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Mathoma A, Sartorius B, Mahomed S. Evaluation of cancer screening services provided for people living with HIV in Botswana, 2022-2023. Health Promot Int 2024; 39:daae042. [PMID: 38742893 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daae042] [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] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) have an increased risk of cancers. Currently, Botswana has no screening guidelines for common cancers in PLHIV except cervical cancer. Also, the proportion of PLHIV who are screened for cancer is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate cancer screening services for PLHIV receiving care in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinics. Resources for cancer screening were assessed and medical records of adults initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) from 2020 to 2021 in 20 high-volume HIV clinics in Gaborone and Francistown were reviewed. Questionnaires assessing knowledge and practices of cancer screening were administered to health workers. The majority of clinics had the required resources for cancer screening (specifically cervical cancer). Of the 62 health workers working at the HIV clinics, 57 (91.9%) completed the questionnaire: 35 (62.5%) nurses and 22 (37.5%) doctors. Only 26.3% of the health workers were trained in cervical cancer screening. Doctors were more likely to report practicing routine screening of other cancers (e.g. breast) (p = 0.003) while more nurses reported assessing patients for cancer history during follow-up visits (p = 0.036). Most health workers did not perform physical examinations to detect cancer at initial or follow-up visits. Of the 1000 records of PLHIV reviewed, 57.3% were females, and only 38% of these were screened for cervical cancer. Besides cervical cancer, almost all (97.8%) were not screened for any cancer at ART initiation and during follow-up. These findings highlight the need to improve cancer screening services of PLHIV in Botswana through the training of health workers, and the development and enhanced use of screening guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anikie Mathoma
- Division of Research and Innovation, University of Botswana, Corner of Notwane and Mabuto Road, Plot 4775, Gaborone, Botswana
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 236 George Campbell Building, King George V Avenue, Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Benn Sartorius
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 236 George Campbell Building, King George V Avenue, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Faculty of Medicine, UQ Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR), University of Queensland, Brisbane, St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, New Richards Building, Roosevelt Dr, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LG, UK
- Department of Health Metric Sciences, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Saajida Mahomed
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, 236 George Campbell Building, King George V Avenue, Durban 4001, South Africa
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Sakoi-Mosetlhi M, Ajibola G, Haghighat R, Batlang O, Maswabi K, Pretorius-Holme M, Powis KM, Lockman S, Makhema J, Litcherfeld M, Kuritzkes DR, Shapiro R. Caregivers of children with HIV in Botswana prefer monthly IV Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies (bNAbs) to daily oral ART. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299942. [PMID: 38536810 PMCID: PMC10971757 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Monthly intravenous infusion of broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies may be an attractive alternative to daily oral antiretroviral treatment for children living with HIV. However, acceptability among caregivers remains unknown. METHODS We evaluated monthly infusion of dual bNAbs (VRCO1LS and 10-1074) as a treatment alternative to ART among children participating in the Tatelo Study in Botswana. Eligible children aged 2-5 years received 8-32 weeks of bNAbs overlapping with ART, and up to 24 weeks of bNAbs alone as monthly intravenous infusion. Using closed-ended questionnaires, we evaluated caregiver acceptability of each treatment strategy prior to the first bNAb administration visit (pre-intervention) and after the completion of the final bNAb administration visit (post-intervention). RESULTS Twenty-five children completed the intervention phase of the study, and acceptability data were available from 24 caregivers at both time points. Responses were provided by the child's mother at both visits (60%), an extended family member at both visits (28%), or a combination of mother and an extended family member (12%). Caregiver acceptance of monthly bNAb infusions was extremely high both pre-and post-intervention, with 21/24 (87.5%) preferring bNAbs to ART pre-intervention, and 21/25 (84%) preferring bNAbs post-intervention. While no caregiver preferred ART pre-intervention, 2/25 preferred it post-intervention. Pre-intervention, 3 (13%) caregivers had no preference between monthly bNAbs or daily ART, and 2 (8%) had no preference post-intervention. Pre-intervention, the most common reasons for preferring bNAbs over ART were the perception that bNAbs were better at suppressing the virus than ART (n = 10) and the fact that infusions were dosed once monthly compared to daily ART (n = 9). Post-intervention, no dominant reason for preferring bNAbs over ART emerged from caregivers. CONCLUSIONS Monthly intravenous bNAb infusions were highly acceptable to caregivers of children with HIV in Botswana and preferred over standard ART by the majority of caregivers. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT03707977.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Roxanna Haghighat
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Oganne Batlang
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kenneth Maswabi
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Molly Pretorius-Holme
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M. Powis
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mathias Litcherfeld
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Daniel R. Kuritzkes
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Roger Shapiro
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Rakereng TM, Dikgole KS, Maribe LS, Speciale AM, Lavelanet A. Assessment of unintended pregnancies, contraception, and abortion in Botswana. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024; 164 Suppl 1:51-60. [PMID: 38360030 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15336] [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] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Botswana has a policy of contraception for all that is delivered through a rights-based family planning program. The program combines a "rights-based family planning approach" with "supportive policies for contraception," and "a commitment to promote equitable access to modern contraception, and expand availability, method mix and uptake of modern contraceptive methods for all women and girls." However, abortion is legally restricted up to 16 weeks of pregnancy provided that provisions of Section 160-162 of the Botswana Penal Code Amendment Act 1991 are met, and that the termination of pregnancy is carried out by a registered medical practitioner in a health facility approved for the purpose. In 2020, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Botswana, in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund and World Health Organization, conducted a strategic assessment of unintended pregnancies, contraception, unsafe abortion, and abortion services in Botswana. A consensus operational plan to address these issues was developed during a national stakeholder meeting in Gaborone, Botswana. The consensus reached was to avert unintended pregnancies, improve access to modern contraception, and open nationwide discussions around abortion in the community to enable positive change and decrease maternal morbidity and mortality from unsafe abortion. This article describes the findings of the assessment and outlines the foundation for new or modified services or practices to be developed and pilot tested.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Antonella Lavelanet
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Mpebe GGA, Phinius BB, Mutenga S, Baruti K, Bhebhe L, Choga WT, Jongman M, Pretorius-Holme M, Gaolathe T, Mmalane M, Shapiro R, Makhema J, Lockman S, Moyo S, Anderson M, Gaseitsiwe S. Hepatitis B surface antigen loss in individuals with chronic hepatitis B virus and HIV-1 infections in Botswana. AIDS 2024; 38:153-159. [PMID: 37861688 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to determine hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss and its predictors among people with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infections and HIV (PWH) in Botswana. METHODS Archived plasma samples from a cohort of PWH in Botswana (2013-2018) with 3 yearly time-points were used. Samples were screened for HBsAg, immunoglobulin M HBV core antibodies (anti-HBc IgM) and HBV e-antigen (HBeAg) at all time points. HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) quantification was done at baseline. The Wilcoxon rank-sum was used to compare continuous variables while the chi-squared test and Fishers exact test were used for categorical data wherever appropriate. Logistic regression was used to assess predictors of seroclearance. RESULTS Of 141 participants with HBsAg-positive serology (HBsAg+) at baseline, 92.2% (131/141) [95% confidence interval (CI) 87.4-96.1] were persistently HBsAg+ at year 1. We report a HBsAg loss of 7.1% (10/141) (95% CI 3.9-12.6) among participants with negative HBeAg and negative IgM serologies. HBsAg loss was 6.3% (7/111) among antiretroviral therapy (ART)-experienced participants and 10.7% (3/28) (95% CI 0.4-5.0) in ART-naive participants. Most participants who had positive anti-HBc IgM serology and did not lose HBsAg were on either lamivudine (3TC)-based therapy or non-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based therapy, except for one participant. The participants also had varying HBeAg status. HBsAg loss was independent of HIV viral load, CD4 + cell count, age, and sex. CONCLUSION We report a HBsAg loss of 6.3% over a 3-year period among ART-experienced CHB participants. Future studies that focus on HBsAg loss in mono-infected patients and the possible correlation between HBeAg status and HBsAg loss are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gorata G A Mpebe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science
| | - Bonolo B Phinius
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Sharon Mutenga
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Midlands State University, Gweru, Zimbabwe
| | - Kabo Baruti
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science
| | | | - Wonderful T Choga
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mosimanegape Jongman
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science
| | - Molly Pretorius-Holme
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Mompati Mmalane
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Roger Shapiro
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
| | | | - Simani Gaseitsiwe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Martei YM, Mokokwe L, Ngwako N, Kebuang K, Setlhako DI, Gabaatlhole G, Baaitse B, Segadimo T, Shulman LN, Barg F, Gaolebale BE. Development, acceptability and usability of culturally appropriate survivor narrative videos for breast cancer treatment in Botswana: a pilot study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e073867. [PMID: 38296302 PMCID: PMC10828869 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073867] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Narrative communication has demonstrated effectiveness in promoting positive health behaviours, delivering support and coping with complex decision-making. Formal research evaluating this intervention for cancer treatment in Africa is lacking. We aimed to develop, and assess acceptability and usability of survivor video narrative interventions for breast cancer treatment in Botswana. DESIGN A pilot study design. SETTING Single-centre, tertiary hospital, sub-Saharan Africa. PARTICIPANTS Eight women, ≥18 years old, with stages I-III breast cancer were enrolled for the video intervention. 106 women, ≥18 years old, with stages I-IV breast cancer viewed the narrative videos and 98 completed the acceptability and usability surveys. INTERVENTION Survivor narrative videos were developed using the theory of planned behaviour and using a purposive sample of Batswana, Setswana-speaking, breast cancer survivors, who had completed systemic treatment and surgery with high rates of adherence to the prescribed treatment plan. PRIMARY OUTCOMES We assessed acceptability and usability among prospectively enrolled patients presenting for routine breast cancer care at Princess Marina Hospital in Botswana, using a 13-item survey. RESULTS Participants expressed high acceptability and usability of the videos, including 99% (97/98) who strongly agreed/agreed that the video presentations were easy to understand, 92% (90/98) who would recommend to other survivors and 94% (92/98) who wished there were more videos. Additionally, 89% (87/98) agreed or strongly agreed that the one-on-one instruction on how to use the tablet was helpful and 87% (85/98) that the video player was easy to use. CONCLUSION Culturally appropriate survivor video narratives have high acceptability and usability among patients with breast cancer in Botswana. There is an opportunity to leverage this intervention in routine breast cancer care for treatment support. Future studies will test the implementation and effectiveness of narrative videos on a wider scale, including for patients being treated for other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehoda M Martei
- Department of Medicine (Hematology - Oncology Division), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lebogang Mokokwe
- Botswana University of Pennsylvania Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lawrence N Shulman
- Department of Medicine (Hematology - Oncology Division), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Frances Barg
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Esra R, Mmelesi M, Ketlogetswe AT, Wolock TM, Howes A, Nong T, Matlhaga MT, Ratladi S, Ramaabya D, Imai-Eaton JW. Improved Indicators for Subnational Unmet Antiretroviral Therapy Need in the Health System: Updates to the Naomi Model in 2023. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2024; 95:e24-e33. [PMID: 38180736 PMCID: PMC10769176 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003324] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quantifying subnational need for antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV is challenging because people living with HIV (PLHIV) access health facilities in areas that may differ from their residence. We defined and demonstrated new indicators for PLHIV treatment needed to guide health system target setting and resource allocation. SETTING Botswana. METHODS We extended Naomi, a Bayesian small-area model for estimating district-level HIV indicators from national household survey and HIV service delivery data. We used model outputs for ART seeking probabilities in neighboring districts to define the "PLHIV (attending)" indicator representing the estimated number of PLHIV who would seek treatment at health facilities in a district, and "Untreated PLHIV attending" representing gaps in ART service provision. Botswana 2021 district HIV estimates were used to demonstrate new outputs and assess the sensitivity to uncertainty in district population sizes. RESULTS Across districts of Botswana, estimated adult ART coverage in December 2021 ranged 90%-96%. In the capital city Gaborone, there were 50,400 resident PLHIV and 64,200 receiving ART, of whom 24% (95% CI: 20 to 32) were estimated to reside in neighboring districts. Applying ART attendance probabilities gave a "PLHIV attending" denominator of 68,300 and unmet treatment need of 4100 adults (95% CI: 3000 to 5500) for Gaborone health facilities. The facility-based "PLHIV attending" denominator was less-sensitive to fluctuations in district population size assumptions. CONCLUSIONS New indicators provided more consistent targets for HIV service provision, but are limited by ART data quality. This challenge will increase as treatment coverage reaches high levels and treatment gaps are smaller.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Esra
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Timothy M. Wolock
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Howes
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tlotlo Nong
- Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Siphiwe Ratladi
- National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency, Gaborone, Botswana; and
| | - Dinah Ramaabya
- Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jeffrey W. Imai-Eaton
- MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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Chabalala WT, Bojosi K, Maphane T, Olashore AA. Neuropsychiatric manifestations of tuberous sclerosis in a young man in a psychiatric hospital in Botswana: a case report. J Int Med Res 2024; 52:3000605231223450. [PMID: 38217425 PMCID: PMC10788076 DOI: 10.1177/03000605231223450] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), first described in 1880, is a disorder that affects multiple systems. Its symptoms include seizures, intellectual disability, and angiofibromas. TSC is caused by mutations in the TSC1 and TSC2 genes and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. The present report describes the case of a patient with an unusual psychological presentation who was evaluated in a psychiatric hospital. A man with poorly managed epilepsy was brought to Botswana's only psychiatric hospital. After clinical assessment, a diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex was made, which was later confirmed through neuroimaging and genetic tests. Some of the patient's relatives also showed similar neuropsychiatric symptoms. Given that psychiatry may be the first medical contact for TSC patients, especially in low-resource settings, clinicians need to be knowledgeable of various neuropsychiatric conditions and be aware of the possibility of TSC in patients that present with neurocutaneous manifestations. A multidisciplinary team approach is vital for the investigation and management of such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wame T. Chabalala
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kagiso Bojosi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Tseleng Maphane
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Anthony A. Olashore
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
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Brooks BO, Paganotti GM, Massele A, Sepako E, Adiukwu P, Sichilongo KF. A simple and rapid external standard calibration HPLC method for determination of lumefantrine in dried blood spot samples from malaria patients in Botswana. Biomed Chromatogr 2024; 38:e5762. [PMID: 37845823 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5762] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
A simple external calibration liquid chromatography-diode array detector method was developed, validated, and applied for the determination of lumefantrine (Lum) in dried blood spot (DBS) samples collected from malaria patients in Botswana. The samples were validated in accordance with the United States Food and Drug Administration guidelines for bioanalytical methods after sample preparation using solid-liquid extraction. Separation was achieved using an XTerra C18 column (50 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), and a binary solvent system of acetonitrile and water adjusted to pH 2.3 was used as the mobile phase. The validated method was applied for the determination of Lum in DBS samples collected from malaria patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum in Botswana. The calibration curve was linear between 0.5 and 12 μg/mL with a coefficient of determination (R2 ) of 0.9996. The limit of detection and the lower limit of quantification were 0.5 and 1.4 μg/mL, respectively. The efficiency of extraction measured as percentage recovery ranged between 84.2% and 107.8% at the three quality control (QC) levels, that is, low QC, mid QC, and high QC. In conclusion, data suggest that the method is suitable for the determination of trace Lum in biofluids and can also be used for therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blondie O Brooks
- Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Giacomo Maria Paganotti
- Botswana-University of Pennsylvania Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Amos Massele
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Enoch Sepako
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Paul Adiukwu
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
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Choga WT, Kurusa Gasenna GK, San JE, Ookame T, Gobe I, Chand M, Phafane B, Seru K, Matshosi P, Zuze B, Ndlovu N, Matsuru T, Maruapula D, Bareng OT, Macheke K, Kuate-Lere L, Tlale L, Lesetedi O, Tau M, Mbulawa MB, Smith-Lawrence P, Matshaba M, Shapiro R, Makhema J, Martin DP, de Oliveira T, Lessells RJ, Lockman S, Gaseitsiwe S, Moyo S. Rapid dynamic changes of FL.2 variant: A case report of COVID-19 breakthrough infection. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 138:91-96. [PMID: 37952911 PMCID: PMC10719116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.11.011] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated intra-host genetic evolution using two SARS-CoV-2 isolates from a fully vaccinated (primary schedule x2 doses of AstraZeneca plus a booster of Pfizer), >70-year-old woman with a history of lymphoma and hypertension who presented a SARS-CoV-2 infection for 3 weeks prior to death due to COVID-19. Two full genome sequences were determined from samples taken 13 days apart with both belonging to Pango lineage FL.2: the first detection of this Omicron sub-variant in Botswana. FL.2 is a sub-lineage of XBB.1.9.1. The repertoire of mutations and minority variants in the Spike protein differed between the two time points. Notably, we also observed deletions within the ORF1a and Membrane proteins; both regions are associated with high T-cell epitope density. The internal milieu of immune-suppressed individuals may accelerate SARS-CoV-2 evolution; hence, close monitoring is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonderful T Choga
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gaborone, Botswana; Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - James Emmanuel San
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory. Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Irene Gobe
- School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mohammed Chand
- Diagnofirm Medical Laboratories, Plot 12583, Nyerere Drive MiddleStar, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Badisa Phafane
- Diagnofirm Medical Laboratories, Plot 12583, Nyerere Drive MiddleStar, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kedumetse Seru
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Boitumelo Zuze
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Teko Matsuru
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Ontlametse T Bareng
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | | | | | - Modiri Tau
- National Health laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Roger Shapiro
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Darren P Martin
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Division of Computational Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tulio de Oliveira
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory. Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Richard J Lessells
- Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), School of Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), School of Laboratory. Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Simani Gaseitsiwe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA; School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
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10
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Selwe KP, Sallach JB, Dessent CEH. Nontargeted Screening of Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the Glen Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant, Botswana. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024; 43:52-61. [PMID: 37877782 DOI: 10.1002/etc.5775] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
There is growing concern about the prevalence and impact of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). The environmental monitoring of CECs has, however, been limited in low- and middle-income countries due to the lack of advanced analytical instrumentation locally. In the present study we employed a nontargeted and suspect screening workflow via liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to identify known and unknown pollutants in the Glen Valley wastewater treatment plant, Botswana, complemented by analysis of groundwater samples. The present study represents the first HRMS analysis of CECs in water samples obtained in Botswana. Suspect screening of 5942 compounds qualitatively identified 28 compounds, including 26 pharmaceuticals and two illicit drugs (2-ethylmethcathinone and 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol). Nontargeted analysis tentatively identified the presence of 34 more compounds including (5ξ)-12,13-dihydroxypodocarpa-8,11,13-trien-7-one, 12-aminododecanoic acid, atenolol acid, brilliant blue, cyclo leucylprolyl, decanophenone, DL-carnitine, N,N'-dicyclohexylurea, N4-acetylsulfamethoxazole, NP-003672, and 24 polyethylene glycol polymers. The highest number of detections were in influent wastewater (26 CECs) followed by effluent wastewater (10 CECs) and, lastly, groundwater (4 CECs). Seventeen CECs detected in the influent water were not detected in the effluent waters, suggesting reduced emissions due to wastewater treatment. Two antiretroviral compounds (abacavir and tenofovir) were detected in the influent and effluent sources. This suggests that wastewater treatment plants are a major pathway of chemical pollution to the environment in Botswana and will help inform prioritization efforts for monitoring and remediation that is protective of these key ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:52-61. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kgato P Selwe
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | - J Brett Sallach
- Department of Environment and Geography, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
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11
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Lavoie MCC, Okui L, Blanco N, Stoebenau K, Magidson JF, Gokatweng G, Ikgopoleng K, Charurat ME, Ndwapi N. Feasibility and acceptability of peer-delivered interventions using mHealth for PrEP services among adolescent girls and young women in DREAMS program in Botswana. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2231256. [PMID: 37462118 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2231256] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent girls and young women accounted for 25% of all new HIV infections despite representing only 10% of the population in Sub Saharan Africa. PEPFAR has launched the Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe (DREAMS) initiative, a comprehensive HIV prevention program including PrEP services. Among adolescent girls and young women, PrEP adherence is currently sub-optimal. Tailored strategies for adolescent girls and young women to improve access and use of PrEP delivery are urgently needed to maximise its potential. Recommended interventions include peer-delivered interventions using mobile technology. However, data on the feasibility and acceptability of this approach is limited for SSA. OBJECTIVES We assessed the feasibility and perceived acceptability of providing mHealth peer-delivered interventions to support PrEP services among adolescent girls and young women in Botswana. METHODS This cross-sectional study included HIV-negative women aged 18-24 years old seeking health services at DREAMS-supported facilities. Participants completed a survey assessing the feasibility and perceived acceptability of the mHealth peer-delivered interventions, which included the Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM). Descriptive analyses were performed. RESULTS A total of 131 participated in the study. Overall, 89% owned a mobile phone (feasibility). There was no difference in cell phone ownership between participants from rural and urban settings. Among participants, 85% reported interest in participating in a mHealth peer-delivered intervention if it was available to them. Regarding perceived acceptability for mHealthpeer support groups for PrEP, the average score on the AIM was 3.8 out of 5 (SD = 0.8). CONCLUSION mHealthpeer-delivered interventions appear to be feasible and perceived acceptable among adolescent girls and young women in Botswana. This modality should be incorporated into PEPFAR's programmatic toolkit of implementation strategies to improve PrEP services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claude C Lavoie
- Division of Global Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity (Ciheb), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lillian Okui
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (Ciheb), Maryland Global Initiative Corporation, University of Maryland Baltimore, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Natalia Blanco
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity (Ciheb), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kirsten Stoebenau
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA
| | | | - Gadzikanani Gokatweng
- Botswana-University of Maryland School of Medicine Health Initiative (Bummhi), Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kaizer Ikgopoleng
- Center for International Health, Education, and Biosecurity (Ciheb), Maryland Global Initiative Corporation, University of Maryland Baltimore, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Manhattan E Charurat
- Division of Global Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for International Health Education and Biosecurity (Ciheb), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ndwapi Ndwapi
- Botswana-University of Maryland School of Medicine Health Initiative (Bummhi), Gaborone, Botswana
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12
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Kassa M, Madzimbamuto F, Kediegite G, Tuyishime E. Regional anaesthesia practice in public hospitals in Botswana: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295932. [PMID: 38113237 PMCID: PMC10729981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known about the regional anesthesia practice in low resources settings (LRS). The aim of this study was to describe the regional anesthesia capacity, characteristics of regional anesthesia practice, and challenges and solutions of practicing safe regional anesthesia in public hospitals in Botswana. METHODS This was a cross-sectional survey of anesthesia providers working in public hospitals in Botswana. A purposive sampling method of public hospitals was used to achieve representation of different hospital levels across Botswana. Paper-based questionnaires were sent to anesthesia providers from selected hospitals. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULTS Questionnaires were distributed to 47 selected anesthesia providers from selected hospitals; 38 (80.9%) were returned. Most participants were nurse anesthetists and medical officers (57.8%). All hospitals perform spinal anesthesia; however, other regional techniques were performed by a small number of participants in one referral hospital. Most hospitals had adequate regional anesthesia drugs and sedation medications, however, most hospitals (except one referral hospital) lacked ultrasound machine and the regional anesthesia kit. The common challenges reported were lack of knowledge and skills, lack of equipment and supplies, and lack of hospital engagement and support. Some solutions were proposed such as regional anesthesia training and engaging the hospital management to get resources. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that spinal anesthesia is the most common regional anesthesia technique performed by anesthesia providers working in public hospitals in Botswana followed by few upper limb blocks. However, most public hospitals lack enough training capacity, equipment, and supplies for regional anesthesia. More engagement of the hospital management, investment in regional anesthesia resources, and training are needed in order to improve the regional anesthesia capacity and provide safe surgery and anesthesia in Botswana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamo Kassa
- Department Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Farai Madzimbamuto
- Department Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Gaone Kediegite
- Department Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Eugene Tuyishime
- Department Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Emergency Medicine department, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
- Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine department, Western University, London, Canada
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13
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Ojuka A, Lesetedi C, Jabo C, Mompati KF. Raptured gas forming pyogenic liver abscess with a biliary fistula in Botswana: a case report. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 46:107. [PMID: 38435408 PMCID: PMC10908293 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.46.107.42256] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
We report a case of gas-forming pyogenic liver abscess (GFPLA) with a ruptured abscess and biliary fistula presenting with peritonitis. The patient had poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and was extremely ill at presentation. The diagnosis was delayed until the abscess ruptured, owing to nonspecific abdominal symptoms at the initial presentation and delayed follow-up radiological investigations. The patient had a high-output biliary fistula post-operatively, which was managed with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stenting with fistula drainage reduction within four weeks. This case highlights the need for follow-up radiological investigations and prompt intervention in patients with diabetes mellitus presenting with fever and vague abdominal pain.
