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Nunemo MH, Gidebo KD, Woticha EW, Lemu YK. Integration Challenges and Opportunity of Implementing Non-Communicable Disease Screening Intervention with Tuberculosis Patient Care: A Mixed Implementation Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:2609-2633. [PMID: 38045564 PMCID: PMC10693204 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s432943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the comorbidity, early detection and treatment of the two diseases are highly recommended; however, a few pilot studies were conducted, which are mainly focused on diabetes mellitus screening and the integration opportunity and challenges were not known. The study aimed to identify integrated implementation challenges and opportunities of non-communicable disease and risk factors screening intervention with tuberculosis patient care. Methods A mixed implementation study design was used. Data were collected from a sample of 443 tuberculosis patients, 21 key informants and facility observations. For quantitative data, descriptive statistics for proportion were summarized in tables and figures. Four distinct implementation frame was adapted for thematic analysis of audio recordings, daily verbatim transcription, and descriptive field notes. Results The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus among tuberculosis patients were 6.55% and 5.64%, respectively. Totally 9 subthemes and 21 new codes were developed, of which 13 and 8 new codes were developed for integrated implementation challenges and opportunities, respectively. The absence of medical equipment, skill and knowledge training, record and report system, cooperative integration, feedback, referral system, shortage of supporting agencies, and services not free were external challenges, whereas lack of trained health workers, focal persons, and increased workload and absence of awareness creation were internal challenges. Despite the challenges, the presence of health extension programs, non-governmental organizations, community health care insurance and associations for diabetes mellitus were external opportunities. Availability of assigned focal persons, trained stakeholders, guidelines, information systems and compatible tuberculosis program structure were internal opportunities. Conclusion The majority of TB patients were not comorbid with NCDs. We build a favourable system for integrated implementation developing an integration platform and structural authority at a different organization by addressing identified challenges and applying facilitators is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kassa Daka Gidebo
- Department of Public Health, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita, South Region, Ethiopia
| | | | - Yohannes Kebede Lemu
- Department of Health, Behaviour and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
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2
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Kyrbashov B, Kulzhabaeva A, Kadyrov A, Toktogonova A, Timire C, Satyanarayana S, Istamov K. Time to Treatment and Risk Factors for Unsuccessful Treatment Outcomes among People Who Started Second-Line Treatment for Rifampicin-Resistant or Multi-Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis in the Kyrgyz Republic, 2021. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:407. [PMID: 37624346 PMCID: PMC10459505 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8080407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The Kyrgyz Republic is a high-burden country for rifampicin resistant/multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB). TB control efforts rely on early diagnosis and initiation of people on effective regimens. We studied the interval from diagnosis of RR-TB to starting treatment and risk factors for unsuccessful outcomes among people who started RR/MDR-TB treatment in 2021. We conducted a cohort study using country-wide programme data and used binomial regression to determine associations between unsuccessful outcomes and predictor variables. Of the 535 people included in the study, three-quarters were in the age category 18-59 years, and 68% had past history of TB. The median (IQR) time from onset of TB symptoms to diagnosis was 30 (11-62) days, 1 (0-4) days from diagnosis to starting treatment, and 35 (24-65) days from starting treatment to receipt of second-line drug susceptibility test (SL-DST) results. Overall, 136 (25%) had unsuccessful outcomes. Risk factors for unsuccessful outcomes were being homeless, fluroquinolone resistance, having unknown HIV status, past TB treatment, male gender and being unemployed. Treatment outcomes and the interval from diagnosis to starting treatment were commendable. Further reductions in unsuccessful outcomes by be achieved through ensuring timely diagnosis and access to SL-DSTs and by reducing the proportion of people who are lost to follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bolot Kyrbashov
- National Center for Phthisiology, Bishkek 720020, Kyrgyzstan; (A.K.); (A.T.)
| | - Aizat Kulzhabaeva
- Public Foundation KNCV-KG, Bishkek 720000, Kyrgyzstan;
- Public Health Department, Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Bishkek 720020, Kyrgyzstan
| | - Abdullaat Kadyrov
- National Center for Phthisiology, Bishkek 720020, Kyrgyzstan; (A.K.); (A.T.)
| | - Atyrkul Toktogonova
- National Center for Phthisiology, Bishkek 720020, Kyrgyzstan; (A.K.); (A.T.)
