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Rao KD, Mehta A, Kautsar H, Kak M, Karem G, Misra M, Joshi H, Herbst CH, Perry HB. Improving quality of non-communicable disease services at primary care facilities in middle-income countries: A scoping review. Soc Sci Med 2023; 320:115679. [PMID: 36731302 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Health systems in middle-income countries face important challenges in managing the high burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD). Primary health care is widely recognized as key to managing NCDs in communities. However, the effectiveness of this approach is limited by poor quality of care (QoC), among others. This scoping review identifies the types of interventions that have been used in middle-income countries to improve the quality of NCD services at primary care facilities. Further, it identifies the range of outcomes these quality interventions have influenced. This scoping review covered both the grey and peer-reviewed literature. The 149 articles reviewed were classified into four domains - governance, service-delivery systems, health workforce, and patients and communities. There was a remarkable unevenness in the geographic distribution of studies - lower middle-income countries and some regions (Middle East, North Africa, and South East Asia) had a scarcity of published studies. NCDs such as stroke and cardiovascular disease, mental health, cancer, and respiratory disorders received less attention. The thrust of quality interventions was directed at the practice of NCD care by clinicians, facilities, or patients. Few studies provided evidence from interventions at the organizations or policy levels. Overall, effectiveness of quality interventions was mixed across domains. In general, positive or mixed effects on provider clinical skills and behavior, as well as, improvements in patient outcomes were found across interventions. Access to care and coverage of screening services were positively influenced by the interventions reviewed. This review shows that quality improvement interventions tried in middle-income countries mostly focused at the provider and facility level, with few focusing on the organizational and policy level. There is a need to further study the effectiveness of organizational and policy level interventions on the practice and outcomes of NCD care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna D Rao
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Akriti Mehta
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA.
| | - Hunied Kautsar
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | | | | | - Madhavi Misra
- Johns Hopkins India Private Limited, New Delhi, India
| | - Harsha Joshi
- Johns Hopkins India Private Limited, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Henry B Perry
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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Ogungbe O, Cazabon D, Ajenikoko A, Jeemon P, Moran AE, Commodore-Mensah Y. Determining the frequency and level of task-sharing for hypertension management in LMICs: A systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 47:101388. [PMID: 35480075 PMCID: PMC9035722 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear a disproportionately higher burden of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Team-based care approach adds capacity to improve blood pressure (BP) control. This updated review aimed to test team-based care efficacy at different levels of hypertension team-based care complexity. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL for newer articles on task-sharing interventions to manage hypertension in LMICs. Levels of tasks complexity performed by healthcare workers added to the clinical team in hypertension control programs were categorized as administrative tasks (level 1), basic clinical tasks (level 2), and/or advanced clinical tasks (level 3). Meta-analysis using an inverse variance weighted random-effects model summarized trial-based evidence on the efficacy of team-based care on BP control, compared with usual care. FINDINGS Forty-three RCT articles were included in the meta-analysis: 31 studies from the previous systematic review, 12 articles from the updated search. The pooled mean effect for team-based care was a -4.6 mm Hg (95% CI: -5.8, -3.4, I2 = 80.2%) decrease in systolic BP compared with usual care. We found similar comparative reduction among different levels of team-based care complexity, i.e., administrative and basic clinical tasks (-4.7 mm Hg, 95% CI: -6.8, -2.2; I2 = 79.8%); and advanced clinical tasks (-4.5 mmHg, 95%CI: -6.1, -3.3; I2 = 81%). Systolic BP was reduced most by team-based care involving pharmacists (-7.3 mm Hg, 95% CI: -9.2, -5.4; I2 = 67.2%); followed by nurses (-5.1 mm Hg, 95% CI: -8.0, -2.2; I2 = 72.7%), dieticians (-4.7 mmHg, 95%CI: -7.1, -2.3; I2 = 0.0%), then community health workers (-3.3 mm Hg, 95% CI: -4.8, -1.8; I2 = 77.3%). INTERPRETATION Overall, team-based hypertension care interventions consistently contributed to lower systolic BP compared to usual care; the effect size varies by the clinical training of the healthcare team members. FUNDING Resolve To Save Lives (RTSL) Vital Strategies, Danielle Cazabon, Andrew E. Moran, Yvonne Commodore-Mensah receive salary support from Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative of Vital Strategies. Resolve to Save Lives is jointly supported by grants from Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gates Philanthropy Partners, which is funded with support from the Chan Zuckerberg Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danielle Cazabon
- Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative of Vital Strategies, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adefunke Ajenikoko
- Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative of Vital Strategies, New York, NY, USA
| | - Panniyammakal Jeemon
