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Okunade KS, Adejimi AA, Adekanye TV, Allsop MJ, Adelabu H, Thomas-Ogodo O, Onyeka TC, Lawanson T, Akaba GO, Salako O, Anorlu RI, Berek JS. Impact of mobile health technologies on human papillomavirus vaccination uptake among mothers of unvaccinated girls aged 9-14 years in Lagos, Nigeria (mHealth-HPVac): Study protocol of a randomised controlled trial. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4541493. [PMID: 38978593 PMCID: PMC11230475 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4541493/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Background Despite the availability of effective vaccines, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake remains low in most resource-limited settings including Nigeria. Mobile health technology (mHealth) may empower patients to control their health, reduce inequalities, and improve the uptake of HPV vaccination. Aim The "mHealth-HPVac" study will assess the effects of mHealth using short text messages on the uptake of HPV vaccination among mothers of unvaccinated girls aged 9-14 years and also determine the factors influencing the uptake of HPV vaccination among these mothers. Methods This protocol highlights a randomised controlled trial involving women aged 25-65 years who will be enrolled on attendance for routine care at the General Outpatient clinics of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria between July and December 2024. At baseline, n=224 women will be randomised to either a short text message or usual care (control) arm. The primary outcome is vaccination of the participant's school-age girl(s) at any time during the 6 months of follow-up. The associations between any two groups of continuous variables will be tested using the independent sample t-test (normal distribution) or the Mann-Whitney U test (skewed data) and that of two groups of categorical variables with Chi-square (X2) or Fisher's exact test where appropriate. Using the multivariable binary logistic regression model, we will examine the effects of all relevant sociodemographic and clinical variables on HPV vaccination uptake among mothers of unvaccinated but vaccine-eligible school-age girls. Statistical significance will be defined as A P<0.05. Discussion The mHealth-Cervix study will evaluate the impact of mobile technologies on HPV vaccination uptake among mothers of unvaccinated but vaccine-eligible school-age girls in Lagos, Nigeria as a way of contributing to the reduction in the wide disparities in cervical cancer incidence through primary prevention facilitated using health promotion to improve HPV vaccination uptake. Registration PACTR202406727470443 (6th June 2024).
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Okunade KS, Adejimi AA, Adekanye TV, Allsop MJ, Adelabu H, Thomas-Ogodo O, Onyeka TC, Lawanson T, Akaba GO, Salako O, Anorlu RI, Berek JS. Impact of mobile health technologies on human papillomavirus vaccination uptake among mothers of unvaccinated girls aged 9-14 years in Lagos, Nigeria (mHealth-HPVac): study protocol of a randomised controlled trial. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:751. [PMID: 38902718 PMCID: PMC11191157 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12538-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the availability of effective vaccines, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake remains low in most resource-limited settings including Nigeria. Mobile health technology (mHealth) has the potential to empower patients to manage their health, reduce health disparities, and enhance the uptake of HPV vaccination. AIM The "mHealth-HPVac" study will assess the effects of mHealth using short text messages on the uptake of HPV vaccination among mothers of unvaccinated girls aged 9-14 years and also determine the factors influencing the uptake of HPV vaccination among these mothers. METHODS This protocol highlights a randomised controlled trial involving women aged 25-65 years who will be enrolled on attendance for routine care at the General Outpatient clinics of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria between July and December 2024. At baseline, n = 123 women will be randomised to either a short text message or usual care (control) arm. The primary outcome is vaccination of the participant's school-age girl(s) at any time during the 6 months of follow-up. The associations between any two groups of continuous variables will be assessed using the independent sample t-test for normally distributed data, or the Mann-Whitney U test for skewed data. For two groups of categorical variables, the Chi-square (X2) test or Fisher's exact test will be used, as appropriate. Using the multivariable binary logistic regression model, we will examine the effects of all relevant sociodemographic and clinical variables on HPV vaccination uptake among mothers of unvaccinated but vaccine-eligible school-age girls. Statistical significance will be reported as P < 0.05. DISCUSSION The mHealth-Cervix study will evaluate the impact of mobile technologies on HPV vaccination uptake among mothers of unvaccinated but vaccine-eligible school-age girls in Lagos, Nigeria as a way of contributing to the reduction in the wide disparities in cervical cancer incidence through primary prevention facilitated using health promotion to improve HPV vaccination uptake. REGISTRATION PACTR202406727470443 (6th June 2024).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehinde S Okunade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.