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Zuze BJL, Radibe BT, Choga WT, Bareng OT, Moraka NO, Maruapula D, Seru K, Mokgethi P, Mokaleng B, Ndlovu N, Kelentse N, Pretorius-Holme M, Shapiro R, Lockman S, Makhema J, Novitsky V, Seatla KK, Moyo S, Gaseitsiwe S. Fostemsavir resistance-associated polymorphisms in HIV-1 subtype C in a large cohort of treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced individuals in Botswana. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0125123. [PMID: 37823653 PMCID: PMC10714836 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01251-23] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Fostemsavir (FTR) is a newly licensed antiretroviral drug that has been shown to have activity against HIV-1. The mechanism of action of FTR is different from all currently available antiretrovirals (ARVs), and as such, it offers hope for HIV-1 suppression in those people with HIV (PWH) who harbor HIV-1 variants with drug resistance mutations to currently used ARVs. Using 6,030 HIV-1 sequences covering the HIV-1 envelope from PWH in Botswana who are antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve as well as those who are failing ART, we explored the sequences for FTR resistance-associated polymorphisms. We found the prevalence of FTR polymorphisms to be similar in both ART-naïve and ART-experienced individuals with VF in this setting, with no prior FTR exposure. Further studies on the phenotypic impact of these polymorphisms are warranted to guide how to monitor for FTR resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wonderful T. Choga
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Professions, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ontlametse T. Bareng
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Professions, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Natasha O. Moraka
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Professions, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Dorcas Maruapula
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kedumetse Seru
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Patrick Mokgethi
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Baitshepi Mokaleng
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Professions, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Nametso Kelentse
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Professions, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Molly Pretorius-Holme
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Roger Shapiro
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vlad Novitsky
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kaelo K. Seatla
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Simani Gaseitsiwe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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15
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Xu D, Zhang Y. Taxonomy of the leafhopper genus Adama (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Selenocephalini: Adamina) with description of a new species from Botswana. Zootaxa 2023; 5361:579-584. [PMID: 38220739 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5361.4.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The leafhopper genus Adama is reviewed with the description of a new species, Adama (Zinjella) serriformis sp. nov., from Botswana. An updated checklist with distributions and a key to species of this subgenus are also provided. The type specimen of this new species is deposited in the Natural History Museum, London, U.K. (BMNH).
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Affiliation(s)
- Deliang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management; Ministry of Education; Entomological Museum; College of Plant Protection; Northwest A&F University; Yangling; Shaanxi 712100; China. College of Life Sciences; Yanan University; Yanan; Shaanxi 716000; China.
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management; Ministry of Education; Entomological Museum; College of Plant Protection; Northwest A&F University; Yangling; Shaanxi 712100; China.
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16
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Mannathoko N, Lautenbach E, Mosepele M, Otukile D, Sewawa K, Glaser L, Cressman L, Cowden L, Alby K, Jaskowiak-Barr A, Gross R, Mokomane M, Paganotti GM, Styczynski A, Smith RM, Snitkin E, Wan T, Bilker WB, Richard-Greenblatt M. Performance of CHROMagar ESBL media for the surveillance of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (ESCrE) from rectal swabs in Botswana. J Med Microbiol 2023; 72. [PMID: 37991431 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001770] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Lack of laboratory capacity hampers consistent national antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance. Chromogenic media may provide a practical screening tool for detection of individuals colonized by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms.Hypothesis. CHROMagar ESBL media represent an adequate screening method for the detection of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (ESCrE), isolated from rectal swabs.Aim. To evaluate the performance of CHROMagar ESBL media to accurately identify ESCrE isolates from rectal swab samples attained from hospitalized and community participants.Methodology. All participants provided informed consent prior to enrolment. Rectal swabs from 2469 hospital and community participants were inoculated onto CHROMagar ESBL. The performance of CHROMagar ESBL to differentiate Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp. and Citrobacter spp. (KEC spp.) as well as select for extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance were compared to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight MS (MALDI-TOF-MS) and VITEK-2 automated susceptibility testing.Results. CHROMagar ESBL had a positive and negative agreement of 91.2 % (95 % CI, 88.4-93.3) and 86.8 % (95 % CI, 82.0-90.7) for E. coli and 88.1 % (95 % CI 83.2-92.1) and 87.6 % (95 % CI 84.7-90.2) for KEC spp. differentiation, respectively, when compared to species ID by MALDI-TOF-MS. When evaluated for phenotypic susceptibilities (VITEK-2), 88.1 % (714/810) of the isolates recovered on the selective agar exhibited resistance to third-generation cephalosporins.Conclusion. The performance characteristics of CHROMagar ESBL media suggest that they may be a viable screening tool for the identification of ESCrE from hospitalized and community participants and could be used to inform infection prevention and control practices in Botswana and potentially other low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Further studies are required to analyse the costs and the impact on time-to-result of the media in comparison with available laboratory methods for ESCrE surveillance in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naledi Mannathoko
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ebbing Lautenbach
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mosepele Mosepele
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Dimpho Otukile
- Botswana-University of Pennsylvania Partnership (BUP), Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Laurel Glaser
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leigh Cressman
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura Cowden
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kevin Alby
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anne Jaskowiak-Barr
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert Gross
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Margaret Mokomane
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Giacomo M Paganotti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Botswana-University of Pennsylvania Partnership (BUP), Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Rachel M Smith
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Evan Snitkin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tiffany Wan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Warren B Bilker
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Melissa Richard-Greenblatt
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
- Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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17
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Modongo C, Barilar I, Wang Q, Molefi T, Makhondo T, Niemann S, Shin SS. Tuberculosis Variant with Rifampin Resistance Undetectable by Xpert MTB/RIF, Botswana. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:2403-2406. [PMID: 37877680 PMCID: PMC10617350 DOI: 10.3201/eid2911.230987] [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: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
GeneXpert MTB/RIF, a tool widely used for diagnosing tuberculosis, has limitations for detecting rifampin resistance in certain variants. We report transmission of a pre-extensively drug-resistant variant in Botswana that went undetected by GeneXpert. The public health impact of misdiagnosis emphasizes the need for comprehensive molecular testing to identify resistance and guide treatment.
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18
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Moraka NO, Choga WT, Pema MN, Chawawa MK, Gobe I, Mokomane M, Bareng OT, Bhebhe L, Kelentse N, Mulenga G, Pretorius Holme M, Mohammed T, Koofhethile CK, Makhema JM, Shapiro R, Lockman S, Moyo S, Gaseitsiwe S. Predicted resistance to broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) and associated HIV-1 envelope characteristics among seroconverting adults in Botswana. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18134. [PMID: 37875518 PMCID: PMC10598268 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44722-2] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
We used HIV-1C sequences to predict (in silico) resistance to 33 known broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) and evaluate the different HIV-1 Env characteristics that may affect virus neutralization. We analyzed proviral sequences from adults with documented HIV-1 seroconversion (N = 140) in Botswana (2013-2018). HIV-1 env sequences were used to predict bnAb resistance using bNAb-ReP, to determine the number of potential N-linked glycosylation sites (PNGS) and evaluate Env variable region characteristics (VC). We also assessed the presence of signature mutations that may affect bnAb sensitivity in vitro. We observe varied results for predicted bnAb resistance among our cohort. 3BNC117 showed high predicted resistance (72%) compared to intermediate levels of resistance to VRC01 (57%). We predict low resistance to PGDM100 and 10-1074 and no resistance to 4E10. No difference was observed in the frequency of PNGS by bNAb susceptibility patterns except for higher number of PNGs in V3 bnAb resistant strains. Associations of VC were observed for V1, V4 and V5 loop length and net charge. We also observed few mutations that have been reported to confer bnAb resistance in vitro. Our results support use of sequence data and machine learning tools to predict the best bnAbs to use within populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha O Moraka
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Bontleng, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Wonderful T Choga
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Bontleng, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Marea N Pema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Bontleng, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Moses Kudzai Chawawa
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Bontleng, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Irene Gobe
- School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Margaret Mokomane
- School of Allied Health Professions, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ontlametse T Bareng
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Bontleng, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Lynette Bhebhe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Bontleng, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Nametso Kelentse
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Bontleng, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Graceful Mulenga
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Bontleng, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Terence Mohammed
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Bontleng, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Catherine K Koofhethile
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Bontleng, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Joseph M Makhema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Bontleng, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Roger Shapiro
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Bontleng, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Simani Gaseitsiwe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Bontleng, Private Bag BO320, Gaborone, Botswana.
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Madisa M, Filmalter CJ, Heyns T. Healthcare professionals and pregnant and post-natal women's perceptions of interprofessional collaboration in a maternity care facility: A qualitative study from Botswana. Midwifery 2023; 125:103768. [PMID: 37467547 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2023.103768] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the perceptions of healthcare professionals and pregnant and post-natal women regarding interprofessional collaboration in a maternity care setting in Botswana, a low-to-middle-income country in Sub-Sahara Africa. DESIGN A descriptive qualitative design using in-depth interviews with forty participants, including healthcare professionals and women in maternity wards. Data were transcribed and thematically analysed. SETTING Antenatal, delivery and post-natal maternity wards in a referral hospital that provides basic and specialist care in Botswana. PARTICIPANTS We interviewed 13 pregnant and post-natal women and 27 healthcare professionals in the maternity care wards. FINDINGS Participants perceived several interrelated factors that influenced the delivery of interprofessional collaborative care. Interpersonal factors such as poor communication, disrespectful behaviours and inadequate teamwork practices prevented interprofessional collaboration. Other barriers to collaboration included lack of understanding of each other's roles and responsibilities, ineffective coordination of resources, hierarchical power struggles and poor collaborative leadership. KEY CONCLUSIONS Effective interprofessional collaboration remains elusive in this maternity care setting. Healthcare systems in low-to-middle-income countries may benefit from interventions for healthcare professionals to learn and practice interprofessional collaborative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montlenyane Madisa
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Celia J Filmalter
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Tanya Heyns
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Lenssen-Erz T, Pastoors A, Uthmeier T, Ciqae T, Kxunta /U, Thao T. Animal tracks and human footprints in prehistoric hunter-gatherer rock art of the Doro! nawas mountains (Namibia), analysed by present-day indigenous tracking experts. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289560. [PMID: 37703266 PMCID: PMC10499263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Namibia is rich in hunter-gatherer rock art from the Later Stone Age (LSA); this is a tradition of which well-executed engravings of animal tracks in large numbers are characteristic. Research into rock art usually groups these motifs together with geometric signs; at best, therefore, it may provide summary lists of them. To date, the field has completely disregarded the fact that tracks and trackways are a rich medium of information for hunter-gatherers, alongside their deeper, culture-specific connotations. A recent research project, from which this article has emerged, has attempted to fill this research gap; it entailed indigenous tracking experts from the Kalahari analysing engraved animal tracks and human footprints in a rock art region in central Western Namibia, the Doro! nawas Mountains, which is the site of recently discovered rock art. The experts were able to define the species, sex, age group and exact leg of the specific animal or human depicted in more than 90% of the engravings they analysed (N = 513). Their work further demonstrates that the variety of fauna is much richer in engraved tracks than in depictions of animals in the same engraving tradition. The analyses reveal patterns that evidently arise from culturally determined preferences. The study represents further confirmation that indigenous knowledge, with its profound insights into a range of particular fields, has the capacity to considerably advance archaeological research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas Pastoors
- Institute of Prehistory and Early History, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thorsten Uthmeier
- Institute of Prehistory and Early History, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | - Thui Thao
- Nyae Nyae Conservancy, Tsumkwe, Namibia
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22
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Gabaake KP, Lucero-Prisno DE, Thakadu OT, Phaladze NA. A mixed method analysis of the Botswana schistosomiasis control policy and plans using the policy triangle framework. Glob Health Res Policy 2023; 8:39. [PMID: 37674247 PMCID: PMC10481564 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-023-00321-2] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present goal of the World Health Organization (WHO) 2021-2030 roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases is to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem, and reduce its prevalence of heavy infections to less than 1%. Given the evolution and impact of schistosomiasis in the Ngamiland district of Botswana, the aim of this study was to analyze the control policies for the district using the Policy Triangle Framework. METHODS The study used a mixed method approaches of an analysis of policy documents and interviews with 12 informants who were purposively selected. Although the informants were recruited from all levels of the NTD sector, the analysis of the program was predominantly from the Ngamiland district. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's approach to content analysis. RESULTS The study highlights the presence of clear, objectives and targets for the Ngamiland control policy. Another theme was the success in morbidity control, which was realized primarily through cycles of MDA in schools. The contextual background for the policy was high morbidity and lack of programming data. The implementation process of the policy was centralized at the Ministry of Health (MOH) and WHO, and there was minimal involvement of the communities and other stakeholders. The policy implementation process was impeded by a lack of domestic resources and lack of comprehensive policy content on snail control and no expansion of the policy content beyond SAC. The actors were predominately MOH headquarters and WHO, with little representation of the district, local level settings, NGOs, and private sectors. CONCLUSIONS The lack of resources and content in the control of environmental determinants and exclusion of other at-risk groups in the policy, impeded sustained elimination of the disease. There is a need to guide the treatment of preschool-aged children and develop national guidelines on treating foci of intense transmission. Moreover, the dynamic of the environmental transmissions and reorientation of the schistosomiasis policy to respond to the burden of schistosomiasis morbidity, local context, and health system context are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kebabonye P Gabaake
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Faculty of Management and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Open University, Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines
| | - Olekae T Thakadu
- Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Maun, Botswana
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Ncube B, Mars M, Scott RE. Recommendations for Developing a Telemedicine Strategy for Botswana: A Meta-Synthesis. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6718. [PMID: 37754578 PMCID: PMC10530668 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20186718] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Botswana is developing its eHealth capacity using a National eHealth Strategy. However, that strategy overlooks telemedicine, a potential solution for many healthcare challenges. For telemedicine to benefit Botswana, a telemedicine-specific strategy is required. While establishing a national strategy is a sovereign responsibility, guidance and recommendations can be provided. Using published resources specific to Botswana, key health-related issues were identified. These issues were matched with suitable telemedicine activities and delivery approaches. Recommendations were then derived from these for use in an effective telemedicine-specific strategy for Botswana. From 28 health-related issues, 6 were prioritised. Three telemedicine activities were identified (clinical services, education, and behaviour change), and one delivery approach was chosen (store-and-forward) because they align well with current needs, infrastructure, and mobile phone user capabilities. Since telemedicine has been proven to be effective, efficient, and cost-effective when implemented correctly, this knowledge and experience, plus a recognised strategy development framework, has led to evidence-based recommendations. Specific telemedicine options were identified as examples. As confidence grows, telemedicine options can be expanded to address additional clinical needs and explore alternative activities and delivery options. The recommendations can help the government develop a telemedicine-specific strategy that aligns with the National eHealth Strategy while actively promoting and supporting the adoption and system integration of straightforward telemedicine interventions. This foundation will facilitate the future expansion of telemedicine initiatives for the benefit of all Batswana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benson Ncube
- Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; (M.M.); (R.E.S.)
