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Forse R, Nguyen TT, Dam T, Vo LNQ, Codlin AJ, Caws M, Minh HDT, Nguyen LH, Nguyen HB, Nguyen NV, Lönnroth K, Annerstedt KS. A qualitative assessment on the acceptability of providing cash transfers and social health insurance for tuberculosis-affected families in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002439. [PMID: 38055709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
To achieve the Sustainable Development Goal's targets of universal health coverage (UHC) and poverty reduction, interventions are required that strengthen and harmonize both UHC and social protection. Vietnam is committed to achieving financial protection and over 90% of the general population has enrolled in its social health insurance (SHI) scheme. However, an estimated 63% of tuberculosis (TB)-affected households in Vietnam still face catastrophic costs and little is known about the optimal strategies to mitigate the costs of TB care for vulnerable families. This study assessed the acceptability of a social protection package containing cash transfers and SHI using individual interviews (n = 19) and focus group discussions (n = 3 groups). Interviews were analyzed through framework analysis. The study's main finding indicated that both conditional and unconditional cash transfers paired with SHI were acceptable, across six dimensions of acceptability. Cash transfers were considered beneficial for mitigating out-of-pocket expenditure, increasing TB treatment adherence, and improving mental health and general well-being, but the value provided was inadequate to fully alleviate the economic burden of the illness. The conditionality of the cash transfers was not viewed by participants as inappropriate, but it increased the workload of the TB program, which brought into question the feasibility of scale-up. SHI was viewed as a necessity by almost all participants, but people with TB questioned the quality of care received when utilizing it for auxiliary TB services. Access to multiple sources of social protection was deemed necessary to fully offset the costs of TB care. Additional research is needed to assess the impact of cash transfer interventions on health and economic outcomes in order to create an enabling policy environment for scale-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Forse
- Friends for International TB Relief, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, WHO Collaboration Centre on Tuberculosis and Social Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Thu Dam
- Friends for International TB Relief, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Luan Nguyen Quang Vo
- Friends for International TB Relief, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, WHO Collaboration Centre on Tuberculosis and Social Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrew James Codlin
- Friends for International TB Relief, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, WHO Collaboration Centre on Tuberculosis and Social Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maxine Caws
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Hoa Binh Nguyen
- National Lung Hospital/National TB Control Programme, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Nhung Viet Nguyen
- National Lung Hospital/National TB Control Programme, Hanoi, Vietnam
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Knut Lönnroth
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, WHO Collaboration Centre on Tuberculosis and Social Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristi Sidney Annerstedt
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, WHO Collaboration Centre on Tuberculosis and Social Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
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Pham TAM, Forse R, Codlin AJ, Phan THY, Nguyen TT, Nguyen N, Vo LNQ, Dat PT, Minh HDT, Nguyen LH, Nguyen HB, Nguyen NV, Bodfish M, Lönnroth K, Wingfield T, Annerstedt KS. Determinants of catastrophic costs among households affected by multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam: a prospective cohort study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2372. [PMID: 38042797 PMCID: PMC10693707 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17078-5] [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: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, most people with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and their households experience catastrophic costs of illness, diagnosis, and care. However, the factors associated with experiencing catastrophic costs are poorly understood. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with catastrophic costs incurrence among MDR-TB-affected households in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Viet Nam. METHODS Between October 2020 and April 2022, data were collected using a locally-adapted, longitudinal WHO TB Patient Cost Survey in ten districts of HCMC. Ninety-four people with MDR-TB being treated with a nine-month TB regimen were surveyed at three time points: after two weeks of treatment initiation, completion of the intensive phase and the end of the treatment (approximately five and 10 months post-treatment initiation respectively). The catastrophic costs threshold was defined as total TB-related costs exceeding 20% of annual pre-TB household income. Logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with experiencing catastrophic costs. A sensitivity analysis examined the prevalence of catastrophic costs using alternative thresholds and cost estimation approaches. RESULTS Most participants (81/93 [87%]) experienced catastrophic costs despite the majority 86/93 (93%) receiving economic support through existing social protection schemes. Among participant households experiencing and not experiencing catastrophic costs, median household income was similar before MDR-TB treatment. However, by the end of MDR-TB treatment, median household income was lower (258 [IQR: 0-516] USD vs. 656 [IQR: 462-989] USD; p = 0.003), and median income loss was higher (2838 [IQR: 1548-5418] USD vs. 301 [IQR: 0-824] USD; p < 0.001) amongst the participant households who experienced catastrophic costs. Being the household's primary income earner before MDR-TB treatment (aOR = 11.2 [95% CI: 1.6-80.5]), having a lower educational level (aOR = 22.3 [95% CI: 1.5-344.1]) and becoming unemployed at the beginning of MDR-TB treatment (aOR = 35.6 [95% CI: 2.7-470.3]) were associated with experiencing catastrophic costs. CONCLUSION Despite good social protection coverage, most people with MDR-TB in HCMC experienced catastrophic costs. Incurrence of catastrophic costs was independently associated with being the household's primary income earner or being unemployed. Revision and expansion of strategies to mitigate TB-related catastrophic costs, in particular avoiding unemployment and income loss, are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Anh Mai Pham
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Medicine and Tuberculosis, Department of Global Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rachel Forse
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Medicine and Tuberculosis, Department of Global Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Friends for International TB Relief, 1/21 Le Van Luong, Nhan Chinh, Thanh Xuan, Ha Noi, Viet Nam.
