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Abo Hamza E, Tindle R, Pawlak S, Bedewy D, Moustafa AA. The impact of poverty and socioeconomic status on brain, behaviour, and development: a unified framework. Rev Neurosci 2024; 0:revneuro-2023-0163. [PMID: 38607658 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0163] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
In this article, we, for the first time, provide a comprehensive overview and unified framework of the impact of poverty and low socioeconomic status (SES) on the brain and behaviour. While there are many studies on the impact of low SES on the brain (including cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and even neurotransmitters) and behaviours (including educational attainment, language development, development of psychopathological disorders), prior studies did not integrate behavioural, educational, and neural findings in one framework. Here, we argue that the impact of poverty and low SES on the brain and behaviour are interrelated. Specifically, based on prior studies, due to a lack of resources, poverty and low SES are associated with poor nutrition, high levels of stress in caregivers and their children, and exposure to socio-environmental hazards. These psychological and physical injuries impact the normal development of several brain areas and neurotransmitters. Impaired functioning of the amygdala can lead to the development of psychopathological disorders, while impaired hippocampus and cortex functions are associated with a delay in learning and language development as well as poor academic performance. This in turn perpetuates poverty in children, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty and psychological/physical impairments. In addition to providing economic aid to economically disadvantaged families, interventions should aim to tackle neural abnormalities caused by poverty and low SES in early childhood. Importantly, acknowledging brain abnormalities due to poverty in early childhood can help increase economic equity. In the current study, we provide a comprehensive list of future studies to help understand the impact of poverty on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eid Abo Hamza
- College of Education, Humanities & Social Sciences, 289293 Al Ain University , 64141, Al Jimi, UAE
- Faculty of Education, Tanta University, Al-Geish St., 122011, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Richard Tindle
- JMS Allied Services, 1109 Coffs Harbour , NSW, 2452, Australia
| | - Simon Pawlak
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, John Street, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia
| | - Dalia Bedewy
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Sciences, 59104 Ajman University , University Street, Al jerf 1, Ajman, UAE
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Tanta University, Al-Geish St., 122011, Tanta, Egypt
- 59104 Humanities and Social Sciences Research Center (HSSRC), Ajman University , University Street, Al jerf 1, Ajman, UAE
| | - Ahmed A Moustafa
- Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Cnr Kingsway & University Roads, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, 2092, South Africa
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Society and Design, 448704 Bond University , 14 University Dr, Robina QLD 4226, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Lai PS, Lam NL, Gallery B, Lee AG, Adair-Rohani H, Alexander D, Balakrishnan K, Bisaga I, Chafe ZA, Clasen T, Díaz-Artiga A, Grieshop A, Harrison K, Hartinger SM, Jack D, Kaali S, Lydston M, Mortimer KM, Nicolaou L, Obonyo E, Okello G, Olopade C, Pillarisetti A, Pinto AN, Rosenthal JP, Schluger N, Shi X, Thompson C, Thompson LM, Volckens J, Williams KN, Balmes J, Checkley W, Ozoh OB. Household Air Pollution Interventions to Improve Health in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: An Official American Thoracic Society Research Statement. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2024; 209:909-927. [PMID: 38619436 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202402-0398st] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: An estimated 3 billion people, largely in low- and middle-income countries, rely on unclean fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting to meet household energy needs. The resulting exposure to household air pollution (HAP) is a leading cause of pneumonia, chronic lung disease, and other adverse health effects. In the last decade, randomized controlled trials of clean cooking interventions to reduce HAP have been conducted. We aim to provide guidance on how to interpret the findings of these trials and how they should inform policy makers and practitioners.Methods: We assembled a multidisciplinary working group of international researchers, public health practitioners, and policymakers with expertise in household air pollution from within academia, the American Thoracic Society, funders, nongovernmental organizations, and global organizations, including the World Bank and the World Health Organization. We performed a literature search, convened four sessions via web conference, and developed consensus conclusions and recommendations via the Delphi method.Results: The committee reached consensus on 14 conclusions and recommendations. Although some trials using cleaner-burning biomass stoves or cleaner-cooking fuels have reduced HAP exposure, the committee was divided (with 55% saying no and 45% saying yes) on whether the studied interventions improved measured health outcomes.Conclusions: HAP is associated with adverse health effects in observational studies. However, it remains unclear which household energy interventions reduce exposure, improve health, can be scaled, and are sustainable. Researchers should engage with policy makers and practitioners working to scale cleaner energy solutions to understand and address their information needs.
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Fuentes-Alabi S. Navigating the economic challenges in childhood cancer control in low- and middle-income countries: Insights from the CC-BRIDGE tool and the global initiative for childhood cancer. Cancer 2024; 130:1025-1027. [PMID: 38240557 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.35209] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The increasing incidence of childhood cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) presents significant economic and logistical challenges, affecting health care provision and equitable treatment access. This editorial explores the economic barriers to pediatric oncology care in LMICs, highlighting resource scarcity, socioeconomic inequities, and health care complexities. It emphasizes the need for detailed cost analysis within health systems complicated by inadequate data and variable treatment protocols. Central to the discussion is the "Childhood Cancers Budgeting Rapidly to Incorporate Disadvantaged Groups for Equity (CC-BRIDGE) Tool" from the manuscript by Nancy Bolous et al., who proposed an innovative method to estimate the cost of integrating childhood cancer services into National Cancer Control Plans. This tool aligns with the World Health Organization's Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer to enhance survival rates and advocate for universal health coverage in pediatric oncology. The CC-BRIDGE tool's methodological rigor provides a structured framework for cost analysis. Yet, it is recognized as an initial step requiring further enhancements for comprehensive economic forecasting and societal cost assessments. In conclusion, the editorial highlights the tool's critical role in incorporating childhood cancer care into national strategies in LMICs, contributing to the broader fight against cancer and advocating for comprehensive, equitable health care. It signifies a vital stride toward addressing pediatric oncology's economic challenges and supporting universal health coverage for childhood cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soad Fuentes-Alabi
- Centro Medico Ayudame a Vivir, National Children's Hospital Benjamin Bloom, San Salvador, El Salvador
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Starling MTM, Thibodeau S, de Sousa CFPM, Restini FCF, Viani GA, Gouveia AG, Mendez LC, Marta GN, Moraes FY. Optimizing Clinical Implementation of Hypofractionation: Comprehensive Evidence Synthesis and Practical Guidelines for Low- and Middle-Income Settings. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:539. [PMID: 38339290 PMCID: PMC10854666 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030539] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The global cancer burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), worsens existing disparities, amplified by the rising costs of advanced treatments. The shortage of radiation therapy (RT) services is a significant issue in LMICs. Extended conventional treatment regimens pose significant challenges, especially in resource-limited settings. Hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) and ultra-hypofractionated/stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) offer promising alternatives by shortening treatment durations. This approach optimizes the utilization of radiotherapy machines, making them more effective in meeting the growing demand for cancer care. Adopting HRT/SBRT holds significant potential, especially in LMICs. This review provides the latest clinical evidence and guideline recommendations for the application of HRT/SBRT in the treatment of breast, prostate, and lung cancers. It emphasizes the critical importance of rigorous training, technology, stringent quality assurance, and safety protocols to ensure precise and secure treatments. Additionally, it addresses practical considerations for implementing these treatments in LMICs, highlighting the need for comprehensive support and collaboration to enhance patient access to advanced cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephane Thibodeau
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Kingston General Hospital, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | | | | | - Gustavo A. Viani
- Department of Medical Imagings, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Hematology and Oncology of University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
- Latin America Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Andre G. Gouveia
- Latin America Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Juravinski Cancer Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8V 5C2, Canada
| | - Lucas C. Mendez
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Gustavo Nader Marta
- Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Sirio Libanês, Sao Paulo 01308-050, Brazil
- Latin America Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Fabio Ynoe Moraes
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Kingston General Hospital, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Latin America Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre 90619-900, Brazil
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Mirza S, Rehman A, Haque J, Khan MM. Perceptions of Suicide among Pakistanis: Results of an Online Survey. Arch Suicide Res 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38251674 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2024.2305397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In Pakistan, a predominantly Muslim country, information on the patterning of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, as well as associated public perceptions and opinions, is limited. We sought to advance knowledge on suicide and self-harm in Pakistan with a large, online survey. METHOD Leveraging results from a twelve-item online survey (N = 5,157) circulated by the largest English language newspaper in Pakistan, we assessed personal experiences, opinions, and attitudes toward help-seeking in the context of suicide. We calculated proportions with 95% confidence intervals for endorsed responses and implemented binomial generalized linear models with odds ratios to assess differing response tendencies by age, gender, and urban/rural residence. RESULTS Personal experiences related to suicide and self-harm as well as encounters in social circles were common. Mental illness tended to be recognized as a high likelihood contributor to suicide death over and above nonviolent interpersonal problems. Most considered suicide a way to escape pain, and few considered suicide to be immoral. Barriers to help-seeking included social deterrents, inaccessibility, and unaffordability. Women and youth emerged as higher risk groups, though the status of rural Pakistanis remained unclear. CONCLUSION The survey provides a preliminary basis for considering the unique experiences and perspectives of the public in shaping suicide prevention and intervention efforts in Pakistan.
