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Rutayisire E, Habtu M, Ngomi N, Mochama M, Mbayire V, Ntihabose C, Muhire P. Magnitude and determinants of food insecurity among pregnant women in Rwanda during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Agric Food Res 2023; 11:100468. [PMID: 36510625 PMCID: PMC9729197 DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2022.100468] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Globally, food insecurity is becoming a major public health concern, and has seriously been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last decade, Rwanda has made significant improvement in terms of overall household food security. However, the magnitude of food insecurity among pregnant women is not well known. This study investigated the magnitude and factors associated with food insecurity among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a cross-sectional study conducted in 30 health facilities across the country where a total of 1159 pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy were recruited during antenatal care visits (ANC). A pre-tested, standardized, and structured questionnaire was used to collect information on food insecurity based on household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the basic characteristics of the study respondents and the status of household food insecurity. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the predictors of food insecurity at a significance level of 5%. The majority (78.1%) of recruited pregnant women were aged 20 to 35 years and 70.3% were from rural areas. Overall, 53.1% of pregnant women were food insecure during COVID-19 pandemic. Pregnant women with low education level {AOR = 4.58; 95%CI = 1.88-11.15} and from low social economic households {AOR = 2.45; 95%CI = 1.59-3.76} were more likely to become food insecure during COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, women from households with farming as the main source of income had 64% more risk of food insecurity compared to women from household with other sources of monthly income. To achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) targets related to food security, there is urgent need to transform the agricultural sector from traditional farming to modern/technology farming. This will reduce the level of food insecurity in developing countries. There is also a need to provide social safety nets to pregnant women from families in lower socio-economic categories during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Habtu
- Public Health Department, Mount Kenya University, Rwanda
- School of Public Health, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
| | - Nicholas Ngomi
- School of Pure and Applied Health Sciences, Murang'a University of Technology, Kenya
| | - Monica Mochama
- Public Health Department, Mount Kenya University, Rwanda
| | - Vedaste Mbayire
- Public Health Department, Mount Kenya University, Rwanda
- Kiziguro District Hospital, Ministry of Health, Rwanda
| | - Corneille Ntihabose
- Department of Clinical and Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Rwanda
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Ngomi N, Khayeka-Wandabwa C, Egondi T, Marinda PA, Haregu TN. Determinants of inequality in health care seeking for childhood illnesses: insights from Nairobi informal settlements. Global Health Journal 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.glohj.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Etyang AO, Wandabwa CK, Kapesa S, Muthumbi E, Odipo E, Wamukoya M, Ngomi N, Haregu T, Kyobutungi C, Williams TN, Makale J, Macharia A, Cruickshank JK, Smeeth L, Scott JAG. Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Kenyan Adolescents With the Sickle Cell Trait. Am J Epidemiol 2018; 187:199-205. [PMID: 28992220 PMCID: PMC5860135 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwx232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential association between sickle cell trait (SCT) and increased arterial stiffness/blood pressure (BP) has not been evaluated in detail despite its association with stroke, sudden death, and renal disease. We performed 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring and arterial stiffness measurements in adolescents raised in a malaria-free environment in Kenya. Between December 2015 and June 2016, 938 randomly selected adolescents (ages 11–17 years) who had been continuous residents of Nairobi from birth were invited to participate in the study. Standard clinic BP measurement was performed, followed by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring and arterial stiffness measurement using an Arteriograph24 (TensioMed Ltd., Budapest, Hungary) device. SCT status was determined using DNA genotyping in contemporaneously collected blood samples. Of the 938 adolescents invited to participate, 609 (65%) provided complete data for analysis. SCT was present in 103 (15%). Mean 24-hour systolic and diastolic BPs were 116 (standard deviation (SD), 11.5) mm Hg and 64 (SD, 7) mm Hg, respectively, in children with SCT and 117 (SD, 11.4) mm Hg and 64 (SD, 6.8) mm Hg, respectively, in non-SCT children. Mean pulse wave velocity (PWV) was 7.1 (SD, 0.8) m/second and 7.0 (SD, 0.8) m/second in SCT and non-SCT children, respectively. We observed no differences in PWV or in any clinic or ambulatory BP-derived measures between adolescents with and without SCT. These data suggest that SCT does not independently influence BP or PWV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony O Etyang
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Emily Odipo
