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Diallo BA, Hassan S, Kagwanja N, Oyando R, Badjie J, Mumba N, Prentice AM, Perel P, Etyang A, Nolte E, Tsofa B. Managing hypertension in rural Gambia and Kenya: Protocol for a qualitative study exploring the experiences of patients, health care workers, and decision-makers. NIHR OPEN RESEARCH 2024; 4:5. [PMID: 39238902 PMCID: PMC11375402 DOI: 10.3310/nihropenres.13523.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Background Hypertension is the single leading risk factor for premature death in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Prevalence is high, but awareness, treatment, and control are low. Community-centred interventions show promise for effective hypertension management, but embedding such interventions sustainably requires a good understanding of the wider context within which they are being introduced. This study aims to conduct a systematic health system assessment exploring the micro (patients/carers), meso (health care workers and facilities), and macro (broader system) contexts in rural Gambia and Kenya. Methods This study will utilise various qualitative approaches. We will conduct (i) focus group discussions with people living with hypertensive to map a 'typical' patient journey through health systems, and (ii) in-depth interviews with patients and family carers, health care workers, decision-makers, and NCD partners to explore their experiences of managing hypertension and assess the capacity and readiness of the health systems to strengthen hypertension management. We will also review national guidelines and policy documents to map the organisation of services and guidance on hypertension management. We will use thematic analysis to analyse data, guided by the cumulative complexity model, and theories of organisational readiness and dissemination of innovations. Expected findings This study will describe the current context for the management of hypertension from the perspective of those involved in seeking (patients), delivering (health care workers) and overseeing (decision-makers) health services in rural Gambia and Kenya. It will juxtapose what should be happening according to health system guidance and what is happening in practice, drawing on the experiences of study participants. It will outline the various barriers to and facilitators of hypertension management, as perceived by patients, providers, and decision-makers, and the conditions that would need to be in place for effective and sustainable implementation of a community-centred intervention to improve the management of hypertension in rural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brahima A Diallo
- Nutrition and Planetary Health, MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Banjul, Other / None, 273, The Gambia
| | - Syreen Hassan
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Jainaba Badjie
- Nutrition and Planetary Health, MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Banjul, Other / None, 273, The Gambia
| | - Noni Mumba
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Andrew M Prentice
- Nutrition and Planetary Health, MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Banjul, Other / None, 273, The Gambia
| | - Pablo Perel
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Ellen Nolte
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Naanyu V, Willis R, Kamano J, Koros H, Murphy A, Perel P, Nolte E. Managing diabetes and hypertension in western Kenya: A qualitative study of experiences of patients supported by the primary health integrated care for chronic conditions (PIC4C) model of care. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003245. [PMID: 39146310 PMCID: PMC11326601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
The Primary Health Integrated Care for Chronic Conditions (PIC4C) pilot project was launched in 2018 to strengthen prevention and control of four non-communicable conditions at primary health care level in western Kenya. We conducted a qualitative study to explore the extent to which PIC4C integrated services supported people with hypertension and/or diabetes towards timely diagnosis and referral, treatment, follow-up and adherence, from the perspective of those receiving care. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposively sampled patient cohort at two time points, with the intention of capturing changes over time (total (n) = 43, completion of both interviews (n) = 37). We extracted existing survey data to describe socio-demographic characteristics and analyzed qualitative data thematically. We identified two cross-cutting contextual factors, individual's financial resources and their social situation, which shaped each stage of their interactions with PIC4C services. The PIC4C model successfully engaged people in accessing screening services to enable timely diagnosis and referred them to enter care. Free community level screening services and decentralization of care to lower level facilities reduced cost barriers for patients. However, retention in care and adherence to treatment were affected by the wider system context in which PIC4C was operating, including inconsistencies in medication availability and patients' limited financial capacity. Individually tailored advice from health care workers to work around some of these challenges supported self-management strategies. Further development of the service should focus on supporting health care workers to adopt flexible, contextually responsive approaches in order to support patients facing economic and other constraints to engage in (self) care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violet Naanyu
- School of Arts and Social Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
- Academic Model Providing Access to Health Care, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Ruth Willis
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Global Chronic Conditions, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jemima Kamano
- School of Medicine, Moi University College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Hillary Koros
- Academic Model Providing Access to Health Care, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Adrianna Murphy
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Global Chronic Conditions, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pablo Perel
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Global Chronic Conditions, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen Nolte
