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Grisel B, Adisa O, Sakita FM, Tarimo TG, Kweka GL, Mlangi JJ, Maro AV, Yamamoto M, Coaxum L, Arthur D, Limkakeng AT, Hertz JT. Evaluating the performance of the HEART score in a Tanzanian emergency department. Acad Emerg Med 2024; 31:361-370. [PMID: 38400615 PMCID: PMC11060095 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The HEART score successfully risk stratifies emergency department (ED) patients with chest pain in high-income settings. However, this tool has not been validated in low-income countries. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study that was conducted in a Tanzanian ED from January 2019 through January 2023. Adult patients with chest pain were consecutively enrolled, and their presenting symptoms and medical history were recorded. Electrocardiograms and point-of-care troponin assays were obtained for all participants. Thirty-day follow-up was conducted, assessing for major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as death, myocardial infarction, or coronary revascularization (coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous coronary intervention). HEART scores were calculated for all participants. Likelihood ratios, sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values (NPVs) were calculated for each HEART cutoff score to predict 30-day MACEs, and area under the curve (AUC) was calculated from the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS Of 927 participants with chest pain, the median (IQR) age was 61 (45.5-74.0) years. Of participants, 216 (23.3%) patients experienced 30-day MACEs, including 163 (17.6%) who died, 48 (5.2%) with myocardial infarction, and 23 (2.5%) with coronary revascularization. The positive likelihood ratio for each cutoff score ranged from 1.023 (95% CI 1.004-1.042; cutoff ≥ 1) to 3.556 (95% CI 1.929-6.555; cutoff ≥ 7). The recommended cutoff of ≥4 to identify patients at high risk of MACEs yielded a sensitivity of 59.4%, specificity of 52.8%, and NPV of 74.7%. The AUC was 0.61. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with chest pain in a Tanzanian ED, the HEART score did not perform as well as in high-income settings. Locally validated risk stratification tools are needed for ED patients with chest pain in low-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braylee Grisel
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Olanrewaju Adisa
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Francis M Sakita
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Tumsifu G Tarimo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Godfrey L Kweka
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Jerome J Mlangi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Amedeus V Maro
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Marilyn Yamamoto
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren Coaxum
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - David Arthur
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexander T Limkakeng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Julian T Hertz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Hertz JT, Stark K, Sakita FM, Mlangi JJ, Kweka GL, Prattipati S, Shayo F, Kaboigora V, Mtui J, Isack MN, Kindishe EM, Ngelengi DJ, Limkakeng AT, Thielman NM, Bloomfield GS, Bettger JP, Tarimo TG. Adapting an Intervention to Improve Acute Myocardial Infarction Care in Tanzania: Co-Design of the MIMIC Intervention. Ann Glob Health 2024; 90:21. [PMID: 38495415 PMCID: PMC10941691 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Uptake of evidence-based care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is suboptimal in Tanzania, but there are currently no published interventions to improve AMI care in sub-Saharan Africa. Objectives Co-design a quality improvement intervention for AMI care tailored to local contextual factors. Methods An interdisciplinary design team consisting of 20 physicians, nurses, implementation scientists, and administrators met from June 2022 through August 2023. Half of the design team consisted of representatives from the target audience, emergency department physicians and nurses at a referral hospital in northern Tanzania. The design team reviewed multiple published quality improvement interventions focusing on ED-based AMI care. After selecting a multicomponent intervention to improve AMI care in Brazil (BRIDGE-ACS), the design team used the ADAPT-ITT framework to adapt the intervention to the local context. Findings The design team audited current AMI care processes at the study hospital and reviewed qualitative data regarding barriers to care. Multiple adaptations were made to the original BRIDGE-ACS intervention to suit the local context, including re-designing the physician reminder system and adding patient educational materials. Additional feedback was sought from topical experts, including patients with AMI. Draft intervention materials were iteratively refined in response to feedback from experts and the design team. The finalized intervention, Multicomponent Intervention to Improve Myocardial Infarction Care in Tanzania (MIMIC), consisted of five core components: physician reminders, pocket cards, champions, provider training, and patient education. Conclusion MIMIC is the first locally tailored intervention to improve AMI care in sub-Saharan Africa. Future studies will evaluate implementation outcomes and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian T. Hertz
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kristen Stark
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Francis M. Sakita
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Frida Shayo