| | - Adebola A Adejimi
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Temitope V Adekanye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Matthew J Allsop
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Hameed Adelabu
- Center for Clinical Trials, Research, and Implementation Science, (CCTRIS), College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olufemi Thomas-Ogodo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Tonia C Onyeka
- Department of Anaesthesia, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Teniola Lawanson
- Center for Clinical Trials, Research, and Implementation Science, (CCTRIS), College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Godwin O Akaba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Gwadalada, Abuja FCT, Nigeria
| | - Omolola Salako
- Department of Radiation Biology, Radio-diagnosis and Radiography, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Radiotherapy, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Rose I Anorlu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, PMB 12003, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Jonathan S Berek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Salako O, Enyi A, Miesfeldt S, Kabukye JK, Ngoma M, Namisango E, LeBaron V, Sisimayi C, Ebenso B, Lorenz KA, Wang Y, Ryan Wolf J, van den Hurk C, Allsop M. Remote Symptom Monitoring to Enhance the Delivery of Palliative Cancer Care in Low-Resource Settings: Emerging Approaches from Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7190. [PMID: 38131741 PMCID: PMC10743024 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20247190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
This paper brings together researchers, clinicians, technology developers and digital innovators to outline current applications of remote symptom monitoring being developed for palliative cancer care delivery in Africa. We outline three remote symptom monitoring approaches from three countries, highlighting their models of delivery and intended outcomes, and draw on their experiences of implementation to guide further developments and evaluations of this approach for palliative cancer care in the region. Through highlighting these experiences and priority areas for future research, we hope to steer efforts to develop and optimise remote symptom monitoring for palliative cancer care in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omolola Salako
- Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy and Radiodiagnosis (RBRR) Digital Health Hub, College of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos 102215, Nigeria;
| | | | - Susan Miesfeldt
- Medical Oncology, Maine Medical Center, MaineHealth Cancer Care Center, Scarborough, ME 04106, USA;
| | - Johnblack K. Kabukye
- Uganda Cancer Institute, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala P.O. Box 3935, Uganda;
- Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions (SPIDER), Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV), Stockholm University, 164 55 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mamsau Ngoma
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 3592, Tanzania;
| | - Eve Namisango
- African Palliative Care Association, Kampala P.O. Box 72518, Uganda;
| | - Virginia LeBaron
- School of Nursing, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
| | - Chenjerai Sisimayi
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2006, South Africa;
| | - Bassey Ebenso
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9LU, UK;
| | - Karl A. Lorenz
- Ci2i, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA;
- Primary Care and Population Health, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Julie Ryan Wolf
- Departments of Dermatology and Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Corina van den Hurk
- R&D Department, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, 3501 DB Utrecht, The Netherlands;
| | - Matthew Allsop
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9LU, UK;
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Boucheron P, Zietsman A, Pontac J, Hansen R, Anderson BO, Togawa K, Macharia PM, Foerster M, Schüz J, Dos-Santos-Silva I, McCormack V. Analysis of the Breast Cancer Journey in Namibia. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2341402. [PMID: 37921764 PMCID: PMC10625043 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.41402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cancer among women in Namibia. Examining the BC journey in this multiracial country where inequalities remain large is needed to inform effective interventions to reduce BC mortality. Objective To describe the entire BC journey of Namibian women by race, utilizing the World Health Organization Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) framework. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study used the Namibian subset of the African Breast Cancer-Disparities in Outcomes prospective cohort. Participants were all Namibian residents with confirmed incident BC who presented at the main national public oncology center of the Windhoek Central Hospital (WCH). Follow-up started from recruitment (September 8, 2014, to October 5, 2016) and ended up to 3 years after diagnosis (December 13, 2014, to September 27, 2019). Data analysis was conducted from June 2022 to August 2023. Exposures Participants' self-reported ethnicities were aggregated into 3 population groups: Black, mixed ancestry, and White. Main Outcomes and Measures Three-year overall survival (OS) was examined using Cox models, and summary statistics were used to describe women's BC journey, including GBCI pillar key performance indicators: (1) early stage (TNM I or II) diagnosis (population benchmark ≥60%), (2) prompt diagnosis, ie, 60 days or less to first health care practitioner visit (population benchmark 100%), and (3) completion of recommended multimodal treatment (MT, ie, surgery plus chemotherapy) (population benchmark ≥80%). Results Of 405 women, there were 300 (74%) Black (mean [SD] age, 53 [15] years), 49 (12%) mixed ancestry (mean [SD] age, 53 [7] years), and 56 (14%) White (mean [SD] age, 59 [12] years) patients. Three-year OS was lowest in Black women (60% [95% CI, 54%-66%]; mixed ancestry: 80% [95% CI, 65%-89%]; White: 89% [95% CI, 77%-95%]), who had lower prevalence of early stage diagnosis (Black: 37% [95% CI, 31%-42%]; mixed ancestry and White: 75% [95% CI, 66%-83%]) and timely diagnosis (Black: 60% [95% CI, 54%-66%]; mixed ancestry and White: 77% [95% CI, 69%-85%]), while MT completion (Black: 53% [95% CI, 46%-59%]; mixed ancestry and White: 63% [95% CI, 50%-73%]) was low in all women. Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort study of 405 Namibian residents with BC, marked racial disparities in survival were paralleled by inequities all along the BC journey. To improve BC survival, interventions are needed to promote earlier diagnosis in Black Namibian women and to increase MT initiation and completion in all women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Boucheron
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, Lyon, France
| | - Annelle Zietsman
- AB May Cancer Centre, Windhoek Central Hospital, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Johanna Pontac
- AB May Cancer Centre, Windhoek Central Hospital, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Rolf Hansen
- Cancer Association of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Benjamin O Anderson
- University of Washington, Seattle
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kayo Togawa
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, Lyon, France
- National Cancer Centre Institute for Cancer Control, Division of Population Data Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Peter M Macharia
- Population Health Unit, Kenya Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Centre for Health Informatics, Computing, and Statistics, Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
- Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Milena Foerster
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, Lyon, France
| | - Joachim Schüz
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, Lyon, France
| | - Isabel Dos-Santos-Silva
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valerie McCormack
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, Lyon, France
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Cornetta K, Nyariki S, Manji I, Kiplimo I, Korir M, Muinga E, Busakhala N, Elias H. Telehospice for Cancer Patients Discharged from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Western Kenya. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:378-387. [PMID: 36773732 PMCID: PMC10106447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.01.027] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Worldwide, most patients lack access to hospice services. OBJECTIVES Assess the feasibility of telephone monitoring (Telehospice) in providing symptom management for patients discharged from a tertiary care hospital in Western Kenya. METHODS Inclusion criteria included adults with cancer no longer eligible for chemo-radiation and receiving opioid therapy. Thirty patients were enrolled in a weekly monitoring program assessing physical symptoms and patient and caregiver distress. The participants also had access to a 24-hour hotline. Symptom assessment included 18 questions with 8 from the African Palliative Outcome Scale. Participants were followed for eight weeks or until death or admission to an inpatient hospital or hospice. RESULTS The primary objective was participation in weekly calls, and we obtained 100% participation. A secondary objective was the use of "comfort kits" which contained 30 doses of six medications. Most patients utilized one or more of the provided medications, with high usage of bisacodyl, paracetamol, and omeprazole. While 12% of weekly calls and 24% of hotline calls led to medication changes, participants continued to express worry and there was only a modest decrease in pain scores despite having morphine available throughout the follow-up period. Family confidence in providing care and access to information remained high. At the end of the eight-weeks of observation, eight participants were alive, 10 died at home, and 12 were admitted to an in-patient facility. CONCLUSION Patient and family participation in Telehospice is feasible and may provide an interim solution to managing end-of-life patients who lack access to home hospice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Cornetta
- Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (K.C, S.N., I.K., N.B, H.E.), Eldoret, Kenya; Moi University School of Medicine (K.C., M.K., N.B., H.E.), Eldoret, Kenya; Indiana University School of Medicine (K.C.), Indianapolis, Indiana.
