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Islam MT, Bruce M, Alam K. Patterns and determinants of healthcare utilization and medication use before and during the COVID-19 crisis in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and India. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:416. [PMID: 38570763 PMCID: PMC10988829 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10789-4] [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: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 rapidly spread through South Asian countries and overwhelmed the health systems that were unprepared for such an outbreak. Evidence from high-income countries showed that COVID-19 impacted healthcare utilization, including medication use, but empirical evidence is lacking in South Asia. This study aimed to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on healthcare utilization and medication use in South Asia. METHOD The current study used longitudinal data from the 'Premise Health Service Disruption Survey' 2020 and 2021. The countries of interest were limited to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and India. In these surveys, data related to healthcare utilization and medication use were collected for three-time points; 'Pre-COVID phase', 'Initial phase of COVID-19 outbreak', and 'One year of COVID-19 outbreak'. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) along with McNemar's test, Kruskal-Wallis test and χ2 test were applied in this study following the conceptualization of Andersen's healthcare utilization model. RESULT The use of healthcare and medication was unevenly impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and India. Immediately after the COVID-19 outbreak, respondents in Bangladesh reported around four times higher incomplete healthcare utilization compared to pre-COVID phase. In contrast, respondents in Afghanistan reported lower incomplete utilization of healthcare in a similar context. In the post COVID-19 outbreak, non-adherence to medication use was significantly higher in Afghanistan (OR:1.7; 95%CI:1.6,1.9) and India (OR:1.3; 95%CI:1.1,1.7) compared to pre-COVID phase. Respondents of all three countries who sought assistance to manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs) had higher odds (Afghanistan: OR:1.5; 95%CI:1.3,1.8; Bangladesh: OR: 3.7; 95%CI:1.9,7.3; India: OR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.4,3.6) of non-adherence to medication use after the COVID-19 outbreak compared to pre-COVID phase. CONCLUSION The present study documented important evidence of the influence of COVID-19 epidemic on healthcare utilization and medication use in three countries of South Asia. Lessons learned from this study can feed into policy responses to the crisis and preparedness for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Tauhidul Islam
- Murdoch Business School, Murdoch University, 6150, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Mieghan Bruce
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Centre for Biosecurity and One Health, Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 6150, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Khurshid Alam
- Murdoch Business School, Murdoch University, 6150, Perth, WA, Australia
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2
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Gebreyohannes EA, Wolde HF, Akalu TY, Clements ACA, Alene KA. Impacts of armed conflicts on tuberculosis burden and treatment outcomes: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080978. [PMID: 38453196 PMCID: PMC10921481 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This systematic review aimed to summarise existing literature on the impacts of armed conflicts on tuberculosis burden and treatment outcomes. DESIGN A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Embase and medRxiv. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Three reviewers independently screened, selected eligible studies and extracted data. A narrative review was undertaken to summarise the findings qualitatively. RESULTS Eleven studies were included in this review, reporting on tuberculosis incidence rates, prevalence and treatment outcomes, including mortality. Overall, the impact of armed conflicts on case notifications was variable. Six studies reported overall increases in tuberculosis case notifications following the onset of conflicts, while three studies reported overall decreases in tuberculosis case notifications. Factors, including limited access to healthcare services, challenges in surveillance and laboratory confirmation, the destruction of health systems and incapacitating the healthcare workforce, contributed to a decrease in the number of notified cases. The higher tuberculosis notification in some of the studies could be attributed to the disruption of tuberculosis prevention and control programmes as well as increased socioeconomic deprivation, including malnutrition, mass migration, poor living conditions and overcrowding that are worsened during conflicts. Armed conflicts without effective interventions were associated with worse tuberculosis treatment outcomes, including lower proportions of people with treatment success and higher proportions of people with loss to follow-up, mortality and treatment failure. However, implementing various interventions in conflict settings (such as establishing a National Tuberculosis Control Programme) led to higher tuberculosis notification rates and treatment success. CONCLUSION The impact of armed conflicts on tuberculosis notification is complex and is influenced by multiple factors. The findings of this review underscore the importance of concerted efforts to control tuberculosis in conflict settings using available resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyob Alemayehu Gebreyohannes
