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Engdawork K, Tadele G, Anagnostopoulou V, Nahar P, Davey G, Zaman S. Improving health behaviours and attitudes around podoconiosis in Northern Western Ethiopia: Implementation and intervention effectiveness. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012507. [PMID: 39283920 PMCID: PMC11426432 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012507] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 09/26/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessing how interventions are implemented is essential to understanding why interventions may or may not achieve their intended outcomes. There is little evidence about how interventions against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are being implemented. Guided by the Context and Implementation of Complex Intervention (CICI) framework, we evaluated an ongoing intervention against the NTD podoconiosis to examine the implementation process and its effectiveness in terms of improving shoe wearing practices, increasing knowledge and reducing stigmatizing attitudes towards podoconiosis in rural Ethiopia. METHODS We employed an exploratory mixed methods approach, qualitative followed by quantitative, between April and July 2022 to assess implementation agents, theory, strategy, process and outcomes of the intervention. We conducted document analysis, observations, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and key informant interviews for the qualitative phase. We administered a survey to 369 rural residents, of whom 42 were affected by podoconiosis. RESULTS The implementers utilized government healthcare centers in a bid to mainstream podoconiosis services within local healthcare structures. The implementers provided training for health professionals and the public and distributed supplies to patients over a three-month period. The intervention reached 62% of patients, but female patients were less likely to participate than male patients. Only 18% of community members had participated in health education campaigns linked to the intervention. Involvement in the intervention resulted in improved shoe wearing practice and holding fewer stigmatizing attitudes. However, internalized stigma among patients was still rife; and the plan to utilize community assets to extend the intervention activities was not effective. CONCLUSIONS Implementers must monitor the fidelity and progression of programs on a constant basis to make corrections. They also need to expand health education, provide psychosocial support and design economic empowerment programs for patients to reduce stigma. They must also collaborate with policy makers and international partners to sustain program activities at intervention delivery points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kibur Engdawork
- College of Social Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Getnet Tadele
- College of Social Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Vasso Anagnostopoulou
- Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Papreen Nahar
- Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Gail Davey
- College of Social Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Shahaduz Zaman
- Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
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Alderton DL, Ackley C, Trueba ML. The psychosocial impacts of skin-neglected tropical diseases (SNTDs) as perceived by the affected persons: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012391. [PMID: 39093848 PMCID: PMC11324132 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012391] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) disproportionately affect marginalised groups within impoverished communities, conferring devastating physical, financial and psychosocial effects. Skin-NTDs (SNTDs) are uniquely stigmatising due to their visible nature, rendering affected individuals vulnerable to psychosocial risk and the associated decline in social participation, quality of life and mental health. In response to knowledge gaps identified by current global efforts for integrated control of SNTDs this review gathers existing evidence on the psychosocial effects of SNTDs, with consideration given to the influence of gender. METHODS The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022336676). Data was collected from Embase, Global Health, Medline and Web of Science, with additional articles identified through Google Scholar and bibliography tracking. Qualitative studies published in English between 2005 and 2024 reporting men's and women's experiences with SNTDs were searched. Appropriate data from each included study were inputted into NVivo software to facilitate thematic synthesis. Descriptive and analytic themes were generated through line-by-line coding using an inductive approach. RESULTS 27 articles of high and moderate quality were included. They pertained to buruli ulcer, cutaneous leishmaniasis, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, tungiasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis and podoconiosis. Men and women across SNTDs and contexts reported debilitating physical symptoms which impaired their ability to work, socialise and carry out usual daily activities. Some felt (at least initially) well supported by partners and relatives, whereas most experienced avoidance, abandonment and even violence, with women incurring worse SNTD-related social consequences. Many men and most women experienced stigma, with discriminatory behaviours largely attributed to fear of infection, decreased ability to perform gender-specific daily activities, and the perceived association between SNTDs and sinfulness. Self-reported impacts of SNTDs on men's and women's mental wellbeing included low mood, anxiety, low self-esteem, and suicidal ideation. Disease-specific knowledge, early treatment, social support, and disease acceptance were mentioned as protective factors. CONCLUSION SNTDs cause significant psychosocial harms, particularly for women. Implementing myth-busting and contact-based educational campaigns and improving access to treatment and to livelihood opportunities and social protection schemes for men and women with a SNTD will help prevent and mitigate these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasha L. Alderton
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Ackley
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Mei L. Trueba
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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Wadagni ACA, Yao TAK, Diez G, Balle FH, Koffi AP, Aoulou P, Zahiri MH, Djossou P, Barogui YT, Assé H, Houezo JG, Sopoh GE, Nichter M, Johnson RC. Community based integrated wound care: Results of a pilot formative research conducted in Benin and Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002889. [PMID: 38335227 PMCID: PMC10857723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Appropriate treatment of chronic wounds is priority in the management of Neglected Tropical Skin Diseases (NTSDs) and non-communicable diseases. We describe an integrated, community-based wound care pilot project carried out in Benin and Cote d'Ivoire that entailed both outreach education and evidence based wound care training for nurses staffing rural clinics. This research was carried out by a transdisciplinary research. Following the collection of baseline data on wound care at home and in clinics, an innovative pilot project was developed based on a critical assessment of baseline data in three parts: a pragmatic nurse training program; mass community cultural sensitive outreach programs and a mobile consultation. It came out from our investigation that several dangerous homecare and inappropriate wound treatment practices in clinics, gaps in knowledge about Neglected Tropical Skin Diseases (NTSDs), and little health staff communication with patients about appropriate wound care. Nurse training covered 11 modules including general principles of wound management and advice specific to endemic NTSDs. Nurse pre-post training knowledge scores increased substantially. Eight mass community outreach programs were conducted, followed by mobile clinics at which 850 people with skin conditions were screened. Three hundred and three (35.65%) of these people presented with wounds of which 64% were simple, 20% moderate, and 16% severe cases. Patients were followed for ten weeks to assess adherence with wound hygiene messages presented in outreach programs and repeated by nurses during screening. Over 90% of simple and moderate cases were managed appropriately at home and 98% of wounds were healed. Of the 47 cases referred to the health center, 87% came for and adhered to wound care advice. In 90% of cases, wounds healed. This pilot study provides a model for introducing integrated community based wound care in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Théodore Ange Kouakou Yao
- National Buruli Ulcer Control Programs, Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | | | | | - Aboa Paul Koffi
- National Buruli Ulcer Control Programs, Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Paulin Aoulou
- National Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programs, Ministry of Health, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Marie-Hélène Zahiri
- National Leprosy Elimination Program, Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Parfait Djossou
- Centre Interfacultaire de Formation et de Recherche en Environnement pour le Développement Durable, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Yves Thierry Barogui
- National Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programs, Ministry of Health, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Henry Assé
- National Buruli Ulcer Control Programs, Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Jean-Gabin Houezo
- National Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy Control Programs, Ministry of Health, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh
- Regional Institute of Public Health Comlan Alfred Quenum of Ouidah, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Bénin
| | - Mark Nichter
- School of Anthropology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - Roch Christian Johnson
- Centre Interfacultaire de Formation et de Recherche en Environnement pour le Développement Durable, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
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Phillips RO, Owusu L, Koka E, Ocloo EK, Simpson H, Agbanyo A, Okyere D, Tuwor RD, Fokuoh-Boadu A, Akuffo RA, Novignon J, Oppong MN, Mosweu I, Asante-Poku A, Cobbinah J, Mtuy TB, Palmer J, Ahorlu C, Amoako YA, Walker SL, Yeboah-Manu D, Marks M, Pitt C, Pullan R. Development of an integrated and decentralised skin health strategy to improve experiences of skin neglected tropical diseases and other skin conditions in Atwima Mponua District, Ghana. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002809. [PMID: 38241242 PMCID: PMC10798462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Integrated strategies are recommended to tackle neglected tropical diseases of the skin (skin NTDs), which pose a substantial health and economic burden in many countries, including Ghana. We describe the development of an integrated and decentralised skin health strategy designed to improve experiences of skin NTDs in Atwima Mponua district in Ashanti Region. A multidisciplinary research team led an iterative process to develop an overall strategy and specific interventions, based on a theory of change informed by formative research conducted in Atwima Mponua district. The process involved preparatory work, four co-development workshops (August 2021 to November 2022), collaborative working groups to operationalise intervention components, and obtaining ethical approval. Stakeholders including affected individuals, caregivers, other community members and actors from different levels of the health system participated in co-development activities. We consulted these stakeholders at each stage of the research process, including discussion of study findings, development of our theory of change, identifying implementable solutions to identified challenges, and protocol development. Participants determined that the intervention should broadly address wounds and other skin conditions, rather than only skin NTDs, and should avoid reliance on non-governmental organisations and research teams to ensure sustainable implementation by district health teams and transferability elsewhere. The overall strategy was designed to focus on a decentralised model of care for skin conditions, while including other interventions to support a self-care delivery pathway, community engagement, and referral. Our theory of change describes the pathways through which these interventions are expected to achieve the strategy's aim, the assumptions, and problems addressed. This complex intervention strategy has been designed to respond to the local context, while maximising transferability to ensure wider relevance. Implementation is expected to begin in 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Odame Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Lucy Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Eric Koka