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Alozkan-Sever C, Uppendahl JR, Cuijpers P, de Vries R, Rahman A, Mittendorfer-Rutz E, Akhtar A, Zheng Z, Sijbrandij M. Research Review: Psychological and psychosocial interventions for children and adolescents with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder in low- and middle-income countries - a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:1776-1788. [PMID: 37781856 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13891] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children and adolescents residing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) poses a significant public health concern. However, there is variation in the evidence of effective psychological interventions. This meta-analysis aims to provide a complete overview of the current body of evidence in this rapidly evolving field. METHODS We conducted searches on PubMed, Embase.com, and EBSCO/APA PsycInfo databases up to June 23, 2022, identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effectiveness of psychological interventions in LMICs that targeted children and adolescents with elevated symptoms above a cut-off score for depression, anxiety, and PTSD, comparing a psychological or psychosocial intervention with other control conditions. We conducted random effects meta-analyses for depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. Sensitivity analysis for outliers and high-risk studies, and analyses for the publication bias were carried out. Subgroup analyses investigated how the intervention type, intervention format, the facilitator, study design, and age group of the participant predicted effect sizes. RESULTS Thirty-one RCTs (6,123 participants) were included. We found a moderate effect of interventions on depression outcomes compared to the control conditions (g = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.06-0.99; NNT = 6.09) with a broad prediction interval (PI) (-1.8 to 2.86). We found a moderate to large effect for interventions on anxiety outcomes (g = 0.88; 95% CI: -0.03 to 1.79; NNT = 3.32) with a broad PI (-3.14 to 4.9). Additionally, a moderate effect was observed on PTSD outcomes (g = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.19-0.9; NNT = 5.86) with a broad PI (-0.64 to 1.72). CONCLUSIONS Psychological and psychosocial interventions aimed at addressing depression, anxiety, and PTSD among children and adolescents in LMICs have demonstrated promising results. However, future studies should consider the variation in evidence and incorporate long-term outcomes to better understand the effectiveness of these interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cansu Alozkan-Sever
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jana R Uppendahl
- Chair of Social Pediatrics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ralph de Vries
- Medical Library, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Atif Rahman
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ellenor Mittendorfer-Rutz
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aemal Akhtar
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zhuoli Zheng
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Hall C, Daire J, Hendrie D. A scoping review considering the processes involved in changing abortion laws in low- and middle-income countries. Health Policy Plan 2023; 38:1181-1197. [PMID: 37702199 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czad081] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Providing legal and safe abortion is promoted as one of the key global strategies for reducing maternal mortality. Following the landmark 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are shifting towards more liberal abortion legislation. Whilst the existing literature has predominantly focused on agenda setting and individual country contexts, there is a need to understand the universal policy process of changing abortion laws. Drawing on the heuristic policy stages model and policy analysis triangle, this paper explores the processes involved in changing abortion laws in LMICs and discusses the influencing factors. We conducted a search for peer-reviewed literature in ProQuest, Scopus, Global Health (Ovid), PubMed and CINAHL. Initially, the search was conducted in February 2021 and was then re-run in May 2023. A total of 25 studies were included in the analysis. Following a descriptive, thematic and interpretive analysis of the extracted data, we have drawn out the key stages involved in changing abortion laws in LMICs: (1) establishing the need for changing abortion laws in a local context; (2) generating local evidence to support changes in abortion laws; (3) drafting of new and/or amendments of existing abortion laws; (4) adoption and enactment of changes in abortion laws; (5) translating the legal provisions into services and (6) assessing the impact of changes in abortion laws on maternal health. Our analysis explores the influence of actors and contextual factors, and we also discuss the policy solutions and decisions made by governments. The findings demonstrate that while the timing of change in abortion law was found to be dependent on the context of individual settings, the process and factors that influenced the change were remarkably consistent across geographies. Further research is required to evaluate the link between changes in abortion laws and maternal health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Hall
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Judith Daire
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
| | - Delia Hendrie
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102, Australia
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Suzuki S, Pruden A, Virta M, Zhang T. Editorial: Antibiotic resistance in aquatic systems, volume II. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1298681. [PMID: 37937217 PMCID: PMC10627218 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1298681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Suzuki
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Center for Marine Environmental Studies, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Amy Pruden
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Marko Virta
- Department of Microbiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Oy S, Saing CH, Ung M, Zahari M, Nouhak I, Kim S, Nagashima-Hayashi M, Khuon D, Koy V, Mam S, Sayasone S, Saphonn V, Yi S. Developing an infection prevention and control intervention to reduce hospital-acquired infections in Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic: the HAI-PC study protocol. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1239228. [PMID: 37799162 PMCID: PMC10548876 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1239228] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are significant public health issues, especially in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Hand hygiene and low-level disinfection of equipment practices among healthcare workers are some of the essential measures to reduce HAIs. Various infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions to reduce HAI incidence have been developed. However, effective interventions have not been well developed in the LMICs context. Therefore, this protocol aims to develop, pilot, and assess the feasibility and acceptability of an IPC intervention in Cambodia and the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Methods This study will consist of four phases guided by the Medical Research Council (MRC) Framework. Three hospitals will be purposely selected - each from the district, provincial, and national levels - in each country. The gap analysis will be conducted in Phase 1 to explore IPC practices among healthcare workers at each hospital through desk reviews, direct observation of hand hygiene and low-level disinfection of equipment practices, in-depth interviews with healthcare workers, and key informant interviews with stakeholders. In Phase 2, an IPC intervention will be developed based on the results of Phase 1 and interventions selected from a systematic literature review of IPC interventions in LMICs. In Phase 3, the developed intervention will be piloted in the hospitals chosen in Phase 1. In Phase 4, the feasibility and acceptability of the developed intervention will be assessed among healthcare workers and representatives at the selected hospitals. National consultative workshops in both countries will be conducted to validate the developed intervention with the national technical working groups. Discussion The MRC Framework will be employed to develop and evaluate an intervention to reduce HAIs in two LMICs. This theoretical framework will be used to explore the factors influencing hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers. The gap analysis results will allow us to develop a comprehensive IPC intervention to reduce HAI incidence in Cambodia and Lao People's Democratic Republic. Findings from this protocol will feed into promising IPC interventions to reduce HAI incidence in other resource-limited settings. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrial.Gov, identifier NCT05547373.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreymom Oy
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chan Hang Saing
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mengieng Ung
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marina Zahari
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Inthavong Nouhak
- Department of International Program for Health in the Tropics, Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Sothea Kim
- University of Health Sciences, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Michiko Nagashima-Hayashi
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dyna Khuon
- University of Health Sciences, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Virya Koy
- Department of Hospital Services, Ministry of Health, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Sovatha Mam
- University of Health Sciences, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Somphou Sayasone
- Department of International Program for Health in the Tropics, Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | | | - Siyan Yi
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- KHANA Center for Population Health Research, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Public Health Program, College of Education and Health Sciences, Touro University California, Vallejo, CA, United States
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Guzauskas GF, Hallett TB. The long-term impact and value of curative therapy for HIV: a modelling analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26170. [PMID: 37749063 PMCID: PMC10519941 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Curative therapies (CTx) to achieve durable remission of HIV disease without the need for antiretroviral therapy (ART) are currently being explored. Our objective was to model the long-term health and cost outcomes of HIV in various countries, the impact of future CTx on those outcomes and the country-specific value-based prices (VBPs) of CTx. METHODS We developed a decision-analytic model to estimate the future health economic impacts of a hypothetical CTx for HIV in countries with pre-existing access to ART (CTx+ART), compared to ART alone. We modelled populations in seven low-and-middle-income countries and five high-income countries, accounting for localized ART and other HIV-related costs, and calibrating variables for HIV epidemiology and ART uptake to reproduce historical HIV outcomes before projecting future outcomes to year 2100. Health was quantified using disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Base case, pessimistic and optimistic scenarios were modelled for CTx+ART and ART alone. Based on long-term outcomes and each country's estimated health opportunity cost, we calculated the country-specific VBP of CTx. RESULTS The introduction of a hypothetical CTx lowered HIV prevalence and prevented future infections over time, which increased life-years, reduced the number of individuals on ART, reduced AIDS-related deaths, and ultimately led to fewer DALYs versus ART-alone. Our base case estimates for the VBP of CTx ranged from $5400 (Kenya) up to $812,300 (United States). Within each country, the VBP was driven to be greater primarily by lower ART coverage, lower HIV incidence and prevalence, and higher CTx cure probability. The VBP estimates were found to be greater in countries where HIV prevalence was higher, ART coverage was lower and the health opportunity cost was greater. CONCLUSIONS Our results quantify the VBP for future curative CTx that may apply in different countries and under different circumstances. With greater CTx cure probability, durability and scale up, CTx commands a higher VBP, while improvements in ART coverage may mitigate its value. Our framework can be utilized for estimating this cost given a wide range of scenarios related to the attributes of a given CTx as well as various parameters of the HIV epidemic within a given country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory F Guzauskas
- The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics Institute, Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- HCD Economics, Daresbury, UK
| | - Timothy B Hallett
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Cameron AI, Scott C, Pérez-Casas C, Barker T. End-to-end approach to ensuring equitable access to multipurpose prevention technologies in low- and middle-income countries. Front Reprod Health 2023; 5:1238813. [PMID: 37711397 PMCID: PMC10498113 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1238813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cherise Scott
- Department of Strategy, Unitaid, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Taryn Barker
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Children's Investment Fund Foundation, London, United Kingdom
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Knettel BA, Muhirwa A, Wanda L, Amiri I, Muiruri C, Fernandez KM, Watt MH, Mmbaga BT, Relf MV. Patient perspectives on the helpfulness of a community health worker program for HIV care engagement in Tanzania. AIDS Care 2023; 35:1014-1021. [PMID: 34702095 PMCID: PMC9038954 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1995840] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Task-shifting is a valuable approach for redistributing clinical tasks to nonprofessional health workers and relieving human resource shortages. The Community-Based HIV Services (CBHS) program is a national cohort of volunteer community health workers (CHWs) who support HIV care engagement at clinics in Tanzania. We recruited 23 patients initiating HIV care at two clinics to understand their experiences with the CBHS program. Participants completed qualitative interviews by telephone discussing the perceived helpfulness of the program, their level of connection with CHWs, and suggestions for improvement. Data were analyzed through an inductive, team-based qualitative approach. Most participants found the program to be helpful and described close, positive connections. CHWs offered education, emotional support to accept one's diagnosis and cope with stigma, and encouragement to remain engaged in HIV care. However, several participants described minimal, shallow contact with CHWs, and felt the program did not benefit their HIV care. Participants recommended increasing CHW efforts to engage people living with HIV (PLWH) in the broader community, and addressing socioeconomic barriers to care engagement. When contacts are consistent, the CBHS program is a strong resource for PLWH. To maximize the potential of the program, administrators should enhance oversight and extend new training opportunities for CHWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon A. Knettel
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | | | - Lisa Wanda
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Ismail Amiri
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Charles Muiruri
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Kimberly M. Fernandez
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Melissa H. Watt
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Department of Population Health Sciences, The University of Utah School of Medicine
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Michael V. Relf
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, NC
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC
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Abaasa C, Obua C, Wakida EK, Rukundo GZ. A qualitative investigation of the psychosocial services utilised by care-givers of patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in southwestern Uganda. Ageing Soc 2023; 43:1603-1616. [PMID: 37680685 PMCID: PMC10482049 DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x21001276] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias often require substantial support from other people. Much of the care-giving is from family members who eventually experience physical, emotional and financial stress, depression and fatigue. In Uganda, families are a cornerstone in providing care to individuals with dementia. However, little is known about the psychosocial supports available to the care-givers in their care-giving role. We assessed the psychosocial supports available to care-givers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in southwestern Uganda. We conducted 34 in-depth interviews at three referral hospitals at which care-givers identified by the treating clinicians were approached for informed consent. The interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was reached, and the interviews were translated and transcribed. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. Care-giver supports were structured into two major themes: medical supports utilized and supports beyond the medical care system. Medical supports highlighted information provided by medical professionals. Supports beyond the medical care system included emotional and instrumental supports provided by religious leaders, the local communities and family members. Care-givers for individuals with dementia in southwestern Uganda receive educational support from medical practitioners, and unstructured emotional and instrumental supports from the family and community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Abaasa
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Celestino Obua
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Edith K. Wakida
- Office of Research Administration, Mbarara University of Science and Technology Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Godfrey Zari Rukundo