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Julius Mtui
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Alexander T. Limkakeng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nathan M. Thielman
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gerald S. Bloomfield
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Janet P. Bettger
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Hassan MO, Ahmed SA, Hassan MS, Mohamud MA, Abdi AE. Exploring Myocardial Infarction Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Among Mogadishu's Somali Residents. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2024; 20:13-20. [PMID: 38192439 PMCID: PMC10771794 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s448220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Myocardial infarction and cardiovascular disease are significant global health issues, particularly in Somalia. The Somali population faces challenges due to armed conflict, limited education, and underdeveloped healthcare infrastructure. Cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are prevalent, and Somali people face increased susceptibility. Methods This study examined Somalia residents' perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors towards myocardial infarction using a cross-sectional paper-based questionnaire. The sample consisted of 313 urban residents in Mogadishu, aged 20 and above. The questionnaire was written in Somali and was designed for the demographic. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were categorized into two groups, with associations between knowledge, attitude, and practice with sociodemographic and health characteristics assessed using Logistic Regression. Results This study analyzed data from A random sample of participants who arrived at the hospital for various reasons regarding their perceptions, attitudes, and responses towards myocardial infarction. The mean age was 42 ±19 years, with 54% being male and 46% female. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity, followed by dyslipidemia and diabetes. Over half of the respondents had no formal education, and only 3.8% had a smoking history. About 5.7% had a previous history of myocardial infarction. The mean knowledge score was 11.07 ± 0.697, with 53.35% of respondents not knowing enough about myocardial infarction. The majority of the patients showed a favorable attitude, but only a slight majority could recognize symptoms of myocardial infarction. The majority of the patients had inadequate practice and behavior, with 53.6% not practicing regularly or engaging in sports. Conclusion The research highlights gaps in Mogadishu's Somali community's knowledge and practices regarding myocardial infarction. It emphasizes the need for health education, primary care, and community involvement to improve cardiovascular health awareness and reduce MI incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Omar Hassan
- Department of Cardiology, Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia
| | - Said Abdirahman Ahmed
- Department of Cardiology, Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia
| | - Mohamed Sheikh Hassan
- Department of Neurology, Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia
| | - Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamud
- Department of Cardiology, Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia
| | - Ahmed Elmi Abdi
- Department of Cardiology, Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia
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Prattipati S, Tarimo TG, Kweka GL, Mlangi JJ, Samuel D, Sakita FM, Tupetz A, Bettger JP, Thielman NM, Temu G, Hertz JT. Patient and provider perspectives on barriers to myocardial infarction care among persons with human immunodeficiency virus in Tanzania: A qualitative study. Int J STD AIDS 2024; 35:18-24. [PMID: 37703080 PMCID: PMC11139408 DOI: 10.1177/09564624231199507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with HIV (PLWH) have an increased risk myocardial infarction (MI), and evidence suggests that MI is under-diagnosed in Tanzania. However, little is known about barriers to MI care among PLWH in the region. METHODS In this qualitative study grounded in phenomenology, semi-structured interviews were conducted in northern Tanzania. Purposive sampling was used to recruit a diverse group of providers who care for PLWH and patients with HIV and electrocardiographic evidence of prior MI. Emergent themes were identified via inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS 24 physician and patient participants were interviewed. Most participants explained MI as caused by emotional shock and were unaware of the association between HIV and increased MI risk. Providers described poor provider training regarding MI, high out-of-pocket costs, and lack of diagnostic equipment and medications. Patients reported little engagement with and limited knowledge of cardiovascular care, despite high engagement with HIV care. Most provider and patient participants indicated that they would prefer to integrate cardiovascular care with routine HIV care. CONCLUSIONS PLWH face many barriers to MI care in Tanzania. There is a need for multifaceted interventions to educate providers and patients, improve access to MI diagnosis, and increase engagement with cardiovascular care among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Francis M Sakita
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Anna Tupetz
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Janet P Bettger
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nathan M Thielman
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gloria Temu
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Julian T Hertz
