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Garg CC, Mukopadhyay R, Arora NK, Awasthi S, Verma RK, Poluru R, Limbu P, Qazi SA, Bahl R, Nisar YB. Cost of treating sick young infants (0-59 days) with Possible Serious Bacterial Infection in resource-constrained outpatient primary care facilities: An insight from implementation research in two districts of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh (India). J Glob Health 2023; 13:04062. [PMID: 37594179 PMCID: PMC10436679 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.04062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Information on the average and incremental costs of implementing alternative strategies for treating young infants 0-59 days old in primary health facilities with signs of possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI) when a referral is not feasible is limited but valuable for policymakers. Methods Direct activity costs were calculated for outpatient treatment of PSBI and pneumonia in two districts of India: Palwal, Haryana and Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. These included costs of staff time and consumables for initial assessment, classification, and referrals; recommended treatment of fast breathing (oral amoxicillin for seven days) and PSBI (injection gentamicin and oral amoxicillin for seven days); and daily assessments. Indirect operational costs included staff training; staff time cost for general management, supervision, and coordination; referral transport; and communication. Results The average cost per young infant treated for recommended and acceptable treatment for PSBI was 16 US dollars (US$) (95% CI = US$15.4-16.3) in 2018-19 and US$18.5 in 2022 (adjusted for inflation) when all direct and indirect operational costs were considered. The average cost of recommended treatment for pneumonia was US$10.1 (95% CI = US$9.7-10.6) or US$11.7 in 2022, per treated young infant. The incremental cost 2018-2019 for supplies, medicines, and operations (excluding staff time costs) per infant treated for PSBI was US$6.1 and US$4.3 and for pneumonia was US$3.5 and US$2.2 in Palwal and Lucknow, respectively. Operation and administrative costs were 25% in Palwal and 12% in Lucknow of the total PSBI treatment costs. The average cost per live birth for treating PSBI in each population was US$5 in Palwal and US$3 in Lucknow. Higher operation costs for social mobilisation activities in Palwal led to the empowerment of families and timely care-seeking. Conclusions Costs of treatment of PSBI with the recommended regimen in an outpatient setting, when a referral is not feasible, are under US$20 per treated child and must be budgeted to reduce deaths from neonatal sepsis. The investment must be made in activities that lead to successful identification, prompt care seeking, timely initiation of treatment and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu C Garg
- Health Financing Advisor and Executive Director, Syzygy Consulting, California, USA
| | - Rupak Mukopadhyay
- Centre for Anthropology, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Noida Campus, India
| | | | - Shally Awasthi
- Department of Paediatrics, King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, India
| | - Raj Kumar Verma
- Department of Paediatrics, King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, India
| | | | - Priya Limbu
- The George Institute of Global Health, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Rajiv Bahl
- Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Yasir Bin Nisar
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Aging (MCH), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Innovative, enhanced community management of non-hypoxaemic chest-indrawing pneumonia in 2-59-month-old children: a cluster-randomised trial in Africa and Asia. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-006405. [PMID: 34987033 PMCID: PMC8734014 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The WHO recommends oral amoxicillin for 2–59-month-old children with chest-indrawing pneumonia presenting at the health facility. Community-level health workers (CLHWs) are not allowed to treat these children when presented at the community level. This study aimed to evaluate whether CLHWs can safely and effectively treat children 2–59 months-old with chest indrawing with a 5-day course of oral amoxicillin in a few selected countries in Africa and Asia, especially when a referral is not feasible. Methods We conducted a prospective multicountry cluster-randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial in rural areas of four countries (Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India and Malawi) from September 2016 to December 2018. Children aged 2–59 months having parents/caregivers reported cough and/or difficult breathing presenting to a CLHW were screened for enrolment. CLHWs in the intervention clusters assessed children for hypoxaemia and treated non-hypoxaemic chest-indrawing pneumonia with two times per day oral amoxicillin (50 mg/kg body weight per dose) for 5 days at the community level. CLHWs in the control clusters identified chest indrawing and referred them to a referral-level health facility for treatment. Study supervisors performed pulse oximetry in the control clusters except in Bangladesh. Children were assessed for the primary outcome (clinical treatment failure) up to day 14 after enrolment. The accuracy and impact of pulse oximetry by CLHWs in the intervention clusters were also assessed. Results In 208 clusters, 1688 CLHWs assessed 62 363 children with cough and/or difficulty breathing. Of these, 4013 non-hypoxaemic 2–59-month-old children with chest-indrawing pneumonia were enrolled. We excluded 116 children from analysis, leaving 3897 for intention-to-treat analysis. In the intervention clusters, 4.3% (90/2081) failed treatment, including five deaths, while in the control clusters, 4.4% (79/1816) failed treatment, including five deaths. The adjusted risk difference was -0.01 (95% CI −1.5% to 1.5%), which satisfied the prespecified non-inferiority criterion. CLHWs correctly performed pulse oximetry in 91.1% (2001/2196) of cases in the intervention clusters. Conclusions The community treatment of non-hypoxaemic children with chest-indrawing pneumonia with 5-day oral amoxicillin by trained, equipped and supervised CLHWs is non-inferior to currently recommended facility-based treatment. These findings encourage a review of the existing strategy of community-based management of pneumonia. Trial registration ACTRN12617000857303; The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.