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India
| | - Andrew E. Moran
- Resolve to Save Lives, an initiative of Vital Strategies, New York, NY, USA
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Yvonne Commodore-Mensah
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Corresponding author. Yvonne Commodore-Mensah, PhD, MHS, RN, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe St. Baltimore, MD. 21205 United States
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Seneviratne S, Desloge A, Haregu T, Kwasnicka D, Kasturiratne A, Mandla A, Chambers J, Oldenburg B. Characteristics and Outcomes of Community Health Worker Training to Improve the Prevention and Control of Cardiometabolic Diseases in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. INQUIRY: THE JOURNAL OF HEALTH CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION, AND FINANCING 2022; 59:469580221112834. [PMID: 35916447 PMCID: PMC9350494 DOI: 10.1177/00469580221112834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Community health workers (CHWs) play an important role in controlling
non-communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this
review was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of CHW training programs
that focused on the prevention and control of cardiometabolic diseases in low-
and middle-income countries (LMICs). Medline, CINAHL Complete, Academic Search
Complete, Directory of Open Access Journal, ScienceDirect, ERIC, Gale Academic,
and OneFile). Studies that described the training programs used to train CHWs
for prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases and type2 diabetes
mellitus in LMICs. Only studies that evaluated the outcomes of training programs
in at least one of the 4 levels of Kirkpatrick’s training evaluation model were
included in the review. CHWs who underwent training focused on the prevention
and control of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We
summarized the resulting evidence using qualitative synthesis through a
narrative review. Training outcomes were assessed in relation to (1) CHW
reactions to training, their degree of learning, and their behaviors following
training, and (2) changes in biochemical and anthropometric indicators in target
populations following the CHW program implementation. PROSPERO (CRD42020162116).
Thirty-two studies were included. Methods used to train CHWs included:
face-to-face lectures, interactive group activities, and blended teaching with
online support. Training focused on identifying people with elevated risk of
cardiometabolic diseases and their risk factors as well as supporting people to
adopt healthy lifestyles. Many studies that utilized trained CHWs did not
publish CHW training methods and evaluations, and therefore could not be
included in this study. Training programs resulted in an increase in knowledge
and skills among CHWs demonstrating that there are certain activities that can
be shifted to CHWs following training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilanthi Seneviratne
- Ministry of Health, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Dominika Kwasnicka
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Poland
| | | | | | - John Chambers
- Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and Imperial College London, London, UK
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Kim J, Hur MH. The Effects of Dietary Education Interventions on Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168439. [PMID: 34444187 PMCID: PMC8393495 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
As the incidence and prevalence of diabetes increases, intervention through dietary education is becoming more important for diabetes control. This systematic review examines the evidence for the efficacy of dietary education interventions on diabetes control. The study subjects were patients with type 2 diabetes, and the main outcome variable was glycosylated hemoglobin level (HbA1c). The target studies were randomized controlled trials. Thirty-six studies were included in the analysis, of which 33 were included in the meta-analysis. The effect size between dietary education and general interventions was -0.42 (n = 5639, MD = -0.42; 95% CI -0.53 to -0.31) and was significantly different (Z = 7.73, p < 0.001). When subgroup analyses were performed following the application periods, intervention methods, and intervention contents, the mean differences in 4-6-month application, individual education, and diet-exercise-psychosocial intervention were -0.51, (n = 2742, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.32), -0.63 (n = 627, 95% CI -1.00 to -0.26), and -0.51 (n = 3244, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.32), respectively. Dietary education interventions provided for at least 3 months were highly effective in controlling HbA1c levels. Regarding the education method, individualized education was more effective, and contact or non-contact education may be applied for this. Combining diet, exercise, and psychosocial intervention is more effective than diet education alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juri Kim
- Department of Nursing, University of Kyungmin, 545 Seobu-ro, Uijeongbu-si 11618, Korea;
| | - Myung-Haeng Hur
- College of Nursing, Eulji University, 712 Dongil-ro, Uijeongbu-si 11759, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-951-3868