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Edmond Kwaku Ocloo
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Hope Simpson
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail Agbanyo
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Daniel Okyere
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ruth Dede Tuwor
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Adelaide Fokuoh-Boadu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Richard Adjei Akuffo
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jacob Novignon
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Economics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Ntiamoah Oppong
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Iris Mosweu
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adwoa Asante-Poku
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jojo Cobbinah
- Atwima Mponua District Health Directorate, Nhinahin, Ghana
| | - Tara B. Mtuy
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Palmer
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Collins Ahorlu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Ampem Amoako
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Stephen L. Walker
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dorothy Yeboah-Manu
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michael Marks
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Pitt
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Pullan
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Kollie KK, Theobald S, Jones L, Kpadeh O, Nallo G, Borbor D, Taylor M, Dean L, Phillip M, Godwin-Akpan TG, Mensah DF, Wickenden A, Kollie JT, Rogers E, Zaizay Z, Stewart M. Multimethod evaluation of health services integration for neglected tropical diseases requiring case management in Liberia. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e012599. [PMID: 38238023 PMCID: PMC10806886 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012599] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The WHO neglected tropical disease (NTD) roadmap stresses the importance of integrating NTDs requiring case management (CM) within the health system. The NTDs programme of Liberia is among the first to implement an integrated approach and evaluate its impact. METHODS A retrospective study of three of five CM-NTD-endemic counties that implemented the integrated approach was compared with cluster-matched counties with non-integrated CM-NTD. We compared trends in CM-NTD integrated versus non-integrated county clusters. We conducted a pre-post comparison of WHO high-level outcomes using data collected during intervention years compared with baseline in control counties. Changes in health outcomes, effect sizes for different diseases and rate ratios with statistically significant differences were determined. Complementary qualitative research explored CM-NTD stakeholders' perceptions, analysed through the framework approach, which is a transparent, multistage approach for qualitative thematic interdisciplinary data analysis. RESULTS The detection rates for all diseases combined improved significantly in the intervention compared with the control clusters. Besides leprosy, detection rates improved with large effects, over fourfold increase with statistically significant effects for individual diseases (p<0.000; 95% CI 3.5 to 5.4). Access to CM-NTD services increased in integrated counties by 71 facilities, compared with three facilities in non-integrated counties. Qualitative findings highlight training and supervision as inputs underpinning increases in case detection, but challenges with refresher training, medicine supply and incentives negatively impact quality, equity and access. CONCLUSIONS Integrating CM-NTDs improves case detection, accessibility and availability of CM-NTD services, promoting universal health coverage. Early case detection and the quality of care need further strengthening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsor K Kollie
- Health Services, Ministry of Health, Congo Town Back Road, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Sally Theobald
- International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Lent Jones
- The University of Liberia, Pacific Institute for Research Evaluation, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Otis Kpadeh
- The University of Liberia, Pacific Institute for Research Evaluation, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Gartee Nallo
- The University of Liberia, Pacific Institute for Research Evaluation, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Darwosu Borbor
- Cuttington University Graduate School Research Student, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Mark Taylor
- Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Laura Dean
- International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Maneesh Phillip
- Effect Hope, 90 Allstate Parkway Markham ON L3R 6H3, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Anna Wickenden
- International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
- Effect Hope, 90 Allstate Parkway Markham ON L3R 6H3, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jewel T Kollie
- A. M. Dogliotti School of Medicine, University of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Emerson Rogers
- Health Services, Ministry of Health, Congo Town Back Road, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Zeela Zaizay
- Action Transforming Lives, Congo Town Back Road Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Martyn Stewart
- Education, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
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Melese F, Malede A, Sisay T, Geremew A, Gebrehiwot M, Woretaw L, Atanaw G, Azanaw J, Melese M, Feleke H. Cloth sharing with a scabies case considerably explains human scabies among children in a low socioeconomic rural community of Ethiopia. Trop Med Health 2023; 51:52. [PMID: 37710350 PMCID: PMC10502969 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-023-00544-6] [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: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, scabies were integrated into the WHO roadmap for neglected tropical diseases, aimed at ending the negligence to realize the SDGs. Ethiopia has also introduced scabies as a notifiable disease in drought-prone localities since 2015. Many of the previous studies employed study designs that might be subject to bias. Moreover, there is no scientific evidence about scabies in this area. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of scabies among children aged below 15 years in rural Ethiopia. METHODS A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 942 children in rural kebeles of Lay Gayent District from March through May 15, 2021. A two-stage sampling technique was applied. Data on sociodemographics, housing, water supply and sanitation, children's personal hygiene, and caregivers' knowledge about scabies were collected by a structured questionnaire. Data quality was maintained through pretesting, training of data collectors and supervisors, and supervision. An adjusted binary logistic regression was modelled to identify factors associated with scabies. The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test was run to check the model fitness. RESULTS The prevalence of scabies was 21.5% (95% CI 19.0-24.3). Maternal illiteracy (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.61; 95% CI 1.07-2.43); low household wealth (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI 1.25-3.33); unimproved water source (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI 1.05-2.40); not cleaning a house daily (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI 1.63-3.62); not trimming nails (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI 1.50-3.25); cloth sharing with a scabies case (AOR = 11.77; 95% CI 6.94-19.97); and low caregiver knowledge about scabies (AOR = 2.44; 95% CI 1.64-3.63) were factors associated with scabies. CONCLUSIONS Scabies remains a significant public health issue among children aged below 15 years in the district. Maternal illiteracy, low household wealth, unimproved water source, not cleaning a house daily, not trimming nails, cloth sharing with a scabies case, and low caregiver knowledge about scabies were factors associated with scabies. Community-wide interventions with prime emphasis on improving maternal education and caregivers' knowledge about scabies, upgrading household wealth, ensuring a safe water supply, providing healthy housing, and ensuring adequate personal hygiene are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fekadie Melese
- Hospital Quality Unit and Public Health Emergency Management Office, Nefas Mewcha Primary Hospital, Nefas Mewcha, Ethiopia
| | - Asmamaw Malede
- Department of Environmental Health, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia.
| | - Tadesse Sisay
- Department of Environmental Health, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Geremew
- Department of Environmental Health, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Mesfin Gebrehiwot
- Department of Environmental Health, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Lebasie Woretaw
- Department of Environmental Health, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Getu Atanaw
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Jember Azanaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mihret Melese
- Department of Medical Physiology, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Hailemariam Feleke
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Yotsu RR, Almamy D, Vagamon B, Ugai K, Itoh S, Koffi YD, Kaloga M, Dizoé LAS, Kouadio K, Aka N, Yeboue LKG, Yao KA, Blanton RE. An mHealth App (eSkinHealth) for Detecting and Managing Skin Diseases in Resource-Limited Settings: Mixed Methods Pilot Study. JMIR DERMATOLOGY 2023; 6:e46295. [PMID: 37632977 PMCID: PMC10335127 DOI: 10.2196/46295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, the disease burden from skin diseases, including skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs), is extremely high. These diseases often are overlooked due to limited access to health care stemming from, for example, remote geographical locations and a lack of experts. To address these gaps, we developed a mobile health app, eSkinHealth, which is a field-adapted platform to serve as a portable electronic patient chart and for teledermatology. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study is to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of the app in rural Côte d'Ivoire for diagnosing and managing skin NTDs and other skin diseases. METHODS A 2-arm trial with local health care providers and patients with skin diseases was implemented over a 3-month period. The providers were assigned to an intervention receiving the eSkinHealth app or control with usual care. Four nurses and 8 community health care workers participated in each arm. The training was provided on the use of the app to the intervention arm only, while both arms were trained on skin diseases. For the usability study, we evaluated our approach with the System Usability Scale (SUS) and in-depth interviews. For the effectiveness study, our primary outcome was to evaluate the detection and management of 5 skin NTDs as our targeted diseases, namely, Buruli ulcer, leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, scabies, and yaws, using the eSkinHealth app. Procedures of our methods were reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of the Ministry of Health and by Tulane University. RESULTS The mean age of our participants (providers) was 40.5 and 42.5 years for the intervention and control arms, respectively, and all were male (n=24). The average SUS scores taken from the intervention arm at baseline, the midpoint (6 weeks), and the end of study (12 weeks) were 72.3 (SD 11.5), 72.3 (SD 12.4), and 86.3 (SD 10.8), respectively. All participants interviewed, including 4 dermatologists and program managers, were satisfied with the app. Especially community health care workers felt empowered by being equipped with the tool. A total of 79 cases of skin NTDs were reported in the intervention arm as compared to 17 cases in the control arm (P=.002). Besides the skin NTDs, more skin diseases and conditions were reported from the control than from the intervention arm (P<.001). However, 100 cases (66%) were not given any particular diagnosis in the control arm and were documented only as a "dermatosis." In the intervention arm, 151 cases (72.9%) were diagnosed within the eSkinHealth platform, and the remaining were diagnosed on-site by dermatologists. CONCLUSIONS The study provided evidence for the usability and effectiveness of the eSkinHealth app embedded into our surveillance approach to improve the detection and management of skin NTDs and other skin diseases in Côte d'Ivoire and, furthermore, is expected to contribute to knowledge on mobile health approaches in the control of skin diseases in resource-limited settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05300399; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05300399.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie R Yotsu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Shinjuku, Japan