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Nicholas Ngomi
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tilahun Haregu
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Thomas N Williams
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alex Macharia
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Liam Smeeth
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - J Anthony G Scott
- KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Adebamowo SN, Francis V, Tambo E, Diallo SH, Landouré G, Nembaware V, Dareng E, Muhamed B, Odutola M, Akeredolu T, Nerima B, Ozumba PJ, Mbhele S, Ghanash A, Wachinou AP, Ngomi N. Implementation of genomics research in Africa: challenges and recommendations. Glob Health Action 2018; 11:1419033. [PMID: 29336236 PMCID: PMC5769805 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2017.1419033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is exponential growth in the interest and implementation of genomics research in Africa. This growth has been facilitated by the Human Hereditary and Health in Africa (H3Africa) initiative, which aims to promote a contemporary research approach to the study of genomics and environmental determinants of common diseases in African populations. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to describe important challenges affecting genomics research implementation in Africa. METHODS The observations, challenges and recommendations presented in this article were obtained through discussions by African scientists at teleconferences and face-to-face meetings, seminars at consortium conferences and in-depth individual discussions. RESULTS Challenges affecting genomics research implementation in Africa, which are related to limited resources include ill-equipped facilities, poor accessibility to research centers, lack of expertise and an enabling environment for research activities in local hospitals. Challenges related to the research study include delayed funding, extensive procedures and interventions requiring multiple visits, delays setting up research teams and insufficient staff training, language barriers and an underappreciation of cultural norms. While many African countries are struggling to initiate genomics projects, others have set up genomics research facilities that meet international standards. CONCLUSIONS The lessons learned in implementing successful genomics projects in Africa are recommended as strategies to overcome these challenges. These recommendations may guide the development and application of new research programs in low-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally N. Adebamowo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Veronica Francis
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ernest Tambo
- Sydney Brenner Institute of Molecular Bioscience, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Seybou H. Diallo
- Faculté de Médecine et d’Odonstomatologie, Université des Sciences, des Techniques, et des Technologies de Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Guida Landouré
- Faculté de Médecine et d’Odonstomatologie, Université des Sciences, des Techniques, et des Technologies de Bamako, Bamako, Mali
| | - Victoria Nembaware
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Eileen Dareng
- Office of Strategic Information and Research, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Babu Muhamed
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Cardiovascular Genetics, Hatter Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases Research in Africa, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael Odutola
- Office of Strategic Information and Research, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Teniola Akeredolu
- Office of Strategic Information and Research, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Barbara Nerima
- National Livestock Resources Research Institute, Tororo, Uganda
| | - Petronilla J. Ozumba
- Clinical Lab Molecular Virology Unit, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Slee Mbhele
- Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anita Ghanash
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ablo P. Wachinou
- National Hospital for Tuberculosis and Pulmonary Diseases, Cotonou, Benin Republic
| | - Nicholas Ngomi
- Health Challenges and Systems program, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
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Ali SA, Soo C, Agongo G, Alberts M, Amenga-Etego L, Boua RP, Choudhury A, Crowther NJ, Depuur C, Gómez-Olivé FX, Guiraud I, Haregu TN, Hazelhurst S, Kahn K, Khayeka-Wandabwa C, Kyobutungi C, Lombard Z, Mashinya F, Micklesfield L, Mohamed SF, Mukomana F, Nakanabo-Diallo S, Natama HM, Ngomi N, Nonterah EA, Norris SA, Oduro AR, Somé AM, Sorgho H, Tindana P, Tinto H, Tollman S, Twine R, Wade A, Sankoh O, Ramsay M. Genomic and environmental risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases in Africa: methods used for Phase 1 of the AWI-Gen population cross-sectional study. Glob Health Action 2018; 11:1507133. [PMID: 30259792 PMCID: PMC6161608 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2018.1507133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an alarming tide of cardiovascular and metabolic disease (CMD) sweeping across Africa. This may be a result of an increasingly urbanized lifestyle characterized by the growing consumption of processed and calorie-dense food, combined with physical inactivity and more sedentary behaviour. While the link between lifestyle and public health has been extensively studied in Caucasian and African American populations, few studies have been