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Odendaal W, Chetty T, Tomlinson M, Goga A, Singh Y, Kauchali S, Marshall C, Hunt X. "If you work alone on this project, you can't reach your target": unpacking the leader's role in well-performing teams in a maternal and neonatal quality improvement programme in South Africa, before and during COVID-19. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1382. [PMID: 38066525 PMCID: PMC10709890 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10378-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The South African National Department of Health developed a quality improvement (QI) programme to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and still births. The programme was implemented between 2018 and 2022 in 21 purposively selected public health facilities. We conducted a process evaluation to describe the characteristics and skills of the QI team leaders of well-performing teams. The evaluation was conducted in 15 of the 21 facilities. Facilities were purposively selected and comprised semi-structured interviews with leaders at three time points; reviewing of QI documentation; and 37 intermittently conducted semi-structured interviews with the QI advisors, being QI technical experts who supported the teams. These interviews focused on participants' experiences and perceptions of how the teams performed, and performance barriers and enablers. Thematic data analysis was conducted using Atlas.ti. Variation in team performance was associated with leaders' attributes and skills. However, the COVID-19 pandemic also affected team functioning. Well-performing teams had leaders who effectively navigated COVID-19 and other challenges, who embraced QI and had sound QI skills. These leaders cultivated trust by taking responsibility for failures, correcting members' mistakes in encouraging ways, and setting high standards of care. Moreover, they promoted programme ownership among members by delegating tasks. Given the critical role leaders play in team performance and thus in the outcomes of QI programmes, efforts should focus on leader selection, training, and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem Odendaal
- HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
| | - Terusha Chetty
- HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Mark Tomlinson
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Franzi Van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queens University, Belfast, UK
| | - Ameena Goga
- HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Pretoria, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Yages Singh
- HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zijl Drive, Parow Valley, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Shuaib Kauchali
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Carol Marshall
- South African National Department of Health, Voortrekker Road, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Xanthe Hunt
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Stellenbosch University, Franzi Van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
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Licona G, Ballot D, Moon TD, Banerjee R, Amorim G, Agthe AG, Weitkamp JH. Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infections Among Very Low Birthweight Infants With Late-Onset Sepsis in Johannesburg, South Africa. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad362. [PMID: 37564739 PMCID: PMC10411040 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An estimated 2.4 million babies died within the first 28 days of life in 2020. The third leading cause of neonatal death continues to be neonatal sepsis. Sepsis-causing bacterial pathogens vary temporally and geographically and, with a rise in multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), pose a threat to the neonatal population. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective study of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with late-onset sepsis (LOS) admitted to a neonatal unit in South Africa. We aimed to calculate the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections in this population. The data collected included demographic and clinical characteristics, length of hospital stay, risk factors for MDRO and mortality, and microbiology results. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between prespecified risk factors with MDR infections and mortality. Results Of 2570 VLBW infants admitted, 34% had LOS, of which 33% was caused by MDROs. Infection with Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp., extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Klebsiella spp., or Escherichia coli was associated with the highest mortality in the LOS cohort. Infants with congenital infections (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.13; 95% CI, 1.19-22.02; P = .028) or a history of necrotizing enterocolitis (aOR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.05-4.49; P = .037) were at significantly higher risk for MDR infections. Conclusions More than one-third of LOS cases in VLBW infants were caused by MDROs in this study. MDR infections cause substantial neonatal mortality. Antimicrobial stewardship programs, infection control protocols, and ongoing surveillance are needed to prevent further emergence and spread of MDR infections worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genesis Licona
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Daynia Ballot
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Troy D Moon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ritu Banerjee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Gustavo Amorim
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Alexander G Agthe
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jörn-Hendrik Weitkamp