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Birhan D, Aderaw Z, Agdew E, Siferih M. Satisfaction of chronic patients with community-based health insurance schemes and related factors: Explanatory sequential mixed methods study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003374. [PMID: 39110655 PMCID: PMC11305578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Chronic disease poses a serious threat to accessible, high-quality healthcare. Community-based health insurance (CBHI) schemes provide the poor with financial security. However, there is no evidence in Ethiopia on how satisfied chronic patients are with the schemes. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the satisfaction of chronic patients with the schemes and identify contributing factors. A hospital-based explanatory sequential mixed methods study on 632 chronic patients and 12 key informants was carried out between February 28 and May 31, 2022, in the hospitals of East Gojjam, Northwest Ethiopia. Hospitals and study participants were selected using multistage sampling methods. Quantitative data was entered using Epi Data 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. P value <0.05 was used to consider significant association in multivariable binary logistic regression. Thematic analysis was a method to manually review qualitative data. A narrative approach was used for integrating the two data. The mean age of study participants was 46.1 (46.1± 5.2, range: 25-82). Patients aged 45 to 64 made up the majority of the population (60.6%). Rheumatoid arthritis affected the preponderance of individuals (36.4%). The overall level of satisfaction of chronic patients with the CBHI scheme was 31% (95% CI; 27-35%). Respect and friendliness (AOR = 7.05; CI: 3.71-13.36), knowledge of benefits packages (AOR = 2.02; CI: 1.24-3.27), partial or non-availability of drugs (AOR = 0.24, AOR = 0.21, respectively), waiting times (AOR = 1.84; CI: 1.12-3.0), and availability of laboratory tests (AOR = 1.59; CI: 1.01-2.48) were significantly associated with participants' satisfaction with the schemes. Our study revealed that the overall satisfaction of chronic patients was quite low and affected by the availability of drugs and laboratory tests, caregivers' respect and friendliness, waiting times, and participant knowledge. Therefore, stakeholders must concentrate on reducing waiting times, improving the availability of drugs and laboratory tests at each hospital, opening back up community pharmacies, and promoting awareness about benefits packages primarily through health education. The main focus of researchers needs to be on nationally representative studies that include more important factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desalew Birhan
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debremarkos University, Debremarkos, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
| | - Zewudie Aderaw
- Department of Public Health, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eskeziaw Agdew
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debremarkos University, Debremarkos, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
| | - Melkamu Siferih
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Debremarkos University, Debremarkos, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
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Dixon J, Morton B, Nkhata MJ, Silman A, Simiyu IG, Spencer SA, Van Pinxteren M, Bunn C, Calderwood C, Chandler CIR, Chikumbu E, Crampin AC, Hurst JR, Jobe M, Kengne AP, Levitt NS, Moshabela M, Owolabi M, Peer N, Phiri N, Singh SJ, Tamuhla T, Tembo M, Tiffin N, Worrall E, Yongolo NM, Banda GT, Bickton F, Bilungula AMM, Bosire E, Chawani MS, Chinoko B, Chisala M, Chiwanda J, Drew S, Farrant L, Ferrand RA, Gondwe M, Gregson CL, Harding R, Kajungu D, Kasenda S, Katagira W, Kwaitana D, Mendenhall E, Mensah ABB, Mnenula M, Mupaza L, Mwakasungula M, Nakanga W, Ndhlovu C, Nkhoma K, Nkoka O, Opare-Lokko EA, Phulusa J, Price A, Rylance J, Salima C, Salimu S, Sturmberg J, Vale E, Limbani F. Interdisciplinary perspectives on multimorbidity in Africa: Developing an expanded conceptual model. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003434. [PMID: 39078807 PMCID: PMC11288440 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Multimorbidity is an emerging challenge for health systems globally. It is commonly defined as the co-occurrence of two or more chronic conditions in one person, but its meaning remains a lively area of academic debate, and the utility of the concept beyond high-income settings is uncertain. This article presents the findings from an interdisciplinary research initiative that drew together 60 academic and applied partners working in 10 African countries to answer the questions: how useful is the concept of multimorbidity within Africa? Can the concept be adapted to context to optimise its transformative potentials? During a three-day concept-building workshop, we investigated how the definition of multimorbidity was understood across diverse disciplinary and regional perspectives, evaluated the utility and limitations of existing concepts and definitions, and considered how to build a more context-sensitive, cross-cutting description of multimorbidity. This iterative process was guided by the principles of grounded theory and involved focus- and whole-group discussions during the workshop, thematic coding of workshop discussions, and further post-workshop development and refinement. Three thematic domains emerged from workshop discussions: the current focus of multimorbidity on constituent diseases; the potential for revised concepts to centre the priorities, needs, and social context of people living with multimorbidity (PLWMM); and the need for revised concepts to respond to varied conceptual priorities amongst stakeholders. These themes fed into the development of an expanded conceptual model that centres the catastrophic impacts multimorbidity can have for PLWMM, families and support structures, service providers, and health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Dixon
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Morton
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Misheck J. Nkhata
- SHLS Nursing and Midwifery, Teesside University, Middlesborough, United Kingdom
| | - Alan Silman
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim G. Simiyu
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen A. Spencer
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Myrna Van Pinxteren
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christopher Bunn
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
- College of Social Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Calderwood
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clare I. R. Chandler
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edith Chikumbu
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Amelia C. Crampin
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - John R. Hurst
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Modou Jobe
- MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - Andre Pascal Kengne
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, Durban, South Africa
| | - Naomi S. Levitt
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medicine and Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mosa Moshabela
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mayowa Owolabi
- Centre for Genomic and Precision Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Nasheeta Peer
- Non-communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nozgechi Phiri
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Sally J. Singh
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Tsaone Tamuhla
- South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mandikudza Tembo
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicki Tiffin
- South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eve Worrall
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nateiya M. Yongolo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Gift T. Banda
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Fanuel Bickton
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Edna Bosire
- Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
- SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Marlen S. Chawani
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Health Economics and Policy Unit, The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | - Mphatso Chisala
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jonathan Chiwanda
- Department of Non-communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Sarah Drew
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay Farrant
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rashida A. Ferrand
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mtisunge Gondwe
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Celia L. Gregson
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe, Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Musculoskeletal Research Unit, Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Harding
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dan Kajungu
- Makerere University Centre for Health and Population Research, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Stephen Kasenda
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Duncan Kwaitana
- Department of Family Medicine, The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Emily Mendenhall
- Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Adwoa Bemah Boamah Mensah
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Modai Mnenula
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | - Wisdom Nakanga
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Deanery of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Chiratidzo Ndhlovu
- Internal Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Kennedy Nkhoma
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, Cicely Saunders Institute, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Owen Nkoka
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
- College of Social Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Edwina Addo Opare-Lokko
- Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Faculty of Family Medicine, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jacob Phulusa
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alison Price
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jamie Rylance
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Charity Salima
- Achikondi Women and Community Friendly Health Services, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Sangwani Salimu
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Joachim Sturmberg
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- International Society of Systems and Complexity Sciences for Health, Waitsfield, VT, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Vale
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Felix Limbani
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
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Ibro SA, Kasim AZ, Seid SS, Abdusemed KA, Senbiro IA, Waga SS, Abamecha F, Azalework HG, Soboka M, Gebresilassie A, Tesfaye S, Abafogi AA, Merga H, Husen A, Beyene DT. Mapping the evidence on integrated service delivery for non-communicable and infectious disease comorbidity in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a scoping review. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e084740. [PMID: 38904125 PMCID: PMC11191815 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-084740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The concurrent occurrence of infectious diseases (IDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) presents complex healthcare challenges in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where healthcare systems often grapple with limited resources. While an integrated care approach has been advocated to address these complex challenges, there is a recognised gap in comprehensive evidence regarding the various models of integrated care, their components and the feasibility of their implementation. This scoping review aims to bridge this gap by examining the breadth and nature of evidence on integrated care models for NCDs and IDs within SSA, thereby updating the current evidence base in the domain. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework for scoping reviews, this study will include peer-reviewed and grey literature reporting on integrated care models for NCD-ID comorbidities in SSA. A comprehensive search of published sources in electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Health System Evidence and Research4Life) and grey literature (Google Scholar, EBSCO Open Dissertations and relevant organisational websites) will be conducted to identify sources of information reported in English from 2018 onwards. The review will consider sources of evidence reporting on integrated care model for NCDs such as diabetes; chronic cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney diseases; cancers; epilepsy; and mental illness, and comorbid IDs such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria. All sources of evidence will be considered irrespective of the study designs or methods used. The review will exclude sources that solely focus on the differentiated or patient-centred care delivery approach, and that focus on other conditions, populations or settings. The reviewers will independently screen the sources for eligibility and extract data using a JBI-adapted data tool on the Parsifal review platform. Data will be analysed using descriptive and thematic analyses and results will be presented in tables, figures, diagrams and a narrative summary. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval is not required for this review as it will synthesise published data and does not involve human participants. The final report will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The findings will be used to inform future research. STUDY REGISTRATION OSF: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/KFVEY.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Fira Abamecha
- Health, Behavior and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hailu Merga
- Epidemiology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Joseph L, Krishnan A, Lekha TR, Sasidharan N, Thulaseedharan JV, Valamparampil MJ, Harikrishnan S, Greenfield S, Gill P, Davies J, Manaseki-Holland S, Jeemon P. Experiences and challenges of people living with multiple long-term conditions in managing their care in primary care settings in Kerala, India: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305430. [PMID: 38870110 PMCID: PMC11175503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multimorbidity or multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs), the coexistence of two or more chronic conditions within an individual, presents a growing concern for healthcare systems and individuals' well-being. However, we know little about the experiences of those living with MLTCs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) such as India. We explore how people living with MLTCs describe their illness, their engagements with healthcare services, and challenges they face within primary care settings in Kerala, India. METHODS We designed a qualitative descriptive study and conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 31 people (16 males and 15 females) from family health centres (FHCs) in Kerala. Interview data were recorded, transcribed, and thematic analysis using the Framework Method was undertaken. FINDINGS