcomes (IRO), allowing after a defined intervention, to assess the coverage improvement by IPTp for women attending a reference district hospital in Mali. Specifically, the purpose is to evaluate the feasibility of a reminder tool (provider checklist) to enhance pregnant women’s adoption of information about IPTp-SP uptake as immediate and sustained women practices. Methods The implementation strategy used a reminder checklist about malaria knowledge and the recommended preventive tools. Then, the checklist feasibility was assessed during routine practices with the adoption-level about pregnant women’ knowledge. Quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to a non-probability purposive sampling targeting 200 pregnant women divided into two groups before and after the checklist intervention. In contrast, the qualitative data were based on in-depth face-to-face gynaecologists’ interviews. Results Both the IROs (feasibility and adoption) were satisfactory. The gynaecologists agreed to the use of this checklist during routine practice with a recommendation to generalize it to other health providers. After a gynaecologist visit, a significant increase of the adoption-level about prior knowledge and preventive tools was noticed. A total of 83% of participants were not knowledgeable about malaria disease before checklist use versus 15% after. Similarly, coverage of women’s SP DOT rose from 0 to 59% after introducing the checklist and the IPTp-SP uptake after the visit was highly significant in the second group. The latter reached 95% of pregnant women with 4–8 months’ gestational age, that mostly respected all SP future visits as theoretically scheduled. Conclusions Generalizing such a checklist reminder will improve women’s knowledge about malaria prevention. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03940-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issa Doumbia
- Human Resources Directorate, Health and Social Development Ministry, Bamako, Mali.
| | - Fomba Seydou
- National Malaria Control Program Directorate, Health and Social Development Ministry, Bamako, Mali
| | - Koné Diakalia
- National Control Program Malaria Directorate, Health and Social Development Ministry, Bamako, Mali
| | - Issam Bennis
- Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Fez, Morocco
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Hoyt J, Hill J, Achieng F, Ouma P, Kariuki S, Desai M, Webster J. Healthcare provider and pregnant women's perspectives on the implementation of intermittent screening and treatment with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine for malaria in pregnancy in western Kenya: a qualitative study. Malar J 2021; 20:291. [PMID: 34187458 PMCID: PMC8243500 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03826-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In malaria endemic regions in Kenya, pregnant women are offered long-lasting insecticidal nets and intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) at antenatal care (ANC) to prevent the adverse effects of malaria. Fears of growing SP resistance have heightened the search for alternative strategies. The implementation feasibility of intermittent screening and treatment (ISTp) with dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine (DP) in routine ANC settings was evaluated using qualitative and quantitative methods, including the exploration of healthcare provider and pregnant women’s perceptions. Methods Qualitative methods included data from 13 focus group discussions (FGDs) with pregnant women and 43 in-depth interviews with healthcare providers delivering ANC services. FGDs were conducted with women who had received either ISTp-DP or current policy (IPTp-SP). Thematic analysis was used to explore experiences among women and providers and findings were used to provide insights into results of the parallel quantitative study. Results Women were accepting of testing with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and receiving treatment if malaria positive. Providers perceived DP to be an effective drug and well tolerated by women. Some providers indicated a preference for test and treat strategies to reduce unnecessary exposure to medication in pregnancy, others preferred a hybrid strategy combining screening at every ANC visit followed by IPTp-SP for women who tested negative, due to the perception that RDTs missed some infections and concerns about the growing resistance to SP. Testing with RDTs during ANC was appreciated as it was perceived to reduce wait times. The positive attitude of healthcare providers towards ISTp supports findings from the quantitative study that showed a high proportion (90%) of women were tested at ANC. There were concerns about affordability of DP and the availability of sufficient RDT stocks. Conclusion In ANC settings, healthcare providers and pregnant women found ISTp-DP to be an acceptable strategy for preventing malaria in pregnancy when compared with IPTp-SP. DP was considered an effective anti-malarial and a suitable alternative to IPTp-SP in the context of SP resistance. Despite providers’ lack of confidence in RDT results at current levels of sensitivity and specificity, the quantitative findings show their willingness to test women routinely at ANC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-021-03826-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Hoyt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Florence Achieng
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Peter Ouma
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centre for Global Health Research, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - 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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Looman L, Pell C. End-user perspectives on preventive antimalarials: A review of qualitative research. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:753-767. [PMID: 33617406 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1888388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimalarials have been administered widely to prevent clinical malaria and researchers have explored how end-users' perspectives influence uptake and adherence. Drawing on a systematic search, this review aims to synthesise qualitative research on end-user perceptions of antimalarials for disease prevention. Searches were undertaken in PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge. After applying exclusion criteria, identified sources underwent thematic analysis. Identified sources were published between 2000 and 2020 and drew on studies undertaken across Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania and America. The sources revealed end-user concerns about the potential benefits and harms of preventive treatment that are entwined with broader understandings of the disease, the intervention, its implementation, accompanying information, and how it is embedded in wider healthcare and social relationships. The implications for antimalarials as preventive therapy encompass the need to build trust, including interpersonal trust, engage diverse stakeholders and to address broader health and wellbeing concerns during implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne Looman