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Rabbani F, Khan HA, Piryani S, Pradhan NA, Shaukat N, Feroz AS, Perveen S. Changing Perceptions of Rural Frontline Workers and Caregivers About Management of Childhood Diarrhea and Pneumonia Despite Several Inequities: The Nigraan Plus Trial in Pakistan. J Multidiscip Healthc 2021; 14:3343-3355. [PMID: 34880624 PMCID: PMC8648085 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s334844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Diarrhea and pneumonia greatly contribute to high childhood mortality in Pakistan. Frontline community health workers or the Lady Health Workers (LHWs) provide care at the doorstep of over 60% of Pakistan’s rural residents. Difficult terrain, lack of supplies, and inadequate supervision put these LHWs at an added disadvantage in the timely diagnosis and delivery of known treatment options to community caregivers (CCGs). This study aims to assess whether a supportive supervision intervention through Lady Health Supervisors (LHSs) using enhanced mentorship and written feedback cards have the potential to improve case management of childhood diarrhea and pneumonia. Study Setting and Design This perception-based qualitative inquiry nested within the Nigraan Plus trial included LHSs, LHWs, and CCGs as the participants. Twenty-two in-depth interviews (IDIs) and 16 focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted before a supportive supervision intervention in 2017, and 10 FGDs were conducted in 2019 once the intervention concluded. Data were analyzed using manual content analysis. Results The perceived ability of LHWs and LHSs to describe the danger signs of diarrhea and pneumonia, classify dehydration and relate respiratory rate to the severity of pneumonia improved over time. Appropriate prescription of zinc in diarrhea and antibiotics in pneumonia was noted. Furthermore, CCGs’ trust in LHWs increased following the intervention, and they reported a growing inclination to contact LHWs as their first point of care. LHWs in the intervention arm were more satisfied with their job due to frequent supervisory visits and continuous feedback by LHSs. Conclusion Despite geographic, social, and economic inequities, supportive supervision has the potential to improve knowledge, practice, and skills of frontline health workers related to CCM of childhood diarrhea and pneumonia in disadvantaged rural communities. Additionally, the trust of CCGs in the health workers’ ability to manage such cases is also enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauziah Rabbani
- Office of Research and Graduate Studies, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.,Department of Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Hyder Ali Khan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Suneel Piryani
- Department of Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Nousheen Akber Pradhan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Natasha Shaukat
- Department of Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Anam Shahil Feroz
- Department of Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Shagufta Perveen
- Department of Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
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Nisar YB. Community-based amoxicillin treatment for fast breathing pneumonia in young infants 7-59 days old: a cluster randomised trial in rural Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India and Malawi. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e006578. [PMID: 34417274 PMCID: PMC8381301 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Young infants 7-59 days old with fast breathing pneumonia presented to a primary level health facility receive a 7-day course of amoxicillin as per the WHO guideline. However, community-level health workers (CLHW) are not allowed to treat these infants. This trial evaluated the community level treatment of non-hypoxaemic young infants with fast breathing pneumonia by CLHWs. METHODS This cluster-randomised, open-label, non-inferiority trial was conducted in rural areas of Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India and Malawi. We randomly allocated clusters (first-level health facility) 1:1, stratified by the population size, to an intervention group (enhanced community case management) or control group (standard community case management). Infants aged 7-59 days with a respiratory rate of ≥60 breaths/min and oxygen saturation (SpO2) ≥90% were enrolled. In the intervention clusters, these infants were treated with a 7-day course of oral amoxicillin (according to WHO weight bands) and were regularly followed up by CLHWs. In the control clusters, CLHWs continued the standard management (assess and refer after pre-referral antibiotic dose) and followed up according to the national programme guideline. The primary outcome of treatment failure was assessed in both groups by independent outcome assessors on days 6 and 14 after enrolment. Secondary outcomes (accuracy and impact of pulse oximetry) were also assessed. RESULTS Between September 2016 and December 2018, we enrolled 2334 infants (1168 in intervention and 1166 in control clusters) from 208 clusters (104 intervention and 104 control). Of 2334, 22 infants with fast breathing were excluded from analysis, leaving 2312 (1155 in intervention clusters and 1157 in control clusters) for intention-to-treat analysis. The proportion of treatment failure was 5.4% (63/1155) in intervention and 6.3% (73/1157) in the control clusters, including two deaths (0.2%) in each group. The adjusted risk difference for treatment failure between the two groups was -1.0% (95% CI -3.0% to 1.1%). The secondary outcome showed that CLHWs in the intervention clusters performed all recommended steps of pulse oximetry assessment in 94% (1050/1115) of enrolled patients. CONCLUSIONS The 7-day amoxicillin treatment for 7-59 days old non-hypoxaemic infants with fast breathing pneumonia by CLHWs was non-inferior to the currently recommended referral strategy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS CTRI/2017/02/007761 and ACTRN12617000857303.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir B Nisar
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, WHO, Geneve, Switzerland
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Counihan H, Baba E, Oresanya O, Adesoro O, Hamzat Y, Marks S, Ward C, Gimba P, Qazi SA, Källander K. One-arm safety intervention study on community case management of chest indrawing pneumonia in children in Nigeria - a study protocol. Glob Health Action 2021; 13:1775368. [PMID: 32856569 PMCID: PMC7480438 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1775368] [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] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Current recommendations within integrated community case management (iCCM) programmes advise community health workers (CHWs) to refer cases of chest indrawing pneumonia to health facilities for treatment, but many children die due to delays or non-compliance with referral advice. Recent revision of World Health Organization (WHO) pneumonia guidelines and integrated management of childhood illness chart booklet recommend oral amoxicillin for treatment of lower chest indrawing (LCI) pneumonia on an outpatient basis. However, these guidelines did not recommend its use by CHWs as part of iCCM, due to insufficient evidence regarding safety. We present a protocol for a one-arm safety intervention study aimed at increasing access to treatment of pneumonia by training CHWs, locally referred to as Community Oriented Resource Persons (CORPs) in Nigeria. The primary objective was to assess if CORPs could safely and appropriately manage LCI pneumonia in 2-59 month old children, and refer children with danger signs. The primary outcomes were the proportion of children 2-59 months with LCI pneumonia who were managed appropriately by CORPs and the clinical treatment failure within 6 days of LCI pneumonia. Secondary outcomes included proportion of children with LCI followed up by CORPs on day 3; caregiver adherence to treatment for chest indrawing, acceptability and satisfaction of both CORP and caregivers on the mode of treatment, including caregiver adherence to treatment; and clinical relapse of pneumonia between day 7 to 14 among children whose signs of pneumonia disappeared by day 6. Approximately 308 children 2-59 months of age with LCI pneumonia would be needed for this safety intervention study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shamim Ahmad Qazi
