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Van Hout MC, Madroumi R, Andrews MD, Arnold R, Hope VD, Taegtmeyer M. The nexus of immigration regulation and health governance: a scoping review of the extent to which right to access healthcare by migrants, refugees and asylum seekers was upheld in the United Kingdom during COVID-19. Public Health 2024; 232:21-29. [PMID: 38728905 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Complementing the well-established evidence base on health inequalities experienced by migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in the UK; we examined the extent to which their right to equal non-discriminatory access to health services (promotive, preventive, curative) was upheld during the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted on Medline, PubMed, and CINAHL using detailed MESH terms, for literature published between 01 January 2020 and 01 January 2024. The process was supported by a ten-page Google search and hand searching of reference lists. 42 records meeting the inclusion criteria were charted, coded inductively and analysed thematically in an integrated team-based approach. RESULTS Dissonance between immigration regulation and health governance is illustrated in four themes: Health systems leveraged to (re)enforce the hostile environment; Dissonance between health rights on paper and in practice; Structural failures to overcome communication and digital exclusion; and COVID-19 vaccine (in)equity exacerbated fear, mistrust and exclusion. Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers encountered substantial individual, structural and policy-level barriers to accessing healthcare in the UK during COVID-19. Insecure immigration status, institutional mistrust, data-sharing and charging fears, communication challenges and digital exclusion impacted heavily on their ability to access healthcare in an equitable non-discriminatory manner. CONCLUSIONS An inclusive and innovative health equity and rights-based responses reaching all migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are warranted if the National Health Service is to live up to its promise of 'leaving no one behind' in post-pandemic and future responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Van Hout
- School of Public and Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.
| | - R Madroumi
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.
| | - M D Andrews
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK.
| | - R Arnold
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, UK.
| | - V D Hope
- School of Public and Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, UK.
| | - M Taegtmeyer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Clinical Sciences and International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK.
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2
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Deal A, Crawshaw AF, Salloum M, Hayward SE, Carter J, Knights F, Seedat F, Bouaddi O, Sanchez-Clemente N, Muzinga Lutumba L, Mimi Kitoko L, Nkembi S, Hickey C, Mounier-Jack S, Majeed A, Hargreaves S. Understanding the views of adult migrants around catch-up vaccination for missed routine immunisations to define strategies to improve coverage: A UK in-depth interview study. Vaccine 2024; 42:3206-3214. [PMID: 38631950 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization's (WHO) Immunization Agenda 2030 emphasises ensuring equitable access to vaccination across the life course. This includes placing an emphasis on migrant populations who may have missed key childhood vaccines, doses, and boosters due to disrupted healthcare systems and the migration process, or differing vaccination schedules in home countries. Guidelines exist in the UK for offering catch-up vaccinations to adolscent and adult migrants with incomplete or uncertain vaccination status (including MMR, Td-IPV, MenACWY, HPV), but emerging evidence suggests awareness and implementation in primary care is poor. It is unclear whether patient-level barriers to uptake of catch-up vaccinations also exist. We explored experiences and views around catch-up vaccination among adult migrants from a range of backgrounds, to define strategies for improving catch-up vaccination policy and practice. METHODS In-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out in two phases with adult migrant populations (refugees, asylum seekers, undocumented migrants, those with no recourse to public funds) on views and experiences around vaccination, involving a team of peer researchers from specific migrant communities trained through the study. In Phase 1, we conducted remote interviews with migrants resident in the UK for < 10 years, from diverse backgrounds. In Phase 2, we engaged specifically Congolese and Angolan migrants as part of a community-based participatory study. Topic guides were developed iteratively and piloted. Participants were recruited using purposive, opportunistic and snowball sampling methods. Interviews were conducted in English (interpreters offered), Lingala or French and were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using a thematic framework approach in NVivo 12. RESULTS 71 participants (39 in Phase 1, 32 in Phase 2) were interviewed (Mean age 43.6 [SD:12.4] years, 69% female, mean 9.5 [SD:7] years in the UK). Aside from COVID-19 vaccines, most participants reported never having been offered vaccinations or asked about their vaccination history since arriving in the UK as adults. Few participants mentioned being offered specific catch-up vaccines (e.g. MMR/Td-IPV) when attending a healthcare facility on arrival in the UK. Vaccines such as flu vaccines, pregnancy-related or pre-travel vaccination were more commonly mentioned. In general, participants were not aware of adult catch-up vaccination but regarded it positively when it was