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Silke F, Earl L, Hsu J, Janko MM, Joffe J, Memetova A, Michael D, Zheng P, Aravkin A, Murray CJL, Weaver MR. Cost-effectiveness of interventions for HIV/AIDS, malaria, syphilis, and tuberculosis in 128 countries: a meta-regression analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2024; 12:e1159-e1173. [PMID: 38876762 PMCID: PMC11194165 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(24)00181-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cost-effectiveness analyses have been conducted for many interventions for HIV/AIDS, malaria, syphilis, and tuberculosis, but they have not been conducted for all interventions that are currently recommended in all countries. To support national decision makers in the effective allocation of resources, we conducted a meta-regression analysis of published incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for interventions for these causes, and predicted ICERs for 14 recommended interventions for Global Fund-eligible countries. METHODS In the meta-regression analysis, we used data from the Tufts University Center for the Evaluation of Value and Risk in Health (Boston, MA, USA) Cost-Effectiveness Registries (the CEA Registry beginning in 1976 and the Global Health CEA registry beginning in 1995) up to Jan 1, 2018. To create analysis files, we standardised and mapped the data, extracted additional data from published articles, and added variables from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD). Then we selected ratios for interventions with a minimum of two published articles and three published ICERs that mapped to one of five GBD causes (HIV/AIDS, malaria, syphilis, drug-susceptible tuberculosis, or multi-drug resistant tuberculosis), and to a GBD country; reported a currency year during or after 1990; and for which the comparator intervention was defined as no intervention, standard of care, or placebo. Our meta-regression analysis used all available data on 25 eligible interventions, and quantified the association between ICERs and factors at country level and intervention level. We used a five-stage statistical model that was developed to synthesise evidence on cost-effectiveness analyses, and we adapted it for smaller sample sizes by grouping interventions by cause and type (ie, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment). Using the meta-regression parameters we predicted country-specific median ICERs, IQRs, and 95% uncertainty intervals in 2019 US$ per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) for 14 currently recommended interventions. We report ICERs in league tables with gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and country-specific thresholds. FINDINGS The sample for the analysis was 1273 ratios from 144 articles, of which we included 612 ICERs from 106 articles in our meta-regression analysis. We predicted ICERs for antiretroviral therapy for prevention for two age groups and pregnant women, pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV for two risk groups, four malaria prevention interventions, antenatal syphilis screening, two tuberculosis prevention interventions, the Xpert tuberculosis test, and chemotherapy for drug-sensitive tuberculosis. At the country level, ranking of interventions and number of interventions with a predicted median ICER below the country-specific threshold varied greatly. For instance, median ICERs for six of 14 interventions were below the country-specific threshold in Sudan, whereas 12 of 14 were below the country-specific threshold in Peru. Antenatal syphilis screening had the lowest median ICER among all 14 interventions in 81 (63%) of 128 countries, ranging from $3 (IQR 2-4) per DALY averted in Equatorial Guinea to $3473 (2244-5222) in Ukraine. Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV/AIDS for men who have sex with men had the highest median ICER among all interventions in 116 (91%) countries, ranging from $2326 (1077-4567) per DALY averted in Lesotho to $53 559 (23 841-108 534) in Maldives. INTERPRETATION Country-specific league tables highlight the interventions that offer better value per DALY averted, and can support decision making at a country level that is more tailored to available resources than GDP per capita and country-specific thresholds. Meta-regression is a promising method to synthesise cost-effectiveness analysis results and transfer them across settings. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Silke
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lauren Earl
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Johnathan Hsu
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mark M Janko
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jonah Joffe
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aishe Memetova
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Peng Zheng
- Department of Health Metric Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aleksandr Aravkin
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Marcia R Weaver
- Department of Health Metric Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Mangipudi S. Solar-powered solutions to oxygen delivery challenges in Uganda: the next steps. Lancet 2024; 403:703-705. [PMID: 38367640 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)02759-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sowmya Mangipudi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94113, USA.
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3
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Thabet RH, Alessa REM, Al-Smadi ZKK, Alshatnawi BSG, Amayreh BMI, Al-Dwaaghreh RBA, Salah SKA. Folic acid: friend or foe in cancer therapy. J Int Med Res 2024; 52:3000605231223064. [PMID: 38229460 PMCID: PMC10935767 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231223064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Folic acid plays a crucial role in diverse biological processes, notably cell maturation and proliferation. Here, we performed a literature review using articles listed in electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar. In this review article, we describe contradictory data regarding the role of folic acid in cancer development and progression. While some studies have confirmed its beneficial effects in diminishing the risk of various cancers, others have reported a potential carcinogenic effect. The current narrative review elucidates these conflicting data by highlighting the possible molecular mechanisms explaining each point of view. Further multicenter molecular and genetic studies, in addition to human randomized clinical trials, are necessary to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between folic acid and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romany H. Thabet
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Aqaba Medical Sciences University, Aqaba, Jordan
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4
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Wong B, Singh K, Everett B, O’Brien KS, Ravilla T, Khanna RC, Chase H, Frick KD. The case for investment in eye health: systematic review and economic modelling analysis. Bull World Health Organ 2023; 101:786-799. [PMID: 38024247 PMCID: PMC10680113 DOI: 10.2471/blt.23.289863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess how the returns on investment from correcting refractive errors and cataracts in low- and middle-income countries compare with the returns from other global development interventions. Methods We adopted two complementary approaches to estimate benefit-cost ratios from eye health investment. First, we systematically searched PubMed® and Web of Science™ on 14 August 2023 for studies conducted in low-and-middle-income countries, which have measured welfare impacts associated with correcting refractive errors and cataracts. Using benefit-cost analysis, we compared these impacts to costs. Second, we employed an economic modelling analysis to estimate benefit-cost ratios from eye health investments in India. We compared the returns from eye health to returns in other domains across global health and development. Findings We identified 21 studies from 10 countries. Thirteen outcomes highlighted impacts from refractive error correction for school students. From the systematic review, we used 17 out of 33 outcomes for benefit-cost analyses, with the median benefit-cost ratio being 36. The economic modelling approach for India generated benefit-cost ratios ranging from 28 for vision centres to 42 for school eye screening, with an aggregate ratio of 31. Comparing our findings to the typical investment in global development shows that eye health investment returns six times more benefits (median benefit-cost ratio: 36 vs 6). Conclusion Eye health investments provide economic benefits with varying degrees based on the intervention type and location. Our findings underline the importance of incorporating eye health initiatives into broader development strategies for substantial societal returns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Wong
- Mettalytics, 23 Philip St, South Golden Beach 2483, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Bryce Everett
- Department of Economics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, United States of America (USA)
| | - Kieran S O’Brien
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Thulasiraj Ravilla
- Lions Aravind Institute of Community Ophthalmology, Aravind Eye Care System, Madurai, India
| | - Rohit C Khanna
- Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Kevin D Frick
- Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
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5
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Gopal S. The case for prioritizing malignant hematology services in low- and middle-income countries. Semin Hematol 2023; 60:189-191. [PMID: 37723025 PMCID: PMC10840687 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2023.08.005] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
A clear case for can be made for prioritizing malignant hematology services in low- and middle-income countries based on large public health burden, convincing demonstrations of cure and control, innovation opportunities with likely worldwide implications, and sizable returns on investment for health systems and societies. We must now ensure that need and opportunity are matched by commensurate levels of investment and attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Gopal
- Center for Global Health, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD.
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Rohner F, Wirth JP, Zeng W, Petry N, Donkor WES, Neufeld LM, Mkambula P, Groll S, Mbuya MN, Friesen VM. Global Coverage of Mandatory Large-Scale Food Fortification Programs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Nutr 2023; 14:1197-1210. [PMID: 37499980 PMCID: PMC10509437 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Food fortification with micronutrients is widely implemented to reduce micronutrient deficiencies and related outcomes. Although many factors affect the success of fortification programs, high population coverage is needed to have a public health impact. We aimed to provide recent global coverage estimates of salt, wheat flour, vegetable oil, maize flour, rice, and sugar among countries with mandatory fortification legislation. The indicators were the proportion of households consuming the: food, fortifiable food (that is, industrially processed), fortified food (to any extent), and adequately fortified food (according to national or international standards). We estimated the number of individuals reached with fortified foods. We systematically retrieved and reviewed all applicable evidence from: published reports and articles from January 2010 to August 2021, survey lists/databases from key organizations, and reports/literature received from key informants. We analyzed data with R statistical package using random-effects meta-analysis models. An estimated 94.4% of households consumed salt, 78.4% consumed fortified salt (4.2 billion people), and 48.6% consumed adequately fortified salt in 64, 84, and 31 countries, respectively. Additionally, 77.4% of households consumed wheat flour, 61.6% consumed fortifiable wheat flour, and 47.1% consumed fortified wheat flour (66.2 million people) in 15, 8, and 10 countries, respectively, and 87.0% consumed vegetable oil, 86.7% consumed fortifiable oil, and 40.1% consumed fortified oil (123.9 million people) in 10, 7, and 5 countries, respectively. Data on adequately fortified wheat flour and vegetable oil and coverage indicators for maize flour, rice, and sugar were limited. There are major data gaps on fortification coverage for most foods except salt. All countries with mandatory fortification programs should generate and use more coverage data to assess program performance and adjust programs as needed to realize their potential to reduce micronutrient deficiencies (PROSPERO CRD42021269364).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wu Zeng
- GroundWork, Fläsch, Switzerland; Georgetown University, School of Health, Washington DC, United States
| | | | | | - Lynnette M Neufeld
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO; formerly GAIN)
| | - Penjani Mkambula
- Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sydney Groll
- GroundWork, Fläsch, Switzerland; Georgetown University, School of Health, Washington DC, United States
| | - Mduduzi Nn Mbuya
- Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Geneva, Switzerland
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Patel V, Saxena S, Lund C, Kohrt B, Kieling C, Sunkel C, Kola L, Chang O, Charlson F, O'Neill K, Herrman H. Transforming mental health systems globally: principles and policy recommendations. Lancet 2023; 402:656-666. [PMID: 37597892 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00918-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
A burgeoning mental health crisis is emerging globally, regardless of each country's human resources or spending. We argue that effectively responding to this crisis is impeded by the dominant framing of mental ill health through the prism of diagnostic categories, leading to an excessive reliance on interventions that are delivered by specialists; a scarcity of widespread promotive, preventive, and recovery-oriented strategies; and failure to leverage diverse resources within communities. Drawing upon a series of syntheses, we identify five principles to transform current practices; namely, address harmful social environments across the life course, particularly in the early years; ensure that care is not contingent on a categorical diagnosis but aligned with the staging model of mental illness; empower diverse front-line providers to deliver psychosocial interventions; embrace a rights-based approach that seeks to provide alternatives to violence and coercion in care; and centre people with lived experience in all aspects of care. We recommend four policy actions which can transform these principles into reality: a whole of society approach to prevention and care; a redesign of the architecture of care delivery to provide a seamless continuum of care, tailored to the severity of the mental health condition; investing more in what works to enhance the impact and value of the investments; and ensuring accountability through monitoring and acting upon a set of mental health indicators. All these actions are achievable, relying-for the most part-on resources already available to every community and country. What they do require is the acceptance that business as usual will fail and the solutions to transforming mental health-care systems are already present within existing resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Patel