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Kinney MV, George AS, Rhoda NR, Pattinson RC, Bergh AM. From Pre-Implementation to Institutionalization: Lessons From Sustaining a Perinatal Audit Program in South Africa. GLOBAL HEALTH: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2023; 11:GHSP-D-22-00213. [PMID: 37116922 PMCID: PMC10141437 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-22-00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response (MPDSR), or related forms of maternal and perinatal death audits, can strengthen health systems. We explore the history of initiating, scaling up, and institutionalizing a national perinatal audit program in South Africa. METHODS Data collection involved 56 individual interviews, a systematic document review, administration of a semistructured questionnaire, and 10 nonparticipant observations of meetings related to the perinatal audit program. Fieldwork and data collection in the subdistricts occurred from September 2019 to March 2020. Data analysis included thematic content analysis and application of a tool to measure subdistrict-level implementation. This study expands on case study research applied to 5 Western Cape subdistricts with long histories of implementation. RESULTS Although established in the early 1990s, the perinatal audit program was not integrated into national policy and guidelines until 2012 but was then excluded from policy in 2021. A network of national and subnational structures that benefited from a continuity of actors evolved and interacted to support uptake and implementation. Intentional efforts to demonstrate impact and enable local adaptation allowed for more ownership and buy-in. Implementation requires continuous efforts. Even in 5 subdistricts with long histories of practice, we found operational gaps, such as incomplete meeting minutes, signaling a need for strengthening. Nevertheless, the tool used to measure implementation may require revisions, particularly in settings with institutionalized practice. CONCLUSION This article provides lessons on how to initiate, expand, and strengthen perinatal audit. Despite a long history of implementation, the perinatal audit program in South Africa cannot be assumed to be indefinitely sustainable or final in its current form. To monitor uptake and sustainability of MPDSR, including perinatal audit, we need research approaches that allow exploration of context, local adaptation, and underlying issues that support sustainability, such as relationships, leadership, and trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary V. Kinney
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Asha S. George
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Natasha R. Rhoda
- Mowbray Maternity Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robert C. Pattinson
- Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Anne-Marie Bergh
- Maternal and Infant Health Care Strategies Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Muthelo L, Mbombi MO, Bopape MA, Mothiba TM, Densmore M, van Heerden A, Norris SA, Dias NV, Griffiths P, Mackintosh N. Reflections on Digital Maternal and Child Health Support for Mothers and Community Health Workers in Rural Areas of Limpopo Province, South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1842. [PMID: 36767230 PMCID: PMC9914499 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20031842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Digital health support using mobile and digital technologies, such as MomConnect and WhatsApp, is providing opportunities to improve maternal and child healthcare in low- and middle-income countries. Yet, the perspective of health service providers, pregnant women, and mothers as recipients of digital health support is under-researched in rural areas. MATERIAL AND METHODS An exploratory-descriptive qualitative research approach was adopted to reflect on the experiences of mothers, community leaders, and community health workers on mobile health opportunities in the context of maternal and child health in rural areas. Purposive sampling was used to select 18 participants who participated in the two focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews for data collection about digital maternal and child health support. The thematic open coding method of data analysis assisted authors in making sense of the given reflections of mothers, community leaders, and healthcare workers about digital health support. RESULTS Participants commented on different existing digital support apps and their importance for maternal and child health. For example, MoMConnect, Pregnancy+, WhatsApp, and non-digital resources were perceived as useful ways of communication that assist in improving maternal and child health. However, participants reported several challenges related to the use of digital platforms, which affect following the health instructions given to pregnant women and mothers. CONCLUSIONS Participants expressed the significant role of digital support apps in maternal and child health, which is impacted by various challenges. Addressing the lack of digital resources could improve access to health instructions for pregnant women and mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livhuwani Muthelo
- Department of Nursing, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
| | | | | | - Tebogo M. Mothiba
- Department of Nursing, University of Limpopo, Polokwane 0727, South Africa
| | - Melissa Densmore
- Department of Computer Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Alastair van Heerden
- Centre for Community Based Research, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg 3201, South Africa
| | - Shane A. Norris
- SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit (DPHRU), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2198, South Africa
| | - Nervo Verdezoto Dias
- School of Computer Science and Informatics, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4Ag, UK
| | - Paula Griffiths
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Ashby Road, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - Nicola Mackintosh
- Department of Population Health Sciences, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, George Davies Centre, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