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Singhal K, Prasad P, Asati A, Melwani V. Assessing the Risk Perception and Knowledge Regarding Cardiovascular Diseases in Patients With Hypertension and Diabetes in Central India: A Mixed-Methods Study. Cureus 2023; 15:e43935. [PMID: 37746382 PMCID: PMC10513351 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The perceptions of patients can be important in health-related behaviors and disease prognosis. Thus, this study aimed to determine the risk perception and knowledge of hypertensive and diabetic patients. Methodology The study was conducted among 264 patients with diabetes and/or hypertension. A sequential exploratory mixed-methods design was used, which initially identified themes related to risk perception about CVDs among patients. Knowledge and risk perception about CVDs were quantified using a survey derived from predefined themes. CVD knowledge scores were categorized into low, intermediate, and high scores, and the trends of risk perception were studied across this spectrum of cardiovascular knowledge. Results The age of the participants ranged from 30 to 78 years. Overall, 57.19% of the participants were males, whereas 42.80% were females. The qualitative results revealed that the sources of knowledge about CVDs, physical activity, and maintaining a nutritious diet included family, friends, and media. On the other hand, doctors played a significant role in influencing perceptions related to medications. The observation of complications related to CVDs and the fear of mortality played a pivotal role in shaping the perception regarding the seriousness of the condition. Perceived susceptibility was low if there was unawareness of protection through medications and lifestyle changes, but it was high with stress or heredity. The analysis of CVD knowledge and risk perception survey data revealed the median CVD knowledge score to be 12 (interquartile range = 7.5-13), which showed a significant association with education and socioeconomic status (p < 0.05). The distribution of risk perception scores across the spectrum of CVD knowledge scores depicted that participants with higher scores agreed more with CVDs being serious and their susceptibility to them. Conclusions Despite having high knowledge scores regarding CVDs, the study population had average risk perception. Patient risk perceptions should be evaluated as it affects the health-seeking behavior and prognosis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Singhal
- Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Bhopal, IND
| | - Pankaj Prasad
- Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Bhopal, IND
| | - Alka Asati
- Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, Bhopal, IND
| | - Veena Melwani
- Community Medicine, LN Medical College & JK Hospital, Bhopal, IND
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Rahim FO, Jain B, Bloomfield GS, Jain P, Rugakingira A, Thielman NM, Sakita F, Hertz JT. A holistic framework to integrate HIV and cardiovascular disease care in sub-Saharan Africa. AIDS 2023; 37:1497-1502. [PMID: 37199570 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Faraan O Rahim
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Bhav Jain
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Gerald S Bloomfield
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Pankaj Jain
- Highmark Health, Pittsburgh
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Nathan M Thielman
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Francis Sakita
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Julian T Hertz
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Yao Y, Yin H, Xu C, Chen D, Shao L, Guan Q, Wang R. Assessing myocardial infarction severity from the urban environment perspective in Wuhan, China. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 317:115438. [PMID: 35653844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Health inequalities are globally widespread due to the regional socioeconomic inequalities. Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading health problem causing deaths worldwide. Yet medical services for it are often inequitably distributed by region. Moreover, studies concerning MI's potential spatial risk factors generally suffer from difficulties in focusing on too few factors, inappropriate models, and coarse spatial grain of data. To address these issues, this paper integrates registered 1098 MI cases and urban multi-source spatio-temporal big data, and spatially analyses the risk factors for MI severity by applying an advanced interpretable model, the random forest algorithm (RFA)-based SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) model. In addition, a community-scale model between spatio-temporal risk factors and MI cases is constructed to predict the MI severity of all communities in Wuhan, China. The results suggest that those risk factors (i.e., age of patients, medical quality, temperature changes, air pollution and urban habitat) affect the MI severity at the community scale. We found that Wuhan residents in the downtown area are at risk for high MI severity, and the surrounding suburb areas show a donut-shape pattern of risk for medium-to-high MI severity. These patterns draw our attention to the impact of spatial environmental risk factors on MI severity. Thus, this paper provides three recommendations for urban planning to reduce the risk and mortality from severe MI in the aspect of policy implication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yao
- School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, Hubei province, PR China.
| | - Hanyu Yin
- School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei province, PR China.