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Shekhar Saxena
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Crick Lund
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Services and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brandon Kohrt
- Center for Global Mental Health Equity, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Christian Kieling
- School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Charlene Sunkel
- Global Mental Health Peer Network, Paarl, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lola Kola
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Odille Chang
- College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji
| | - Fiona Charlson
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Kathryn O'Neill
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Helen Herrman
- Orygen, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Tan X, Han X, Zheng Y, Jin L, Qiu X, Zhu Y, Chen C, Zhang J, Dickey H, Wang D, Huang S, Liu B, Liang X, Zeng Y, Lin H, He M, Luo L, Huang W, Congdon N, Liu Y. Impact of Cataract Surgery on Income in Rural Southern China: The SUCCESS Randomized Controlled Trial. Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2023; 12:355-363. [PMID: 37523426 DOI: 10.1097/apo.0000000000000624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Visual impairment from cataracts is closely associated with low income, but trial evidence regarding the impact of surgery on income is lacking. We investigated whether cataract surgery could increase personal income. DESIGN A 2-arm, parallel-group, open-label, randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03020056). METHODS Persons aged 50 years or older in rural Guangdong, China, with best-corrected visual acuity <6/19 in both eyes due to cataracts were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive surgery within 4 weeks (intervention group), or 1 year later (control group). All participants were interviewed at baseline and end-line regarding demographic characteristics, income, and quality of life. RESULTS Among the 292 eligible persons (5.40%, mean age = 74.0 y, 61.0% women) randomly assigned to intervention (n = 146) or control (n = 146) groups, 12 participants (8.22%) in the intervention group and 1 (0.68%) in the control did not receive the allocated intervention. By study closeout, 18 participants (6.16%) were lost to follow-up. The mean 1-year income increase of the intervention group ($2469-$3588; change = $1119) was significantly larger than that of the controls ($2258-$2052; change = $-206), a between-group difference of $1325 (relative increase = 54.0%; 95% CI = $739 to $1911; P < 0.001). In multivariable modeling, intervention group membership was associated with greater income increase (β = 1143.2; 95% CI = 582.0 to 1704.3; P < 0.001). Greater improvement in best-corrected visual acuity was associated with income increase in univariable modeling (β = 1626.9; 95% CI = 1083.6 to 2170.1; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Cataract surgery substantially increases personal income in rural China, offering a strategy for poverty alleviation. The strong association between increased income and change in visual acuity enhances the biological plausibility of the result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhua Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaotong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingfeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ling Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaozhang Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, US
| | - Chuan Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, US
| | - Jiaqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Decai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengsong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoling Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yangfa Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haotian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingguang He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lixia Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenyong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Nathan Congdon
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Center for Public Health, Royal Victoria Hospital, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Orbis International, New York, NY, US
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Jan C, Xin J, Dong Y, Butt T, Chang R, Keay L, He M, Friedman D, Congdon N. Patterns and determinants of incident cataract surgery in China from 2011 to 2015 using a nationally representative longitudinal database. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069702. [PMID: 37344116 PMCID: PMC10314420 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate incident cataract surgery and to investigate determinants of cataract surgery uptake in Chinese adults. DESIGN This nationally representative longitudinal study recorded self-reported incident cataract surgery, and measured biological, clinical and socioeconomical characteristics at baseline and endline. SETTING In the first stage, 150 county-level units were randomly chosen with a probability-proportional-to-size sampling technique from a sampling frame containing all county-level units. The sample was stratified by region and within region by urban district or rural county and per capita gross domestic product. The final sample of 150 counties fell within 28 provinces of China. PARTICIPANTS Urban and rural Chinese persons aged 45 years and older. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Incident cataract surgery (primary outcome) and the factors associated with incident cataract surgery (secondary outcome). RESULTS Among 16 663 people enrolled in 2011, 13 705 (82.2%) attended follow-up in 2015. Among these, 167 (1.22%) reported incident cataract surgery. Those receiving surgery were significantly older (66.2±8.79 vs 58.3±9.18, p≤0.001) and more likely to report: illiteracy (44.9% vs 27.1%, p<0.001), poor baseline distance vision (49.7% vs 20.0%, p≤0.001), poor baseline near vision (37.1% vs 21.8%, p≤0.001), baseline visual impairment (15.6% vs 5.5%, p≤0.001), diabetes (12.0% vs 7.42%, p≤0.05) and higher baseline depression scores (9.7 vs 8.4 on a scale of 0-30, p≤0.05). In linear regression models, older age, worse distance vision, hypertension or diabetes, illiteracy and lower depression score were significantly associated with undergoing surgery. Results were similar in models including only persons aged ≥60 years, except that urban residence was also associated with surgery. When only those aged ≥60 years with poor vision were included, results were again the same, except that higher household expenditure was also associated with surgery. CONCLUSIONS In China, cataract surgical rates remain low; underserved groups such as rural dwellers are less likely to receive cataract surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Jan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Lost Child's Vision Project, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jin Xin
- Institute of Population Research, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Peking University Library, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhui Dong
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Thomas Butt
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robert Chang
- Byers Eye Institution, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Lisa Keay
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mingguang He
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, East Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - David Friedman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nathan Congdon
- Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- TREE Centre, Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- ORBIS International, New York, New York, USA
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McCaw JM, Yelton SEG, Tackett SA, Rapal RMLL, Gamalinda AN, Arellano-Reyles A, Tupas GD, Derecho C, Ababon F, Edwardson J, Shilkofki NA. Effect of repeat refresher courses on neonatal resuscitation skill decay: an experimental comparative study of in-person and video-based simulation training. Adv Simul (Lond) 2023; 8:7. [PMID: 36841812 PMCID: PMC9959951 DOI: 10.1186/s41077-023-00244-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal deaths are a major contributor to global under-5-year-old mortality. Training birth attendants can improve perinatal outcomes, but skills may fade over time. In this pilot study, we assessed skill decay of nursing students after remote video versus in-person resuscitation training in a low-resource setting. Filipino nursing students (n = 49) underwent traditional, in-person simulation-based Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) training in Mindanao, Philippines. Participants were then assigned to receive refresher training at 2-month intervals either in-person or via tele-simulation beginning at 2 months, 4 months, or 6 months after initial training. A knowledge examination and practical examination, also known as objective structured clinical examination B in the HBB curriculum, were administered before retraining to assess knowledge and skill retention at time of scheduled follow-up. Time to initiation of bag-mask ventilation (BMV) in seconds during simulated birth asphyxia was the primary outcome. Skill decay was evident at first follow-up, with average time to BMV increasing from 56.9 (range 15-87) s at initial post-training to 83.8 (range 32-128) s at 2 months and 90.2 (range 51-180) s at 4 months. At second follow-up of the 2-month group, students showed improved pre-training time to BMV (average 70.4; range 46-97 s). No statistical difference was observed between in-person and video-trained students in time to BMV. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the 6-month follow-up was not completed. We conclude that remote video refresher training is a reasonable alternative to traditional in-person HBB training. Our study also suggests that refreshers may be needed more frequently than every 2 months to mitigate skill decay. Additional studies are necessary to assess the longitudinal impact of tele-simulation on clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M McCaw
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah E Gardner Yelton
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sean A Tackett
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rainier M L L Rapal
- Department of Pediatrics, Southern Philippines Medical Center, Davao City, Philippines
| | - Arianne N Gamalinda
- Operation Smile Philippines Foundation, Inc.-Mindanao Cleft Center, Davao City, Philippines
| | | | - Genevieve D Tupas
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Davao Medical School Foundation Inc., Davao City, Philippines
| | - Ces Derecho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc., Davao City, Philippines
| | - Fides Ababon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc., Davao City, Philippines
| | - Jill Edwardson
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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11
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Kamińska A, Pinkas J, Goryński P, Jankowski M. A National Registry-Based Epidemiological Study to Evaluate 395 646 Patients Hospitalized Due to Eye Diseases in Poland in 2019. Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e939351. [PMID: 36738094 PMCID: PMC9910030 DOI: 10.12659/msm.939351] [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] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Nationwide General Hospital Morbidity Study Registry collects demographic, health, and medical data on patients hospitalized throughout Poland, and acts as a registry for epidemiological, public health, and hospital administrative studies. This epidemiological national registry-based study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of 395 646 patients hospitalized due to eye diseases in Poland in 2019. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study is a retrospective nationwide registry-based analysis. Data on all patients hospitalized due to eye diseases in 2019 were obtained from the Nationwide General Hospital Morbidity Study Registry. Demographic characteristics of patients hospitalized due to eye diseases as well as the hospitalization course were analyzed using descriptive epidemiology tools. RESULTS Disorders of the lens accounted for 68.6% of all hospital admissions, and disorders of the choroid and retina were the second most common (13.9%) cause of hospital admission due to eye diseases in 2019. Over three-quarters of hospital admissions (77.4%) lasted less than 24 h, and 86.8% were scheduled admissions. Most of the patients hospitalized due to eye diseases were females (59.9%) and over 70% lived in urban areas. There were regional differences in the hospital admissions rate per 100 000 inhabitants. According to the data presented in the registry, less than one-third of patients had comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS Hospital ophthalmological care in Poland is based mainly on planned hospitalizations lasting less than 24 h and related to ophthalmological surgery. Data on the comorbidity of ophthalmologic patients suggest that ophthalmologists do not pay enough attention to identifying and recording the patient's health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kamińska
- Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Pinkas
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Goryński
- Department of Population Health Monitoring and Analysis, National Institute of Public Health NIH – National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Jankowski
- School of Public Health, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
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12
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Flessa S. Cataract Surgery in Low-Income Countries: A Good Deal! Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10122580. [PMID: 36554103 PMCID: PMC9778186 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10122580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cataract is a major cause of blindness worldwide. In particular, in low-income countries, the burden of disease as well as its direct and indirect economic cost are a major challenge for the population and economy. In many cases, it would be possible to prevent or cure blindness with a comparably simple cataract surgery, but many countries lack the resources to strengthen healthcare systems and implement broad cataract surgery programs reaching, in particular, the rural poor. In this paper, we analyse whether such an intervention could be cost-effective or even cost-saving for the respective health systems. We calculate the net value of the lifelong costs of cataract with and without surgery. This calculation includes direct costs (e.g., treatment, glasses, surgery) as well as indirect cost of the caregiver and the patient. We total all costs from the year of onset of cataract until death and discount the respective values to the year of onset. We define the surgery as cost-saving if the net-value of costs with surgery is lower than without surgery. If the cost per quality adjusted life year is lower than one gross national product per capita, we define the intervention as highly cost-effective. We find that the cost-effectiveness of cataract surgery depends on the age of onset of the disease and the age of surgery. If the surgery is performed with the beginning of severe impairment, even surgery of a 78-year-old patient is still cost-saving. Almost all possible constellations are highly cost-effective, only for the very old it is questionable whether the surgery should be performed. The simulations show that cataract surgery is one of the most cost-effective interventions. However, millions of people in low-income countries still have no chance to prevent or cure blindness due to limited resources. The findings of this paper clearly call for a stronger effort to reach poor and rural populations with this cost-effective service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Flessa