Two main themes and three sub-themes each were identified; (1) Illness impacts on life (a)physical issues (b) psychological difficulties (c) challenges of self-management and (2) Care-coordination maze (a)fragmentation and poor continuity of care (b) medication management; an uphill battle and (c) primary care falling short. All participants reported physical and psychological challenges associated with their MLTCs. Younger participants reported difficulties in their professional lives, while older participants found household activities challenging. Emotional struggles encompassed feelings of hopelessness and fear rooted in concerns about chronic illness and physical limitations. Older participants, adhering to Kerala's familial support norms, often found themselves emotionally distressed by the notion of burdening their children. Challenges in self-management, such as dietary restrictions, medication adherence, and physical activity engagement, were common. The study highlighted difficulties in coordinating care, primarily related to traveling to multiple healthcare facilities, and patients' perceptions of FHCs as fit for diabetes and hypertension management rather than their multiple conditions. Additionally, participants struggled to manage the task of remembering and consistently taking multiple medications, which was compounded by confusion and memory-related issues. CONCLUSION This study offers an in-depth view of the experiences of individuals living with MLTCs from Kerala, India. It emphasizes the need for tailored and patient-centred approaches that enhance continuity and coordination of care to manage complex MLTCs in India and similar LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linju Joseph
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Athira Krishnan
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India
| | | | - Neethu Sasidharan
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India
| | | | | | | | - Sheila Greenfield
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paramjit Gill
- Academic Unit of Primary Care (AUPC) Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Justine Davies
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Semira Manaseki-Holland
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Panniyammakal Jeemon
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Kwaitana D, Bates MJ, Msowoya E, van Breevoort D, Mildestvedt T, Meland E, Umar E. Primary health care challenges: insights from older people with multimorbidity in Malawi - a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1434. [PMID: 38811955 PMCID: PMC11134922 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18947-3] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global population is undergoing a significant surge in aging leading to increased susceptibility to various forms of progressive illnesses. This phenomenon significantly impacts both individual health and healthcare systems. Low and Middle Income Countries face particular challenges, as their Primary Health Care (PHC) settings often lack the necessary human and material resources to effectively address the escalating healthcare demands of the older people. This study set out to explore the experiences of older people living with progressive multimorbidity in accessing PHC services in Malawi. METHODS Between July 2022 and January 2023, a total of sixty in-depth interviews were conducted with dyads of individuals aged ≥ 50 years and their caregivers, and twelve healthcare workers in three public hospitals across Malawi's three administrative regions. The study employed a stratified selection of sites, ensuring representation from rural, peri-urban, and urban settings, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of diverse perspectives. Guided by the Andersen-Newman theoretical framework, the study assessed the barriers, facilitators, and need factors influencing PHC service access and utilization by the older people. RESULTS Three themes, consistent across all sites emerged, encompassing barriers, facilitators, and need factors respectively. The themes include: (1) clinic environment: inconvenient clinic setup, reliable PHC services and research on diabetic foods; (2) geographical factors: available means of transportation, bad road conditions, lack of comprehensive PHC services at local health facility and need for community approaches; and (3) social and personal factors: encompassing use of alternative medicine, perceived health care benefit and support with startup capital for small-scale businesses. CONCLUSION This research highlights the impact of various factors on older people's access to and use of PHC services. A comprehensive understanding of the barriers, facilitators, and specific needs of older people is essential for developing tailored services that effectively address their unique challenges and preferences. The study underscores the necessity of community-based approaches to improve PHC access for this demographic. Engaging multiple stakeholders is important to tackle the diverse challenges, enhance PHC services at all levels, and facilitate access for older people living with progressive multimorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duncan Kwaitana
- Department of Family Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | - Maya Jane Bates
- Department of Family Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | - Thomas Mildestvedt
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eivind Meland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eric Umar
- Department of Health Systems and Policy, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
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Nkoka O, Munthali-Mkandawire S, Mwandira K, Nindi P, Dube A, Nyanjagha I, Mainjeni A, Malava J, Amoah AS, McLean E, Stewart RC, Crampin AC, Price AJ. Association between physical multimorbidity and common mental health disorders in rural and urban Malawian settings: Preliminary findings from Healthy Lives Malawi long-term conditions survey. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002955. [PMID: 38574079 PMCID: PMC10994288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
In low-income Africa, the epidemiology of physical multimorbidity and associated mental health conditions is not well described. We investigated the multimorbidity burden, disease combinations, and relationship between physical multimorbidity and common mental health disorders in rural and urban Malawi using early data from 9,849 adults recruited to an on-going large cross-sectional study on long-term conditions, initiated in 2021. Multimorbidity was defined as having two or more measured (diabetes, hypertension) or self-reported (diabetes, hypertension, disability, chronic pain, HIV, asthma, stroke, heart disease, and epilepsy) conditions. Depression and anxiety symptoms were measured using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the 7-item General Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) and defined by the total score (range 0-27 and 0-21, respectively). We determined age-standardized multimorbidity prevalence and condition combinations. Additionally, we used multiple linear regression models to examine the association between physical multimorbidity and depression and anxiety symptom scores. Of participants, 81% were rural dwelling, 56% were female, and the median age was 30 years (Inter Quartile Range 21-43). The age-standardized urban and rural prevalence of multimorbidity was 14.1% (95% CI, 12.5-15.8%) and 12.2% (95% CI, 11.6-12.9%), respectively. In adults with two conditions, hypertension, and disability co-occurred most frequently (18%), and in those with three conditions, hypertension, disability, and chronic pain were the most common combination (23%). Compared to adults without physical conditions, having one (B-Coefficient (B) 0.79; 95% C1 0.63-0.94%), two- (B 1.36; 95% CI 1.14-1.58%), and three- or more- physical conditions (B 2.23; 95% CI 1.86-2.59%) were associated with increasing depression score, p-trend <0.001. A comparable 'dose-response' relationship was observed between physical multimorbidity and anxiety symptom scores. While the direction of observed associations cannot be determined with these cross-sectional data, our findings highlight the burden of multimorbidity and the need to integrate mental and physical health service delivery in Malawi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen Nkoka