- Geospatial and Tuberculosis Research Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Haileab Fekadu Wolde
- Geospatial and Tuberculosis Research Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Temesgen Yihunie Akalu
- Geospatial and Tuberculosis Research Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Amhara, Ethiopia
| | - Archie C A Clements
- Geospatial and Tuberculosis Research Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Penninsula Medical School, University of Plymouth, Playmouth, UK
| | - Kefyalew Addis Alene
- Geospatial and Tuberculosis Research Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Bai W, Ameyaw EK. Global, regional and national trends in tuberculosis incidence and main risk factors: a study using data from 2000 to 2021. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:12. [PMID: 38166735 PMCID: PMC10759569 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17495-6] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the significant progress over the years, Tuberculosis remains a major public health concern and a danger to global health. This study aimed to analyze the spatial and temporal characteristics of the incidence of tuberculosis and its risk factors and to predict future trends in the incidence of Tuberculosis. METHODS This study used secondary data on tuberculosis incidence and tuberculosis risk factor data from 209 countries and regions worldwide between 2000 and 2021 for analysis. Specifically, this study analyses the spatial autocorrelation of Tuberculosis incidence from 2000 to 2021 by calculating Moran's I and identified risk factors for Tuberculosis incidence by multiple stepwise linear regression analysis. We also used the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average model to predict the trend of Tuberculosis incidence to 2030. This study used ArcGIS Pro, Geoda and R studio 4.2.2 for analysis. RESULTS The study found the global incidence of Tuberculosis and its spatial autocorrelation trends from 2000 to 2021 showed a general downward trend, but its spatial autocorrelation trends remained significant (Moran's I = 0.465, P < 0.001). The risk factors for Tuberculosis incidence are also geographically specific. Low literacy rate was identified as the most pervasive and profound risk factor for Tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS This study shows the global spatial and temporal status of Tuberculosis incidence and risk factors. Although the incidence of Tuberculosis and Moran's Index of Tuberculosis are both declining, there are still differences in Tuberculosis risk factors across countries and regions. Even though literacy rate is the leading risk factor affecting the largest number of countries and regions, there are still many countries and regions where gender (male) is the leading risk factor. In addition, at the current rate of decline in Tuberculosis incidence, the World Health Organization's goal of ending the Tuberculosis pandemic by 2030 will be difficult to achieve. Targeted preventive interventions, such as health education and regular screening of Tuberculosis-prone populations are needed if we are to achieve the goal. The results of this study will help policymakers to identify high-risk groups based on differences in TB risk factors in different areas, rationalize the allocation of healthcare resources, and provide timely health education, so as to formulate more effective Tuberculosis prevention and control policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Bai
- School of Graduate Studies, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, New Territories, Hong Kong.
| | - Edward Kwabena Ameyaw
- School of Graduate Studies, Lingnan University, Tuen Mun, New Territories, Hong Kong
- L & E Research Consult Ltd, Upper West Region, Ghana
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Ahmed SA, Ismail M, Albirair M, Nail AMA, Denning DW. Fungal infections in Sudan: An underestimated health problem. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011464. [PMID: 37656764 PMCID: PMC10501601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases are associated with high morbidity and mortality, yet their epidemiology and burden are not well addressed. While deaths probably exceed 1.5 million per year, many cases remain undiagnosed and underreported. Estimating the burden of these diseases is needed for prioritization and implementation of effective control programs. Here we used a model based on population at risk to estimate the burden of serious fungal infections in Sudan. The prevalence of the susceptible population including HIV, TB, cancer, asthma, and COPD was obtained from the literature. Incidence and prevalence of fungal infections were calculated using local data when applicable and if not available then regional or international figures were used. In total, the estimated number of Sudanese suffering from fungal disease is 5 M (10% of the total population). Tinea capitis, recurrent vulvovaginitis and keratitis are estimated to affect 4,127,760, 631,261, and 6,552 patients, respectively. HIV-related mycosis is estimated to affect 5,945 oral candidiasis, 1,921 esophageal candidiasis, 571 Pneumocystis pneumonia, and 462 cryptococcal meningitis cases. Aspergillus infections are estimated as follow: 3,438 invasive aspergillosis, 14,950 chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, 67,860 allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis cases, while the prevalence of severe asthma with fungal sensitization and fungal rhinosinusitis was 86,860 and 93,600 cases, respectively. The neglected tropical disease eumycetoma was estimated to affect 16,837 cases with a rate of 36/100,000. Serious fungal infections are quite common in Sudan and require urgent attention to improve diagnosis, promote treatment, and develop surveillance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Ahmed