explained. A few participants expressed concerns about side-effects, risks/inconveniences associated with access (e.g. links to immigration authorities, travel costs), preference for natural remedies, and hesitancy to engage in further vaccination campaigns due to the intensity of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. Trust was a major factor in vaccination decisions, with distinctions noted within and between groups; some held a healthcare professional's recommendation in high regard, while others were less trusting towards the healthcare system because of negative experiences of the NHS and past experiences of discrimination, injustice and marginalisation by wider authorities. CONCLUSIONS The major barrier to adult catch-up vaccination for missed routine immunisations and doses in migrant communities in the UK is the limited opportunities, recommendations or tailored vaccination information presented to migrants by health services. This could be improved with financial incentives for provision of catch-up vaccination in UK primary care, alongside training of healthcare professionals to support catch-up immunisation and raise awareness of existing guidelines. It will also be essential to address root causes of mistrust around vaccination, where it exists among migrants, by working closely with communities to understand their needs and meaningfully involving migrant populations in co-producing tailored information campaigns and culturally relevant interventions to improve coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Deal
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK; Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Alison F Crawshaw
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Maha Salloum
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK; Global Health Institute, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sally E Hayward
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK; Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jessica Carter
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Felicity Knights
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Farah Seedat
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Oumnia Bouaddi
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | - Nuria Sanchez-Clemente
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Sandra Mounier-Jack
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Azeem Majeed
- Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Sally Hargreaves
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, UK.
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Crawshaw AF, Goldsmith LP, Deal A, Carter J, Knights F, Seedat F, Lau K, Hayward SE, Yong J, Fyle D, Aspray N, Iwami M, Ciftci Y, Wurie F, Majeed A, Forster AS, Hargreaves S. Driving delivery and uptake of catch-up vaccination among adolescent and adult migrants in UK general practice: a mixed methods pilot study. BMC Med 2024; 22:186. [PMID: 38702767 PMCID: PMC11068568 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03378-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migrants in the UK and Europe face vulnerability to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) due to missed childhood vaccines and doses and marginalisation from health systems. Ensuring migrants receive catch-up vaccinations, including MMR, Td/IPV, MenACWY, and HPV, is essential to align them with UK and European vaccination schedules and ultimately reduce morbidity and mortality. However, recent evidence highlights poor awareness and implementation of catch-up vaccination guidelines by UK primary care staff, requiring novel approaches to strengthen the primary care pathway. METHODS The 'Vacc on Track' study (May 2021-September 2022) aimed to measure under-vaccination rates among migrants in UK primary care and establish new referral pathways for catch-up vaccination. Participants included migrants aged 16 or older, born outside of Western Europe, North America, Australia, or New Zealand, in two London boroughs. Quantitative data on vaccination history, referral, uptake, and sociodemographic factors were collected, with practice nurses prompted to deliver catch-up vaccinations following UK guidelines. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with staff and migrants explored views on delivering catch-up vaccination, including barriers, facilitators, and opportunities. Data were analysed using STATA12 and NVivo 12. RESULTS Results from 57 migrants presenting to study sites from 18 countries (mean age 41 [SD 7.2] years; 62% female; mean 11.3 [SD 9.1] years in UK) over a minimum of 6 months of follow-up revealed significant catch-up vaccination needs, particularly for MMR (49 [86%] required catch-up vaccination) and Td/IPV (50 [88%]). Fifty-three (93%) participants were referred for any catch-up vaccination, but completion of courses was low (6 [12%] for Td/IPV and 33 [64%] for MMR), suggesting individual and systemic barriers. Qualitative in-depth interviews (n = 39) with adult migrants highlighted the lack of systems currently in place in the UK to offer catch-up vaccination to migrants on arrival and the need for health-care provider skills and knowledge of catch-up vaccination to be improved. Focus group discussions and interviews with practice staff (n = 32) identified limited appointment/follow-up time, staff knowledge gaps, inadequate engagement routes, and low incentivisation as challenges that will need to be addressed. However, they underscored the potential of staff champions, trust-building mechanisms, and community-based approaches to strengthen catch-up vaccination uptake among migrants. CONCLUSIONS Given the significant catch-up vaccination needs of migrants in our sample, and the current barriers to driving uptake identified, our findings suggest it will be important to explore this public health issue further, potentially through a larger study or trial. Strengthening existing pathways, staff capacity and knowledge in primary care, alongside implementing new strategies centred on cultural competence and building trust with migrant communities will be important focus areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison F Crawshaw