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Leyns CC, Couvreur N, Willems S, Van Hecke A. Needs and resources of people with type 2 diabetes in peri-urban Cochabamba, Bolivia: a people-centred perspective. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:104. [PMID: 33879174 PMCID: PMC8056633 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01442-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes results in a worldwide public healthcare crisis, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with unprepared and overburdened health systems mainly focused on infectious diseases and maternal and child health. Studies regarding type 2 diabetes in LMICs describe specific interventions ignoring a comprehensive analysis of the local factors people see influential to their health. This study aims to meet this research gap by exploring what people with type 2 diabetes in Bolivia need to maintain or improve their health, how important they perceive those identified needs and to what extent these needs are met. METHODS From March until May 2019, 33 persons with type 2 diabetes from three periurban municipalities of the department of Cochabamba participated in this study. The concept mapping methodology by Trochim, a highly structured qualitative brainstorming method, was used to generate and structure a broad range of perspectives on what the participants considered instrumental for their health. RESULTS The brainstorming resulted in 156 original statements condensed into 72 conceptually different needs and resources, structured under nine conceptual clusters and four action domains. These domains illustrated with vital needs were: (1) self-management with use of plants and the possibility to measure sugar levels periodically; (2) healthcare providers with the need to trust and receive a uniform diagnosis and treatment plan; (3) health system with opportune access to care and (4) community with community participation in health and safety, including removal of stray dogs. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies mostly contextual factors like low literacy levels, linguistic problems in care, the need to articulate people's worldview including traditional use of natural remedies with the Bolivian health system and the lack of expertise on type 2 diabetes by primary health care providers. Understanding the needs and structuring them in different areas wherein action is required serves as a foundation for the planning and evaluation of an integrated people centred care program for people with type 2 diabetes. This participative method serves as a tool to implement the often theoretical concept of integrated people centred health care in health policy and program development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Cécile Leyns
- Fundación Vida Plena, Juan Capriles 346, Cochabamba, Bolivia
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Niek Couvreur
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- University Center for Nursing and Midwifery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sara Willems
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Hecke
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- University Center for Nursing and Midwifery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Pienaar M, Reid M. Self-management in face-to-face peer support for adults with type 2 diabetes living in low- or middle-income countries: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1834. [PMID: 33256687 PMCID: PMC7706053 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09954-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Peer support has been recognised as a promising strategy to improve self-management in patients living with chronic conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The purpose of the review was to synthesise the best available evidence on face-to-face peer support models for adults with T2D in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods We searched Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Literature Academic Search Ultimate, PsycINFO, CAB Abstracts, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, SPORTDiscus, Africa-Wide Information, MasterFILE Premier, SocINDEX, ERIC, PsycARTICLES, Open Dissertations, Communication & Mass Media Complete, Health Source-Consumer Edition and Google Scholar for the period January 2000 to December 2017. Reference list checking and contact with authors were additional sources of data. Screening of papers, critical appraisal and data extraction were carried out independently by at least two reviewers. Results From 3092 abstracts retrieved from database searches, data was extracted from 12 papers. There was no consistency in design, setting, outcomes or measurement instruments amongst the papers. The papers were associated with improvements in various clinical and behavioural outcomes. Diabetic patients and community health workers (CHWs) were identified as two common face-to-face peer support models. The recruitment and selection of diabetic patients as peer supporters focused on patients from the community, with good glycaemic control and/or leadership skills, who were recommended by healthcare professionals. Recruitment of CHWs as peer supporters was done from an existing infrastructure of CHWs in the community and, thus, selection criteria were poorly described. The training of peer supporters featured as an important component, highlighting who provided training and the duration and content covered in training. Motivational interviewing was the most common theory basis of training used in the peer support interventions. Face-to-face, group and/or individual-based peer support was often supplemented by other peer support methods. The supervision of peer supporters was generally poorly described. Conclusions The comprehensive synthesis of the best available evidence has led to new insights regarding face-to-face peer support as a self-management strategy for patients with T2D in LMICs. Face-to-face peer support may be implemented in innovative ways to improve the quality of life of patients with T2D. Trial registration PROSPERO trial registry number, CRD 42018103261. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-020-09954-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Pienaar
- University of Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Park West, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa.