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kondwani Mwandira
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Providence Nindi
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Albert Dube
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Angella Mainjeni
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Jullita Malava
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Abena S. Amoah
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Estelle McLean
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert C. Stewart
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Amelia C. Crampin
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
- School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison J. Price
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Mbokazi N, van Pinxteren M, Murphy K, Mair FS, May CR, Levitt NS. Ubuntu as a mediator in coping with multimorbidity treatment burden in a disadvantaged rural and urban setting in South Africa. Soc Sci Med 2023; 334:116190. [PMID: 37659263 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116190] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with multimorbidity in economically precarious circumstances in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experience a high workload trying to meet self-management demands. However, in countries such as South Africa, the availability of social networks and support structures may improve patient capacity, especially when networks are governed by cultural patterns linked to the Pan-African philosophy of Ubuntu, which promotes solidarity through humanness and human dignity. We explore the mediating role Ubuntu plays in people's ability to self-manage HIV/NCD multimorbidity in underprivileged settings in urban and rural South Africa. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 patients living with HIV/NCD multimorbidity between February-April 2022. Patients attended public health clinics in Gugulethu, Cape Town and Bulungula, Eastern Cape. We analysed interviews using framework analysis, using the Cumulative Complexity Model (CuCoM) and Burden of Treatment Theory (BoTT) as frameworks through which to conceptualise the data. RESULTS Despite facing economic hardship, people with multimorbidity in South Africa were able to cope with their workload. They actively used and mobilized family relations and external networks that supported them financially, practically, and emotionally, allowing them to better self-manage their chronic conditions. Embedded in their everyday life, patients, often unconsciously, embraced Ubuntu and its core values, including togetherness, solidarity, and receiving Imbeko (respect) from health workers. This enabled participants to share their treatment workload and increase self-management capacity. CONCLUSION Ubuntu is an important mediator for people living with multimorbidity in South Africa, as it allows them to navigate their treatment workload and increase their social capital and structural resilience, which is key to self-management capacity. Incorporating Ubuntu and linked African support theories into current treatment burden models will enable better understandings of patients' collective support and can inform the development of context-specific social health interventions that fit the needs of people living with chronic conditions in African settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonzuzo Mbokazi
- Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Myrna van Pinxteren
- Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Katherine Murphy
- Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Frances S Mair
- Institute of Health and Well-Being, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Carl R May
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, NIHR North Thames Applied Research Collaboration, UK
| | - Naomi S Levitt
- Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Otieno P, Asiki G, Wilunda C, Wami W, Agyemang C. Cardiometabolic multimorbidity and associated patterns of healthcare utilization and quality of life: Results from the Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) Wave 2 in Ghana. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002215. [PMID: 37585386 PMCID: PMC10431646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the patterns of multimorbidity, defined as the co-occurrence of more than one chronic condition, is important for planning health system capacity and response. This study assessed the association of different cardiometabolic multimorbidity combinations with healthcare utilization and quality of life (QoL). Data were from the World Health Organization (WHO) study on global AGEing and adult health Wave 2 (2015) conducted in Ghana. We analysed the clustering of cardiometabolic diseases including angina, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension with unrelated conditions such as asthma, chronic lung disease, arthritis, cataract and depression. The clusters of adults with cardiometabolic multimorbidity were identified using latent class analysis and agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithms. We used negative binomial regression to determine the association of multimorbidity combinations with outpatient visits. The association of multimorbidity clusters with hospitalization and QoL were assessed using multivariable logistic and linear regressions. Data from 3,128 adults aged over 50 years were analysed. We identified four distinct classes of multimorbidity: relatively "healthy class" with no multimorbidity (47.9%): abdominal obesity only (40.7%): cardiometabolic and arthritis class comprising participants with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, abdominal and general obesity, arthritis and cataract (5.7%); and cardiopulmonary and depression class including participants with angina, chronic lung disease, asthma, and depression (5.7%). Relative to the class with no multimorbidity, the cardiopulmonary and depression class was associated with a higher frequency of outpatient visits [β = 0.3; 95% CI 0.1 to 0.6] and higher odds of hospitalization [aOR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.0 to 3.7]. However, cardiometabolic and arthritis class was associated with a higher frequency of outpatient visits [β = 0.8; 95% CI 0.3 to 1.2] and not hospitalization [aOR = 1.1; 95% CI 0.5 to 2.9]. The mean QoL scores was lowest among participants in the cardiopulmonary and depression class [β = -4.8; 95% CI -7.3 to -2.3] followed by the cardiometabolic and arthritis class [β = -3.9; 95% CI -6.4 to -1.4]. Our findings show that cardiometabolic multimorbidity among older persons in Ghana cluster together in distinct patterns that differ in healthcare utilization. This evidence may be used in healthcare planning to optimize treatment and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Otieno