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organisation , Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karin Källander
- Malaria Consortium , London, UK.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm, Sweden
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de Broucker G, Sim SY, Brenzel L, Gross M, Patenaude B, Constenla DO. Cost of Nine Pediatric Infectious Illnesses in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review of Cost-of-Illness Studies. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2020; 38:1071-1094. [PMID: 32748334 PMCID: PMC7578143 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-020-00940-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cost-of-illness data from empirical studies provide insights into the use of healthcare resources including both expenditures and the opportunity cost related to receiving treatment. OBJECTIVE The objective of this systematic review was to gather cost data and relevant parameters for hepatitis B, pneumonia, meningitis, encephalitis caused by Japanese encephalitis, rubella, yellow fever, measles, influenza, and acute gastroenteritis in children in low- and middle-income countries. DATA SOURCES Peer-reviewed studies published in public health, medical, and economic journals indexed in PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, and EconLit. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS Studies must (1) be peer reviewed, (2) be published in 2000-2016, (3) provide cost data for one of the nine diseases in children aged under 5 years in low- and middle-income countries, and (4) generated from primary data collection. LIMITATIONS We cannot exclude missing a few articles in our review. Measures were taken to reduce this risk. Several articles published since 2016 are omitted from the systematic review results, these articles are included in the discussion. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS The review yielded 37 articles and 267 sets of cost estimates. We found no cost-of-illness studies with cost estimates for hepatitis B, measles, rubella, or yellow fever from primary data. Most estimates were from countries in Gavi preparatory (28%) and accelerated (28%) transition, followed by those who are initiating self-financing (22%) and those not eligible for Gavi support (19%). Thirteen articles compared household expenses to manage illnesses with income and two articles with other household expenses, such as food, clothing, and rent. An episode of illness represented 1-75% of the household's monthly income or 10-83% of its monthly expenses. Articles that presented both household and government perspectives showed that most often governments incurred greater costs than households, including non-medical and indirect costs, across countries of all income statuses, with a few notable exceptions. Although limited for low- and middle-income country settings, cost estimates generated from primary data collection provided a 'real-world' estimate of the economic burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. Additional information on whether common situations preventing the application of official clinical guidelines (such as medication stock-outs) occurred would help reveal deficiencies in the health system. Improving the availability of cost-of-illness evidence can inform the public policy agenda about healthcare priorities and can help to operationalize the healthcare budget in local health systems to respond adequately to the burden of illness in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gatien de Broucker
- International Vaccine Access Center, 415 North Washington Street, Suite #530, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.
| | - So Yoon Sim
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Margaret Gross
- Welch Medical Library, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bryan Patenaude
- International Vaccine Access Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dagna O Constenla
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Panama City, Panama
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Sabin LL, Estrella B, Sempértegui F, Farquhar N, Mesic A, Halim N, Lin CY, Rodriguez O, Hamer DH. Household Costs Associated with Hospitalization of Children with Severe Pneumonia in Quito, Ecuador. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 102:731-739. [PMID: 32067631 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young children. The total cost of pneumonia-related hospitalization, including household-level cost, is poorly understood. To better understand this burden in an urban setting in South America, we incorporated a cost study into a trial assessing zinc supplements in treatment of severe pneumonia among children aged 2-59 months at a public hospital in Quito, Ecuador, which provides such treatment at no charge. Data were collected from children's caregivers at hospitalization and discharge on out-of-pocket payments for medical and nonmedical items, and on employment and lost work time. Analyses encompassed three categories: direct medical costs, direct nonmedical costs, and indirect costs, which covered foregone wages (from caregivers' self-reported lost earnings) and opportunity cost of caregivers' lost time (based on the unskilled labor wage in Ecuador). Caregivers of 153 children completed all questionnaires. Overall, 57% of children were aged less than 12 months, and 46% were female. Just over 50% of mothers and fathers had completed middle school. Most reported direct costs, which averaged $33. Most also reported indirect costs, the mean of which was $74. Fifty-seven reported lost earnings (mean = $79); 29 reported lost time (estimated mean cost = $37). Stratified analyses revealed similar costs for children < 12 months and ≥ 12 months, with variations for specific items. Costs for hospital-based treatment of severe pneumonia in young children represent a major burden for households in low- to middle-income settings, even when such treatment is intended to be provided at no cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lora L Sabin
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bertha Estrella
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.,Corporacion Ecuatoriana de Biotecnologia, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Fernando Sempértegui
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador.,Corporacion Ecuatoriana de Biotecnologia, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Norman Farquhar
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Aldina Mesic
- Innovations for Poverty Action Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nafisa Halim
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chia-Ying Lin
- United States Agency for International Development, Arlington, Virginia
| | | | - Davidson H Hamer
- Section of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Machuki JA, Aduda DSO, Omondi AB, Onono MA. Patient-level cost of home- and facility-based child pneumonia treatment in Suba Sub County, Kenya. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225194. [PMID: 31743375 PMCID: PMC6863537 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, pneumonia accounted for 16% of deaths among children under 5 years of age and was one of the major causes of death overall in 2018. Kenya is ranked among the top 15 countries with regard to pneumonia prevalence and contributed approximately 74% of the world's annual pneumonia cases in 2018. Unfortunately, less than 50% of children with pneumonia receive appropriate antibiotics for treatment. Homa-Bay County implemented pneumonia community case management utilizing community health workers, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2014. However, since implementation of the program, the relative patient-level cost of home-based and facility-based treatment of pneumonia, as well as the main drivers of these costs in Suba Subcounty, remain uncertain. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to compare the patient-level costs of home based treatment of pneumonia by a community health worker with those of health facility-based treatment. Methods and findings Using a cross-sectional study design, a structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 208 caregivers on the direct costs (consultation, medicine, transportation) and indirect costs (opportunity cost) of pneumonia treatment. The average household cost for the community managed patients was KSH 122.65 ($1.29) compared with KSh 447.46 ($4.71), a 4-fold difference, for those treated at the health facility. The largest cost drivers for home treatment and health facility treatment were opportunity costs (KSH 88.25 ($ 0.93)) and medicine costs (KSH 126.16 ($ 1.33)), respectively. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the costs incurred for home-based pneumonia management are considerably lower compared to those incurred for facility-based management. Opportunity costs (caregiver time and forgone wages) and the cost of medication were the key cost-drivers in the management of pneumonia at the health facility and at home, respectively. These findings emphasize the need to strengthen and scale community case management to overcome barriers and delays in accessing the correct treatment for pneumonia for sick children under 5 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Amenya Machuki