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc / Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Foundation Atlas of Clinical Fungi, Hilversum, The Netherlands
| | - Mawahib Ismail
- Mycology Reference laboratory, faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohamed Albirair
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington State, United States of America
| | - Abdelsalam Mohamed Ahmed Nail
- Tropical Diseases Teaching Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (OIU), Khartoum, Sudan
| | - David W. Denning
- Manchester Fungal Infection Group, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Abdelmalik M, Beraima M, Fadlalmola HA, Mariod AA, Masaad H, Ahmed M, Mohammead M, Mohammed A, Fadlalla A, Rahama E, Abbakr I, Saeed A, Sambu B. Misconceptions and associated factors of COVID-19 infection among internally displaced persons in Sudan. J Public Health Afr 2022; 13:2051. [PMID: 36051511 PMCID: PMC9425959 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2022.2051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global public health threat that has spread rapidly and caused morbidity and mortality worldwide. Reducing the myths about infectious diseases is vital for controlling transmission. This study explored the level of misconceptions and associated factors of COVID-19 among internally displaced persons in Sudan. This study is a cross-sectional, descriptive design and community-based study. We collected the data using a self-administered questionnaire via the convenience sampling technique among internally displaced persons in the camps of Zalingei town in the central Darfur region of Sudan. The total mean score of the respondents’ misconception was 3.1725 (SD=0.59) with 63.2%, indicating moderate misunderstanding of COVID- 19. Multiple linear regression revealed the independent variables together had a significant impact on a misconception, F(14,116)=2.429, p<0.005. The regression model explains 22.7% of the variance in misunderstanding. Analysis of the influence of single factors on the dependent variable showed that people aged 31–40 years had significantly higher levels of misconception, 0.381 (t=2.116, p<0.037), than those aged over 60 years, and university graduates had considerably lower levels of misunderstanding, −0.061 (t=−2.091, p<0.03) than non-graduates. This study found a moderate level of misconception of COVID-19. Non-graduates had higher levels of misunderstanding than graduates. The results suggest that an education campaign should focus on people with low levels of education to correct their misconceptions regarding the prevention of COVID-19 infection.
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Pagonendji MS, Gouandjika-Vasilache I, Charpentier E, Sausy A, LE Faou A, Duval RE, Hübschen JM. Rubella epidemiology in the Central African Republic, 2015-2016 and molecular characterization of virus strains from 2008-2016. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 111:303-309. [PMID: 34450282 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rubella cases in the Central African Republic (CAF) are currently identified during measles surveillance. This study aimed to investigate rubella epidemiology between 2015 and 2016 and to provide baseline genotype data for monitoring future rubella control efforts. METHODS 831 measles IgM negative or equivocal sera from 2015/2016 were tested for rubella IgM antibodies and 350 rubella IgM positive sera collected between 2008 and 2016 were selected for PCR and sequencing. RESULTS 411 of the 831 sera (49.5%) were rubella IgM positive and most cases (n=391, 95.1%) occurred between January and April. Most patients were between 5 and 9 years old (50.2%) and more than half of the rubella cases (56.7%) originated from the capital Bangui. Genotype information was obtained for 37 of the 350 selected rubella IgM-positive specimens, with the majority of the patients originating from Bangui (n=24, 64.9%) and sequences covering all years except 2009. Phylogenetic analysis identified genotypes 1E (n=12), 1G (n=5) and 2B (n=20), with 2B being detected from 2014 onwards. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirmed the important role of rubella as a rash and fever disease in CAF and provided comprehensive data on rubella epidemiology and the first information on rubella genotypes in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilou S Pagonendji
- Enteric viruses and Measles Laboratory, Institut Pasteur de Bangui, BP 923, Central African Republic
| | | | - Emilie Charpentier
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Aurélie Sausy
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Alain LE Faou
- Université de Lorraine, EA3452, CITHEFOR, Faculté de Pharmacie and Faculté de Médecine, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | | | - Judith M Hübschen
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg..