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Hassan SK, Dahmash EZ, Madi T, Tarawneh O, Jomhawi T, Alkhob W, Ghanem R, Halasa Z. Four years after the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship program in Jordan: evaluation of program's core elements. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1078596. [PMID: 37325334 PMCID: PMC10262748 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1078596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To combat antimicrobial resistance, the World Health Organization (WHO) urged healthcare organizations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to implement the core elements of the antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs. In response, Jordan took action and developed a national antimicrobial resistance action plan (NAP) in 2017 and commenced the AMS program in all healthcare facilities. It is paramount to evaluate the efforts to implement the AMS programs and understand the challenges of implementing a sustainable and effective program, in Low-Middle Income Country (LMIC) contexts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to appraise the compliance of public hospitals in Jordan to the WHO core elements of effective AMS programs after 4 years of commencement. Methods A cross-sectional study in public hospitals in Jordan, using the WHO AMS program core elements for LMICs was carried out. The questionnaire comprised 30 questions that covered the program's six core elements: leadership commitment, accountability and responsibility, AMS actions, education and training, monitoring, and evaluation, and reporting and feedback. A five-point Likert scale was employed for each question. Results A total of 27 public hospitals participated, with a response rate of 84.4%. Adherence to core elements ranged from (53%) in the leadership commitment domain to (72%) for AMS procedure application (actions). Based on the mean score, there was no significant difference between hospitals according to location, size, and specialty. The most neglected core elements that emerged as top priority areas were the provision of financial support, collaboration, access, as well as monitoring and evaluation. Conclusion The current results revealed significant shortcomings in the AMS program in public hospitals despite 4 years of implementation and policy support. Most of the core elements of the AMS program were below average, which requires hospital leadership commitment, and multifaceted collaborative actions from the concerned stakeholders in Jordan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar Khaled Hassan
- Department of Accreditation, Healthcare Accreditation Council, Amman, Jordan
| | - Eman Zmaily Dahmash
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University London, Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
| | - Thaira Madi
- Department of Accreditation, Healthcare Accreditation Council, Amman, Jordan
| | - Omar Tarawneh
- Department of Consultation, Healthcare Accreditation Council, Amman, Jordan
| | - Tuqa Jomhawi
- Department of Accreditation, Healthcare Accreditation Council, Amman, Jordan
| | - Worood Alkhob
- Department of Accreditation, Healthcare Accreditation Council, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rola Ghanem
- Laboratory Directorate, Ministry of Health, Amman, Jordan
| | - Zina Halasa
- Clinical Pharmacy Directorate, Ministry of Health, Amman, Jordan
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Darboe S, Mirasol R, Adejuyigbe B, Muhammad AK, Nadjm B, De St. Maurice A, Dogan TL, Ceesay B, Umukoro S, Okomo U, Nwakanma D, Roca A, Secka O, Forrest K, Garner OB. Using an Antibiogram Profile to Improve Infection Control and Rational Antimicrobial Therapy in an Urban Hospital in The Gambia, Strategies and Lessons for Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:790. [PMID: 37107152 PMCID: PMC10135392 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040790] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global health threat and efforts to mitigate it is warranted, thus the need for local antibiograms to improve stewardship. This study highlights the process that was used to develop an antibiogram to monitor resistance at a secondary-level health facility to aid empirical clinical decision making in a sub-Saharan African county. This retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study used 3 years of cumulative data from January 2016 to December 2018. Phenotypic data was manually imputed into WHONET and the cumulative antibiogram constructed using standardized methodologies according to CLSI M39-A4 guidelines. Pathogens were identified by standard manual microbiological methods and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method according to CLSI M100 guidelines. A total of 14,776 non-duplicate samples were processed of which 1163 (7.9%) were positive for clinically significant pathogens. Among the 1163 pathogens, E. coli (n = 315) S. aureus (n = 232), and K. pneumoniae (n = 96) were the leading cause of disease. Overall, the susceptibility for E. coli and K. pneumoniae from all samples were: trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (17% and 28%), tetracycline (26% and 33%), gentamicin (72% and 46%), chloramphenicol (76 and 60%), and ciprofloxacin (69% and 59%), and amoxicillin/clavulanic (77% and 54%) respectively. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) resistance was present in 23% (71/315) vs. 35% (34/96) respectively. S. aureus susceptibility for methicillin was 99%. This antibiogram has shown that improvement in combination therapy is warranted in The Gambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saffiatou Darboe
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul P.O. Box 273, The Gambia
| | - Ruel Mirasol
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Babapelumi Adejuyigbe
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Abdul Khalie Muhammad
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul P.O. Box 273, The Gambia
| | - Behzad Nadjm
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul P.O. Box 273, The Gambia
- University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 2BU, UK
| | - Annabelle De St. Maurice
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Tiffany L. Dogan
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Infection Prevention, University of California, UCLA Health, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Buntung Ceesay
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul P.O. Box 273, The Gambia
| | - Solomon Umukoro
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul P.O. Box 273, The Gambia
| | - Uduak Okomo
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul P.O. Box 273, The Gambia
| | - Davis Nwakanma
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul P.O. Box 273, The Gambia
| | - Anna Roca
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul P.O. Box 273, The Gambia
| | - Ousman Secka
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul P.O. Box 273, The Gambia
| | - Karen Forrest
- Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Banjul P.O. Box 273, The Gambia
| | - Omai B. Garner
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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van Kesteren J, van Goudoever LAE, Conteh A, van Acker GJD, Bonjer HJ, Bolkan HA. Technical Perspective for Video Based Assessment of Surgeries in Low-Resource Settings. J Surg Educ 2023; 80:495-498. [PMID: 36775728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2023.01.003] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Scalable digital learning environments are essential to sustain surgical training programs worldwide. Detailed images of surgeries enriched with educational annotations are vital to train the eyes of the learners. Here, we report a low-cost method, deployed in a low-resource setting in West Africa, which may contribute to the growth of use in open-sourced digital surgical resources world-wide. DESIGN This paper is based on the authors participatory and observational experiences creating surgical video content by way of recording surgical procedures and reflecting on field notes and video content. All surgeries were recorded between January and December 2018. SETTING Masanga Hospital, a rural district hospital in Sierra Leone, West Africa. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-five patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair, elective caesarian section, salpingectomy, bowel resection, hydrocele repair, or below-knee amputation consented for recording their surgical procedure and using the anonymized material for educational purposes. RESULTS This manual for non-professional cinematographers provides chronological steps for shooting a surgical procedure in a low-resource setting. Recording a surgical procedure to explain surgical techniques, and perform quality assessment through error analysis and coaching requires more than just point-and-shoot. While taking into account local customs and possibilities, practical tips were provided to prepare for the set-up, and recording of a surgical procedure in a low-resourced setting. CONCLUSION Commercially available digital video technology allows for filming high-quality surgical procedures for educational purposes at rural district hospitals in a low-resource setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurre van Kesteren
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Global Surgery Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Leandra A E van Goudoever
- Global Surgery Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Faculty of Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amara Conteh
- Masanga Hospital, Tonkolili district, Sierra Leone
| | | | - H Jaap Bonjer
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Global Surgery Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Håkon A Bolkan
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; Clinic of Surgery, St. Olavs Hospital HF, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway; CapaCare, Norway
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Eslami Jahromi M, Ayatollahi H. Utilization of telehealth to manage the Covid-19 pandemic in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2023; 30:738-751. [PMID: 36565464 PMCID: PMC10018263 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocac250] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recently, the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has led to an increase in the use of telehealth technology. It seems that the application of this technology in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been limited, and few studies have been undertaken to review the current state of knowledge in this area. The aim of the present study was to explore the utilization of telehealth to manage the Covid-19 pandemic in LMICs. MATERIALS AND METHODS This scoping review was conducted in 2022. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, IEEE Xplore, and ProQuest were searched, and all quantitative research, qualitative studies, case reports, and case studies related to the use of telehealth to manage Covid-19 in LMICs and published since 2020 were included in the study. The findings were analyzed and reported narratively. RESULTS In total, 18 articles were included in the research. These studies were conducted in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and East Asia and Oceania. Telehealth interventions included teleconsultation, telecoaching, teledermatology, televisit, mhealth applications, telerehabilitation, telepharmacy, and telepsychiatry. WhatsApp was the most common way for service delivery and in most studies, patients and health care providers were satisfied with services. CONCLUSION Although the use of telehealth interventions was limited in LMICs during the Covid-19 pandemic, in most cases, it was an effective solution to combat the outbreak of Covid-19 and had positive outcomes. A comparison between the characteristics and clinical effectiveness of similar interventions in different countries including LMICs are worth investigation in the future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Eslami Jahromi
- Department of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haleh Ayatollahi
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Health Management Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ahmed T, Pooja SD, Nandonik AJ, Mostafa S, Kabir ZN. Sociodemographic, economic, physical, and mental health status of previously hospitalised patients with COVID-19 symptoms in Bangladesh: Protocol for a mixed-method study. Front Public Health 2023; 10:763812. [PMID: 36699926 PMCID: PMC9868622 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.763812] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Not much is known about the long-term consequences of COVID-19, popularly known as long COVID. This is particularly so in terms of patterns and clusters of symptoms over time, sociodemographic and economic characteristics of patients, and related clinical history. This is crucial for resource-constrained health systems such as Bangladesh to address long COVID as a forthcoming challenge. This protocol aims to investigate the consequences of COVID-19 over time for physical and mental health and how these are associated with demographic and socio-economic factors. Methods and analysis This mixed-method study collected information on all patients with symptoms of COVID-19 admitted to and discharged after recovery from a COVID-19-dedicated hospital in Bangladesh (N = 942), from April to December 2020. The sources of data were admission records and discharge certificates from the hospital for clinical history, cross-sectional survey on physical and mental health (assessed by DASS21 scale)-related symptoms and socioeconomic changes after recovery, and qualitative in-depth interviews on experiences of COVID-19. Interviews were conducted over the phone. Quantitative analysis was done to estimate the prevalence of physical and mental health consequences of COVID-19 after recovery and the association with socio-economic and demographic information. The qualitative analysis was performed using a thematic analysis approach. Discussion It is imperative to understand the post-COVID consequences and related health and non-health aspects to inform evidence-based policymaking, especially for resource-poor contexts such as Bangladesh. Given the dearth of evidence in this regard, the proposed study will contribute to bridging this knowledge gap. It is important to note that this study is one of the few which presents information on post-COVID-19 consequences in the context of low- and middle-income countries and the first in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanvir Ahmed
- Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Department, SAJIDA Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh,*Correspondence: Tanvir Ahmed ✉
| | - Shangjucta Das Pooja
- Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Department, SAJIDA Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmed Jojan Nandonik
- Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Department, SAJIDA Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shamira Mostafa
- Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Department, SAJIDA Foundation, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Zarina Nahar Kabir
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Ho QB, Vu HNK, Nguyen TT, Huynh TTN. An Innovative Method for BTEX Emission Inventory and Development of Mitigation Measures in Developing Countries-A Case Study: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph192316156. [PMID: 36498226 PMCID: PMC9738250 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) are carcinogenic pollutants. However, the average concentration in 1 h of some pollutants belonging to BTEX, such as benzene, in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is higher than the national standard QCVN 06:2009/BTNMT by about ten times. This research is the first to calculate the emission of BTEX for developing countries on a city scale. This paper developed a method to calculate cold emission factors based on hot emission factors for BTEX. Five spreadsheets developed and calculated these cold emission factors for five vehicle categories. A comprehensive emission inventory (EI) for BTEX was conducted in HCMC to determine the cause of BTEX pollution. An innovative methodology with bottom-up and top-down combination was applied to conduct BTEX EI, in which the EMISENS model was utilized to generate the EI for road traffic sources, and the emission factors method was utilized for other emission sources. Among emission reasons, motorcycles contribute the highest to HCMC air pollution, responsible for 93%, 90%, 98.9%, and 91.5% of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, respectively. Cars contributed 5%, 6%, 0.8%, and 6.5% of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, respectively. For LDVs, the emission from benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene accounted for 1%, 2%, 0.2%, and 1.9%. The major reasons for point sources were metal production, which had 1%, 2%, and 0.1% for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes emissions. The area source had a minority emission of total BTEX in Ho Chi Minh City. Our findings can be used to invest in the most significant sources to reduce BTEX in HCMC. Our approach can be applied in similar urban areas in BTEX EI. This research also developed nine measures to reduce BTEX in HCMC for human health protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quoc Bang Ho
- Institute for Environment and Resources (IER), 142 To Hien Thanh St., Dist. 10, HCMC, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
- Department of Academic Affairs, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Ngoc Khue Vu
- Institute for Environment and Resources (IER), 142 To Hien Thanh St., Dist. 10, HCMC, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Thoai Tam Nguyen
- Institute for Environment and Resources (IER), 142 To Hien Thanh St., Dist. 10, HCMC, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
| | - Thi Thao Nguyen Huynh
- Institute for Environment and Resources (IER), 142 To Hien Thanh St., Dist. 10, HCMC, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
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Agbenyo JS, Nzengya DM, Mwangi SK. Perceptions of the use of mobile phones to access reproductive health care services in Tamale, Ghana. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1026393. [PMID: 36339214 PMCID: PMC9633860 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1026393] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Africa has one of the world's highest populations of young people. In addition, Africa has one of the highest proportions of young people facing the worst health challenges. Although previous scholars have reported that young people were using mobile phones to fill in the gaps in accessing reproductive health services, among other health services, there was little comprehensive research on the perception of young people in Tamale, Ghana, on the use of mobile phones to access reproductive health services. This study analyzed the perceptions on mobile phone use to access reproductive health services among young people in Tamale, Ghana. Methods The research used a quantitative method design from a target population of 72,706 young people from selected peri-urban, low-income, middle income and high-income residential areas in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. The sample size used was 397 young people. Participants were selected using a stratified multistage sampling strategy. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data. Results A total of 86% of the respondents agree that the use of mobile phones helps to overcome cultural challenges that young people in Tamale encounter in accessing reproductive health care. Also, 84.6% of the respondents agree that the use of mobile phones helps them to overcome inadequate access to reproductive health information and services. The use of mobile phones helps to overcome the negative attitude of health providers toward young people in need of reproductive health services was agreed by most of the respondents [strongly agree (35.4%) and agree (49.4%)]. Conclusion This study informed highly positive perceptions and attitudes toward the use of mobile phones to access Reproductive Health Services in Tamale, Ghana. There is, therefore the need for the health sector to reform its mode of prescriptions of medication, consultation, and service delivery to leverage on the advantages that mHealth presents.