conducted in Africa. This paper describes the detailed methods for Phase 1 of the AWI-Gen study that were used to capture phenotype data and assess the associated risk factors and end points for CMD in persons over the age of 40 years in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We developed a population-based cross-sectional study of disease burden and phenotype in Africans, across six centres in SSA. These centres are in West Africa (Nanoro, Burkina Faso, and Navrongo, Ghana), in East Africa (Nairobi, Kenya) and in South Africa (Agincourt, Dikgale and Soweto). A total of 10,702 individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 years were recruited into the study across the six centres, plus an additional 1021 participants over the age of 60 years from the Agincourt centre. We collected socio-demographic, anthropometric, medical history, diet, physical activity, fat distribution and alcohol/tobacco consumption data from participants. Blood samples were collected for disease-related biomarker assays, and genomic DNA extraction for genome-wide association studies. Urine samples were collected to assess kidney function. The study provides base-line data for the development of a series of cohorts with a second wave of data collection in Phase 2 of the study. These data will provide valuable insights into the genetic and environmental influences on CMD on the African continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart A. Ali
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Cassandra Soo
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand, Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Godfred Agongo
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Marianne Alberts
- Department of Pathology and Medical Science, School of Health Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | | | - Romuald P. Boua
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand, Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Ananyo Choudhury
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nigel J. Crowther
- Department of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - F. Xavier Gómez-Olivé
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Issa Guiraud
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Scott Hazelhurst
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Electrical & Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - Zané Lombard
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand, Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Felistas Mashinya
- Department of Pathology and Medical Science, School of Health Care Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Lisa Micklesfield
- MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Freedom Mukomana
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Seydou Nakanabo-Diallo
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Hamtandi M. Natama
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Nicholas Ngomi
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Engelbert A. Nonterah
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Shane A. Norris
- MRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Athanase M. Somé
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Hermann Sorgho
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Halidou Tinto
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Stephen Tollman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rhian Twine
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alisha Wade
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Osman Sankoh
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
- Statistics Sierra Leone, Tower Hill, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences,University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Michèle Ramsay
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand, Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Etyang AO, Khayeka-Wandabwa C, Kapesa S, Muthumbi E, Odipo E, Wamukoya M, Ngomi N, Haregu T, Kyobutungi C, Tendwa M, Makale J, Macharia A, Cruickshank JK, Smeeth L, Scott JAG, Williams TN. Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Kenyan Adolescents With α +Thalassemia. J Am Heart Assoc 2017; 6:JAHA.117.005613. [PMID: 28381468 PMCID: PMC5533038 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.117.005613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Recent studies have discovered that α‐globin is expressed in blood vessel walls where it plays a role in regulating vascular tone. We tested the hypothesis that blood pressure (BP) might differ between normal individuals and those with α+thalassemia, in whom the production of α‐globin is reduced. Methods and Results The study was conducted in Nairobi, Kenya, among 938 adolescents aged 11 to 17 years. Twenty‐four‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring and arterial stiffness measurements were performed using an arteriograph device. We genotyped for α+thalassemia by polymerase chain reaction. Complete data for analysis were available for 623 subjects; 223 (36%) were heterozygous (−α/αα) and 47 (8%) were homozygous (−α/−α) for α+thalassemia whereas the remaining 353 (55%) were normal (αα/αα). Mean 24‐hour systolic BP ±SD was 118±12 mm Hg in αα/αα, 117±11 mm Hg in −α/αα, and 118±11 mm Hg in −α/−α subjects, respectively. Mean 24‐hour diastolic BP ±SD in these groups was 64±8, 63±7, and 65±8 mm Hg, respectively. Mean pulse wave velocity (PWV)±SD was 7±0.8, 7±0.8, and 7±0.7 ms−1, respectively. No differences were observed in PWV and any of the 24‐hour ambulatory BP monitoring‐derived measures between those with and without α+thalassemia. Conclusions These data suggest that the presence of α+thalassemia does not affect BP and/or arterial stiffness in Kenyan adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony O Etyang