| | - Changwu Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
| | - Dongsheng Chen
- China Regional Coordinated Development and Rural Construction Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong Province, PR China.
| | - Ledi Shao
- School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, Hubei province, PR China.
| | - Qingfeng Guan
- School of Geography and Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430078, Hubei province, PR China.
| | - Ruoyu Wang
- UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health/Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
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Hertz JT, Sakita FM, Kweka GL, Loring Z, Thielman NM, Temu G, Bartlett JA. Healthcare-seeking behaviour, barriers to care and predictors of symptom improvement among patients with cardiovascular disease in northern Tanzania. Int Health 2022; 14:373-380. [PMID: 31840178 PMCID: PMC9248051 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihz095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about healthcare-seeking behaviour and barriers to care for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS Emergency department patients in Tanzania with acute CVD were prospectively enrolled. Questionnaires were administered at enrollment and 30 d later. RESULTS Of 241 patients, 186 (77.2%) had visited another facility for the same illness episode (median symptom duration prior to presentation was 7 d) and 82 (34.0%) reported that they were initially unaware of the potential seriousness of their symptoms. Of the 208 (86.3%) patients completing follow-up, 16 (7.7%) had died, 38 (18.3%) had visited another facility for persistent symptoms, 99 (47.6%) felt they understood their diagnosis, 87 (41.8%) felt they understood their treatment and 11 (7.8%) could identify any of their medications. Predictors of 30 d survival with symptom improvement included medication compliance (p<0.001), understanding the diagnosis (p=0.007), understanding the treatment (p<0.001) and greater CVD knowledge (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS Patients with CVD in Tanzania usually visit multiple facilities for the same illness episode, typically after prolonged delays. Only a minority understand their diagnosis and treatment, and such understanding is correlated with survival with symptom improvement. Patient-centred interventions are needed to improve the quality of cardiovascular care in Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian T Hertz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Francis M Sakita
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Godfrey L Kweka
- Kilimanjaro Christian Research Institute, PO Box 2236, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Zak Loring
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, 300 W Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
| | - Nathan M Thielman
- Duke Global Health Institute, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Gloria Temu
- Department of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - John A Bartlett
- Duke Global Health Institute, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Hertz JT, Madut DB, Rubach MP, William G, Crump JA, Galson SW, Maro VP, Bloomfield GS, Limkakeng AT, Temu G, Thielman NM, Sakita FM. Incidence of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Northern Tanzania: A Modeling Approach Within a Prospective Observational Study. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e021004. [PMID: 34320841 PMCID: PMC8475708 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.121.021004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Rigorous incidence data for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in sub‐Saharan Africa are lacking. Consequently, modeling studies based on limited data have suggested that the burden of AMI and AMI‐associated mortality in sub‐Saharan Africa is lower than in other world regions. Methods and Results We estimated the incidence of AMI in northern Tanzania in 2019 by integrating data from a prospective surveillance study (681 participants) and a community survey of healthcare‐seeking behavior (718 participants). In the surveillance study, adults presenting to an emergency department with chest pain or shortness of breath were screened for AMI with ECG and troponin testing. AMI was defined by the Fourth Universal Definition of AMI criteria. Mortality was assessed 30 days following enrollment via in‐person or telephone interviews. In the cluster‐based community survey, adults in northern Tanzania were asked where they would present for chest pain or shortness of breath. Multipliers were applied to account for AMI cases that would have been missed by our surveillance methods. The estimated annual incidence of AMI was 172 (207 among men and 139 among women) cases per 100 000 people. The age‐standardized annual incidence was 211 (263 among men and 170 among women) per 100 000 people. The estimated annual incidence of AMI‐associated mortality was 87 deaths per 100 000 people, and the age‐standardized annual incidence was 102 deaths per 100 000 people. Conclusions The incidence of AMI and AMI‐associated mortality in northern Tanzania is much higher than previously estimated and similar to that observed in high‐income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian T Hertz