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Ma Q, Chen M, Li D, Zhou R, Du Y, Yin S, Chen B, Wang H, Jiang J, Guan Z, Qiu K. Potential productivity loss from uncorrected and under-corrected presbyopia in low- and middle-income countries: A life table modeling study. Front Public Health 2022; 10:983423. [PMID: 36304252 PMCID: PMC9592832 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.983423] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To estimate the burden of potential productivity losses due to uncorrected and under-corrected presbyopia in LMICs among the working-age population in both the cross-sectional and longitudinal manner. Methods We extracted data for the prevalence of presbyopia from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD), Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019. Data for the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita were extracted from the World Bank database and Central Intelligence Agency's World Factbook. We introduced life table models to construct age cohorts (in 5-year age groups) of the working-age population (aged from 40 to 64 years old) in LMICs, with simulated follow-up until 65 years old in people with and without uncorrected presbyopia. The differences in productivity-adjusted life years (PALYs) lived and productivity between these two cohorts were calculated. The potential productivity loss was estimated based on GDP per capita. The WHO standard 3% annual discount rate was applied to all years of life and PALYs lived. Results In 2019, there were 238.40 million (95% confidence interval [CI]: 150.92-346.78 million) uncorrected and under-corrected presbyopia cases in LMICs, resulting in 54.13 billion (current US dollars) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34.34-79.02 billion) potential productivity losses. With simulated follow-up until retirement, those with uncorrected and under-corrected presbyopia were predicted to experience an additional loss of 155 million PALYs (an average loss of 0.7 PALYs per case), which was equivalent to a total loss of US$ 315 billion (an average loss of US$ 1453.72 per person). Conclusions Our findings highlight the considerable productivity losses due to uncorrected and under-corrected presbyopia in LMICs, especially in a longitudinal manner. There is a great need for the development of enabling eye care policies and programs to create access to eye care services, and more healthcare investment in the correction of presbyopia in the working-age population in LMICs. This study could provide evidences for some potential health-related strategies for socio-economic development.
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Tissingh EK, Marais L, Loro A, Bose D, Ferguson J, Morgensten M, McNally M. Management of fracture-related infection in low resource settings: how applicable are the current consensus guidelines? EFORT Open Rev 2022; 7:422-432. [PMID: 35638596 PMCID: PMC9257735 DOI: 10.1530/eor-22-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The global burden of fracture-related infection (FRI) is likely to be found in countries with limited healthcare resources and strategies are needed to ensure the best available practice is context appropriate. This study has two main aims: (i) to assess the applicability of recently published expert guidance from the FRI consensus groups on the diagnosis and management of FRI to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); (ii) to summarise the available evidence on FRI, with consideration for strategies applicable to low resource settings. Data related to the International Consensus Meeting Orthopaedic Trauma Work Group and the International Fracture Related Infection Consensus Group FRI guidelines were collected including panel membership, country of origin, language of publication, open access status and impact factor of the journal of publication. The recommendations and guidelines were then summarised with specific consideration for relevance and applicability to LMICs. Barriers to implementation were explored within a group of LMIC residents and experienced workers. The authorship, evidence base and reach of the FRI consensus guidelines lack representation from low resource settings. The majority of authors (78.5–100%) are based in high-income countries and there are no low-income country collaborators listed in any of the papers. All papers are in English. The FRI consensus guidelines give a clear set of principles for the optimum management of FRI. Many of these – including the approach to diagnosis, multidisciplinary team working and some elements of surgical management – are achievable in low resource settings. Current evidence suggests that it is important that a core set of principles is prioritised but robust evidence for this is lacking. There are major organisational and infrastructure obstacles in LMICs that will make any standardisation of FRI diagnosis or management challenging. The detail of how FRI consensus principles should be applied in low resource settings requires further work. The important work presented in the current FRI consensus guidelines is relevant to low resource settings. However, leadership, collaboration, creativity and innovation will be needed to implement these strategies for communities who need it the most.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K Tissingh
- The Bone Infection Unit, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK.,King's Global Health Partnerships, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Leonard Marais
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Antonio Loro
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services for People with Disability in Uganda (CoRSU) Hospital, Kisubi, Uganda
| | - Deepa Bose
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jamie Ferguson
- The Bone Infection Unit, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK.,Oxford Trauma Unit, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
| | - Mario Morgensten
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Infections, Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin McNally
- The Bone Infection Unit, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
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Meherali S, Rahim KA, Campbell S, Lassi ZS. Does Digital Literacy Empower Adolescent Girls in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. Front Public Health 2022; 9:761394. [PMID: 34976923 PMCID: PMC8716589 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.761394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The vast majority (90%) of the world's adolescents aged 10–19 live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); and in those resource-limited settings, girls face distinct challenges across multiple health, social, and economic domains. Gender equality and girls' empowerment are key goals in their own right and are central to all other development goals. Digital literacy is a great enabler for the empowerment of young girls. This systematic review aims to assess the range and nature of digital literacy interventions implemented to empower adolescent girls in LMICs and identify evidence about adolescent girls' access and use of digital technologies in LMICs. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) standards for systematic reviews. Two reviewers selected studies, conducted quality assessments, and extracted data by using standard forms. The collected data include the design of the study, type of digital literacy intervention, target audience, intervention received, intervention reach, data analysis, and study outcomes. The review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020216756). Results: Thirty-five studies met the eligibility for inclusion and of those, 11 were experimental studies (randomized controlled trial = 6; quasi-experimental = 2; before-after with no control = 3), 11 were cross-sectional/descriptive studies, seven studies used a mixed-method approach, and six were qualitative studies on digital literacy interventions to empower young girls in LMICs. The majority of digital literacy interventions were designed and implemented to improve sexual and reproductive health rights and decision-making of adolescent girls in LMICs (n = 33). Only three papers reported the use of digital media for health-related information and decision making, while only one reported on educational and social empowerment. Discussion: Our findings suggest that digital literacy interventions such as mobile phones, mobile health tools, media exposure, access to the internet, internet-based educational strategies, social media exposure are effective to empower adolescent girls to access health services and information and also enhance the access to educational resources. However, we found inconclusive evidence on the effectiveness of digital literacy to enhance girls' access to financial services and economic empowerment. More rigorous studies with long-term follow-ups to assess the effectiveness of such interventions to empower adolescent girls in LMICs are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salima Meherali
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Sandra Campbell
- John W. Scott Health Sciences Library, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Zohra S Lassi
- Department of Medicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Eyles JP, Sharma S, Telles RW, Namane M, Hunter DJ, Bowden JL. Implementation of Best-Evidence Osteoarthritis Care: Perspectives on Challenges for, and Opportunities From, Low and Middle-Income Countries. Front Rehabil Sci 2022; 2:826765. [PMID: 36188801 PMCID: PMC9397802 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2021.826765] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The "Joint Effort Initiative" (JEI) is an international consortium of clinicians, researchers, and consumers under the auspices of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI). The JEI was formed with a vision to improve the implementation of coordinated programs of best evidence osteoarthritis care globally. To better understand some of the issues around osteoarthritis care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the JEI invited clinician researcher representatives from South Africa, Brazil, and Nepal to discuss their perspectives on challenges and opportunities to implementing best-evidence osteoarthritis care at the OARSI World Pre-Congress Workshop. We summarize and discuss the main themes of the presentations in this paper. The challenges to implementing evidence-based osteoarthritis care identified in LMICs include health inequities, unaffordability of osteoarthritis management and the failure to recognize osteoarthritis as an important disease. Fragmented healthcare services and a lack of health professional knowledge and skills are also important factors affecting osteoarthritis care in LMICs. We discuss considerations for developing strategies to improve osteoarthritis care in LMICs. Existing opportunities may be leveraged to facilitate the implementation of best-evidence osteoarthritis care. We also discuss strategies to support the implementation, such as the provision of high-quality healthcare professional and consumer education, and systemic healthcare reforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian P. Eyles
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Saurab Sharma
- Centre for Pain IMPACT, Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rosa Weiss Telles
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) Musculoskeletal, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mosedi Namane
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, The University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David J. Hunter
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Rheumatology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jocelyn L. Bowden
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Prom MC, Denduluri A, Philpotts LL, Rondon MB, Borba CPC, Gelaye B, Byatt N. A Systematic Review of Interventions That Integrate Perinatal Mental Health Care Into Routine Maternal Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:859341. [PMID: 35360136 PMCID: PMC8964099 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.859341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionally affected by perinatal depression and anxiety and lack access to mental health care. Integrating perinatal mental health care into routine maternal care is recommended to address gaps in access to mental health care in such under-resourced settings. Understanding the effectiveness of interventions that integrate perinatal mental health care into routine maternal care in LMICs is critical to inform ongoing intervention development, implementation, and scale-up. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of interventions that integrate perinatal mental health care into routine maternal care to improve maternal mental health and infant health outcomes in LMICs. METHOD In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, an electronic database search was conducted seeking publications of controlled trials examining interventions that aimed to integrate perinatal mental health care into routine maternal care in LMICs. Abstracts and full text articles were independently reviewed by two authors for inclusion utilizing Covidence Review Software. Data was extracted and narrative synthesis was conducted. FINDINGS Twenty studies met eligibility criteria from the initial search results of 2,382 unique citations. There was substantial heterogeneity between the study samples, intervention designs, and outcome assessments. Less than half of the studies focused on women with active depression or anxiety. Most studies (85%) implemented single intervention designs involving psychological, psychosocial, psychoeducational, or adjuvant emotion/stress management. There were few interventions utilizing multicomponent approaches, pharmacotherapy, or referral to mental health specialists. Outcome measures and assessment timing were highly variable. Eighteen studies demonstrated significantly greater improvement on depression and/or anxiety measures in the intervention group(s) as compared to control. CONCLUSION Integrated interventions can be effective in LMICs. The findings provide a critical understanding of current interventions design gaps. This includes the lack of comprehensive intervention designs that incorporate increasing intensity of treatment for more severe illness, pharmacotherapy, mental health specialist referrals, and non-mental health professional training and supervision. The findings also provide strategies to overcome design and implementation barriers in LMICs. Study findings provide a foundation for future evidence-based adaptation, implementation, and scale-up of interventions that integrate perinatal mental health care into routine maternal care in LMICs. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_ record.php?ID=CRD42021259092], identifier [CRD42021259092].
