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Suwannarong K, Cotter C, Ponlap T, Bubpa N, Thammasutti K, Chaiwan J, Finn TP, Kitchakarn S, Mårtensson A, Baltzell KA, Hsiang MS, Lertpiriyasuwat C, Sudathip P, Bennett A. Assessing the acceptability and feasibility of reactive drug administration for malaria elimination in a Plasmodium vivax predominant setting: a qualitative study in two provinces in Thailand. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1346. [PMID: 37438774 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15852-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reactive case detection (RACD) or testing and treatment of close contacts of recent malaria cases, is commonly practiced in settings approaching malaria elimination, but standard diagnostics have limited sensitivity to detect low level infections. Reactive drug administration (RDA), or presumptive treatment without testing, is an alternative approach, but better understanding regarding community acceptability and operational feasibility are needed. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted as part of a two-arm cluster randomized-controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of RDA targeting high-risk villages and forest workers for reducing Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum malaria in Thailand. Key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted virtually among key public health staff, village health volunteers (VHVs), and household members that implemented or received RDA activities. Transcriptions were reviewed, coded, and managed manually using Dedoose qualitative data analysis software, then underwent qualitative content analysis to identify key themes. RESULTS RDA was well accepted by household members and public health staff that implemented it. RDA participation was driven by fear of contracting malaria, eagerness to receive protection provided by malaria medicines, and the increased access to health care. Concerns were raised about the safety of taking malaria medicines without having an illness, particularly if underlying health conditions existed. Health promotion hospital (HPH) staff implementing RDA noted its operational feasibility, but highlighted difficulty in traveling to remote areas, and requested additional travel resources and hiring more VHVs. Other challenges were highlighted including the need for additional training for VHVs on malaria activities and the inability of HPH staff to conduct RDA due to other health priorities (e.g., Covid-19). More training and practice for VHVs were noted as ways to improve implementation of RDA. CONCLUSIONS To maximize uptake of RDA, regular education and sensitization campaigns in collaboration with village leaders on the purpose and rationale of RDA will be critical. To alleviate safety concerns and increase participant safety, a rigorous pharmacovigilance program will be important. To accelerate uptake of RDA, trust between HPH staff and VHVs and the communities they serve must continue to be strengthened to ensure acceptance of the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was approved by the Committee on Human Research at the University of California San Francisco (19-28,060) and the local Ethics Committee for Research in Human Subjects at Tak Provincial Health office (009/63) and Kanchanaburi Provincial health office (Kor Chor 0032.002/2185). Local authorities and health officers in the provinces, districts, and villages agreed upon and coordinated the implementation of the study. All methods in this study were carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.
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Grants
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
- QSE-M-UNOPS-UCSF-20864-003-41 Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanokwan Suwannarong
- Center of Excellence for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- SUPA71 Co., Ltd, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chris Cotter
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | - Nisachon Bubpa
- Faculty of Nursing, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand
| | | | - Jintana Chaiwan
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Timothy P Finn
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Suravadee Kitchakarn
- Department of Disease Control, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Andreas Mårtensson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kimberly A Baltzell
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michelle S Hsiang
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cheewanan Lertpiriyasuwat
- Department of Disease Control, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Prayuth Sudathip
- Department of Disease Control, Division of Vector Borne Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Adam Bennett
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- PATH, Seattle, WA, USA