| | - Diabate Almamy
- Department of Dermatology, Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Bamba Vagamon
- Department of Dermatology, Université Alassane Ouattara, Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire
- Raoul Follereau Institute Côte d'Ivoire, Adzopé, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Kazuko Ugai
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Sakiko Itoh
- Department of Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Home Health and Palliative Care Nursing, Graduate School of Health Care Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yao Didier Koffi
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
- National Buruli Ulcer Control Program, Ministry of Health of Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Mamadou Kaloga
- National Buruli Ulcer Control Program, Ministry of Health of Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | - Ligué Agui Sylvestre Dizoé
- National Control Program for Elimination of Leprosy, Ministry of Health of Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
| | | | | | | | | | - Ronald E Blanton
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Owusu L, Tuwor RD, Ackam N, Loglo A, Agbavor B, Agbanyo A, Dornu O, Antwi PB, Oppong MN, Adjei JK, Frimpong V, Abass MK, Novignon J, Asiedu K, Laryea DO, Amoako YA, Phillips RO. Role and capacity needs of community based surveillance volunteers in the integrated management of skin neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs): a qualitative study from central Ghana. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1086. [PMID: 37280609 PMCID: PMC10243008 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16015-w] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community Based Surveillance Volunteers (CBSVs) have been instrumental in the management of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) but a concern that their services in scale up programmes may be affected due to high attrition rates has been widely acknowledged. We explored the roles and capacity needs of existing CBSVs to inform for a successful integrated NTD management programme in Ghana and similar contexts. METHODS We conducted qualitative interviews with 50 CBSVs, 21 Community Nurses, 4 Disease control officers, 7 skin NTD researchers, 2 skin NTD patients and a Director of District Health Services in Central Ghana. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and coded prior to translation and thematic analysis. RESULTS The roles of CBSVs in NTD management were shown to have an impact on disease identification, surveillance, health seeking behaviours and status of CBSVs. Lack of motivation, inadequate structures for engagement of CBSVs within the health system and delayed management of reported cases were identified as gaps that hinder effective delivery of CBSV roles. Provision of incentives as recognition for the unpaid services rendered by CBSVs was seen as a major factor to reduce the rate of CBSV attrition in this scale up programme. Other factors included the formulation of policies by government to guide CBSV engagement, regular training of CBSV in NTD management as well as provision of resources and logistics. CONCLUSION Measures including continuous training, institution of rewards and incentivization are important for ensuring the sustainability of CBSVs in the provision of skin NTD services in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Owusu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Ruth Dede Tuwor
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Nancy Ackam
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Aloysius Loglo
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Bernadette Agbavor
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Abigail Agbanyo
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Olivia Dornu
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philemon Boasiako Antwi
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Michael Ntiamoah Oppong
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jonathan Kofi Adjei
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Venus Frimpong
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Jacob Novignon
- Department of Economics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Yaw Ampem Amoako
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana.
| | - Richard Odame Phillips
- Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
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Yotsu RR, Fuller LC, Murdoch ME, van Brakel WH, Revankar C, Barogui MYT, Postigo JAR, Dagne DA, Asiedu K, Hay RJ. A global call for action to tackle skin-related neglected tropical diseases (skin NTDs) through integration: An ambitious step change. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011357. [PMID: 37319139 PMCID: PMC10270348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
On 8 June 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) released pivotal guidance, "Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: A strategic framework for integrated control and management of skin-related neglected tropical diseases." Skin-related neglected tropical diseases, or skin NTDs, comprise a group of NTDs that produce signs and symptoms on the skin and include at least 9 diseases or disease groups. Moving away from disease-specific approaches, it is anticipated that synergies will be identified and integrated building on this shared feature, where possible, to achieve a greater health impact. This paper intends to draw attention to the prospects created by this scheme. The framework is a key basis for a proposal produced by WHO dedicated to skin NTD integration and describes the practical opportunities for this evolving strategy. It underlines the wider health benefits that will follow, thus working towards Universal Health Coverage and skin health for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie R. Yotsu
- Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - L. Claire Fuller
- International Foundation for Dermatology, London, United Kingdom
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michele E. Murdoch
- Department of Dermatology, West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford General Hospital, Watford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chandrakant Revankar
- Elimination of NTDs (Independent), North Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
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Gnimavo RS, Fajloun F, Al-Bayssari C, Sodjinou E, Habib A, Ganlonon L, Claco E, Agoundoté I, Houngbo OA, Anagonou EG, Biaou CAO, Ayélo AG, Houezo JG, Boccarossa A, Moussa EH, Gomez B, Gine A, Sopoh GE, Marion E, Johnson RC, Kempf M. Importance of consultations using mobile teams in the screening and treatment of neglected tropical skin diseases in Benin. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011314. [PMID: 37172044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Since 2013, the World Health Organization has recommended integrated control strategies for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with skin manifestations. We evaluated the implementation of an integrated approach to the early detection and rapid treatment of skin NTDs based on mobile clinics in the Ouémé and Plateau areas of Benin. METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in Ouémé and Plateau in Benin from 2018 to 2020. Consultations using mobile teams were performed at various sites selected by reasoned choice based on the epidemiological data of the National Program for the Control of Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer. All individuals presenting with a dermatological lesion who voluntarily approached the multidisciplinary management team on the day of consultation were included. The information collected was kept strictly anonymous and was entered into an Excel 2013 spreadsheet and analyzed with Stata 11 software. RESULTS In total, 5,267 patients with various skin conditions consulted the medical team. The median age of these patients was 14 years (IQR: 7-34 years). We saw 646 (12.3%) patients presenting NTDs with skin manifestations, principally scabies, in 88.4% (571/646), followed by 37 cases of Buruli ulcer (5.8%), 22 cases of leprosy (3.4%), 15 cases of lymphatic filariasis (2.3%) and one case of mycetoma (0.2%). We detected no cases of yaws. CONCLUSION This sustainable approach could help to decrease the burden of skin NTDs in resource-limited countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Sètondji Gnimavo
- Centre de Dépistage et de Traitement de la Lèpre et de l´Ulcère de Buruli de Pobè, Fondation Raoul Follereau, Pobè, Bénin
- Institut Régional de Santé Publique- Comlan Alfred Quenum, Université d'Abomey Calavi, Ouidah, Bénin
| | - Faraj Fajloun
- University of Angers, Nantes Université, CHU Angers, Inserm, INCIT, Angers, France
- Ecole Doctorale en Sciences et Technologie, Université Libanaise, Campus Rafic Hariri, Hadath, Liban
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Sciences 2, Campus Pierre Gemayel, Fanar, Liban
| | - Charbel Al-Bayssari
- Departement of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Tripoli, Lebanon
| | - Espoir Sodjinou
- Centre de Dépistage et de Traitement de la Lèpre et de l´Ulcère de Buruli de Pobè, Fondation Raoul Follereau, Pobè, Bénin
| | - Akimath Habib
- Centre de Dépistage et de Traitement de la Lèpre et de l´Ulcère de Buruli de Pobè, Fondation Raoul Follereau, Pobè, Bénin
| | - Line Ganlonon
- Centre de Dépistage et de Traitement de la Lèpre et de l´Ulcère de Buruli de Pobè, Fondation Raoul Follereau, Pobè, Bénin
| | - Eric Claco
- Centre de Dépistage et de Traitement de la Lèpre et de l´Ulcère de Buruli de Pobè, Fondation Raoul Follereau, Pobè, Bénin
| | - Irvine Agoundoté
- Centre de Dépistage et de Traitement de la Lèpre et de l´Ulcère de Buruli de Pobè, Fondation Raoul Follereau, Pobè, Bénin
| | - Odile Adjouavi Houngbo
- Centre de Dépistage et de Traitement de la Lèpre et de l´Ulcère de Buruli de Pobè, Fondation Raoul Follereau, Pobè, Bénin
| | - Esaï Gimatal Anagonou
- Programme National de Lutte contre la Lèpre et l'Ulcère de Buruli, Ministère de la Santé, Cotonou, Bénin
| | | | - Adjimon Gilbert Ayélo
- Programme National de Lutte contre la Lèpre et l'Ulcère de Buruli, Ministère de la Santé, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Jean Gabin Houezo
- Programme National de Lutte contre la Lèpre et l'Ulcère de Buruli, Ministère de la Santé, Cotonou, Bénin
| | - Alexandra Boccarossa
- University of Angers, Nantes Université, CHU Angers, Inserm, INCIT, Angers, France
| | - Elie Hajj Moussa
- Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Faculté de Sciences 2, Campus Pierre Gemayel, Fanar, Liban
| | | | - Anna Gine
- Fondation Anesvad, Henao, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Ghislain Emmanuel Sopoh
- Institut Régional de Santé Publique- Comlan Alfred Quenum, Université d'Abomey Calavi, Ouidah, Bénin
| | - Estelle Marion
- University of Angers, Nantes Université, CHU Angers, Inserm, INCIT, Angers, France
| | | | - Marie Kempf
- University of Angers, Nantes Université, CHU Angers, Inserm, INCIT, Angers, France
- Département de Biologie des Agents Infectieux, UF de Bactériologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Angers, Angers, France
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Simpson H, Mengiste A, Mbonigaba JB, Kollie K, Nganda M, Dean L, Argaw D, Davey G, Semrau M. Research priorities to support the development of integrated national strategies to control skin-neglected tropical diseases. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2023; 117:132-138. [PMID: 36130404 PMCID: PMC9890312 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trac086] [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: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin-presenting neglected tropical diseases (skin-NTDs) impose large burdens on affected people, families and communities. The NTD Roadmap 2021-2030 presents a strategic plan to guide collaborative, multisectoral action to overcome these burdens, defining targets to control, eliminate and/or eradicate skin-NTDs by 2030. One of its targets is for 40 countries to adopt integrated skin-NTD strategies. Despite this high-level support for integration, only four countries were implementing integrated skin-NTD strategies in 2020. METHODS We hosted workshops at the 2021 annual meeting of the Coalition for Operational Research on NTDs, to discuss the operationalisation of Roadmap goals into national strategies and interventions for skin-NTD control. Speakers included NTD Programme Managers from NTD-endemic countries, technical experts and researchers of different aspects of skin-NTDs. RESULTS Challenges include community perceptions of interventions, demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of integrated care, availability and accessibility of community-based and primary healthcare services, the quality of data on skin-NTD morbidity and changes to operational structures required for integration. Research priorities included the identification of optimal case detection platforms, evaluation of integrated care, understanding the impacts of integration on community members and community health staff and development of point-of-care diagnostics. CONCLUSIONS The operational research priorities are intended to support the scale-up of integrated skin-NTDs programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope Simpson
- Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton BN1 9PX, UK.,Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Asrat Mengiste
- College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, 2Q92+P2W, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Jean Bosco Mbonigaba
- Rwanda Neglected Tropical Diseases Programme, Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Ministry of Health 23VV+3MM, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Karsor Kollie
- Non Communicable and Neglected Tropical Disease Program in the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, 8643+F7C, Monrovia, Liberia
| | - Motto Nganda
- Capacity Research Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Laura Dean
- Capacity Research Unit, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Daniel Argaw
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gail Davey
- Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton BN1 9PX, UK
| | - Maya Semrau
- Centre for Global Health Research, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton BN1 9PX, UK
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12
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Saka B, Kassang P, Gnossike P, Head MG, Akakpo AS, Teclessou JN, Elegbede YM, Mouhari-Toure A, Mahamadou G, Tevi K, Katsou K, Kombaté K, Walker SL, Pitché P. Prevalence of skin Neglected Tropical Diseases and superficial fungal infections in two peri-urban schools and one rural community setting in Togo. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010697. [PMID: 36534701 PMCID: PMC9810153 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Skin neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), are endemic and under-diagnosed in many lower-income communities. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of skin NTDs and fungal infections in two primary schools and a community setting in rural Togo. METHOD This was a cross-sectional study that took place between June-October 2021. The two primary schools are located on the outskirts of Lomé, the capital city. The community setting was Ndjéi, in north-east Togo. Study sites were purposively selected. Dermatologists examined the skin of study participants. Diagnosis of skin NTDs were made clinically. RESULTS A total of 1401 individuals were examined, 954 (68.1%) from Ndjéi community, and 447 (31.9%) were children in the schools. Cutaneous skin infections were diagnosed in 438 (31.3%) participants, of whom 355 (81%) were in community settings. There were 105 observed skin NTDs (7.5%). Within the school setting, there were 20 individuals with NTDs (4.5% of 447 participants), and 85 NTDs (8.9%) from 954 community participants. Across all settings 68/1020 (6.7%) NTDs were in children, and 37/381 (9.7%) in adults. In addition, there were 333 observed mycoses (23.8% prevalence). The main cutaneous NTDs diagnosed were scabies (n = 86; 6.1%) and suspected yaws (n = 16, 1.1%). The prevalence of scabies in schools was 4.3%, and 7.0% in the rural community. One case of leprosy was diagnosed in each school and the rural community, and one suspected Buruli Ulcer case in the community. In the school setting, five (6%) children with a skin NTD reported being stigmatised, four of whom had refused to attend school because of their dermatosis. In Ndjéi, 44 (4.6%) individuals reported having experienced stigma and 41 (93.2%) of them missed at least one day of school or work. CONCLUSION This study shows that the burden of scabies and skin infections such as superficial mycoses is high in the school and rural community settings in Togo, with associated presence of stigma. Improved health promotion and education across institutional and community settings may reduce stigma and encourage early reporting of skin infection cases to a health facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayaki Saka
- Service de dermatologie, CHU de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
| | | | | | - Michael G. Head
- Clinical Informatics Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kokoé Tevi
- Service de dermatologie, CHU de Lomé, Lomé, Togo
| | | | | | - Stephen L. Walker
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Toppino S, Koffi DY, Kone BV, N’Krumah RTAS, Coulibaly ID, Tobian F, Pluschke G, Stojkovic M, Bonfoh B, Junghanss T. Community-based wound management in a rural setting of Côte d'Ivoire. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010730. [PMID: 36227844 PMCID: PMC9560516 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wounds are a neglected health problem in rural communities of low-income countries, mostly caused by trauma and ulcerative skin diseases including Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and associated with systemic complications and disability. Rural communities have limited access to high quality health services-based wound care. Methods We conducted a prospective observational study on wound management at three levels–community (C), health centre (HC), district hospital (DH)—in a rural community of Côte d’Ivoire. Patients with skin wounds actively identified in a house-to-house survey and passively in the health services in a defined area of the Taabo Health and Demographic Surveillance System were asked to participate and followed-up longitudinally. Endpoints were proportion of wounds closed, time to wound closure, wound size over time, frequency of secondary bacterial infection, need for recapturing after follow-up interruption, and duration of treatment stratified by health service level and wound aetiology. Results We enrolled 561 patients with 923 wounds between May 2019 and March 2020. The observation period ended in March 2021. Median age was 10 years (IQR 7–15), 63.0% of patients were male. Almost all (99.5%, 870/874) wounds closed within the observation period, 5.3% (49/923) were lost to follow-up. Wounds primarily treated in C, HC and DH closed within a median time of 10, 16 and 170 days, respectively. Median time to acute wound and chronic wound closure was 13 and 72 days, respectively. Wounds treated in C, HC and DH presented with secondary bacterial infections in 10.3% (36/350), 31.0% (133/429) and 100% (5/5) of cases, respectively. Recapturing was required in 68.3% (630/923) of wounds with participants reporting wound closure as the main reason for not attending follow-up. Conclusions We describe a wound management model based on national and WHO recommendations focusing on early identification and treatment in the community with potential for broad implementation in low-income countries. Trial registration Registration at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03957447). Wounds are a neglected health problem in rural communities of low-income countries, mostly caused by trauma and ulcerative skin diseases including Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and associated with systemic complications and disability. Rural communities have limited access to high quality health services-based wound care. We conducted a prospective observational study on WHO recommendation-based wound management at three levels–community, health centre, district hospital—in a rural community of Côte d’Ivoire. The healthcare personnel were trained in wound identification and treatment. Patients with skin wounds of all causes identified actively in a house-to-house survey and passively in the health services in a defined area of a Health and Demographic Surveillance System were included in the study and followed-up longitudinally. Most wounds could be treated with basic wound care in the community or at the health centre by local healthcare personnel and closed within 2 to 3 weeks. Few wounds required referral to the district hospital or specific treatment. The results of our study indicate that a community-centred wound management model based on WHO recommendations and focusing on early identification and treatment of all wounds independent of the cause has potential for broad implementation in low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Toppino
- Division Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Didier Yao Koffi
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Programme National de Lutte contre l’Ulcère de Buruli, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny d’Abidjan, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Bognan Valentin Kone
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Raymond T. A. S. N’Krumah
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Université Peleforo Gon Coulibaly de Korhogo, Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Ismaël Dognimin Coulibaly
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
- Université Peleforo Gon Coulibaly de Korhogo, Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Frank Tobian
- Division Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gerd Pluschke
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marija Stojkovic
- Division Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bassirou Bonfoh
- Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Thomas Junghanss
- Division Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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14
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Skin wounds in a rural setting of Côte d'Ivoire: Population-based assessment of the burden and clinical epidemiology. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010608. [PMID: 36227839 PMCID: PMC9560139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Data on the burden and clinical epidemiology of skin wounds in rural sub-Saharan Africa is scant. The scale of the problem including preventable progression to chronic wounds, disability and systemic complications is largely unaddressed. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study combining active (household-based survey) and passive case finding (health services-based survey) to determine the burden and clinical epidemiology of wounds within the Taabo Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in rural Côte d’Ivoire. Patients identified with wounds received free care and were invited to participate in the wound management study simultaneously carried out in the survey area. The data were analysed for wound prevalence, stratified by wound and patient characteristics. Results 3842 HDSS-registered persons were surveyed. Overall wound prevalence derived from combined active and passive case finding was 13.0%. 74.1% (403/544) of patients were below the age of 15 years. Most frequent aetiologies were mechanical trauma (85.3%), furuncles (5.1%), burns (2.9%) and Buruli ulcer (2.2%). Most wounds were acute and smaller than 5 cm2 in size. 22.0% (176/799) of wounds showed evidence of secondary bacterial infection. 35.5% (22/62) of chronic wounds had persisted entirely neglected for years. Buruli ulcer prevalence was 2.3 per 1000 individuals and considerably higher than expected from an annual incidence of 0.01 per 1000 individuals as reported by WHO for Côte d’Ivoire at the time of the study. Conclusions Skin wounds are highly prevalent in rural West Africa, where they represent a widely neglected problem. The HDSS-based survey with combined active and passive case finding adopted in this study provides a better estimate than school- and health institution-based surveys which underestimate the frequency of skin wounds and, particularly, of neglected tropical diseases of the skin, such as Buruli ulcer and yaws. A comparison with country-specific WHO data suggests underreporting of Buruli ulcer cases. Trial registration Registration at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03957447. Data on the burden and clinical epidemiology of skin wounds in rural sub-Saharan Africa is scant. The scale of the problem including preventable progression to chronic wounds, disability and systemic complications is largely unaddressed. We conducted a cross-sectional study combining active (household-based survey) and passive case finding (health services-based survey) to determine the burden and clinical epidemiology of wounds within the Taabo Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in rural Côte d’Ivoire. Patients identified were invited to participate in the wound management study simultaneously carried out in the survey area. We surveyed approximately 4000 HDSS-registered persons and found a high overall wound prevalence (13.0%), predominately in children. Mechanical trauma was the leading cause, followed by furuncles, burns and Buruli ulcer. Most wounds were acute and had a size of less than 5 cm2, but a substantial proportion was large, complicated, or chronic, some of the latter persisting neglected for years. The HDSS-based survey with combined active and passive case finding adopted in this study provides a better estimate than school- and health institution-based surveys which underestimate the frequency of skin wounds and, particularly, of neglected tropical diseases of the skin, such as Buruli ulcer and yaws. A comparison with country-specific WHO data suggests underreporting of Buruli ulcer cases.
