Exploring neurodevelopmental outcome measures used in children with cerebral malaria: the perspectives of caregivers and health workers in Malawi

'I bring her up with love:' Perspectives of caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental delays in western Kenya

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to understand the challenges and perspectives of caregivers with neurodevelopmental delays (NDD) in rural Kenya.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews and the Affiliate Stigma Scale were administered to the primary caregivers of children with NDDs recruited from the communities near Eldoret, Kenya. Constant comparison and triangulation methods were used to inductively develop relevant themes and concepts.

RESULTS

Sixteen caregivers participated. Challenges, which included hardships related to safety and supervision, challenging emotions and financial difficulties, were compounded by a lack of social support and community stigma towards these children. However, caregivers still felt deep love for their children, desired acceptance from the community and found sources of strength from faith and religious institutions.

CONCLUSION

The study uncovered crucial insights into the perspectives of caregivers within this population and revealed a paucity of disability awareness and understanding within the community, possibly informing future programmes and intervention policies.

"I do lack peace, and I've run out of answers": primary caregivers' perspectives on social and behaviour problems in cerebral malaria survivors in Blantyre, Malawi

Background

Despite recent advances in treatment and prevention, the prevalence of cerebral malaria (CM) remains high globally, especially in children under 5 years old. As treatment improves, more children will survive episodes of CM with lasting neurodisabilities, such as social and behavioural issues. Behaviour problems in children who survive CM are poorly characterized, and the impact of caring for a child with post-CM behaviour issues has not been well-explored. Caregivers’ perceptions of and experiences with their child’s post-CM behaviour problems are reported here.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 primary caregivers of children who survived CM with reported behaviour issues in Blantyre, Malawi. Interviews were conducted in Chicheŵa, audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Data were coded manually, utilizing inductive and deductive approaches. Identified codes were thematically analysed.

Results

Post-CM behaviours reported include externalizing, aggressive behaviours and learning difficulties. Variable timescales for behaviour change onset were noted, and most caregivers reported some evolution of their child’s behaviour over time. Caregivers experienced a variety of emotions connected to their child’s behaviour and to reactions of family and community members. Caregivers who experienced discrimination were more likely to describe negative emotions tied to their child’s behaviour changes, compared to caregivers who experienced support.

Conclusions

Caregiver perceptions of behaviour changes in post-CM survivors are variable, and caregiver experience is strongly impacted by family and community member responses. Future educational, rehabilitation, and support-based programmes should focus on the specific types of behaviour problems identified and the difficulties faced by caregivers and their communities.

Delayed presentation to hospital care is associated with sequelae but not mortality in children with cerebral malaria in Malawi

Background

Cerebral malaria is still a major cause of death in children in sub-Saharan Africa. Among survivors, debilitating neurological sequelae can leave children with permanent cognitive impairments and societal stigma, resulting in taxing repercussions for their families. This study investigated the effect of delay in presentation to medical care on outcome in children with cerebral malaria in Malawi.

Methods

This retrospective study included participants enrolled in a longstanding study of cerebral malaria between 2001 and 2021 and considered coma duration prior to arrival at hospital (with or without anti-malarial treatment), HIV status, blood lactate levels at admission and age as factors that could affect clinical outcome. Outcomes were categorized as full recovery, sequelae at the time of discharge, or death. A multinomial regression was fit and run controlling for coma duration, HIV status, lactate levels and age, to determine the association between each explanatory variable and outcome.

Results

A total of 1663 children with cerebral malaria, aged 6 months to 14 years were included. Longer coma duration (in hours) was associated with greater odds of developing sequelae (OR = 1.023, 95% CI 1.007–1.039, p = 0.006) but not death (OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.986–1.015, p = 0.961). Younger age (in months) was also correlated with higher rates of sequelae, (OR = 0.990, 95% CI 0.983–0.997, p = 0.004) but not with increased mortality (OR = 0.998, 95% CI 0.993–1.003, p = 0.335). Blood lactate levels on admission were correlated with mortality (OR = 1.125, 95% CI 1.090–1.161, p < 0.001) but not associated with increased rates of sequelae (OR = 1.016, 95% CI 0.973–1.060, p = 0.475). Positive HIV status and treatment with an anti-malarial (artemisinin or non-artemisinin-based) prior to arrival at the hospital were not significantly associated with either adverse outcome.