- Duke University School of Medicine Durham NC.,Duke Global Health Institute Durham NC
| | | | - Matthew P Rubach
- Duke University School of Medicine Durham NC.,Duke Global Health Institute Durham NC
| | | | - John A Crump
- Otago Global Health Institute Dunedin New Zealand
| | | | | | - Gerald S Bloomfield
- Duke University School of Medicine Durham NC.,Duke Global Health Institute Durham NC
| | | | - Gloria Temu
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Moshi Tanzania
| | - Nathan M Thielman
- Duke University School of Medicine Durham NC.,Duke Global Health Institute Durham NC
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Shah B, Krishnan N, Kodish SR, Yenokyan G, Fatema K, Burhan Uddin K, Rahman AKMF, Razzak J. Applying the Three Delays Model to understand emergency care seeking and delivery in rural Bangladesh: a qualitative study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e042690. [PMID: 33361169 PMCID: PMC7759951 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Three Delays Model has been commonly used to understand and prevent maternal mortality but has not been systematically applied to emergency medical conditions more generally. The objective of this study was to identify delays in emergency medical care seeking and delivery in rural Bangladesh and factors contributing to these delays by using the Three Delays Model as a framework. DESIGN A qualitative approach was used. Data were collected through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews using semistructured guides. Two analysts jointly developed a codebook iteratively and conducted a thematic analysis to triangulate results. SETTING Six unions in Raiganj subdistrict of Bangladesh. PARTICIPANTS Eight focus group discussions with community members (n=59) and eight in-depth interviews with healthcare providers. RESULTS Delays in the decision to seek care and timely receipt of care on reaching a health facility were most prominent. The main factors influencing care-seeking decisions included ability to recognise symptoms and decision-making power. Staff and resource shortages and lack of training contributed to delays in receiving care. Delay in reaching care was not perceived as a salient barrier. Both community members and healthcare providers expressed interest in receiving training to improve management of emergency conditions. CONCLUSIONS The Three Delays Model is a practical framework that can be useful for understanding barriers to emergency care and developing more tailored interventions. In rural Bangladesh, training community members and healthcare providers to recognise symptoms and manage acute conditions can reduce delays in care seeking and receiving adequate care at health facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bansari Shah
- Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nandita Krishnan
- Prevention and Community Health, The George Washington University Milken Institute of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stephen R Kodish
- Nutritional Sciences and Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gayane Yenokyan
- Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kaniz Fatema
- Center for Injury Prevention and Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Junaid Razzak
- Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Hertz JT, Sakita FM, Kweka GL, Limkakeng AT, Galson SW, Ye JJ, Tarimo TG, Temu G, Thielman NM, Bettger JP, Bartlett JA, Mmbaga BT, Bloomfield GS. Acute myocardial infarction under-diagnosis and mortality in a Tanzanian emergency department: A prospective observational study. Am Heart J 2020; 226:214-221. [PMID: 32619815 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahj.2020.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence suggests that under-diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) may be common in sub-Saharan Africa. Prospective studies of routine AMI screening among patients presenting to emergency departments in sub-Saharan Africa are lacking. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of AMI among patients in a Tanzanian emergency department. METHODS In a prospective observational study, consecutive adult patients presenting with chest pain or shortness of breath to a referral hospital emergency department in northern Tanzania were enrolled. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and troponin testing were performed for all participants to diagnose AMI types according to the Fourth Universal Definition. All ECGs were interpreted by two independent physician judges. ECGs suggesting ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were further reviewed by additional judges. Mortality was assessed 30 days following enrollment. RESULTS Of 681 enrolled participants, 152 (22.3%) had AMI, including 61 STEMIs and 91 non-STEMIS (NSTEMIs). Of AMI patients, 91 (59.9%) were male, mean (SD) age was 61.2 (18.5) years, and mean (SD) duration of symptoms prior to presentation was 6.6 (12.2) days. In the emergency department, 35 (23.0%) AMI patients received aspirin and none received thrombolytics. Of 150 (98.7%) AMI patients completing 30-day follow-up, 65 (43.3%) had died. CONCLUSIONS In a northern Tanzanian emergency department, AMI is common, rarely treated with evidence-based therapies, and associated with high mortality. Interventions are needed to improve AMI diagnosis, care, and outcomes.