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Degeling C, Carter SM, Dale K, Singh K, Watts K, Hall J, Denholm J. Perspectives of Vietnamese, Sudanese and South Sudanese immigrants on targeting migrant communities for latent tuberculosis screening and treatment in low-incidence settings: A report on two Victorian community panels. Health Expect 2020; 23:1431-1440. [PMID: 32918523 PMCID: PMC7752196 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) elimination strategies in Australia require a focus on groups who are at highest risk of TB infection, such as immigrants from high-burden settings. Understanding attitudes to different strategies for latent TB infection (LTBI) screening and treatment is an important element of justifiable elimination strategies. METHOD Two community panels were conducted in Melbourne with members of the Vietnamese (n = 11), Sudanese and South Sudanese communities (n = 9). Panellists were provided with expert information about LTBI and different screening and health communication strategies, then deliberated on how best to pursue TB elimination in Australia. FINDINGS Both panels unanimously preferred LTBI screening to occur pre-migration rather than in Australia. Participants were concerned that post-migration screening would reach fewer migrants, noted that conducting LTBI screening in Australia could stigmatize participants and that poor awareness of LTBI would hamper participation. If targeted screening was to occur in Australia, the Vietnamese panel preferred 'place-based' communication strategies, whereas the Sudanese and South Sudanese panel emphasized that community leaders should lead communication strategies to minimize stigma. Both groups emphasized the importance of maintaining community trust in Australian health service providers, and the need to ensure targeting did not undermine this trust. CONCLUSION Pre-migration screening was preferred. If post-migration screening is necessary, the potential for stigma should be reduced, benefit and risk profile clearly explained and culturally appropriate communication strategies employed. Cultural attitudes to health providers, personal health management and broader social vulnerabilities of targeted groups need to be considered in the design of screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Degeling
- Australian Centre for Health Engagement Evidence and ValuesSchool of Health & SocietyUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Stacy M. Carter
- Australian Centre for Health Engagement Evidence and ValuesSchool of Health & SocietyUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Katie Dale
- Victorian Tuberculosis ProgramMelbourne Health at The Doherty Institute for Infection & ImmunityMelbourneVICAustralia
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Kasha Singh
- Victorian Infectious Diseases ServiceMelbourne Health at The Doherty Institute for Infection & ImmunityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Krista Watts
- Victorian Tuberculosis ProgramMelbourne Health at The Doherty Institute for Infection & ImmunityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Julie Hall
- Australian Centre for Health Engagement Evidence and ValuesSchool of Health & SocietyUniversity of WollongongWollongongNSWAustralia
| | - Justin Denholm
- Victorian Tuberculosis ProgramMelbourne Health at The Doherty Institute for Infection & ImmunityMelbourneVICAustralia
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneVICAustralia
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Pembi E, John S, Dumre SP, Ahmadu BU, Vuong NL, Ebied A, Mizukami S, Huy NT, Cuevas LE, Hirayama K. Impact of political conflict on tuberculosis notifications in North-east Nigeria, Adamawa State: a 7-year retrospective analysis. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035263. [PMID: 32938590 PMCID: PMC7497531 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We assessed the impact of political conflict (Boko Haram) on tuberculosis (TB) case notifications in Adamawa State in North-east Nigeria. DESIGN A retrospective analysis of TB case notifications from TB registers (2010-2016) to describe changes in TB notification, sex and age ratios by the degree of conflict by local government area. SETTING Adamawa State. PARTICIPANTS 21 076 TB cases notified. RESULTS 21 076 cases (62% male) were notified between 2010 and 2016, of which 19 604 (93%) were new TB cases. Areas affected by conflict in 2014 and 2015 had decreased case notification while neighbouring areas reported increased case notifications. The male to female ratio of TB cases changed in areas in conflict with more female cases being notified. The young and elderly (1-14 and >65 years old) had low notifications in all areas, with a small increase in case notifications during the years of conflict. CONCLUSION TB case notifications decreased in conflict areas and increased in areas without conflict. More males were notified during peace times and more female cases were reported from areas in conflict. Young and elderly populations had decreased case notifications but experienced a slight increase during the conflict years. These changes are likely to reflect population displacement and a dissimilar effect of conflict on the accessibility of services. TB services in conflict areas deserve further study to identify resilient approaches that could reach affected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Pembi
- Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Stephen John
- Adamawa State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDs, Yola, Nigeria
| | - Shyam Prakash Dumre
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Baba Usman Ahmadu
- Department of Pediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
| | - Nguyen Lam Vuong
- Department of Medical Statistics and Informatics, Faculty of Public Health, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Amr Ebied
- Therapeutic Department, Egyptian National Blood Transfusion Services, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shusaku Mizukami
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Immune Regulation, Shionogi Global Infectious Diseases Division (SHINE), Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Nguyen Tien Huy
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Luis E Cuevas
- Department of International Health and Epidemiology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kenji Hirayama
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Tropical Medicine (NEKKEN), Nagasaki University, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Japan
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Das M, Pasupuleti D, Rao S, Sloan S, Mansoor H, Kalon S, Hossain FN, Ferlazzo G, Isaakidis P. GeneXpert and Community Health Workers Supported Patient Tracing for Tuberculosis Diagnosis in Conflict-Affected Border Areas in India. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 5:tropicalmed5010001. [PMID: 31877818 PMCID: PMC7157641 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been providing diagnosis and treatment for patients with tuberculosis (TB) via mobile clinics in conflict-affected border areas of Chhattisgarh, India since 2009. The study objectives were to determine the proportion of patients diagnosed with TB and those who were lost-to-follow-up (LTFU) prior to treatment initiation among patients with presumptive TB between April 2015 and August 2018. The study also compared bacteriological confirmation and pretreatment LTFU during two time periods: a) April 2015–August 2016 and b) April 2017–August 2018 (before and after the introduction of GeneXpert as a first diagnostic test). Community health workers (CHW) supported patient tracing. This study was a retrospective analysis of routine program data. Among 1042 patients with presumptive TB, 376 (36%) were diagnosed with TB. Of presumptive TB patients, the pretreatment LTFU was 7%. Upon comparing the two time-periods, bacteriological confirmation increased from 20% to 33%, while pretreatment LTFU decreased from 11% to 4%. TB diagnosis with GeneXpert as the first diagnostic test and CHW-supported patient tracing in a mobile-clinic model of care shows feasibility for replication in similar conflict-affected, hard to reach areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinalini Das
- Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, Delhi 110024, India; (H.M.); (S.K.); (F.N.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-8010261984
| | - Dileep Pasupuleti
- Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, Bhadrachalam, Telangana 507111, India; (D.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Srinivasa Rao
- District TB Office, RNTCP, Bhadrachalam district hospital, Bhadrachalam, Telangana 507111, India;
| | - Stacy Sloan
- Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, Bhadrachalam, Telangana 507111, India; (D.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Homa Mansoor
- Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, Delhi 110024, India; (H.M.); (S.K.); (F.N.H.)
| | - Stobdan Kalon
- Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, Delhi 110024, India; (H.M.); (S.K.); (F.N.H.)
| | - Farah Naz Hossain
- Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders, Delhi 110024, India; (H.M.); (S.K.); (F.N.H.)
| | - Gabriella Ferlazzo
- Southern Africa Medical Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (G.F.); (P.I.)
| | - Petros Isaakidis
- Southern Africa Medical Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (G.F.); (P.I.)