| | - Andrew J Codlin
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Medicine and Tuberculosis, Department of Global Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Friends for International TB Relief, 1/21 Le Van Luong, Nhan Chinh, Thanh Xuan, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Thi Hoang Yen Phan
- Centre for Development of Community Health Initiatives, 1/21 Le Van Luong, Nhan Chinh, Thanh Xuan, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Thanh Thi Nguyen
- Centre for Development of Community Health Initiatives, 1/21 Le Van Luong, Nhan Chinh, Thanh Xuan, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Nga Nguyen
- Friends for International TB Relief, 1/21 Le Van Luong, Nhan Chinh, Thanh Xuan, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Luan Nguyen Quang Vo
- Centre for Development of Community Health Initiatives, 1/21 Le Van Luong, Nhan Chinh, Thanh Xuan, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Phan Thuong Dat
- Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital, 120 Hong Bang, Ward12, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Ha Dang Thi Minh
- Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital, 120 Hong Bang, Ward12, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Lan Huu Nguyen
- Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital, 120 Hong Bang, Ward12, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Hoa Binh Nguyen
- National Lung Hospital/National TB Control Programme, 463 Hoang Hoa Tham, Vinh Phu, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Nhung Viet Nguyen
- National Lung Hospital/National TB Control Programme, 463 Hoang Hoa Tham, Vinh Phu, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
| | - Miranda Bodfish
- CDC Foundation, 600 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1000, Atlanta, USA
| | - Knut Lönnroth
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Medicine and Tuberculosis, Department of Global Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tom Wingfield
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Medicine and Tuberculosis, Department of Global Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, L3 5QA, Merseyside, UK
- Tropical and Infectious Disease Unit, Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, L7 8XP, Merseyside, UK
| | - Kristi Sidney Annerstedt
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Medicine and Tuberculosis, Department of Global Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Quan NK, Taylor-Robinson AW. Vietnam's Evolving Healthcare System: Notable Successes and Significant Challenges. Cureus 2023; 15:e40414. [PMID: 37456482 PMCID: PMC10348075 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
From regional and rural grassroots to a nationwide level, Vietnam has established a four-tiered hierarchical healthcare system, comprising national, provincial, district, and commune healthcare centers. Over the last three decades, alongside increasing provision of universal health insurance coverage and cutting healthcare expenditure, the country has demonstrated its dedication to preventative medicine and health promotion. Recent investment in research, development, and production has led to "homegrown" vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 now undergoing clinical trial. Nevertheless, despite substantial progress in improving health outcomes for the entire population, the healthcare sector experiences significant challenges. The current public system is paper-based, requires digitalization, and lacks information technology support. In common with many other countries, there is a vast disparity in the distribution of healthcare professionals between cities and rural areas, as well as between private and public sectors. Consequently, public healthcare in remote locations is particularly underserved. Moreover, ongoing underfunding caused by high out-of-pocket expenses for the average salary, as well as stigmatization of sensitive health issues by a largely conservative populace, demand a well-articulated and culturally sensitive approach. As the level of smartphone ownership and internet coverage are both comparatively high for Southeast Asia, the introduction of telemedicine, mobile health applications, and other digital health solutions may be both practicable and beneficial. Importantly, in order to develop healthcare facilities and reduce patient direct payments, the key issue of funding must be addressed. In order to overcome disease-related stigma, a locally tailored program of community education, awareness, and engagement is required. In summary, in several ways, Vietnam provides a role model for developing healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries. There are undoubted hurdles to overcome, but the country continues to construct a healthcare system that is accessible and affordable for the majority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen K Quan
- Epidemiology and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, VinUniversity, Hanoi, VNM
| | - Andrew W Taylor-Robinson
- Epidemiology and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, VinUniversity, Hanoi, VNM
- Epidemiology and Public Health, Center for Global Health, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
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Reuter A, Furin J. Treatment of Infection as a Core Strategy to Prevent Rifampicin-Resistant/Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050728. [PMID: 37242398 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
An estimated 19 million people are infected with rifampicin-resistant/multidrug-resistant strains of tuberculosis worldwide. There is little done to prevent these individuals from becoming sick with RR/MDR-TB, a disease that is associated with high rates of morbidity, mortality, and suffering. There are multiple phase III trials currently being conducted to assess the effectiveness of treatment of infection (i.e., "preventive therapy") for RR/MDR-TB, but their results are likely years away. In the meantime, there is sufficient evidence to support a more comprehensive management of people who have been exposed to RR/MDR-TB so that they can maintain their health. We present a patient scenario and share our experience in implementing a systematic post-exposure management program in South Africa with the goal of inspiring similar programs in other high-burden RR/MDR-TB settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Reuter
- The Sentinel Project on Pediatric Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis, Cape Town 7405, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Furin
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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