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Rubinos C, San-Juan D, Alva-Diaz C, Burneo J, Fernandez A, Mayor-Romero LC, Vidaurre J, Rios-Pohl L, Bruzzone MJ. Epilepsy Care in Latin America and the Caribbean: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities. Semin Neurol 2024; 44:130-146. [PMID: 38537703 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1782616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The burden of epilepsy in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region causes a profound regional impact on the health care system and significantly contributes to the global epilepsy burden. As in many other resource-limited settings worldwide, health care professionals and patients with epilepsy in LAC countries face profound challenges due to a combination of factors, including high disease prevalence, stigmatization of epilepsy, disparities in access to care, limited resources, substantial treatment gaps, insufficient training opportunities for health care providers, and a diverse patient population with varying needs. This article presents an overview of the epidemiology of epilepsy and discusses the principal obstacles to epilepsy care and key contributors to the epilepsy diagnosis and treatment gap in the LAC region. We conclude by highlighting various initiatives across different LAC countries to improve epilepsy care in marginalized communities, listing strategies to mitigate treatment gaps and facilitate better health care access for patients with epilepsy by enhancing the epilepsy workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clio Rubinos
- Division of Critical Care Neurology and Division of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Daniel San-Juan
- Epilepsy Clinic, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery Manuel Velasco Suárez, Epilepsy Service, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carlos Alva-Diaz
- Grupo de Investigación Neurociencia, Efectividad Clínica y Salud Pública, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Perú
- Servicio de Neurología, Departamento de Medicina y Oficina de Apoyo a la Docencia e Investigación, Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrión, Callao, Perú
| | - Jorge Burneo
- Epilepsy Program and Neuroepidemiology Unit, Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andres Fernandez
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Jorge Vidaurre
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Nicoletti A, Edoardo Cicero C, Todaro V, Colli C, Cosmi F, Anselmi M, Caicedo C, Vilte E, Mario Camargo W, Bartoloni A, Crespo Gomez EB, Giuliano L. Epilepsy and neurocysticercosis in rural areas of the Bolivian Chaco: What has changed during the last 30 years? Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:513-521. [PMID: 38016915 PMCID: PMC10984303 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12872] [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] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is considered the major cause of epilepsy in endemic regions. In the rural areas of the Bolivian Chaco prevalence of NCC among people with epilepsy (PWE) was 27.4%, according to a population-based survey carried out in 1994. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of Epilepsy Associated with Tonic-Clonic Seizures (EATCS) and to evaluate the prevalence of NCC among PWE in the rural communities of the Bolivian Chaco after 30 years. METHODS Twenty-two rural communities (total population 12 852) were involved in the study. PWE in the study area were ascertained by multiple sources and the diagnosis was confirmed by a neurologist. All PWE identified were invited to undergo brain CT scan examination and diagnosis of NCC was sought according to the revised Del Brutto criteria. RESULTS Seventy-eight PWE (30 men, 38.4%; mean age at onset was 12.7 ± 13.2 years) with EATCS were identified giving a crude prevalence of 6.1/1000 (95% CI: 4.7-7.3). Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, the study was interrupted in 2020 and only 36 PWE (46%) of the whole sample underwent CT scan examination. Of these, 8 (22.2%) fulfilled the criteria for NCC of whom 6 (75%) presented only single or multiple calcifications. SIGNIFICANCE This is the first study reassessing the prevalence of NCC among PWE after 30 years, in the same rural area and using a population-based design. T. solium is still endemic in the Bolivian Chaco where more than 20% of EATCS may be attributable to NCC. Our findings show a substantially unchanged prevalence of NCC over the past 30 years despite improved knowledge, underlining the need for active intervention programs to control T. solium transmission in this area. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Neurocysticercosis is still endemic in the Bolivian Chaco. The proportion of epilepsy attributable to neurocysticercosis is about 22%. Systematic efforts towards elimination of neurocysticercosis in these areas should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Nicoletti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Section of NeurosciencesUniversity of CataniaCataniaItaly
| | - Calogero Edoardo Cicero
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Section of NeurosciencesUniversity of CataniaCataniaItaly
| | - Valeria Todaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Section of NeurosciencesUniversity of CataniaCataniaItaly