Conclusions

In Malawian children with cerebral malaria, higher rates of sequelae were significantly associated with extended coma duration prior to admission and younger age. Mortality rates were correlated with increased lactate levels on admission. The differential effects of variables on clinical outcomes suggest that there may be different pathogenic pathways leading to sequelae and death. Actions taken by parents and health care professionals are critical in defining when patients arrive at hospital and determining their ultimate outcome.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04080-2.

Childhood musculoskeletal impairment in Malawi from traumatic and non-traumatic causes: a population- based assessment using the key informant method

Background

Musculoskeletal impairment (MSI) in children is an under-recognised public health challenge. Although preventable, road injuries and other traumas continue to cause significant impairments to children worldwide. The study aimed to use the Key Informant Method (KIM) to assess prevalence and causes of MSI in children in two districts in Malawi, estimating the associated need for services provision, with a focus on traumatic aetiology.

Methods

The KIM was conducted in the districts of Thyolo (Southern Malawi) and Ntcheu (Central Malawi) in 2013. Five hundred key informants were trained to identify children who may have one of a range of MSI. The identified children were referred to a screening camp where they were examined by medical experts with standardised assessment protocols for diagnosing each form of impairment.

Results

15,000 children were referred to screening camps. 7220 children were assessed (response rate 48%) for an impairment of whom 15.2% (1094) had an MSI. 13% of children developed MSI from trauma, while 54% had a neurological aetiology. For MSI of traumatic origin the most common body part affected was the elbow. Less than half of children with MSI (44.4%) were enrolled in school and none of these children attended schools with resources for disability. More than half of children with MSI (60%) had not received required services and 64% required further physical therapy.

Conclusions

The KIM method was used to identify a high prevalence of MSI among children in two districts of Malawi and estimates an unmet need for dedicated MSI services.

"We can't handle things we don't know about": perceived neurorehabilitation challenges for Malawian paediatric cerebral malaria survivors

BACKGROUND

We sought to identify perceptions of neurorehabilitation challenges for paediatric cerebral malaria (CM) survivors post-hospital discharge at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, Malawi.

METHODS

An exploratory approach was used to qualitatively investigate the perceived neurorehabilitation challenges for paediatric CM survivors. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Eighteen data-gathering sessions were conducted with 38 total participants, including 3 FGDs with 23 primary caregivers, 11 IDIs with healthcare workers at QECH, and 4 IDIs with community-based rehabilitation workers (CRWs).

RESULTS

FGDs revealed that caregivers lack important knowledge about CM and fear recurrence of CM in their children. Post-CM children and families experience substantial stigma and sociocultural barriers to integrating into their community and accessing neurorehabilitative care. At a community-level, rehabilitation infrastructure, including trained staff, equipment, and programmes, is extremely limited. Rehabilitation services are inequitably accessible, and community-based rehabilitation remains largely unavailable.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an urgent need to establish further training of rehabilitation personnel at all levels and to build accessible rehabilitation infrastructure in Malawi for post-CM patients. Additional work is required to expand this study across multiple regions for a holistic understanding of neurorehabilitation needs.

Neurological disorder and psychosocial aspects of cerebral malaria: what is new on its pathogenesis and complications? A minireview

Recently, malaria is remain considered as the most prevalent infectious disease, affecting the human health globally. High morbidity and mortality worldwide is often allied with cerebral malaria (CM) based disorders of the central nervous system, especially across many tropical and sub-tropical regions. These disorders are characterised by the infection of Plasmodium species, which leads to acute or chronic neurological disorders, even after having active/effective antimalarial drugs. Furthermore, even during the treatment, individual remain sensitive for neurological impairments in the form of decrease blood flow and vascular obstruction in brain including many more other changes. This review briefly explains and update on the epidemiology, burden of disease, pathogenesis and role of CM in neurological disorders with behaviour and function in mouse and human models. Moreover, the social stigma, which plays an important role in neurological disorders and a factor for assessing CM, is also discussed in this review.