- Department of Health Care Management, Faculty of Law and Economics, University of Greifswald, 17487 Greifswald, Germany
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13
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Sahu A. Future scenario in cataract surgery. Indian J Ophthalmol 2022; 70:3749-3750. [PMID: 36308085 PMCID: PMC9907263 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2167_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Amulya Sahu
- Founder Chairman, Kamal Netralaya, Mumbai, Founder Chairman, ISMSICS, Maharashtra, India. E-mail:
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Shah K, Singh M, Kotwani P, Tyagi K, Pandya A, Saha S, Saxena D, Rajshekar K. Comprehensive league table of cost-utility ratios: A systematic review of cost-effectiveness evidence for health policy decisions in India. Front Public Health 2022; 10:831254. [PMID: 36311623 PMCID: PMC9606776 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.831254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Although a relatively recent concept for developing countries, the developed world has been using League Tables as a policy guiding tool for a comprehensive assessment of health expenditures; country-specific "League tables" can be a very useful tool for national healthcare planning and budgeting. Presented herewith is a comprehensive league table of cost per Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY) or Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALY) ratios derived from Health Technology Assessment (HTA) or economic evaluation studies reported from India through a systematic review. Methods Economic evaluations and HTAs published from January 2003 to October 2019 were searched from various databases. We only included the studies reporting common outcomes (QALY/DALY) and methodology to increase the generalizability of league table findings. To opt for a uniform criterion, a reference case approach developed by Health Technology Assessment in India (HTAIn) was used for the reporting of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. However, as, most of the articles expressed the outcome as DALY, both (QALY and DALY) were used as outcome indicators for this review. Results After the initial screening of 9,823 articles, 79 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for the League table preparation. The spectrum of intervention was dominated by innovations for infectious diseases (33%), closely followed by maternal and child health (29%), and non-communicable diseases (20%). The remaining 18% of the interventions were on other groups of health issues, such as injuries, snake bites, and epilepsy. Most of the interventions (70%) reported DALY as an outcome indicator, and the rest (30%) reported QALY. Outcome and cost were discounted at the rate of 3 by 73% of the studies, at 5 by 4% of the studies, whereas 23% of the studies did not discount it. Budget impact and sensitivity analysis were reported by 18 and 73% of the studies, respectively. Interpretation and conclusions The present review offers a reasonably coherent league table that reflects ICER values of a range of health conditions in India. It presents an update for decision-makers for making decisions about resource allocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Shah
- Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar, India,*Correspondence: Komal Shah
| | - Malkeet Singh
- HTAIn Secretariat-Department of Health Research, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Kirti Tyagi
- HTAIn Secretariat-Department of Health Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Apurvakumar Pandya
- Faculty of Medicine, Parul Institute of Public Health, Parul University, Vadodara, India
| | - Somen Saha
- Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar, India
| | - Deepak Saxena
- Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG), Gandhinagar, India
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15
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Akpan E, Hossain SJ, Devine A, Braat S, Hasan MI, Tipu SMMU, Bhuiyan MSA, Hamadani JD, Biggs BA, Pasricha SR, Carvalho N. Cost-effectiveness of universal iron supplementation and iron-containing micronutrient powders for anemia among young children in rural Bangladesh: analysis of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 2022; 116:1303-1313. [PMID: 36192508 PMCID: PMC9630870 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Universal provision of iron supplements or iron-containing multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) is widely used to prevent anemia in young children in low- and middle-income countries. The BRISC (Benefits and Risks of Iron Interventions in Children) trial compared iron supplements and MNPs with placebo in children <2 y old in rural Bangladesh. OBJECTIVES We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of iron supplements or iron-containing MNPs among young children in rural Bangladesh. METHODS We did a cost-effectiveness analysis of MNPs and iron supplements using the BRISC trial outcomes and resource use data, and programmatic data from the literature. Health care costs were assessed from a health system perspective. We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in terms of US$ per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted. To explore uncertainty, we constructed cost-effectiveness acceptability curves using bootstrapped data over a range of cost-effectiveness thresholds. One- and 2-way sensitivity analyses tested the impact of varying key parameter values on our results. RESULTS Provision of MNPs was estimated to avert 0.0031 (95% CI: 0.0022, 0.0041) DALYs/child, whereas iron supplements averted 0.0039 (95% CI: 0.0030, 0.0048) DALYs/child, over 1 y compared with no intervention. Incremental mean costs were $0.75 (95% CI: 0.73, 0.77) for MNPs compared with no intervention and $0.64 ($0.62, $0.67) for iron supplements compared with no intervention. Iron supplementation dominated MNPs because it was cheaper and averted more DALYs. Iron supplementation had an ICER of $1645 ($1333, $2153) per DALY averted compared with no intervention, and had a 0% probability of being the optimal strategy at cost-effectiveness thresholds of $200 (reflecting health opportunity costs in Bangladesh) and $985 [half of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita] per DALY averted. Scenario and sensitivity analyses supported the base case findings. CONCLUSIONS These findings do not support universal iron supplementation or micronutrient powders as a cost-effective intervention for young children in rural Bangladesh.This trial was registered at anzctr.org.au as ACTRN1261700066038 and trialsearch.who.int as U1111-1196-1125.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edifofon Akpan
- Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sheikh J Hossain
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Maternal and Child Health Division, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Angela Devine
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Division of Global and Tropical Health, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Sabine Braat
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Department of Medicine at the Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mohammed I Hasan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Maternal and Child Health Division, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - S M Mulk Uddin Tipu
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Maternal and Child Health Division, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Saiful Alam Bhuiyan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Maternal and Child Health Division, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jena D Hamadani
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Maternal and Child Health Division, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Beverley-Ann Biggs
- Department of Medicine at the Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sant-Rayn Pasricha
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Diagnostic Hematology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Clinical Hematology, The Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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16
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Wealth and inequality gradients for the detection and control of hypertension in older individuals in middle-income economies around 2007-2015. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269118. [PMID: 35802577 PMCID: PMC9269405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Socioeconomic inequalities in the detection and treatment of non-communicable diseases represent a challenge for healthcare systems in middle-income countries (MICs) in the context of population ageing. This challenge is particularly pressing regarding hypertension due to its increasing prevalence among older individuals in MICs, especially among those with lower socioeconomic status (SES). Using comparative data for China, Colombia, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa, we systematically assess the association between SES, measured in the form of a wealth index, and hypertension detection and control around the years 2007-15. Furthermore, we determine what observable factors, such as socio-demographic and health characteristics, explain existing SES-related inequalities in hypertension detection and control using a Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition. Results show that the prevalence of undetected hypertension is significantly associated with lower SES. For uncontrolled hypertension, there is evidence of a significant gradient in three of the six countries at the time the data were collected. Differences between rural and urban areas as well as lower and higher educated individuals account for the largest proportion of SES-inequalities in hypertension detection and control at the time. Improved access to primary healthcare in MICs since then may have contributed to a reduction in health inequalities in detection and treatment of hypertension. However, whether this indeed has been the case remains to be investigated.
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17
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NCD Countdown 2030: efficient pathways and strategic investments to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal target 3.4 in low-income and middle-income countries. Lancet 2022; 399:1266-1278. [PMID: 35339227 PMCID: PMC8947779 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)02347-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Most countries have made little progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.4, which calls for a reduction in premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by a third from 2015 to 2030. In this Health Policy paper, we synthesise the evidence related to interventions that can reduce premature mortality from the major NCDs over the next decade and that are feasible to implement in countries at all levels of income. Our recommendations are intended as generic guidance to help 123 low-income and middle-income countries meet SDG target 3.4; country-level applications require additional analyses and consideration of the local implementation and utilisation context. Protecting current investments and scaling up these interventions is especially crucial in the context of COVID-19-related health system disruptions. We show how cost-effectiveness data and other information can be used to define locally tailored packages of interventions to accelerate rates of decline in NCD mortality. Under realistic implementation constraints, most countries could achieve (or almost achieve) the NCD target using a combination of these interventions; the greatest gains would be for cardiovascular disease mortality. Implementing the most efficient package of interventions in each world region would require, on average, an additional US$18 billion annually over 2023-30; this investment could avert 39 million deaths and generate an average net economic benefit of $2·7 trillion, or $390 per capita. Although specific clinical intervention pathways would vary across countries and regions, policies to reduce behavioural risks, such as tobacco smoking, harmful use of alcohol, and excess sodium intake, would be relevant in nearly every country, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the health gains of any locally tailored NCD package. By 2030, ministries of health would need to contribute about 20% of their budgets to high-priority NCD interventions. Our report concludes with a discussion of financing and health system implementation considerations and reflections on the NCD agenda beyond the SDG target 3.4 and beyond the SDG period.
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18