| | - Chiara Colli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases UnitUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Francesco Cosmi
- Center of Anthropological Research of the Teko GuaraníGutierrezBolivia
| | - Mariella Anselmi
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and MicrobiologyIRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, NegrarVeronaItaly
| | - Cintia Caicedo
- Centro de Epidemiología Comunitaria y Medicina Tropical (CECOMET)EsmeraldasEcuador
| | - Estela Vilte
- Center of Anthropological Research of the Teko GuaraníGutierrezBolivia
| | | | - Alessandro Bartoloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases UnitUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | | | - Loretta Giuliano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, Section of NeurosciencesUniversity of CataniaCataniaItaly
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Makhado TG, Lebese RT, Maputle MS. Development and Validation of Epilepsy Life Skills Guidelines for Primary School Learners and Teachers in Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1194. [PMID: 37508691 PMCID: PMC10377971 DOI: 10.3390/children10071194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a disorder that disturbs nerve cell activity in the brain, resulting in seizures. It was noted that it occurs mostly in children, especially at the primary school level, and could result from a genetic condition. The aim of this study was to develop and validate life skills education guidelines for primary school learners of Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces in South Africa to educate them about epilepsy with the aim of reducing stigma and discrimination towards people with epilepsy. The guidelines were developed by adapting the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline development guide, which included the formulation of PICOS (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, study design) questions, conducting a systematic review of the literature, and using GRADE (grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation) to develop evidence-based recommendations. The recommendations that informed the guideline development were that epilepsy education should be included in the primary school life skills curriculum to improve learners' understanding, attitudes, and skills related to epilepsy. This epilepsy education should be tailored to the needs of primary school learners and cover topics such as seizure recognition, management, medication, and coping strategies. Collaboration between healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers is crucial to developing culturally appropriate and evidence-based epilepsy education guidelines. Teachers and healthcare providers should also receive training on how to support learners living with epilepsy. The resulting guidelines provide clear and concise guidance on epilepsy education in life skills for primary school learners, caregivers, and teachers. The guidelines are expected to improve the quality of epilepsy life skills education and contribute to the overall well-being and inclusion of learners with epilepsy in Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thendo Gertie Makhado
- Department of Advanced Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
| | - Rachel Tsakani Lebese
- The Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
| | - Maria Sonto Maputle
- Department of Advanced Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Venda, P. Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
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Todaro V, Giuliano L, Cicero CE, Spina L, Colli C, Cuellar S, Cosmi F, Vilte E, Bartoloni A, Crespo Gómez EB, Nicoletti A. Prevalence of epilepsy in the rural area of the Bolivian Gran Chaco: Usefulness of telemedicine and impact of awareness campaigns. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:125-133. [PMID: 36461651 PMCID: PMC9977747 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of epilepsy with Tonic-Clonic (TC) seizures in rural areas of the Bolivian Gran Chaco and to evaluate the usefulness of telemedicine in this context. METHODS The study was carried out in the Isozo Area, southern-eastern Bolivia. Twenty-five rural communities with a population of 8258 inhabitants were included in the survey. Trained community-health workers administered a validated single screening question to the householders (stage I). A second face-to-face questionnaire was administered to each positive subject (stage II). At stage II subjects were also screened using the smartphone app "Epilepsy Diagnosis Aid". Subjects screened positive at stage II underwent a complete neurological examination to confirm the diagnosis (stage III). Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, some subjects have been evaluated through a digital platform (Zoom®). RESULTS One-thousand two-hundred and thirteen interviews were performed at stage I, corresponding to a total screened population of 6692 inhabitants. Thirty-eight screened positive were identified at stage I and II and of these, 28 people with epilepsy were identified, giving an overall prevalence of 4.2/1000 (95% CI 2.6-5.7). Prevalence rate steeply increased with age reaching a peak of 7.9/1000 in the population aged 20-29 years without significant differences between women and men. For almost 50% of the screened positive subjects, confirmation of epilepsy by a neurologist at stage III was achieved through simple videoconsultation. After a simultaneous awareness campaign, 22 self-reported PWE requested a consultation and, among them, 11 had a diagnosis of epilepsy confirmed. SIGNIFICANCE This study shows a prevalence estimate close to those reported for LMIC. Simple videoconsultation and specific apps may be valuable tools in epidemiological research. Awareness campaigns are important allies for a full case identification, particularly in contexts where higher rates of stigma are recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Todaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Loretta Giuliano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Calogero Edoardo Cicero