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Ali MH, Alrasheedy AA, Kibuule D, Godman B, Hassali MA, Ali HMH. Assessment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment outcomes in Sudan; findings and implications. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2019; 17:927-937. [PMID: 31689134 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2019.1689818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has a socioeconomic impact and threatens global public health. We assessed treatment outcomes of MDR-TB and predictors of poor treatment outcomes in Sudan given current high prevalence rates.Methods: Combined retrospective and prospective cohort study at Abu-Anga hospital (TB specialized hospital in Sudan). All patients with MDR-TB between 2013 and 2017 were targeted.Results: A total of 156 patients were recruited as having good records, 117 (75%) were male, and 152 (97.4%) had pulmonary TB. Patients were followed for a median of 18 months and a total of 2108 person-months. The overall success rate was 63.5% and the mortality rate was 14.1%. Rural residency (P < 0.05) and relapsing on previous treatments (P < 0.05) were determinants of time to poor MDR-TB treatment outcomes.Conclusion: Overall, more attention needs to be given to special MDR-TB groups that are highly susceptible to poor outcomes, i.e. rural patients. As a result, it is highly recommended to maintain total coverage of medicines for all MDR-TB patients for the entire period of treatment in Sudan. It is also recommended to instigate more treatment centers in rural areas in Sudan together with programs to enhance adherence to treatments including patient counseling to improve future outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monadil H Ali
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Dan Kibuule
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Brian Godman
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.,Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Garankuwa, South Africa
| | - Mohamed Azmi Hassali
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia
| | - Hamdan Mustafa Hamdan Ali
- Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Unit, National Tuberculosis Control Program, Disease Control Directorate, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan
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Zhao Y, Lafta R, Hagopian A, Flaxman AD. The epidemiology of 32 selected communicable diseases in Iraq, 2004-2016. Int J Infect Dis 2019; 89:102-109. [PMID: 31560993 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2003 invasion of Iraq significantly undermined population health. However, there is a lack of understanding of how it undermined communicable disease control. This study was performed to assess the incidence trends of 32 communicable diseases in post-conflict Iraq. METHODS Reported incidence data for 32 communicable diseases (2004-2016) were collected from routine reports sent to the Iraqi Ministry of Health by primary health centers, and general and tertiary hospitals. Incidence (per 100 000) was defined as the number of reported incident cases divided by the population size. Joinpoint regression was used to examine the incidence trends and average annual percentage change (AAPC) for each disease, and the overall incidence rate across the period. RESULTS Communicable diseases increased significantly during the peak years of the war, especially during the US troop surge period (2007-2009). As US troops withdrew (after 2011), overall communicable diseases decreased. The incidence rate of nearly half of the 32 diseases decreased significantly, while the incidence rate of five increased significantly (hepatitis A, varicella, viral meningitis, cutaneous leishmaniasis, extrapulmonary tuberculosis). CONCLUSIONS The early foundational strength of Iraq's health system may help explain why infectious disease failed to overwhelm the population following the invasion. Iraq's federal government could exercise its legal authority to manage threats to public health security by expanding the disease surveillance system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxi Zhao
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Riyadh Lafta
- Department of Community Medicine, Al Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Amy Hagopian
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Abraham D Flaxman
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Health Metrics Science, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Ali MH, Alrasheedy AA, Kibuule D, Hassali MA, Godman B, Abdelwahab MF, Abbadi RY. Isoniazid acetylation phenotypes in the Sudanese population; findings and implications. J Clin Tuberc Other Mycobact Dis 2019; 17:100120. [PMID: 31788562 PMCID: PMC6879993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jctube.2019.100120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Isoniazid (INH) is the mainstay antimicrobial in the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). It is acetlylated in the liver to acetyl-INH. However, there is variation in rate of acetylation of INH among TB patients (i.e. fast, intermediate or slow acetylators) which impacts on the treatment outcomes. Aim The isoniazid acetylation phenotypes in the expatriate Sudanese population were determined to provide future guidance since TB is prevalent in Sudan. Methods A community-based trial among Sudanese expatriates in Saudi Arabia was undertaken to identify INH-acetylation phenotypes. After overnight fasting, a single dose of 200 mg of INH was given to the volunteers. Three hours later, 5 ml of blood were drawn from each volunteer and prepared for High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The main outcomes were INH and Acetyl-INH concentrations in plasma and the subsequent Acetyl-INH/INH metabolic ratio (MR). Results The findings suggest that slow acetylation is highly prevalent among the study participants (n = 43; 84.31%). Moreover, there was no statistically significant correlation between age and the MR (r = −0.18, P = 0.20). Further, there was no significant association between gender and the MR (P = 0.124). Similarly, no significant association was found between smoking habits and MR (P = 0.24). Conclusion Isoniazid phenotyping suggests predominantly slow acetylation among the Sudanese in this sample. The study found no statistically significant associations between the MR and age or gender or smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monadil H Ali