| | - Maurice Mars
- Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; (M.M.); (R.E.S.)
| | - Richard E. Scott
- Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa; (M.M.); (R.E.S.)
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6, Canada
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Grover S, MacDuffie E, Nsingo M, Lei X, Mehta P, Davey S, Urusaro S, Chiyapo S, Vuylsteke P, Monare B, Bazzett-Matabele L, Ralefala T, Luckett R, Ramogola-Masire D, Smith GL. Benchmarking of the Cervical Cancer Care Cascade and Survival Outcomes After Radiation Treatment in a Low- and Middle-Income Country Setting. JCO Glob Oncol 2023; 9:e2200397. [PMID: 37738538 PMCID: PMC10846778 DOI: 10.1200/go.22.00397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Timely radiation treatment (RT) is critical in cervical cancer treatment, but patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in sub-Saharan Africa often face barriers that delay care. Time to care was benchmarked in a multidisciplinary team (MDT) setting in Botswana. METHODS Time intervals between steps in care were recorded for 230 patients reviewed at MDT between January 2016 and July 2018. Associations between RT delay and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS For patients who received RT (n = 187; 81.3%), the median biopsy to pathology reporting interval was 25 (IQR, 19-36) days and was 57 (IQR, 28-68) days for patients who did not (P = .003). Intervals in care did not differ between patients who did and did not receive RT. Among treated patients, the uppermost quartile interval from pathology reporting to RT initiation was ≥111 days and that from RT simulation to initiation was ≥12 days. Among patients receiving a RT dose of ≥65 Gy (n = 100), the delay from RT simulation to initiation of >12 days was associated with worse median OS (2.0 v 4.6 years; P = .048); this association trended toward, although did not meet, statistical significance on multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 2.35; 95% CI, 0.95 to 5.85; P = .07). CONCLUSION The MDT-coordinated care model allows for systematic benchmarking of the patient treatment cascade. Barriers to timely treatment exist for this cohort in Botswana, and RT delay may be associated with OS of patients receiving curative treatment. Interventions to accelerate the timing of the radiation oncology care cascade may improve clinical outcomes in this LMIC setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Grover
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Emily MacDuffie
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Memory Nsingo
- Department of Oncology, Gaborone Private Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Xiudong Lei
- Department of Health Services Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Priyanka Mehta
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Sonya Davey
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Sandra Urusaro
- Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Peter Vuylsteke
- Department of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Lisa Bazzett-Matabele
- Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Rebecca Luckett
- Princess Marina Hospital, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Doreen Ramogola-Masire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pennsylvania Hospital, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Grace L. Smith
- Department of Health Services Research, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Department of Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Rosenberg N, Mateyo KJ, Mokute KT, Otieno G, Hui K, Riviello E, Umuhire OF. Attitudes, beliefs, and practices toward end-of-life care among physicians in sub-Saharan Africa. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 45:167. [PMID: 37900203 PMCID: PMC10611914 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.45.167.40855] [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: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction as the opportunity to receive life-sustaining treatments expands in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), so do potential ethical dilemmas. Little is known regarding the attitudes, beliefs, and practices of physicians in SSA regarding end-of-life care ethics. Methods we used validated survey items addressing physician end-of-life care views and added SSA-context specific items. We identified a convenience sample using the authors' existing African professional contacts and snowball recruitment. Participants were invited via email to an anonymous online survey. Results we contacted 78 physicians who practice critical care in Africa, and 68% (n=53) completed the survey. Of those, 66% were male, 55% were aged 36-45, 75% were Christian. They were from Kenya (30%), Zambia (28%), Rwanda (25%), Botswana (11%), and other countries (6%). Most (75%) agreed that competent patients can refuse even life-saving care. Only 32% agreed that their hospital had clear policies regarding withdrawing and withholding care, 11% agreed that their country had legal precedent for end-of-life care, and 43% believed that doctors could face legal or financial consequences for allowing patients to die by forgoing treatment. Pain control at the end of life, even if it may hasten death, was supported by 83%. However, 75% felt that clinicians undertreat pain due to fear of hastening death. Conclusion participants strongly supported patient autonomy and end-of-life pain control but expressed concern that inadequate policy and legal frameworks exist to guide care and that pain is undertreated. Humane and actionable end-of-life care frameworks are needed to guide decisions in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Rosenberg
- University of Botswana, Department of Emergency Medicine, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Kago Thuto Mokute
- University of Botswana, Department of Emergency Medicine, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - George Otieno
- African Inland Church Kijabe Hospital, Kijabe, Kenya
| | - Kyle Hui
- University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussets, United States of America
| | - Elisabeth Riviello
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussets, United States of America
| | - Olivier Felix Umuhire
- Division of Clinical Services Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, Ontario, Canada
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Sejie GA, Mahomed OH. Potential facilitators and inhibitors to the implementation and sustainability of the community-based tuberculosis care interventions. A case study from Moshupa, Botswana. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290010. [PMID: 37561753 PMCID: PMC10414663 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eliminating Tuberculosis is one of the targets of Sustainable Development Goal Three. Decentralizing TB care beyond health facilities by leveraging community involvement is crucial for safeguarding effective tuberculosis care. In this study, we explored potential facilitators and inhibitors of the implementation and sustainability of community-based interventions for the prevention and treatment of TB in the Moshupa district, Botswana. METHODS This study adopted a qualitative approach using a collective case design. An interpretive paradigm based on relativist ontology and subjectivist epistemology along with abductive research logic was used. The study enrolled treatment supporters of tuberculosis patients diagnosed with drug-susceptible tuberculosis between January 2019 and December 2019 in Moshupa Village for semi-structured interviews, Health care professionals for in-depth interviews, and e community leaders for focus group discussions. Clinic-based observations in Mma-Seetsele clinic were also conducted to corroborate the participants' views. The data collected was analyzed using the NVivo version 12 software package, and statements of the participants were presented as quotes to substantiate the issues discussed. RESULTS This study highlighted effective partnerships between health services and external stakeholders, community empowerment, and the availability of policies and standard operating procedures as facilitators of community TB implementation and sustainability. However, Insufficient funding, low service provider training, policies not embracing age and educational eligibility for treatment supporters, shortage of equipment, medicines, and supplies, inadequate transport availability and incentives to meet clients' basic needs, paper-based systems, inadequate supervision, incomplete data reporting, and low service quality affected the Community TB program efficacy and sustainability in Moshupa. We also found that there was low service provider motivation and retention and that clients had low trust in treatment supporters. CONCLUSION The findings of this study imply that the operational effectiveness of the community TB care approach to disease elimination is compromised; therefore, initiatives addressing the key components, including the availability of resources, governance arrangements and supportive systems for community health workers, are required for successful community TB implementation and sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabalape Arnold Sejie
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu, Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, Boitekanelo College, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ozayr H. Mahomed
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu, Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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Poku OB, Eschliman EL, Entaile P, Rampa S, Mehta H, Tal D, Silvert L, Li T, Becker TD, Govindasamy D, Stockton MA, Adedimeji A, Ho-Foster A, Blank MB, Dangerfield DT, Yang LH, Murray SM. "It's Better If I Die Because Even in the Hospital, There is a Stigma, People Still Gossip": Gossip as a Culturally Shaped Labeling Process and Its Implications for HIV-Related Stigma in Botswana. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:2535-2547. [PMID: 36646928 PMCID: PMC10350478 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-03980-x] [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] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This study qualitatively explores HIV-related gossip as both a manifestation and driver of HIV-related stigma, which is a known barrier to HIV testing and treatment in Botswana. Data were elicited from 5 focus group discussions and 46 semi-structured in-depth interviews with individuals living with HIV and community members with undisclosed serostatus in Gaborone, Botswana in 2017 (n = 84). Directed content analysis using the 'What Matters Most' theoretical framework identified culturally salient manifestations of HIV-related stigma; simultaneous use of Modified Labeling Theory allowed interpretation and stepwise organization of how the social phenomenon of gossip leads to adverse HIV outcomes. Results indicated that HIV-related gossip can diminish community standing through culturally influenced mechanisms, in turn precipitating poor psychosocial well-being and worsened HIV-related outcomes. These harms may be offset by protective factors, such as appearing healthy, accepting one's HIV status, and community education about the harms of gossip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohemaa B Poku
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Evan L Eschliman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Shathani Rampa
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Haitisha Mehta
- Department of Clinical and Counselling Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danielle Tal
- Department of Clinical and Counselling Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lea Silvert
- Department of Clinical and Counselling Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tingyu Li
- Department of Clinical and Counselling Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy D Becker
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Melissa A Stockton
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adebola Adedimeji
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | | - Michael B Blank
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Lawrence H Yang
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah M Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Nambusi K, Gbolahan A, Maureen SM, Tsholofelo RT, Motswedi AM, Simani G, Joseph M, Una N, Sikhulile MS, Odile S, Lucy M. Youth and healthcare workers' perspectives on the feasibility and acceptability of self-testing for HIV, Hepatitis and Syphilis among young people: Qualitative findings from a pilot study in Gaborone, Botswana. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288971. [PMID: 37471434 PMCID: PMC10358881 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Little is known regarding the attitudes and perspectives of young people and healthcare workers in Botswana about dual self-testing for HIV and STIs including its acceptability, or their perceptions of the opportunities and limitations of this approach. METHODS From July to November 2021, 25 young people and 6 healthcare workers were purposively sampled for in-depth telephone interviews conducted in English or Setswana. The interviews followed a semi-structured topic guide, were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically using deviant case and constant comparative techniques. The study was part of a pilot project evaluating dual self-testing for HIV and STIs among young people in Gaborone. RESULTS We found that most of the young people were already aware of their HIV status and were motivated to participate in self-testing mainly because they were interested in learning their STI status. Whilst most were excited about the autonomy and convenience offered by self-testing, some participants expressed nervousness particularly of the finger-prick process, and preferred healthcare worker-administered tests. Both young people and healthcare workers raised concerns about the potential negative mental health outcomes of unexpected test results and emphasized the importance of pre- and post-test counselling and seamless linkage to care. CONCLUSION Dual self-testing for HIV and STIs has the potential to empower young people to take control of their sexual health. However, it is crucial to ensure that proper support and counselling services are in place, along with effective mechanisms for linkage to care. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating pre- and post-test counselling into self-testing programs to ensure that young people feel adequately supported throughout the testing process. By doing so, self-testing can become a valuable tool for improving the sexual health outcomes of young people in Botswana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyegombe Nambusi
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Gaseitsiwe Simani
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Makhema Joseph
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Ngwenya Una
- Botswana Family Welfare Association, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Moyo S. Sikhulile
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology & Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Sauzet Odile
- Department of Epidemiology and International Public Health, Bielefeld School of Public Health (BiSPH), Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Mupfumi Lucy
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