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gershim Asiki
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Welcome Wami
- Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Global Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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van Pinxteren M, Mbokazi N, Murphy K, Mair FS, May C, Levitt N. The impact of persistent precarity on patients' capacity to manage their treatment burden: A comparative qualitative study between urban and rural patients with multimorbidity in South Africa. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1061190. [PMID: 37064034 PMCID: PMC10098191 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1061190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background People living with multimorbidity in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) experience a high workload trying to meet the demands of self-management. In an unequal society like South Africa, many people face continuous economic uncertainty, which can impact on their capacity to manage their illnesses and lead to poor health outcomes. Using precariousness - the real and perceived impact of uncertainty - as a lens, this paper aims to identify, characterise, and understand the workload and capacity associated with self-management amongst people with multimorbidity living in precarious circumstances in urban and rural South Africa. Methods We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with 30 patients with HIV and co-morbidities between February and April 2021. Patients were attending public clinics in Cape Town (Western Cape) and Bulungula (Eastern Cape). Interviews were transcribed and data analysed using qualitative framework analysis. Burden of Treatment Theory (BoTT) and the Cumulative Complexity Model (CuCoM) were used as theoretical lenses through which to conceptualise the data. Results People with multimorbidity in rural and urban South Africa experienced multi-faceted precariousness, including financial and housing insecurity, dangerous living circumstances and exposure to violence. Women felt unsafe in their communities and sometimes their homes, whilst men struggled with substance use and a lack of social support. Older patients relied on small income grants often shared with others, whilst younger patients struggled to find stable employment and combine self-management with family responsibilities. Precariousness impacted access to health services and information and peoples' ability to buy healthy foods and out-of-pocket medication, thus increasing their treatment burden and reducing their capacity. Conclusion This study highlights that precariousness reduces the capacity and increases treatment burden for patients with multimorbidity in low-income settings in South Africa. Precariousness is both accumulative and cyclic, as financial insecurity impacts every aspect of peoples' daily lives. Findings emphasise that current models examining treatment burden need to be adapted to accommodate patients' experiences in low-income settings and address cumulative precariousness. Understanding treatment burden and capacity for patients in LMICs is a crucial first step to redesign health systems which aim to improve self-management and offer comprehensive person-centred care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrna van Pinxteren
- Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nonzuzo Mbokazi
- Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katherine Murphy
- Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Frances S. Mair
- School of Health and Well-Being, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Carl May
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR North Thames Applied Research Collaboration, London, United Kingdom
| | - Naomi Levitt
- Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Eyowas FA, Schneider M, Alemu S, Getahun FA. Experience of living with multimorbidity and health workers perspectives on the organization of health services for people living with multiple chronic conditions in Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:232. [PMID: 36890489 PMCID: PMC9995260 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09250-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multimorbidity-the simultaneous occurrence of two or more chronic Non-Communicable Diseases) in an individual is increasing globally and challenging health systems. Although individuals living with multimorbidity face a range of adverse consequences and difficulty in getting optimal health care, the evidence base in understanding the burden and capacity of the health system in managing multimorbidity is sparse in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed at understanding the lived experiences of patients with multimorbidity and perspective of service providers on multimorbidity and its care provision, and perceived capacity of the health system for managing multimorbidity in Bahir Dar City, northwest Ethiopia. METHODS A facility-based phenomenological study design was conducted in three public and three private health facilities rendering chronic outpatient Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) care in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. Nineteen patient participants with two or more chronic NCDs and nine health care providers (six medical doctors and three nurses) were purposively selected and interviewed using semi-structured in-depth interview guides. Data were collected by trained researchers. Interviews were audio-recorded using digital recorders, stored and transferred to computers, transcribed verbatim by the data collectors, translated into English and then imported into NVivo V.12 software for data analysis. We employed a six-step inductive thematic framework analysis approach to construct meaning and interpret experiences and perceptions of individual patients and service providers. Codes were identified and categorized into sub-themes, organizing themes and main themes iteratively to identify similarities and differences across themes, and to interpret them accordingly. RESULTS A total of 19 patient participants (5 Females) and nine health workers (2 females) responded to the interviews. Participants' age ranged from 39 to 79 years for patients and 30 to 50 years for health professionals. About half (n = 9) of the participants had three or more chronic conditions. The key themes produced were feeling dependency, social rejection, psychological distress, poor medication adherence and poor quality of care. Living with multimorbidity poses a huge burden on the physical, psychological, social and sexual health of patients. In addition, patients with multimorbidity are facing financial hardship to access optimal multimorbidity care. On the other hand, the health system is not appropriately prepared to provide integrated, person-centered and coordinated care for people living with multiple chronic conditions. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS Living with multimorbidity poses huge impact on physical, psychological, social and sexual health of patients. Patients seeking multimorbidity care are facing challenges to access care attributable to either financial constraints or the lack of integrated, respectful and compassionate health care. It is recommended that the health system must understand and respond to the complex care needs of the patients with multimorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fantu Abebe Eyowas