| | - Collins Timire
- International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 2 Rue Jean Lantier, 75001 Paris, France; (C.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Srinath Satyanarayana
- International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, 2 Rue Jean Lantier, 75001 Paris, France; (C.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Kylychbek Istamov
- School of Medicine, Osh State University, Osh City 723500, Kyrgyzstan;
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Zvinoera K, Olaru ID, Khan P, Mutsvangwa J, Denkinger CM, Kampira V, Coutinho D, Mutunzi H, Pepukai M, Chikaka E, Zinyowera S, Mharakurwa S, Kranzer K. The impact of changing the diagnostic algorithm for TB in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. Public Health Action 2021; 11:196-201. [PMID: 34956848 DOI: 10.5588/pha.21.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
SETTING Governmental health facilities performing TB diagnostics in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of making Xpert® MTB/RIF the primary TB diagnostic for all patients presenting with presumptive TB on 1) the number of samples investigated for TB, 2) the proportion testing TB-positive, and 3) the proportion of unsuccessful results over time. DESIGN This retrospective study used data from GeneX-pert downloads, laboratory registers and quality assurance reports between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. RESULTS The total number of Xpert tests performed in Manicaland increased from 3,967 in the first quarter of 2017 to 7,011 in the last quarter of 2018. Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA was detected in 4.9-8.6% of the samples investigated using Xpert, with a higher yield in 2017 than in 2018. The overall proportion of unsuccessful Xpert assays due to "no results", errors and invalid results was 6.3%, and highly variable across sites. CONCLUSION Roll out of more sensitive TB diagnostics does not necessarily result in an increase of microbiologically confirmed TB diagnosis. While the number of samples tested using Xpert increased, the proportion of TB-positive tests decreased. GeneXpert soft- and hardware infrastructure needs to be strengthened to reduce the rate of unsuccessful assays and therefore, costs and staff time.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Zvinoera
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Mutare Provincial Hospital, Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | - I D Olaru
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - P Khan
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - J Mutsvangwa
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - C M Denkinger
- Division of Tropical Medicine, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - V Kampira
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Mutare Provincial Hospital, Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | - D Coutinho
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Mutare Provincial Hospital, Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | - H Mutunzi
- AIDS and TB Department, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - M Pepukai
- Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - E Chikaka
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Natural Sciences, Africa University, Old Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | - S Zinyowera
- National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - S Mharakurwa
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Natural Sciences, Africa University, Old Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | - K Kranzer
- Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Biomedical Research and Training Institute, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Chirenda J, Nhlema Simwaka B, Sandy C, Bodnar K, Corbin S, Desai P, Mapako T, Shamu S, Timire C, Antonio E, Makone A, Birikorang A, Mapuranga T, Ngwenya M, Masunda T, Dube M, Wandwalo E, Morrison L, Kaplan R. A feasibility study using time-driven activity-based costing as a management tool for provider cost estimation: lessons from the national TB control program in Zimbabwe in 2018. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:242. [PMID: 33736629 PMCID: PMC7977596 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06212-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Insufficient cost data and limited capacity constrains the understanding of the actual resources required for effective TB control. This study used process maps and time-driven activity-based costing to document TB service delivery processes. The analysis identified the resources required to sustain TB services in Zimbabwe, as well as several opportunities for more effective and efficient use of available resources. Methods A multi-disciplinary team applied time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) to develop process maps and measure the cost of clinical pathways used for Drug Susceptible TB (DS-TB) at urban polyclinics, rural district and provincial hospitals, and community based targeted screening for TB (Tas4TB). The team performed interviews and observations to collect data on the time taken by health care worker-patient pairs at every stage of the treatment pathway. The personnel’s practical capacity and capacity cost rates were calculated on five cost domains. An MS Excel model calculated diagnostic and treatment costs. Findings Twenty-five stages were identified in the TB care pathway across all health facilities except for community targeted screening for TB. Considerable variations were observed among the facilities in how health care professionals performed client registration, taking of vital signs, treatment follow-up, dispensing medicines and processing samples. The average cost per patient for the entire DS-TB care was USD324 with diagnosis costing USD69 and treatment costing USD255. The average cost for diagnosis and treatment was higher in clinics than in hospitals (USD392 versus USD256). Nurses in clinics were 1.6 time more expensive than in hospitals. The main cost components were personnel (USD130) and laboratory (USD119). Diagnostic cost in Tas4TB was twice that of health facility setting (USD153 vs USD69), with major cost drivers being demand creation (USD89) and sputum specimen transportation (USD5 vs USD3). Conclusion TDABC is a feasible and effective costing and management tool in low-resource settings. The TDABC process maps and treatment costs revealed several opportunities for innovative improvements in the NTP under public health programme settings. Re-engineering laboratory testing processes and synchronising TB treatment follow-up with antiretroviral treatments could produce better and more uniform TB treatments at significantly lower cost in Zimbabwe.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Chirenda
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - B Nhlema Simwaka
- The Global Fund to Fight TB, HIV and Malaria, Global Health Campus, Chemin du Pommier 40, 1218 Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - C Sandy
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, National TB Control Program, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - K Bodnar
- Harvard Business School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Corbin
- The Global Fund to Fight TB, HIV and Malaria, Global Health Campus, Chemin du Pommier 40, 1218 Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - P Desai
- Harvard Business School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - T Mapako
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe.,National Blood Service, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - S Shamu
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - C Timire
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, National TB Control Program, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - E Antonio
- Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - A Makone
- Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - A Birikorang