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ludovica Spina
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Colli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Senovia Cuellar
- Center of Anthropological Research of the Teko Guaraní, Gutierrez, Bolivia
| | - Francesco Cosmi
- Center of Anthropological Research of the Teko Guaraní, Gutierrez, Bolivia
| | - Estela Vilte
- Center of Anthropological Research of the Teko Guaraní, Gutierrez, Bolivia
| | - Alessandro Bartoloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Nicoletti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Clifford LM, Brothers SL, Lang A. Self-Disclosure Patterns Among Children and Youth with Epilepsy: Impact of Perceived-Stigma. Adolesc Health Med Ther 2023; 14:27-43. [PMID: 36776152 PMCID: PMC9910097 DOI: 10.2147/ahmt.s336124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aimed to synthesize the minimal existing literature on the impact of perceived stigma on self-disclosure patterns among children and youth with epilepsy (YWE). Initial literature searches were conducted in PsycInfo, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed using search terms focused on epilepsy, pediatrics, disclosure, and/or stigma. Articles were included if they were original human research articles published in peer-reviewed journals that were accessible in English through Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Pratt Library and fit study aims. Thirteen articles, which primarily used qualitative self-report methodologies, fit the study's inclusion criteria. YWE report greater perceived stigma and lower illness disclosure compared to youth with other chronic health conditions. Across studies, perceived stigma was consistently identified as a barrier to YWE disclosing their epilepsy diagnosis. Consequences of perceived stigma included lower self-esteem, poorer perceived competency, lack of self-confidence, social withdrawal, and lower quality of life. YWE's reluctance to disclose epilepsy was associated with worry about differential treatment, negative impact on close relationships, negative impact on others' perceptions, and negative self-perceptions. While WHO and ILAE have identified stigma as contributing to higher disease burden in people with epilepsy and have highlighted the importance of prioritizing social policy focused on decreasing epilepsy-related stigma, progress has been incremental and much work remains. Future research is needed to understand socio-cultural factors perpetuating stigma among YWE in order to further develop, evaluate, and disseminate evidence-based clinical and education programming to combat epilepsy-related stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Clifford
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA,Correspondence: Lisa M Clifford, Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 3015, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA, Tel +1 513 803 3409, Fax +1 513 636 7756, Email
| | - Shannon L Brothers
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Amy Lang
- Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Gabrielli S, Macchioni F, Spinicci M, Strohmeyer M, Roselli M, Nicoletti A, Cicero CE, Poma V, Rojo D, Lara Y, Gómez EBC, Rojas P, Gamboa H, Villagran AL, Cosmi F, Monasterio J, Cancrini G, Bartoloni A. Long-Standing International Cooperation in Parasitology Research: A Summary of 35 Years of Activities in the Bolivian Chaco. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7100275. [PMID: 36288016 PMCID: PMC9611245 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7100275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bolivian Chaco is a semiarid region with a low population density, situated in the southeast part of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Here, despite the improvements of the last 15 years, poverty remains high in rural areas, where social vulnerability is widespread. The Guaraní ethnic group often lives in isolated communities with a low standard of hygiene and sanitation. This epidemiological scenario favors the spread of transmissible diseases, including several parasitic infections belonging to the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) group. In this area, a long-standing research activity, built upon the synergism between local and foreign institutions, has been established since the late 1980s and helps to fill in the knowledge gap about the epidemiology dynamics of soil-transmitted helminths, vector-borne parasites, and other parasitic diseases. A 35-year history of cooperation programs in parasitology research has contributed to informing local health authorities of the NTD burden in the Bolivian Chaco and, ultimately, supports local healthcare providers in the management of parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gabrielli