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
| | - Marguerite Schneider
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health University of Cape Town, Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shitaye Alemu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Fentie Ambaw Getahun
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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Banda GT, Bosire E, Bunn C, Chandler CI, Chikumbu E, Chiwanda J, Dixon J, Ferrand RA, Kengne AP, Limbani F, Mendenhall E, Morton B, Moshabela M, Peer N, Salimu S, Silman A, Simiyu IG, Spencer SA, Tamuhla T, Tiffin N, Yongolo NM. Multimorbidity research in Sub-Saharan Africa: Proceedings of an interdisciplinary workshop. Wellcome Open Res 2023. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18850.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As life expectancies rise globally, the number of people living with multiple chronic health conditions – commonly referred to as ‘multimorbidity’ – is rising. Multimorbidity has been recognised as especially challenging to respond to in countries whose health systems are under-funded, fragmented, and designed primarily for acute care, including in sub-Saharan Africa. A growing body of research in sub-Saharan Africa has sought to better understand the particular challenges multimorbidity poses in the region and to develop context-sensitive responses. However, with multimorbidity still crystallising as a subject of enquiry, there remains considerable heterogeneity in conceptualising multimorbidity across disciplines and fields, hindering coordinated action. In June 2022, 60 researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders with regional expertise from nine sub-Saharan African countries gathered in Blantyre, Malawi to discuss ongoing multimorbidity research across the region. Drawing on insights from disciplines including epidemiology, public health, clinical medicine, anthropology, history, and sociology, participants critically considered the meaning, singular potential, and limitations of the concept of multimorbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. The workshop emphasised the need to move beyond a disease-centred concept of multimorbidity to one foregrounding patients’ values, needs, and social context; the importance of foregrounding structures and systems rather than behaviour and lifestyles; the value of a flexible (rather than standard) definition of multimorbidity; and the need to leverage local knowledge, expertise, resources, and infrastructure. The workshop further served as a platform for exploring opportunities for training, writing, and ongoing collaboration.
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Dixon J, Mendenhall E, Bosire EN, Limbani F, Ferrand RA, Chandler CIR. Making morbidity multiple: History, legacies, and possibilities for global health. JOURNAL OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND COMORBIDITY 2023; 13:26335565231164973. [PMID: 37008536 PMCID: PMC10052471 DOI: 10.1177/26335565231164973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Multimorbidity has been framed as a pressing global health challenge that exposes the limits of systems organised around single diseases. This article seeks to expand and strengthen current thinking around multimorbidity by analysing its construction within the field of global health. We suggest that the significance of multimorbidity lies not only in challenging divisions between disease categories but also in what it reveals about the culture and history of transnational biomedicine. Drawing on social research from sub-Saharan Africa to ground our arguments, we begin by describing the historical processes through which morbidity was made divisible in biomedicine and how the single disease became integral not only to disease control but to the extension of biopolitical power. Multimorbidity, we observe, is hoped to challenge single disease approaches but is assembled from the same problematic, historically-loaded categories that it exposes as breaking down. Next, we highlight the consequences of such classificatory legacies in everyday lives and suggest why frameworks and interventions to integrate care have tended to have limited traction in practice. Finally, we argue that efforts to align priorities and disciplines around a standardised biomedical definition of multimorbidity risks retracing the same steps. We call for transdisciplinary work across the field of global health around a more holistic, reflexive understanding of multimorbidity that foregrounds the culture and history of translocated biomedicine, the intractability of single disease thinking, and its often-adverse consequences in local worlds. We outline key domains within the architecture of global health where transformation is needed, including care delivery, medical training, the organisation of knowledge and expertise, global governance, and financing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Dixon
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU ZIM), Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Emily Mendenhall
- Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
- Faculty of Health Sciences, SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Edna N Bosire
- Faculty of Health Sciences, SAMRC Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Felix Limbani
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Rashida A Ferrand
- The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU ZIM), Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Clare I R Chandler
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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15
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van Pinxteren M, Mbokazi N, Murphy K, Mair FS, May C, Levitt NS. Using qualitative study designs to understand treatment burden and capacity for self-care among patients with HIV/NCD multimorbidity in South Africa: A methods paper. JOURNAL OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND COMORBIDITY 2023; 13:26335565231168041. [PMID: 37057034 PMCID: PMC10088413 DOI: 10.1177/26335565231168041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including South Africa, are currently experiencing multiple epidemics: HIV and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), leading to different patterns of multimorbidity (the occurrence of two or more chronic conditions) than experienced in high income settings. These adversely affect health outcomes, increase patients' perceived burden of treatment, and impact the workload of self-management. This paper outlines the methods used in a qualitative study exploring burden of treatment among people living with HIV/NCD multimorbidity in South Africa. Methods We undertook a comparative qualitative study to examine the interaction