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Shapiro RL, Ajibola G, Maswabi K, Hughes M, Nelson BS, Niesar A, Holme MP, Powis KM, Sakoi M, Batlang O, Moyo S, Mohammed T, Maphorisa C, Bennett K, Hu Z, Giguel F, Reeves JD, Reeves MA, Gao C, Yu X, Ackerman ME, McDermott A, Cooper M, Caskey M, Gama L, Jean-Philippe P, Yin DE, Capparelli EV, Lockman S, Makhema J, Kuritzkes DR, Lichterfeld M. Broadly neutralizing antibody treatment maintained HIV suppression in children with favorable reservoir characteristics in Botswana. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadh0004. [PMID: 37406137 PMCID: PMC10683791 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adh0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) may provide an alternative to standard antiretroviral treatment (ART) for controlling HIV-1 replication and may have immunotherapeutic effects against HIV-1 reservoirs. We conducted a prospective clinical trial with two HIV-1 bNAbs (VRC01LS and 10-1074) in children (n = 25) who had previously initiated small-molecule ART treatment before 7 days of age and who continued treatment for at least 96 weeks. Both bNAbs were dosed intravenously every 4 weeks, overlapping with ART for at least 8 weeks and then continued for up to 24 weeks or until detectable viremia of HIV-1 RNA rose above 400 copies per milliliter in the absence of ART. Eleven (44%) children maintained HIV-1 RNA below 400 copies per milliliter through 24 weeks of bNAb-only treatment; 14 (56%) had detectable viremia above 400 copies per milliliter at a median of 4 weeks. Archived HIV-1 provirus susceptible to 10-1074, lower birth HIV-1 DNA reservoir in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, sustained viral suppression throughout early life, and combined negative qualitative HIV-1 DNA polymerase chain reaction and negative HIV-1 serology at entry were associated with maintaining suppression on bNAbs alone. This proof-of-concept study suggests that bNAbs may represent a promising treatment modality for infants and children living with HIV-1. Future studies using newer bNAb combinations with greater breadth and potency are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger L. Shapiro
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership; Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | - Michael Hughes
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bryan S. Nelson
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Aischa Niesar
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Molly Pretorius Holme
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Powis
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership; Gaborone, Botswana
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Maureen Sakoi
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership; Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership; Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | | | - Kara Bennett
- Bennett Statistical Consulting, Inc.; Ballston Lake, NY 12019, USA
| | - Zixin Hu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Francoise Giguel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Michael A. Reeves
- Labcorp-Monogram Biosciences, Inc.; South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Ce Gao
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Xu Yu
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Marlene Cooper
- Frontier Science and Technology Research Foundation, Inc.; Amherst, NY 14226, USA
| | | | - Lucio Gama
- Vaccine Research Center; Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Patrick Jean-Philippe
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dwight E. Yin
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health; Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Edmund V. Capparelli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego; La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership; Gaborone, Botswana
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Botswana Harvard Health Partnership; Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Daniel R. Kuritzkes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mathias Lichterfeld
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Karuna S, Gallardo-Cartagena JA, Theodore D, Hunidzarira P, Montenegro-Idrogo J, Hu J, Jones M, Kim V, De La Grecca R, Trahey M, Karg C, Takalani A, Polakowski L, Hutter J, Miner MD, Erdmann N, Goepfert P, Maboa R, Corey L, Gill K, Li SS. Post-COVID symptom profiles and duration in a global convalescent COVID-19 observational cohort: Correlations with demographics, medical history, acute COVID-19 severity and global region. J Glob Health 2023; 13:06020. [PMID: 37352144 PMCID: PMC10289480 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.13.06020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Post-COVID conditions are characterised by persistent symptoms that negatively impact quality of life after SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. While post-COVID risk factors and symptoms have been extensively described in localised regions, especially in the global north, post-COVID conditions remain poorly understood globally. The global, observational cohort study HVTN 405/HPTN 1901 characterises the convalescent course of SARS-CoV-2 infection among adults in North and South America and Africa. Methods We categorised the cohort by infection severity (asymptomatic, symptomatic, no oxygen requirement (NOR), non-invasive oxygen requirement (NIOR), invasive oxygen requirement (IOR)). We applied a regression model to assess correlations of demographics, co-morbidities, disease severity, and concomitant medications with COVID-19 symptom persistence and duration across global regions. Results We enrolled 759 participants from Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Peru, and the USA a median of 51 (interquartile range (IQR) = 35-66) days post-diagnosis, from May 2020 to March 2021. 53.8% were female, 69.8% were 18-55 years old (median (md) = 44 years old, IQR = 33-58). Comorbidities included obesity (42.8%), hypertension (24%), diabetes (14%), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (11.6%) and lung disease (7.5%). 76.2% were symptomatic (NOR = 47.4%; NIOR = 22.9%; IOR = 5.8%). Median COVID-19 duration among symptomatic participants was 20 days (IQR = 11-35); 43.4% reported symptoms after COVID-19 resolution, 33.6% reported symptoms ≥30 days, 9.9% reported symptoms ≥60 days. Symptom duration correlated with disease severity (P < 0.001, NIOR vs NOR; P = 0.003, IOR vs NOR), lung disease (P = 0.001), race (P < 0.05, non-Hispanic Black vs White), and global region (P < 0.001). Prolonged viral shedding correlated with persistent abdominal pain (odds ratio (OR) = 5.51, P < 0.05) and persistent diarrhoea (OR = 6.64, P < 0.01). Conclusions Post-COVID duration varied with infection severity, race, lung disease, and region. Better understanding post-COVID conditions, including regionally-diverse symptom profiles, may improve clinical assessment and management globally. Registration Clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT04403880).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly Karuna
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jorge A Gallardo-Cartagena
- Centro de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Biomédicas y Medioambientales, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Deborah Theodore
- Columbia University Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Portia Hunidzarira
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Juan Montenegro-Idrogo
- Centro de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Biomédicas y Medioambientales, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
| | - Jiani Hu
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Megan Jones
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Vicky Kim
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Meg Trahey
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Carissa Karg
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Azwi Takalani
- Hutchinson Centre for Research in South Africa, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rebone Maboa
- Ndlovu Research Centre, Elandsdoorn, Limpopo, Republic of South Africa
| | | | - Katherine Gill
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
| | | | - HVTN 405/HPTN 1901 Study Team
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Centro de Investigaciones Tecnológicas, Biomédicas y Medioambientales, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
- Columbia University Physicians & Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Hutchinson Centre for Research in South Africa, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Bethesda, Maryland, USA University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
- Ndlovu Research Centre, Elandsdoorn, Limpopo, Republic of South Africa
- Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa
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Allen LN, Nkomazana O, Mishra SK, Gichangi M, Macleod D, Ramke J, Bolster N, Marques AP, Rono H, Burton M, Kim M, Ratshaa B, Karanja S, Ho-Foster A, Bastawrous A. Improvement studies for equitable and evidence-based innovation: an overview of the 'IM-SEEN' model. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:116. [PMID: 37330480 PMCID: PMC10276912 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01915-5] [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: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health inequalities are ubiquitous, and as countries seek to expand service coverage, they are at risk of exacerbating existing inequalities unless they adopt equity-focused approaches to service delivery. MAIN TEXT Our team has developed an equity-focused continuous improvement model that reconciles prioritisation of disadvantaged groups with the expansion of service coverage. Our new approach is based on the foundations of routinely collecting sociodemographic data; identifying left-behind groups; engaging with these service users to elicit barriers and potential solutions; and then rigorously testing these solutions with pragmatic, embedded trials. This paper presents the rationale for the model, a holistic overview of how the different elements fit together, and potential applications. Future work will present findings as the model is operationalised in eye-health programmes in Botswana, India, Kenya, and Nepal. CONCLUSION There is a real paucity of approaches for operationalising equity. By bringing a series of steps together that force programme managers to focus on groups that are being left behind, we present a model that can be used in any service delivery setting to build equity into routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke N Allen
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | | | | | | | - David Macleod
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Jacqueline Ramke
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | | | - Ana Patricia Marques
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Hilary Rono
- Kitale Hospital and Peek Vision, Kitale, Kenya
| | - Matthew Burton
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Min Kim
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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Kasule M, Matshaba M, Wonkam A, de Vries J. Feeding back of individual genetic results in Botswana: mapping opportunities and challenges. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:37. [PMID: 37270597 PMCID: PMC10239568 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00912-1] [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: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We explored the views of Botswana stakeholders involved in developing, implementing and applying ethical standards for return of individual study results from genomic research. This allowed for mapping opportunities and challenges regarding actionability requirements that determine whether individual genomic research results should be fed back. METHODS Using in-depth interviews, this study explored the views of sixteen (16) stakeholders about the extent, nature and timing of feedback of individual genomic research findings, including incidental findings that arise in the context of African genomics research. Coded data was analyzed through an iterative process of analytic induction to document and interpret themes. RESULTS Overall, respondents were of the view that feedback of actionable individual genomic results was an important outcome that could benefit participants. However, a number of themes surfaced that pointed to opportunities and challenges that exist in Botswana that could help in planning for feeding back of individual genomic results that were mapped. Some of the opportunities cited by the respondents included the existence of good governance; democracy and humanitarianism; universal healthcare system; national commitment to science; research and innovation to transform Botswana into a knowledge-based economy; and applicable standard of care which could promote actionability. On the other hand, contextual issues like the requirement for validation of genomic research results in accredited laboratories, high cost of validation of genomic results, and linkage to care, as well as lack of experts like genomic scientists and counselors were considered as challenges for return of individual results. CONCLUSION We propose that decisions whether and which genomic results to return take into consideration contextual opportunities and challenges for actionability for return of results in a research setting. This is likely to avoid or minimize ethical issues of justice, equity and harm regarding actionability decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kasule
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- Deputy Dean's Office, Faculty of Health Sciences and Groote Schuur, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine and NeuroScience Institute , The Ethics Lab, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jantina de Vries
- Department of Medicine and NeuroScience Institute , The Ethics Lab, Cape Town, South Africa
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Ajibola G, Maswabi K, Hughes MD, Bennett K, Holme MP, Capparelli EV, Jean-Philippe P, Moyo S, Mohammed T, Batlang O, Sakoi M, Ricci L, Lockman S, Makhema J, Kuritzkes DR, Lichterfeld M, Shapiro RL. Brief Report: Long-Term Clinical, Immunologic, and Virologic Outcomes Among Early-Treated Children With HIV in Botswana: A Nonrandomized Controlled Clinical Trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 92:393-398. [PMID: 36729692 PMCID: PMC10006291 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003147] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early antiretroviral treatment (ART) improves outcomes in children, but few studies have comprehensively evaluated the impact of ART started from the first week of life. METHODS Children diagnosed with HIV within 96 hours of life were enrolled into the Early Infant Treatment Study in Botswana and followed on ART for 96 weeks. Nevirapine, zidovudine, and lamivudine were initiated; nevirapine was switched to lopinavir/ritonavir between weeks 2-5 in accordance with gestational age. Clinical and laboratory evaluations occurred at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96. FINDINGS Forty children initiated ART at a median of 2 (IQR 2, 3) days of life; 38 (95%) completed follow-up through 96 weeks, and 2 (5%) died between 12 and 24 weeks. ART was well tolerated; 9 children (24%) experienced a grade 3 or 4 hematologic event, and 2 (5%) required treatment modification for anemia. The median 96-week CD4 count was 1625 (IQR 1179, 2493) cells/mm 3 with only 5/38 (13%) having absolute counts <1000 cells/mm 3 . Although 23 (61%) had at least one visit with HIV-1 RNA ≥40 copies/mL at or after 24 weeks, 28 (74%) had HIV-1 RNA <40 copies/mL at the 96-week visit. Median cell-associated HIV-1 DNA at 84/96-week PBMCs was 1.9 (IQR 1.0, 2.6) log 10 copies/10 6 cells. Pre-ART reservoir size at birth was predictive of the viral reservoir at 84/96 weeks. INTERPRETATION Initiation of ART in the first week of life led to favorable clinical outcomes, preserved CD4 cell counts, and low viral reservoir through 96 weeks of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth Maswabi
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Michael D. Hughes
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kara Bennett
- Bennett Statistical Consulting, Inc., Ballston Lake, NY, USA
| | - Molly Pretorius Holme
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Oganne Batlang
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Maureen Sakoi
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Lucia Ricci
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Mathias Lichterfeld
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Roger L. Shapiro