| | - Sarah Nyariki
- Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (K.C, S.N., I.K., N.B, H.E.), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Imran Manji
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (I.M.), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Ivan Kiplimo
- Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (K.C, S.N., I.K., N.B, H.E.), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Millicent Korir
- Moi University School of Medicine (K.C., M.K., N.B., H.E.), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Esther Muinga
- Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association (E.M.), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Naftali Busakhala
- Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (K.C, S.N., I.K., N.B, H.E.), Eldoret, Kenya; Moi University School of Medicine (K.C., M.K., N.B., H.E.), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Hussein Elias
- Academic Model Providing Access To Healthcare (K.C, S.N., I.K., N.B, H.E.), Eldoret, Kenya; Moi University School of Medicine (K.C., M.K., N.B., H.E.), Eldoret, Kenya
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Ngwa W, Addai BW, Adewole I, Ainsworth V, Alaro J, Alatise OI, Ali Z, Anderson BO, Anorlu R, Avery S, Barango P, Bih N, Booth CM, Brawley OW, Dangou JM, Denny L, Dent J, Elmore SNC, Elzawawy A, Gashumba D, Geel J, Graef K, Gupta S, Gueye SM, Hammad N, Hessissen L, Ilbawi AM, Kambugu J, Kozlakidis Z, Manga S, Maree L, Mohammed SI, Msadabwe S, Mutebi M, Nakaganda A, Ndlovu N, Ndoh K, Ndumbalo J, Ngoma M, Ngoma T, Ntizimira C, Rebbeck TR, Renner L, Romanoff A, Rubagumya F, Sayed S, Sud S, Simonds H, Sullivan R, Swanson W, Vanderpuye V, Wiafe B, Kerr D. Cancer in sub-Saharan Africa: a Lancet Oncology Commission. Lancet Oncol 2022; 23:e251-e312. [PMID: 35550267 PMCID: PMC9393090 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(21)00720-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), urgent action is needed to curb a growing crisis in cancer incidence and mortality. Without rapid interventions, data estimates show a major increase in cancer mortality from 520 348 in 2020 to about 1 million deaths per year by 2030. Here, we detail the state of cancer in SSA, recommend key actions on the basis of analysis, and highlight case studies and successful models that can be emulated, adapted, or improved across the region to reduce the growing cancer crises. Recommended actions begin with the need to develop or update national cancer control plans in each country. Plans must include childhood cancer plans, managing comorbidities such as HIV and malnutrition, a reliable and predictable supply of medication, and the provision of psychosocial, supportive, and palliative care. Plans should also engage traditional, complementary, and alternative medical practices employed by more than 80% of SSA populations and pathways to reduce missed diagnoses and late referrals. More substantial investment is needed in developing cancer registries and cancer diagnostics for core cancer tests. We show that investments in, and increased adoption of, some approaches used during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as hypofractionated radiotherapy and telehealth, can substantially increase access to cancer care in Africa, accelerate cancer prevention and control efforts, increase survival, and save billions of US dollars over the next decade. The involvement of African First Ladies in cancer prevention efforts represents one practical approach that should be amplified across SSA. Moreover, investments in workforce training are crucial to prevent millions of avoidable deaths by 2030. We present a framework that can be used to strategically plan cancer research enhancement in SSA, with investments in research that can produce a return on investment and help drive policy and effective collaborations. Expansion of universal health coverage to incorporate cancer into essential benefits packages is also vital. Implementation of the recommended actions in this Commission will be crucial for reducing the growing cancer crises in SSA and achieving political commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by a third by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfred Ngwa
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Information and Sciences, ICT University, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Beatrice W Addai
- Breast Care International, Peace and Love Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Isaac Adewole
- College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Victoria Ainsworth
- Department of Physics and Applied Physics, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - James Alaro
- National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Zipporah Ali
- Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Benjamin O Anderson
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Non-communicable Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rose Anorlu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Stephen Avery
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Prebo Barango
- WHO, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Noella Bih
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher M Booth
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Otis W Brawley
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Lynette Denny
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council, Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | | | - Shekinah N C Elmore
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ahmed Elzawawy
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | | | - Jennifer Geel
- Division of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Katy Graef
- BIO Ventures for Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Nazik Hammad