- Department of Global Health Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher Pell
- Department of Global Health Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development (AIGHD), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Centre for Social Science and Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Enguita-Fernàndez C, Alonso Y, Lusengi W, Mayembe A, Manun'Ebo MF, Ranaivontiavina S, Rasoamananjaranahary AM, Mucavele E, Macete E, Nwankwo O, Meremikwu M, Roman E, Pagnoni F, Menéndez C, Munguambe K. Trust, community health workers and delivery of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy: a comparative qualitative analysis of four sub-Saharan countries. Glob Public Health 2020; 16:1889-1903. [PMID: 33290172 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1851742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This qualitative study is part of a project aiming to evaluate a community-based approach to the delivery of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) through community health workers (CHWs) in four sub-Saharan African countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar, Mozambique and Nigeria. The study aimed to understand the factors that influence the anticipated acceptability of this intervention. A total of 216 in-depth interviews and 62 focus group discussions were carried out in the four country sites with pregnant women, women of reproductive age, community leaders, pregnant women's relatives, CHWs, formal and informal health providers. Grounded theory guided the study design and data collection, and content and thematic analysis was performed through a comparative lens. This paper focuses on one crosscutting theme: trust-building. Two mechanisms that underpin communities' trust in delivery of IPTp via CHWs were identified: 'perceived competence' and 'community and healthcare system integration'. Communities' perception of CHWs' competence shapes their trust in them, which suggests that CHWs' credentials should be made public and that specialised training in maternal health is required for them. Integration depends on the promotion of socially embedded practices and the involvement of formal healthcare systems in CHWs' work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yara Alonso
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wade Lusengi
- Bureau d'Étude et de Gestion de l'Information Statistique (BÉGIS), Kinshasa, DRC
| | - Alain Mayembe
- Bureau d'Étude et de Gestion de l'Information Statistique (BÉGIS), Kinshasa, DRC
| | - Manu F Manun'Ebo
- Bureau d'Étude et de Gestion de l'Information Statistique (BÉGIS), Kinshasa, DRC
| | - Sylviane Ranaivontiavina
- Malagasy Associates for Numerical Information and Statistical Analysis (MANISA), Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Estêvão Mucavele
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Eusebio Macete
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Ogonna Nwankwo
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Martin Meremikwu
- Cross River Health and Demographic Surveillance System, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
| | - Elaine Roman
- Jhpiego, affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Franco Pagnoni
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Menéndez
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP)
| | - Khátia Munguambe
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça (CISM), Maputo, Mozambique.,Faculty of Medicine, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
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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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Obagha EC, Ajayi I, Abdullahi GA, Umeokonkwo CD. Clients' satisfaction with preventive services for malaria during pregnancy in Anambra state, Nigeria. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1660. [PMID: 33148250 PMCID: PMC7641832 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09767-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burden of Malaria in pregnancy (MIP) is still high despite availability of proven cost-effective interventions. Considerable progress has been made on improving antenatal attendance, but MIP preventive services utilization remains low. Factors responsible for this include dissatisfaction with the services provided. We assessed clients' satisfaction with preventative services for malaria during pregnancy delivered at antenatal clinics (ANC) in Anambra State Nigeria. METHOD We conducted a cross-sectional study among 284 pregnant women attending ANC using multistage sampling technique. Pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographics, knowledge of malaria in pregnancy services and satisfaction with services. Responses to questions on satisfaction was on a 5-point Likert scale. A cut off of ≥75% of composite score was used to classify respondents as satisfied. For knowledge, every correct answer was scored 1 and incorrect 0; ≥75% of the composite score was graded as good knowledge. Chi square and logistic regression were used to test for association between client satisfaction and independent variables. RESULTS The mean age of participants is 28 years±4.4 years. Overall, 62.2% were satisfied with quality of preventive services for malaria during pregnancy. However, 64.8 and 57.8% were dissatisfied with cost of healthcare and interpersonal relationship with the health workers (HWs). Majority of the respondents (88.73%) had poor knowledge of malaria preventive services during pregnancy. Type of facility (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.11; 95%CI: 1.20-3.71) and knowledge (aOR: 0.41; 95%CI: 0.18-0.90) were independently associated with satisfaction with interpersonal relationship. Type of facility (aOR: 0.47; 95%CI: 0.27-0.80) and employment status (aOR: 3.07; 95%CI: 1.39-6.74) were also independently associated with satisfaction with cost of healthcare. CONCLUSION A fair proportion of respondents were satisfied with the preventive services for malaria during pregnancy provided even though most were dissatisfied with the cost of assessing care and interpersonal relationship with health workers. Uninterrupted availability of long lasting insecticide treated bed nets and intermittent preventive treatment for malaria at all health facilities, subsidized cost of malaria-related commodities, and incentives for good customer satisfaction ratings may remediate the described barriers to seeking preventative care for malaria during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Chijioke Obagha
- Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria.