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Smith JP, Modongo C, Oeltmann JE, Dima M, Matsiri O, Fane O, Molefi T, Shin SS, Barilar I, Niemann S, Zetola NM, Moonan PK. HIGH-RESOLUTION CHARACTERIZATION OF NOSOCOMIAL MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS TRANSMISSION EVENTS IN BOTSWANA. Am J Epidemiol 2023; 192:503-506. [PMID: 36549903 PMCID: PMC10372855 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwac214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Ncube B, Mars M, Scott RE. Perceptions and attitudes of patients and healthcare workers towards the use of telemedicine in Botswana: An exploratory study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281754. [PMID: 36795740 PMCID: PMC9934446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In March 2020, the Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness approved a National eHealth Strategy. Although a milestone, the strategy does not mention telemedicine. There is need to address this by developing an evidence-based adjunct strategy for telemedicine to facilitate its introduction and adoption. To do so, several stages of a published eHealth Strategy Development Framework were mimicked. This allowed situational awareness to be created through exploring behavioural factors and perceptions that might influence the adoption of telemedicine in Botswana. The study aim was to explore current issues, concerns, perceptions, attitudes, views, and knowledge of patients and healthcare professionals regarding health-related issues and telemedicine that might influence implementation of telemedicine in Botswana and thereby inform future development of a telemedicine strategy. METHODS An exploratory survey study was conducted using different survey questionnaires for patients and healthcare professionals, each using a mix of open- and closed-ended questions. These questionnaires were administered to convenience samples of healthcare professionals and patients at 12 public healthcare facilities in Botswana; seven clinics (three rural; four urban), and five hospitals (two primary, two district, and one tertiary), selected to align with the country's decentralised healthcare structure. RESULTS Fifty-three healthcare professionals and 89 patients participated. Few healthcare professionals had actively used telemedicine for clinical consults and self-education using telephone calls, cell phone apps, or video conferencing (doctors 42%, nurses 10%). Only a few health facilities had telemedicine installations. Healthcare professional preference for future telemedicine uses were e-learning (98%), clinical services (92%), and health informatics (electronic records (87%). All healthcare professionals (100%) and most patients (94%) were willing to use and participate in telemedicine programmes. Open-ended responses showed additional perspective. Resource shortages (health human resources and infrastructure) were key to both groups. Convenience, cost effectiveness, and increased remote patient access to specialists were identified as enablers to telemedicine use. However inhibitors were cultural and traditional beliefs, although privacy, security and confidentiality were also identified. Results were consistent with findings from other developing countries. CONCLUSION Although use, knowledge, and awareness of telemedicine are low, general acceptance, willingness to use, and understanding of benefits are high. These findings bode well for development of a telemedicine-specific strategy for Botswana, complementary to the National eHealth Strategy, to guide more systematic adoption and application of telemedicine in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benson Ncube
- Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Dynamics Research & Development Institute, Gaborone, Botswana
- * E-mail:
| | - Maurice Mars
- Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard E. Scott
- Department of TeleHealth, School of Nursing & Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Tsima BM, Lowenthal ED, Van Pelt AE, Moore TM, Matshaba M, Gur RC, Tshume O, Thuto B, Scott JC. Test-Retest Reliability of a Computerized Neurocognitive Battery in School-Age Children with HIV in Botswana. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 38:131-138. [PMID: 35988538 PMCID: PMC9868525 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acac066] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is prevalent among children and adolescents in Botswana, but standardized neurocognitive testing is limited. The Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (PennCNB) attempts to streamline evaluation of neurocognitive functioning and has been culturally adapted for use among youth in this high-burden, low-resource setting. However, its reliability across measurements (i.e., test-retest reliability) is unknown. This study examined the test-retest reliability of the culturally adapted PennCNB in 65 school-age children (age 7-17) living with HIV in Botswana. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for PennCNB summary scores (ICCs > 0.80) and domain scores (ICCs = 0.66-0.88) were higher than those for individual tests, which exhibited more variability (ICCs = 0.50-0.82), with the lowest reliability on memory tests. Practice effects were apparent on some measures, especially within memory and complex cognition domains. Taken together, the adapted PennCNB exhibited adequate test-retest reliability at the domain level but variable reliability for individual tests. Differences in reliability should be considered in implementation of these tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy M Tsima
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Elizabeth D Lowenthal
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Global Health Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amelia E Van Pelt
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Global Health Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tyler M Moore
- Brain Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ruben C Gur
- Brain Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Boitumelo Thuto
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - J Cobb Scott
- Brain Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- VISN4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Mussa A, Mayondi GK, Diseko M, Mabuta J, Mmalane M, Makhema J, Lockman S, Morroni C, Shapiro R, Zash R. Incident HIV acquisition among pregnant women in Botswana: findings from the Tsepamo birth outcomes surveillance study. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26008. [PMID: 36691796 PMCID: PMC9871722 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26008] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Botswana, where almost all pregnant women known to have HIV receive antiretroviral therapy, a large proportion of vertical HIV transmission may occur among women with incident undiagnosed HIV infection during pregnancy. Botswana guidelines recommend repeat HIV testing every 3 months in pregnancy, with at least one test in the third trimester. We evaluated the rate of repeat HIV testing, calculated HIV incidence during pregnancy and estimated missed seroconversions. METHODS In the Botswana Tsepamo Study, we abstracted HIV test dates and results from obstetric records of all women who delivered at maternity wards in 18 communities between 7th May 2017 and 20th August 2021. We defined seroconversion as an initial negative/indeterminate HIV test in pregnancy followed by a positive test during pregnancy/at delivery. The incidence rate (IR) of seroconversion was calculated among women with > = 2 known test dates. Missed seroconversions were estimated among women without a test in the third trimester by applying the IR to the time after the last HIV test until delivery. RESULTS Among 103,529 women delivering in the study period testing negative at the first test and with known conception and HIV test dates, 29,085 (28%) were tested in one trimester of pregnancy, 73,156 (71%) were tested in ≥ 2 trimesters of pregnancy and 9628 (9%) had a test in all trimesters. A total of 78,162 (75%) women had a third-trimester test. There were 223 seroconversions (2.58/1000 pregnancies, 0.26%) among those with ≥ 2 known HIV test dates, yielding an IR of 0.69/100 person-years. Among 25,289 women who did not have a test in the third trimester, we estimate approximately 58 seroconversions may have been missed during pregnancy due to a lack of repeat testing. Factors associated with seroconversion during pregnancy included younger age, less education and not being married. CONCLUSIONS More than two-thirds of women had repeat HIV testing in pregnancy and HIV incidence was low. However, an estimated 21% of seroconversions in pregnancy were likely missed due to a lack of re-testing. To reach the goal of zero new paediatric HIV infections, Botswana will need to intensify repeat HIV testing in the third trimester of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aamirah Mussa
- Botswana‐Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Usher InstituteUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | | | - Modiegi Diseko
- Botswana‐Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
| | - Judith Mabuta
- Botswana‐Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
| | | | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana‐Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana‐Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Brigham and Women's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Chelsea Morroni
- Botswana‐Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health and Centre for Global HealthUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Roger Shapiro
- Botswana‐Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Rebecca Zash
- Botswana‐Harvard AIDS Institute PartnershipGaboroneBotswana
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
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Bird TL, Moeti S, Hitchcock RK, Kelly MC, Chobolo LL, Gotcha N, Moatlhodi KK, Mukoka LD, Sekopo EK, Chaboo CS. Orb-web spider Argiope (Araneidae) as indigenous arrow poison of G/ui and G//ana San hunters in the Kalahari. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0276557. [PMID: 36630457 PMCID: PMC9833577 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hunting has been crucial in early human evolution. Some San (Bushmen) of southern Africa still practice their indigenous hunting. The use of poisons is one remarkable aspect of their bow-and-arrow hunting but the sources, taxonomic identifications of species used, and recipes, are not well documented. This study reports on fieldwork to investigate recent indigenous hunting practices of G/ui and G//ana San communities in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), Botswana. Here we discuss their use of spider poison. The hunters use the contents of the opisthosoma ('abdomen') of a spider as sole ingredient of the arrow poison and discard the prosoma that contains the venom-glands. Using taxonomic keys, we identified the spider as the garden orb-web spider Argiope australis (Walckenaer 1805) (Araneidae). The hunters' choice of this species is remarkable given the scientific perception that A. australis is of little medical importance. The species choice raises questions about how the spider fluids could kill game, particularly when the prosoma, which contains the venom glands, is not used. Possibilities include trauma, as a source of pathogens, or abdomen-containing toxins. Based on characteristics of Argiope Audouin 1826, we hypothesize that the choice of this species for arrow poisons might have evolved from the recognition of aposematic signalling or spiritual symbolism. Indigenous knowledge (IK) is an important source for advances in biotechnology but is in decline worldwide. The study contributes to the documentation of the San people, and their ancient IK, which is threatened by marginalization, political pressures, and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharina L. Bird
- General Entomology, Ditsong National Museum of Natural History, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, South Africa
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Palapye, Botswana
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Robert K. Hitchcock
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
- Kalahari Peoples Fund, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Melinda C. Kelly
- Department of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
- Kalahari Peoples Fund, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Lefang L. Chobolo
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Palapye, Botswana
| | - Nonofo Gotcha
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Palapye, Botswana
| | - Kgosi K. Moatlhodi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Palapye, Botswana
| | - Leungo D. Mukoka
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Palapye, Botswana
| | - Emmanuel K. Sekopo
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Palapye, Botswana
| | - Caroline S. Chaboo
- Systematics Research Collections, University of Nebraska State Museum, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
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Bile EC, Bachanas PJ, Jarvis JN, Maurice F, Makovore V, Chebani L, Jackson KG, Birhanu S, Maphorisa C, Mbulawa MB, Alwano MG, Sexton C, Modise SK, Bapati W, Segolodi T, Moore J, Fonjungo PN. Accuracy of point-of-care HIV and CD4 field testing by lay healthcare workers in the Botswana Combination Prevention Project. J Virol Methods 2023; 311:114647. [PMID: 36343742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2022.114647] [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: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Accurate HIV and CD4 testing are critical in program implementation, with HIV misdiagnosis having serious consequences at both the client and/or community level. We implemented a comprehensive training and Quality Assurance (QA) program to ensure accuracy of point-of-care HIV and CD4 count testing by lay counsellors during the Botswana Combination Prevention Project (BCPP). We compared the performance of field testing by lay counsellors to results from an accredited laboratory to ascertain accuracy of testing. All trained lay counsellors passed competency assessments and performed satisfactorily in proficiency testing panel evaluations in 2013, 2014, and 2015. There was excellent agreement (99.6 %) between field and laboratory-based HIV test results; of the 3002 samples tested, 960 and 2030 were concordantly positive and negative respectively, with 12 misclassifications (kappa score 0.99, p < 0.0001). Of the 149 HIV-positive samples enumerated for CD4 count in the field using PIMA at a threshold of ≤ 350 cells/µl; there was 86 % agreement with laboratory testing, with only 21 misclassified. The mean difference between field and lab CD4 testing was - 16.16 cells/µl (95 % CI -5.4 to 26.9). Overall, there was excellent agreement between field and laboratory results for both HIV rapid test and PIMA CD4 results. A standard training package to train lay counsellors to accurately perform HIV and CD4 point-of-care testing in field settings was feasible, with point-of-care results obtained by lay counsellors comparable to laboratory-based testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebi C Bile
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Botswana (CDC Botswana), Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Pamela J Bachanas
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, United States
| | - Joseph N Jarvis
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Fiona Maurice
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Botswana (CDC Botswana), Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Vongai Makovore
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Botswana (CDC Botswana), Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Liziwe Chebani
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Botswana (CDC Botswana), Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Keisha G Jackson
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, United States
| | - Sehin Birhanu
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, United States
| | | | - Mpaphi B Mbulawa
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Botswana (CDC Botswana), Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mary Grace Alwano
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Botswana (CDC Botswana), Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Connie Sexton
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, United States
| | | | - William Bapati
- Tebelopele Counseling and Testing Center, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Tebogo Segolodi
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Botswana (CDC Botswana), Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Janet Moore
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, United States
| | - Peter N Fonjungo
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Atlanta, United States.