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Macchioni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Spinicci
- Dipartimento Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Marianne Strohmeyer
- Dipartimento Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Mimmo Roselli
- Dipartimento Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50121 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Nicoletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate G.F. Ingrassia, Sez. di Neuroscienze, Università di Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Calogero Edoardo Cicero
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Chirurgiche e Tecnologie Avanzate G.F. Ingrassia, Sez. di Neuroscienze, Università di Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Veronica Poma
- Escuela de Salud del Chaco Tekove Katu, Gutierrez, Bolivia
| | - David Rojo
- Escuela de Salud del Chaco Tekove Katu, Gutierrez, Bolivia
| | - Yunni Lara
- Hospital San Antonio de los Sauces, Monteagudo, Bolivia
| | | | | | - Herlan Gamboa
- Facultad Integral del Chaco, Universidad Autónoma Gabriel René Moreno, Camiri, Bolivia
| | | | | | - Joaquín Monasterio
- Servicio Departamental de Salud (SEDES) de Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Bolivia
| | - Gabriella Cancrini
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bartoloni
- Dipartimento Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50121 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Lewis-Smith H, Hasan F, Ahuja L, White P, Diedrichs PC. A comic-based body image intervention for adolescents in semi-rural Indian schools: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Body Image 2022; 42:183-196. [PMID: 35750013 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Adolescents in India experience body dissatisfaction, however, empirically supported interventions are lacking. This paper describes the protocol for the development, acceptability testing, and cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a six-session comic-based intervention, which aims to improve body image and related outcomes among adolescents in semi-rural Indian schools. If found to be acceptable and effective, UNICEF will disseminate the intervention across schools in eight states of India. The acceptability study will be conducted with 24 students in Classes 6-8 (age 11-14) and nine teachers from Hindi-medium government schools using interviews and focus groups. The subsequent RCT will be conducted with 2400 students, with schools randomized to either the comic-based intervention or lessons-as-usual (control) groups. The primary outcome is body esteem, and secondary outcomes are disordered eating, appearance ideal internalization, body-image-related life disengagement, self-esteem, negative affect, and positive affect. Additional exploratory outcome measures are skin colour dissatisfaction, body hair dissatisfaction, appearance-based teasing, and endorsement of traditional gender roles. These outcomes will be examined at three timepoints: baseline (T1), 1 week-post-intervention (T2), and 12-weeks follow-up (T3). Analyses will compare outcomes in the intervention with the control group. This will be the first study to evaluate a body image intervention for adolescents in semi-rural Indian schools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farheen Hasan
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, UK
| | - Latika Ahuja
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, UK
| | - Paul White
- Applied Statistics Group, University of the West of England, UK
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Sinaga SN, Siagian A, Nurmaini N, Badaruddin B. The Increase of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Husbands toward the Prenatal Care of their Wives Using the Illustrations Having the Local Cultural Nuance. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The role of husbands in maternal health during pregnancy is crucial and is related to the high maternal mortality rate in Indonesia. In spite of that, the effort to involve husbands in the maternal health program is still low.
AIM: This paper aims to explain the results of the effort to produce learning assisting tools in a form of an illustration having local cultural nuance that can be used to do intervention of health education to increase the participation of husbands in maternal health.
METHODS: The research was conducted in Silaen Village, Silaen District in Toba Regency, North Sumatera Province. To make the teaching materials, interviews and focus group discussions were conducted for the village community figures, the village midwives, the pregnant women, and their husbands. After illustrations were made, the trial was conducted to 10 pairs of husbands and pregnant wives.
RESULTS: The illustrations made accommodating the role of husbands in maternal health can increase the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of husbands, including the KAP of their wives. The biggest increase happening in the attitude component (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The educational method using an illustration adopting local culture is important to become one of the education teaching alternatives in the effort to improve husband’s KAP.