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Rees K, Mutyambizi C, Ndou R, Struthers HE, McIntyre JA, Dunlop J. Risk profile of postnatal women and their babies attending a rural district hospital in South Africa. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:1024936. [PMID: 36589146 PMCID: PMC9800611 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.1024936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal and neonatal mortality remain unacceptably high and inequitably distributed in South Africa, with the postnatal period being a dangerous time for both mother and baby. The aim of this paper is to describe the risk factors for poor postnatal outcomes, including postnatal mental health disorders, in a population of postnatal women and their babies utilising rural district hospital services in Limpopo Province, with a focus on HIV. We also describe health care provider compliance with relevant guidelines. Methods All women discharged from the postnatal ward of the district hospital who consented to participate were enrolled. A research nurse used a structured questionnaire to collect data about sociodemographic information, pregnancy and pre-existing conditions, complications during labour and birth, pregnancy outcomes and mental health risk factors. Results The questionnaire was completed for 882 women at the time of discharge. Only 354 (40.2%) of participants had completed secondary education, and 105 (11.9%) reported formal employment. Chronic hypertension was recorded in 20 women (2.3%), with an additional 49 (5.6%) developing a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy. HIV prevalence was 22.8%. 216 women (24.5%) had a mental health risk factor, with 40 reporting more than one (4.5%). Having no income, no antenatal care, having HIV and any hypertensive disorder were significantly associated with a positive mental health risk screen in multivariable analysis. There were 31 stillbirths and early neonatal deaths (3.5%), and 119 babies (13.4%) were born at a low birth weight. Stillbirth or early neonatal death was significantly associated with no antenatal care in multivariable analysis. Conclusions Women and babies in this study experienced multiple risk factors for poor outcomes in the postpartum period. Postnatal care should be strengthened in order to address the dominant risks to mothers and babies, including socioeconomic challenges, HIV and hypertension, and risks to mental health. Tools to identify mothers and babies at risk of postnatal complications would allow limited resources to be allocated where they are most needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Rees
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa,Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Correspondence: Kate Rees
| | | | - Rendani Ndou
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Helen E Struthers
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa,Division of Infectious Diseases & HIV Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - James A McIntyre
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa,School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jackie Dunlop
- Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa,Division of Community Paediatrics, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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6
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Masukume G, Ryan M, Masukume R, Zammit D, Grech V, Mapanga W. COVID-19 onset reduced the sex ratio at birth in South Africa. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13985. [PMID: 36061753 PMCID: PMC9435519 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The sex ratio at birth (defined as male/(male+female) live births) is anticipated to approximate 0.510 with a slight male excess. This ratio has been observed to decrease transiently around 3-5 months following sudden unexpected stressful events. We hypothesised that stress engendered by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused such a decrease in South Africa 3-5 months after March 2020 since in this month, South Africa reported its first COVID-19 case, death and nationwide lockdown restrictions were instituted. Methods We used publicly available, recorded monthly live birth data from Statistics South Africa. The most recent month for which data was available publicly was December 2020. We analysed live births for a 100-month period from September 2012 to December 2020, taking seasonality into account. Chi-squared tests were applied. Results Over this 100-month period, there were 8,151,364 live births. The lowest recorded monthly sex ratio at birth of 0.499 was in June 2020, 3 months after March 2020. This June was the only month during this period where the sex ratio inverted i.e., fewer male live births occurred. The predicted June 2020 ratio was 0.504. The observed June 2020 decrease was statistically significant p = 0.045. Conclusions The sex ratio at birth decreased and inverted in South Africa in June 2020, for the first time, during the most recent 100-month period. This decline occurred 3 months after the March 2020 onset of COVID-19 in South Africa. As June 2020 is within the critical window when population stressors are known to impact the sex ratio at birth, these findings suggest that the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic engendered population stress with notable effects on pregnancy and public health in South Africa. These findings have implications for future pandemic preparedness and social policy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret Ryan
- School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rumbidzai Masukume
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Victor Grech
- Academic Department of Paediatrics, Medical School, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
| | - Witness Mapanga
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,Noncommunicable Diseases Research Division, Wits Health Consortium (PTY) Ltd., Johannesburg, South Africa
