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Naidoo K, Perumal R, Cox H, Mathema B, Loveday M, Ismail N, Omar SV, Georghiou SB, Daftary A, O'Donnell M, Ndjeka N. The epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis, and management of drug-resistant tuberculosis-lessons from the South African experience. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024:S1473-3099(24)00144-0. [PMID: 38527475 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00144-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) threatens to derail tuberculosis control efforts, particularly in Africa where the disease remains out of control. The dogma that DR-TB epidemics are fueled by unchecked rates of acquired resistance in inadequately treated or non-adherent individuals is no longer valid in most high DR-TB burden settings, where community transmission is now widespread. A large burden of DR-TB in Africa remains undiagnosed due to inadequate access to diagnostic tools that simultaneously detect tuberculosis and screen for resistance. Furthermore, acquisition of drug resistance to new and repurposed drugs, for which diagnostic solutions are not yet available, presents a major challenge for the implementation of novel, all-oral, shortened (6-9 months) treatment. Structural challenges including poverty, stigma, and social distress disrupt engagement in care, promote poor treatment outcomes, and reduce the quality of life for people with DR-TB. We reflect on the lessons learnt from the South African experience in implementing state-of-the-art advances in diagnostic solutions, deploying recent innovations in pharmacotherapeutic approaches for rapid cure, understanding local transmission dynamics and implementing interventions to curtail DR-TB transmission, and in mitigating the catastrophic socioeconomic costs of DR-TB. We also highlight globally relevant and locally responsive research priorities for achieving DR-TB control in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kogieleum Naidoo
- SAMRC-CAPRISA HIV/TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Rubeshan Perumal
- SAMRC-CAPRISA HIV/TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Helen Cox
- Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Wellcome Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Division of Medical Microbiology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Barun Mathema
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Marian Loveday
- South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nazir Ismail
- School of Pathology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shaheed Vally Omar
- Centre for Tuberculosis, National & WHO Supranational TB Reference Laboratory, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Amrita Daftary
- SAMRC-CAPRISA HIV/TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; School of Global Health and Dahdaleh Institute of Global Health Research, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Max O'Donnell
- SAMRC-CAPRISA HIV/TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, NY, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Norbert Ndjeka
- TB Control and Management, Republic of South Africa National Department of Health, Pretoria, South Africa
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Soepnel LM, Norris SA, Mabetha K, Motlhatlhedi M, Nkosi N, Lye S, Draper CE. A qualitative analysis of community health worker perspectives on the implementation of the preconception and pregnancy phases of the Bukhali randomised controlled trial. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002578. [PMID: 38483881 PMCID: PMC10939222 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Community health workers (CHWs) play an important role in health systems in low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa. Bukhali is a CHW-delivered intervention as part of a randomised controlled trial, to improve the health trajectories of young women in Soweto, South Africa. This study aimed to qualitatively explore factors influencing implementation of the preconception and pregnancy phases of Bukhali, from the perspective of the CHWs (Health Helpers, HHs) delivering the intervention. As part of the Bukhali trial process evaluation, three focus group discussions were conducted with the 13 HHs employed by the trial. A thematic approach was used to analyse the data, drawing on elements of a reflexive thematic and codebook approach. The following six themes were developed, representing factors impacting implementation of the HH roles: interaction with the existing public healthcare sector; participant perceptions of health; health literacy and language barriers; participants' socioeconomic constraints; family, partner, and community views of trial components; and the HH-participant relationship. HHs reported uses of several trial-based tools to overcome implementation challenges, increasing their ability to implement their roles as planned. The relationship of trust between the HH and participants seemed to function as one important mechanism for impact. The findings supported a number of adaptations to the implementation of Bukhali, such as intensified trial-based follow-up of referrals that do not receive management at clinics, continued HH training and community engagement parallel to trial implementation, with an increased emphasis on health-related stigma and education. HH perspectives on intervention implementation highlighted adaptations across three broad strategic areas: navigating and bridging healthcare systems, adaptability to individual participant needs, and navigating stigma around disease. These findings provide recommendations for the next phases of Bukhali, for other CHW-delivered preconception and pregnancy trials, and for the strengthening of CHW roles in clinical settings with similar implementation challenges. Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry; PACTR201903750173871, Registered March 27, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larske M. Soepnel
- Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Shane A. Norris
- Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Khuthala Mabetha
- Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Molebogeng Motlhatlhedi
- Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nokuthula Nkosi
- Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephen Lye
- Department of Physiology and Medicine, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Catherine E. Draper
- Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Myers B, Regenauer KS, Rose A, Johnson K, Ndamase S, Ciya N, Brown I, Joska J, Bassett IV, Belus JM, Ma TC, Sibeko G, Magidson JF. Community health worker training to reduce mental health and substance use stigma towards patients who have disengaged from HIV/TB care in South Africa: protocol for a stepped wedge hybrid type II pilot implementation trial. Implement Sci Commun 2024; 5:1. [PMID: 38167261 PMCID: PMC10759561 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-023-00537-w] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND South Africa has deployed community health workers (CHWs) to support individuals to enter and stay in HIV/TB care. Although CHWs routinely encounter patients with mental health (particularly depression) and substance use (SU) conditions that impact their engagement in HIV/TB care, CHWs are rarely trained in how to work with these patients. This contributes to mental health and SU stigma among CHWs, a known barrier to patient engagement in care. Mental health and SU training interventions could reduce CHW stigma and potentially improve patient engagement in care, but evidence of the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of these interventions is scarce. Therefore, we designed a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation pilot trial to evaluate the implementation and preliminary effectiveness of a CHW training intervention for reducing depression and SU stigma in the Western Cape, South Africa. METHODS This stepped wedge pilot trial will engage CHWs from six primary care clinics offering HIV/TB care. Clinics will be block randomized into three-step cohorts that receive the intervention at varying time points. The Siyakhana intervention involves 3 days of training in depression and SU focused on psychoeducation, evidence-based skills for working with patients, and self-care strategies for promoting CHW wellness. The implementation strategy involves social contact with people with lived experience of depression/SU during training (via patient videos and a peer trainer) and clinical supervision to support CHWs to practice new skills. Both implementation outcomes (acceptability, feasibility, fidelity) and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention on CHW stigma will be assessed using mixed methods at 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments. DISCUSSION This trial will advance knowledge of the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a CHW training for reducing depression and SU stigma towards patients with HIV and/or TB. Study findings will inform a larger implementation trial to evaluate the longer-term implementation and effectiveness of this intervention for reducing CHW stigma towards patients with depression and SU and improving patient engagement in HIV/TB care. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05282173. Registered on 7 March 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Myers
- Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Perth, WA, Australia.
- Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Division of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Kristen S Regenauer
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Alexandra Rose
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Kim Johnson
- Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sibabalwe Ndamase
- Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nonceba Ciya
- Mental Health, Alcohol, Substance Use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Parow, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Imani Brown
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - John Joska
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Division of Neuropsychiatry, University of Cape Town, HIV Mental Health Research Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer M Belus
- Department of Clinical Research, Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Tianzhou Charles Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Goodman Sibeko
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Division of Addiction Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jessica F Magidson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
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Babalola O, Levin J, Goudge J, Griffiths F. Community health workers' quality of comprehensive care: a cross-sectional observational study across three districts in South Africa. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1180663. [PMID: 38162597 PMCID: PMC10755947 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1180663] [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: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Community healthcare worker (CHW) training programs are becoming increasingly comprehensive (an expanded range of diseases). However, the CHWs that the program relies on have limited training. Since CHWs' activities occur largely during household visits, which often go unsupervised and unassessed, long-term, ongoing assessment is needed to identify gaps in CHW competency, and improve any such gaps. We observed CHWs during household visits and gave scores according to the proportion of health messages/activities provided for the health conditions encountered in households. We aimed to determine (1) messages/activities scores derived from the proportion