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Alemany-Pagès M, Azul AM, Ramalho-Santos J. The use of comics to promote health awareness: A template using nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Eur J Clin Invest 2022; 52:e13642. [PMID: 34159578 PMCID: PMC9285735 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) constitutes a major threat to public health systems worldwide on account of its widespread prevalence and increasing incidence. More effective tools to raise awareness and increase health communication are therefore needed. Comics may constitute an effective language for this purpose, given the permanence, adaptability and ability of this form of communication to convey complex information, using both visual components and the creation of narrative involvement, thus promoting both awareness and health-conscious behaviours. Importantly, this process requires careful preparation in terms of selecting both the key biomedical concepts to be conveyed, as well as a graphical style and appropriate characters and a narrative arc with which a target audience can identify with. Here we provide a brief introduction to the use of comics in health communication and propose a possible roadmap for the development of comic-based tools for diverse conditions, using the context of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Alemany-Pagès
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Anabela Marisa Azul
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Ramalho-Santos
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,DCV-Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal
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Mioramalala SA, Bruand PE, Ratsimbasoa A, Rafanomezantsoa RM, Raharinivo MM, Vincent C, Preux PM, Boumédiène F, Raharivelo A. Effects of an educational comic book on epilepsy-related knowledge, attitudes and practices among schoolchildren in Madagascar. Epilepsy Res 2021; 176:106737. [PMID: 34419769 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106737] [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: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is a chronic disease of the brain that affects approximately 50 million people globally, with over 80 % of them living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Madagascar, as in most LMICs, one of the main obstacles to treatment is the stigma and discrimination experienced by patients. Beliefs and prejudices regarding this disease are common, especially among children. "Ao Tsara" is an educational comic book regarding epilepsy, which has been translated in Malagasy from a French version, and which objective is to raise awareness and fight epilepsy related stigma and discrimination. Comic books have indeed been used successfully to raise awareness and change behaviors in several areas of public health. METHODS We conducted a study to evaluate the effect of a single reading of this comic book on epilepsy related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in schoolchildren in Madagascar. This quasi-experimental study compared data collected before and immediately after reading "Ao Tsara". It was conducted both in a school in an urban area and in a school in a rural area. RESULTS We recruited 244 children with a mean age of 11.4 (±1.5) in this study. We noted a significant improvement in the global KAP score after reading the comic book, overall as well as both in the urban school and the rural school. Out of a maximum score of twenty, the global KAP score increased from 9.4 to 11.2 (p < 0.001). Although the increase in knowledge was reasonable (from 10.2 to 12.9, p < 0.001) and the corresponding subscore after reading the comic book was at a satisfactory level, that was not the case for attitudes & practices, where the sub-score despite a significant increase remained low (from 8.7 to 9.5 out of a maximum score of twenty, p < 0.001). The comic book was much appreciated by the children with more than 50.0 % giving it the top rating, and 66.4 % stating they had learned a lot from it. CONCLUSION A single reading of the comic book has demonstrated a positive effect on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of primary school children in Madagascar. This educational tool, which was much enjoyed by the children, could be of great value to raise awareness about epilepsy in Madagascar. By targeting a slightly older age group and adjusting the reading approach, the outcomes could be optimized especially in terms of attitudes and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedera Aurélien Mioramalala
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, IRD, U1094 Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France; Université de Fianarantsoa, Faculté des Sciences, ED GEOCHIMED, Chimie Médicinale, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar; Université d'Antananarivo, Faculté de Médecine, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | | | - Arsène Ratsimbasoa
- Université de Fianarantsoa, Faculté de Médecine, Fianarantsoa, Madagascar
| | | | | | | | - Pierre-Marie Preux
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, IRD, U1094 Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France
| | - Farid Boumédiène
- INSERM, Univ. Limoges, CHU Limoges, IRD, U1094 Tropical Neuroepidemiology, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, GEIST, Limoges, France.
| | - Adeline Raharivelo
- Université d'Antananarivo, Faculté de Médecine, Antananarivo, Madagascar; CHU Joseph Raseta Befelatanana, Antananarivo, Madagascar
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