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Young N, Bowman A, Swedin K, Collins J, Blair-Stahn ND, Lindstedt PA, Troeger C, Flaxman AD. Cost-effectiveness of antenatal multiple micronutrients and balanced energy protein supplementation compared to iron and folic acid supplementation in India, Pakistan, Mali, and Tanzania: A dynamic microsimulation study. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1003902. [PMID: 35192606 PMCID: PMC8863292 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malnutrition among women of childbearing age is especially prevalent in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa and can be harmful to the fetus during pregnancy. In the most recently available Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), approximately 10% to 20% of pregnant women in India, Pakistan, Mali, and Tanzania were undernourished (body mass index [BMI] <18.5 kg/m2), and according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 study, approximately 20% of babies were born with low birth weight (LBW; <2,500 g) in India, Pakistan, and Mali and 8% in Tanzania. Supplementing pregnant women with micro and macronutrients during the antenatal period can improve birth outcomes. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended antenatal multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) that includes iron and folic acid (IFA) in the context of rigorous research. Additionally, WHO recommends balanced energy protein (BEP) for undernourished populations. However, few studies have compared the cost-effectiveness of different supplementation regimens. We compared the cost-effectiveness of MMS and BEP with IFA to quantify their benefits in 4 countries with considerable prevalence of maternal undernutrition. METHODS AND FINDINGS Using nationally representative estimates from the 2017 GBD study, we conducted an individual-based dynamic microsimulation of population cohorts from birth to 2 years of age in India, Pakistan, Mali, and Tanzania. We modeled the effect of maternal nutritional supplementation on infant birth weight, stunting and wasting using effect sizes from Cochrane systematic reviews and published literature. We used a payer's perspective and obtained costs of supplementation per pregnancy from the published literature. We compared disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in a baseline scenario with existing antenatal IFA coverage with scenarios where 90% of antenatal care (ANC) attendees receive either universal MMS, universal BEP, or MMS + targeted BEP (women with prepregnancy BMI <18.5 kg/m2 receive BEP containing MMS while women with BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2 receive MMS). We obtained 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) for all outputs to represent parameter and stochastic uncertainty across 100 iterations of model runs. ICERs for all scenarios were lowest in Pakistan and greatest in Tanzania, in line with the baseline trend in prevalence of and attributable burden to LBW. MMS + targeted BEP averts more DALYs than universal MMS alone while remaining cost-effective. ICERs for universal MMS compared to baseline IFA were $52 (95% UI: $28 to $78) for Pakistan, $72 (95% UI: $37 to $118) for Mali, $70 (95% UI: $43 to $104) for India, and $253 (95% UI: $112 to $481) for Tanzania. ICERs for MMS + targeted BEP compared to baseline IFA were $54 (95% UI: $32 to $77) for Pakistan, $73 (95% UI: $40 to $104) for Mali, $83 (95% UI: $58 to $111) for India, and $245 (95% UI: $127 to $405) for Tanzania. Study limitations include generalizing experimental findings from the literature to our populations of interest and using population-level input parameters that may not reflect the heterogeneity of subpopulations. Additionally, our microsimulation fuses multiple sources of data and may be limited by data quality and availability. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we observed that MMS + targeted BEP averts more DALYs and remains cost-effective compared to universal MMS. As countries consider using MMS in alignment with recent WHO guidelines, offering targeted BEP is a cost-effective strategy that can be considered concurrently to maximize benefits and synergize program implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Young
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Alison Bowman
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kjell Swedin
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - James Collins
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | - Paulina A. Lindstedt
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Christopher Troeger
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Abraham D. Flaxman
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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19
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Hess SY, McLain AC, Frongillo EA, Afshin A, Kassebaum NJ, Osendarp SJM, Atkin R, Rawat R, Brown KH. Challenges for Estimating the Global Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiencies and Related Disease Burden: A Case Study of the Global Burden of Disease Study. Curr Dev Nutr 2021; 5:nzab141. [PMID: 34993390 PMCID: PMC8728001 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzab141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Information on the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies is needed to determine related disease burden; underpin evidence-based advocacy; and design, deliver, and monitor safe, effective interventions. Assessing the global prevalence of deficiency requires a valid micronutrient status biomarker with an appropriate cutoff to define deficiency and relevant data from representative surveys across multiple locations and years. The Global Burden of Disease Study includes prevalence estimates for iodine, iron, zinc, and vitamin A deficiencies, for which recommended biomarkers and appropriate deficiency cutoffs exist. Because representative survey data are lacking, only retinol concentration is used to model vitamin A deficiency, and proxy indicators are used for the other micronutrients (goiter for iodine, hemoglobin for iron, and dietary food adequacy for zinc). Because of data limitations, complex statistical modeling is required to produce current estimates, relying on assumptions and proxies that likely understate the extent of micronutrient deficiencies and the consequent global health burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Y Hess
- Institute for Global Nutrition and Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Alexander C McLain
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Ashkan Afshin
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nicholas J Kassebaum
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Reed Atkin
- The Micronutrient Forum, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rahul Rawat
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kenneth H Brown
- Institute for Global Nutrition and Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis
, Davis, CA, USA
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20
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Okeke EN. Money and my mind: Maternal cash transfers and mental health. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2021; 30:2879-2904. [PMID: 34462990 PMCID: PMC9291569 DOI: 10.1002/hec.4398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
This paper documents important mental health spillovers in the context of a program that offered pregnant women modest cash incentives to use pre- and perinatal health care services. Program participation was randomized and the payments were made after the birth of the child (and after the completion of an endline mental health assessment). I present causal evidence that the program led to improvements in mothers' mental health. The effect size ranges from a 1-3 percentage point reduction in postpartum depression measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. I present suggestive evidence that these beneficial effects on mental health may be related to program-induced improvements in child health. These results provide novel evidence that programs designed to improve birth outcomes may generate unanticipated spillover effects on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward N. Okeke
- Department of Economics, Sociology and StatisticsRANDSanta MonicaCaliforniaUSA
- Pardee RAND Graduate SchoolRANDSanta MonicaCaliforniaUSA
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Hailu A, Eregata GT, Yigezu A, Bertram MY, Johansson KA, Norheim OF. Contextualization of cost-effectiveness evidence from literature for 382 health interventions for the Ethiopian essential health services package revision. COST EFFECTIVENESS AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION 2021; 19:58. [PMID: 34521437 PMCID: PMC8442298 DOI: 10.1186/s12962-021-00312-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cost-effectiveness of interventions was a criterion decided to guide priority setting in the latest revision of Ethiopia's essential health services package (EHSP) in 2019. However, conducting an economic evaluation study for a broad set of health interventions simultaneously is challenging in terms of cost, timeliness, input data demanded, and analytic competency. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize and contextualize cost-effectiveness evidence for the Ethiopian EHSP interventions from the literature. METHODS The evidence synthesis was conducted in five key steps: search, screen, evaluate, extract, and contextualize. We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE research databases for peer-reviewed published articles to identify average cost-effectiveness ratios (ACERs). Only studies reporting cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY), quality-adjusted life year (QALY), or life years gained (LYG) were included. All the articles were evaluated using the Drummond checklist for quality, and those with a score of at least 7 out of 10 were included. Information on cost, effectiveness, and ACER was extracted. All the ACERs were converted into 2019 US dollars using appropriate exchange rates and the GDP deflator. RESULTS In this study, we synthesized ACERs for 382 interventions from seven major program areas, ranging from US$3 per DALY averted (for the provision of hepatitis B vaccination at birth) to US$242,880 per DALY averted (for late-stage liver cancer treatment). Overall, 56% of the interventions have an ACER of less than US$1000 per DALY, and 80% of the interventions have an ACER of less than US$10,000 per DALY. CONCLUSION We conclude that it is possible to identify relevant economic evaluations using evidence from the literature, even if transferability remains a challenge. The present study identified several cost-effective candidate interventions that could, if scaled up, substantially reduce Ethiopia's disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alemayehu Hailu
- Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Ministry of Health of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
| | - Getachew Teshome Eregata
- Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Ministry of Health of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Amanuel Yigezu
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Melanie Y Bertram
- Department of Health Systems Governance and Financing, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ole F Norheim
- Bergen Centre for Ethics and Priority Setting, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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Hiebert L, Phelan K, Kinda M, Dan-Bouzoua N, Kyungu M, Bounameaux T, Sayadi S, Maidadji O, Hecht R. Costs of Implementing an Integrated Package of Maternal and Pediatric Interventions Including SQ-LNS in Rural Niger. Food Nutr Bull 2021; 42:567-583. [PMID: 34467822 DOI: 10.1177/03795721211039869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In January 2015, the Alliance for International Medical Action and Bien Être de la Femme et de l'Enfant au Niger launched the 1000 Days Program in Mirriah District, Niger, to provide an integrated package of maternal and pediatric preventive and curative interventions. A new component of the package was the provision of small-quantity lipid-based nutritional supplements (SQ-LNS) for children 6 to 23 months. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to estimate the costs associated with providing the 1000 days package. METHODS Activity-based costing was used to estimate the total costs of the 10 activities included in the 1000 days package and also the incremental costs of new interventions, those beyond the standard of care. RESULTS The total cost of the 1000 Days Program was US$2.31 million for 9000 mother-child pairs. The average cost per pair was US$257 or US$103 per year. Incremental costs for new interventions accounted for 56% of program costs. Small-quantity lipid-based nutritional supplement represented 30% of incremental costs. A combination of efficiency measures could lower program costs by 15%. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to estimate the costs of an integrated, preventative-curative package of maternal-child health interventions with SQ-LNS. Implementing the 1000 days package across Niger will be challenging with only the country's domestic health resources. Efficiency measures and creative financing arrangements, including support from external partners, should be explored. The approach and results described can inform future resource mobilization, financing, and budgeting efforts to scale the 1000 days or similar programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin Phelan
- The 560729Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Paris, France
| | - Moumouni Kinda
- The 560729Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Dakar, Senegal
| | | | - Maurice Kyungu
- The 560729Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Thomas Bounameaux
- The 560729Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), Dakar, Senegal
| | - Sani Sayadi
- 531380Bien Être de la Femme et de l'Enfant (BEFEN), Niamey, Niger
| | - Oumarou Maidadji
- 531380Bien Être de la Femme et de l'Enfant (BEFEN), Niamey, Niger
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Painschab MS, Kohler R, Kimani S, Mhango W, Kaimila B, Zuze T, Mithi V, Kasonkanji E, Mumba N, Nyasosela R, Wheeler S, Gopal S. Comparison of best supportive care, CHOP, or R-CHOP for treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in Malawi: a cost-effectiveness analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2021; 9:e1305-e1313. [PMID: 34303416 PMCID: PMC8403678 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00261-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cost-effectiveness data for cancer treatment are needed from sub-Saharan Africa, where diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a common, curable cancer. In high-income countries, the standard of care for DLBCL is R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemoimmunotherapy. Rituximab is often not available in sub-Saharan Africa due to perceived unaffordability, and treatment with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) is common. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of treatment in Malawi, comparing best supportive care, CHOP, or R-CHOP in patients with DLBCL. METHODS For this cost-effectiveness analysis, we used published Malawi microcosting data, clinical data from a prospective cohort treated with CHOP, and clinical trial data evaluating R-CHOP. We used a decision-tree model to calculate costs per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted from the health system perspective for the treatment of patients with DLBCL with best supportive care, CHOP, or R-CHOP, running the model on a per-patient basis and a Malawi population-level basis. We used the WHO definitions of cost-effective (three times the GDP per capita of the country) and extremely cost-effective (equal to the GDP per capita of the country) as willingness-to-pay thresholds for Malawi. FINDINGS On a per-patient level, compared with best supportive care, CHOP was estimated to avert a mean 7·4 DALYs at an incremental cost of US$1384, for an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $189 per DALY averted, which is substantially lower than the willingness-to-pay threshold (extremely cost-effective). Compared with CHOP, R-CHOP was estimated to avert 2·8 DALYs at an incremental cost of $3324, resulting in an ICER of $1204 per DALY averted, which is slightly higher than the cost-effective willingness-to-pay threshold. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, CHOP remained cost-effective for DLBCL treatment in more than 99% of simulations, whereas R-CHOP was lower than the threshold in 46% of simulations. INTERPRETATION We estimated CHOP to be cost-effective for DLBCL treatment in Malawi, and that the addition of rituximab might be cost-effective. Despite upfront costs, DLBCL treatment is probably a prudent investment relative to other accepted health interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. FUNDING National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Painschab
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.