- Department of Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Laila Hessissen
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Pediatric Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Andre M Ilbawi
- Department of Non-communicable Diseases, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joyce Kambugu
- Department of Pediatrics, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Zisis Kozlakidis
- Laboratory Services and Biobank Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, WHO, Lyon, France
| | - Simon Manga
- Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Lize Maree
- Department of Nursing Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sulma I Mohammed
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Susan Msadabwe
- Department of Radiation Therapy, Cancer Diseases Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Miriam Mutebi
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Ntokozo Ndlovu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Kingsley Ndoh
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Mamsau Ngoma
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Twalib Ngoma
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Timothy R Rebbeck
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lorna Renner
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Ghana School of Medicine and Dentistry, Accra, Ghana
| | - Anya Romanoff
- Department of Health System Design and Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fidel Rubagumya
- Department of Oncology, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda; University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Shahin Sayed
- Department of Pathology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Shivani Sud
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hannah Simonds
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Tygerberg Hospital and University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - William Swanson
- Department of Physics and Applied Physics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Verna Vanderpuye
- National Centre for Radiotherapy, Oncology, and Nuclear Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - David Kerr
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Macharia P, Pérez-Navarro A, Sambai B, Inwani I, Kinuthia J, Nduati R, Carrion C. An Unstructured Supplementary Service Data-Based mHealth App Providing On-Demand Sexual Reproductive Health Information for Adolescents in Kibra, Kenya: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2022; 10:e31233. [PMID: 35436230 PMCID: PMC9055479 DOI: 10.2196/31233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents transitioning from childhood to adulthood need to be equipped with sexual reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that empower them. Accessible, reliable, appropriate, and friendly information can be provided through mobile phone-based health interventions. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and impact of an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)-based app in increasing adolescents' knowledge about contraceptives, gender-based stereotypes, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), abstinence, and perceived vulnerability, and helping adolescents make informed decisions about their SRH. METHODS A randomized controlled trial (RCT) methodology was applied to investigate the potential of a USSD-based app for providing on-demand SRH information. To be eligible, adolescents aged 15 to 19 years residing in Kibra, Kenya, had to have access to a phone and be available for the 3-month follow-up visit. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=146) and control (n=154) groups using sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. The primary outcome was improved SRH knowledge. The secondary outcome was improved decision-making on SRH. The outcomes were measured using validated tools on adolescent SRH and user perceptions during the follow-up visit. A paired sample t test was used to compare the changes in knowledge scores in both groups. The control group did not receive any SRH information. RESULTS During the RCT, 54.9% (62/109) of adolescents used the USSD-based app at least once. The mean age by randomization group was 17.3 (SD 1.23) years for the control group and 17.3 (SD 1.12) years for the intervention group. There was a statistically significant difference in the total knowledge scores in the intervention group (mean 10.770, SD 2.012) compared with the control group (mean 10.170, SD 2.412) conditions (t179=2.197; P=.03). There was a significant difference in abstinence (P=.01) and contraceptive use (P=.06). Of the individuals who used the app, all participants felt the information received could improve decision-making regarding SRH. Information on STIs was of particular interest, with 27% (20/62) of the adolescents seeking information in this area, of whom 55% (11/20) were female. In relation to improved decision-making, 21.6% (29/134) of responses showed the adolescents were able to identify STIs and were likely to seek treatment; 51.7% (15/29) of these were female. Ease of use was the most important feature of the app for 28.3% (54/191) of the responses. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents require accurate and up-to-date SRH information to guide their decision-making and improve health outcomes. As adolescents already use mobile phones in their day-to-day lives, apps provide an ideal platform for this information. A USSD-based app could be an appropriate tool for increasing SRH knowledge among adolescents in low-resource settings. Adolescents in the study valued the information provided because it helped them identify SRH topics on which they needed more information. TRIAL REGISTRATION Pan African Clinical Trial Registry PACTR202204774993198; https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=22623.