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Baltzell KA, Kortz TB, Blair A, Scarr E, Mguntha AM, Bandawe G, Schell E, Rankin SH. A 14-day follow-up of adult non-malarial fever patients seen by mobile clinics in rural Malawi. Malawi Med J 2020; 32:31-36. [PMID: 32733657 PMCID: PMC7366163 DOI: 10.4314/mmj.v32i1.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While health providers consistently use malaria rapid diagnostic tests to rule out malaria, they often lack tools to guide treatment for those febrile patients who test negative. Without the tools to provide an alternative diagnosis, providers may prescribe unnecessary antibiotics or miss a more serious condition, potentially contributing to antibiotic resistance and/or poor patient outcomes. Methods This study ascertained which diagnoses and treatments might be associated with poor outcomes in adults who test negative for malaria. Adult patients for rapid diagnostic test of malaria seen in mobile health clinics in Mulanje and Phalombe districts were followed for 14 days. Participants were interviewed on sociodemographic characteristics, health-seeking behaviour, diagnosis, treatment and access to care. Mobile clinic medical charts were reviewed. Two weeks (±2 days) following clinic visit, follow-up interviews were conducted to assess whether symptoms had resolved. Results Initially, 115 adult patients were enrolled and 1 (0.88%) was lost to follow-up. Of the 114 adult patients remaining in the study, 55 (48%) were seen during the dry season and 59 (52%) during the wet season. Symptoms resolved in 90 (80%) patients at the 14-day follow-up visit (n=90) with the rest (n=24) reporting no change in symptoms. None of the patients in the study died or were referred for further care. Almost all patients received some type of medication during their clinic visit (98.2%). Antibiotics were given to 38.6% of patients, and virtually all patients received pain or fever relief (96.5%). However, no anti-malarials were prescribed. Conclusions Mobile clinics provide important health care where access to care is limited. Although rapid tests have guided appropriate treatment, challenges remain when a patient's presenting complaint is less well defined. In rural areas of southern Malawi, simple diagnostics are needed to guide treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Baltzell
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Teresa Bleakly Kortz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alden Blair
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ellen Scarr
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Gama Bandawe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Malawi
| | - Ellen Schell
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Global AIDS Interfaith Alliance, San Rafael, CA, USA
| | - Sally H Rankin
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Baltzell KA, Maglior A, Bangu K, Mngadi N, Prach LM, Whittemore B, Ntshalintshali N, Saini M, Dlamini N, Kunene S, Hsiang MS. "We were afraid of the lion that has roared next to us"; community response to reactive focal mass drug administration for malaria in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Malar J 2019; 18:238. [PMID: 31307494 PMCID: PMC6631448 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2877-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA), or presumptive treatment without malaria testing of household members and neighbours of a passively identified malaria case, is currently being explored as a possible malaria elimination strategy in low transmission settings. One of the primary factors determining the effectiveness of rfMDA on reducing or interrupting transmission is achieving high coverage of the target population with drug administration. This study aims to explore the acceptability of rfMDA and identify facilitators and barriers to its potential implementation, as well as the community’s general knowledge, attitudes and beliefs with regard to malaria elimination. Methods A qualitative study was performed using focus group discussions (FGDs) among villagers that received rfMDA through the National Malaria Control Programme in the low transmission setting of Eswatini as part of a 2-year clinical trial. FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated into English. All transcripts were managed in Dedoose and underwent qualitative content analysis. Results The majority of participants perceived their community to be at high risk of malaria. Witnessing others in their community suffer from malaria, proximity to Mozambique, various ecological factors, and the presence of mosquitoes contributed to this perception. The greatest motivator of participation in rfMDA was witnessing someone else suffer from malaria, since most participants had not personally experienced malaria themselves. Participants valued the education on rfMDA and on malaria in general, particularly when communicated by nurses and other health workers from the Ministry of Health. Participants were overwhelmingly motivated to participate in rfMDA in order to obtain protection from malaria. Most participants did not understand the concept of sub-clinical infection and, therefore, did not perceive the anti-malarial medication given in rfMDA to be a treatment medication. Conclusions Perceived risk for malaria was a major driver of acceptability; therefore, future intervention campaigns could aim to better quantify risk to inform interventions and encourage uptake. There were misunderstandings about the asymptomatic reservoir of parasites in humans. Given that this phenomenon is the rationale for rfMDA, this misunderstanding could threaten the uptake of the intervention if it persists in the community. Using local authorities to deliver messaging, additional education on this concept with re-inforcement that risk of malaria is ongoing, even in the absence of frequent cases, may help to maximize and maintain acceptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Baltzell
- Dept of Family Health Care Nursing, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,Institute for Global Health Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Alysse Maglior
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Khaya Bangu
- National Malaria Programme, Eswatini Ministry of Health, Manzini, Swaziland
| | - Nontokozo Mngadi
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Eswatini Office, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Lisa M Prach
