1
|
Ansu-Mensah M, Bawontuo V, Kuupiel D, Ginindza TG. Sustainable solutions to barriers of point-of-care diagnostic testing services in health facilities without laboratories in the bono region, Ghana: a qualitative study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:179. [PMID: 38778307 PMCID: PMC11110428 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02406-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A sustainable point-of-care (POC) diagnostic testing implementation in low-resourced facilities enhances quick diagnostic investigation and halts unnecessary referrals. This study identified the barriers impeding the implementation of POC diagnostic testing in health facilities without laboratories in the Bono Region of Ghana; as well as explored potential solutions that could enhance the accessibility and effectiveness of POC diagnostic testing, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare delivery. METHODS A total of twenty-eight participants were purposively selected from health facilities in low-resourced settings in the Bono Region for a descriptive qualitative study. Of the twenty-eight participants, seventeen including ten healthcare providers from CHPS facilities, six district health depot managers, and one regional depot manager were engaged in in-depth interviews. Additional eleven including nine healthcare providers and two district depot managers were also engaged in focus group discussions. NVivo version 12 software was employed for condensation, labelling, and grouping of themes. Data was analysed narratively. RESULTS Work overloads, limited POC testing services, stock-outs of POC tests at the facilities, and supply-related challenges of POC test kits were identified as major barriers to POC testing services. To solve these barriers, adequate funding, an effective delivery system, stakeholders' engagement and advocacy, and in-service and refresher training courses were suggested as potential solutions to POC diagnostic testing services implementation by the stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS This study's findings emphasize the need to address the barriers hindering the implementation of POC diagnostic testing in health facilities without laboratories in the Bono Region of Ghana. The suggested solutions provide a roadmap for improving the accessibility and effectiveness of POC testing, which has the potential to enhance the quality of healthcare delivery, reduce unnecessary referrals, and ultimately improve patient health outcomes in underserved settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Ansu-Mensah
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
- The University Clinic, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Ghana.
| | - Vitalis Bawontuo
- Department of Health Services Management and Administration, School of Business, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Wa, Ghana
| | - Desmond Kuupiel
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, 4001, South Africa
| | - Themba G Ginindza
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001, South Africa
- Cancer & Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit (CIDERU), College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kost GJ, Füzéry AK, Caratao LKR, Tinsay S, Zadran A, Ybañez AP. Using geographic rescue time contours, point-of-care strategies, and spatial care paths to prepare island communities for global warming, rising oceans, and weather disasters. Int J Health Geogr 2023; 22:38. [PMID: 38124128 PMCID: PMC10731708 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-023-00359-y] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To perform geographic contour analysis of sea and land ambulance rescue times in an archipelago subject to super typhoons; to design point-of-care testing strategies for medical emergencies and weather disasters made more intense by global warming and rising oceans; and to assess needs for prehospital testing on spatial care paths that accelerate decision making, increase efficiency, improve outcomes, and enhance standards of care in island nations. METHODS We performed needs assessments, inspected healthcare facilities, and collected ambulance rescue times from professionals in the Bantayan Archipelago, Philippines. We mapped sea/land ambulance rescue routes and time contours. To reveal gaps, we statistically compared the fastest and slowest patient rescue times from islands/islets and barangays to the District Hospital on Bantayan Island. We developed spatial care paths (the fastest routes to care) for acute myocardial infarction, community care, and infectious diseases. We generated a compendium of prehospital diagnostic testing and integrated outcomes evidence, diagnostic needs, and public health goals to recommend point-of-care strategies that build geographic health resilience. RESULTS We observed limited access to COVID-19 assays, absence of blood gas/pH testing for critical care support, and spatial gaps in land and airborne rescues that worsened during inclement weather and sea swells. Mean paired