- Department of Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
- * E-mail:
| | - Dickens S. Omondi Aduda
- Department of Public Health and Community Development, University of Kabianga, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Abong’o B. Omondi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, The National University of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
- Department of Biology, National University of Lesotho, Lesotho, South Africa
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Sultana M, Sarker AR, Ali N, Akram R, Gold L. Economic evaluation of community acquired pneumonia management strategies: A systematic review of literature. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224170. [PMID: 31648271 PMCID: PMC6812874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Efficient use of resources is fundamental for best use of money among the available and novel treatment options for the management of pneumonia. The objective of this study was to systematically review the economic analysis of management strategies of pneumonia. METHODS A systematic search was performed using Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, EconLit, Global health, MEDLINE complete and Embase databases using specific subject headings or key words in May 2018 without restricting publication year. All search results were recorded and any type of economic evaluation for management of CAP was included for detailed review. The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist was used for quality appraisal. RESULTS Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria; ten studies were trial based, five conducted analysis using model based techniques and the rest of the studies were either based on observational, record review or pre-post intervention studies. Most of the studies conducted cost-effectiveness analysis (n = 15) and compared different combinations of antimicrobials. Most were based on developed countries (n = 17), considered adult age groups (n = 16) and used a provider perspective (n = 14). Nine studies reported dominant alternatives (lower cost with higher benefit). Sensitivity analysis was performed by the majority of studies (n = 15). Fourteen studies were assessed as either being excellent, very good or good quality, with no relationship found between publication year and study quality. Methodological variation, type of microbial used, perspective, costs and outcome measures limit the compatibility among the results of the included studies. CONCLUSION Economic evaluation of interventions for management of CAP to date supports cost-effectiveness of studied interventions. However, evidence relates largely to antimicrobials choice in older populations in developed countries. Parallel economic evaluation of different management strategies of CAP is recommended for both developed and developing countries to support rigorous and robust comparative economic analysis within health care systems. PROSPERO registration no: CRD42018097174.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marufa Sultana
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Deakin Health Economics, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Abdur Razzaque Sarker
- Health Economics and Financing Research, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nausad Ali
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Raisul Akram
- Health Economics and Financing Research, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Lisa Gold
- Deakin Health Economics, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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Sultana M, Sarker AR, Sheikh N, Akram R, Ali N, Mahumud RA, Alam NH. Prevalence, determinants and health care-seeking behavior of childhood acute respiratory tract infections in Bangladesh. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210433. [PMID: 30629689 PMCID: PMC6328134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are one of the leading causes of child mortality worldwide and contribute significant health burden for developing nations such as Bangladesh. Seeking care and prompt management is crucial to reduce disease severity and to prevent associated morbidity and mortality. Objective This study investigated the prevalence and care-seeking behaviors among under-five children in Bangladesh and identified factors associated with ARI prevalence and subsequent care-seeking behaviors. Method The present study analyzed cross-sectional data from the 2014 Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey. Bivariate analysis was performed to estimate the prevalence of ARIs and associated care-seeking. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the influencing socio-economic and demographic predictors. A p-value of <0.05 was considered as the level of significance. Result Among 6,566 under-five children, 5.42% had experienced ARI symptoms, care being sought for 90% of affected children. Prevalence was significantly higher among children < 2 years old, and among males. Children from poorer and the poorest quintiles of households were 2.40 (95% CI = 1.12, 5.15) and 2.36 (95% CI = 1.06, 5.24) times more likely to suffer from ARIs compared to the wealthiest group. Seeking care was significantly higher among female children (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI = 0.94, 5.12). The likelihood of seeking care was less for children belonging to the poorest quintile compared to the richest (AOR = 0.03, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.55). Seeking care from untrained providers was 3.74 more likely among rural residents compared to urban (RRR = 3.74, 95% CI = 1.10, 12.77). Conclusion ARIs continue to contribute high disease burden among under-five children in Bangladesh lacking of appropriate care-seeking behavior. Various factors, such as age and sex of the children, wealth index, the education of the mother, and household lifestyle factors were significantly associated with ARI prevalence and care-seeking behaviors. In addition to public-private actions to increase service accessibility for poorer households, equitable and efficient service distribution and interventions targeting households with low socio-economic status and lower education level, are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marufa Sultana
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Burwood, Melbourne, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Abdur Razzaque Sarker
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Nurnabi Sheikh
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Raisul Akram
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nausad Ali
- Health Systems and Population Studies Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Nur Haque Alam
- Nutrition and Clinical Services Division, International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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11