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Global Health Group, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brooke Whittemore
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Manik Saini
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Eswatini Office, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Nomcebo Dlamini
- National Malaria Programme, Eswatini Ministry of Health, Manzini, Swaziland
| | - Simon Kunene
- National Malaria Programme, Eswatini Ministry of Health, Manzini, Swaziland
| | - Michelle S Hsiang
- Malaria Elimination Initiative, Global Health Group, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
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4
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Baltzell KA, Shen HM, Krishnamurthy S, Sison JD, Nuovo GJ, Buehring GC. Bovine leukemia virus linked to breast cancer but not coinfection with human papillomavirus: Case-control study of women in Texas. Cancer 2017; 124:1342-1349. [PMID: 29266207 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) were previously identified in human breast tissue and have been associated with breast cancer in independent studies. The objective of the current study was to test for the presence of BLV and HPV in the same breast tissue specimens to determine whether the viruses were associated with breast cancer either singly or together. METHODS Archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast tissue sections from 216 women were received from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center along with patient diagnosis. In situ polymerase chain reaction and/or DNA hybridization methods were used to detect targeted DNA segments of BLV and HPV. Standard statistical methods were used to calculate age-adjusted odds ratios, attributable risk, and P values for the trend related to the association between presence of a virus and a diagnosis of breast disease. RESULTS Women diagnosed with breast cancer were significantly more likely to have BLV DNA in their breast tissue compared with women with benign diagnoses and no history of breast cancer. Women with breast pathology classified as premalignant and no history of breast cancer also were found to have an elevated risk of harboring BLV DNA in their breast tissue. HPV status was not associated with malignancy, premalignant breast disease, or the presence of BLV in the breast tissues. CONCLUSIONS The data from the current study supported previous findings of a significant association between BLV DNA in breast tissue and a diagnosis of breast cancer, but did not demonstrate oncogenic strains of HPV associated with breast cancer or the presence of BLV DNA in breast tissue. The authors believe the findings of the current study contribute to overall knowledge regarding a possible causal role for viruses in human breast cancer. Cancer 2018;124:1342-9. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Baltzell
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Hua Min Shen
- School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Savitri Krishnamurthy
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jennette D Sison
- Department of Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Gerard J Nuovo
- Department of Pathology, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Gertrude C Buehring
- School of Public Health, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
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5
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Hopkins H, Bruxvoort KJ, Cairns ME, Chandler CIR, Leurent B, Ansah EK, Baiden F, Baltzell KA, Björkman A, Burchett HED, Clarke SE, DiLiberto DD, Elfving K, Goodman C, Hansen KS, Kachur SP, Lal S, Lalloo DG, Leslie T, Magnussen P, Jefferies LM, Mårtensson A, Mayan I, Mbonye AK, Msellem MI, Onwujekwe OE, Owusu-Agyei S, Reyburn H, Rowland MW, Shakely D, Vestergaard LS, Webster J, Wiseman VL, Yeung S, Schellenberg D, Staedke SG, Whitty CJM. Impact of introduction of rapid diagnostic tests for malaria on antibiotic prescribing: analysis of observational and randomised studies in public and private healthcare settings. BMJ 2017; 356:j1054. [PMID: 28356302 PMCID: PMC5370398 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.j1054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To examine the impact of use of rapid diagnostic tests for malaria on prescribing of antimicrobials, specifically antibiotics, for acute febrile illness in Africa and Asia.Design Analysisof nine preselected linked and codesigned observational and randomised studies (eight cluster or individually randomised trials and one observational study).Setting Public and private healthcare settings, 2007-13, in Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda.Participants 522 480 children and adults with acute febrile illness.Interventions Rapid diagnostic tests for malaria.Main outcome measures Proportions of patients for whom an antibiotic was prescribed in trial groups who had undergone rapid diagnostic testing compared with controls and in patients with negative test results compared with patients with positive results. A secondary aim compared classes of antibiotics prescribed in different settings.Results Antibiotics were prescribed to 127 052/238 797 (53%) patients in control groups and 167 714/283 683 (59%) patients in intervention groups. Antibiotics were prescribed to 40% (35 505/89 719) of patients with a positive test result for malaria and to 69% (39 400/57 080) of those with a negative result. All but one study showed a trend toward more antibiotic prescribing in groups who underwent rapid diagnostic tests. Random effects meta-analysis of the trials showed that the overall risk of antibiotic prescription was 21% higher (95% confidence interval 7% to 