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Huang H, Ma J, Ling S, Han L, Jiang G, Xu W. Incidence and disability-adjusted life years of maternal disorders at the global, regional, and national levels from 2007 to 2017: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021; 157:618-639. [PMID: 34561869 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the global burden of maternal disorders and their main subcategories in 195 countries and territories between 2007 and 2017. METHODS The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017 estimated maternal disease burden at global, regional, and country levels. Maternal disorders were disaggregated into 10 categories, and estimated incidence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of maternal disorders were reported separately. Indicators were estimated in different geographic settings and different sociodemographic index (SDI) regions. Based on GBD 2017 estimates, we systematically examined the incidence and DALYs of maternal disorders and their main subcategories at the global, regional, and national levels during the period from 2007 to 2017 by age and SDI. RESULTS Globally, a total of 7.98 million maternal disorders occurred in 2017, with a 4.33% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 3.24%-5.60%) decrease in age-standardized incidence rate and a more significant decrease (30.26%) in the age-standardized rate of DALYs. Most incidences and DALYs were found in low-income and middle-income countries, especially in the sub-Saharan region. The greatest incidence of maternal disorders was found to be in maternal abortion and miscarriage (2.00 million), and the highest disease burden was in maternal hemorrhage (2.23 million). CONCLUSION A slight increase in the incidence of maternal disorders and substantial reductions in DALYs of overall maternal disorders and their main subcategories were found from 2007 to 2017, especially in low-income countries and the sub-Saharan region. Maternal hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and indirect maternal death were the top three causes of maternal disorders disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junrong Ma
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiliang Ling
- Department of Oncology, Ningbo Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liyuan Han
- Department of Global Health, Ningbo Institute of Life and Health Industry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guozhi Jiang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjie Xu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Infectious Disease, Zhejiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Bredenkamp C, Burger R, Jourdan A, Van Doorslaer E. Changing Inequalities in Health-Adjusted Life Expectancy by Income and Race in South Africa. Health Syst Reform 2021; 7:e1909303. [PMID: 34402377 DOI: 10.1080/23288604.2021.1909303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trends in socioeconomic-related health inequalities is a particularly pertinent topic in South Africa where years of systematic discrimination under apartheid bequeathed a legacy of inequalities in health outcomes. We use three nationally representative datasets to examine trends in income- and race-related inequalities in life expectancy (LE) and health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) since the beginning of the millennium. We find that, in aggregate, (HA)LE at age five fell substantially between 2001 and 2007, but then increased to above 2001 levels by 2016, with the largest changes observed among prime age adults. Income- and race-related inequalities in both LE and HALE favor relatively well-off and non-Black South Africans in all survey years. Both income- and race-related inequalities in (HA)LE grew between 2001 and 2007, and then narrowed between 2007 to 2016. However, while race-related inequalities in (HA)LE in 2016 were smaller than in 2001, income-related inequalities in (HA)LE were greater in 2016 than in 2001. Based on the patterns and timing observed, these trends in income- and race-related inequalities in (HA)LE are most likely related to the delayed initial policy response to the HIV epidemic, the subsequent rapid and effective rollout of anti-retroviral therapy, and the changes in the overall income distribution among Black South Africans. In particular, the growth of the Black middle class narrowed the HA(LE) gap with the non-Black population but reinforced income-related inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caryn Bredenkamp
- Human Development Practice Group, World Bank, Washington, District Columbia, USA.,Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Ronelle Burger
- Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Alyssa Jourdan
- Debt and Capital Advisory, Deloitte Financial Advisory, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eddy Van Doorslaer
- Department of Economics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management and Erasmus School of Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Mothupi MC, De Man J, Tabana H, Knight L. Development and testing of a composite index to monitor the continuum of maternal health service delivery at provincial and district level in South Africa. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252182. [PMID: 34033670 PMCID: PMC8148336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The continuum of care is a recommended framework for comprehensive health service delivery for maternal health, and it integrates health system and social determinants of health. There is a current lack of knowledge on a measurement approach to monitor performance on the framework. In this study we aim to develop and test a composite index for assessing the maternal health continuum in a province in South Africa with the possibility of nationwide use. MATERIALS AND METHODS The composite index was computed as a geometric mean of four dimensions of adequacy of the continuum of care. Data was sourced from the district health information system, household surveys and the census. The index formula was tested for robustness when alternative inputs for indicators and standardization methods were used. The index was used to assess performance in service delivery in the North West province of South Africa, as well as its four districts over a five-year period (2013-2017). The index was validated by assessing associations with maternal health and other outcomes. And factor analysis was used to assess the statistical dimensions of the index. RESULTS The provincial level index score increased from 62.3 in 2013 to 74 in 2017, showing general improvement in service delivery over time. The district level scores also improved over time, and our analysis identified areas for performance improvement. These include social determinants of health in some districts, and access and linkages to care in others. The provincial index was correlated with institutional maternal mortality rates (rs = -0.90, 90% CI = (-1.00, -0.25)) and the Human Development Index (r = 0.97, 95% CI = (0.63, 0.99). It was robust to alternative approaches including z-score standardization of indicators. Factor analysis showed three groupings of indicators for the health system and social determinants of health. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the development and testing of a composite index to monitor and assess service delivery on the continuum of care for maternal health. The index was shown to be robust and valid, and identified potential areas for service improvement. A contextualised version can be tested in other settings within and outside of South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamothena Carol Mothupi