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Hertz JT, Kweka GL, Manavalan P, Watt MH, Sakita FM. Provider-perceived barriers to diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndrome in Tanzania: a qualitative study. Int Health 2020; 12:148-154. [PMID: 31329876 PMCID: PMC7017879 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihz061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is growing across sub-Saharan Africa and many healthcare systems are ill-equipped for this growing burden. Evidence suggests that healthcare providers may be underdiagnosing and undertreating ACS, leading to poor health outcomes. The goal of this study was to examine provider perspectives on barriers to ACS care in Tanzania in order to identify opportunities for interventions to improve care. Methods Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with physicians and clinical officers from emergency departments and outpatient departments in northern Tanzania. Thematic analysis was conducted using an iterative cycle of coding and consensus building. Results The 11 participants included six physicians and five clinical officers from health centers, community hospitals and one referral hospital. Providers identified barriers related to providers, systems and patients. Provider-related barriers included inadequate training regarding ACS and poor application of textbook-based knowledge. System-related barriers included lack of diagnostic equipment, unavailability of treatments, referral system delays, lack of data regarding disease burden, absence of locally relevant guidelines and cost of care. Patient-related barriers included inadequate ACS knowledge, inappropriate healthcare-seeking behavior and non-adherence. Conclusions This study identified actionable barriers to ACS care in northern Tanzania. Multifaceted interventions are urgently needed to improve care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian T Hertz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Godfrey L Kweka
- Kilimanjaro Christian Research Institute, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Preeti Manavalan
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Melissa H Watt
- Duke Global Health Institute, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Francis M Sakita
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
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13
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Patterns of Emergency Care for Possible Acute Coronary Syndrome Among Patients with Chest Pain or Shortness of Breath at a Tanzanian Referral Hospital. Glob Heart 2020; 15:9. [PMID: 32489782 PMCID: PMC7218785 DOI: 10.5334/gh.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is thought to be a rare diagnosis in sub-Saharan Africa, but little is known about diagnostic practices for patients with possible ACS symptoms in the region. Objective To describe current care practices for patients with ACS symptoms in Tanzania to identify factors that may contribute to ACS under-detection. Methods Emergency department patients with chest pain or shortness of breath at a Tanzanian referral hospital were prospectively observed. Medical histories were obtained, and diagnostic workups, treatments, and diagnoses were recorded. Five-year risk of cardiovascular events was calculated via the Harvard National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey risk score. Telephone follow-ups were conducted 30 days after enrollment. Results Of 339 enrolled patients, the median (IQR) age was 60 (46, 72) years, 252 (74.3%) had hypertension, and 222 (65.5%) had >10% five-year risk of cardiovascular event. The median duration of symptoms prior to presentation was 7 days, and 314 (92.6%) reported symptoms worsened by exertion. Of participants, 170 (50.1%) received an electrocardiogram, and 9 (2.7%) underwent cardiac biomarker testing. There was no univariate association between five-year cardiovascular risk and decision to obtain an electrocardiogram (p = 0.595). The most common physician-documented diagnoses were symptomatic hypertension (104 patients, 30.7%) and heart failure (99 patients, 29.2%). Six patients (1.8%) were diagnosed with ACS, and 3 (0.9%) received aspirin. Among 284 (83.8%) patients completing 30-day follow-up, 20 (7.0%) had died. Conclusions Many patients with ACS risk factors present to the emergency department of a Tanzanian referral hospital with possible ACS symptoms, but marked delays in care-seeking are common. Complete diagnostic workups for ACS are uncommon, ACS is rarely diagnosed or treated with evidence-based therapies, and mortality in patients with these symptoms is high. Physician practices may be contributing to ACS under-detection in Tanzania, and interventions are needed to improve ACS care.