36%) in intervention settings. In most intervention settings, patients with negative test results received more antibiotic prescriptions than patients with positive results for all the most commonly used classes: penicillins, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (one exception), tetracyclines, and metronidazole.Conclusions Introduction of rapid diagnostic tests for malaria to reduce unnecessary use of antimalarials-a beneficial public health outcome-could drive up untargeted use of antibiotics. That 69% of patients were prescribed antibiotics when test results were negative probably represents overprescription.This included antibiotics from several classes, including those like metronidazole that are seldom appropriate for febrile illness, across varied clinical, health system, and epidemiological settings. It is often assumed that better disease specific diagnostics will reduce antimicrobial overuse, but they might simply shift it from one antimicrobial class to another. Current global implementation of malaria testing might increase untargeted antibiotic use and must be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Hopkins
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | - Matthew E Cairns
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | - Baptiste Leurent
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Siân E Clarke
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | | | | | - Kristian S Hansen
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, DK1014, Denmark
| | | | - Sham Lal
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | - Toby Leslie
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Health Protection Research Organisation, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Pascal Magnussen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen and Copenhagen University Hospital, and Department for Veterinary Disease Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Ismail Mayan
- Health Protection Research Organisation, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Anthony K Mbonye
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Obinna E Onwujekwe
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Seth Owusu-Agyei
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Hugh Reyburn
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Mark W Rowland
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Delér Shakely
- Centre for Malaria Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and Health Metrics at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lasse S Vestergaard
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jayne Webster
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Virginia L Wiseman
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | - Sarah G Staedke
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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Dial NJ, Ceesay SJ, Gosling RD, D'Alessandro U, Baltzell KA. A qualitative study to assess community barriers to malaria mass drug administration trials in The Gambia. Malar J 2014; 13:47. [PMID: 24495715 PMCID: PMC3915615 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mass drug administration (MDA) is a strategy widely used in the control of human parasitic diseases but has been rarely attempted with malaria, the most common and dangerous parasitic disease in humans. MDA is an intervention strategy that involves simultaneously dispensing treatment to an entire population in a given geographic area. With some areas in sub-Saharan Africa documenting a decline in malaria transmission, the feasibility of MDA to further reduce malaria transmission is being considered. Understanding community perceptions of such an activity is vitally important for the design of the study and gaining the support of participants in order to maximize compliance and adherence. Methods A qualitative study to assess factors likely to influence community acceptance of MDA in the seasonal and low malaria transmission setting of The Gambia was conducted. Using in-depth interviews, the perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of medical personnel and community members who have undergone MDA trials in The Gambia were investigated. Results Several major themes emerged, namely: 1) the importance of timing of rounds of MDA doses for maximum participation; 2) the need to educate the target population with accurate information on the procedures, drug regimen, and possible side effects to enhance adherence; 3) the need for continuous sensitization meetings to maintain and increase uptake of MDA; and, 4) the importance for defining roles in the delivery and assessment of MDA, including existing healthcare structures. Discussion To increase the likelihood of participation in MDA trials in this setting, activities should be undertaken just before and during the rainy season when community members are less mobile. Importantly, fears regarding blood sampling and side effects of the drug regimen need to be addressed prior to the start of the trial and repeated throughout the study period. Accurate and frequent communication is essential, and village leaders should consistently be included in sensitization meetings to enhance community participation. Additionally, village healthcare workers should be included in training and implementation, with supervision by a fieldworker permanently posted in every few villages during the trial. Future collaboration with Senegal may prove important for enhanced elimination efforts in The Gambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Dial
- Department of Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 50 Beale Street Ste, 1200, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA.