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Lucy P Goldsmith
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Anna Deal
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jessica Carter
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Felicity Knights
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Farah Seedat
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Karen Lau
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sally E Hayward
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Joanna Yong
- NHS North Central London Research Network (NoCLoR) and Clinical Research Network (CRN) North Thames, London, UK
| | - Desiree Fyle
- NHS North Central London Research Network (NoCLoR) and Clinical Research Network (CRN) North Thames, London, UK
| | - Nathaniel Aspray
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Michiyo Iwami
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Yusuf Ciftci
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Fatima Wurie
- Addiction and Inclusion Directorate, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, 39 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0EU, UK
| | - Azeem Majeed
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Sally Hargreaves
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK.
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Majeed A. Increasing measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine uptake in primary care. BMJ 2024; 384:q552. [PMID: 38443096 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Azeem Majeed
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Gogoi M, Martin CA, Bird PW, Wiselka MJ, Gardener J, Ellis K, Renals V, Lewszuk AJ, Hargreaves S, Pareek M. Risk of vaccine preventable diseases in UK migrants: A serosurvey and concordance analysis. J Migr Health 2024; 9:100217. [PMID: 38455071 PMCID: PMC10918253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs) such as measles and rubella cause significant morbidity and mortality globally every year. The World Health Organization (WHO), reported vaccine coverage for both measles and rubella to be 71 % in 2019, indicating an immunity gap. Migrants in the EU/EEA may be at high risk of VPDs due to under-immunisation and poor living conditions. However, there are limited data on VPD seroprotection rates amongst migrants living in the United Kingdom (UK). Methods We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional serosurvey amongst a sample of adult migrants living in Leicester, UK to: (a) determine seroprotection rates for measles, varicella zoster, and rubella in this group; (b) identify risk factors associated with seronegativity and, (c) understand if self-reported vaccine or diseases history is an effective measure of seroprotection. Participants gave a blood sample and completed a questionnaire asking basic demographic details and vaccine and disease history for the three VPDs. We summarised the data using median and interquartile range (IQR) for non-parametric continuous variables and count and percentage for categorical variables. We used logistic regression to establish predictors of seroprotection against these diseases. We examined the reliability of self-reported vaccination/disease history for prediction of seroprotection through a concordance analysis. Results 149 migrants were included in the analysis. Seroprotection rates were: varicella zoster 98 %, rubella 92.6 % and measles 89.3 %. Increasing age was associated with seroprotection (OR 1.07 95 % CI 1.01-1.13 for each year increase in age). Migrants from Africa and the Middle East (aOR 15.16 95 % CI 1.31 - 175.06) and South/East Asia and Pacific regions (aOR 15.43 95 %CI 2.38 - 100.00) are significantly more likely to be seroprotected against measles as compared to migrants from Europe and Central Asia. The proportions of migrants unsure about their vaccination and disease history combined were 53.0 % for measles; 57.7 % for rubella; 43.0 % for varicella. There was no agreement between self-reported vaccination/disease history and serostatus. Conclusion Our findings suggest lower levels of seroprotection against measles in migrants living in Leicester, UK, with younger migrants and those from Europe and Central Asia more likely to lack seroprotection. A high proportion of surveyed migrants were unaware of their vaccination/disease history and self-reported vaccine/disease was a poor predictor of seroprotection against VPDs which is important for clinical decision-making regarding catch-up vaccination in this population. Our results, although derived from a small sample, suggest that there may be gaps in seroimmunity for certain VPDs in particular migrant populations. These findings should inform future qualitative studies investigating barriers to vaccine uptake in migrants and population-level seroprevalence studies aimed at determining individualised risk profiles based on demographic and migration factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuri Gogoi
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, UK
- Development Centre for Population Health, University of Leicester, UK
| | - Christopher A. Martin
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, UK
- Development Centre for Population Health, University of Leicester, UK
- Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Paul W. Bird
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, UK
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Martin J. Wiselka
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, UK
- Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Judi Gardener
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Kate Ellis
- Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Valerie Renals
- Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Adam J. Lewszuk
- Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Sally Hargreaves
- Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Manish Pareek
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, UK
- Development Centre for Population Health, University of Leicester, UK
- Department of Infection and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
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Carter J, Knights F, Deal A, Crawshaw AF, Hayward SE, Hall R, Matthews P, Seedat F, Ciftci Y, Zenner D, Wurie F, Campos-Matos I, Majeed A, Requena-Mendez A, Hargreaves S. Multi-infection screening for migrant patients in UK primary care: Challenges and opportunities. J Migr Health 2023; 9:100203. [PMID: 38059072 PMCID: PMC10696453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2023.100203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Migrants in Europe face a disproportionate burden of undiagnosed infection, including tuberculosis, blood-borne viruses, and parasitic infections and many belong to an under-immunised group. The European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) has called for innovative strategies to deliver integrated multi-disease screening to migrants within primary care, yet this is poorly implemented in the UK. We did an in-depth qualitative study to understand current practice, barriers and solutions to infectious disease screening in primary care, and to seek feedback on a collaboratively developed digitalised integrated clinical decision-making tool called Health Catch UP!, which supports multi-infection screening for migrant patients. Methods Two-phase qualitative study of UK primary healthcare professionals, in-depth semi-structured telephone-interviews were conducted. In Phase A, we conducted interviews with clinical staff (general practitioners (GPs), nurses, health-care-assistants (HCAs)); these informed data collection and analysis for phase B (administrative staff). Data were analysed iteratively, using thematic analysis. Results In phase A, 48 clinicians were recruited (25 GPs, 15 nurses, seven HCAs, one pharmacist) and 16 administrative staff (11 Practice-Managers, five receptionists) in phase B. Respondents were positive about primary care's ability to effectively deliver infectious disease screening. However, we found current infectious disease screening lacks a standardised approach and many practices have no system for screening meaning migrant patients are not always receiving evidence-based care (i.e., NICE/ECDC/UKHSA screening guidelines). Barriers to screening were reported at patient, staff, and system-levels. Respondents reported poor implementation of existing screening initiatives (e.g., regional latent TB screening) citing overly complex pathways that required extensive administrative/clinical time and lacked financial/expert support. Solutions included patient/staff infectious disease champions, targeted training and specialist support, simplified care pathways for screening and management of positive results, and financial incentivisation. Participants responded positively to Health Catch-UP!, stating it would systematically integrate data and support clinical decision-making, increase knowledge, reduce missed screening opportunities, and normalisation of primary care-based infectious disease screening for migrants. Conclusions Our results suggest that implementation of infectious disease screening in migrant populations is not comprehensively done in UK primary care. Primary health care professionals support the concept of innovative digital tools like Health Catch-UP! and that they could significantly improve disease detection and effective implementation of screening guidance but that they require robust testing and resourcing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Carter
- The Migrant Health Research Group, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Felicity Knights
- The Migrant Health Research Group, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Deal
- The Migrant Health Research Group, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Alison F Crawshaw
- The Migrant Health Research Group, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sally E Hayward
- The Migrant Health Research Group, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Farah Seedat
- The Migrant Health Research Group, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dominik Zenner
- Global Public Health Unit, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, United Kingdom
| | - Fatima Wurie
- Department of Health and Social Care, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, United Kingdom
| | - Ines Campos-Matos
- Department of Health and Social Care, Addictions and Inclusion Directorate, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, United Kingdom
| | - Azeem Majeed
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Requena-Mendez
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal Campus Clinic), Spain
- Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sally Hargreaves