of health messages given in the households by CHWs who provide comprehensive care in South Africa, and (2) the associated factors. Methods In three districts (from two provinces), we trained five fieldworkers to score the messages provided by, and activities of, 34 CHWs that we randomly selected during 376 household visits in 2018 and 2020 using a cross-sectional study designs. Multilevel models were fitted to identify factors associated with the messages/activities scores, adjusted for the clustering of observations within CHWs. The models were adjusted for fieldworkers and study facilities (n = 5, respectively) as fixed effects. CHW-related (age, education level, and phase of CHW training attended/passed) and household-related factors (household size [number of persons per household], number of conditions per household, and number of persons with a condition [hypertension, diabetes, HIV, tuberculosis TB, and cough]) were investigated. Results In the final model, messages/activities scores increased with each extra 5-min increase in visit duration. Messages/activities scores were lower for households with either children/babies, hypertension, diabetes, a large household size, numerous household conditions, and members with either TB or cough. Increasing household size and number of conditions, also lower the score. The messages/activities scores were not associated with any CHW characteristics, including education and training. Conclusion This study identifies important factors related to the messages provided by and the activities of CHWs across CHW teams. Increasing efforts are needed to ensure that CHWs who provide comprehensive care are supported given the wider range of conditions for which they provide messages/activities, especially in households with hypertension, diabetes, TB/cough, and children or babies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olukemi Babalola
- Center for Health Policy, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jonathan Levin
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jane Goudge
- Center for Health Policy, University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences, Johannesburg, South Africa
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D'Ambruoso L, Abruquah NA, Mabetha D, van der Merwe M, Goosen G, Sigudla J, Witter S. Expanding Community Health Worker decision space: learning from a Participatory Action Research training intervention in a rural South African district. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2023; 21:66. [PMID: 37596628 PMCID: PMC10439531 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-023-00853-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While integral to decentralising health reforms, Community Health Workers (CHWs) in South Africa experience many challenges. During COVID-19, CHW roles changed rapidly, shifting from communities to clinics. In the contexts of new roles and re-engineered primary healthcare (PHC), the objectives were to: (a) implement a training intervention to support local decision-making capability of CHWs; and (b) assess learning and impacts from the perspectives of CHWs. METHODS CHWs from three rural villages (n = 9) were trained in rapid Participatory Action Research (PAR) with peers and community stakeholders (n = 33). Training equipped CHWs with tools and techniques to convene community groups, raise and/or respond to local health concerns, understand concerns from different perspectives, and facilitate action in communities and public services. CHWs' perspectives before and after the intervention were gained through semi-structured interviews. Data were collected and analysed using the decision space framework to understand local actors' power to affect devolved decision-making. RESULTS CHWs demonstrated significant resilience and commitment in the face of COVID-19. They experienced multiple, intersecting challenges including: limited financial, logistical and health systems support, poor role clarity, precarious employment, low and no pay, unstable organisational capacity, fragile accountability mechanisms and belittling treatment in clinics. Together, these restricted decision space and were seen to reflect a low valuing of the cadre in the system. CHWs saw the training as a welcome opportunity to assert themselves as a recognised cadre. Regular, spaces for dialogue and mutual learning supported CHWs to gain tools and skills to rework their agency in more empowered ways. The training improved management capacity, capabilities for dialogue, which expanded role clarity, and strengthened community mobilisation, facilitation and analysis skills. Development of public speaking skills was especially valued. CHWs reported an overall 'tripe-benefit' from the training: community-acceptance; peer support; and dialogue with and recognition by the system. The training intervention was recommended for scale-up by the health authority as an implementation support strategy for PHC. CONCLUSIONS Lack of recognition of CHWs is coupled with limited opportunities for communication and trust-building. The training supported CHWs to find and amplify their voices in strategic partnerships, and helped build functionality for local decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia D'Ambruoso
- Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, and Centre for Global Development, School of Education, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
- Public Health, National Health Service (NHS) Grampian, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
- Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| | - Nana Akua Abruquah
- The University Hospital, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Denny Mabetha
- Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, and Centre for Global Development, School of Education, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council (MRC), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Maria van der Merwe