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Prom
- Chester M. Pierce Division of Global Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Amrutha Denduluri
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lisa L Philpotts
- Treadwell Library, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marta B Rondon
- Department of Psychiatry, Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal, Lima, Peru
| | - Christina P C Borba
- Department of Psychiatry, Global and Local Center for Mental Health Disparities, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bizu Gelaye
- Chester M. Pierce Division of Global Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nancy Byatt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, UMass Memorial Health Care, Worcester, MA, United States
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Jaafa NK, Mokaya B, Savai SM, Yeung A, Siika AM, Were M. Implementation of Fingerprint Technology for Unique Patient Matching and Identification at an HIV Care and Treatment Facility in Western Kenya: Cross-sectional Study. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e28958. [PMID: 34941557 PMCID: PMC8734934 DOI: 10.2196/28958] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Unique patient identification remains a challenge in many health care settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Without national-level unique identifiers for whole populations, countries rely on demographic-based approaches that have proven suboptimal. Affordable biometrics-based approaches, implemented with consideration of contextual ethical, legal, and social implications, have the potential to address this challenge and improve patient safety and reporting accuracy. However, limited studies exist to evaluate the actual performance of biometric approaches and perceptions of these systems in LMICs. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance and acceptability of fingerprint technology for unique patient matching and identification in the LMIC setting of Kenya. Methods In this cross-sectional study conducted at an HIV care and treatment facility in Western Kenya, an open source fingerprint application was integrated within an implementation of the Open Medical Record System, an open source electronic medical record system (EMRS) that is nationally endorsed and deployed for HIV care in Kenya and in more than 40 other countries; hence, it has potential to translate the findings across multiple countries. Participants aged >18 years were conveniently sampled and enrolled into the study. Participants’ left thumbprints were captured and later used to retrieve and match records. The technology’s performance was evaluated using standard measures: sensitivity, false acceptance rate, false rejection rate, and failure to enroll rate. The Wald test was used to compare the accuracy of the technology with the probabilistic patient-matching technique of the EMRS. Time to retrieval and matching of records were compared using the independent samples 2-tailed t test. A survey was administered to evaluate patient acceptance and satisfaction with use of the technology. Results In all, 300 participants were enrolled; their mean age was 36.3 (SD 12.2) years, and 58% (174/300) were women. The relevant values for the technology’s performance were sensitivity 89.3%, false acceptance rate 0%, false rejection rate 11%, and failure to enroll rate 2.3%. The technology’s mean record retrieval speed was 3.2 (SD 1.1) seconds versus 9.5 (SD 1.9) seconds with demographic-based record retrieval in the EMRS (P<.001). The survey results revealed that 96.3% (289/300) of the participants were comfortable with the technology and 90.3% (271/300) were willing to use it. Participants who had previously used fingerprint biometric systems for identification were estimated to have more than thrice increased odds of accepting the technology (odds ratio 3.57, 95% CI 1.0-11.92). Conclusions Fingerprint technology performed very well in identifying adult patients in an LMIC setting. Patients reported a high level of satisfaction and acceptance. Serious considerations need to be given to the use of fingerprint technology for patient identification in LMICs, but this has to be done with strong consideration of ethical, legal, and social implications as well as security issues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benard Mokaya
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Ada Yeung
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | | | - Martin Were
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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Grant CL, Tumuhimbise C, Ninsiima C, Robinson T, Eurich D, Bigam D, Situma M, Saleh A. Improved documentation following the implementation of a trauma registry: A means of sustainability for trauma registries in low- and middle-income countries. Injury 2021; 52:2672-2676. [PMID: 34334209 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2021.07.030] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Trauma registries in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are critical for improving trauma care; however, while some registries have been established in low-income settings, few are sustained due to a lack of sustainable funding. In many LMIC institutions, funding is dependent on documentation of trauma patients, but patient records may be of poor quality, missing, or incomplete. The development of a trauma registry and electronic patient registration system could be used to improve documentation of trauma patients in a low-income setting and lead to increased funding for trauma care. METHODS A retrospective chart review of trauma patients at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda was performed, documenting the monthly admissions from January 2015-July 2016 prior to the establishment of a trauma registry. A trauma registry and electronic patient registration system were established in 2017, and monthly admissions from February 2017-December 2019 were documented. A negative binomial regression analysis was performed comparing the incident rate of admission pre-implementation of the registry compared to post-implementation, adjusting for month and year. Completeness of trauma patient records was also assessed. RESULTS Prior to the implementation of the trauma registry and patient registration system (2015-2016), there was a mean of 5.2 (SD 4.4) trauma records per month identified. Following the implementation of the trauma registry, a mean of 103.4 trauma records per month were documented (SD 32.0) for an increased incident rate ratio of 20.9 (95% CI 15.7-27.6, p<0.001). There was also a significant increase in percentage of documents completed (OR 49.1, CI 12.4-193.7, p<0.001). DISCUSSION Following the implementation of a trauma registry and electronic patient registration system at this low-income country hospital, an increase of 20.9 times completed trauma patient documentation was identified, and completion of the records improved. This more accurate documentation could be used to apply for increased government funding for trauma patients and sustain the trauma registry in the long term and could represent a means of long-term sustainability for other trauma registries in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantalle L Grant
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Office of Global Surgery, 2D2.23 WMHC, 8440-112 St. NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2B7.
| | - Christine Tumuhimbise
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, PO Box 1041, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Consolet Ninsiima
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, PO Box 1041, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.
| | - Tessa Robinson
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, & Impact, McMaster University, 690 Water Street, Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, N3Y 4K1.
| | - Dean Eurich
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 2-040F Li Ka Shing Centre For Research, 11203 - 87 Ave NW, Edmonton AB Canada, T6G 2H5.
| | - David Bigam
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Office of Global Surgery, 2D2.23 WMHC, 8440-112 St. NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2B7.
| | - Martin Situma
- Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, PO Box 1041, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda; Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, & Impact, McMaster University, 690 Water Street, Simcoe, Ontario, Canada, N3Y 4K1.
| | - Abdullah Saleh
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Office of Global Surgery, 2D2.23 WMHC, 8440-112 St. NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2B7.
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Knettel BA, Wanda L, Amiri I, Myers J, Fernandez KM, Muiruri C, Watt MH, Mmbaga BT, Relf MV. Assessing the Influence of Community Health Worker Support on Early Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence, Anticipated Stigma, and Mental Health Among People Living with HIV in Tanzania. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2021; 35:308-317. [PMID: 34375138 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2021.0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In many low- and middle-income countries, community health workers (CHWs) support multiple aspects of HIV care, including patient education and counseling, adherence support, and re-engaging patients lost to care. In Tanzania, the Community-Based HIV Services program is a nationwide cohort of CHWs supporting HIV care engagement. We enrolled a prospective cohort study of 80 people initiating HIV care at two Tanzanian clinics and conducted baseline and 3-month follow-up assessments to examine the potential influence of CHW support and other factors on patient early self-reported medication adherence, depression, anxiety, attitudes about medication, and HIV stigma. The vast majority of participants reported maintaining strong antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence during the study and endorsed beliefs that ART is beneficial for them. However, there was high occurrence of likely depression and anxiety disorders in the study sample. Patient contact with CHWs at the clinic was unexpectedly low; fewer than two-thirds of participants were informed about the CHW program and fewer than one-third ever met with a CHW. Among participants who met with a CHW, there was mixed feedback about the helpfulness of the program, and contact with a CHW did not improve medication adherence at 3-month follow-up. Male participants, those with likely depression, and those who lived further from the clinic were significantly more likely to experience adherence challenges. The study findings indicate that CHWs are currently underutilized to provide patient support and may not be producing observable benefits to patients in this setting, representing a missed opportunity to address patient challenges, including depression and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon A. Knettel
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa Wanda
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Ismail Amiri
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - John Myers
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Charles Muiruri
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Melissa H. Watt
- Department of Population Health Sciences, The University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Michael V. Relf
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Xiang Y, Vilmenay K, Poon AN, Ayanian S, Aitken CF, Chan KY. Systematic Review Estimating the Burden of Dementia in the Latin America and Caribbean Region: A Bayesian Approach. Front Neurol 2021; 12:628520. [PMID: 34393965 PMCID: PMC8356078 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.628520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The global burden of dementia has increasingly shifted to low- and middle-income regions that lack essential data for monitoring epidemiological progression, and policy and planning support. Drawing upon data that have emerged since the last known estimates published in 2015, this study aims to update dementia estimates in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region for the years 2020, 2030, and 2050 through the application of a recently validated Bayesian approach for disease estimates useful when data sources are scarce. Methods: A comprehensive parallel systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Global Health, and LILACS was conducted to identify prospective population-based epidemiological studies on dementia published in English from 2013 to 2018 in LAC. English and non-English data cited by a recent review on dementia estimates in LAC were also examined for additional data. A Bayesian normal-normal hierarchical model (NNHM) was developed to estimate age-specific and age-adjusted dementia prevalence in people aged 60+. Using age-specific population projections from the UN, the total number of people affected by dementia for the years 2020, 2030, and 2050 were estimated. Results: 1,414 studies were identified, of which only 7 met the inclusion criteria. The studies had 7,684 participants and 1,191 dementia cases. The age-standardized prevalence of all forms of dementia in LAC was 8% (95% CI: 5–11.5%) in people aged 60+. The estimated prevalence varied with age, increasing from 2.5% (95% CI: 0.08–4.0%) in the 60-69 age group, to 9.4% (95% CI: 5.4–13.2%) in the 70–79 age group and 28.9% (95% CI: 20.3–37.2%) in the ≥80 age group. The number of people age 60 and older living with dementia in LAC in 2020 was estimated at 6.86 (95% CI: 4.3–9.8) million, 9.94 (95% CI: 6.16–14.15) million in 2030, and 19.33 (95% CI: 12.3–13.6) million in 2050. Conclusion: We project an upward disease trajectory for dementia in LAC countries. The projection is likely an underestimation of the true dementia burden given the underrepresentation of rural and socio-economically deprived populations. More research is urgently needed to improve the accuracy of disease estimates, guide clinicians to improve evaluations for earlier recognition of dementia, and support the development of effective policies for improving dementia prevention, diagnosis and clinical management in LAC's diverse and aging communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Xiang
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Edinburgh Medical School, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kimberly Vilmenay
- College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Adrienne N Poon
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Shant Ayanian
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Christopher F Aitken
- Department of Economics, Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Kit Yee Chan
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Nossal Institute for Global Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Morwane RE, Dada S, Bornman J. Barriers to and facilitators of employment of persons with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review. Afr J Disabil 2021; 10:833. [PMID: 34230882 PMCID: PMC8252133 DOI: 10.4102/ajod.v10i0.833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unemployment rates for persons with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are high. This is despite the call to action by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Sustainable Development Goals aimed at improving the economic well-being of the marginalised. To improve the employment outcomes of persons with disabilities in these countries, factors that facilitate and hinder employment should be explored. OBJECTIVES This study explored barriers to and facilitators of employment for persons with disabilities in LMICs through a scoping review. METHODS A search strategy included a systematic search of nine databases using specific keywords. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework was used as a conceptual framework and barriers and facilitators were reported according to the domains of the ICF. Articles published between 2008 and 2020 were reviewed using a predefined criteria. RESULTS Thirty-two studies were identified in the review. Factors were identified in all domains of the ICF: (1) body function and body structure (12; 39%); (2) activities and participation (13; 42%); (3) personal factors (23; 74%); (4) environmental factors (27; 84%). CONCLUSION Factors that hinder and facilitate the participation of persons with disabilities in LMICs were mainly found in the environment, with personal factors also influencing participation. The presence of negative attitudes and lack of services mainly in health and transport were major factors within the environment whilst personals factors included the lack of educational qualifications and skills. These results indicate the importance of consideration of contextual factors when developing intervention strategies aimed at facilitating the employment of persons with disabilities in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refilwe E Morwane
- Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Shakila Dada
- Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Juan Bornman
- Centre for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Mutebi M, Anderson BO, Duggan C, Adebamowo C, Agarwal G, Ali Z, Bird P, Bourque JM, DeBoer R, Gebrim LH, Masetti R, Masood S, Menon M, Nakigudde G, Ng'ang'a A, Niyonzima N, Rositch AF, Unger-Saldaña K, Villarreal-Garza C, Dvaladze A, El Saghir NS, Gralow JR, Eniu A. Breast cancer treatment: A phased approach to implementation. Cancer 2021; 126 Suppl 10:2365-2378. [PMID: 32348571 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [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: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Optimal treatment outcomes for breast cancer are dependent on a timely diagnosis followed by an organized, multidisciplinary approach to care. However, in many low- and middle-income countries, effective care management pathways can be difficult to follow because of financial constraints, a lack of resources, an insufficiently trained workforce, and/or poor infrastructure. On the basis of prior work by the Breast Health Global Initiative, this article proposes a phased implementation strategy for developing sustainable approaches to enhancing patient care in limited-resource settings by creating roadmaps that are individualized and adapted to the baseline environment. This strategy proposes that, after a situational analysis, implementation phases begin with bolstering palliative care capacity, especially in settings where a late-stage diagnosis is common. This is followed by strengthening the patient pathway, with consideration given to a dynamic balance between centralization of services into centers of excellence to achieve better quality and decentralization of services to increase patient access. The use of resource checklists ensures that comprehensive therapy or palliative care can be delivered safely and effectively. Episodic or continuous monitoring with established process and quality metrics facilitates ongoing assessment, which should drive continual process improvements. A series of case studies provides a snapshot of country experiences with enhancing patient care, including the implementation of national cancer control plans in Kenya, palliative care in Romania, the introduction of a 1-stop clinic for diagnosis in Brazil, the surgical management of breast cancer in India, and the establishment of a women's cancer center in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Mutebi
- Breast Surgical Oncology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Benjamin O Anderson
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Catherine Duggan
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Clement Adebamowo
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Gaurav Agarwal
- Endocrine and Breast Surgery, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Zipporah Ali
- Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Jean-Marc Bourque
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rebecca DeBoer
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Luiz Henrique Gebrim
- Department of Mastology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Centro de Referência da Saúde da Mulher, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Riccardo Masetti
- Department of Women and Child Health, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Shahla Masood
- University of Florida Health Jacksonville Breast Center, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Manoj Menon
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Anne Ng'ang'a
- National Cancer Control Program, Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nixon Niyonzima
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington.,Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anne F Rositch
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Karla Unger-Saldaña
- Epidemiology Unit, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología - México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cynthia Villarreal-Garza
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Centro de Cancer de Mama, Hospital Zambrano Hellion, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Allison Dvaladze
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | | | - Julie R Gralow
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Alexandru Eniu
- Hopital Riviera Chablais, Vaud-Valais, Rennaz, Switzerland
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Currin S, Gondwe M, Mayindi N, Chipungu S, Khoza B, Khambule L, Snyman T, Tollman S, Fabian J, George J. Evaluating chronic kidney disease in rural South Africa: comparing estimated glomerular filtration rate using point-of-care creatinine to iohexol measured GFR. Clin Chem Lab Med 2021; 59:1409-1420. [PMID: 33711217 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2020-1882] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The prevalence of chronic kidney disease is rising rapidly in low- and middle-income countries. Serum creatinine and estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are critical diagnostic tools, yet access to centralised laboratory services remains limited in primary care resource-limited settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate point-of-care (POC) technologies for serum creatinine measurement and to compare their performance to a gold standard measurement using iohexol measured GFR (mGFR). METHODS POC creatinine was measured using iSTAT® and StatSensor® devices in capillary and venous whole blood, and laboratory creatinine was measured using the compensated kinetic Jaffe method in 670 participants from a rural area in South Africa. GFR estimating equations Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (CKD-EPI and MDRD) for POC and laboratory creatinine were compared to iohexol mGFR. RESULTS Calculated GFR for laboratory and POC creatinine measurements overestimated GFR (positive bias of 1.9-34.1 mL/min/1.73 m2). However, all POC devices had less positive bias than the laboratory Jaffe method (1.9-14.7 vs. 34.1 for MDRD, and 8.4-19.9 vs. 28.6 for CKD-EPI). Accuracy within 30% of mGFR ranged from 0.56 to 0.72 for POC devices and from 0.36 to 0.43 for the laboratory Jaffe method. POC devices showed wider imprecision with coefficients of variation ranging from 4.6 to 10.2% compared to 3.5% for the laboratory Jaffe method. CONCLUSIONS POC estimated GFR (eGFR) showed improved performance over laboratory Jaffe eGFR, however POC devices suffered from imprecision and large bias. The laboratory Jaffe method performed poorly, highlighting the need for laboratories to move to enzymatic methods to measure creatinine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Currin
- Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mwawi Gondwe
- Medical Research Council/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nokthula Mayindi
- Medical Research Council/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shingirai Chipungu
- Medical Research Council/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bongekile Khoza
- Medical Research Council/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lungile Khambule
- Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tracy Snyman
- Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephen Tollman
- Medical Research Council/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- International Network for the Demographic Evaluation of Populations and their Health (INDEPTH) Network, Accra, Ghana
| | - June Fabian
- Medical Research Council/Wits University Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jaya George
- Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Seixas BV. Prevalence and factors associated with use of sleeping pills among older adults in Brazil. Int J Pharm Pract 2021; 29:235-244. [PMID: 33793814 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about sleeping pills consumption among older adults in low- and middle-income countries. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with sleeping pills use among Brazilians aged 50 and over. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted using baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil), a nationally representative study of persons aged 50 years and older (n = 9412). Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to describe the sample. Robust Poisson regression was employed to estimate prevalence ratios and predict probabilities. KEY FINDINGS Prevalence of sleeping pills use among older Brazilians was estimated at 16.8%, with considerable disparities related to gender (22.3% among women and 10.3% among men), race/skin colour (19.7% among whites and 11.9% among blacks) and geographic region (ranging from 5.9% in the North to 20.5% in the South). The multivariate analysis showed associations between sleeping pills consumption and sociodemographic factors (age, gender, race/skin colour, geographic region and income), health status/behaviour characteristics (poor self-rated health status, number of chronic conditions and alcohol consumption) and variables related to healthcare utilisation (number of visits, usual source of care, care coordination, doctor's awareness of all medication, difficulty in managing own medication and number of medicines). CONCLUSIONS Our work found that sleeping pills consumption is disproportionately prevalent among women, is associated with worse health status and increases with more medical office visits and use of additional medicines. Moreover, the large inexplicable variations in care deserve special attention from policy-makers and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brayan V Seixas
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Mansour W, Boyd A, Walshe K. The development of hospital accreditation in low- and middle-income countries: a literature review. Health Policy Plan 2021; 35:684-700. [PMID: 32268354 PMCID: PMC7294243 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czaa011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hospital accreditation has been transferred from high-income countries (HICs) to many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), supported by a variety of advocates and donor agencies. This review uses a policy transfer theoretical framework to present a structured analysis of the development of hospital accreditation in LMICs. The framework is used to identify how governments in LMICs adopted accreditation from other settings and what mechanisms facilitated and hindered the transfer of accreditation. The review examines the interaction between national and international actors, and how international organizations influenced accreditation policy transfer. Relevant literature was found by searching databases and selected websites; 78 articles were included in the analysis process. The review concludes that accreditation is increasingly used as a tool to improve the quality of healthcare in LMICs. Many countries have established national hospital accreditation programmes and adapted them to fit their national contexts. However, the implementation and sustainability of these programmes are major challenges if resources are scarce. International actors have a substantial influence on the development of accreditation in LMICs, as sources of expertise and pump-priming funding. There is a need to provide a roadmap for the successful development and implementation of accreditation programmes in low-resource settings. Analysing accreditation policy processes could provide contextually sensitive lessons for LMICs seeking to develop and sustain their national accreditation programmes and for international organizations to exploit their role in supporting the development of accreditation in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesam Mansour
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Department of International Public Health, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Alan Boyd
- Alliance Manchester Business School, Innovation, Policy and Management Department, University of Manchester, Booth Street West, Manchester M15 6PB, UK
| | - Kieran Walshe
- Alliance Manchester Business School, Innovation, Policy and Management Department, University of Manchester, Booth Street West, Manchester M15 6PB, UK
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Khraishah H, Alahmad B, Secemsky E, Young MN, ElGuindy A, Siedner MJ, Kassab M, Kholte D, Khanbhai K, Janabi M, Kennedy K, Albaghdadi MS. Comparative Effectiveness of Reperfusion Strategies in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Secondary Analysis of the Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement in Kerala (ACS QUIK) Trial. Glob Heart 2020; 15:68. [PMID: 33150133 DOI: 10.5334/gh.868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Substantial heterogeneity exists in reperfusion strategies for patients with ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We sought to compare outcomes associated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and non-primary percutaneous coronary intervention (nPPCI) reperfusion strategies in patients with STEMI in Kerala, India. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with STEMI (n = 8665) from the Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement in Kerala (ACS QUIK) randomized trial receiving either PPCI (n = 6623) or nPPCI (n = 2042). nPPCI included all PCI strategies implemented when PPCI was not available including all post-fibrinolysis PCI strategies and PCI without fibrinolysis. Clinical outcomes among patients undergoing PPCI and nPPCI were compared after propensity-score matching. The main outcomes were the rates of in-hospital and 30-day major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as the composite of death, reinfarction, stroke, and major bleeding. Results: In the propensity-score matched cohort (n = 1266 in each group), nPPCI had longer symptom onset to hospital arrival time (347.5 vs. 195.0 minutes, p < 0.001), door to balloon time (108 minutes vs. 75 minutes, p < 0.001), and were less likely to receive a coronary stent (89.4% vs. 95%, p < 0.001), including drug-eluting stents (89.5% vs. 94.4%, p < 0.001). There were no clinically meaningful differences in discharge medical therapy. However, patients treated with nPPCI were less commonly referred for cardiac rehabilitation (20.2% vs. 24.2%; p = 0.019). In-hospital (3.6% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.74%) and 30-day (4.4% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.77) MACE did not differ between nPPCI and PPCI matched groups. Conclusion: In a large, contemporary population of STEMI patients from a LMIC, patients treated with a nPPCI reperfusion strategy had comparable short- and intermediate-term outcomes compared to PPCI despite differences in hospital presentation time and coronary stent use. These findings are reassuring but highlight the need for continued quality improvement in the delivery of STEMI care in resource-limited settings.