- The Migrant Health Research Group, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Crawshaw AF, Kitoko LM, Nkembi SL, Lutumba LM, Hickey C, Deal A, Carter J, Knights F, Vandrevala T, Forster AS, Hargreaves S. Co-designing a theory-informed, multicomponent intervention to increase vaccine uptake with Congolese migrants: A qualitative, community-based participatory research study (LISOLO MALAMU). Health Expect 2023; 27:e13884. [PMID: 37831054 PMCID: PMC10726157 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disparities in the uptake of routine and COVID-19 vaccinations have been observed in migrant populations, and attributed to issues of mistrust, access and low vaccine confidence. Participatory research approaches and behaviour change theory hold the potential for developing tailored vaccination interventions that address these complex barriers in partnership with communities and should be explored further. METHODS This study used a theory-informed, community-based participatory research approach to co-design a culturally tailored behaviour change intervention aimed at increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Congolese migrants in London, United Kingdom (2021-2022). It was designed and led by a community-academic partnership in response to unmet needs in the Congolese community as the COVID-19 pandemic started. Barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination, information and communication preferences, and intervention suggestions were explored through qualitative in-depth interviews with Congolese migrants, thematically analysed, and mapped to the theoretical domains framework (TDF) and the capability, opportunity, motivation, behaviour model to identify target behaviours and strategies to include in interventions. Interventions were co-designed and tailored in workshops involving Congolese migrants. RESULTS Thirty-two Congolese adult migrants (24 (75%) women, mean 14.3 (SD: 7.5) years in the United Kingdom, mean age 52.6 (SD: 11.0) years) took part in in-depth interviews and 16 (same sample) took part in co-design workshops. Fourteen barriers and 10 facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination were identified; most barrier data related to four TDF domains (beliefs about consequences; emotion; social influences and environmental context and resources), and the behavioural diagnosis concluded interventions should target improving psychological capability, reflective and automatic motivations and social opportunities. Strategies included culturally tailored behaviour change techniques based on education, persuasion, modelling, enablement and environmental restructuring, which resulted in a co-designed intervention comprising community-led workshops, plays and posters. Findings and interventions were disseminated through a community celebration event. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates how behavioural theory can be applied to co-designing tailored interventions with underserved migrant communities through a participatory research paradigm to address a range of health issues and inequalities. Future research should build on this empowering approach, with the goal of developing more sensitive vaccination services and interventions which respond to migrant communities' unique cultural needs and realities. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Patient and public involvement (PPI) were embedded in the participatory study design and approach, with community members co-producing all stages of the study and co-authoring this paper. An independent PPI board (St George's Migrant Health Research Group Patient and Public Involvement Advisory Board) comprising five adult migrants with lived experience of accessing healthcare in the United Kingdom were also consulted at significant points over the course of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison F. Crawshaw
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and ImmunitySt George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | | | | | | | | | - Anna Deal
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and ImmunitySt George's University of LondonLondonUK
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Jessica Carter
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and ImmunitySt George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Felicity Knights
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and ImmunitySt George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Tushna Vandrevala
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and EducationKingston University LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Sally Hargreaves
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and ImmunitySt George's University of LondonLondonUK
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O'Boyle S, Barton HE, D'Aeth JC, Cordery R, Fry NK, Litt D, Southgate R, Verrecchia R, Mannes T, Wang TY, Stewart DE, Olufon O, Dickinson M, Ramsay ME, Amirthalingam G. National public health response to an outbreak of toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae among asylum seekers in England, 2022: a descriptive epidemiological study. Lancet Public Health 2023; 8:e766-e775. [PMID: 37777286 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00175-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In July, 2022, an increase in diphtheria cases caused by toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae (C diphtheriae) was reported among asylum seekers arriving by small boats to England. Rising case numbers presented challenges for case and contact management in initial reception centres, prompting changes to national guidance and implementation of population-based control measures. This study aimed to describe the outbreak of toxigenic C diphtheriae among asylum seekers arriving by small boats to England during 2022 by use of national surveillance data. METHODS We undertook a descriptive epidemiological analysis of cases of toxigenic C diphtheriae among asylum seekers arriving by small boats to England during 2022, incorporating genomic sequencing data, antibiotic susceptibility testing results, and epidemiological data obtained through the UK Health Security Agency's national enhanced surveillance programme. Health Protection Teams conducted risk assessments, and operational data (including details regarding offer and uptake of antibiotics and vaccinations) were obtained from National Health Service partners supporting the intervention programme. FINDINGS In 2022, C diphtheriae isolates from 86 asylum seekers arriving by small boats were submitted to the National Reference Laboratory for confirmation and testing. Toxigenic C diphtheriae was confirmed for 72 (84%) cases and one individual with typical diphtheritic lesions but from whom no C diphtheriae was isolated from clinical swabs was also included as a probable case, resulting in 73 cases of diphtheria. 