differences (slowest-fastest) in ambulance rescue times to the District Hospital for both islands and barangays were significant (P < 0.0001). Spatial care path analysis showed where point-of-care cardiac troponin testing should be implemented for expedited care of acute myocardial infarction. Geospatial strengths comprised distributed primary care that can be facilitated by point-of-care testing, logical interisland transfers for which decision making and triage could be accelerated with onboard diagnostics, and healthcare networks amenable to medical advances in prehospital testing that accelerate treatment. CONCLUSIONS Point-of-care testing should be positioned upstream close to homes and island populations that have prolonged rescue time contours. Geospatially optimized point-of-need diagnostics and distributed prehospital testing have high potential to improve outcomes. These improvements will potentially decrease disparities in mortality among archipelago versus urban dwellers, help improve island public health, and enhance resilience for increasingly adverse and frequent climate change weather disasters that impact vulnerable coastal areas. [350 words].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J Kost
- Fulbright Scholar 2020-2022, ASEAN Program, Point-of-Care Testing Center for Teaching and Research (POCT•CTR), Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
| | - Anna K Füzéry
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Samantha Tinsay
- Municipality of Bantayan, Bantayan-Santa Fe-Madridejos Primary Care Provider Network, Cebu, Philippines
| | - Amanullah Zadran
- POCT·CTR, Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Adrian P Ybañez
- Institute for Molecular Genetics, Parasitology, and Vector-Borne Diseases, and College of Veterinary Medicine, Cebu Technological University, Cebu, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kuupiel D, Cheabu BSN, Yeboah P, Duah J, Addae JK, Ako-Nnubeng IT, Osei FA, Ziblim SD, Mchunu GG, Pillay JD, Bawontuo V. Geographic availability of and physical accessibility to tuberculosis diagnostic tests in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:755. [PMID: 37452305 PMCID: PMC10347710 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09755-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Ghana, tuberculosis (TB) case detection is low (< 34%). Existing scientific evidence suggest access to TB diagnostic tests play an essential role in TB case detection, yet little has been scientifically documented on it in Ghana. This study, therefore, sought to map TB diagnosis sites, and describe the geographic availability and physical accessibility to TB diagnosis in six regions of Ghana to inform scale-up and future placement of TB diagnostic tests. METHODS We assembled the geolocation and attribute data of all health facilities offering TB diagnosis in Upper West Region (UWR), Upper East Region (UER), Ahafo, North-East, Northern, and Savannah regions. QGIS was employed to estimate the distance and travel time to TB diagnosis sites within regions. Travel time estimates were based on assumed motorised tricycle speed of 20 km (km)/hour. RESULTS Of the total 1584 health facilities in the six regions, 86 (5.4%) facilities were providing TB diagnostic testing services. This 86 TB diagnosis sites comprised 56 (65%) microscopy sites, 23 (27%) both microscopy and GeneXpert sites, and 7 (8%) GeneXpert only sites (8%). Of the 86 diagnosis sites, 40 (46%) were in the UER, follow by Northern Region with 16 (19%), 12 (14%) in UWR, 9 (10%) in Ahafo Region, 5 (6%) in North East, and 4 (5%) in Savannah Region. The overall estimated mean distance and travel time to the nearest TB diagnosis site was 23.3 ± 13.8 km and 67.6 ± 42.6 min respectively. Savannah Region recorded the longest estimated mean distance and travel time with 36.1 ± 14.6 km and 108.3 ± 43.9 min, whilst UER recorded the shortest with 10.2 ± 5.8 km and 29.1 ± 17.4 min. Based on a 10 km buffer of settlement areas, an estimated 75 additional TB diagnosis sites will be needed to improve access to TB diagnosis services across the six regions. CONCLUSION This study highlights limited availability of TB diagnosis sites and poor physical accessibility to TB diagnosis sites across five out of the six regions. Targeted implementation of additional TB diagnosis sites is needed to reduce travel distances to ≤ 10 km.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desmond Kuupiel
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001 South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Ritson Campus, Durban, 4001 South Africa
| | - Benjamin S. N. Cheabu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Health Quality Programs, Queen’s University, Kingston, K7L3N6 Canada
- Christian Health Association of Ghana, # 21 Jubilee Wells Street Labadi, Accra, Ghana
| | - Peter Yeboah
- Christian Health Association of Ghana, # 21 Jubilee Wells Street Labadi, Accra, Ghana
| | - James Duah
- Christian Health Association of Ghana, # 21 Jubilee Wells Street Labadi, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joseph K. Addae