between individuals' treatment burden (self-management workload) and their capacity to take on this workload, using the dual lenses of Burden of Treatment Theory (BoTT) and Cumulative Complexity Model (CuCoM) to aid conceptualisation of the data. We interviewed 30 people with multimorbidity and 16 carers in rural Eastern Cape and urban Cape Town between February-April 2021. Data was analysed through framework analysis. Findings This paper discusses the methodological procedures considered when conducting qualitative research among people with multimorbidity in low-income settings in South Africa. We highlight the decisions made when developing the research design, recruiting participants, and selecting field-sites. We also explore data analysis processes and reflect on the positionality of the research project and researchers. Conclusion This paper illustrates the decision-making processes conducting this qualitative research and may be helpful in informing future research aiming to qualitatively investigate treatment burden among patients in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrna van Pinxteren
- Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nonzuzo Mbokazi
- Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Katherine Murphy
- Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Frances S Mair
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; NIHR North Thames Applied Research Collaboration, London, UK
| | - Carl May
- School of Health and Well-Being, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Naomi S Levitt
- Chronic Disease Initiative for Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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Gumede D, Meyer-Weitz A, Edwards A, Seeley J. Understanding older peoples' chronic disease self-management practices and challenges in the context of grandchildren caregiving: A qualitative study in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000895. [PMID: 36962615 PMCID: PMC10021571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
While chronic diseases are amongst the major health burdens of older South Africans, the responsibilities of caring for grandchildren, by mostly grandmothers, may further affect older people's health and well-being. There is a paucity of information about chronic disease self-management for older people in the context of grandchildren caregiving in sub-Saharan Africa. Guided by the Self-Management Framework, the purpose of this qualitative methods study was to explore the chronic disease self-management practices and challenges of grandparent caregivers in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Eighteen repeat in-depth interviews were carried out with six grandparent caregivers aged 56 to 80 years over 12 months. Thematic analysis was conducted based on the Self-Management Framework. Pathways into self-management of chronic illnesses were identified: living with a chronic illness, focusing on illness needs, and activating resources. Self-perceptions of caregiving dictated that grandmothers, as women, have the responsibility of caring for grandchildren when they themselves needed care, lived in poverty, and with chronic illnesses that require self-management. However, despite the hardship, the gendered role of caring for grandchildren brought meaning to the grandmothers' lives and supported self-management due to the reciprocal relationship with grandchildren, although chronic illness self-management was complicated where relationships between grandmothers and grandchildren were estranged. The study findings demonstrate that grandchildren caregiving and self-management of chronic conditions are inextricably linked. Optimal self-management of chronic diseases must be seen within a larger context that simultaneously addresses chronic diseases, while paying attention to the intersection of socio-cultural factors with self-management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dumile Gumede
- Centre for General Education, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Anna Meyer-Weitz
- School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anita Edwards
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Janet Seeley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Skou ST, Mair FS, Fortin M, Guthrie B, Nunes BP, Miranda JJ, Boyd CM, Pati S, Mtenga S, Smith SM. Multimorbidity. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2022; 8:48. [PMID: 35835758 PMCID: PMC7613517 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-022-00376-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 138.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multimorbidity (two or more coexisting conditions in an individual) is a growing global challenge with substantial effects on individuals, carers and society. Multimorbidity occurs a decade earlier in socioeconomically deprived communities and is associated with premature death, poorer function and quality of life and increased health-care utilization. Mechanisms underlying the development of multimorbidity are complex, interrelated and multilevel, but are related to ageing and underlying biological mechanisms and broader determinants of health such as socioeconomic deprivation. Little is known about prevention of multimorbidity, but focusing on psychosocial and behavioural factors, particularly population level interventions and structural changes, is likely to be beneficial. Most clinical practice guidelines and health-care training and delivery focus on single diseases, leading to care that is sometimes inadequate and potentially harmful. Multimorbidity requires person-centred care, prioritizing what matters most to the individual and the individual's carers, ensuring care that is effectively coordinated and minimally disruptive, and aligns with the patient's values. Interventions are likely to be complex and multifaceted. Although an increasing number of studies have examined multimorbidity interventions, there is still limited evidence to support any approach. Greater investment in multimorbidity research and training along with reconfiguration of health care supporting the management of multimorbidity is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren T Skou
- Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
- The Research Unit PROgrez, Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Region Zealand, Slagelse, Denmark.
| | - Frances S Mair
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Martin Fortin
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruce Guthrie
- Advanced Care Research Centre, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Bruno P Nunes
- Postgraduate Program in Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - J Jaime Miranda
- CRONICAS Center of Excellence in Chronic Diseases, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
- The George Institute for Global Health, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Cynthia M Boyd
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sanghamitra Pati
- ICMR Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sally Mtenga
- Department of Health System Impact Evaluation and Policy, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Susan M Smith
- Discipline of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, Trinity College Dublin, Russell Building, Tallaght Cross, Dublin, Ireland
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