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Okunade KS, Soibi-Harry A, John-Olabode S, Adejimi AA, Allsop MJ, Onyeka TC, Akaba GO, Oshodi YA, Salako O, Ugwu AO, Adefemi A, Anorlu RI, Berek JS. Impact of Mobile Technologies on Cervical Cancer Screening Practices in Lagos, Nigeria (mHealth-Cervix): A Randomized Controlled Trial. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1418-1425. [PMID: 34554814 PMCID: PMC8478387 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We assessed the impact of mHealth on Pap test screening uptake and also determined the factors that affect screening uptake among women in Lagos, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS A randomized controlled trial was carried out among women in two tertiary health institutions in Lagos, Nigeria, between July 2020 and March 2021. Participants were randomly assigned to either a text message (mHealth) intervention or usual care arm. The main study outcome was the uptake of Pap smear testing within 6 months of enrollment in the study. We tested the associations between two groups of continuous variables using the unpooled independent-sample t-test (normal distribution) and that of two groups of categorical variables with the chi-square (χ2) test. Using a multinomial logistic regression model, we adjusted for relevant sociodemographic and clinical predictors of uptake of Pap smear screening. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05. RESULTS There was a significantly higher rate of uptake of Pap smear screening among women in the mHealth arm compared with those in the usual care arm (51.0% v 35.7%, P = .031). Following adjustment in the final multivariate model, level of income (odds ratio [OR] = 5.13, 95% CI, 1.55 to 16.95), awareness of Pap smear (OR = 16.26; 95% CI, 2.49 to 76.64), General Outpatient clinic attendance, and introduction of mHealth intervention during follow-up (OR = 4.36; 95% CI, 1.44 to 13.22) were the independent predictors of Pap smear uptake. CONCLUSION The use of mHealth technologies intervention via short-text message services is a feasible solution for cervical cancer prevention in low- and middle-income countries, and thus, the widespread use of mHealth services by health care providers and policymakers could contribute to the implementation of cervical cancer prevention services in Nigeria and in the settings of other low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehinde S Okunade
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Adaiah Soibi-Harry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Sarah John-Olabode
- Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Adebola A Adejimi
- Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Matthew J Allsop
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Tonia C Onyeka
- Department of Anaesthesia, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Godwin O Akaba
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, Gwadalada, Abuja FCT, Nigeria
| | - Yusuf A Oshodi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Omolola Salako
- Department of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, Radio-diagnosis and Radiography, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Aloy O Ugwu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Ayodeji Adefemi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Rose I Anorlu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Jonathan S Berek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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Ngoma M, Mushi B, Morse RS, Ngoma T, Mahuna H, Lambden K, Quinn E, Sagan SB, Ho YX, Lucas FL, Mmari J, Miesfeldt S. mPalliative Care Link: Examination of a Mobile Solution to Palliative Care Coordination Among Tanzanian Patients With Cancer. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:1306-1315. [PMID: 34406856 PMCID: PMC8457843 DOI: 10.1200/go.21.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Late-stage cancer patient symptom control is a national priority in Tanzania. Mobile health promises to improve the reach of a limited pool of palliative care specialists through interprofessional, community-based care coordination. This work assessed the effectiveness of a smartphone- or Web-based app, mPalliative Care Link (mPCL), to extend specialist access via shared data and communication with local health workers. Central to mPCL is the African Palliative care Outcome Scale (POS), adapted for automated mobile symptom assessment and response. METHODS Adult patients with incurable cancer were randomly assigned at hospital discharge to mPCL versus phone-contact POS collection. Sociodemographic, clinical, and POS data were obtained at baseline. Twice-weekly POS responses were collected and managed via mPCL or phone contact with clinician study personnel for up to 4 months, on the basis of study arm assignment. Patient end-of-study care satisfaction was assessed via phone survey. RESULTS Forty-nine patients per arm participated. Comparison of baseline characteristics showed an insignificant trend toward more women (P = .07) and higher discharge morphine use (P = .09) in the mPCL group compared with phone-contact and significant between-group differences in cancer types (P = .003). Proportions of deaths were near equal between groups (mPCL: 27%; phone-contact: 29%). Overall symptom severity was significantly lower in the phone-contact group (P < .0001), and symptom severity decreased over time in both groups (P = .0001); however, between-group change in overall symptoms over time did not vary significantly (P = .34). Care satisfaction was generally high in both groups. CONCLUSION Higher symptom severity scores in the mPCL arm likely reflect between-group sociodemographic and clinical differences and clinical support of phone-contact arm participants. Similar rates of care satisfaction in both groups suggest that mPCL may support symptom-focused care coordination in a more efficient and scalable manner than phone contact. A broader study of mPCL's cost efficiency and utility in Tanzania is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamsau Ngoma