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jeroen De Man
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, Centre for General Practice, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hanani Tabana
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lucia Knight
- School of Public Health & Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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10
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Heitkamp A, Vollmer Murray L, van den Akker T, Gebhardt GS, Sandberg EM, van Roosmalen J, Ter Wee MM, de Vries JI, Theron G. Great saves or near misses? Severe maternal outcome in Metro East, South Africa: A region-wide population-based case-control study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2021; 157:173-180. [PMID: 33977537 PMCID: PMC9292512 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective To assess the incidence of severe maternal outcome (SMO), comprising maternal mortality (MM) and maternal near miss (MNM), in Metro East health district, Western Cape Province, South Africa between November 2014 and November 2015 and to identify associated determinants leading to SMO with the aim to improve maternity care. Methods Region‐wide population‐based case‐control study. Women were included in the study, if they were maternal deaths or met MNM criteria, both as defined by WHO. Characteristics of women with SMO were compared with those of a sample of women without SMO, matched for age and parity, taken from midwifery‐led obstetrical units from two residential areas in Metro East, using multivariate regression analysis. Results Incidence of SMO was 9.1 per 1000 live births, and incidence of MNM was 8.6 per 1000 live births. Main causes of SMO were obstetrical hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders. Factors associated with SMO were HIV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 24.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] 10.0–61.6), pre‐eclampsia (aOR 17.5; 95% CI 7.9–38.7), birth by cesarean section (aOR 8.4; 95% CI 5.8–12.3), and chronic hypertension (aOR 2.4; 95% CI 1.1–5.1). Conclusion Evaluation of SMO incidence and associated determinants supports optimizing tailored guidelines in Metro‐East health district to improve maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Heitkamp
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Vollmer Murray
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Thomas van den Akker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriel S Gebhardt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Evelien M Sandberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jos van Roosmalen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Athena Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke M Ter Wee
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna I de Vries
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerhard Theron
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
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M Kabongo E, Mukumbang FC, Delobelle P, Nicol E. Combining the theory of change and realist evaluation approaches to elicit an initial program theory of the MomConnect program in South Africa. BMC Med Res Methodol 2020; 20:282. [PMID: 33243136 PMCID: PMC7691101 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-020-01164-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One of the Sustainable Development Goals is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. In South Africa, the flagship National Department of Health MomConnect program was launched in 2014 to strengthen the quality of maternal and child health (MCH) services and improve mortality outcomes. MomConnect was rapidly rolled out with a limited understanding of how and why the program was expected to work even though studies had shown the effectiveness of the MomConnect program in improving the uptake of MCH services. This study aimed to unearth the initial program theory of the MomConnect program based on explicit and implicit assumptions of how the program was organized and expected to work. Methods We conducted a document analysis using design- and implementation-related documents of the MomConnect program guided by the principles of Theory of Change (ToC) and Realist Evaluation (RE). Content and thematic analysis approaches were deductively applied to analyze the documents toward constructing ToC and RE-informed models. Abductive thinking and retroduction were further applied to the realist-informed approach to link program context, mechanisms, and outcomes to construct the initial program theory. Results ToC and RE-informed models illustrated how the MomConnect program was organized and expected to work. The process of constructing the ToC provided the platform for the development of the initial program theory, which identified three critical elements: (1) the central modalities of the MomConnect program; (2) the intended outcomes; and (3) the tentative causal links indicating, in a stepwise manner of, how the outcomes were intended to be achieved. The RE approach ‘enhanced’ the causal links by identifying relevant programmatic contexts and linking the postulated mechanisms of action (empowerment, encouragement, motivation, and knowledge acquisition) to program outcomes. Conclusion The application of ToC and RE provided an explicitly cumulative approach to knowledge generation in unveiling the initial program theory of MomConnect rather than delivering answers to questions of program effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveline M Kabongo