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15
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Senkwe MN, Berta KK, Logora SMY, Sube J, Bidali A, Abe A, Onyeze A, Pita J, Rumunu J, Maleghemi S, Ndenzako F, Olu OO. Prevalence and factors associated with transmission of lymphatic filariasis in South Sudan: a cross-sectional quantitative study. Pan Afr Med J 2022; 42:9. [PMID: 36158938 PMCID: PMC9474850 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.supp.2022.42.1.33895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction South Sudan is affected by a high burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The country is very vulnerable to NTDs due to its favourable tropical climate and multiple risk factors. However, the distribution of the diseases and the populations at risk for the various NTDs is unknown. This paper describes the distribution of lymphatic filariasis (LF) in 58 counties of South Sudan. Methods a descriptive quantitative cross-sectional study of LF in 58 counties in 8 states of South Sudan recruited adult volunteers aged ≥ 15 years tested for circulating filarial antigens (CFA). A quantitative descriptive statistical was performed to determine the prevalence rates and the endemicity (CFA positivity rate ≥1%) of lymphatic filariasis in 9213 adult individuals from 101 villages. Results the overall prevalence of positive CFA was 1.6%, and the highest state prevalence was reported in the Upper Nile state at 3.4%. Based on the prevalence of positive CFA 64% of the surveyed counties are endemic to lymphatic filariasis. The endemicity ranged from 1-11.1% positive CFA. The highest prevalence of positive CAF was observed in the >50 years old age group (2.7%), followed by the 46-50 age group (2.3%). Males tested more positive than females (52.4% Vs 47.6%). Participants were three times more likely to test positive for CFA on filarial test strips (FTS) compared to immunochromatographic test (ICT). There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of positive CFA among the two tests (P=.002). Conclusion the distribution of LF is widespread, with varying transmission risks. The produced prevalence maps of infection provided evidence on the areas for targeted interventions in the national NTD program in South Sudan. An increased number of positive CFA were identified using FTS than ICT; hence, it is advisable to use FTS in the future transmission survey.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Julia Sube
- World Health Organization, WHO Country Office, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Alex Bidali
- World Health Organization, WHO Country Office, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Abias Abe
- National Public Health Laboratory, Juba, South Sudan
| | - Adiele Onyeze
- Multicountry Assignment Team Support Team, World Health Organization, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jane Pita
- World Health Organization, WHO Country Office, Juba, South Sudan
| | | | | | - Fabian Ndenzako
- World Health Organization, WHO Country Office, Juba, South Sudan
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Timothy JWS, Pullan RL, Yotsu RR. Methods and Approaches for Buruli Ulcer Surveillance in Africa: Lessons Learnt and Future Directions. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2387:87-102. [PMID: 34643905 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1779-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Over 95% of the global burden of Buruli ulcer disease (BU) caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans occurs in equatorial Africa. National and sub-national programs have implemented various approaches to improve detection and reporting of incident cases over recent decades. Regional incidence rates are currently in decline; however, surveillance targets outlined in 2012 by WHO have been missed and detection bias may contribute to these trends. In light of the new 2030 NTD roadmap and disease-specific targets, BU programs are required to strengthen case detection and begin a transition towards integration with other skin-NTDs. This transition comes with new opportunities to enhance existing BU surveillance systems and develop novel approaches for implementation and evaluation.In this review, we present a breakdown and assessment of the methods and approaches that have been the pillars of BU surveillance systems in Africa: (1) Passive case detection, (2) Data systems, (3) Clinical training, (4) Active case finding, (5) Burden estimation, and (6) Laboratory confirmation pathways. We discuss successes, challenges, and relevant case studies before highlighting opportunities for future development and evaluation including novel data collection tools, risk-based surveillance, and integrated skin-NTD surveillance. We draw on both experience and available literature to critically evaluate methods of BU surveillance in Africa and highlight new approaches to help achieve 2030 roadmap targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W S Timothy
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rachel L Pullan
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rie R Yotsu
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
- Department of Dermatology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, USA.
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17
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de Carvalho AG, Tiwari A, Luz JGG, Nieboer D, Steinmann P, Richardus JH, Ignotti E. Leprosy and cutaneous leishmaniasis affecting the same individuals: A retrospective cohort analysis in a hyperendemic area in Brazil. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0010035. [PMID: 34898634 PMCID: PMC8699965 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leprosy and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affecting the skin. Their control is challenging but the integration of skin NTDs control programs is recommended to improve timely detection and treatment. However, little is known about the occurrence of leprosy and CL in the same individuals, and what are the characteristics of such patients. This study aimed to identify and characterize patients diagnosed with both leprosy and CL (i.e., outcome) in the hyperendemic state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Also, we investigated the demographic risk factors associated with the period between the diagnosis of both diseases. Methodology/principal findings A retrospective cohort study was conducted with patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2017. From the leprosy (n = 28,204) and CL (n = 24,771) databases of the national reporting system, 414 (0.8%; 414/52,561) patients presenting both diseases were identified through a probabilistic linkage procedure. This observed number was much higher than the number of patients that would be expected by chance alone (n = 22). The spatial distribution of patients presenting the outcome was concentrated in the North and Northeast mesoregions of the state. Through survival analysis, we detected that the probability of a patient developing both diseases increased over time from 0.2% in the first year to 1.0% within seven years. Further, using a Cox model we identified male sex (HR: 2.3; 95% CI: 1.7–2.9) and low schooling level (HR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2–1.9) as positively associated with the outcome. Furthermore, the hazard of developing the outcome was higher among individuals aged 40–55 years. Conclusions/significance Leprosy and CL are affecting the same individuals in the area. Integration of control policies for both diseases will help to efficiently cover such patients. Measures should be focused on timely diagnosis by following-up patients diagnosed with CL, active case detection, and training of health professionals. Leprosy and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) that usually affect poor populations in the same geographical areas. Both affect the skin and can cause physical disability and disfigurement resulting in discrimination. Both diseases occur at hyperendemic levels in several regions of Brazil. The integration of skin NTDs control programs may be a way to improve timely detection and treatment. However, little is known about the occurrence of leprosy and CL in the same individuals, and what are the characteristics of these patients. For the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, we identified 414 patients diagnosed with leprosy and CL between 2008 and 2017, spatially concentrated mainly in the North and Northeast mesoregions. The individual probability of developing both diseases increased from 0.2% to 1.0% within seven years. Male sex, being in the 40–55 years age group, and low levels of schooling were the risk factors positively associated with the time interval between the diagnosis of both diseases. These findings may inform the implementation of integrated leprosy and CL control policies focused on timely diagnosis. A sustainable integration requires continuous measures, such as the follow-up of patients, active case detection, training of health professionals, besides financial and political support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Gabriela de Carvalho
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Rondonópolis, Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- School of Medicine, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Anuj Tiwari
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - João Gabriel Guimarães Luz
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Federal University of Rondonópolis, Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daan Nieboer
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jan Hendrik Richardus
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eliane Ignotti
- School of Medicine, Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
- School of Health Sciences, Post-Graduation Program Environment Sciences, State University of Mato Grosso, Cáceres, Mato Grosso, Brazil
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18