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya .,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Emily Odipo
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Nicholas Ngomi
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tilahun Haregu
- African Population and Health Research Centre, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Alex Macharia
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Liam Smeeth
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - J Anthony G Scott
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas N Williams
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya.,Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
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Nordin P, Thielecke M, Ngomi N, Mudanga GM, Krantz I, Feldmeier H. Treatment of tungiasis with a two-component dimeticone: a comparison between moistening the whole foot and directly targeting the embedded sand fleas. Trop Med Health 2017; 45:6. [PMID: 28293130 PMCID: PMC5345134 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-017-0046-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tungiasis (sand flea disease) is caused by the penetration of female sand fleas (Tunga penetrans, Siphonaptera) into the skin. It belongs to the neglected tropical diseases and is prevalent in South America, the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa. Tungiasis predominantly affects marginalized populations and resource-poor communities in both urban and rural areas. In the endemic areas, patients do not have access to an effective and safe treatment. A proof-of-principle study in rural Kenya has shown that the application of a two-component dimeticone (NYDA®) which is a mixture of two low viscosity silicone oils caused almost 80% of the embedded sand fleas to lose their viability within 7 days. METHODS In this study we compared the efficacy of two distinct modes of application of NYDA®; one targeted application to the area where the parasite protrudes through the skin and one comprehensive application to the whole foot. RESULTS Independent of the two modes of application, the dimeticone caused more than 95% of embedded sand fleas to lose all signs of viability within 7 days. The targeted application killed embedded sand fleas more rapidly compared to when the whole foot was covered. The proportion of viable lesions at day two were 7.0 versus 23.4% (p < 0.01) and at day five 3.9 versus 12.5% (p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the dimeticone could provide a safe and effective treatment for tungiasis in areas with difficult access to health care. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN ISRCTN74306878.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Nordin
- The Skaraborg Institute for Research and Development, Stationsgatan 12, 541 30 Skövde, Sweden.,Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Marlene Thielecke
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicholas Ngomi
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Ingela Krantz
- The Skaraborg Institute for Research and Development, Stationsgatan 12, 541 30 Skövde, Sweden
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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Mutua MK, Kimani-Murage E, Ngomi N, Ravn H, Mwaniki P, Echoka E. Fully immunized child: coverage, timing and sequencing of routine immunization in an urban poor settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. Trop Med Health 2016; 44:13. [PMID: 27433132 PMCID: PMC4940963 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-016-0013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More efforts have been put in place to increase full immunization coverage rates in the last decade. Little is known about the levels and consequences of delaying or vaccinating children in different schedules. Vaccine effectiveness depends on the timing of its administration, and it is not optimal if given early, delayed or not given as recommended. Evidence of non-specific effects of vaccines is well documented and could be linked to timing and sequencing of immunization. This paper documents the levels of coverage, timing and sequencing of routine childhood vaccines. METHODS The study was conducted between 2007 and 2014 in two informal urban settlements in Nairobi. A total of 3856 children, aged 12-23 months and having a vaccination card seen were included in analysis. Vaccination dates recorded from the cards seen were used to define full immunization coverage, timeliness and sequencing. Proportions, medians and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to assess and describe the levels of full immunization coverage, vaccination delays and sequencing. RESULTS The findings indicate that 67 % of the children were fully immunized by 12 months of age. Missing measles and third doses of polio and pentavalent vaccine were the main reason for not being fully immunized. Delays were highest for third doses of polio and pentavalent and measles. About 22 % of fully immunized children had vaccines in an out-of-sequence manner with 18 % not receiving pentavalent together with polio vaccine as recommended. CONCLUSIONS Results show higher levels of missed opportunities and low coverage of routine childhood vaccinations given at later ages. New strategies are needed to enable health care providers and parents/guardians to work together to increase the levels of completion of all required vaccinations. In particular, more focus is needed on vaccines given in multiple doses (polio, pentavalent and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kavao Mutua