- Christian Health Association of Ghana, # 21 Jubilee Wells Street Labadi, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Francis A. Osei
- Christian Health Association of Ghana, # 21 Jubilee Wells Street Labadi, Accra, Ghana
| | - Shamsu-Deen Ziblim
- Department of Population and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Gugu G. Mchunu
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001 South Africa
| | - Julian D. Pillay
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4001 South Africa
| | - Vitalis Bawontuo
- Department of Health Services Management and Administration, School of Business, SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD-UBIDS), Wa, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Health system-related barriers to prenatal care management in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review of the qualitative literature. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2023; 24:e15. [PMID: 36843095 PMCID: PMC9972358 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423622000706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate prenatal care (PNC) is essential for improving maternal and infant health; nevertheless, millions of women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) do not receive it properly. The objective of this review is to identify and summarize the qualitative studies that report on health system-related barriers in PNC management in LMICs. METHODS This systematic review was conducted in 2022. A range of electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Knowledge, CINHAL, SCOPUS, Embase, and Science Direct were searched for qualitative studies conducted in LMICs. The reference lists of eligible studies also were hand searched. The studies that reported health system-related barrier of PNC management from the perspectives of PNC stakeholders were considered for inclusion. Study quality assessment was performed applying the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist, and thematic analyses performed. RESULTS Of the 32 included studies, 25 (78%) were published either in or after 2013. The total population sample included 1677 participants including 629 pregnant women, 122 mothers, 240 healthcare providers, 54 key informed, 164 women of childbearing age, 380 community members, and 88 participants from other groups (such as male partners and relatives). Of 32 studies meeting inclusion criteria, four major themes emerged: (1) healthcare provider-related issues; (2) service delivery issues; (3) inaccessible PNC; and (4) poor PNC infrastructure. CONCLUSION This systematic review provided essential findings regarding PNC barriers in LMICs to help inform the development of effective PNC strategies and public policy programs.
Collapse
|
5
|
Sustainable Radical Cure of the Latent Malarias. Infect Dis (Lond) 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2463-0_896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
|
6
|
Raeesi A, Kiani B, Hesami A, Goshayeshi L, Firouraghi N, MohammadEbrahimi S, Hashtarkhani S. Access to the COVID-19 services during the pandemic - a scoping review. GEOSPATIAL HEALTH 2022; 17. [PMID: 35352541 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2022.1079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Appropriate accessibility to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) services is essential in the efficient management of the pandemic. Different geospatial methods and approaches have been used to measure accessibility to COVID-19 health-related services. This scoping review aimed to summarize and synthesize the geospatial studies conducted to measure accessibility to COVID-19 healthcare services. Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed were searched to find relevant studies. From 1113 retrieved unique citations, 26 articles were selected to be reviewed. Most of the studies were conducted in the USA and floating catchment area methods were mostly used to measure the spatial accessibility to COVID-19 services including vaccination centres, Intensive Care Unit beds, hospitals and test sites. More attention is needed to measure the accessibility of COVID-19 services to different types of users especially with combining different non-spatial factors which could lead to better allocation of resources especially in populations with limited resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Raeesi
- Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad.
| | - Behzad Kiani
- Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad.
| | - Azam Hesami
- Lab Solutions company Located at Science and Technology Park, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran.
| | - Ladan Goshayeshi
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Imam Reza Hospital, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad.
| | - Neda Firouraghi
- Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad.
| | - Shahab MohammadEbrahimi
- Department of Medical Informatics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad.