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Beatrice Mushi
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Twalib Ngoma
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Habiba Mahuna
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Joshua Mmari
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Morse RS, Lambden K, Quinn E, Ngoma T, Mushi B, Ho YX, Ngoma M, Mahuna H, Sagan SB, Mmari J, Miesfeldt S. A Mobile App to Improve Symptom Control and Information Exchange Among Specialists and Local Health Workers Treating Tanzanian Cancer Patients: Human-Centered Design Approach. JMIR Cancer 2021; 7:e24062. [PMID: 33755022 PMCID: PMC8088847 DOI: 10.2196/24062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving access to end-of-life symptom control interventions among cancer patients is a public health priority in Tanzania, and innovative community-based solutions are needed. Mobile health technology holds promise; however, existing resources are limited, and outpatient access to palliative care specialists is poor. A mobile platform that extends palliative care specialist access via shared care with community-based local health workers (LHWs) and provides remote support for pain and other symptom management can address this care gap. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to design and develop mobile-Palliative Care Link (mPCL), a web and mobile app to support outpatient symptom assessment and care coordination and control, with a focus on pain. METHODS A human-centered iterative design framework was used to develop the mPCL prototype for use by Tanzanian palliative care specialists (physicians and nurses trained in palliative care), poor-prognosis cancer patients and their lay caregivers (patients and caregivers), and LHWs. Central to mPCL is the validated African Palliative Care Outcome Scale (POS), which was adapted for automated, twice-weekly collection of quality of life-focused patient and caregiver responses and timely review, reaction, and tracking by specialists and LHWs. Prototype usability testing sessions were conducted in person with 21 key informants representing target end users. Sessions consisted of direct observations and qualitative and quantitative feedback on app ease of use and recommendations for improvement. Results were applied to optimize the prototype for subsequent real-world testing. Early pilot testing was conducted by deploying the app among 10 patients and caregivers, randomized to mPCL use versus phone-contact POS collection, and then gathering specialist and study team feedback to further optimize the prototype for a broader randomized field study to examine the app's effectiveness in symptom control among cancer patients. RESULTS mPCL functionalities include the ability to create and update a synoptic clinical record, regular real-time symptom assessment, patient or caregiver and care team communication and care coordination, symptom-focused educational resources, and ready access to emergency phone contact with a care team member. Results from the usability and pilot testing demonstrated that all users were able to successfully navigate the app, and feedback suggests that mPCL has clinical utility. User-informed recommendations included further improvement in app navigation, simplification of patient and caregiver components and language, and delineation of user roles. CONCLUSIONS We designed, built, and tested a usable, functional mobile app prototype that supports outpatient palliative care for Tanzanian patients with cancer. mPCL is expressly designed to facilitate coordinated care via customized interfaces supporting core users-patients or caregivers, LHWs, and members of the palliative care team-and their respective roles. Future work is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness and sustainability of mPCL to remotely support the symptom control needs of Tanzanian cancer patients, particularly in harder-to-reach areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erin Quinn
- Dimagi, Inc, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Twalib Ngoma
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Beatrice Mushi
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Mamsau Ngoma
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Habiba Mahuna
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Joshua Mmari
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
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Odedina FT, Ginsburg O. Oncology Clinical Trials in Africa: Emerging and Operational Issues. JCO Glob Oncol 2020; 6:929-931. [PMID: 32614726 PMCID: PMC7392690 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Folakemi T. Odedina
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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