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7
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Shakely D, Elfving K, Aydin-Schmidt B, Msellem MI, Morris U, Omar R, Weiping X, Petzold M, Greenhouse B, Baltzell KA, Ali AS, Björkman A, Mårtensson A. The usefulness of rapid diagnostic tests in the new context of low malaria transmission in Zanzibar. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72912. [PMID: 24023791 PMCID: PMC3762850 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We assessed if histidine-rich-protein-2 (HRP2) based rapid diagnostic test (RDT) remains an efficient tool for Plasmodium falciparum case detection among fever patients in Zanzibar and if primary health care workers continue to adhere to RDT results in the new epidemiological context of low malaria transmission. Further, we evaluated the performance of RDT within the newly adopted integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) algorithm in Zanzibar. Methods and Findings We enrolled 3890 patients aged ≥2 months with uncomplicated febrile illness in this health facility based observational study conducted in 12 primary health care facilities in Zanzibar, between May-July 2010. One patient had an inconclusive RDT result. Overall 121/3889 (3.1%) patients were RDT positive. The highest RDT positivity rate, 32/528 (6.1%), was found in children aged 5–14 years. RDT sensitivity and specificity against PCR was 76.5% (95% CI 69.0–83.9%) and 99.9% (95% CI 99.7–100%), and against blood smear microscopy 78.6% (95% CI 70.8–85.1%) and 99.7% (95% CI 99.6–99.9%), respectively. All RDT positive, but only 3/3768 RDT negative patients received anti-malarial treatment. Adherence to RDT results was thus 3887/3889 (99.9%). RDT performed well in the IMCI algorithm with equally high adherence among children <5 years as compared with other age groups. Conclusions The sensitivity of HRP-2 based RDT in the hands of health care workers compared with both PCR and microscopy for P. falciparum case detection was relatively low, whereas adherence to test results with anti-malarial treatment was excellent. Moreover, the results provide evidence that RDT can be reliably integrated in IMCI as a tool for improved childhood fever management. However, the relatively low RDT sensitivity highlights the need for improved quality control of RDT use in primary health care facilities, but also for more sensitive point-of-care malaria diagnostic tools in the new epidemiological context of low malaria transmission in Zanzibar. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01002066
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Affiliation(s)
- Delér Shakely
- Malaria Research, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Kungälv Hospital, Kungälv, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Kristina Elfving
- Malaria Research, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Berit Aydin-Schmidt
- Malaria Research, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mwinyi I. Msellem
- Zanzibar Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Ulrika Morris
- Malaria Research, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rahila Omar
- Zanzibar Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Xu Weiping
- Malaria Research, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Max Petzold
- Centre for Applied Biostatistics, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bryan Greenhouse
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Kimberly A. Baltzell
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Abdullah S. Ali
- Zanzibar Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Anders Björkman
- Malaria Research, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Mårtensson
- Malaria Research, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Global Health (IHCAR), Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Bauch JA, Gu JJ, Msellem M, Mårtensson A, Ali AS, Gosling R, Baltzell KA. Perception of malaria risk in a setting of reduced malaria transmission: a qualitative study in Zanzibar. Malar J 2013; 12:75. [PMID: 23433302 PMCID: PMC3584900 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria transmission has declined dramatically in Zanzibar in recent years. Continuing use of preventive measures such as long-lasting insecticidal-treated nets (LLINs), and use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are essential to prevent malaria resurgence. This study employed qualitative methods to explore community perceptions of malaria risk and adherence to prevention measures in two districts in Zanzibar. METHODS Key informant interviews with 24 primary health care providers and 24 focus group discussions with local residents in Zanzibar districts Wete and Central were conducted