| | - Soheil Hashtarkhani
- Department of Health Information Technology, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ahasan R, Alam MS, Chakraborty T, Hossain MM. Applications of GIS and geospatial analyses in COVID-19 research: A systematic review. F1000Res 2022; 9:1379. [PMID: 35186280 PMCID: PMC8822139 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.27544.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Geographic information science (GIS) has established itself as a distinct domain and incredibly useful whenever the research is related to geography, space, and other spatio-temporal dimensions. However, the scientific landscape on the integration of GIS in COVID-related studies is largely unknown. In this systematic review, we assessed the current evidence on the implementation of GIS and other geospatial tools in the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We systematically retrieved and reviewed 79 research articles that either directly used GIS or other geospatial tools as part of their analysis. We grouped the identified papers under six broader thematic groups based on the objectives and research questions of the study- environmental, socio-economic, and cultural, public health, spatial transmission, computer-aided modeling, and data mining. Results: The interdisciplinary nature of how geographic and spatial analysis was used in COVID-19 research was notable among the reviewed papers. Geospatial techniques, especially WebGIS, have even been widely used to visualize the data on a map and were critical to informing the public regarding the spread of the virus, especially during the early days of the pandemic. This review not only provided an overarching view on how GIS has been used in COVID-19 research so far but also concluded that geospatial analysis and technologies could be used in future public health emergencies along with statistical and other socio-economic modeling techniques. Our review also highlighted how scientific communities and policymakers could leverage GIS to extract useful information to make an informed decision in the future. Conclusions: Despite the limited applications of GIS in identifying the nature and spatio-temporal pattern of this raging pandemic, there are opportunities to utilize these techniques in handling the pandemic. The use of spatial analysis and GIS could significantly improve how we understand the pandemic as well as address the underserviced demographic groups and communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rakibul Ahasan
- Nature Study Society of Bangladesh, Khulna Unit, Khulna, 9000, Bangladesh
- EviSyn Health, Khulna, 9000, Bangladesh
- Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| | | | | | - Md. Mahbub Hossain
- Nature Study Society of Bangladesh, Khulna Unit, Khulna, 9000, Bangladesh
- EviSyn Health, Khulna, 9000, Bangladesh
- Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Amoah LE, Asare KK, Dickson D, Abankwa J, Busayo A, Bredu D, Annan S, Asumah GA, Peprah NY, Asamoah A, Laurencia Malm K. Genotypic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency protects against Plasmodium falciparum infection in individuals living in Ghana. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257562. [PMID: 34570821 PMCID: PMC8476035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The global effort to eradicate malaria requires a drastic measure to terminate relapse from hypnozoites as well as transmission via gametocytes in malaria-endemic areas. Primaquine has been recommended for the treatment of P. falciparum gametocytes and P. vivax hypnozoites, however, its implementation is challenged by the high prevalence of G6PD deficient (G6PDd) genotypes in malaria endemic countries. The objective of this study was to profile G6PDd genotypic variants and correlate them with malaria prevalence in Ghana. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of G6PDd genotypic variants was conducted amongst suspected malaria patients attending health care facilities across the entire country. Malaria was diagnosed using microscopy whilst G6PD deficiency was determined using restriction fragment length polymorphisms at position 376 and 202 of the G6PD gene. The results were analysed using GraphPad prism. RESULTS A total of 6108 subjects were enrolled in the study with females representing 65.59% of the population. The overall prevalence of malaria was 36.31%, with malaria prevalence among G6PDd genotypic variants were 0.07% for A-A- homozygous deficient females, 1.31% and 3.03% for AA- and BA- heterozygous deficient females respectively and 2.03% for A- hemizygous deficient males. The odd ratio (OR) for detecting P. falciparum malaria infection in the A-A- genotypic variant was 0.0784 (95% CI: 0.0265-0.2319, p<0.0001). Also, P. malariae and P. ovale parasites frequently were observed in G6PD B variants relative to G6PD A- variants. CONCLUSION G6PDd genotypic variants, A-A-, AA- and A- protect against P. falciparum, P. ovale and P. malariae infection in Ghana.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Eva Amoah
- Dept. of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwame Kumi Asare
- Dept. of Biomedical Science, School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Donu Dickson
- Dept. of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Joana Abankwa
- Dept. of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abena Busayo
- Dept. of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Dorcas Bredu
- Dept. of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sherifa Annan