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Poku OB, Eschliman EL, Wang RY, Rampa S, Mehta H, Entaile P, Li T, Jackson VW, Ho-Foster A, Blank MB, Yang LH. Toward Meaningful Cultural Adaptation Across Implementation Stages: Lessons Learned From a Culturally Based HIV Stigma Intervention in Gaborone, Botswana. Glob Health Sci Pract 2022; 10:e2200232. [PMID: 36951288 PMCID: PMC9771462 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-22-00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A culturally based stigma intervention for pregnant women living with HIV in Gaborone, Botswana highlights the importance of conceptualizing and formalizing cultural adaptation across all stages of implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohemaa B Poku
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, Columbia University and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Evan L Eschliman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rayna Y Wang
- New York Coalition for Asian American Mental Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shathani Rampa
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Haitisha Mehta
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Tingyu Li
- Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Valerie W Jackson
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ari Ho-Foster
- Research and Graduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael B Blank
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lawrence H Yang
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Bareng OT, Seselamarumo S, Seatla KK, Choga WT, Bakae B, Maruapula D, Kelentse N, Moraka NO, Mokaleng B, Mokgethi PT, Ditlhako TR, Pretorius-Holme M, Mbulawa MB, Lebelonyane R, Bile EC, Gaolathe T, Shapiro R, Makhema JM, Lockman S, Essex M, Novitsky V, Mpoloka SW, Moyo S, Gaseitsiwe S. Doravirine-associated resistance mutations in antiretroviral therapy naïve and experienced adults with HIV-1 subtype C infection in Botswana. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2022; 31:128-134. [PMID: 35973671 PMCID: PMC9750894 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2022.08.008] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There are limited data on the prevalence of doravirine (DOR)-associated drug resistance mutations in people with HIV (PWH) in Botswana. This cross-sectional, retrospective study aimed to explore the prevalence of DOR-associated resistance mutations among ART-naïve and -experienced PWH in Botswana enrolled in the population-based Botswana Combination Prevention Project (BCPP). METHODS A total of 6078 HIV-1C pol sequences were analysed for DOR-associated resistance mutations using the Stanford HIV drug resistance database, and their levels were predicted according to the Stanford DRM penalty scores and resistance interpretation. Virologic failure was defined as HIV-1 RNA load (VL) >400 copies/mL. RESULTS Among 6078 PWH, 5999 (99%) had known ART status, and 4529/5999 (79%) were on ART at time of sampling. The suppression rate among ART-experienced was 4517/4729 (96%). The overall prevalence of any DOR-associated resistance mutations was 181/1473 (12.3% [95% confidence interval {CI}: 10.7-14.1]); by ART status: 42/212 (19.8% [95% CI: 14.7-25.4]) among ART-failing individuals (VL ≥400 copies/mL) and 139/1261 (11.0% [95% CI: 9.3-12.9]) among ART-naïve individuals (P < 0.01). Intermediate DOR-associated resistance mutations were observed in 106/1261 (7.8% [95% CI: 6.9-10.1]) in ART-naïve individuals and 29/212 (13.7% [95% CI: 9.4-8.5]) among ART-experienced participants (P < 0.01). High-level DOR-associated resistance mutations were observed in 33/1261 (2.6% [95% CI: 1.8-3.7]) among ART-naïve and 13/212 (6.1% [95% CI: 3.6-10.8]) among ART-failing PWH (P < 0.01). PWH failing ART with at least one EFV/NVP-associated resistance mutation had high prevalence 13/67 (19.4%) of high-level DOR-associated resistance mutations. CONCLUSION DOR-associated mutations were rare (11.0%) among ART-naive PWH but present in 62.7% of Botswana individuals who failed NNRTI-based ART with at least one EFV/NVP-associated resistance mutation. Testing for HIV drug resistance should underpin the use of DOR in PWH who have taken first-generation NNRTIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ontlametse T Bareng
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Professions, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Sekgabo Seselamarumo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Kaelo K Seatla
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Professions, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Wonderful T Choga
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Blessing Bakae
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Dorcas Maruapula
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Nametso Kelentse
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Professions, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Natasha O Moraka
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Baitshepi Mokaleng
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Professions, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Patrick T Mokgethi
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Molly Pretorius-Holme
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | - Ebi Celestin Bile
- FHI 360, Department of Clinical Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Roger Shapiro
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joseph M Makhema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Max Essex
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vlad Novitsky
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sununguko W Mpoloka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Simani Gaseitsiwe
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana; Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Van Pelt AE, Lowenthal ED, Phoi O, Tshume O, Matshaba M, Beidas RS. Medical stakeholder perspectives on implementing a computerized battery to identify neurocognitive impairments among youth in Botswana. AIDS Care 2022; 34:1513-1521. [PMID: 34663144 PMCID: PMC9013727 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1990202] [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: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
HIV infection and in utero exposure, common in Sub-Saharan Africa, are associated with pediatric neurocognitive impairment. Cognitive screening can identify impairments, but it is rarely used in this setting. The Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (PennCNB), an evidence-based cognitive screening tool, was adapted for use in Botswana. To facilitate future implementation, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted to elicit key stakeholders' perspectives on factors likely to be related to successful uptake of the PennCNB in clinical settings. An integrated analytic approach combining constructs from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and modified grounded theory was used. Results underscore the need for cognitive screening in Botswana and the acceptability of the PennCNB. Implementation barriers include limited time and resources, whereas facilitators include standard procedures for introducing new tools into medical settings and for training implementers. Recommended implementation strategies include integrating screening into the existing workflow, implementing the tool in the medical and educational sectors, and targeting selection of children for assessment. This research addresses the research-to-practice gap by engaging in pre-implementation inquiry and designing for implementation. Results will inform the development of strategies to maximize the likelihood of successful implementation of the PennCNB to identify neurocognitive impairment in children in this high-need setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia E. Van Pelt
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Global Health Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Elizabeth D. Lowenthal
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Global Health Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Onkemetse Phoi
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Ontibile Tshume
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Rinad S. Beidas
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
- Penn Implementation Science Center at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (PISCE@LDI), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Jao J, Sun S, Bonner LB, Legbedze J, Mmasa KN, Makhema J, Mmalane M, Kgole S, Masasa G, Moyo S, Gerschenson M, Mohammed T, Abrams EJ, Kurland IJ, Geffner ME, Powis KM. Lower Insulin Sensitivity in Newborns With In Utero HIV and Antiretroviral Exposure Who Are Uninfected in Botswana. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:2002-2009. [PMID: 36240387 PMCID: PMC10205604 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac416] [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: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data exist on early-life metabolic perturbations in newborns with perinatal HIV and antiretroviral (ARV) exposure but uninfected (HEU) compared to those perinatally HIV unexposed and uninfected (HUU). METHODS We enrolled pregnant persons with HIV (PWH) receiving tenofovir (TDF)/emtricitabine or lamivudine (XTC) plus dolutegravir (DTG) or efavirenz (EFV), and pregnant individuals without HIV, as well as their liveborn infants. Newborns were randomized to receive either zidovudine (AZT) or nevirapine (NVP) postnatal prophylaxis. Preprandial homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was assessed at birth and 1 month. Linear mixed models were fit to assess the association between in utero HIV/ARV exposure and average HOMA-IR from birth to 1 month, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS Of 450 newborns, 306 were HEU. HOMA-IR was higher in newborns HEU versus HUU after adjusting for confounders (mean difference of 0.068 in log HOMA-IR, P = .037). Among newborns HEU, HOMA-IR was not significantly different between TDF/XTC/DTG versus TDF/XTC/EFV in utero ARV exposure and between AZT versus NVP newborn postnatal prophylaxis arms. CONCLUSIONS Newborns HEU versus HUU had lower insulin sensitivity at birth and at 1 month of life, raising potential concern for obesity and other metabolic perturbations later in life for newborns HEU. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT03088410.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Jao
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Shan Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lauren B Bonner
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Justine Legbedze
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Keolebogile N Mmasa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mompati Mmalane
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Samuel Kgole
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Gosego Masasa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sikhulile Moyo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mariana Gerschenson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Terence Mohammed
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Elaine J Abrams
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health and Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Irwin J Kurland
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Mitchell E Geffner
- Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kathleen M Powis
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Maphane D, Ngwenya BN, Kolawole OD, Motsholapheko MR, Pagiwa V. Community Knowledge, Perceptions and Experiences on Healthcare Services for Malaria Prevention and Treatment in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. J Community Health 2022; 48:325-337. [PMID: 36436166 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-022-01172-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This paper analyses community knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of effectiveness of healthcare service provision on malaria prevention/treatment in two disease-endemic villages of the Okavango Delta panhandle in northern Botswana. A stratified random sampling of 355 households was conducted in October-November 2015. Follow-up retrospective cohort interviews were undertaken in August 2016 from 79 households that reported malaria incidences during the household survey. Data were also collected from 16 key informant interviews and 2 focus group discussions participants. Descriptive statistics and content analyses were used to summarise quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Results indicate that communities in the study sites had positive perceptions about efficiency of health services based on availability, accessibility and utilization, adequacy of prevention and treatment interventions. Local health clinics were crucial information channels used by respondents. Additionally, factors related to acceptability, availability and accessibility are likely to contribute to perceived effectiveness of the interventions provided by healthcare service providers. Affirmation of efficiency health service provision against malaria has public health implications for adherence to treatment/prevention and participation in community health education campaigns and program implementation in the Okavango Delta region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirontsho Maphane
- Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Private Bag 285, Maun, Botswana
| | - Barbara N Ngwenya
- Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Private Bag 285, Maun, Botswana
| | - Oluwatoyin D Kolawole
- Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Private Bag 285, Maun, Botswana
| | | | - Vincent Pagiwa
- Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Private Bag 285, Maun, Botswana.