during April and May 2012 focusing on perception of malaria risk, current preventive practices used, reasons for using preventive practices and effective strategies for malaria control. RESULTS Health care providers and residents appear to be aware of the decreasing incidence of malaria. Both groups continue the use of malaria preventive practices in this low and seasonal transmission setting. The most important preventive measures identified were LLINs, indoor residual spraying (IRS), and education. Barriers to malaria prevention include: lack of staff at clinics, insufficient number of LLINs distributed, and inadequate malaria education. Reasons for continued use of preventive practices include: fear of malaria returning to high levels, presence of mosquitoes during rainy seasons, and concern about local cases from other villages or imported cases from mainland Tanzania. Mosques, clinics, schools and community meetings were listed as most important sources of education. However, residents express the desire for more education. CONCLUSION Health care providers and residents generally reported consistent use of malaria preventive measures. However, maintaining and continuing to reduce malaria transmission will require ongoing education for both health care providers and residents to reinforce the importance of using preventive measures. Successful efforts to reduce malaria in Zanzibar will be jeopardized if residents believe that they are no longer at risk for malaria. In future studies, a year-round evaluation of the perception of malaria risk and use of preventive measures will inform the timing of education and prevention strategies for sustained malaria control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Bauch
- Department of Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 50 Beale Street, Suite 1200, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA.
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Baltzell KA, Shakely D, Hsiang M, Kemere J, Ali AS, Björkman A, Mårtensson A, Omar R, Elfving K, Msellem M, Aydin-Schmidt B, Rosenthal PJ, Greenhouse B. Prevalence of PCR detectable malaria infection among febrile patients with a negative Plasmodium falciparum specific rapid diagnostic test in Zanzibar. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 88:289-91. [PMID: 23249688 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.12-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
We screened for malaria in 594 blood samples from febrile patients who tested negative by a Plasmodium falciparum-specific histidine-rich protein-2-based rapid diagnostic test at 12 health facilities in Zanzibar districts North A and Micheweni, from May to August 2010. Screening was with microscopy, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the cytochrome b gene (cytbPCR) of the four major human malaria species, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). The prevalence of cytbPCR-detectable malaria infection was 2% (12 of 594), including 8 P. falciparum, 3 Plasmodium malariae, and 1 Plasmodium vivax infections. Microscopy identified 4 of 8 P. falciparum infections. Parasite density as estimated by microscopy or qPCR was > 4,000 parasites/μL in 5 of 8 cytbPCR-detectable P. falciparum infections. The infections that were missed by the rapid diagnostic test represent a particular challenge in malaria elimination settings and highlight the need for more sensitive point-of-care diagnostic tools to improve case detection of all human malaria species in febrile patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Baltzell
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Baltzell KA, Moghadassi M, Rice T, Sison JD, Wrensch M. Epithelial cells in nipple aspirate fluid and subsequent breast cancer risk: a historic prospective study. BMC Cancer 2008; 8:75. [PMID: 18366688 PMCID: PMC2292198 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-8-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2007] [Accepted: 03/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Past studies have shown that women with abnormal cytology or epithelial cells in nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) have an increased relative risk (RR) of breast cancer when compared to women from whom NAF was attempted but not obtained (non-yielders). This study analyzed NAF results from a group of women seen in a breast clinic between 1970–1991 (N = 2480). Our analysis presented here is an aggregate of two sub-groups: women with questionnaire data (n = 712) and those with NAF visits beginning in 1988 (n = 238), the year in which cancer case information was uniformly collected in California. Methods Cytological classification was determined for a group of 946 women using the most abnormal epithelial