| | - Racquel Kohler
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Stephen Kimani
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Bongani Kaimila
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Takondwa Zuze
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Victor Mithi
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Noel Mumba
- University of North Carolina Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Stephanie Wheeler
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Satish Gopal
- Center for Global Health, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
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Task sharing in psychotherapy as a viable global mental health approach in resource-poor countries and also in high-resource settings. GLOBAL HEALTH JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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25
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Turner HC, Stolk WA, Solomon AW, King JD, Montresor A, Molyneux DH, Toor J. Are current preventive chemotherapy strategies for controlling and eliminating neglected tropical diseases cost-effective? BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-005456. [PMID: 34385158 PMCID: PMC8362715 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in many low-income and middle-income countries. Several NTDs, namely lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) and trachoma, are predominantly controlled by preventive chemotherapy (or mass drug administration), following recommendations set by the WHO. Over one billion people are now treated for NTDs with this strategy per year. However, further investment and increased domestic healthcare spending are urgently needed to continue these programmes. Consequently, it is vital that the cost-effectiveness of preventive chemotherapy is understood. We analyse the current estimates on the cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) of the preventive chemotherapy strategies predominantly used for these diseases and identify key evidence gaps that require further research. Overall, the reported estimates show that preventive chemotherapy is generally cost-effective, supporting WHO recommendations. More specifically, the cost per DALY averted estimates relating to community-wide preventive chemotherapy for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis were particularly favourable when compared with other public health interventions. Cost per DALY averted estimates of school-based preventive chemotherapy for schistosomiasis and STH were also generally favourable but more variable. Notably, the broader socioeconomic benefits are likely not being fully captured by the DALYs averted metric. No estimates of cost per DALY averted relating to community-wide mass antibiotic treatment for trachoma were found, highlighting the need for further research. These findings are important for informing global health policy and support the need for continuing NTD control and elimination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo C Turner
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK .,Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Wellcome Africa Asia Programme, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Wilma A Stolk
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anthony W Solomon
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jonathan D King
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Montresor
- Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David H Molyneux
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jaspreet Toor
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK,Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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26
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Hasan MZ, Dinsa GD, Berman P. A practical measure of health facility efficiency: an innovation in the application of routine health information to determine health worker productivity in Ethiopia. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2021; 19:96. [PMID: 34353335 PMCID: PMC8340541 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-021-00636-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A simple indicator of technical efficiency, such as productivity of health workers, measured using routine health facility data, can be a practical approach that can inform initiatives to improve efficiency in low- and middle-income countries. This paper presents a proof of concept of using routine information from primary healthcare (PHC) facilities to measure health workers' productivity and its application in three regions of Ethiopia. METHODS In four steps, we constructed a productivity measure of the health workforce of Health Centers (HCs) and demonstrated its practical application: (1) developing an analytical dataset using secondary data from health management information systems (HMIS) and human resource information system (HRIS); (2) principal component analysis and factor analysis to estimate a summary measure of output from five indicators (annual service volume of outpatient visits, family planning, first antenatal care visits, facility-based deliveries by skilled birth attendants, and children [< 1 year] with three pentavalent vaccines); (3) calculating a productivity score by combining the summary measure of outputs and the total number of health workers (input), and (4) implementing regression models to identify the determinant of productivity and ranking HCs based on their adjusted productivity score. RESULTS We developed an analytical dataset of 1128 HCs; however, significant missing values and outliers were reported in the data. The principal component and factor scores developed from the five output measures were highly consistent (correlation coefficient = 0.98). We considered the factor score as the summary measure of outputs for estimating productivity. A very weak association was observed between the summary measure of output and the total number of staff. The result also highlighted a large variability in productivity across similar health facilities in Ethiopia, represented by the significant dispersion in summary measure of output occurring at similar levels of the health workers. CONCLUSIONS We successfully demonstrated the analytical steps to estimate health worker productivity and its practical application using HMIS and HRIS. The methodology presented in this study can be readily applied in low- and middle-income countries using widely available data-such as DHIS2-that will allow further explorations to understand the causes of technical inefficiencies in the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Zabir Hasan
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Girmaye D Dinsa
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Public Health and Health Policy, College of Health Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Peter Berman
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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27
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Skinner J, Hempstone H, Raney L, Galavotti C, Light B, Weinberger M, Van Lith L. Elevating Social and Behavior Change as an Essential Component of Family Planning Programs. Stud Fam Plann 2021; 52:383-393. [PMID: 34268743 PMCID: PMC8457161 DOI: 10.1111/sifp.12169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The global family planning community has made significant progress towards enabling 120 million more women and girls to use contraceptives by 2020, though we enter the decade ahead with a long road yet to travel. While investment in strong health systems and supply chains is still needed, the supply‐driven approach dominant in family planning fails to address the individual, relational, and social barriers faced by women and couples in achieving their reproductive intentions and desired family size. Overcoming these barriers will require a better understanding of behavioral drivers and the social environment in which family planning decisions are made, and an increased investment in the proven, yet underutilized, approach of social and behavior change (SBC). We make the case that a more intentional focus on the science of human behavior in family planning can help advance the achievement of global, regional, and national goals while also calling for strategic and sustained investment that reflects the critical importance and proven impact of SBC approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Skinner
- Joanna Skinner and Lynn Van Lith are at the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, MD, 21202, USA
| | - Hope Hempstone
- Hope Hempstone is at the United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Laura Raney
- Laura Raney is at the FP2030, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Christine Galavotti
- Christine Galavotti is at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Benedict Light
- Benedict Light is at the United Nations Population Fund, New York, USA
| | | | - Lynn Van Lith
- Joanna Skinner and Lynn Van Lith are at the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, MD, 21202, USA
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28
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Ackley C, Elsheikh M, Zaman S. Scoping review of Neglected Tropical Disease Interventions and Health Promotion: A framework for successful NTD interventions as evidenced by the literature. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009278. [PMID: 34228729 PMCID: PMC8321407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affect more than one billion people globally. A Public Library of Science (PLOS) journal dedicated to NTDs lists almost forty NTDs, while the WHO prioritises twenty NTDs. A person can be affected by more than one disease at the same time from a range of infectious and non-infectious agents. Many of these diseases are preventable, and could be eliminated with various public health, health promotion and medical interventions. This scoping review aims to determine the extent of the body of literature on NTD interventions and health promotion activities, and to provide an overview of their focus while providing recommendations for best practice going forward. This scoping review includes both the identification of relevant articles through the snowball method and an electronic database using key search terms. A two-phased screening process was used to assess the relevance of studies identified in the search–an initial screening review followed by data characterization using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP). Studies were eligible for inclusion if they broadly described the characteristics, methods, and approaches of (1) NTD interventions and/or (2) community health promotion. Principal findings 90 articles met the CASP criteria partially or fully and then underwent a qualitative synthesis to be included in the review. 75 articles specifically focus on NTD interventions and approaches to their control, treatment, and elimination, while 15 focus specifically on health promotion and provide a grounding in health promotion theories and perspectives. 29 of the articles provided a global perspective to control, treatment, or elimination of NTDs through policy briefs or literature reviews. 19 of the articles focused on providing strategies for NTDs more generally while 12 addressed multiple NTDs or their interaction with other infectious diseases. Of the 20 NTDs categorized by the WHO and the expanded NTD list identified by PLOS NTDs, several NTDs did not appear in the database search on NTD interventions and health promotion, including yaws, fascioliasis, and chromoblastomycosis. Conclusions Based on the literature we have identified the four core components of best practices including programmatic interventions, multi sectoral and multi-level interventions, adopting a social and ecological model and clearly defining ‘community.’ NTD interventions tend to centre on mass drug administration (MDA), particularly because NTDs were branded as such based on their being amenable to MDA. However, there remains a need for intervention approaches that also include multiple strategies that inform a larger multi-disease and multi-sectoral programme. Many NTD strategies include a focus on WASH and should also incorporate the social and ecological determinants of NTDs, suggesting a preventative and systems approach to health, not just a treatment-based approach. Developing strong communities and incorporating social rehabilitation at the sublocation level (e.g. hospital) could benefit several NTDs and infectious diseases through a multi-disease, multi-sectoral, and multi-lateral approach. Finally, it is important the ‘community’ is clearly defined in each intervention, and that community members are included in intervention activities and viewed as assets to interventions. Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affect more than one billion people globally. A person can be affected by more than one disease at the same time. Many of these diseases are preventable, and could be eliminated with various public health, health promotion and medical interventions. This scoping review aims to determine the extent of the body of literature on NTD interventions and health promotion activities, and to provide an overview of their focus while providing recommendations for best practice going forward. Through a database search and by identifying appropriate literature 75 articles were identified that specifically focus on NTD interventions and approaches to their control, treatment, and elimination, while 15 focus specifically on health promotion and provide a grounding in health promotion theories and perspectives. Based on the literature we have identified the four core components of best practices including programmatic interventions, multi sectoral and multi-level interventions, adopting a social and ecological model and clearly defining ‘community.’
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Ackley
- Global Health and Infection Department, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Shahaduz Zaman
- Global Health and Infection Department, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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29
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Keel S, Müller A, Block S, Bourne R, Burton MJ, Chatterji S, He M, Lansingh VC, Mathenge W, Mariotti S, Muirhead D, Rabiu MM, Ravilla TD, Resnikoff S, Silva JC, Tapply I, Vos T, Wang N, Cieza A. Keeping an eye on eye care: monitoring progress towards effective coverage. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2021; 9:e1460-e1464. [PMID: 34237266 PMCID: PMC8440222 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(21)00212-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The eye care sector is well positioned to contribute to the advancement of universal health coverage within countries. Given the large unmet need for care associated with cataract and refractive error, coupled with the fact that highly cost-effective interventions exist, we propose that effective cataract surgery coverage (eCSC) and effective refractive error coverage (eREC) serve as ideal indicators to track progress in the uptake and quality of eye care services at the global level, and to monitor progress towards universal health coverage in general. Global targets for 2030 for these two indicators were endorsed by WHO Member States at the 74th World Health Assembly in May, 2021. To develop consensus on the data requirements and methods of calculating eCSC and eREC, WHO convened a series of expert consultations to make recommendations for standardising the definitions and measurement approaches for eCSC and eREC and to identify areas in which future work is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Keel
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas Müller
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Rupert Bourne
- Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK; Vision and Eye Research Institute, School of Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew J Burton
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK
| | - Somnath Chatterji
- Data and Analytics Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mingguang He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yatsen University, Guangzhou, China; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Van C Lansingh
- Retina Department, Instituto Mexicano de Oftalmología IAP, Santiago De Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico; HelpMeSee, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Silvio Mariotti
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Debbie Muirhead
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The Fred Hollows Foundation, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - M Mansur Rabiu
- Noor Dubai Foundation, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Serge Resnikoff
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Brien Holden Vision Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Organisation pour la Prévention de la Cécité, Paris, France
| | - Juan Carlos Silva
- Division of Blindness Prevention, Pan American Health Organization, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Ian Tapply
- Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, UK
| | - Theo Vos
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ningli Wang
- Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Key Laboratory, Beijing, China
| | - Alarcos Cieza
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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30
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Ye G, Qu B, Tham YC, Zhong Y, Jin L, Lamoureux E, Congdon N, Zheng Y, Liu Y. A decision aid to facilitate informed choices among cataract patients: A randomized controlled trial. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2021; 104:1295-1303. [PMID: 33191060 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of a patient decision aid on the quality of decision-making for patients with age-related cataracts. METHODS 773 patients with cataracts aged 50-80 years were randomly assigned to receive either the intervention decision aid (including standard information, quantitative information on the possible outcomes of cataract surgery and a value clarification exercise) or the control booklet (including standard information). The primary outcome was informed choice (defined as adequate knowledge and congruency between attitudes and surgical intentions), which was assessed at 2 weeks after intervention via a telephone interview. RESULTS The decision aid increased the proportion of participants making an informed choice, from 5.68 % in the control group to 27.7 % in the intervention group (P < 0.001). Compared with controls, more participants in the intervention group had adequate overall knowledge about cataract surgery (36.8 % vs. 8.79 % in controls; P < 0.001), and fewer participants intended to undergo surgery (22.5 % vs. 34.1 % in controls; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Use of the patient decision aid may increase the proportion of patients making informed choices. Importantly, it might also reduce the acceptance of operations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Patient decision aids represent a simple and low-cost tool to facilitate informed choice among patients with cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofang Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yih-Chung Tham
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yuxin Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ecosse Lamoureux
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nathan Congdon
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Ireland.