- Epidemiology Unit, Public Health Department, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
- University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
| | - IkeOluwakpo Ajayi
- Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria
- University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Gobir A Abdullahi
- Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria
- Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria
| | - Chukwuma David Umeokonkwo
- Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme, Abuja, Nigeria
- Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakiliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
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Garg S, Dewangan M, Barman O. Malaria prevalence in symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women in a high malaria-burden state in India. Trop Med Health 2020; 48:71. [PMID: 32831578 PMCID: PMC7436977 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-020-00259-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Malaria in pregnancy (‘MiP’) poses risks to mother, foetus and newborn. Studies from Africa and Asia have reported high prevalence of ‘MiP’ and recommended further research to address ‘MiP’. India has a significant burden of ‘MiP’ but most of the studies are a decade old. Hardly any studies exist in India that report on asymptomatic malaria in pregnant women. The current Indian policies for malaria control are silent on ‘MiP’. A campaign was carried out by community health workers (CHWs) in 2019 to screen pregnant women across rural Chhattisgarh. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. Malaria was tested in pregnant women by CHWs using bivalent rapid tests. Multi-stage sampling was used to cover 21,572 pregnant women screened across different geographical areas of rural Chhattisgarh. Cross-tabulation and multivariate regression were used to find out the relationship of ‘MiP’ with different symptoms and geographical areas. GIS maps were used to compare malaria in pregnant women against overall febrile population. Results In rural Chhattisgarh, malaria was present in 0.81% of the pregnant women at the time of testing. ‘MiP’ prevalence varied across geographies, reaching 4.48% in the geographical division with highest burden. Febrile pregnant women had three times greater malaria-positivity than overall febrile population and both showed a similar geographical pattern. Discussion Prevalence of ‘MiP’ was found to be less than earlier studies in the state. Though overall malaria in India has shown some decline, a policy response is needed for ‘MiP’ in high-burden areas. Fever, diarrhoea and jaundice remain relevant symptoms in ‘MiP’, but around one fourth of malaria-positive pregnant-women were afebrile, suggesting the need for strategies to address it. Conclusion The current study based on a large sample provides fresh evidence on ‘MiP’ in India. It used CHWs as skilled providers for large-scale screening for malaria. In high-burden areas, intermittent screening and treatment (IST) of all pregnant women can be a useful strategy in order to address ‘MiP’. Pregnant women can be considered as a pertinent sentinel population for malaria. The global and national policies need to evolve concrete strategies for addressing malaria in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Garg
- State Health Resource Centre, Raipur, Chhattisgarh India
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Tuaillon E, Kania D, Pisoni A, Bollore K, Taieb F, Ontsira Ngoyi EN, Schaub R, Plantier JC, Makinson A, Van de Perre P. Dried Blood Spot Tests for the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of HIV and Viral Hepatitis B and C. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:373. [PMID: 32210946 PMCID: PMC7075356 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood collected and dried on a paper card – dried blood spot (DBS) – knows a growing interest as a sampling method that can be performed outside care facilities by capillary puncture, and transported in a simple and safe manner by mail. The benefits of this method for blood collection and transport has recently led the World Health Organization to recommend DBS for HIV and hepatitis B and C diagnosis. The clinical utility of DBS sampling to improve diagnostics and care of HIV and hepatitis B and C infection in hard to reach populations, key populations and people living in low-income settings was highlighted. Literature about usefulness