- />African Population and Health Research Center, Manga Close, Nairobi, Kenya
- />Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Kimani-Murage
- />African Population and Health Research Center, Manga Close, Nairobi, Kenya
- />International Health Institute, Brown University, Providence, RI USA
| | - Nicholas Ngomi
- />African Population and Health Research Center, Manga Close, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Henrik Ravn
- />Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines, 5 Artillerivej, Copenhagen, Denmark
- />Bandim Health Project, Statens Serum Institut, 5 Artillerivej, Copenhagen, Denmark
- />OPEN, University of Southern Denmark/Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peter Mwaniki
- />Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth Echoka
- />African Population and Health Research Center, Manga Close, Nairobi, Kenya
- />Centre for Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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Haregu TN, Oti S, Ngomi N, Khayeka-Wandabwa C, Egondi T, Kyobutungi C. Interlinkage among cardio-metabolic disease markers in an urban poor setting in Nairobi, Kenya. Glob Health Action 2016; 9:30626. [PMID: 26864740 PMCID: PMC4749862 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v9.30626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The main cardio-metabolic diseases – mostly cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and ischemic heart disease – share common clinical markers such as raised blood pressure and blood glucose. The pathways of development of many of these conditions are also interlinked. In this regard, a higher level of co-occurrence of the main cardio-metabolic disease markers is expected. Evidence about the patterns of occurrence of cardio-metabolic markers and their interlinkage in the sub-Saharan African setting is inadequate. Objective The goal of the study was to describe the interlinkage among common cardio-metabolic disease markers in an African setting. Design We used data collected in a cross-sectional study from 5,190 study participants as part of cardiovascular disease risk assessment in the urban slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Five commonly used clinical markers of cardio-metabolic conditions were considered in this analysis. These markers were waist circumference, blood pressure, random blood glucose, total blood cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Patterns of these markers were described using means, standard deviations, and proportions. The associations between the markers were determined using odds ratios. Results The weighted prevalence of central obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia were 12.3%, 7.0%, 2.5%, 10.3%, and 17.3%, respectively. Women had a higher prevalence of central obesity and hypercholesterolemia as compared to men. Blood glucose was strongly associated with central obesity, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels, whereas the association between blood glucose and total blood cholesterol was not statistically significant. Conclusions This study shows that most of the common cardio-metabolic markers are interlinked, suggesting a higher probability of comorbidity due to cardio-metabolic conditions and thus the need for integrated approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samuel Oti
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya.,Department of Global Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas Ngomi
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
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Bakibinga P, Ettarh R, Ziraba AK, Kyobutungi C, Kamande E, Ngomi N, Osindo J. The effect of enhanced public-private partnerships on Maternal, Newborn and child Health Services and outcomes in Nairobi-Kenya: the PAMANECH quasi-experimental research protocol. BMJ Open 2014; 4:e006608. [PMID: 25341452 PMCID: PMC4208053 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2014-006608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rapid urbanisation in Kenya has resulted in growth of slums in urban centres, characterised by poverty, inadequate social services and poor health outcomes. The government's initiatives to improve access to quality healthcare for mothers and children are largely limited to public health facilities, which are few and/or inaccessible in underserved areas such as the slums. The 'Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health' (PAMANECH) project is being implemented in two Nairobi slums, Viwandani and Korogocho, to assess the impact of strengthening public-private partnerships for the delivery of healthcare on the health of mothers, newborns and young children in two informal settlements in Kenya. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a quasi-experimental study; our approach is to support private as well as public health providers and the community to enhance access to and demand for quality healthcare services. Key activities include: infrastructural upgrade of selected Private Not-For-Profit health facilities operating in the two slums, building capacity for healthcare providers as well as the Health Management Teams in Nairobi, facilitating provision of supportive supervision by the local health authorities and forming networks of Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) to create demand for health services. To assess the impact of the intervention, the study is utilising multiple data sources using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. A baseline survey was conducted in 2013 and an end-line survey will be conducted at least 1 year after full implementation of the intervention. Systematic monitoring and documentation of the intervention is on-going to strengthen the case for causal inference. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Kenya Medical Research Institute. Key messages from the results will be packaged and widely disseminated through workshops, conference presentations, reports, factsheets and academic publications to facilitate uptake by policymakers. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER KEMRI- NON-SSC-PROTOCOL No. 393.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Bakibinga