cytology observed in fluid specimens. Breast cancer incidence and mortality status was determined through June 2006 using data from the California Cancer Registry, California Vital Statistics and self-report. We estimated odd ratios (ORs) for breast cancer using logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age. We analyzed breast cancer risk related to abnormality of NAF cytology using non-yielders as the referent group and breast cancer risk related to the presence or absence of epithelial cells in NAF, using non-yielders/fluid without epithelial cells as the referent group. Results Overall, 10% (93) of the 946 women developed breast cancer during the follow-up period. Age-adjusted ORs and 95% confidence intervals (C.I.) compared to non-yielders were 1.4 (0.3 to 6.4), 1.7 (0.9 to 3.5), and 2.0 (1.1 to 3.6) for women with fluid without epithelial cells, normal epithelial cells and hyperplasia/atypia, respectively. Comparing the presence or absence of epithelial cells in NAF, women with epithelial cells present in NAF were more likely to develop breast cancer than non-yielders or women with fluid without epithelial cells (RR = 1.9, 1.2 to 3.1). Conclusion These results support previous findings that 1) women with abnormal epithelial cells in NAF have an increased risk of breast cancer when compared to non-yielders or women with normal epithelial cells in NAF and 2) women with epithelial cells present in NAF have an increased risk of breast cancer when compared to non-yielders or women who had NAF without epithelial cells present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Baltzell
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Physiological Nursing, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Baltzell KA, Wrensch M, Sison JD. A descriptive study of variables associated with obtaining nipple aspirate fluid in a cohort of non-lactating women. BMC Womens Health 2006; 6:15. [PMID: 17044938 PMCID: PMC1626446 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6874-6-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2006] [Accepted: 10/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The search for biologic endpoints and biomarkers in the study of breast cancer risk assessment and risk reduction strategies has led to an interest in obtaining cytologic information and other biomarkers from nipple aspirate fluid (NAF). METHODS This descriptive study examined factors associated with an increased ability to obtain NAF in a cohort of 3043 women between the ages of 15 and 89 years of age. The majority of women were between the ages of 30-49 (N = 1529/50.2%). Variables examined in relation to obtaining fluid include: age, marital status, age at menarche, menopausal status, a history of pregnancy, a history of breast-feeding, estrogen use, oral contraceptive use, endocrine disorders and tranquilizer use. RESULTS On average, women from whom breast fluid was obtained were younger than women from whom breast fluid was attempted but not obtained (mean = 41.9 years versus 46.5 years, p < 0.0001). In unadjusted and age-adjusted comparisons, being married, a history of pregnancy, younger age at menarche (12 years of age or younger), tranquilizer use, oral contraceptive pill (OCP) use and endocrine problems were associated with an increased ability to obtain breast fluid. Post-menopausal status and exogenous estrogen use were associated with a decreased ability to obtain breast fluid. After age-adjustment, oral contraceptive use was no longer significantly associated with an increased ability to obtain fluid and post-menopausal status was no longer associated with a decreased ability to obtain breast fluid. After multivariate adjustment, age, being married, a history of pregnancy, tranquilizer use and a history of endocrine problems remained positively associated with the ability to obtain breast fluid. In addition, menopausal women who took estrogen were less likely to yield fluid than premenopausal women. CONCLUSION Four variables (being married, history of pregnancy, tranquilizer use and endocrine disorders) remained positively associated with the ability to obtain NAF in all analyses. A younger age was consistently associated with a greater ability to obtain NAF in this and other studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Baltzell
- University of California, San Francisco Department of Physiological Nursing San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Margaret Wrensch
- University of California, San Francisco Department of Neurological Surgery San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jennette D Sison
- University of California, San Francisco Department of Neurological Surgery San Francisco, CA, USA
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