71 (97%) were male, 39 (53%) were younger than 18 years, and 36 (49%) presented with cutaneous diphtheria. The prevalence of diphtheria was highest among Afghans (1·3%) compared with all other nationalities (<0·1%). Local antibiotic susceptibility testing identified six cases with a macrolide resistant strain. INTERPRETATION The increase in diphtheria coincided with a high volume of asylum seekers arriving by small boats to England during 2022, and subsequently increased clinical awareness of the disease among this population. Long-term disruption to vaccination programmes in origin countries along with barriers to accessing health care along migrant routes puts asylum seekers arriving by small boats at risk of disease. With arrivals expected to continue in 2023, the UK Health Security Agency has recommended continuation of population-based control measures in England until October, 2023, subject to ongoing review. FUNDING The UK Health Security Agency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shennae O'Boyle
- Immunisations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Hannah E Barton
- Immunisations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Joshua C D'Aeth
- Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Section, Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit, Reference Services, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Rebecca Cordery
- Immunisations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK.
| | - Norman K Fry
- Immunisations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK; Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Section, Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit, Reference Services, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - David Litt
- Immunisations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK; Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Section, Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit, Reference Services, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Rosamund Southgate
- South East Health Protection Team, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Robert Verrecchia
- South East Health Protection Team, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Trish Mannes
- South East Health Protection Team, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Tian Yun Wang
- Immunisations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Daniel E Stewart
- Immunisations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Oluwakemi Olufon
- Rapid Investigations Team, Field Services, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Michelle Dickinson
- Rapid Investigations Team, Field Services, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Mary E Ramsay
- Immunisations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Gayatri Amirthalingam
- Immunisations and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
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Silvonen T, Kesten J, Cabral C, Coast J, Ben-Shlomo Y, Christensen H. Views and Perceptions of People Aged 55+ on the Vaccination Programme for Older Adults in the UK: A Qualitative Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040870. [PMID: 37112783 PMCID: PMC10144107 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination reduces the risks related to infectious disease, especially among more vulnerable groups, such as older adults. The vaccines available to older adults in the UK through the government-funded programme currently include influenza, pneumococcal, shingles and COVID-19 vaccines. The purpose of the programme is disease prevention and improving wellbeing among the ageing population. Yet, the target population's views of the programme remain unknown. This paper aims to increase the understanding of older adults' perceptions of the vaccination programme available in the UK. A total of 13 online focus groups (56 informants) were carried out for this qualitative study. The findings indicate that getting vaccinated involves personal decision-making processes, which are influenced by previous experiences and interpersonal interactions. Factors related to the wider community and culture are less prominent in explaining vaccination decisions. However, opportunistic vaccination offers, a lack of information and a lack of opportunities to discuss vaccines, especially with healthcare professionals, are prominent factors. The study provides in-depth data about the rationale behind older adults' vaccination decisions in the UK. We recommend that the provision of information and opportunities to discuss vaccines and infectious disease be improved to enable older adults' to make better informed decisions regarding the vaccines available to them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taru Silvonen
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Jo Kesten
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol BS1 2NT, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Christie Cabral
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Jo Coast
- Health Economics Bristol, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1NU, UK
| | - Yoav Ben-Shlomo
- The National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol BS1 2NT, UK
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2PS, UK
| | - Hannah Christensen
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
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