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Banda GT, Deribe K, Davey G. How can we better integrate the prevention, treatment, control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases with other health interventions? A systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-006968. [PMID: 34663634 PMCID: PMC8524265 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, about 1.7 billion people living in poverty are affected by one or more of a group of disabling, disfiguring and poverty-promoting conditions known as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Major global health actors, like the WHO, have endorsed a shift from vertical to integrated NTD management. Objective This systematic review aimed to evaluate how integration is being conducted and how we can improve it. Methods PubMed, Medline, Cochrane library, Web of Science, Trip, Embase, Global Health and Google Scholar were searched from 1 April to 22 July 2020. We included peer-reviewed articles published between 1 January 2000 and 22 July 2020 in English. Results Database searches produced 24 565 studies, of which 35 articles met the inclusion criteria. Twenty of these articles were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Twenty articles were also published between 2015 and 2020. Literature revealed that NTDs have been integrated—among themselves; with water, sanitation and hygiene programmes; with vector control; with primary healthcare; with immunisation programmes; and with malaria management. Integrated mass drug administration for multiple NTDs was the most common method of integration. The three complex, yet common characteristics of successful integration were good governance, adequate financing and total community engagement. Conclusion The dataset identified integrated management of NTDs to be cost effective and potentially to increase treatment coverage. However, the identified modes of integration are not exclusive and are limited by the available literature. Nonetheless, integration should urgently be implemented, while considering the programmatic and sociopolitical context. PROSPERO registration number The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO number, CRD42020167358.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gift Treighcy Banda
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK .,Mzimba District Hospital, Malawi Ministry of Health, Mzimba, Malawi
| | - Kebede Deribe
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.,School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gail Davey
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.,School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Eze CC, Ekeke N, Alphonsus C, Lehman L, Chukwu JN, Nwafor CC, Stillwaggon E, Meka AO, Sawers L, Ikebudu J, Anyim MC, Ukwaja KN. Effectiveness of self-care interventions for integrated morbidity management of skin neglected tropical diseases in Anambra State, Nigeria. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1748. [PMID: 34563162 PMCID: PMC8465703 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11729-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lymphatic filariasis (LF), Buruli ulcer (BU) and leprosy are neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) of the skin co-endemic in some communities in Nigeria. Not enough is known about the effectiveness of integrated morbidity management and disability prevention in people with these conditions. An integrated self-care intervention was carried out for people with these skin NTDs in two endemic communities of Anambra state, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of self-care practices on costs of care, disability status and health-related quality of life. Methods This study utilised a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design to assess the effectiveness of the self-care interventions for people affected by NTDs to care for these impairments at home. Data were collected using questionnaires administered at the beginning and at the end of the intervention on monthly cost of morbidity care, and on participants’ disability status and their quality of life (QoL). Focus group discussions (FGDs) were held with both the participants and healthcare workers at follow-up. Results Forty-eight participants were recruited. Thirty participants (62.5%) continued the self-care interventions until the end of the project. Of those, 25 (83%) demonstrated improvement from their baseline impairment status. The mean household costs of morbidity care per participant decreased by 66% after the intervention, falling from US$157.50 at baseline to US$53.24 after 6 months of self-care (p = 0.004). The mean disability score at baseline was 22.3; this decreased to 12.5 after 6 months of self-care (p < 0.001). Among the 30 participants who continued the interventions until the end of the project, 26 (86.7%) had severe disability score (i.e. a score of 10–46) at baseline, and the number with severe disability fell to 18 (60%) of the 30 after the intervention. The mean QoL score increased from 45.7 at baseline to 57.5 at the end of the intervention (p = 0.004). Conclusions The 6-month self-care intervention for participants affected by BU, leprosy, or LF led to lower costs of care (including out-of-pocket costs and lost earnings due to morbidity), improved QoL scores, and reduced disability status. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN20317241; 27/08/2021, Retrospectively registered. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11729-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinwe C Eze
- Medical Department, German Leprosy and TB Relief Association, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Ngozi Ekeke
- Medical Department, German Leprosy and TB Relief Association, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Chukwuka Alphonsus
- Medical Department, German Leprosy and TB Relief Association, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Linda Lehman
- American Leprosy Missions, 120 Broadus Ave, Greenville, SC, 29601, USA
| | - Joseph N Chukwu
- Medical Department, German Leprosy and TB Relief Association, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Charles C Nwafor
- Medical Department, German Leprosy and TB Relief Association, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | | | - Anthony O Meka
- Medical Department, German Leprosy and TB Relief Association, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Larry Sawers
- Department of Economics, American University, Washington, DC, 20016-8029, USA
| | - Joy Ikebudu
- Medical Department, German Leprosy and TB Relief Association, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Moses C Anyim
- Medical Department, German Leprosy and TB Relief Association, Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
| | - Kingsley N Ukwaja
- Department of Internal Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
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20
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Morice A, Taleo F, Barogui Y, C Steer A, Marks M. Lessons from the field: integrated programmes for neglected tropical diseases. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2021; 115:127-128. [PMID: 33241292 DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/traa149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Morice
- Independent Consultant, San José, Costa Rica
| | | | | | - Andrew C Steer
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Tropical Diseases Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Marks
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Hospital for Tropical Diseases, London, UK
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21
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Tinea Capitis Caused by Microsporum audouninii: A Report of Two Cases from Côte D'Ivoire, West Africa. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:tropicalmed6010009. [PMID: 33445615 PMCID: PMC7838880 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We report here two cases of tinea capitis caused by Microsporum (M.) audouinii in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa. The patients were a three-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl who presented with scaly patches on the scalp. The causative fungus was isolated using an adhesive tape-sampling method and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar plates. It was identified as M. audouinii both by its macroscopic and microscopic features, confirmed by DNA sequencing. These are the first documented cases of M. audouinii infections confirmed with DNA sequencing to be reported from Côte d’Ivoire. The practicality of the tape-sampling method makes it possible to carry out epidemiological surveys evaluating the distribution of these dermatophytic infections in remote, resource-limited settings.
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A scabies outbreak in the North East Region of Ghana: The necessity for prompt intervention. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008902. [PMID: 33351803 PMCID: PMC7787682 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There is a dearth of data on scabies from Ghana. In September 2019, local health authorities in the East Mamprusi district of northern Ghana received reports of scabies from many parts of the district. Due to on-going reports of more cases, an assessment team visited the communities to assess the effect of the earlier individual treatment on the outbreak. The assessment team furthermore aimed to contribute to the data on scabies burden in Ghana and to demonstrate the use of the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) diagnostic tool in a field survey in a resource limited setting. Methodology/Principal findings This was a cross sectional study. Demographic information and medical history was collected on all participants using a REDCap questionnaire. A standardised skin examination of exposed regions of the body was performed on all participants. Scabies was diagnosed based on the criteria of the International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS). Participants were mostly female (61.5%) and had a median age of 18.8 years (IQR 13–25). Two hundred out of 283 (71%) of participants had scabies with most (47%) presenting with moderate disease. Impetigo was found in 22% of participants with scabies and 10.8% of those without scabies [RR 2.27 (95% CI 1.21–4.27)]. 119 participants who received scabies treatment in the past months still had clinical evidence of the disease. 97% of participants reported a recent scabies contact. Scabies was commoner in participants ≤16 years compared to those >16 years [RR 3.06 (95% CI 1.73–5.45)]. Conclusion/Significance The prevalence of scabies was extremely high. The lack of a systematic approach to scabies treatment led to recurrence and ongoing community spread. The IACS criteria was useful in this outbreak assessment in Ghana. Alternative strategies such as Mass drug administration may be required to contain outbreaks early in such settings. Scabies, recently categorised as a Neglected Tropical Disease by the WHO is caused by infestation with Sarcoptes scabiei and is characterised by intense pruritus and rash that typically involves the genitalia and the web spaces of the fingers and toes. It has a large global burden and is associated with significant morbidity and socio-economic burden. Secondary bacterial infections following scabies can lead to significant complications including chronic kidney disease from glomerulonephritis and possibly rheumatic heart disease. An outbreak of scabies was reported in Ghana’s East Mamprusi district in September 2019. Despite earlier treatment of individual cases, scabies prevalence was 71%. About 19% of participants had impetigo which was mostly mild in severity. Absence of a systematic approach to treat scabies led to recurrence and ongoing community spread. The recently published IACS criteria for diagnosing scabies proved useful in this outbreak assessment in Ghana. Alternative strategies such as Mass drug administration may be required to contain outbreaks in such settings.