| | - Marianne Reid
- University of Free State, 205 Nelson Mandela Drive, Park West, Bloemfontein, 9301, South Africa
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Maria JL, Anand TN, Dona B, Prinu J, Prabhakaran D, Jeemon P. Task-sharing interventions for improving control of diabetes in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH 2020; 9:e170-e180. [PMID: 33242455 PMCID: PMC8279953 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(20)30449-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Task-sharing interventions using non-physician health-care workers might be a potential diabetes management strategy in health systems that are constrained by physician shortages, such as those in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of task-sharing intervention strategies for managing type 2 diabetes in LMICs. We searched PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL from database inception to Sept 25, 2019, for studies that were randomised control trials or cluster randomised trials with task-shifted or task-shared interventions delivered to adults (≥18 years) by non-physician health workers versus usual care, done in LMICs with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) or fasting blood sugar (FBS) as outcome measures. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Random-effects model meta-analysis was used to estimate the population average pooled mean difference for HbA1c and FBS with 95% CIs. Our study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42018081015). Findings We found 4213 studies from the literature search, of which 46 (1·1%) were eligible for the narrative synthesis, including a total of 16 973 participants. 16 of these studies were excluded from the meta-analysis due to high risk of bias. 24 studies with a total of 5345 participants were included in the meta-analysis of HbA1c and 18 studies with a total of 3287 participants for FBS. Interventions led to an average reduction in HbA1c when tasks were delivered by nurses (averaged pooled mean difference −0·54% [95% CI −0·89 to −0·18]; I2=80%) and pharmacists (−0·91% [–1·15 to −0·68]; I2=58%), but not when they were delivered by dietitians (−0·50% [–1·10 to 0·09]; I2=54%) or community health workers (0·05% [0·03 to 0·07]; I2=0%). A reduction in average FBS was also observed when interventions were delivered by pharmacists (average pooled mean difference −36·26 mg/dL [–52·60 to −19·92]; I2=78%) but not nurses (−7·46 mg/dL [–18·44 to 3·52]; I2=79%) or community health workers (−5·41 [–12·74 to 1·92]; I2=71%). Only one study reported on FBS when tasks were delivered by dietitians, with a mean difference of −35·00 mg/dL (−65·96 to −4·04). Interpretation Task sharing interventions with non-physician healthcare workers show moderate effectiveness in diabetes management in LMIC settings. Although relatively high heterogeneity limits the interpretation of the overall findings, interventions led by pharmacists and nurses in LMICs with relatively high physician density are effective strategies in the management of diabetes. Funding Wellcome Trust–Department of Biotechnology India Alliance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - T N Anand
- Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, India
| | - Boban Dona
- Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, India
| | - Jose Prinu
- Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Dorairaj Prabhakaran
- Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, India; Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Panniyammakal Jeemon
- Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, India.
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Anand TN, Joseph LM, Geetha AV, Prabhakaran D, Jeemon P. Task sharing with non-physician health-care workers for management of blood pressure in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2019; 7:e761-e771. [PMID: 31097278 PMCID: PMC6527522 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(19)30077-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Task sharing for the management of hypertension could be useful for understaffed and resource-poor health systems. We assessed the effectiveness of task-sharing interventions in improving blood pressure control among adults in low-income and middle-income countries. METHODS We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL for studies published up to December 2018. We included intervention studies involving a task-sharing strategy for management of blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. We extracted data on population, interventions, blood pressure, and task sharing groups. We did a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. FINDINGS We found 3012 references, of which 54 met the inclusion criteria initially. Another nine studies were included following an updated search. There were 43 trials and 20 before-and-after studies. We included 31 studies in our meta-analysis. Systolic blood pressure was decreased through task sharing in different groups of health-care workers: the mean difference was -5·34 mm Hg (95% CI -9·00 to -1·67, I2=84%) for task sharing with nurses, -8·12 mm Hg (-10·23 to -6·01, I2=57%) for pharmacists, -4·67 mm Hg (-7·09 to -2·24, I2=0%) for dietitians, -3·67 mm Hg (-4·58 to -2·77, I2=24%) for community health workers, and -4·85 mm Hg (-6·12 to -3·57, I2=76%) overall. We found a similar reduction in diastolic blood pressure (overall mean difference -2·92 mm Hg, -3·75 to -2·09, I2=80%). The overall quality of evidence based on GRADE criteria was moderate for systolic blood pressure, but low for diastolic blood pressure. INTERPRETATION Task-sharing interventions are effective in reducing blood pressure. Long-term studies are needed to understand their potential impact on cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. FUNDING Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- T N Anand
- Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, India
| | | | - A V Geetha
- Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Dorairaj Prabhakaran
- Centre for Chronic Disease Control, New Delhi, India; Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India; London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Panniyammakal Jeemon
- Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
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