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Al-Ziftawi NH, Shafie AA, Mohamed Ibrahim MI. Cost-effectiveness analyses of breast cancer medications use in developing countries: a systematic review. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2020; 21:655-666. [PMID: 32657174 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2020.1794826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacoeconomic evaluation is important for breast-cancer medications due to their high costs. To our knowledge, no systematic literature reviews of pharmacoeconomic studies for breast-cancer medication use are present in developing-countries. OBJECTIVES To systematically review the existing cost-effectiveness evaluations of breast-cancer medication in developing-countries. METHODOLOGY A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and EconLit. Two researchers determined the final articles, extracted data, and evaluated their quality using the Quality of Health-Economic Studies (QHES) tool. The interclass-correlation-coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess interrater-reliability. Data were summarized descriptively. RESULTS Fourteen pharmacoeconomic studies published from 2009 to 2019 were included. Thirteen used patient-life-years as their effectiveness unit, of which 10 used quality-adjusted life-years. Most of the evaluations focused on trastuzumab as a single agent or on regimens containing trastuzumab (n = 10). The conclusion of cost-effectiveness analysis varied among the studies. All the studies were of high quality (QHES score >75). Interrater reliability between the two reviewers was high (ICC = 0.76). CONCLUSION In many studies included in the review, the use of breast-cancer drugs in developing countries was not cost-effective. Yet, more pharmacoeconomic evaluations for the use of recently approved agents in different disease stages are needed in developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Hisham Al-Ziftawi
- Clinical Pharmacy and Practice Department, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Asrul Akmal Shafie
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia.,Institutional Planning and Strategic Center, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
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Bayes-Marin I, Sanchez-Niubo A, Egea-Cortés L, Nguyen H, Prina M, Fernández D, Haro JM, Olaya B. Multimorbidity patterns in low-middle and high income regions: a multiregion latent class analysis using ATHLOS harmonised cohorts. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e034441. [PMID: 32690500 PMCID: PMC7371222 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our aim was to determine clusters of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in a very large, population-based sample of middle-aged and older adults from low- and middle-income (LMICs) and high-income (HICs) regions. Additionally, we explored the associations with several covariates. DESIGN The total sample was 72 140 people aged 50+ years from three population-based studies (English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe Study and Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health) included in the Ageing Trajectories of Health: Longitudinal Opportunities and Synergies (ATHLOS) project and representing eight regions with LMICs and HICs. Variables were previously harmonised using an ex-post strategy. Eight NCDs were used in latent class analysis. Multinomial models were made to calculate associations with covariates. All the analyses were stratified by age (50-64 and 65+ years old). RESULTS Three clusters were identified: 'cardio-metabolic' (8.93% in participants aged 50-64 years and 27.22% in those aged 65+ years), 'respiratory-mental-articular' (3.91% and 5.27%) and 'healthy' (87.16% and 67.51%). In the younger group, Russia presented the highest prevalence of the 'cardio-metabolic' group (18.8%) and England the 'respiratory-mental-articular' (5.1%). In the older group, Russia had the highest proportion of both classes (48.3% and 9%). Both the younger and older African participants presented the highest proportion of the 'healthy' class. Older age, being woman, widowed and with low levels of education and income were related to an increased risk of multimorbidity. Physical activity was a protective factor in both age groups and smoking a risk factor for the 'respiratory-mental-articular'. CONCLUSION Multimorbidity is common worldwide, especially in HICs and Russia. Health policies in each country addressing coordination and support are needed to face the complexity of a pattern of growing multimorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivet Bayes-Marin
- Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Sanchez-Niubo
- Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laia Egea-Cortés
- Center of Epidemiological Studies of HIV/AIDS and STI of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Health Department, Generalitat de Catalunya, Badalona, Spain
| | - Hai Nguyen
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Prina
- Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Fernández
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
- Serra Húnter fellow. Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Maria Haro
- Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Olaya
- Research, Innovation and Teaching Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
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Khanal S, Veerman L, Ewen M, Nissen L, Hollingworth S. Availability, Price, and Affordability of Essential Medicines to Manage Noncommunicable Diseases: A National Survey From Nepal. Inquiry 2020; 56:46958019887572. [PMID: 31823665 PMCID: PMC6906349 DOI: 10.1177/0046958019887572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the availability, price, and affordability
of essential noncommunicable disease (NCD) medicines in Nepal. A cross-sectional
survey was conducted in Nepal in 2015 using World Health Organization/Health
Action International (WHO/HAI) methodology. We collected data on the
availability and price of 60 essential NCD medicines from medicine distribution
outlets in both the public and private health care sectors in 6 regions.
Essential NCD medicines were more available in the private sector (78%) than the
public sector (60%). Furosemide tablets were the cheapest (NPR 0.6/10 tablets)
and streptokinase injections were the most expensive (NPR 2200/vial) drugs.
There was no significant difference (P > .05) in
availability and affordability of essential NCD medicines across the 6 survey
areas. Treating selected NCD conditions with medicines was generally affordable,
with 1 month of treatment costing no more than a day’s wage of the lowest paid
unskilled government worker. The lower availability of NCD medicines in the
public sector limits the effectiveness of the government’s policy of providing
free health services at public facilities. Although NCD medicines were generally
affordable, future health policy should aim to ensure improved equitable access
to NCD medicines, particularly in public facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saval Khanal
- Nepal Health Research and Innovation Foundation, Lalitpur, Nepal.,School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lennert Veerman
- School fo Medicine, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
| | - Margaret Ewen
- Health Action International, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Nissen
- School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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McNeil MJ, Namisango E, Hunt J, Powell RA, Baker JN. Grief and Bereavement in Parents After the Death of a Child in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Children (Basel) 2020; 7:children7050039. [PMID: 32369937 PMCID: PMC7278603 DOI: 10.3390/children7050039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
While great strides have been made in improving childhood mortality, millions of children die each year with significant health-related suffering. More than 98% of these children live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Efforts have been made to increase access to pediatric palliative care (PPC) services to address this suffering in LMICs through policy measures, educational initiatives, and access to essential medicines. However, a core component of high-quality PPC that has been relatively neglected in LMICs is grief and bereavement support for parents after the death of their child. This paper reviews the current literature on parental grief and bereavement in LMICs. This includes describing bereavement research in high-income countries (HICs), including its definition, adverse effect upon parents, and supportive interventions, followed by a review of the literature on health-related grief and bereavement in LMICs, specifically around: perinatal death, infant mortality, infectious disease, interventions used, and perceived need. More research is needed in grief and bereavement of parents in LMICs to provide them with the support they deserve within their specific cultural, social, and religious context. Additionally, these efforts in LMICs will help advance the field of parental grief and bereavement research as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. McNeil
- Department of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- Department of Oncology, Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +38-672-(901)-595-3300
| | - Eve Namisango
- African Palliative Care Association, P.O. Box 72518, Kampala, Uganda;
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | | | | | - Justin N. Baker
- Department of Oncology, Division of Quality of Life and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
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Zilla P, Bolman RM, Boateng P, Sliwa K. A glimpse of hope: cardiac surgery in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2020; 10:336-349. [PMID: 32420116 PMCID: PMC7225428 DOI: 10.21037/cdt.2019.11.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently, more than five times more people live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) than in high-income countries (HICs). As such, the downward trend in cardiac surgical needs in HICs reflects only the situation of one sixth of the world population while the vast majority living in LMICs has still no or limited access to life saving heart operations. In these countries, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) still accounts for a significant proportion of cardiac surgical needs. In low- and lower-middle income countries it remains the single most common cardiovascular disease in young adult and adolescent patients in need of heart surgery outweighing other indications such as congenital cardiac defects almost 4-fold. Compared to HICs with their predominance of calcific aortic stenosis in the elderly mitral valve surgery is required in >90% of the largely young patients with RHD in low-income countries (LICs) and still in 70% of the often middle aged patients in middle-income countries (MICs). Although recent government initiatives in LICs led to the establishment of local, independent cardiac surgical services gradually replacing fly-in missions, these centers still only cover less than 2% of the needs of their populations. In MICs, cardiac surgical needs continually grow with the emergence of degenerative diseases. As such, in spite of the concomitant growth of cardiac surgical capacity, significantly less than half the estimated patients in need have access. Capacities in LICs range from 0.5 to 7 cardiac operations/million population; 100-481/million in MICs and >1,200/million in HICs such as the USA and Germany. While a new level of awareness of the scope and magnitude of the problem has begun to emerge in LICs and the establishment of local cardiac surgical capacity has given rise to a glimpse of hope, the challenges of expanding these fledgling services to a significant proportion of the population still seem insurmountable. Challenges in MICs are on the other hand the widening gap between private cardiac medicine for the affluent few and overwhelmed public services for the many and the rural urban divide with the underappreciation of the ongoing dominance of RHD in the rural and indigent population on the other. Overshadowing all LMICs is the low level of valve-repair skills associated with insufficient cardiac surgical capacity and the unavailability of suitable replacement valves which address the young age of the patients and the difficulties of anticoagulation in a socioeconomic environment distinctly different from the elderly patients of HICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Zilla
- Christian Barnard Department for Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - R. Morton Bolman
- Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora and University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Percy Boateng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai (ISMMS) Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karen Sliwa
- Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Dzudie A, Dzekem BS, Ojji DB, Kengne AP, Mocumbi AO, Sliwa K, Thienemann F. Pulmonary hypertension in low- and middle-income countries with focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2020; 10:316-324. [PMID: 32420114 DOI: 10.21037/cdt.2019.07.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a devastating, progressive disease with increasingly debilitating symptoms and usually shortened overall life expectancy. This article reviews the global epidemiology of PH with focus on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and sub-Sahara African in particular. Although left ventricular heart disease is the most common cause globally, the main contributing risk factors in LMICs are chronic infectious diseases especially human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and schistosomiasis. Other important risk factors of PH are rheumatic heart disease, untreated congenital heart disease (CHD), and sickle cell disease. Despite existing epidemiological data of PH risk factors suggesting a high prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the available literature is limited. International registries in LMICs like the pan African pulmonary hypertension cohort (PAPUCO) study are essential to provide information about the causes, treatment, outcome, and the natural course of PH in Africa and other parts of the world. In addition, there is a need to track diagnostic and management practices in order to develop suitable algorithms to diagnose PH in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastase Dzudie
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Departments of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.,Clinical Research Education, Networking and Consultancy, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | - Dike B Ojji
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Abuja, and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Andre Pascal Kengne
- Non Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ana Olga Mocumbi
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde, Maputo, Mozambique.,Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Karen Sliwa
- Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Friedrich Thienemann
- Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a global public health concern with disproportionate socioeconomic, morbidity and mortality burden on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review summarises contemporary data on the demographic and clinical characteristics, aetiologies, treatment, economic burden and outcomes of HF in LMICs. Patients with HF in LMICs are younger than those from high-income countries (HICs) and present at advanced stages of the disease. Hypertension, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), cardiomyopathy (CMO), and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are the leading causes of HF in LMICs. The contribution of infectious diseases to HF remains prominent in many LMICs. Most health facilities in LMICs lack adequate diagnostic tools for HF, and the use of evidence-based medical and device therapies is suboptimal. Further, HF in LMICs is associated with prolonged hospital stay and high in-hospital and one-year mortality. Finally, HF has profound economic impact on individual patients who, mostly, have no health insurance, and on societies where patients are young, comprising those who have the greatest potential to contribute to economic productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valirie N Agbor
- Ibal Sub-Divisional Hospital, Oku, Northwest Region, Cameroon
- Department of Clinical Research, Health Education and Research Organization (HERO), Buea, Cameroon
| | - Ntobeko A B Ntusi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- Cape Universities Body Imaging Center, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Research in Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jean Jacques Noubiap
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
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Abstract