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Phiri J, Malec K, Sakala A, Appiah-Kubi SNK, Činčera P, Maitah M, Gebeltová Z, Otekhile CA. Services as a Determinant of Botswana's Economic Sustainability. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:15401. [PMID: 36430118 PMCID: PMC9690671 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215401] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In 2015, the services sector contributed about 58 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which was a significant increase from the 47.6 percent observed in 2005, and a shift from the mining, agriculture, and manufacturing sector. This increase calls to support services as the catalyst for sustained economic development as indicated by the structural transformation and modernization theories. The main objective of this paper was to examine the relationship between and the impact of services on the economic development in Botswana and make recommendations on how Botswana can apply well-directed policies to improve its services sector and diversify its impact on other sectors and GDP, making it less reliant on mining which is vulnerable to price volatilities. The paper applied econometric modeling and results of the Autoregressive-Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds test for cointegration indicate that services and other industries services, agriculture, industry, mining, and investment impact GDP over the short and long run. These variables impacted GDP and converged to equilibrium at the speed of 46.89 percent, with a percent change in services in the short and long run impacting GDP by 0.328 and 0.241 percentages, respectively, and the outcome of the Wald test indicated causality from services to GDP growth. The services sectors have contributed over 40 percent to the country's GDP from 1995 to the present, though the sectors have not gone without challenges with limitations such as limited infrastructure development; poverty and inequality; unemployment of over 20 percent; disease, which has dampened productivity; and lack of proper governance and accountability, which has created a habitat for an increase in cases of corruption in state and private entities. The findings of the study with the lessons learned from other studies with similar findings recommend that the government of Botswana should formulate suitable policies and strategies for services diversification. This is by expanding the market for the sector in areas such as tourism that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, escalating investments by instituting strategies to attract and grow domestic and foreign investments, and improve on management of institutions and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Phiri
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Malec
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Aubrey Sakala
- Department of Economics, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Copperbelt University, Jambo Drive, Riverside, Kitwe P.O. Box 21692, Zambia
| | - Seth Nana Kwame Appiah-Kubi
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Činčera
- BEZK, z.s. Letohradská 669/17170 00 Praha 7, 17000 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mansoor Maitah
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeňka Gebeltová
- Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Cathy-Austin Otekhile
- Department of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Economics and Management, Tomas Bata University, 76001 Zlin, Czech Republic
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Haschka T, Vergu E, Roche B, Poletto C, Opatowski L. Retrospective analysis of SARS-CoV-2 omicron invasion over delta in French regions in 2021-22: a status-based multi-variant model. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:815. [PMID: 36324075 PMCID: PMC9630076 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07821-5] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 is a rapidly spreading disease affecting human life and the economy on a global scale. The disease has caused so far more then 5.5 million deaths. The omicron outbreak that emerged in Botswana in the south of Africa spread around the globe at further increased rates, and caused unprecedented SARS-CoV-2 infection incidences in several countries. At the start of December 2021 the first omicron cases were reported in France. METHODS In this paper we investigate the spreading potential of this novel variant relatively to the delta variant that was also in circulation in France at that time. Using a dynamic multi-variant model accounting for cross-immunity through a status-based approach, we analyze screening data reported by Santé Publique France over 13 metropolitan French regions between 1st of December 2021 and the 30th of January 2022. During the investigated period, the delta variant was replaced by omicron in all metropolitan regions in approximately three weeks. The analysis conducted retrospectively allows us to consider the whole replacement time window and compare regions with different times of omicron introduction and baseline levels of variants' transmission potential. As large uncertainties regarding cross-immunity among variants persist, uncertainty analyses were carried out to assess its impact on our estimations. RESULTS Assuming that 80% of the population was immunized against delta, a cross delta/omicron cross-immunity of 25% and an omicron generation time of 3.5 days, the relative strength of omicron to delta, expressed as the ratio of their respective reproduction rates, [Formula: see text], was found to range between 1.51 and 1.86 across regions. Uncertainty analysis on epidemiological parameters led to [Formula: see text] ranging from 1.57 to 2.34 on average over the metropolitan French regions, weighted by population size. CONCLUSIONS Upon introduction, omicron spread rapidly through the French territory and showed a high fitness relative to delta. We documented considerable geographical heterogeneities on the spreading dynamics. The historical reconstruction of variant emergence dynamics provide valuable ground knowledge to face future variant emergence events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Haschka
- Epidemiology and Modelling of Bacterial Escape to Antimicrobials, Institut Pasteur, 25-28, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France.
- CESP, Anti-infective evasion and pharmacoepidemiology research team, U1018, INSERM Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 2, Avenue de la Source de la Bièvre, 78180, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France.
| | - Elisabeta Vergu
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, MaIAGE, Domaine de Vilvert, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Benjamin Roche
- MIVEGEC, Université Montpellier, IRD, CNRS, 911, avenue Agropolis, 34394, Montpellier, France
| | - Chiara Poletto
- INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Sorbonne Université, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Lulla Opatowski
- Epidemiology and Modelling of Bacterial Escape to Antimicrobials, Institut Pasteur, 25-28, rue du Docteur Roux, 75015, Paris, France
- CESP, Anti-infective evasion and pharmacoepidemiology research team, U1018, INSERM Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 2, Avenue de la Source de la Bièvre, 78180, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France
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Pagiwa V, Shiell A, Barraclough S, Seitio-Kgokgwe O. A Review of the User Fees Policy for Primary Healthcare Consultations in Botswana: Problems With Effective Planning, Implementation and Evaluation. Int J Health Policy Manag 2022; 11:2228-2235. [PMID: 34814676 PMCID: PMC9808281 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.2021.141] [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: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Government of Botswana introduced user-fees for primary healthcare consultations in 1975. The policy has remained in place since then, although the fee has remained largely unaltered despite rising inflation. Early reviews of the policy pointed to problems in its implementation, but there has been no evaluation in the past 20 years. The aim of this study was to review the policy to assess whether documented issues with its implementation have been addressed. METHODS This qualitative study involved interviews with 32 key informants: 18 policy-makers and 14 front-line revenue collectors. Data were analysed thematically using a template approach with constructs from an established organizational capacity assessment framework used as predetermined categories to guide data collection and analysis. RESULTS Limited administrative and management capacity has been a major hindrance to effective implementation of the policy. The lack of infrastructure for effective revenue collection led to misappropriation of funds. Lack of clear guidelines for health facilities on how to implement the policy generated interdepartmental conflicts. Study participants believed the current policy was unlikely to be cost-effective since the cost of collecting fees probably exceeded the revenue it generated. CONCLUSION If the Botswana Government persists with the policy then it needs to improve organizational capacity to collect and manage revenues efficiently. However, policy thinking since the turn of the century has turned away from user-charges in healthcare as they impede the move towards universal access. It is timely therefore to consider alternative financing approaches that are more effective and a more equitable means of paying for healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Pagiwa
- Okavango Research Institute, University of Botswana, Maun, Botswana
| | - Alan Shiell
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Simon Barraclough
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Matlapeng KM, Babatunde GB, Akintola O. Acceptability and accessibility of HIV testing and treatment among men who have sex with men in Botswana. Afr J AIDS Res 2022; 21:261-269. [PMID: 36102064 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2022.2077780] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Although HIV testing and treatment are the cornerstones of a comprehensive prevention strategy, their acceptability and accessibility are complex within the healthcare system.Methods: We used Aday and Andersen's conceptual framework of access to healthcare services to explore factors influencing acceptability and accessibility of HIV testing and treatment among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Botswana. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted, using purposive sampling to recruit 20 MSM. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in Setswana and English. All data were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, where necessary, and analysed using thematic analysis.Findings: This study found that acceptance of HIV testing and treatment was largely positive among MSM. Motivators were the expansion of HIV services, free healthcare services and the perceived risk of contracting HIV. Although perceptions of accessibility to HIV testing and treatment were positive, there were some concerns about privacy and confidentiality, perceived barriers and fear of positive diagnosis, making MSM reluctant to access HIV testing and treatment.Conclusion: This study highlights the need for novel approaches to increase the acceptability and accessibility of HIV testing and treatment. Barriers to accessing HIV services should be addressed to achieve satisfactory health outcomes, and sustainable HIV prevention barriers to accessing HIV should be addressed among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kgosiekae Maxwell Matlapeng
- School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Public Health Science Department, Institute of Health Sciences, Serowe, Botswana
| | | | - Olagoke Akintola
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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Lawrence DS, Ssali A, Moshashane N, Nabaggala G, Maphane L, Harrison TS, Meya DB, Jarvis JN, Seeley J. The acceptability of the AMBITION-cm treatment regimen for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis: Findings from a qualitative methods study of participants and researchers in Botswana and Uganda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010825. [PMID: 36279300 PMCID: PMC9632910 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The AMBITION-cm trial for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis demonstrated that a single, high-dose of liposomal amphotericin (AmBisome) plus 14-days of oral flucytosine and fluconazole was non-inferior in terms of all-cause mortality to 7-days of amphotericin B deoxycholate and flucytosine followed by 7-days of fluconazole (Control). The AmBisome regimen was associated with fewer adverse events. We explored the acceptability of the AmBisome regimen from the perspective of participants and providers. METHODS We embedded a qualitative methods study within the AMBITION-cm sites in Botswana and Uganda. We conducted in-depth interviews with trial participants, surrogate decision makers, and researchers and combined these with direct observations. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and analysed thematically. RESULTS We interviewed 38 trial participants, 20 surrogate decision makers, and 31 researchers. Participant understanding of the trial was limited; however, there was a preference for the AmBisome regimen due to the single intravenous dose and fewer side effects. More time was required to prepare the single AmBisome dose but this was felt to be acceptable given subsequent reductions in workload. The AmBisome regimen was reported to be associated with fewer episodes of rigors and thrombophlebitis and a reduction in the number of intravenous cannulae required. Less intensive monitoring and management was required for participants in the AmBisome arm. CONCLUSIONS The AmBisome regimen was highly acceptable, being simpler to administer despite the initial time investment required. The regimen was well tolerated and associated with less toxicity and resultant management. Widespread implementation would reduce the clinical workload of healthcare workers caring for patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S. Lawrence
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- * E-mail:
| | - Agnes Ssali
- Social Aspects of Health Programme, MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neo Moshashane
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Georgina Nabaggala
- Social Aspects of Health Programme, MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Thomas S. Harrison
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s University London, London, United Kingdom
- Clinical Academic Group in Infection and Immunity, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Medical Mycology, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - David B. Meya
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph N. Jarvis
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Janet Seeley
- Social Aspects of Health Programme, MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
- Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Kitt E, Hayes M, Congdon M, Ballester L, Sewawa KB, Mulale U, Mazhani L, Arscott-Mills T, Steenhoff A, Coffin S. Risk factors for mortality in a hospitalised neonatal cohort in Botswana. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e062776. [PMID: 36691117 PMCID: PMC9454043 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062776] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A disproportionate number of neonatal deaths occur in low/middle-income countries, with sepsis a leading contributor of mortality. In this study, we investigate risk factors for mortality in a cohort of high-risk hospitalised neonates in Botswana. Independent predictors for mortality for infants experiencing either a sepsis or a non-sepsis-related death are described. METHODS This is a prospective observational cohort study with infants enrolled from July to October 2018 at the neonatal unit (NNU) of Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) in Gaborone, Botswana. Data on demographic, clinical and unit-specific variables were obtained. Neonates were followed to death or discharge, including transfer to another hospital. Death was determined to be infectious versus non-infectious based on primary diagnosis listed on day of death by lead clinician on duty. RESULTS Our full cohort consisted of 229 patients. The overall death rate was 227 per 1000 live births, with cumulative proportion of deaths of 22.7% (n=47). Univariate analysis revealed that sepsis, extremely low birth weight (ELBW) status, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, critical illness and infants born at home were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Our multivariate model revealed that critical illness (HR 3.07, 95% CI 1.56 to 6.03) and being born at home (HR 4.82, 95% CI 1.76 to 13.19) were independently associated with all-cause mortality. Low birth weight status was independently associated with a decreased risk of mortality (HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.53). There was a high burden of infection in the cohort with more than half of infants (140, 61.14%) diagnosed with sepsis at least once during their NNU admission. Approximately 20% (n=25) of infants with sepsis died before discharge. Our univariate subanalysis of the sepsis cohort revealed that ELBW and critical illness were associated with an increased risk of death. These findings persisted in the multivariate model with HR 3.60 (95% CI 1.11 to 11.71) and HR 2.39 (95% CI 1 to 5.77), respectively. CONCLUSIONS High rates of neonatal mortality were noted. Urgent interventions are needed to improve survival rates at PMH NNU and to prioritise care for critically ill infants at time of NNU admission, particularly those born at home and/or of ELBW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Kitt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Global Health Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Molly Hayes
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Morgan Congdon
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Global Health Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Section of Hospital Medicine, CHOP, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lance Ballester
- Biostatistics and Data Management Core, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kgotlaetsile B Sewawa
- Department of Paediatric & Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, South-East District, Botswana
| | - Unami Mulale
- Department of Paediatric & Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, South-East District, Botswana
| | - Loeto Mazhani
- Department of Paediatric & Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Botswana, Gaborone, South-East District, Botswana
| | - Tonya Arscott-Mills
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- General Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew Steenhoff
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Global Health Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Susan Coffin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Global Health Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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