| | - Yingfeng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Sando D, Kintu A, Okello S, Kawungezi PC, Guwatudde D, Mutungi G, Muyindike W, Menzies NA, Danaei G, Verguet S. Cost-effectiveness analysis of integrating screening and treatment of selected non-communicable diseases into HIV/AIDS treatment in Uganda. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 23 Suppl 1:e25507. [PMID: 32562364 PMCID: PMC7305460 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite growing enthusiasm for integrating treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) into human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care and treatment services in sub-Saharan Africa, there is little evidence on the potential health and financial consequences of such integration. We aim to study the cost-effectiveness of basic NCD-HIV integration in a Ugandan setting. METHODS We developed an epidemiologic-cost model to analyze, from the provider perspective, the cost-effectiveness of integrating hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM) and high cholesterol screening and treatment for people living with HIV (PLWH) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Uganda. We utilized cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk estimations drawing from the previously established Globorisk model and systematic reviews; HIV and NCD risk factor prevalence from the World Health Organization's STEPwise approach to Surveillance survey and global databases; and cost data from national drug price lists, expert consultation and the literature. Averted CVD cases and corresponding disability-adjusted life years were estimated over 10 subsequent years along with incremental cost-effectiveness of the integration. RESULTS Integrating services for hypertension, DM, and high cholesterol among ART patients in Uganda was associated with a mean decrease of the 10-year risk of a CVD event: from 8.2 to 6.6% in older PLWH women (absolute risk reduction of 1.6%), and from 10.7 to 9.5% in older PLWH men (absolute risk reduction of 1.2%), respectively. Integration would yield estimated net costs between $1,400 and $3,250 per disability-adjusted life year averted among older ART patients. CONCLUSIONS Providing services for hypertension, DM and high cholesterol for Ugandan ART patients would reduce the overall CVD risk among these patients; it would amount to about 2.4% of national HIV/AIDS expenditure, and would present a cost-effectiveness comparable to other standalone interventions to address NCDs in low- and middle-income country settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sando
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Kintu
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samson Okello
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Peter Chris Kawungezi
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - David Guwatudde
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gerald Mutungi
- Department of Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Winnie Muyindike
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Nicolas A Menzies
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Goodarz Danaei
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stéphane Verguet
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Toh ZQ, Russell FM, Garland SM, Mulholland EK, Patton G, Licciardi PV. Human Papillomavirus Vaccination After COVID-19. JNCI Cancer Spectr 2021; 5:pkab011. [PMID: 33748668 PMCID: PMC7962726 DOI: 10.1093/jncics/pkab011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The current global novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic threatens to derail the uptake of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in low- and lower-middle income countries with major disruptions to routine immunization and the introduction of new vaccines delayed. This has a major impact on the World Health Organization cervical cancer elimination strategy, where it is dependent on HPV vaccination as well as cervical cancer screening and treatment. We discuss current opportunities and barriers to achieve high uptake of HPV vaccination in low- and lower-middle income countries as well as the impact of COVID-19. Implementation of 4 key recommendations for HPV vaccination in low- and lower-middle income countries is needed: increased global financial investment; improved vaccine supply and accelerated use of a single-dose schedule; education and social marketing; and adoption of universal school-based delivery. With the commitment of the global health community, the adoption of these strategies would underpin the effective elimination of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Quan Toh
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona M Russell
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suzanne M Garland
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Women's Infectious Diseases Research, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Edward K Mulholland
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - George Patton
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul V Licciardi
- Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Korenromp EL, Bershteyn A, Mudimu E, Weiner R, Bonecwe C, Loykissoonlal D, Manuhwa C, Pretorius C, Teng Y, Stover J, Johnson LF. The impact of the program for medical male circumcision on HIV in South Africa: analysis using three epidemiological models. Gates Open Res 2021; 5:15. [PMID: 33615145 PMCID: PMC7878969 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13220.1] [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] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: South Africa began offering medical male circumcision (MMC) in 2010. We evaluated the current and future impact of this program to see if it is effective in preventing new HIV infections. Methods: The Thembisa, Goals and Epidemiological Modeling Software (EMOD) HIV transmission models were calibrated to South Africa's HIV epidemic, fitting to household survey data on HIV prevalence, risk behaviors, and proportions of men circumcised, and to programmatic data on intervention roll-out including program-reported MMCs over 2009-2017. We compared the actual program accomplishments through 2017 and program targets through 2021 with a counterfactual scenario of no MMC program. Results: The MMC program averted 71,000-83,000 new HIV infections from 2010 to 2017. The future benefit of the circumcision already conducted will grow to 496,000-518,000 infections (6-7% of all new infections) by 2030. If program targets are met by 2021 the benefits will increase to 723,000-760,000 infections averted by 2030. The cost would be $1,070-1,220 per infection averted relative to no MMC. The savings from averted treatment needs would become larger than the costs of the MMC program around 2034-2039. In the Thembisa model, when modelling South Africa's 9 provinces individually, the 9-provinces-aggregate results were similar to those of the single national model. Across provinces, projected long-term impacts were largest in Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga (23-27% reduction over 2017-2030), reflecting these provinces' greater MMC scale-up. Conclusions: MMC has already had a modest impact on HIV incidence in South Africa and can substantially impact South Africa's HIV epidemic in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Bershteyn
- Department of Population and Health, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, 11016, USA
| | - Edina Mudimu
- Department of Decision Sciences, University of South Africa (UNISA), Pretoria, 0003, South Africa
| | - Renay Weiner
- Research and Training for Health and Development, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa
| | | | | | - Clarence Manuhwa
- FHI 360, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa
- Independent Consultant, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa
| | - Carel Pretorius
- Center for Modeling and Analysis, Avenir Health, Glastonbury, CT, 06033, USA
| | - Yu Teng
- Center for Modeling and Analysis, Avenir Health, Glastonbury, CT, 06033, USA
| | - John Stover
- Center for Modeling and Analysis, Avenir Health, Glastonbury, CT, 06033, USA
| | - Leigh F. Johnson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Hashempour R, Raei B, Safaei Lari M, Abolhasanbeigi Gallezan N, AkbariSari A. QALY league table of Iran: a practical method for better resource allocation. COST EFFECTIVENESS AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION 2021; 19:3. [PMID: 33441153 PMCID: PMC7807517 DOI: 10.1186/s12962-020-00256-2] [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: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The limited health care resources cannot meet all the demands of the society. Thus, decision makers have to choose feasible interventions and reject the others. We aimed to collect and summarize the results of all cost utility analysis studies that were conducted in Iran and develop a Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) league table. METHODS A systematic mapping review was conducted to identify all cost utility analysis studies done in Iran and then map them in a table. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, as well as Iranian databases like Iran Medex, SID, Magiran, and Barakat Knowledge Network System were all searched for articles published from the inception of the databases to January 2020. Additionally, Cost per QALY or Incremental Cost Utility Ratio (ICUR) were collected from all studies. The Joanna Briggs checklist was used to assess quality appraisal. RESULTS In total, 51 cost-utility studies were included in the final analysis, out of which 14 studies were on cancer, six studies on coronary heart diseases. Two studies, each on hemophilia, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The rest were on various other diseases. Markov model was the commonest one which has been applied to in 45% of the reviewed studies. Discount rates ranged from zero to 7.2%. The cost per QALY ranged from $ 0.144 in radiography costs for patients with some orthopedic problems to $ 4,551,521 for immune tolerance induction (ITI) therapy in hemophilia patients. High heterogeneity was revealed; therefore, it would be biased to rank interventions based on reported cost per QALY or ICUR. CONCLUSIONS However, it is instructive and informative to collect all economic evaluation studies and summarize them in a table. The information on the table would in turn be used to redirect resources for efficient allocation. in general, it was revealed that preventive programs are cost effective interventions from different perspectives in Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Hashempour
- Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 0000-0002-2043-8451, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Raei
- Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 0000-0002-2043-8451, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Safaei Lari
- Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 0000-0002-2043-8451, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Abolhasanbeigi Gallezan
- Department of Health Economics, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali AkbariSari
- Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 0000-0002-2043-8451, Tehran, Iran.
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Jo Y, Gomes I, Flack J, Salazar-Austin N, Churchyard G, Chaisson RE, Dowdy DW. Cost-effectiveness of scaling up short course preventive therapy for tuberculosis among children across 12 countries. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 31:100707. [PMID: 33554088 PMCID: PMC7846666 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While household contact investigation is widely recommended as a means to reduce the burden of tuberculosis (TB) among children, only 27% of eligible pediatric household contacts globally received preventive treatment in 2018. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of household contact investigation for TB treatment and short-course preventive therapy provision for children under 15 years old across 12 high TB burden countries. METHODS We used decision analysis to compare the costs and estimated effectiveness of three intervention scenarios: (a) status quo (existing levels of coverage with isoniazid preventive therapy), (b) contact investigation with treatment of active TB but no additional preventive therapy, and (c) contact investigation with TB treatment and provision of short-course preventive therapy. Using country-specific demographic, epidemiological and cost data from the literature, we estimated annual costs (in 2018 USD) and the number of TB cases and deaths averted across 12 countries. Incremental cost effectiveness ratios were assessed as cost per death and per disability-adjusted life year [DALY] averted. FINDINGS Our model estimates that contact investigation with treatment of active TB and provision of preventive therapy could be highly cost-effective compared to the status quo (ranging from $100 per DALY averted in Malawi to $1,600 in Brazil; weighted average $383 per DALY averted [uncertainty range: $248 - $1,130]) and preferred to contact investigation without preventive therapy (weighted average $751 per DALY averted [uncertainty range: $250 - $1,306]). Key drivers of cost-effectiveness were TB prevalence, sensitivity of TB diagnosis, case fatality for untreated TB, and cost of household screening. INTERPRETATION Based on this modeling analysis of available published data, household contact investigation with provision of short-course preventive therapy for TB has a value-for-money profile that compares favorably with other interventions. FUNDING Unitaid (2017-20-IMPAACT4TB).
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngji Jo
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Isabella Gomes
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph Flack
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicole Salazar-Austin
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gavin Churchyard
- The Aurum Institute, Parktown, South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Richard E. Chaisson
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David W. Dowdy
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Tuberculosis Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Dean WH, Gichuhi S, Buchan JC, Makupa W, Mukome A, Otiti-Sengeri J, Arunga S, Mukherjee S, Kim MJ, Harrison-Williams L, MacLeod D, Cook C, Burton MJ. Intense Simulation-Based Surgical Education for Manual Small-Incision Cataract Surgery: The Ophthalmic Learning and Improvement Initiative in Cataract Surgery Randomized Clinical Trial in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. JAMA Ophthalmol 2021; 139:9-15. [PMID: 33151321 PMCID: PMC7645744 DOI: 10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.4718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Importance Cataracts account for 40% of cases of blindness globally, with surgery the only treatment. Objective To determine whether adding simulation-based cataract surgical training to conventional training results in improved acquisition of surgical skills among trainees. Design, Setting, and Participants A multicenter, investigator-masked, parallel-group, randomized clinical educational-intervention trial was conducted at 5 university hospital training institutions in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe from October 1, 2017, to September 30, 2019, with a follow-up of 15 months. Fifty-two trainee ophthalmologists were assessed for eligibility (required no prior cataract surgery as primary surgeon); 50 were recruited and randomized. Those assessing outcomes of surgical competency were masked to group assignment. Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Interventions The intervention group received a 5-day simulation-based cataract surgical training course, in addition to standard surgical training. The control group received standard training only, without a placebo intervention; however, those in the control group received the intervention training after the initial 12-month follow-up period. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome measure was overall surgical competency at 3 months, which was assessed with a validated competency assessment rubric. Secondary outcomes included surgical competence at 1 year and quantity and outcomes (including visual acuity and posterior capsule rupture) of cataract surgical procedures performed during a 1-year period. Results Among the 50 participants (26 women [52.0%]; mean [SD] age, 32.3 [4.6] years), 25 were randomized to the intervention group, and 25 were randomized to the control group, with 1 dropout. Forty-nine participants were included in the final intention-to-treat analysis. Baseline characteristics were balanced. The participants in the intervention group had higher scores at 3 months compared with the participants in the control group, after adjusting for baseline assessment rubric score. The participants in the intervention group were estimated to have scores 16.6 points (out of 40) higher (95% CI, 14.4-18.7; P < .001) at 3 months than the participants in the control group. The participants in the intervention group performed a mean of 21.5 cataract surgical procedures in the year after the training, while the participants in the control group performed a mean of 8.5 cataract surgical procedures (mean difference, 13.0; 95% CI, 3.9-22.2; P < .001). Posterior capsule rupture rates (an important complication) were 7.8% (42 of 537) for the intervention group and 26.6% (54 of 203) for the control group (difference, 18.8%; 95% CI, 12.3%-25.3%; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance This randomized clinical trial provides evidence that intense simulation-based cataract surgical education facilitates the rapid acquisition of surgical competence and maximizes patient safety. Trial Registration Pan-African Clinical Trial Registry, number PACTR201803002159198.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H. Dean