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Hertz JT, Sakita FM, Limkakeng AT, Mmbaga BT, Appiah LT, Bartlett JA, Galson SW. The burden of acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, and stroke among emergency department admissions in Tanzania: A retrospective observational study. Afr J Emerg Med 2019; 9:180-184. [PMID: 31890481 PMCID: PMC6933214 DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The prevalence of cardiovascular disease in sub-Saharan Africa is substantial and growing. Much remains to be learned about the relative burden of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), heart failure, and stroke on emergency departments and hospital admissions. Methods A retrospective chart review of admissions from September 2017 through March 2018 was conducted at the emergency department of a tertiary care center in northern Tanzania. Stroke admission volume was compared to previously published data from the same hospital and adjusted for population growth. Results Of 2418 adult admissions, heart failure and stroke were the two most common admission diagnoses, accounting for 294 (12.2%) and 204 (8.4%) admissions, respectively. ACS was uncommon, accounting for 9 (0.3%) admissions. Of patients admitted for heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension was the most commonly identified etiology of heart failure, cited in 124 (42.2%) cases. Ischemic heart disease was cited as the etiology in only 1 (0.3%) case. Adjusting for population growth, the annual volume of stroke admissions increased 70-fold in 43 years, from 2.9 admissions per 100,000 population in 1974 to 202.2 admissions per 100,000 in 2017. Conclusions The burden of heart failure and stroke on hospital admissions in Tanzania is substantial, and the volume of stroke admissions is rising precipitously. ACS is a rare diagnosis, and the distribution of cardiovascular disease phenotypes in Tanzania differs from what has been observed outside of Africa. Further research is needed to ascertain the reasons for these differences. In northern Tanzania, acute coronary syndrome is a rare admission diagnosis Heart failure and stroke are the most common admission diagnoses The burden of stroke admissions in this community is rising rapidly
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian T. Hertz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
- Duke Global Health Institute, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
- Corresponding author at: Duke Global Health Institute, Box 102359, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America.
| | - Francis M. Sakita
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Alexander T. Limkakeng
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Blandina T. Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Christian Research Institute, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Lambert T. Appiah
- Department of Cardiology, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, PO Box 1934, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - John A. Bartlett
- Duke Global Health Institute, 310 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Sophie W. Galson
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
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Hertz JT, Sakita FM, Manavalan P, Mmbaga BT, Thielman NM, Staton CA. Knowledge, attitudes, and preventative practices regarding ischemic heart disease among emergency department patients in northern Tanzania. Public Health 2019; 175:60-67. [PMID: 31401252 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2019.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study is to increase understanding of knowledge, attitudes, and preventative practices regarding ischemic heart disease (IHD) in sub-Saharan Africa in order to develop patient-centered interventions to improve care and outcomes. STUDY DESIGN This is a prospective observational study. METHODS Adult patients presenting with chest pain or shortness of breath to an emergency department in northern Tanzania were enrolled. A questionnaire was adapted from existing knowledge attitude and practice surveys regarding cardiovascular disease and the WHO STEPS instrument. Individual five-year risk of cardiovascular event was determined by validated models based on age, sex, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, diabetes, and smoking status. An IHD knowledge score was calculated by giving one point for each correct response to the knowledge-related items, with a maximum score of 10. Associations between IHD knowledge and patient characteristics were assessed by Welch's t-test. RESULTS A total of 349 patients were enrolled, with median interquartile range (IQR) age 60 (45, 72) years. Of participants, 259 (74.2%) had hypertension, and 228 (65.3%) had greater than 10% five-year risk of cardiovascular event. The mean (SD) knowledge score was 4.8 (3.3). The majority of respondents (224, 64.2%) recognized obesity as a risk factor for heart attack, while a minority (34, 9.7%) knew that a daily aspirin could reduce the risk of cardiovascular event. Greater IHD knowledge was associated with younger age (P = 0.045) and higher levels of education (P < 0.001) but not higher risk of cardiovascular disease (P = 0.123). Most respondents expressed a willingness to diet to improve their health (322, 92.3%) and a preference for treatment from a physician rather than a traditional healer for a heart attack (321, 92.0%). A minority of patients reported exercising regularly (88, 25.2%) or seeing a doctor routinely for checkups (100, 28.7%). CONCLUSIONS High-risk emergency department patients in northern Tanzania have moderate knowledge regarding IHD but do not consistently engage in healthy preventive practices. Patient-centered interventions are needed to improve IHD knowledge and practices in high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Hertz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - F M Sakita
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - P Manavalan
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - B T Mmbaga
- Kilimanjaro Christian Research Institute, Tumaini University, PO Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - N M Thielman
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - C A Staton
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University, 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, 310 Trent Dr, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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