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Fuller LC, Asiedu KB, Hay RJ. Integration of Management Strategies for Skin-Related Neglected Tropical Diseases. Dermatol Clin 2020; 39:147-152. [PMID: 33228857 DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2020.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The concept of skin neglected tropical diseases has been widely adopted into the policy and strategy of various organizations, governments, nongovernmental organizations, and health agencies. By pooling information and resources across different diseases, whose primary manifestations affect the skin, it is possible to deliver integrated surveillance and control programs and promote advocacy and reduction of disability and stigma. A further key part of the skin neglected tropical diseases program is the development and validation of training methods for front-line health workers. Networks that allow those involved in this work to share and compare expertise are being developed through various organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucinda Claire Fuller
- Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London SW10 9NH, UK; The International Foundation for Dermatology, London W1P 5HQ, UK.
| | - Kingsley B Asiedu
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva 1202, Switzerland
| | - Roderick J Hay
- The International Foundation for Dermatology, London W1P 5HQ, UK; The St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT. UK
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Parisi S, Navarro M, Du Plessis JD, Shock JP, Apodaca Michel B, Lucuy Espinoza M, Terán C, Calizaya Tapia NA, Oltmanns K, Baptista Mora A, Saveedra Irala C, Rivera Rojas AA, Rubilar G, Zoller T, Pritsch M. "We have already heard that the treatment doesn't do anything, so why should we take it?": A mixed method perspective on Chagas disease knowledge, attitudes, prevention, and treatment behaviour in the Bolivian Chaco. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008752. [PMID: 33119632 PMCID: PMC7595318 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chagas disease (CD) is highly endemic in the Bolivian Chaco. The municipality of Monteagudo has been targeted by national interventions as well as by Médecins Sans Frontières to reduce infection rates, and to decentralize early diagnosis and treatment. This study seeks to determine the knowledge and attitudes of a population with increased awareness and to identify remaining factors and barriers for sustained vector control, health care seeking behaviour, and access, in order to improve future interventions. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A cross-sectional survey was conducted among approximately 10% (n = 669) of the municipality of Monteagudo's households that were randomly selected. Additionally, a total of 14 in-depth interviews and 2 focus group discussions were conducted with patients and key informants. Several attitudes and practices were identified that could undermine effective control against (re-)infection. Knowledge of clinical symptoms and secondary prevention was limited, and revealed specific misconceptions. Although 76% of the participants had been tested for CD, only 18% of those who tested positive concluded treatment with benznidazole (BNZ). Sustained positive serologies after treatment led to perceived ineffectiveness of BNZ. Moreover, access barriers such as direct as well as indirect costs, BNZ stock-outs and a fear of adverse reactions triggered by other community members made patients opt for alternative treatments against CD such as veterinary ivermectin, used by 28% of infected participants in our study. The lack of accessible care for chronic complications as well as socioeconomic consequences, such as the exclusion from both job opportunities and bank loans contributed to the ongoing burden of CD. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Large scale interventions should be accompanied by operational research in order to identify misconceptions and unintended consequences early on, to generate accessible data for future interventions, and for rigorous evaluation. An integrated, community-based approach tackling social determinants and including both traditional and animal health sectors might help to overcome current barriers and advocate for patients' rights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Parisi
- Institute of Tropical Medicine and International Health, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DAHW Deutsche Lepra- und Tuberkulosehilfe e. V., Würzburg, Germany
- Department of General Practice, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Navarro
- Department of Public Health, Science History and Gynecology, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Jonathan Phillip Shock
- Department of Maths and Applied Maths, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Boris Apodaca Michel
- Hospital Dermatológico Monteagudo, Monteagudo, Bolivia
- Fundacion Intercultural NORSUD, Sucre, Bolivia
- DAHW Asociación Alemana de Asistencia al Enfermo con Lepra y Tuberculosis, Oficinas Suramérica, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Minerva Lucuy Espinoza
- Universidad Mayor, Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca, Faculty of Medicine, Sucre, Bolivia
| | - Carolina Terán
- Universidad Mayor, Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca, Faculty of Medicine, Sucre, Bolivia
| | | | - Katharina Oltmanns
- DAHW Asociación Alemana de Asistencia al Enfermo con Lepra y Tuberculosis, Oficinas Suramérica, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Abundio Baptista Mora
- Fundacion Intercultural NORSUD, Sucre, Bolivia
- DAHW Asociación Alemana de Asistencia al Enfermo con Lepra y Tuberculosis, Oficinas Suramérica, Bogotá, Colombia
- Universidad Mayor, Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca, Faculty of Medicine, Sucre, Bolivia
| | - Claudia Saveedra Irala
- Hospital Dermatológico Monteagudo, Monteagudo, Bolivia
- Fundacion Intercultural NORSUD, Sucre, Bolivia
- DAHW Asociación Alemana de Asistencia al Enfermo con Lepra y Tuberculosis, Oficinas Suramérica, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angel Alberto Rivera Rojas
- DAHW Asociación Alemana de Asistencia al Enfermo con Lepra y Tuberculosis, Oficinas Suramérica, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Gonzalo Rubilar
- DAHW Asociación Alemana de Asistencia al Enfermo con Lepra y Tuberculosis, Oficinas Suramérica, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Thomas Zoller
- Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité –Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Pritsch
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
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Ramos-Rincón JM, Mira-Solves JJ, Ramos-Sesma V, Torrús-Tendero D, Llenas-García J, Navarro M. Healthcare Professionals and Students' Awareness of Chagas Disease: Design and Validation of Chagas Level of Knowledge Scale (ChaLKS). Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 103:437-444. [PMID: 32342845 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
There are few studies evaluating awareness of Chagas disease among healthcare professionals attending migrants from Latin America or working in Chagas-endemic areas. The objective of this study was to design and validate instruments for assessing knowledge about Chagas disease among healthcare students and residents as well as students and professionals of social and other health science disciplines. Two validated scales have been developed: the 10-item Chagas Level of Knowledge Scale for healthcare professionals (ChaLKS-Medical) and the 8-item ChaLKS-Social&Health for potential aid workers from those fields. Both scales were considered adequate in terms of readability, internal consistency, construct validity, and discriminant validity. The mean number of correct answers on the ChaLKS-Medical among respondents from non-healthcare versus healthcare sectors was 1.80 versus 7.00 (P < 0.001). The scores on the ChaLKS-Social&Health also discriminated between the knowledge levels in these two groups (1.76 versus 6.78, P < 0.001). Knowledge among medical/pharmacy students and residents on the ChaLKS-Medical was acceptable and different (mean: 5.8 and 7.4, respectively; P < 0.001). Respondents' knowledge of Chagas disease was greater in those who had previously received information on the disease; this was true in both respondents from the healthcare sector (mean correct answers, ChaLKS-Medical: 7.2 versus 4.3, P < 0.001) and in potential aid workers (mean correct answers, ChaLKS-Social&Health: 5.1 versus 1.1, P = 0.001). The metric properties of both scales are adequate for their use in supporting aid operations in Chagas-endemic countries or in providing health and social care to migrant populations in non-endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Ramos-Rincón
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL-Fundación FISABIO), Alicante, Spain.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - José J Mira-Solves
- Alicante-Sant Joan Health District, Alicante, Spain.,Department of Health Psychology, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Violeta Ramos-Sesma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario de Torrevieja, Alicante, Spain
| | - Diego Torrús-Tendero
- Parasitology Area, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain.,Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL-Fundación FISABIO), Alicante, Spain
| | - Jara Llenas-García
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Vega Baja, Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO), Orihuela, Spain
| | - Miriam Navarro
- Department of Public Health, Science History and Gynecology, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Alicante, Spain
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26
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Koffi AP, Yao TAK, Barogui YT, Diez G, Djakeaux S, Zahiri MH, Sopoh GE, Santos S, Asiedu KB, Johnson RC, Assé H. Integrated approach in the control and management of skin neglected tropical diseases in three health districts of Côte d'Ivoire. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:517. [PMID: 32303204 PMCID: PMC7164353 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08632-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) comprise 20 communicable diseases that are prevalent in rural poor and remote communities with less access to the health system. For effective and efficient control, the WHO recommends that affected countries implement integrated control interventions that take into account the different co-endemic NTDs in the same community. However, implementing these integrated interventions involving several diseases with different etiologies, requiring different control approaches and driven by different vertical programs, remains a challenge. We report here the results and lessons learned from a pilot test of this integrated approach based on integrated screening of skin diseases in three co-endemic health districts of Côte d'Ivoire, a West African country endemic for Buruli ulcer, leprosy and yaw. METHOD This cross-sectional study took place from April 2016 to March 2017 in 3 districts of Côte d'Ivoire co-endemic for BU, leprosy and yaws. The study was carried out in 6 stages: identification of potentially co-endemic communities; stakeholder training; social mobilization; mobile medical consultations; case detection and management; and a review meeting. RESULTS We included in the study all patients with skin signs and symptoms at the screening stage who voluntarily accepted screening. In total, 2310 persons screened had skin lesions at the screening stage. Among them, 07 cases were diagnosed with Buruli ulcer. There were 30 leprosy cases and 15 yaws detected. Other types of ulcerations and skin conditions have been identified and represent the majority of cases detected. We learned from this pilot experience that integration can be successfully implemented in co-endemic communities in Côte d'Ivoire. Health workers are motivated and available to implement integrated interventions instead of interventions focused on a single disease. However, it is essential to provide capacity building, a minimum of drugs and consumables for the care of the patients identified, as well as follow-up of identified patients, including those with other skin conditions. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show that the integration of activities can be successfully implemented in co-endemic communities under the condition of staff capacity building and minimal care of identified patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aboa Paul Koffi