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Zhang S, Sammon PM, King I, Andrade AL, Toscano CM, Araujo SN, Sinha A, Madhi SA, Khandaker G, Yin JK, Booy R, Huda TM, Rahman QS, El Arifeen S, Gentile A, Giglio N, Bhuiyan MU, Sturm-Ramirez K, Gessner BD, Nadjib M, Carosone-Link PJ, Simões EA, Child JA, Ahmed I, Bhutta ZA, Soofi SB, Khan RJ, Campbell H, Nair H. Cost of management of severe pneumonia in young children: systematic analysis. J Glob Health 2018; 6:010408. [PMID: 27231544 PMCID: PMC4871066 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.06.010408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood pneumonia is a major cause of childhood illness and the second leading cause of child death globally. Understanding the costs associated with the management of childhood pneumonia is essential for resource allocation and priority setting for child health. METHODS We conducted a systematic review to identify studies reporting data on the cost of management of pneumonia in children younger than 5 years old. We collected unpublished cost data on non-severe, severe and very severe pneumonia through collaboration with an international working group. We extracted data on cost per episode, duration of hospital stay and unit cost of interventions for the management of pneumonia. The mean (95% confidence interval, CI) and median (interquartile range, IQR) treatment costs were estimated and reported where appropriate. RESULTS We identified 24 published studies eligible for inclusion and supplemented these with data from 10 unpublished studies. The 34 studies included in the cost analysis contained data on more than 95 000 children with pneumonia from both low- and-middle income countries (LMIC) and high-income countries (HIC) covering all 6 WHO regions. The total cost (per episode) for management of severe pneumonia was US$ 4.3 (95% CI 1.5-8.7), US$ 51.7 (95% CI 17.4-91.0) and US$ 242.7 (95% CI 153.6-341.4)-559.4 (95% CI 268.9-886.3) in community, out-patient facilities and different levels of hospital in-patient settings in LMIC. Direct medical cost for severe pneumonia in hospital inpatient settings was estimated to be 26.6%-115.8% of patients' monthly household income in LMIC. The mean direct non-medical cost and indirect cost for severe pneumonia management accounted for 0.5-31% of weekly household income. The mean length of stay (LOS) in hospital for children with severe pneumonia was 5.8 (IQR 5.3-6.4) and 7.7 (IQR 5.5-9.9) days in LMIC and HIC respectively for these children. CONCLUSION This is the most comprehensive review to date of cost data from studies on the management of childhood pneumonia and these data should be helpful for health services planning and priority setting by national programmes and international agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhang
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Department of Preventive Dentistry, Peking University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Peter M Sammon
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Isobel King
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; NHS Grampian, UK
| | | | | | - Sheila N Araujo
- Department of Community Health, Federal University of Goias, Brazil; State University of Maranhăo, Brazil
| | - Anushua Sinha
- New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey USA
| | - Shabir A Madhi
- Medical Research Council, Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation, Vaccine Preventable Diseases, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gulam Khandaker
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia; Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jiehui Kevin Yin
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia; Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robert Booy
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia; Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tanvir M Huda
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh; School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Qazi S Rahman
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shams El Arifeen
- Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Angela Gentile
- Epidemiology Department, Ricardo Gutierrez Children Hospital, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Norberto Giglio
- Epidemiology Department, Ricardo Gutierrez Children Hospital, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Katharine Sturm-Ramirez
- Centre for Communicable Diseases, icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Mardiati Nadjib
- Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Phyllis J Carosone-Link
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Eric Af Simões
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA; Center for Global Health and Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jason A Child
- Pharmacy Department, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Imran Ahmed
- Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sajid B Soofi
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rumana J Khan
- James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Harry Campbell
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Harish Nair
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
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12
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Aftab W, Shipton L, Rabbani F, Sangrasi K, Perveen S, Zahidie A, Naeem I, Qazi S. Exploring health care seeking knowledge, perceptions and practices for childhood diarrhea and pneumonia and their context in a rural Pakistani community. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:44. [PMID: 29374472 PMCID: PMC5787321 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-2845-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Where access to facilities for childhood diarrhea and pneumonia is inadequate, community case management (CCM) is an effective way of improving access to care. In Pakistan, utilization of CCM for these diseases through the Lady Health Worker Program remains low. Challenges of access to facilities persist leading to delayed care and poor outcomes. Estimating caregiver knowledge, understanding their perceptions and practices, and recognizing how these are related to care seeking decisions about childhood diarrhea and pneumonia is crucial to bring about coherence between supply and demand-side practices. Methods Data was collected from family caregivers to explore their knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding childhood diarrhea and pneumonia. Data from a household survey with 7025 caregivers, seven focus group discussion (FGDs), seven in-depth interviews (IDIs), and 20 detailed narrative interviews are used to explore caregiver knowledge, perceptions and practices. Results Household survey shows that most family caregivers recognize main signs and symptoms of diarrhea such as loose stools (76%). Fewer recognize signs and symptoms of pneumonia such as breathing problems (21%). Few caregivers (18%) have confidence in lady health workers’ (LHWs) ability to treat childhood diarrhea and pneumonia. Care seeking from LHWs remains negligible (< 1%). Caregivers overwhelmingly prefer to seek care from doctors (97%). Seventy-five percent caregivers sought care from private providers and 45% from public providers. FGDs, IDIs, and narrative interviews show that care mostly begins with home remedies and sometimes self-prescribed medicines. Treatment delays occur because of caregiver inability to recognize disease, use of home remedies, financial constraints, and low utilization of community based LHW services. Caregivers do not seek care from LHWs because of lack of trust and LHWs’ inability to provide medicines. If finances allow, private doctors, who caregivers perceive as more responsive, are preferred over public sector doctors. Financial resources, availability of time, support for household chores by family and community determine whether, when, and from whom caregivers seek care. Conclusions Many children do not receive recommended diarrhea and pneumonia treatment on time. Taking into consideration caregiver concerns, adequate supply of medicines to LHWs, improved facility level care could improve care seeking practices and child health outcomes. Trial registration The trial is registered with ‘Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry’. Registration Number: ACTRN12613001261707. Registered 18 November 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Aftab
- Department of Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Stadium Road, P.O Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan.