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Ophthalmology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stephen Gichuhi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Nairobi, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John C. Buchan
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Agrippa Mukome
- Department of Ophthalmology, Parirenyatwa Hospitals, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Juliet Otiti-Sengeri
- Department of Ophthalmology, Makerere University School of Medicine, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Simon Arunga
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Mbarara University and Referral Hospital Eye Centre, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Min J. Kim
- Tropical Epidemiology Group, Faculty of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - David MacLeod
- Tropical Epidemiology Group, Faculty of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Colin Cook
- Division of Ophthalmology, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Matthew J. Burton
- International Centre for Eye Health, Clinical Research Department, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Turner HC. Health economic analyses of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. Int Health 2020; 13:S71-S74. [PMID: 33349885 PMCID: PMC7753169 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihaa095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) was established by the WHO in 2000. It aims to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. This paper summarises the key estimates of the cost-effectiveness and economic benefits related to the mass drug administration (MDA) provided by the GPELF. Several studies have investigated the cost-effectiveness of this MDA, estimating the cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted. These cost-effectiveness estimates have consistently classed the intervention as cost-effective and as favourable compared with other public health interventions conducted in low- and middle-income countries. Studies have also found that the MDA used for lymphatic filariasis control generates significant economic benefits. Although these studies are positive, there are still important gaps that warrant further health economic research (particularly, the evaluation of alternative interventions, further evaluation of morbidity management strategies and evaluation of interventions for settings coendemic with Loa loa). To conclude, health economic studies for a programme as large as the GPELF are subject to uncertainty. That said, the GPELF has consistently been estimated to be cost-effective and to generate notable economic benefits by a number of independent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo C Turner
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Campus, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
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Harrell BS, Pillarisetti A, Roy S, Ghorpade M, Patil R, Dhongade A, Smith KR, Levine DI, Juvekar S. Incentivizing Elimination of Biomass Cooking Fuels with a Reversible Commitment and a Spare LPG Cylinder. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:15313-15319. [PMID: 33185424 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In India, approximately 480,000 deaths occur annually from exposure to household air pollution from the use of biomass cooking fuels. Displacing biomass use with clean fuels, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), can help reduce these deaths. Through government initiatives, most Indian households now own an LPG stove and one LPG cylinder. Many households, however, continue to regularly use indoor biomass-fueled mud stoves (chulhas) alongside LPG. Focusing on this population in rural Maharashtra, India, this study (N = 186) tests the effects of conditioning a sales offer for a spare LPG cylinder on a reversible commitment requiring initially disabling indoor chulhas. We find that almost all relevant households (>98%) were willing to accept this commitment. Indoor chulha use decreased by 90% (95% CI = 80% to 101%) when the sales offer included the commitment, compared to a 23% decrease (95% CI = 14% to 32%) without it. For both treatment groups, we find that 80% purchased the spare cylinder at the end of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sudipto Roy
- Vadu Rural Health Program, KEM Hospital Research Centre, Pune, 411011 India
| | - Makarand Ghorpade
- Vadu Rural Health Program, KEM Hospital Research Centre, Pune, 411011 India
| | - Rutuja Patil
- Vadu Rural Health Program, KEM Hospital Research Centre, Pune, 411011 India
| | - Arun Dhongade
- Vadu Rural Health Program, KEM Hospital Research Centre, Pune, 411011 India
| | - Kirk R Smith
- University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - David I Levine
- University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Sanjay Juvekar
- Vadu Rural Health Program, KEM Hospital Research Centre, Pune, 411011 India
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Causes of blindness and vision impairment in 2020 and trends over 30 years, and prevalence of avoidable blindness in relation to VISION 2020: the Right to Sight: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2020; 9:e144-e160. [PMID: 33275949 PMCID: PMC7820391 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30489-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1004] [Impact Index Per Article: 251.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Many causes of vision impairment can be prevented or treated. With an ageing global population, the demands for eye health services are increasing. We estimated the prevalence and relative contribution of avoidable causes of blindness and vision impairment globally from 1990 to 2020. We aimed to compare the results with the World Health Assembly Global Action Plan (WHA GAP) target of a 25% global reduction from 2010 to 2019 in avoidable vision impairment, defined as cataract and undercorrected refractive error. Methods We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based surveys of eye disease from January, 1980, to October, 2018. We fitted hierarchical models to estimate prevalence (with 95% uncertainty intervals [UIs]) of moderate and severe vision impairment (MSVI; presenting visual acuity from <6/18 to 3/60) and blindness (<3/60 or less than 10° visual field around central fixation) by cause, age, region, and year. Because of data sparsity at younger ages, our analysis focused on adults aged 50 years and older. Findings Global crude prevalence of avoidable vision impairment and blindness in adults aged 50 years and older did not change between 2010 and 2019 (percentage change −0·2% [95% UI −1·5 to 1·0]; 2019 prevalence 9·58 cases per 1000 people [95% IU 8·51 to 10·8], 2010 prevalence 96·0 cases per 1000 people [86·0 to 107·0]). Age-standardised prevalence of avoidable blindness decreased by −15·4% [–16·8 to −14·3], while avoidable MSVI showed no change (0·5% [–0·8 to 1·6]). However, the number of cases increased for both avoidable blindness (10·8% [8·9 to 12·4]) and MSVI (31·5% [30·0 to 33·1]). The leading global causes of blindness in those aged 50 years and older in 2020 were cataract (15·2 million cases [9% IU 12·7–18·0]), followed by glaucoma (3·6 million cases [2·8–4·4]), undercorrected refractive error (2·3 million cases [1·8–2·8]), age-related macular degeneration (1·8 million cases [1·3–2·4]), and diabetic retinopathy (0·86 million cases [0·59–1·23]). Leading causes of MSVI were undercorrected refractive error (86·1 million cases [74·2–101·0]) and cataract (78·8 million cases [67·2–91·4]). Interpretation Results suggest eye care services contributed to the observed reduction of age-standardised rates of avoidable blindness but not of MSVI, and that the target in an ageing global population was not reached. Funding Brien Holden Vision Institute, Fondation Théa, The Fred Hollows Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Lions Clubs International Foundation, Sightsavers International, and University of Heidelberg.
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Stepovic M, Rancic N, Vekic B, Dragojevic-Simic V, Vekic S, Ratkovic N, Jakovljevic M. Gross Domestic Product and Health Expenditure Growth in Balkan and East European Countries-Three-Decade Horizon. Front Public Health 2020; 8:492. [PMID: 33042939 PMCID: PMC7522281 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Dynamics of health care has changed over time along with development of the countries themselves. The aim of the study is to compare macroeconomic and health expenditure indicators of interest, such as total health expenditure (THE) as percentage of global domestic product, global domestic product per capita in US$, and private households' out-of-pocket payments of Balkan and Eastern European countries on health, as well as to assess their progress over the observed period. Methods: This research report represents a descriptive data analysis of indicators extracted from the European Health for All database. The data were analyzed using a linear trend and regression analysis to estimate the timeline changes. Results: Greece and Slovenia have the largest median values of global domestic product per capita throughout the whole period, and the largest increment trend was in Lithuania. Median value in out-of-pocket payment of THE was the highest in Albania and Ukraine, while the largest decrease in trend was noticed in Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Greece had the largest median value of THE as percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the observed period, while regression trend analysis showed that Serbia had the largest increase. Most of the countries showed a significant correlation between observed indicators. Conclusion: Trends in the economy must be constantly monitored due to the fact that the population is aging and non-communicable diseases are multiplying, which requires innovations in medical treatment and pharmaceutical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milos Stepovic
- Faculty of Medical Science, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Nemanja Rancic
- Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
- Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Berislav Vekic
- Clinic for Surgery, University Hospital Center “Dr. Dragisa Misovic”, Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Viktorija Dragojevic-Simic
- Centre for Clinical Pharmacology, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
- Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stefan Vekic
- Faculty of Economics, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nenad Ratkovic
- Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Belgrade, Serbia
- Treatment Sector, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mihajlo Jakovljevic
- Institute of Comparative Economic Studies, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan
- The N.A.Semashko Public Health and Healthcare Department, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Department of Global Health Economics and Policy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
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Sacristán JA, Abellán-Perpiñán JM, Dilla T, Soto J, Oliva J. Some reflections on the use of inappropriate comparators in CEA. COST EFFECTIVENESS AND RESOURCE ALLOCATION 2020; 18:29. [PMID: 32874138 PMCID: PMC7457280 DOI: 10.1186/s12962-020-00226-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the choice of the comparator is one of the aspects with a highest effect on the results of cost-effectiveness analyses, it is one of the less debated issues in international methodological guidelines. The inclusion of an inappropriate comparator may introduce biases on the outcomes and the recommendations of an economic analysis. Although the rules for cost-effectiveness analyses of sets of mutually exclusive alternatives have been widely described in the literature, in practice, they are hardly ever applied. In addition, there are many cases where the efficiency of the standard of care has never been assessed; or where the standard of care has demonstrated to be cost-effective with respect to a non-efficient option. In all these cases the comparator may lie outside the efficiency frontier, so the result of the CEA may be biased. Through some hypothetical examples, the paper shows how the complementary use of an independent reference may help to identify potential inappropriate comparators and inefficient use of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Sacristán
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Avenida Arzobispo Morcillo s/n. 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Medical Department, Lilly, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Tatiana Dilla
- Medical Department, Lilly, Madrid, Spain.,Universidad Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan Oliva
- Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
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Isah AUJ, Ekwunife OI, Ejie IL, Mandrik O. Effects of nutritional supplements on the re-infection rate of soil-transmitted helminths in school-age children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237112. [PMID: 32790693 PMCID: PMC7425883 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The effect of nutritional supplements on the re-infection rate of species-specific soil-transmitted helminth infections in school-aged children remains complex and available evidence on the subject matter has not been synthesized. Methods The review included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs investigating food supplements on school-aged children between the age of 4–17 years. A search for RCTs was conducted on eight databases from inception to 12th June 2019. Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias in all included studies. Meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were conducted to describe and analyze the results of the review. Outcomes were summarized using the mean difference or standardized mean difference where appropriate. Results The search produced 1,816 records. Six studies met the inclusion criteria (five individually RCTs and one cluster RCT). Four studies reported data on all three STH species, while one study only reported data on Ascaris lumbricoides infections and the last study reported data on only hookworm infections. Overall, the risk of bias in four individual studies was low across most domains. Nutritional supplementation failed to statistically reduce the re-infection rates of the three STH species. The effect of nutritional supplements on measures of physical wellbeing in school-aged children could not be determined. Conclusions The findings from this systematic review suggest that nutritional supplements for treatment of STH in children should not be encouraged unless better evidence emerges. Conclusion of earlier reviews on general populations may not necessarily apply to children since children possibly have a higher re-infection rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Ummi Jibrin Isah
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Obinna Ikechukwu Ekwunife
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
- * E-mail:
| | - Izuchukwu Loveth Ejie
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Olena Mandrik
- School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Keel S, Evans JR, Block S, Bourne R, Calonge M, Cheng CY, Friedman DS, Furtado JM, Khanna RC, Mathenge W, Mariotti S, Matoto E, Müller A, Rabiu MM, Rasengane T, Zhao J, Wormald R, Cieza A. Strengthening the integration of eye care into the health system: methodology for the development of the WHO package of eye care interventions. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2020; 5:e000533. [PMID: 32821853 PMCID: PMC7418692 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2020-000533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To describe the rational for, and the methods that will be employed to develop, the WHO package of eye care interventions (PECI). Methods and analysis The development of the package will be conducted in four steps: (1) selection of eye conditions (for which interventions will be included in the package) based on epidemiological data on the causes of vision impairment and blindness, prevalence estimates of eye conditions and health facility data; (2) identification of interventions and related evidence for the selected eye conditions from clinical practice guidelines and high-quality systematic reviews by a technical working group; (3) expert agreement on the inclusion of eye care interventions in the package and the description of resources required for the provision of the selected interventions; and (4) peer review. The project will be led by the WHO Vision Programme in collaboration with Cochrane Eyes and Vision. A Technical Advisory Group, comprised of public health and clinical experts in the field, will provide technical input throughout all stages of development. Results After considering the feedback of Technical Advisory Group members and reviewing-related evidence, a final list of eye conditions for which interventions will be included in the package has been collated. Conclusion The PECI will support Ministries of Health in prioritising, planning, budgeting and integrating eye care interventions into health systems. It is anticipated that the PECI will be available for use in 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Keel