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Dan Kibuule
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Mohamed Azmi Hassali
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia
| | - Brian Godman
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang, Malaysia.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Raef Y Abbadi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Saudi Arabia
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Predictors of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Sudan. Antibiotics (Basel) 2019; 8:antibiotics8030090. [PMID: 31323935 PMCID: PMC6783989 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8030090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a global public health threat and burden on the health system. This is especially the case in high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence countries, such as Sudan. Consequently, this study aimed to ascertain the predictors of MDR-TB in Sudan to provide future guidance. An unmatched case-control study to assess the predictors of MDR-TB infections among the Sudanese population was conducted from August 2017 to January 2018 at Abu-Anga referral hospital. Patients’ data was gathered from patients’ cards and via interviews. A structured pre-validated questionnaire was used to gather pertinent information, which included sociodemographic characteristics and other relevant clinical data. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the predictors of MDR-TB infection. 76 of the 183 patients interviewed (41.5%) had MDR-TB cases. The independent predictors for MDR-TB were living in rural areas [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.1 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–8.2)], treatment failure [aOR = 56.9 (10.2–319.2)], and smoking [(aOR = 4 (1.2–13.2)], whereas other sociodemographic factors did not predict MDR-TB. In conclusion, the study showed that a history of smoking, living in rural areas, and a previous treatment failure were the predictors of MDR-TB in Sudan. The latter factors are most likely due to issues that are related to access and adherence to treatment and lifestyle. The existence of any of these factors among newly diagnosed TB patients should alert clinicians for the screening of MDR-TB. The implementation of directly observed treatment (DOT) and health education are crucial in stopping the spread of MDR-TB in Sudan.
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Elduma AH, Mansournia MA, Foroushani AR, Ali HMH, Elegail AMA, Elsony A, Holakouie-Naieni K. Assessment of the risk factors associated with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Sudan: a case-control study. Epidemiol Health 2019; 41:e2019014. [PMID: 31010280 PMCID: PMC6545493 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2019014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major challenge for the global control of tuberculosis (TB). The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors associated with MDR-TB in Sudan. METHODS This case-control study was conducted from May 2017 to February 2019. Patients newly diagnosed with MDR-TB were selected as cases, and controls were selected from TB patients who responded to first-line anti-TB drugs. A questionnaire was designed and used to collect data from study participants. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and MDR-TB infection. The best multivariate model was selected based on the likelihood ratio test. RESULTS A total of 430 cases and 860 controls were selected for this study. A history of previous TB treatment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 54.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 30.48 to 98.69) was strongly associated with MDR-TB infection. We identified interruption of TB treatment (aOR, 7.62; 95% CI, 3.16 to 18.34), contact with MDR-TB patients (aOR, 5.40; 95% CI, 2.69 to 10.74), lower body weight (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.91), and water pipe smoking (aOR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.73 to 6.04) as factors associated with MDR-TB infection. CONCLUSIONS Previous TB treatment and interruption of TB treatment were found to be the main predictors of MDR-TB. Additionally, this study found that contact with MDR-TB patients and water pipe smoking were associated with MDR-TB infection in Sudan. More efforts are required to decrease the rate of treatment interruption, to strengthen patients’ adherence to treatment, and to reduce contact with MDR-TB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Hussein Elduma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences-International Campus, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Mansournia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Rahimi Foroushani
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamdan Mustafa Hamdan Ali
- Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Unit, Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Control Directorate, Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Asrar M A/Salam Elegail
- National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, National Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Asma Elsony
- The Epidemiological Laboratory (Epi-Lab), Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Kourosh Holakouie-Naieni
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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