| | - Leah Shipton
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Fauziah Rabbani
- Department of Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Stadium Road, P.O Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Sangrasi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Stadium Road, P.O Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Shagufta Perveen
- Department of Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Stadium Road, P.O Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Aysha Zahidie
- Department of Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Stadium Road, P.O Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Imran Naeem
- Department of Community Health Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Stadium Road, P.O Box 3500, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Shamim Qazi
- Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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13
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Murthy S, John D, Godinho IP, Godinho MA, Guddattu V, Nair NS. A protocol for a systematic review of economic evaluation studies conducted on neonatal systemic infections in South Asia. Syst Rev 2017; 6:252. [PMID: 29233168 PMCID: PMC5727883 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-017-0648-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal systemic infections and their consequent impairments give rise to long-lasting health, economic and social effects on the neonate, the family and the nation. Considering the dearth of consolidated economic evidence in this important area, this systematic review aims to critically appraise and consolidate the evidence on economic evaluations of management of neonatal systemic infections in South Asia. METHODS Full and partial economic evaluations, published in English, associated with the management of neonatal systemic infections in South Asia will be included. Any intervention related to management of neonatal systemic infections will be eligible for inclusion. Comparison can include a placebo or alternative standard of care. Interventions without any comparators will also be eligible for inclusion. Outcomes of this review will include measures related to resource use, costs and cost-effectiveness. Electronic searches will be conducted on PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, Web of Science, EconLit, the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination Library (CRD) Database, Popline, IndMed, MedKnow, IMSEAR, the Cost Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) Registry and Pediatric Economic Database Evaluation (PEDE). Conference proceedings and grey literature will be searched in addition to performing back referencing of bibliographies of included studies. Two authors will independently screen studies (in title, abstract and full-text stages), extract data and assess risk of bias. A narrative summary and tables will be used to summarize the characteristics and results of included studies. DISCUSSION Neonatal systemic infections can have significant economic repercussions on the families, health care providers and, cumulatively, the nation. Pediatric economic evaluations have focused on the under-five age group, and published consolidated economic evidence for neonates is missing in the developing world context. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review of economic evidence on neonatal systemic infections in the South Asian context. Further, this protocol provides an underst anding of the methods used to design and evaluate economic evidence for methodological quality, transparency and focus on health equity. This review will also highlight existing gaps in research and identify scope for further research. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42017047275.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Murthy
- Department of Statistics, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Level 6, Health Science Library Building, Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
| | - Denny John
- The Campbell Collaboration, New Delhi, India.,Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Myron Anthony Godinho
- Public Health Evidence South Asia (PHESA), Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Vasudeva Guddattu
- Department of Statistics, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Level 6, Health Science Library Building, Madhav Nagar, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - N Sreekumaran Nair
- Department of Biostatistics (Biometrics), Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
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14
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Purakayastha DR, Rai SK, Broor S, Krishnan A. Cost of Treatment of Febrile Acute Respiratory Infection (FARI) Among Under-Five Children Attending Health Facilities of Ballabgarh, Haryana. Indian J Pediatr 2017; 84:902-907. [PMID: 28831731 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-017-2420-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the expenditure incurred towards treatment of an episode of respiratory infection among under-fives in outpatient and inpatient departments of primary and secondary level health facilities. METHODS During March 2011 - September 2012, under-five children presenting with febrile acute respiratory infection (FARI) in the outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) departments of public and private health facilities of Ballabgarh, Haryana were enrolled in the study. Children who were free from co-morbidities and whose contact number or proper address were available, were enrolled and followed up over telephone or by house visits till recovery. Information was collected on expenditure incurred towards treatment of FARI. Work loss of each day was valued as per capita national income per day. Cost of service in public facilities were supplemented by WHO-CHOICE estimates. The cost of respiratory episode in different settings are expressed in median and inter quartile range (IQR). RESULTS One hundred fourteen children from OPD and 75 from IPD were enrolled and followed up till recovery. Among eligible children 40% and 20% in OPD and IPD were excluded respectively as they could not provide address or contact number. The median costs of an episode treated in OPD and IPD were INR 447(IQR: INR 294-669) and INR 7506.06 (IQR: INR 3765-10,406) respectively. CONCLUSIONS Respiratory infections are responsible for substantial economic burden, especially with huge proportion of out-of-pocket expenditure. Total cost of a respiratory episode that required hospitalization was 1.5 times the per capita monthly income of an Indian.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanjay Kumar Rai
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Shobha Broor
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Anand Krishnan
- Centre for Community Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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15