- Health Challenges and Systems Research Program, African Population & Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Remare Ettarh
- Health Challenges and Systems Research Program, African Population & Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Abdhalah K Ziraba
- Health Challenges and Systems Research Program, African Population & Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Catherine Kyobutungi
- Health Challenges and Systems Research Program, African Population & Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eva Kamande
- Health Challenges and Systems Research Program, African Population & Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nicholas Ngomi
- Health Challenges and Systems Research Program, African Population & Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jane Osindo
- Health Challenges and Systems Research Program, African Population & Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
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Thielecke M, Nordin P, Ngomi N, Feldmeier H. Treatment of Tungiasis with dimeticone: a proof-of-principle study in rural Kenya. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3058. [PMID: 25079375 PMCID: PMC4117482 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tungiasis (sand flea disease) is a neglected tropical disease, prevalent in resource-poor communities in South America and sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused by an inflammatory response against penetrated female sand fleas (Tunga penetrans) embedded in the skin of the host. Although associated with debilitating acute and chronic morbidity, there is no proven effective drug treatment. By consequence patients attempt to remove embedded sand fleas with non-sterile sharp instruments, such as safety pins, a procedure that represents a health threat by itself. In this proof-of-principle study we compared the topical application of a mixture of two dimeticones of low viscosity (NYDA) to the topical application of a 0.05% solution of KMnO4 in 47 school children in an endemic area in rural Kenya. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed during a follow up period of seven days using viability signs of the embedded parasites, alterations in the natural development of lesion morphology and the degree of local inflammation as outcome measures. Seven days after treatment, in the dimeticone group 78% (95% CI 67–86%) of the parasites had lost all signs of viability as compared to 39% (95% CI 28–52%) in the KMnO4 group (p<0.001). In the dimeticone group 90% (95% CI 80–95%) of the penetrated sand fleas showed an abnormal development already after 5 days, compared to 53% (95% CI 40–66%; p<0.001) in the KMnO4 group. Seven days after treatment, signs of local skin inflammation had significantly decreased in the dimeticone group (p<0.001). This study identified the topical application of dimeticones of low viscosity (NYDA) as an effective means to kill embedded sand fleas. In view of the efficacy and safety of the topical treatment with dimeticone, the mechanical extraction of embedded sand fleas using hazardous instruments is no longer warranted. Tungiasis (sand flea disease), a parasitic skin disease, causes important morbidity, and eventually leads to mutilation of the feet. Hitherto, the only effective treatment is the surgical extraction of embedded sand fleas. In the endemic areas this is done using inappropriate sharp instruments and causes more harm than good. We identified the three last abdominal segments of Tunga penetrans which protrude through the skin and through which the parasite breathes, defecates, and expels eggs - as an Achilles heel of embedded sand fleas. In a proof-of-principle study we investigated whether this Achilles heel is vulnerable to dimeticone with a low viscosity and a high creeping property. We randomized the left and the right feet to either receive a topical application of KMnO4 (the standard treatment in Kenya) or of dimeticone. The major outcome measure was the absence of viability signs of the treated sand fleas. The study shows that the topical application of a mixture of two dimeticones (NYDA) effectively kills embedded sand fleas within seven days. Since dimeticones are considered to be wholly non-toxic and are not expensive the new treatment could become a means to control tungiasis-associated morbidity on the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Thielecke
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Per Nordin
- Skaraborg Institute for Research and Development, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Nicholas Ngomi
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hermann Feldmeier
- Institute of Microbiology and Hygiene, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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