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | | | - Peter Delobelle
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Public Health, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Edward Nicol
- Division of Health Systems and Public Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Kim HY, Dobra A, Tanser F. Migration and first-year maternal mortality among HIV-positive postpartum women: A population-based longitudinal study in rural South Africa. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003085. [PMID: 32231390 PMCID: PMC7108693 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In South Africa, within-country migration is common. Mobility affects many of the factors in the pathway for entry to or retention in care among people living with HIV. We characterized the patterns of migration (i.e., change in residency) among peripartum women from rural South Africa and their association with first-year postpartum mortality. METHODS AND FINDINGS All pregnant women aged ≥15 years were followed-up during pregnancy and the first year postpartum in a population-based longitudinal demographic and HIV surveillance program in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, from 2000 to 2016. During the household surveys (every 4-6 months), each household head was interviewed to record demographic components of the household, including composition, migration, and mortality. External migration was defined as moving (i.e., change in residency) into or out of the study area. For women of reproductive age, detailed information on new pregnancy and birth was recorded. Maternal death was ascertained via verbal autopsy and HIV status at delivery via annual HIV surveys. We fitted mixed-effects Cox regression models adjusting for multiple pregnancies per individual. Overall, 19,334 women had 30,291 pregnancies: 3,339 were HIV-positive, 10,958 were HIV-negative, and 15,994 had unknown HIV status at delivery. The median age was 24 (interquartile range: 20-30) years. During pregnancy and the first year postpartum, 64% (n = 19,344) and 13% (n = 3,994) did not migrate and resided within and outside the surveillance area, respectively. Of the 23% who had externally migrated at least once, 39% delivered outside the surveillance area. Overall, the mortality rate was 5.8 per 1,000 person-years (or 831 deaths per 100,000 live births) in the first year postpartum. The major causes of deaths were AIDS- or tuberculosis-related conditions both within 42 days of delivery (53%) and during the first year postpartum (62%). In this study, we observed that HIV-positive peripartum women who externally migrated and delivered outside the surveillance area had a hazard of mortality more than two times greater (hazard ratio = 2.74; 95% confidence interval 1.01-7.40, p-value = 0.047)-after adjusting for age, time period (before or after 2010), and sociodemographic status-compared to that of HIV-positive women who continuously resided within the surveillance area. Study limitations include lack of data on access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) care and social or clinical context at the destinations among mobile participants, which could lead to unmeasured confounding. Further information on how mobile postpartum women access and remain in care would be instructive. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we found that a substantial portion of peripartum women moved within the country around the time of delivery and experienced a significantly higher risk of mortality. Despite the scale-up of universal ART and declining trends in maternal mortality, there is an urgent need to derive a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying this finding and to develop targeted interventions for mobile HIV-positive peripartum women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Young Kim
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Adrian Dobra
- Department of Statistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Frank Tanser
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Lincoln Institute for Health, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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13
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Shafabakhsh R, Mirhosseini N, Chaichian S, Moazzami B, Mahdizadeh Z, Asemi Z. Could circRNA be a new biomarker for pre-eclampsia? Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1773-1780. [PMID: 31475762 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia is a devastating complication of pregnancy which is characterized by hypertension and proteinuria in pregnant women. Pre-eclampsia is important as it is the leading cause of death. Moreover, untreated pre-eclampsia might lead to other lethal complications, for both fetus and mother. Pre-eclampsia can also affect the quality of life in affected women. Despite a large number of risk factors for pre-eclampsia, these risk factors are able to detect just 30% of women who are susceptible to pre-eclampsia. Heterogeneous manifestations of pre-eclampsia necessitate the discovery of potential biomarkers required for its early detection. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of RNA which are more abundant, specific, and highly organized compared with other types of RNA. Accordingly, circRNAs have been suggested as one of the potential biomarkers for different diseases. Recently, researchers have shown interest in the effects of circRNAs in pre-eclampsia, although the current evidence is limited. The majority of obstetricians are probably not aware of circRNAs as a useful biomarker. Here, we aimed to summarize recent supporting evidence and assess the mechanisms by which circRNAs are involved in pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Shafabakhsh
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Mirhosseini
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Shala Chaichian
- Minimally Invasive Techniques Research Center in Women, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.,Pars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Moazzami
- Pars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Mahdizadeh
- Firoozabadi Clinical Research Development Unit, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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