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Afroze B, Brown N. Ethical issues in managing Lysosomal storage disorders in children in low and middle income countries. Pak J Med Sci 2017; 33:1036-1041. [PMID: 29067088 PMCID: PMC5648935 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.334.12975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The lysosomal storage diseases are a group of rare, inherited metabolic diseases affecting about 1 in 7000 to 8000 people. In recent years, the introduction of enzyme replacement therapy, substrate reduction therapy and small molecule therapy, has changed the natural course of this otherwise progressive group of disorders leading to severe morbidity and early mortality. These treatment options, however, are extremely expensive and are needed for life thus presenting an economical as well as ethical challenge to the affected families and the health care system of a country. This paper presents a case for the prevention of the lysosomal storage disorders as a model for other inherited metabolic disorders in the form of antenatal testing and cascade screeningfor couples and families at risk of having affected off-springs and compares it to the cost incurred on the enzyme replacement therapy in the backdrop of the health care prioritiesof Pakistan, a low middle income country. Similar economic and ethical challenges are faced by most low and middle income countries. The literature search was done using Pubmed and Clinical trials databases using key words: “Lysosomal storage disorders”, “natural course”, “ethics”, “cascade screening”, “Thalassemia” and “cascade screening”. A total of 225 articles in English language were scanned from 1980-2016, 80 articles describing the natural course of LSD with and without ERT, ethical issues related to the treatment of LSD and strategies employed for the prevention of genetic disorders were prioritized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Afroze
- Dr. BushraAfroze, FCPS, Department of Paediatrics& Child Health, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nick Brown
- Dr. Nick Brown, MCPCH, Department of Paediatrics, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, UK
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Seidman G, Atun R. Does task shifting yield cost savings and improve efficiency for health systems? A systematic review of evidence from low-income and middle-income countries. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2017; 15:29. [PMID: 28407810 PMCID: PMC5390445 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-017-0200-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Task shifting has become an increasingly popular way to increase access to health services, especially in low-resource settings. Research has demonstrated that task shifting, including the use of community health workers (CHWs) to deliver care, can improve population health. This systematic review investigates whether task shifting in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) results in efficiency improvements by achieving cost savings. METHODS Using the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, we searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Health Economic Evaluation Database on March 22, 2016. We included any original peer-review articles that demonstrated cost impact of a task shifting program in an LMIC. RESULTS We identified 794 articles, of which 34 were included in our study. We found that substantial evidence exists for achieving cost savings and efficiency improvements from task shifting activities related to tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, and additional evidence exists for the potential to achieve cost savings from activities related to malaria, NCDs, NTDs, childhood illness, and other disease areas, especially at the primary health care and community levels. CONCLUSIONS Task shifting presents a viable option for health system cost savings in LMICs. Going forward, program planners should carefully consider whether task shifting can improve population health and health systems efficiency in their countries, and researchers should investigate whether task shifting can also achieve cost savings for activities related to emerging global health priorities and health systems strengthening activities such as supply chain management or monitoring and evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Seidman
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 United States of America
| | - Rifat Atun
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 United States of America
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17
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Lunze K, Biemba G, Lawrence JJ, MacLeod WB, Yeboah-Antwi K, Musokotwane K, Ajayi T, Mutembo S, Puta C, Earle D, Steketee R, Hamer DH. Clinical management of children with fever: a cross-sectional study of quality of care in rural Zambia. Bull World Health Organ 2017; 95:333-342. [PMID: 28479634 PMCID: PMC5418822 DOI: 10.2471/blt.16.170092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate current practices and standards of evaluation and treatment of childhood febrile illness in Southern Province, Zambia. METHODS From November to December 2013, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of facilities and health workers and we observed the health workers' interactions with febrile children and their caregivers. The facility survey recorded level of staffing, health services provided by the facility, availability and adequacy of medical equipment, availability of basic drugs and supplies and availability of treatment charts and guidelines. The health worker survey assessed respondents' training, length of service, access to national guidelines and job aids for managing illnesses, and their practice and knowledge on management of neonatal and child illnesses. We also conducted exit interviews with caregivers to collect information on demographic characteristics, chief complaints, counselling and drug dispensing practices. FINDINGS This study included 24 health facilities, 53 health workers and 161 children presenting with fever. Facilities were insufficiently staffed, stocked and equipped to adequately manage childhood fever. Children most commonly presented with upper respiratory tract infections (46%; 69), diarrhoea (31%; 27) and malaria (10%; 16). Health workers insufficiently evaluated children for danger signs, and less than half (47%; 9/19) of children with pneumonia received appropriate antibiotic treatment. Only 57% (92/161) were tested for malaria using either rapid diagnostic tests or microscopy. CONCLUSION Various health system challenges resulted in a substantial proportion of children receiving insufficient management and treatment of febrile illness. Interventions are needed including strengthening the availability of commodities and improving diagnosis and treatment of febrile illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Lunze
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Medical School, 801 Massachusetts Ave, Boston MA 02119, United States of America (USA)
| | - Godfrey Biemba
- Zambian Centre for Applied Health Research and Development, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - J Joseph Lawrence
- Global Health Corps Fellowship, Zambian Centre for Applied Health Research and Development, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - William B MacLeod
- Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Kojo Yeboah-Antwi
- Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | | | | | - Simon Mutembo
- Southern Provincial Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, Zambia
| | | | | | - Rick Steketee
- Malaria Control and Elimination Partnership in Africa Program, PATH, Seattle, USA
| | - Davidson H Hamer
- Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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Estimating the cost of referral and willingness to pay for referral to higher-level health facilities: a case series study from an integrated community case management programme in Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2015; 15:347. [PMID: 26315661 PMCID: PMC4551371 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-015-1019-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Integrated community case management (iCCM) relies on community health workers (CHWs) managing children with malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea, and referring children when management is not possible. This study sought to establish the cost per sick child referred to seek care from a higher-level health facility by a CHW and to estimate caregivers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for referral. Methods Caregivers of 203 randomly selected children referred to higher-level health facilities by CHWs were interviewed in four Midwestern Uganda districts. Questionnaires and document reviews were used to capture direct, indirect and opportunity costs incurred by caregivers, CHWs and health facilities managing referred children. WTP for referral was assessed through the ‘bidding game’ approach followed by an open-ended question on maximum WTP. Descriptive analysis was conducted for factors associated with referral completion and WTP using logistic and linear regression methods, respectively. The cost per case referred to higher-level health facilities was computed from a societal perspective. Results Reasons for referral included having fever with a negative malaria test (46.8 %), danger signs (29.6 %) and drug shortage (37.4 %). Among the referred, less than half completed referral (45.8 %). Referral completion was 2.8 times higher among children with danger signs (p = 0.004) relative to those without danger signs, and 0.27 times lower among children who received pre-referral treatment (p < 0.001). The average cost per case referred was US$ 4.89 and US$7.35 per case completing referral. For each unit cost per case referred, caregiver out of pocket expenditure contributed 33.7 %, caregivers’ and CHWs’ opportunity costs contributed 29.2 % and 5.1 % respectively and health facility costs contributed 39.6 %. The mean (SD) out of pocket expenditure was US$1.65 (3.25). The mean WTP for referral was US$8.25 (14.70) and was positively associated with having received pre-referral treatment, completing referral and increasing caregiver education level. Conclusion The mean WTP for referral was higher than the average out of pocket expenditure. This, along with suboptimal referral completion, points to barriers in access to higher-level facilities as the primary cause of low referral. Community mobilisation for uptake of referral is necessary if the policy of referring children to the nearest health facility is to be effective.
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Sadruddin S, Khan IUH, Bari A, Khan A, Ahmad I, Qazi SA. Effect of community mobilization on appropriate care seeking for pneumonia in Haripur, Pakistan. J Glob Health 2015; 5:010405. [PMID: 25798232 PMCID: PMC4357212 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.05.010405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appropriate and timely care seeking reduces mortality for childhood illnesses including pneumonia. Despite over 90 000 Lady Health Workers (LHWs) deployed in Pakistan, whose tasks included management of pneumonia, only 16% of care takers sought care from them for respiratory infections. As part of a community case management trial for childhood pneumonia, community mobilization interventions were implemented to improve care seeking from LHWs in Haripur district, Pakistan. The objective of the study was to increase the number of children receiving treatment for pneumonia and severe pneumonia by Lady Health Workers (LHWs) through community mobilization approaches for prompt recognition and care seeking in 2 to 59 month-old children. METHODS To assess pneumonia care seeking practices, pre and post-intervention household surveys were conducted in 28 target Union Councils. Formative research to improve existing LHW training materials, job aids and other materials was carried out. Advocacy events were organized, LHWs and male health promoters were trained in community mobilization, non-functional women and male health committees were revitalized and LHWs and male health promoters conducted community awareness sessions. RESULTS The community mobilization interventions were implemented from April 2008 - December 2009. Project and LHW program staff organized 113 sensitization meetings for opinion leaders, which were attended by 2262 males and 3288 females. The 511 trained LHWs organized 6132 community awareness sessions attended by 50 056 women and 511 male promoters conducted 523 sessions attended by 7845 males. In one year period, the number of LHWs treating pneumonia increased from 11 in April 2008 to 505 in March 2009. The care seeking from LHWs for suspected pneumonia increased from 0.7% in pre-intervention survey to 49.2% in post-intervention survey. CONCLUSION The increase in care seeking from LHWs benefited the community through bringing inexpensive appropriate care closer to home and reducing burden on overstretched health facilities. The community mobilization interventions led to improvements in appropriate care seeking that would not have been achievable just by strengthening pneumonia case management skills of LHWs. In addition to strengthening skills, community mobilization and behavior change activities should also be included in community case management programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abdul Bari
- Independent consultant, formerly with Save the Children, Pakistan
| | - Attaullah Khan
- Directorate General Health Services, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Ijaz Ahmad
- Health Sector Reform Unit, Department of Health, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Shamim A. Qazi
- World Health Organization, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, Geneva, Switzerland
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Le P, Griffiths UK, Anh DD, Franzini L, Chan W, Pham H, Swint JM. The economic burden of pneumonia and meningitis among children less than five years old in Hanoi, Vietnam. Trop Med Int Health 2014; 19:1321-7. [DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Phuc Le
- University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston; Houston TX USA
| | | | - Dang D. Anh
- Vietnam National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology; Hanoi Vietnam
| | - Luisa Franzini
- University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston; Houston TX USA
| | - Wenyaw Chan
- University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston; Houston TX USA
| | - Ha Pham
- Vietnam National Hospital of Pediatrics; Hanoi Vietnam
| | - John M. Swint
- University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston; Houston TX USA
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Marsh DR, Hamer DH, Pagnoni F, Peterson S. Introduction to a special supplement: Evidence for the implementation, effects, and impact of the integrated community case management strategy to treat childhood infection. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 87:2-5. [PMID: 23136271 PMCID: PMC3748517 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.12-0504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David R. Marsh
- Save the Children, Westport, Connecticut; Center for Global Health and Development, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of International Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts; Zambia Centre for Applied Health Research and Development, Lusaka, Zambia; Global Malaria Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda; Karolinska Instituet, Stockholm, Sweden
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