- The Global Fund to Fight TB, HIV and Malaria, Global Health Campus, Chemin du Pommier 40, 1218 Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - T Mapuranga
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, National TB Control Program, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - M Ngwenya
- World Health Organisation, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - T Masunda
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, National TB Control Program, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - M Dube
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, National TB Control Program, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - E Wandwalo
- The Global Fund to Fight TB, HIV and Malaria, Global Health Campus, Chemin du Pommier 40, 1218 Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - L Morrison
- The Global Fund to Fight TB, HIV and Malaria, Global Health Campus, Chemin du Pommier 40, 1218 Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - R Kaplan
- Harvard Business School, Boston, MA, USA
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Oga-Omenka C, Bada F, Agbaje A, Dakum P, Menzies D, Zarowsky C. Ease and equity of access to free DR-TB services in Nigeria- a qualitative analysis of policies, structures and processes. Int J Equity Health 2020; 19:221. [PMID: 33302956 PMCID: PMC7731779 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-020-01342-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Persistent low rates of case notification and treatment coverage reflect that accessing diagnosis and treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in Nigeria remains a challenge, even though it is provided free of charge to patients. Equity in health access requires availability of comparable, appropriate services to all, based on needs, and irrespective of socio-demographic characteristics. Our study aimed to identify the reasons for Nigeria’s low rates of case-finding and treatment for DR-TB. To achieve this, we analyzed elements that facilitate or hinder equitable access for different groups of patients within the current health system to support DR-TB management in Nigeria. Methods We conducted documentary review of guidelines and workers manuals, as well as 57 qualitative interviews, including 10 focus group discussions, with a total of 127 participants, in Nigeria. Between August and November 2017, we interviewed patients who were on treatment, their treatment supporter, and providers in Ogun and Plateau States, as well as program managers in Benue and Abuja. We adapted and used Levesque’s patient-centered access to care framework to analyze DR-TB policy documents and interview data. Results Thematic analysis revealed inequitable access to DR-TB care for some patient socio-demographic groups. While patients were mostly treated equally at the facility level, some patients experienced more difficulty accessing care based on their gender, age, occupation, educational level and religion. Health system factors including positive provider attitudes and financial support provided to the patients facilitated equity and ease of access. However, limited coverage and the absence of patients’ access rights protection and considerations in the treatment guidelines and workers manuals likely hampered access. Conclusion In the context of Nigeria’s low case-finding and treatment coverage, applying an equity of access framework was necessary to highlight gaps in care. Differing social contexts of patients adversely affected their access to DR-TB care. We identified several strengths in DR-TB care delivery, including the current financial support that should be sustained. Our findings highlight the need for government’s commitment and continued interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charity Oga-Omenka
- The School of Public Health of the University of Montreal (ÉSPUM), 7101, Parc avenue, 3rd floor, Montreal, Quebec, H3N 1X9, Canada. .,Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal (CReSP), Montreal, Canada. .,McGill University International TB Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Florence Bada
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Aderonke Agbaje
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Patrick Dakum
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Dick Menzies
- McGill University International TB Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Christina Zarowsky
- The School of Public Health of the University of Montreal (ÉSPUM), 7101, Parc avenue, 3rd floor, Montreal, Quebec, H3N 1X9, Canada.,Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal (CReSP), Montreal, Canada.,School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Oga-Omenka C, Tseja-Akinrin A, Sen P, Mac-Seing M, Agbaje A, Menzies D, Zarowsky C. Factors influencing diagnosis and treatment initiation for multidrug-resistant/rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis in six sub-Saharan African countries: a mixed-methods systematic review. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:e002280. [PMID: 32616481 PMCID: PMC7333807 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-002280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug-resistant tuberculosis burdens fragile health systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), complicated by high prevalence of HIV. Several African countries reported large gaps between estimated incidence and diagnosed or treated cases. Our review aimed to identify barriers and facilitators influencing diagnosis and treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) in SSA, which is necessary to develop effective strategies to find the missing incident cases and improve quality of care. METHODS Using an integrative design, we reviewed and narratively synthesised qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies from nine electronic databases: Medline, Global Health, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, PubMed and Google Scholar (January 2006 to June 2019). RESULTS Of 3181 original studies identified, 55 full texts were screened, and 29 retained. The studies included were from 6 countries, mostly South Africa. Barriers and facilitators to DR-TB care were identified at the health system and patient levels. Predominant health system barriers were laboratory operational issues, provider knowledge and attitudes and information management. Facilitators included GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) diagnosis and decentralisation of services. At the patient level, predominant barriers were patients being lost to follow-up or dying due to lengthy diagnostic and treatment delays, negative public sector care perceptions, family, work or school commitments and using private sector care. Some patient-level facilitators were HIV positivity and having more symptoms. CONCLUSION Case detection and treatment for DR -TB in SSA currently relies on individual patients presenting voluntarily to the hospital for care. Specific interventions targeting identified barriers may improve rates and timeliness of detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charity Oga-Omenka
- École de santé publique de l'Université de Montréal (ESPUM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal (CReSP), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill International TB Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Paulami Sen
- McGill International TB Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Muriel Mac-Seing
- École de santé publique de l'Université de Montréal (ESPUM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal (CReSP), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Dick Menzies
- McGill International TB Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christina Zarowsky
- École de santé publique de l'Université de Montréal (ESPUM), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montréal (CReSP), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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