Outcomes measures in children after acute central nervous system infections and malaria

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Acute central nervous system (CNS) infections in children result in significant mortality and neurologic morbidity worldwide. This article summarizes the recent pediatric literature published on outcomes measures used after acute infectious meningitis, encephalitis, and cerebral malaria, and highlights ongoing research efforts to standardize outcomes measurements. Search terms were geared toward functional, cognitive, behavioral, and other outcome assessments.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent data suggest that, depending on microbiological cause, there are differences in currently used outcome measures following acute CNS infections. Outcomes assessments include a variety of formal psychological tests (structured interviews and neuropsychological tests of cognitive and motor functioning) and dichotomized or ordinal scales. Standardization of outcome measures, however, is lacking. Global efforts to standardize outcomes that encompass both the child and family are ongoing.

SUMMARY

Centers worldwide can track and measure a variety of cognitive, behavioral, and functional outcomes after acute CNS infections. Standardized documentation and coding of clinically important outcomes is needed. Further research to evaluate effective practices using acute adjunctive and rehabilitation therapies will be aided by outcome measure standardization.

Dietary Diversity among Children Aged 6-23 Months in Aleta Wondo District, Southern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Dietary diversity (DD) is among the core infant and young child feeding (IYCF) indicators. However, in many developing countries, meeting the minimum standards of DD is challenging and information concerning its determinants is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the level and predictors of DD among children aged 6-23 months in rural communities of Aleta Wondo district, Sidama zone, Southern Ethiopia.

METHOD

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural Aleta Wondo in February 2016. Multistage sampling was employed to recruit 502 children aged 6-23 months. DD was assessed by asking the mother whether the index child had received food from the standard seven food groups in the previous day, without setting minimum intake restrictions. Ultimately, the dietary diversity score (DDS) was rated on a 7-point scale, and it was modeled using linear regression analysis. The outputs are presented using adjusted regression coefficients (β).

RESULTS

Only 12.0% (95% confidence interval: 9.0-15.0%) of the children met the minimum recommended DD, receiving from four or more from seven food groups. The analysis identified eleven significant predictors of DDS. As the maternal knowledge of IYCF increases by a unit, DDS raised by 0.21 units (p = 0.004). Unit increment in the husband's involvement in the IYCF score was linked with 0.32 units improvement in DDS (p = 0.016). One unit change in the ordinal category of household food insecurity was associated with 0.13 reduction in DDS (p = 0.001). Similarly, household wealth index (β = 0.54, p = 0.041), father's literacy (β = 0.48, p = 0.002), ownership of home garden (β = 0.38, p = 0.01), mother's participation in cooking demonstrations (β = 0.19, p = 0.036), and child age in months (β = 0.04, p = 0.001) were all positively associated with DDS. Furthermore, receiving IYCF information via mass media (β = 0.04, p = 0.001) and during antenatal (β = 0.91, p = 0.022) and postnatal checkups (β = 0.21, p = 0.043) were positive predictors of DDS.

CONCLUSIONS

Promoting the socioeconomic status of the community, strengthening of home gardening, involving husbands in IYCF, and enhancing maternal knowledge of IYCF may advance DD.

What do Kids with Acquired Brain Injury Want? Mapping Neuropsychological Rehabilitation Goals to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

OBJECTIVE

To increase understanding of the community neuropsychological rehabilitation goals of young people with acquired brain injuries (ABIs).

METHOD

Three hundred twenty-six neuropsychological rehabilitation goals were extracted from the clinical records of 98 young people with ABIs. The participants were 59% male, 2-19 years old, and 64% had a traumatic brain injury. Goals were coded using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Children and Youth Version (ICF-CY). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to assess the distribution of goals across the ICF-CY. Chi-squared and Cramer's V were used to identify demographic and injury-related associations of goal type.

RESULTS

The distribution of goals was 52% activities and participation (AP), 28% body functions (BF), 20% environmental factors (EF), and &lt;1% body structures (BS). The number of EF goals increased with age at assessment (V = .14). Non-traumatic causes of ABIs were associated with more EF goals (V = .12). There was no association between sex or time post-injury and the distribution of goals across the ICF-CY.

CONCLUSIONS

Young people with ABIs have a wide range of community neuropsychological rehabilitation goals that require an individualized, context-sensitive, and interdisciplinary approach. Community neuropsychological rehabilitation services may wish to ensure they are resourced to focus intervention on AP, with increasing consideration for EF as a young person progresses through adolescence. The findings of this research support models of community neuropsychological rehabilitation that enable wellness by combining direct rehabilitative interventions with attention to social context and systemic working across agencies. (JINS, 2019, 25, 403-412).