of DBS specimens in the therapeutic cascade of care – screening, confirmation, quantification of nucleic acids, and resistance genotyping -, was reviewed. DBS samples are suitable for testing antibodies, antigens, or nucleic acids using most laboratory methods. Good sensibility and specificity have been reported for infant HIV diagnosis and diagnosis of hepatitis B and C. The performance of HIV RNA testing on DBS to identified virological failure on antiretroviral therapy is also high but not optimal because of the dilution of dried blood in the elution buffer, reducing the analytical sensitivity, and because of the contamination by intracellular HIV DNA. Standardized protocols are needed for inter-laboratory comparisons, and manufacturers should pursue regulatory approval for in vitro diagnostics using DBS specimens. Despite these limitations, DBS sampling is a clinically relevant tool to improve access to infectious disease diagnosis worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard Tuaillon
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Amandine Pisoni
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Karine Bollore
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Fabien Taieb
- Emerging Diseases Epidemiology Unit, Center for Translational Science, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Esther Nina Ontsira Ngoyi
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Roxane Schaub
- CIC AG/INSERM 1424, Centre Hospitalier de Cayenne, Cayenne, France
| | | | - Alain Makinson
- INSERM U1175/IRD UMI 233, IRD, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Van de Perre
- Pathogenèse et Contrôle des Infections Chroniques, INSERM U1058, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Gaillard T, Boxberger M, Madamet M, Pradines B. Has doxycycline, in combination with anti-malarial drugs, a role to play in intermittent preventive treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection in pregnant women in Africa? Malar J 2018; 17:469. [PMID: 30547849 PMCID: PMC6295070 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2621-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Plasmodium falciparum malaria during pregnancy is responsible for deleterious consequences for the mother and her child. The administration of intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) at each antenatal care visit as early as 13 weeks of gestation until the time of delivery is a strategy that is currently recommended by WHO for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy. However, the emergence and the spread of the resistance to SP in Africa raise the question of the short-term effectiveness of the strategy. Dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine 120 mg/960 mg once a day for 3 consecutive days administered at least three times during the pregnancy might be an option for IPTp. The combination of 200 mg of doxycycline once a day for 3 consecutive days seems to be a good option to retard the emergence and the spread of resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in Africa and improve the effectiveness of ACT in term of preterm births, neonatal morbidity and mortality. Contrary to preconceived ideas, scientific and medical data suggest that the risk of congenital malformations in the fetus or of tooth staining in infants whose mothers take doxycycline and hepatotoxicity during pregnancy is very low or non-existent. Additionally, the use of doxycycline during the first and second trimesters leads to an increase in gestational age at delivery, a decrease in the number of preterm births and a reduction in neonatal morbidity and mortality due to the beneficial antimicrobial activity of doxycycline against other infections during pregnancy. Furthermore, doxycycline has anti-malarial properties and is already recommended as prophylaxis for travellers and for treatment of falciparum malaria in combination with other anti-malarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiphaine Gaillard
- Fédération des Laboratoires, Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Desgenettes, Lyon, France
| | - Manon Boxberger
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Marylin Madamet
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Pradines
- Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France. .,Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France. .,Centre National de Référence du Paludisme, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.