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer R Evans
- International Centre for Eye Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Block
- Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago, United States
| | - Rupert Bourne
- Cambridge University Hospitals, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Vision & Eye Research Institute, School of Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Margarita Calonge
- Institute of Applied OphthalmoBiology, University of Valladolid and CIBER-BBN (Biomedical Research Networking Center Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ching-Yu Cheng
- Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
| | - David S Friedman
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard University, Boston, United States
| | - João M Furtado
- Division of Ophthalmology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Rohit C Khanna
- Allen Foster Community Eye Health Research Centre, Gullapalli Pratibha Rao International Centre for Advancement of Rural Eye care, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Silvio Mariotti
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Andreas Müller
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - M Mansur Rabiu
- Noor Dubai Foundation, Dubai Health Authority, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tuwani Rasengane
- Department of Optometry, University of the Free State and Universitas Hospital, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Jialang Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Eye Research Center Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Richard Wormald
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alarcos Cieza
- Department of Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Blears EE, Pham NK, Bauer VP. A systematic review and meta-analysis of valued obstetric and gynecologic (OB/GYN) procedures in resource-poor areas. Surg Open Sci 2020; 2:127-135. [PMID: 32754717 PMCID: PMC7391913 DOI: 10.1016/j.sopen.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Obstetric and gynecologic procedures are valuable in rural settings. Data identifying common procedures may better prepare surgeons to meet patient needs in remote settings. Materials and methods A literature review using key MeSH terms was performed according to methods described by the Cochrane Collaboration and PRISMA on studies that described obstetric and gynecologic surgery in rural high-income countries or any setting in middle- to low-income countries. Meta-analysis was performed using random effects modeling for odds ratios of cesarean delivery and hysterectomy as proportions of total surgical volume. Results A total of 195 studies were included for qualitative synthesis and 22 for quantitative analysis. Obstetric and gynecologic procedures made up a 19% of all surgical cases. As compared to other obstetric and gynecologic surgical procedures, cesarean delivery was the most common procedure with odds ratio of 2.39 (95% confidence interval 1.48–3.86), and hysterectomy was the second most common procedure with odds ratio of 1.60 (1.57–1.64). However, heterogeneity between the studies was extremely high and risk of bias was high, limiting quality of findings. Conclusion Greater provision of surgical care can be enhanced by defining which procedures are most needed, which include many obstetric and gynecologic procedures, most commonly cesarean delivery and hysterectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nguyen K Pham
- University of Texas-Medical Branch, 815 Market St, Galveston, TX, 77555
| | - Valerie P Bauer
- Steward Medical Group, Scenic Mountain Medical Center, 1601 W 11th Pl, Big Spring, TX 79720
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Net benefit and cost-effectiveness of universal iron-containing multiple micronutrient powders for young children in 78 countries: a microsimulation study. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2020; 8:e1071-e1080. [PMID: 32710863 PMCID: PMC9620416 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30240-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Universal home fortification of complementary foods with iron-containing multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) is a key intervention to prevent anaemia in young children in low-income and middle-income countries. However, evidence that MNPs might promote infection raises uncertainty about whether MNPs give net health benefits and are cost-effective. We aimed to determined country-specific net benefit or harm and cost-effectiveness of universal provision of MNPs to children aged 6 months. Methods We developed a microsimulation model to estimate net country-specific disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and years of life lost (YLLs) due to anaemia, malaria, and diarrhoea averted (or increased) by provision of a 6-month course of MNPs to children aged 6 months, compared with no intervention, who would be followed up for an additional 6 months (ie, to age 18 months). Anaemia prevalence was derived from Demographic and Health Surveys or similar national surveys, and malaria and diarrhoea incidence were sourced from the Global Burden of Disease Study. Programme and health-care costs were modelled to determine cost per DALY averted (US$). Additionally, we explored the effects of reduced MNP coverage in a sensitivity analysis. Findings 78 countries (46 countries in Africa, 20 in Asia or the Middle East, and 12 in Latin America) were included in the analysis, and we simulated 5 million children per country. 6 months of universal distribution of daily MNPs, assuming 100% coverage, produced a net benefit (DALYs averted) in 54 countries (24 in Africa, 19 in Asia and the Middle East, 11 in Latin America) and net harm in 24 countries (22 in Africa, one in Asia, and one in Latin America). MNP intervention provided a benefit on YLDs associated with anaemia, but these gains were attenuated and sometimes reversed by increases in YLLs associated with malaria and diarrhoea, reducing the benefits seen for DALYs. In the 54 countries where MNP provision was beneficial, the median benefit was 28·1 DALYs averted per 10 000 children receiving MNPs (IQR 20·6–40·4), and median cost per DALY averted was $3576 (IQR 2474–4918). DALY effects positively correlated with moderate and severe anaemia prevalence in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, but correlated inversely in Africa. Suboptimal coverage markedly reduced DALYs averted and cost-effectiveness. Interpretation Net health benefits of MNPs vary between countries, are highest where prevalence of moderate and severe anaemia is greatest but infection prevalence is smallest, and are ameliorated when coverage of the intervention is poor. Our data provide country-specific guidance to national policy makers. Funding International Union of Nutrition Sciences.
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Okeke EN, Abubakar IS. Healthcare at the Beginning of Life and Child Survival: Evidence from a Cash Transfer Experiment in Nigeria. JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENT ECONOMICS 2020; 143:102426. [PMID: 32863533 PMCID: PMC7450787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdeveco.2019.102426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Households in poor countries are encouraged (and sometimes coerced) to increase investments in formal health care services during pregnancy and childbirth. Is this good policy? The answer to a large extent depends on its effects on child welfare. We study the effects of a cash transfer program in Nigeria in which households were offered a payment of $14 conditioned on uptake of health services. We show that the transfer led to a large increase in uptake and a substantial increase in child survival driven by a decrease in in-utero child deaths. We present evidence suggesting that the key driver is prenatal health investments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward N Okeke
- Department of Economics, Sociology and Statistics, RAND, 1200 South Hayes, Arlington, VA 22202
| | - Isa S Abubakar
- Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University Kano and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital
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Ahmed M, Whitestone N, Patnaik JL, Hossain MA, Husain L, Alauddin M, Rahaman M, Cherwek DH, Congdon N, Haddad D. Burden of eye disease and demand for care in the Bangladesh Rohingya displaced population and host community: A cohort study. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003096. [PMID: 32231365 PMCID: PMC7108691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a growing awareness that addressing chronic as well as acute health conditions may contribute importantly to the well-being of displaced populations, but eye care service has generally not been prioritized in crisis situations. We describe a replicable model of eye care provision as delivered by Orbis International and local partners to the Rohingya and host population in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, and characterize the burden of vision impairment and demand for sight-restoring services in this setting. METHODS AND FINDINGS Orbis International and local secondary facility Cox's Bazar Baitush Sharaf Hospital (CBBSH) provide eye care support to the Rohingya population and the host community of all ages in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, with fixed vision screening locations established in Camps 4 and 11 of the Kutupalong refugee settlement. Structured outreach targets these camps and four surrounding local subdistricts, with referrals made as needed for refraction (glasses measurement) and cataract surgery to CBBSH. Between February 2018 and March 2019, 48,105 displaced Rohingya (70.3%, among whom 71.6% were children and 46.5% women) and 20,357 local residents (29.7%, 88.5% children, 54.4% women) underwent vision screening. Displaced Rohingya sought services from a total of 12 surrounding camps, within which coverage was 17.3%, including 43.3% (27,027/62,424) of children aged 5-11 years and 60.0% (5,315/8,857) of adults ≥ 60 years old. The prevalence of blindness (presenting acuity < 3/60) among Rohingya patients exceeded that among local residents by 3- to 6-fold in each 10-year age group between 18 and 59 years (P < 0.001 comparing vision between the two groups in this age range), and the prevalence of cataract requiring surgery was also higher in Rohingya patients (18-29 years: 4.67% versus 1.80%, P = 0.0019; 30-39: 7.61% versus 2.39%, P < 0.001; and 40-49 years: 7.91% versus 3.77%, P = 0.0014). A limitation of the study is lack of data on population prevalence of eye disease. CONCLUSIONS The burden of untreated eye disease is very high among the Rohingya, particularly those in their peak working years who could contribute most to the resiliency of their community. Demand for eye care service is also great among children and adults in this population with many competing healthcare priorities. Research is needed, building on strong evidence of benefit in settled populations, to explore the specific impact of vision care on the well-being of displaced populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noelle Whitestone
- Independent consultant, Orbis International, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Patnaik
- Orbis International, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nathan Congdon
- Orbis International, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Danny Haddad
- Orbis International, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Injury and musculoskeletal disorders are a major cause of death, disability, and decreased quality of life in developing countries. Thus, understanding the cost-effectiveness of orthopedic care in low- and middle-income countries may help to guide future outreach. A systematic review was conducted on the literature available on the cost-effectiveness of surgical trips that provided orthopedic-related care and extracted data regarding the cost-effectiveness of the orthopedic-related interventions. The cost-effectiveness of the interventions was determined using the WHO-CHOICE thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T. Nolte
- Resident Physician, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Jacob S. Nasser
- Clinical Research Associate, Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Kevin C. Chung
- Professor of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
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Fung A, Horton S, Zabih V, Denburg A, Gupta S. Cost and cost-effectiveness of childhood cancer treatment in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001825. [PMID: 31749998 PMCID: PMC6830048 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A major barrier to improving childhood cancer survival is the perception that paediatric oncology services are too costly for low-income and middle-income country (LMIC) health systems. We conducted a systematic review to synthesise existing evidence on the costs and cost-effectiveness of treating childhood cancers in LMICs. METHODS We searched multiple databases from their inception to March 2019. All studies reporting costs or cost-effectiveness of treating any childhood cancer in an LMIC were included. We appraised included articles using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. Where possible, we extracted or calculated the cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted using reported survival and country-specific life expectancy. Cost/DALY averted was compared with per capita gross domestic product (GDP) as per WHO-Choosing Interventions that are Cost-Effective guidelines to determine cost-effectiveness. RESULTS Of 2802 studies identified, 30 met inclusion criteria. Studies represented 22 countries and nine different malignancies. The most commonly studied cancers were acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (n=10), Burkitt lymphoma (n=4) and Wilms tumour (n=3). The median CHEERS checklist score was 18 of 24. Many studies omitted key cost inputs. Notably, only 11 studies included healthcare worker salaries. Cost/DALY averted was extracted or calculated for 12 studies and ranged from US$22 to US$4475, although the lower-end costs were primarily from studies that omitted key cost components. In all 12, cost/DALY averted through treatment was substantially less than country per capita GDP, and therefore considered very cost-effective. CONCLUSION Many included studies did not account for key cost inputs, thus underestimating true treatment costs. Costs/DALY averted were nonetheless substantially lower than per capita GDP, suggesting that even if all relevant inputs are included, LMIC childhood cancer treatment is consistently very cost-effective. While additional rigorous economic evaluations are required, our results can inform the development of LMIC national childhood cancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair Fung
- Pediatrics and Child Health, Winnipeg Children's Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Susan Horton
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Veda Zabih
- Child Health and Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Avram Denburg
- Child Health and Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sumit Gupta
- Child Health and Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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50
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Gaudin S, Smith PC, Soucat A, Yazbeck AS. Common Goods for Health: Economic Rationale and Tools for Prioritization. Health Syst Reform 2019; 5:280-292. [PMID: 31661367 DOI: 10.1080/23288604.2019.1656028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents the economic rationale for treating Common Goods for Health (CGH) as priorities for public intervention. We use the concept of market failure as a central argument for identifying CGH and apply cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) as a normative tool to prioritize CGH interventions in public finance decisions. We show that CGH are consistent with traditional lists of public health core functions but cannot be identified separately from non-CGH activities in such lists. We propose a public finance decision tree, adapted from existing health economics tools, to identify CGH activities within the set of cost-effective interventions for the health sector. We test the framework by applying it to the 2018 Disease Control Priority (DCP) list of interventions recommended for public funding and find that less than 10% of cost-effective interventions unconditionally qualify as CGH, while another two-thirds may or may not qualify depending on context and form. We conclude that while CEA can be used as a tool to prioritize CGH, the scarcity of such analyses for CGH interventions may be partly responsible for the lack of priority given to them. We encourage further research to address methodological and resource challenges to assessing the cost-effectiveness of CGH intervention packages, in particular those involving large investments and long-term benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter C Smith
- Imperial College Business School, London, UK.,Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - Agnès Soucat
- Director for Health Systems, Governance and Financing, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Abdo S Yazbeck
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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