- Dept. of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ahasan R, Alam MS, Chakraborty T, Hossain MM. Applications of GIS and geospatial analyses in COVID-19 research: A systematic review. F1000Res 2020; 9:1379. [PMID: 35186280 PMCID: PMC8822139 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.27544.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Geographic information science (GIS) has established itself as a distinct domain and incredibly useful whenever the research is related to geography, space, and other spatio-temporal dimensions. However, the scientific landscape on the integration of GIS in COVID-related studies is largely unknown. In this systematic review, we assessed the current evidence on the implementation of GIS and other geospatial tools in the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We systematically retrieved and reviewed 79 research articles that either directly used GIS or other geospatial tools as part of their analysis. We grouped the identified papers under six broader thematic groups based on the objectives and research questions of the study- environmental, socio-economic, and cultural, public health, spatial transmission, computer-aided modeling, and data mining. Results: The interdisciplinary nature of how geographic and spatial analysis was used in COVID-19 research was notable among the reviewed papers. Geospatial techniques, especially WebGIS, have even been widely used to visualize the data on a map and were critical to informing the public regarding the spread of the virus, especially during the early days of the pandemic. This review not only provided an overarching view on how GIS has been used in COVID-19 research so far but also concluded that geospatial analysis and technologies could be used in future public health emergencies along with statistical and other socio-economic modeling techniques. Our review also highlighted how scientific communities and policymakers could leverage GIS to extract useful information to make an informed decision in the future. Conclusions: Despite the limited applications of GIS in identifying the nature and spatio-temporal pattern of this raging pandemic, there are opportunities to utilize these techniques in handling the pandemic. The use of spatial analysis and GIS could significantly improve how we understand the pandemic as well as address the underserviced demographic groups and communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rakibul Ahasan
- Nature Study Society of Bangladesh, Khulna Unit, Khulna, 9000, Bangladesh
- EviSyn Health, Khulna, 9000, Bangladesh
- Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| | | | | | - Md. Mahbub Hossain
- Nature Study Society of Bangladesh, Khulna Unit, Khulna, 9000, Bangladesh
- EviSyn Health, Khulna, 9000, Bangladesh
- Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kuupiel D, Adu KM, Bawontuo V, Tabong PTN, Adogboba DA, Mashamba-Thompson TP. Geographical access to point-of-care testing for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as an integral part of maternal healthcare in Ghana. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:733. [PMID: 33238918 PMCID: PMC7690122 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-03441-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with high maternal mortality in Ghana and globally. Evidence shows that there is poor availability of pregnancy-related point-of-care (POC) tests in Ghana’s primary healthcare (PHC) clinics (health centre or community-based health planning services facilities). Therefore, we employed geographic information systems to estimate the geographical distribution of and physical accessibility to HDP POC testing services in the Upper East Region (UER), Ghana. Methods We collected data on 100 out of 365 PHC clinics, public hospitals providing HDP testing, PHC clinic type, ownership, and availability of urine dipsticks and blood pressure (BP) devices. We also obtained the geo-located data of the PHC clinics and hospitals using the global positioning system. We employed ArcGIS 10.4 to measure the distance and travel time from the location of each PHC clinic without HDP POC testing services as well as from all locations of each district to the nearest hospital/clinic where the service is available. The travel time was estimated using an assumed motorised tricycle speed of 20 km/hour. We further calculated the spatial distribution of the hospitals/clinics providing HDP POC testing services using the spatial autocorrelation tool in ArcMap, and Stata version 14 for descriptive statistical analysis. Results Of the 100 participating PHC clinics, POC testing for HDP was available in 19% (14% health centres and 5% community-based health planning services compounds) in addition to the 10 hospitals use as referral points for the service. The findings indicated that the spatial pattern of the distribution of the health facilities providing HDP POC testing was random (z-score = -0.61; p = 0.54). About 17% of the PHC clinics without HDP POC testing service were located > 10 km to the nearest facility offering the service. The mean distance and travel time from PHC clinics without HDP POC testing to a health facility providing the service were 11.4 ± 9.9 km and 31.1 ± 29.2 min respectively. The results suggest that if every 19% of the 365 PHC clinics are offering HDP POC testing in addition to these 10 hospitals identified, then the estimated coverage (health facility-to-women in fertility age ratio) in the UER is 1: 3,869. Conclusions There is poor physical accessibility to HDP POC testing services from PHC clinics without HDP POC testing in the UER. Mothers who obtain maternal healthcare in about 17% of the PHC clinics travel long distances (> 10 km) to access the service when needed. Hence, there is a need to improve the availability of HDP POC diagnostic tests in Ghana’s rural clinics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desmond Kuupiel
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa. .,Research for Sustainable Development Consult, Sunyani, Ghana.