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Hoyt J, Landuwulang CUR, Ansariadi, Ahmed R, Burdam FH, Bonsapia I, Poespoprodjo JR, Syafruddin D, Ter Kuile FO, Webster J, Hill J. Intermittent screening and treatment or intermittent preventive treatment compared to current policy of single screening and treatment for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy in Eastern Indonesia: acceptability among health providers and pregnant women. Malar J 2018; 17:341. [PMID: 30261877 PMCID: PMC6161378 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2490-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The control of malaria in pregnancy in much of Asia relies on screening asymptomatic women for malaria infection, followed by passive case detection and prevention with insecticide-treated nets. In 2012, Indonesia introduced screening for malaria by microscopy or rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) at pregnant women's first antenatal care (ANC) visit to detect and treat malaria infections regardless of the presence of symptoms. Acceptability among health providers and pregnant women of the current 'single screen and treat' (SSTp) strategy compared to two alternative strategies that were intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) and intermittent screening and treatment (ISTp) was assessed in the context of a clinical trial in two malaria endemic provinces of Eastern Indonesia. METHODS Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 121 health providers working in provision of antenatal care, heads of health facilities and District Health Office staff. Trial staff were also interviewed. Focus group discussions were conducted with 16 groups of pregnant women (N = 106) to discuss their experiences of each intervention in the trial. RESULTS Health providers and pregnant women were receptive to screening for malaria at every ANC visit due to the increased opportunity to detect and treat asymptomatic infections. A primary concern for providers was the accuracy and availability of RDTs used for screening in the SSTp and ISTp arms, which they considered less accurate than microscopy. Providers had reservations about giving anti-malarials presumptively as IPTp, due to concerns of causing potential harm to mother and baby and as a possible driver of drug resistance. Pregnant women were accepting of all three interventions. Women in the IPTp arm were happy to take anti-malarials presumptively to protect themselves and their babies against malaria. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that, within a trial context, malaria screening of pregnant women at every ANC visit ISTp was an acceptable strategy among both health providers and pregnant women owing to an existing culture of screening and treatment. The adoption of IPTp however would require a considerable shift in health provider attitudes and a clear communication strategy. By contrast, pregnant women welcomed the opportunity to prevent malaria infections during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Hoyt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Ansariadi
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Rukhsana Ahmed
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | | | - Irene Bonsapia
- Timika Malaria Research Program, Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation, Timika, Papua, Indonesia
| | - Jeanne R Poespoprodjo
- Mimika District Health Authority, Timika, Papua, Indonesia.,Timika Malaria Research Program, Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation, Timika, Papua, Indonesia.,Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Din Syafruddin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jayne Webster
- Disease Control Department, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, UK
| | - Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
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15
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Hill J, Landuwulang CUR, Ansariadi, Hoyt J, Burdam FH, Bonsapia I, Syafruddin D, Poespoprodjo JR, Ter Kuile FO, Ahmed R, Webster J. Evaluation of the national policy of single screening and treatment for the prevention of malaria in pregnancy in two districts in Eastern Indonesia: health provider perceptions. Malar J 2018; 17:309. [PMID: 30143041 PMCID: PMC6108151 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2426-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria in pregnancy has devastating consequences for both the expectant mother and baby. Annually, 88.2 (70%) of the 125.2 million pregnancies in malaria endemic regions occur in the Asia-Pacific region. The control of malaria in pregnancy in most of Asia relies on passive case detection and prevention with long-lasting insecticide-treated nets. Indonesia was the first country in the region to introduce, in 2012, malaria screening at pregnant women's first antenatal care visit to reduce the burden of malaria in pregnancy. The study assessed health providers' acceptability and perceptions on the feasibility of implementing the single screening and treatment (SST) strategy in the context of the national programme in two endemic provinces of Indonesia. METHODS Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 86 health providers working in provision of antenatal care (midwives, doctors, laboratory staff, pharmacists, and heads of drug stores), heads of health facilities and District Health Office staff in West Sumba and Mimika districts in East Nusa Tenggara and Papua provinces, respectively. RESULTS Health providers of all cadres were accepting of SST as a preventive strategy, showing a strong preference for microscopy over rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) as the method of screening. Implementation of the policy was inconsistent in both sites, with least extensive implementation reported in West Sumba compared to Mimika. SST was predominantly implemented at health centre level using microscopy, whereas implementation at community health posts was said to occur in less than half the selected health facilities. Lack of availability of RDTs was cited as the major factor that prevented provision of SST at health posts, however as village midwives cannot prescribe medicines women who test positive are referred to health centres for anti-malarials. Few midwives had received formal training on SST or related topics. CONCLUSIONS The study findings indicate that SST was an acceptable strategy among health providers, however implementation was inconsistent with variation across different localities within the same district, across levels of facility, and across different cadres within the same health facility. Implementation should be re-invigorated through reorientation and training of health providers, stable supplies of more sensitive RDTs, and improved data capture and reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | | | - Ansariadi
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Jenna Hoyt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Irene Bonsapia
- Timika Malaria Research Program, Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation, Timika, Papua, Indonesia
| | - Din Syafruddin
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Jeanne R Poespoprodjo
- Mimika District Health Authority, Timika, Papua, Indonesia
- Timika Malaria Research Program, Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation, Timika, Papua, Indonesia
- Department of Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Feiko O Ter Kuile
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rukhsana Ahmed