- Programme National de Lutte contre l’Ulcère de Buruli, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | | | - Yves Thierry Barogui
- Centre Inter Facultaire de Formation et de Recherche en Environnement pour le Développement Durable, Université d’Abomey Calavi, BP: 2733, Abomey-Calavi, Bénin
| | | | - Simplice Djakeaux
- Programme National d’Elimination de la Lèpre, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | | | | | | | | | - Roch Christian Johnson
- Centre Inter Facultaire de Formation et de Recherche en Environnement pour le Développement Durable, Université d’Abomey Calavi, BP: 2733, Abomey-Calavi, Bénin
- Fondation Raoul Follereau, Fondation Raoul Follereau, 31 rue de Dantzig, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Henri Assé
- Programme National de Lutte contre l’Ulcère de Buruli, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
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27
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Marks M, Sammut T, Cabral MG, Teixeira da Silva E, Goncalves A, Rodrigues A, Manjuba C, Nakutum J, Ca J, D’Alessandro U, Achan J, Logan J, Bailey R, Mabey D, Last A, Walker SL. The prevalence of scabies, pyoderma and other communicable dermatoses in the Bijagos Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007820. [PMID: 31738757 PMCID: PMC6886863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Skin diseases represent a significant public health problem in most low and middle income settings. Nevertheless, there is a relative paucity of high-quality epidemiological data on the prevalence of these conditions. MATERIALS/METHODS We conducted two cross-sectional population-based skin-surveys of children (6 months to 9 years old) in the Bijagós Archipelago of Guinea-Bissau during the dry season (February-March 2018) and the wet season (June-July 2018). Following a period of training, a nurse performed a standardised examination for communicable dermatoses for each participant. We calculated the prevalence of each skin condition and investigated demographic associations. RESULTS 1062 children were enrolled in the dry season survey of whom 318 (29.9%) had at least one skin diseases. The most common diagnosis was tinea capitis (154/1062, 14.5% - 95% CI 12.5-16.8%) followed by tinea corporis (84/1062, 7.9% - 95% CI 6.4-9.7%), pyoderma (82/1062, 7.7% - 95% CI 6.2-9.5%) and scabies (56/1062. 5.2% - 95%CI 4.0-6.8%). 320 children were enrolled in the wet season survey of whom 121 (37.8%) had at least one skin problem. Tinea capitis remained the most common diagnosis (79/320, 24.7% - 95% CI 20.1-29.9%), followed by pyoderma (38/320, 11.9% - 95% CI 8.6-16.1%), tinea corporis (23/320, 7.2% - 95% 4.7-10.7%) and scabies (6/320, 1.9% - 95% CI 0.8-4.2%). CONCLUSIONS Our study, which utilised robust population-based cluster random sampling methodology, demonstrates the substantial disease burden caused by common communicable dermatoses in this setting. Given these findings, there is a need to consider common dermatoses as part of Universal Health Coverage to deliver 'skin-health for all'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Marks
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Thomas Sammut
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Adriana Goncalves
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Jose Nakutum
- Region Sanitaria Bolama-Bijagós, Bubaque, Guinea Bissau
| | - Janete Ca
- Region Sanitaria Bolama-Bijagós, Bubaque, Guinea Bissau
| | - Umberto D’Alessandro
- MRC The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Gambia
| | - Jane Achan
- MRC The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Fajara, Gambia
| | - James Logan
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Bailey
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Mabey
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Last
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen L. Walker
- Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Dermatology, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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28
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Schmid‐Grendelmeier P, Takaoka R, Ahogo K, Belachew W, Brown S, Correia J, Correia M, Degboe B, Dorizy‐Vuong V, Faye O, Fuller L, Grando K, Hsu C, Kayitenkore K, Lunjani N, Ly F, Mahamadou G, Manuel R, Kebe Dia M, Masenga E, Muteba Baseke C, Ouedraogo A, Rapelanoro Rabenja F, Su J, Teclessou J, Todd G, Taïeb A. Position Statement on Atopic Dermatitis in Sub-Saharan Africa: current status and roadmap. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 33:2019-2028. [PMID: 31713914 PMCID: PMC6899619 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.15972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The first International Society of Atopic Dermatitis (ISAD) global meeting dedicated to atopic dermatitis (AD) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) was held in Geneva, Switzerland in April 2019. A total of 30 participants were present at the meeting, including those from 17 SSA countries, representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Foundation for Dermatology (IFD) (a committee of the International League of Dermatological Societies, ILDS www.ilds.org), the Fondation pour la Dermatite Atopique, as well as specialists in telemedicine, artificial intelligence and therapeutic patient education (TPE). RESULTS AD is one of the most prevalent chronic inflammatory skin diseases in SSA. Besides neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with a dermatological presentation, AD requires closer attention from the WHO and national Departments of Health. CONCLUSIONS A roadmap has been defined with top priorities such as access to essential medicines and devices for AD care, in particular emollients, better education of primary healthcare workers for adequate triage (e.g. better educational materials for skin diseases in pigmented skin generally and AD in particular, especially targeted to Africa), involvement of traditional healers and to a certain extent also patient education, bearing in mind the barriers to effective healthcare faced in SSA countries such as travel distances to health facilities, limited resources and the lack of dermatological expertise. In addition, several initiatives concerning AD research in SSA were discussed and should be implemented in close collaboration with the WHO and assessed at follow-up meetings, in particular, at the next ISAD meeting in Seoul, South Korea and African Society of Dermatology and Venereology (ASDV) meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, both in 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - R. Takaoka
- Department of DermatologyUniversity of São Paulo Medical SchoolSão PauloBrazil
| | - K.C. Ahogo
- Département de médecine et Spécialités MédicalesDermatologie et VénérologieCHU TreichvilleUniversité Félix Houphouët‐Boigny UFR Sciences MédicalesAbidjanCôte d'Ivoire
| | - W.A. Belachew
- College of Health ScienceAyder Comprehensive Specialized Teaching HospitalMekelle UniversityMekelleEthiopia
| | - S.J. Brown
- Skin Research GroupSchool of MedicineNinewells Hospital & Medical SchoolUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK
| | - J.C. Correia
- Division of Therapeutic Education for Chronic DiseasesWHO Collaborating CenterDepartment of First Aid MedecineGeneva University HospitalsGenevaSwitzerland
| | - M. Correia
- Department of DermatologyHospital Cuf Descobertas and Hospital Cuf Torres VedrasTorres VedrasPortugal
| | - B. Degboe
- Department of DermatologyFaculty of Health SciencesNational and Teaching Hospital HKM of CotonouUniversity of Abomey‐CalaviCotonouBenin
| | - V. Dorizy‐Vuong
- Department of Adult and Pediatric DermatologyCHU BordeauxBordeauxFrance
- INSERM U 1035University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - O. Faye
- Department of DermatologyFaculty of MedicineCNAMBamakoMali
| | - L.C. Fuller
- Chair of International Foundation for DermatologyChelsea and Westminster HospitalLondonUK
| | - K. Grando
- Allergy UnitDepartment of DermatologyUniversity HospitalZurichSwitzerland
| | - C. Hsu
- Department of DermatologyTeledermatology and AIUniversity Hospital of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - K. Kayitenkore
- Kigali Dermatology CenterUniversity of RwandaKigaliRwanda
| | - N. Lunjani
- University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - F. Ly
- Université Cheikh Anta DiopDakarSenegal
| | - G. Mahamadou
- Department of Adult and Pediatric DermatologyCHU BordeauxBordeauxFrance
- Service de Dermatologie‐VénéréologieCHU Sylvanus OlympioLoméTogo
| | - R.C.F. Manuel
- Department of DermatologyMinistry of HealthHospital Central de MaputoMaputoMozambique
| | | | - E.J. Masenga
- Regional Dermatology Training CenterKilimanjaro Christian Medical University CollegeMoshiTanzania
| | | | - A.N. Ouedraogo
- University Hospital Yalgado Ouedraogo of OuagadougouUniversity Ouaga I Pr Joseph Ki‐Zerbo OuagadougouOuagadougouBurkina Faso
| | - F. Rapelanoro Rabenja
- Department of DermatologyUniversity Hospital Joseph Raseta BefelatananaAntananarivoMadagascar
| | - J. Su
- Department of PaediatricsMurdoch Children's Research InstituteRoyal Children's HospitalThe University of MelbourneParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
| | - J.N. Teclessou
- Service dermatologie et ISTCHU Sylvanus OlympioUniversité de LoméLoméTogo
| | - G. Todd
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - A. Taïeb
- Department of Adult and Pediatric DermatologyCHU BordeauxBordeauxFrance
- INSERM U 1035University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
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The Skin-A Common Pathway for Integrating Diagnosis and Management of NTDs. Trop Med Infect Dis 2018; 3:tropicalmed3030101. [PMID: 30274497 PMCID: PMC6161075 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed3030101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have major skin manifestations. These skin-related NTDs or ‘skin NTDs’ cause significant morbidity and economic hardship in some of the poorest communities worldwide. We draw attention to the collective burden of skin disease and suggest that the skin be used as a platform for the integration of control activities for NTDs. The opportunities for integration are numerous, ranging from diagnosis and disease mapping to mass drug administration and morbidity management. The dermatology community has an important role to play, and will be expected to support research and control activities globally.
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