Many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are undergoing an epidemiological transition. With an improvement in socioeconomic conditions and an aging population, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), like cardiac arrhythmias, are expected to increase in these countries. However, there are limited studies on the epidemiology and management of cardiac arrhythmias in LMICs. This review will highlight the unique challenges and opportunities that these countries face when managing cardiac arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philasande Mkoko
- The Cardiac Clinic, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ehete Bahiru
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Olujimi A Ajijola
- UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aime Bonny
- Department of internal medicine, District hospital Bonassama, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.,Service de cardiologie, Hôpital Forcilles, Ferolles-Attilly, France, Unité de rythmologie, Centre hospitalier Le Raincy-Montfermeil, Montfermeil, France
| | - Ashley Chin
- The Cardiac Clinic, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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44
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Waheed MAA, Hasan S, Tan LA, Bosco A, Reinas R, Ter Wengel PV, Hey HWD, Aleem IS. Cervical spine pathology and treatment: a global overview. J Spine Surg 2020; 6:340-350. [PMID: 32309671 DOI: 10.21037/jss.2020.01.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cervical spine pathology is becoming increasingly prevalent with an aging world population and is associated with significant morbidity, affecting all areas of the world. This review was undertaken to provide a global perspective on cervical spine pathology, including epidemiology, burden of disease, access to care, and plan of care in both developed and developing low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We found that epidemiology, access to care, plan of care, and health outcomes were relatively similar between nations with similar economies. However, these aspects change dramatically when comparing developing nations to LMICs, with LMICs displaying substantial barriers to care and subsequently higher rates of morbidity and mortality. There is currently a need for large-scale, global, prospective multicenter studies that analyze not only the epidemiology and treatment of cervical spine pathology, but also consider patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sazid Hasan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lee A Tan
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Aju Bosco
- Center for Advanced Brain and Spine Surgery, TamilNadu Government Multi Superspeciality Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Rui Reinas
- Department of Neurosurgery, CH Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | | | | | - Ilyas S Aleem
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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45
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Anesi GL, Gabler NB, Allorto NL, Cairns C, Weissman GE, Kohn R, Halpern SD, Wise RD. Intensive Care Unit Capacity Strain and Outcomes of Critical Illness in a Resource-Limited Setting: A 2-Hospital Study in South Africa. J Intensive Care Med 2018; 35:1104-1111. [PMID: 30514154 DOI: 10.1177/0885066618815804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To measure the association of intensive care unit (ICU) capacity strain with processes of care and outcomes of critical illness in a resource-limited setting. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of 5332 patients referred to the ICUs at 2 public hospitals in South Africa using the country's first published multicenter electronic critical care database. We assessed the association between multiple ICU capacity strain metrics (ICU occupancy, turnover, census acuity, and referral burden) at different exposure time points (ICU referral, admission, and/or discharge) with clinical and process of care outcomes. The association of ICU capacity strain at the time of ICU admission with ICU length of stay (LOS), the primary outcome, was analyzed with a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model. Secondary outcomes of ICU triage decision (with strain at ICU referral), ICU mortality (with strain at ICU admission), and ICU LOS (with strain at ICU discharge), were analyzed with linear and logistic multivariable regression. RESULTS No measure of ICU capacity strain at the time of ICU admission was associated with ICU LOS, the primary outcome. The ICU occupancy at the time of ICU admission was associated with increased odds of ICU mortality (odds ratio = 1.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.11; P = .004), a secondary outcome, such that a 10% increase in ICU occupancy would be associated with a 7% increase in the odds of ICU mortality. CONCLUSIONS In a resource-limited setting in South Africa, ICU capacity strain at the time of ICU admission was not associated with ICU LOS. In secondary analyses, higher ICU occupancy at the time of ICU admission, but not other measures of capacity strain, was associated with increased odds of ICU mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- George L Anesi
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicole B Gabler
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Center for Community and Population Health, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nikki L Allorto
- Pietermaritzburg Department of Surgery, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.,Perioperative Research Group, Discipline of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Carel Cairns
- Pietermaritzburg Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.,Perioperative Research Group, Discipline of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Gary E Weissman
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rachel Kohn
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Scott D Halpern
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Palliative and Advanced Illness Research (PAIR) Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert D Wise
- Pietermaritzburg Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.,Perioperative Research Group, Discipline of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Dias A, Azariah F, Cohen A, Anderson S, Morse J, Cuijpers P, Sequeira M, Gaude V, Soares S, Patel V, Reynolds CF. Intervention development for the indicated prevention of depression in later life: the "DIL" protocol in Goa, India. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2017; 6:131-139. [PMID: 29057368 PMCID: PMC5647889 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Because depression is a major source of the global burden of illness- related disability, developing effective strategies for reducing its incidence is an important public health priority, especially in low-income countries, where resources for treating depression are scarce. We describe in this report an intervention development project, funded by the US National Institute of Mental Health, to address "indicated" prevention of depression in older adults attending rural and urban primary care clinics in Goa, India. Specifically, participants in the "DIL" ("Depression in Later Life") trial were older adults living with mild, subsyndromal symptoms of depression and anxiety and thus at substantial risk for transitioning to fully syndromal major depression and anxiety disorders. Building upon the MANAS treatment trial ("Promoting Mental Health") led by Patel et al in the same locale, we present here lessons learned in the development and implementation of a protocol utilizing lay health counsellors (LHCs) who deliver a multi-component depression prevention intervention organized conceptually around Problem Solving Therapy for Primary Care (PST), with additional components addressing brief behavioural treatment of sleep disturbances such as insomnia, meeting basic social casework needs, and education in self- management of prevalent comorbid chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. To our knowledge, DIL is the first randomized clinical trial addressing the prevention of depressive disorders ever conducted in a low- or middle-income country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Dias
- SANGATH and Goa Medical College, India
| | | | - Alex Cohen
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Vikram Patel
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
- Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Charles F. Reynolds
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Graduate School of Public Health, USA
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47
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Zhang TP, Liu C, Han L, Tang W, Mao J, Wong T, Zhang Y, Tang S, Yang B, Wei C, Tucker JD. Community engagement in sexual health and uptake of HIV testing and syphilis testing among MSM in China: a cross-sectional online survey. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21372. [PMID: 28406270 DOI: 10.7448/IAS.20.01.21372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV and syphilis testing rates remain low among men who have sex with men (MSM) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Community engagement has been increasingly used to promote HIV testing among key populations in high-income countries, often in settings with stronger civil society. This study aimed to assess socio-demographic, behavioural, and community engagement factors associated with HIV and syphilis testing among MSM in China. METHODS MSM ≥16 years old who had condomless sex in the past three months were recruited nationwide to complete a cross-sectional online survey in November 2015. Data were collected on socio-demographics, sexual behaviours, HIV testing, syphilis testing, and community engagement in sexual health. We defined community engagement in sexual health using six items assessing awareness and advocacy of sexual health programmes. The underlying factor structure of a 6-item community engagement scale was determined through exploratory factor analysis. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions identified correlates of HIV and syphilis testing. RESULTS 1189 MSM were recruited. 54% (647/1189) of men had ever tested for HIV and 30% (354/1189) had ever tested for syphilis. Factor analysis suggested three levels of community engagement (minimal, moderate, and substantial) and this model explained 79.5% of observed variance. A quarter (26%, 312/1189) reported none to minimal engagement, over one half (54%, 644/1189) reported moderate engagement, and a fifth (20%, 233/1189) reported substantial engagement. Multivariable logistic regression showed that MSM with greater community engagement in sexual health were more likely to have ever tested for HIV (substantial vs. no engagement: aOR 7.91, 95% CI 4.98-12.57) and for syphilis (substantial vs. no engagement: aOR 5.35, 95% CI 3.16-9.04). CONCLUSION HIV and syphilis testing are suboptimal among MSM in China. Community engagement may be useful for promoting testing in China and should be considered in intervention development and delivery. Further research is needed to better understand the role of LMIC community engagement in HIV interventions.
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Zhang TP, Liu C, Han L, Tang W, Mao J, Wong T, Zhang Y, Tang S, Yang B, Wei C, Tucker JD. Community engagement in sexual health and uptake of HIV testing and syphilis testing among MSM in China: a cross-sectional online survey. J Int AIDS Soc 2017; 20:21372. [PMID: 28406270 DOI: 10.7448/IAS.20.01.21372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV and syphilis testing rates remain low among men who have sex with men (MSM) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Community engagement has been increasingly used to promote HIV testing among key populations in high-income countries, often in settings with stronger civil society. This study aimed to assess socio-demographic, behavioural, and community engagement factors associated with HIV and syphilis testing among MSM in China. METHODS MSM ≥16 years old who had condomless sex in the past three months were recruited nationwide to complete a cross-sectional online survey in November 2015. Data were collected on socio-demographics, sexual behaviours, HIV testing, syphilis testing, and community engagement in sexual health. We defined community engagement in sexual health using six items assessing awareness and advocacy of sexual health programmes. The underlying factor structure of a 6-item community engagement scale was determined through exploratory factor analysis. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions identified correlates of HIV and syphilis testing. RESULTS 1189 MSM were recruited. 54% (647/1189) of men had ever tested for HIV and 30% (354/1189) had ever tested for syphilis. Factor analysis suggested three levels of community engagement (minimal, moderate, and substantial) and this model explained 79.5% of observed variance. A quarter (26%, 312/1189) reported none to minimal engagement, over one half (54%, 644/1189) reported moderate engagement, and a fifth (20%, 233/1189) reported substantial engagement. Multivariable logistic regression showed that MSM with greater community engagement in sexual health were more likely to have ever tested for HIV (substantial vs. no engagement: aOR 7.91, 95% CI 4.98-12.57) and for syphilis (substantial vs. no engagement: aOR 5.35, 95% CI 3.16-9.04). CONCLUSION HIV and syphilis testing are suboptimal among MSM in China. Community engagement may be useful for promoting testing in China and should be considered in intervention development and delivery. Further research is needed to better understand the role of LMIC community engagement in HIV interventions.
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Den hollander GC, Browne JL, Arhinful D, van der Graaf R, Klipstein‐Grobusch K. Power Difference and Risk Perception: Mapping Vulnerability within the Decision Process of Pregnant Women towards Clinical Trial Participation in an Urban Middle-Income Setting. Dev World Bioeth 2016; 18:68-75. [PMID: 27761986 PMCID: PMC6001438 DOI: 10.1111/dewb.12132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
To address the burden of maternal morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), research with pregnant women in these settings is increasingly common. Pregnant women in LMIC-context may experience vulnerability related to giving consent to participate in a clinical trial. To recognize possible layers of vulnerability this study aims to identify factors that influence the decision process towards clinical trial participation of pregnant women in an urban middle-income setting. This qualitative research used participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussion with medical staff and pregnant women eligible for trial participation, at a regional hospital in Accra, Ghana. Besides lack of familiarity with modern scientific concepts, specific factors influencing the decision-making process were identified. These include a wide power difference between health provider and patient, and a different perception of risk through externalization of responsibility of risk management within a religious context as well as a context shaped by authority. Also, therapeutic misconception was observed. The combination of these factors ensued women to rely on the opinion of the medical professional, rather than being guided by their own motivation to participation. Although being a (pregnant) woman per se should not render the label of being vulnerable, this study shows there are factors that influence the decision process of pregnant woman towards trial participation in a LMIC context that can result in vulnerability. The identification of context-specific factors that can create vulnerability facilitates adaptation of the design and conduct of research in a culturally competent manner.
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50
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Abstract
Severe respiratory distress is a serious complication common to the three major causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity (prematurity, intra-partum-related hypoxia and infections). In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), 20% of babies presenting with severe respiratory distress die.Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), is an effective intervention for respiratory distress in newborns and widely used in high-income countries. Following the development of simple, safe and relatively inexpensive CPAP devices, there is potential for large-scale implementation in the developing world.In this article, we describe existing CPAP systems and present a review of the current literature examining the effectiveness of CPAP compared to standard care (oxygen) in newborns with respiratory distress. We also discuss the evidence gap which needs to be addressed prior to its integration into health systems in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Emmanuel Dewez
- Clinical research associate, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nynke van den Broek
- Head, Centre for Maternal and Child Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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