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jayne Webster
- Disease Control Department, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, UK
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Prevention of malaria in pregnancy. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018; 18:e119-e132. [PMID: 29395997 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(18)30064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains one of the most preventable causes of adverse birth outcomes. Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is used to prevent malaria, but resistance to this drug combination has decreased its efficacy and new alternatives are needed. In Africa, a meta-analysis showed three-course or monthly IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine to be safe and more effective than the original two-course sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine strategy, prompting WHO to update its policy in 2012. Although resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine reduces the parasitological efficacy of IPTp, this drug combination remains associated with reduced incidence of low birthweight in areas where prevalence of parasites with quintuple Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthetase (Pfdhps) mutations is greater than 90%. Nevertheless, its effectiveness is compromised in women infected with sextuple mutant parasites. Six trials of IPTp showed that neither amodiaquine, mefloquine, nor chloroquine-azithromycin are suitable replacements for sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine because of poor tolerability. Furthermore, four trials showed that intermittent screening and treatment with the current generation of malaria rapid diagnostic tests was not a suitable alternative strategy to IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine, even in areas with high prevalence of quintuple mutations. Two trials showed that IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine was well tolerated, effective, and acceptable for IPTp, with monthly regimens being the most effective. Coverage of IPTp and insecticide-treated nets continues to lag behind targets. The key barriers to uptake are well documented, and many are open to intervention. Outside of Africa, a single trial suggests a potential role for integrated approaches that combine sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine with azithromycin for IPTp in areas of Papua New Guinea where malaria transmission is high. Modelling analysis suggests the importance of the prevention of malaria early in pregnancy and the need to protect pregnant women declines more slowly than the rate at which transmission declines. Improved funding has led to an increase in the number of prevention trials in the past decade, showing the value of more sustained protection with monthly IPTp regimens. There is a need for confirmatory trials of the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine, for studies of intermittent screening and treatment with more sensitive rapid diagnostic tests, for studies of integrated strategies for malaria and other co-infections, and for studies of prevention strategies for malaria in pregnant women who are HIV-positive and living outside of Africa. Additional research is required on how to improve uptake of WHO's updated policy on IPTp with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and insecticide-treated nets.
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Hill J, Hoyt J, Achieng F, Ouma P, L’lanziva A, Kariuki S, Desai M, Webster J. User and Provider Acceptability of Intermittent Screening and Treatment and Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine to Prevent Malaria in Pregnancy in Western Kenya. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150259. [PMID: 26986471 PMCID: PMC4795545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization recommends intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy (IPTp) with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) alongside long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLIN) and case management for reducing the risks associated with malaria in pregnancy in areas of moderate-to-high transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to increasing Plasmodium falciparum resistance to SP, the search for alternative drugs or strategies to control malaria in pregnancy is a priority. We assessed the acceptability among pregnant women and health providers of intermittent screening and treatment (ISTp) and IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) as alternative strategies in the context of an un-blinded clinical trial. Methods Qualitative data were collected through ten focus group discussions with women participating in a randomized controlled trial to evaluate ISTp or IPTp with DP (multi-day regimen) versus IPTp with SP (single dose) in western Kenya. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 26 health providers working in the trial facilities and trial staff. Results Women appreciated the advantages of being tested with a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) at every ANC visit (although a few women disliked finger pricks) and accepted that they would not receive any antimalarial when tested RDT-negative. There were differences in women’s experiences of the efficacy of antimalarials between the trial arms, with more women in the IPTp-SP arm reporting they had experienced malaria episodes. Side effects were experienced among women taking DP and SP. Although women and trial staff reported adherence to the full DP regimen within the trial, health providers were not confident that women would adhere to multi-day regimens in non-trial settings. Health providers recognized the advantages of ISTp in reducing unnecessary exposure to drugs, but lacked confidence in the reliability of RDTs compared to microscopy. Conclusions Our findings indicate that, within a trial context, ISTp-DP and IPTp-DP were generally acceptable among both users and providers and were regarded as potentially valuable alternatives to IPTp-SP. Several challenges were identified the most important of which was concerns with achieving adherence to DP in non-trial settings, requiring operational feasibility studies in routine health systems. Policy adoption of ISTp with RDTs would require a major shift in thinking among health providers due to lack of confidence in RDTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Hill
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Jenna Hoyt
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Florence Achieng
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centers for Disease Control Research and Public Health Collaboration, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Peter Ouma
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centers for Disease Control Research and Public Health Collaboration, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Anne L’lanziva
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centers for Disease Control Research and Public Health Collaboration, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Simon Kariuki
- Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centers for Disease Control Research and Public Health Collaboration, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Meghna Desai
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jayne Webster
- Disease Control Department, London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, United Kingdom
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