| | - Kwame Manu Adu
- Department of Geography, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Vitalis Bawontuo
- Research for Sustainable Development Consult, Sunyani, Ghana.,Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Catholic University College of Ghana, Fiapre, Sunyani, Ghana
| | - Philip T N Tabong
- Research for Sustainable Development Consult, Sunyani, Ghana.,School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
| | - Duncan A Adogboba
- Regional Health Directorate, Ghana Health Service, Upper East Region, Bolgatanga, Ghana
| | - Tivani P Mashamba-Thompson
- Department of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Franch-Pardo I, Napoletano BM, Rosete-Verges F, Billa L. Spatial analysis and GIS in the study of COVID-19. A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 739:140033. [PMID: 32534320 PMCID: PMC7832930 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
This study entailed a review of 63 scientific articles on geospatial and spatial-statistical analysis of the geographical dimension of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The diversity of themes identified in this paper can be grouped into the following categories of disease mapping: spatiotemporal analysis, health and social geography, environmental variables, data mining, and web-based mapping. Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of COVID-19 is essential for its mitigation, as it helps to clarify the extent and impact of the pandemic and can aid decision making, planning and community action. Health geography highlights the interaction of public health officials, affected actors and first responders to improve estimations of disease propagation and likelihoods of new outbreaks. Attempts at interdisciplinary correlation examine health policy interventions for the siting of health/sanitary services and controls, mapping/tracking of human movement, formulation of appropriate scientific and political responses and projection of spatial diffusion and temporal trends. This review concludes that, to fight COVID-19, it is important to face the challenges from an interdisciplinary perspective, with proactive planning, international solidarity and a global perspective. This review provides useful information and insight that can support future bibliographic queries, and also serves as a resource for understanding the evolution of tools used in the management of this major global pandemic of the 21 Century. It is hoped that its findings will inspire new reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic by readers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Franch-Pardo
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Morelia 58190, Michoacan, Mexico.
| | - Brian M Napoletano
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Centro de Investigaciones en Geografía Ambiental, Morelia 58190, Michoacan, Mexico.
| | - Fernando Rosete-Verges
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Morelia 58190, Michoacan, Mexico
| | - Lawal Billa
- University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Semenyih 43500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Franch-Pardo I, Napoletano BM, Rosete-Verges F, Billa L. Spatial analysis and GIS in the study of COVID-19. A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020. [PMID: 32534320 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.14003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This study entailed a review of 63 scientific articles on geospatial and spatial-statistical analysis of the geographical dimension of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The diversity of themes identified in this paper can be grouped into the following categories of disease mapping: spatiotemporal analysis, health and social geography, environmental variables, data mining, and web-based mapping. Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of COVID-19 is essential for its mitigation, as it helps to clarify the extent and impact of the pandemic and can aid decision making, planning and community action. Health geography highlights the interaction of public health officials, affected actors and first responders to improve estimations of disease propagation and likelihoods of new outbreaks. Attempts at interdisciplinary correlation examine health policy interventions for the siting of health/sanitary services and controls, mapping/tracking of human movement, formulation of appropriate scientific and political responses and projection of spatial diffusion and temporal trends. This review concludes that, to fight COVID-19, it is important to face the challenges from an interdisciplinary perspective, with proactive planning, international solidarity and a global perspective. This review provides useful information and insight that can support future bibliographic queries, and also serves as a resource for understanding the evolution of tools used in the management of this major global pandemic of the 21 Century. It is hoped that its findings will inspire new reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic by readers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Franch-Pardo
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Morelia 58190, Michoacan, Mexico.
| | - Brian M Napoletano
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Centro de Investigaciones en Geografía Ambiental, Morelia 58190, Michoacan, Mexico.
| | - Fernando Rosete-Verges
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Morelia 58190, Michoacan, Mexico
| | - Lawal Billa
- University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Semenyih 43500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Point-of-Care Diagnostic Services as an Integral Part of Health Services during the Novel Coronavirus 2019 Era. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10070449. [PMID: 32635234 PMCID: PMC7400507 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10070449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Point-of-care (POC) diagnostic services are commonly associated with pathology laboratory services. This issue presents a holistic approach to POC diagnostics services from a variety of disciplines including pathology, radiological and information technology as well as mobile technology and artificial intelligence. This highlights the need for transdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the efficient development and implementation of point-of-care diagnostics. The advent of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted rapid advances in the development of new POC diagnostics. Global private and public sector agencies have significantly increased their investment in the development of POC diagnostics. There is no longer a question about the availability and accessibility of POC diagnostics. The question is “how can POC diagnostic services be integrated into health services in way that is useful and acceptable in the COVID-19 era?”.
Collapse
|