Early Childhood Development in Children Born to HIV-Infected Mothers: Perspectives From Kenyan Clinical Providers and Caregivers

Objective. To understand the perspectives of clinical providers and caregivers regarding early childhood development (ECD) in children born to HIV-infected mothers in Kenya. Methods. This was a qualitative study of provider and caregiver perspectives on ECD at 5 Kenyan HIV clinics, using semistructured interviews and focus group discussions. Constant comparison and triangulation methods were employed to elucidate the concepts of ECD. Results. Twenty-five providers and 67 caregivers participated. While providers understood ECD in terms of milestones, caregivers strongly equated ECD with physical growth. Factors affecting ECD, such as nutrition, perinatal effects, and illness, were perceived differently by providers and caregivers. Both groups generally believed that HIV-infected children would have typical ECD if adherent to their HIV treatment. Conclusions. Important considerations regarding ECD in this population were uncovered. Understanding provider and caregiver perspectives’ on ECD in HIV-exposed children is critical for promoting ECD in this community.

"I feel so bad but have nothing to do." Exploring Ugandan caregivers' experiences of parenting a child with severe malaria and subsequent repeated uncomplicated malaria

Background

Severe malaria in children is often associated with long-term behavioural and cognitive problems. A sizeable minority of children go on to experience repeated malaria due to the high transmission and infection rates in the region. The purpose of this study was to explore caregivers’ experiences of parenting a child with a history of severe malaria followed by repeated episodes of uncomplicated malaria in comparison to healthy community children.

Methods

Thirty-one caregivers were enrolled in the study. These included caregivers of children previously exposed to severe malaria and who had experienced repeated uncomplicated malaria attacks (SM with RMA, n = 15), caregivers of children exposed to severe malaria who did not experience repeated episodes (SM, n = 10), and caregivers of healthy community children (CC, n = 6) were purposively selected.

Results

Thematic-content analysis generated eight areas of concern, six of which were noted only by caregivers of children with SM or SM with RMA: (1) a sense of helplessness; (2) challenges with changes in behaviour; (3) responses to a child’s behaviour; (4) family life disruptions, including breakdown of relationships and inadequate male-spouse involvement in child care; (5) disagreements in seeking healthcare; (6) societal burden; and two by caregivers of children with SM, SM with RMA and also CC; (7) concern about academic achievement; and, (8) balancing work and family life.

Conclusions

The study findings suggest that severe malaria, especially when followed by repeated malaria episodes, affects not only children who have the illness but also their caregivers. The effects on caregivers can decrease their social functioning and isolate them from other parents and may disrupt families. Interventions to support caregivers by counselling the ongoing problems that might be expected in children who have had severe malaria and repeated episodes of malaria, and how to manage these problems, may provide a way to improve behavioural and mental health outcomes for those children and their caregivers.

Early and middle childhood developmental, cognitive, and psychiatric outcomes of Malawian children affected by retinopathy positive cerebral malaria

The objective is to determine the short -and long-term developmental, cognitive, and psychiatric effects of retinopathy positive cerebral malaria (CM-R) among young children in a prospective study assessing them around the onset of disease and again 2 years at preschool and again at school age. In total, 109 children were recruited from the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi, (N = 49) with CM-R and non-malaria controls  (N = 60). Children were assessed for overall motor, language, and social skills using the Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool (MDAT) at preschool age. At school age, the same children were then given the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, second edition (KABC-II), which assessed global cognitive performancememory, and learning; as well as the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA), which assessed attention. The Achenbach Child Development Checklist (CBCL) was administered at both time points to assess emotional and behavioral patterns. Controls scored significantly better on all KABC-II global domains as well as on the mental processing index than their CM-R group counterparts, but showed no performance differences in the TOVA and CBCL assessments at school age, or in the MDAT and CBCL assessments at preschool age. The MDAT total score was significantly correlated with the KABC-II sequential processing, learning, and mental processing index among CM-R survivors but not among controls. Persisting neurocognitive effects of CM can be captured with the KABC-II at school age. The MDAT at preschool age is correlated with the KABC-II among CM-R survivors and can be used to capture early emerging developmental deficits due to CM-R.