- Aberdeen Centre for Health Data Science, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, and Centre for Global Development, School of Education, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Maria Van Der Merwe Consulting, White River, South Africa
| | | | - Jerry Sigudla
- Mpumalanga Department of Health, Mbombela, South Africa
| | - Sophie Witter
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, Scotland, UK
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Ordóñez CE, Marconi VC, Manderson L. Addressing coloniality of power to improve HIV care in South Africa and other LMIC. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1116813. [PMID: 37064826 PMCID: PMC10090665 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1116813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe the appropriateness and potential for effectiveness of three strategic approaches for improving HIV care in South Africa: community-based primary healthcare, local/community-based stakeholder engagement, and community-engaged research. At their core, these approaches are related to overcoming health inequity and inequality resulting from coloniality of power's heterogenous structural processes impacting health care in many low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We turn to South Africa, a middle-income country, as an example. There the HIV epidemic began in the 1980s and its ending is as elusive as achieving universal healthcare. Despite impressive achievements such as the antiretroviral treatment program (the largest in the world) and the country's outstanding cadre of HIV experts, healthcare workers and leaders, disadvantaged South Africans continue to experience disproportionate rates of HIV transmission. Innovation in global public health must prioritize overcoming the coloniality of power in LMIC, effected through the imposition of development and healthcare models conceived in high-income countries (HIC) and insufficient investment to address social determinants of health. We advocate for a paradigm shift in global health structures and financing to effectively respond to the HIV pandemic in LMIC. We propose ethically responsive, local/community-based stakeholder engagement as a key conceptual approach and strategy to improve HIV care in South Africa and elsewhere. We join in solidarity with local/community-based stakeholders' longstanding efforts and call upon others to change the current status quo characterized by global public health power concentrated in HIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia E. Ordóñez
- Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Correspondence: Claudia E. Ordóñez
| | - Vincent C. Marconi
- Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lenore Manderson
- School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Dlamini SB, Hlongwana KW, Ginindza TG. Lung cancer awareness training experiences of community health workers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2022; 14:e1-e9. [PMID: 36546485 PMCID: PMC9772754 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v14i1.3414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Awareness interventions in the developing world remain scarce. Community health workers (CHWs) are a critical component towards ensuring efficient delivery of healthcare services in low- and middle-income countries. AIM This study explored the experiences of CHWs of their training as lung cancer awareness intervention implementers. SETTING The study was conducted in a resource-poor setting, with CHWs from previously disadvantaged communities. METHODS On the last day of training, 10 CHWs were requested to voluntarily participate in a focus group discussion regarding their experiences of the training, utilising a discussion guide. RESULTS The participants expressed positive experiences with the training. They cited the amenable and conducive learning environment established by the facilitator. The participants felt empowered through the newly acquired knowledge and wanted to help their communities. However, some participants expressed a desire to have other forms of learning incorporated in future training. The participants were also cognisant of existing gaps in their own knowledge that could be elaborated upon in preparation for potential questions by the community. Some participants confirmed their role as agents of change. CONCLUSION The authors propose large-scale intervention studies of lung cancer awareness utilising the CHW programme to gather conclusive evidence regarding their effectiveness at a community level.Contribution: This article provides insight into the training of community health workers on lung cancer awareness and future research on the integration of the intervention into already existing programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyabonga B. Dlamini
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Cancer & Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit, College of Health Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Khumbulani W. Hlongwana
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Cancer & Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit, College of Health Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Themba G. Ginindza
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Cancer & Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit, College of Health Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Lalla-Edward ST, Mosam A, Hove J, Erzse A, Rwafa-Ponela T, Price J, Nyatela A, Nqakala S, Kahn K, Tollman S, Hofman K, Goldstein S. Essential health services delivery in South Africa during COVID-19: Community and healthcare worker perspectives. Front Public Health 2022; 10:992481. [PMID: 36568767 PMCID: PMC9773136 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.992481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Between May 2020 and February 2022, South Africa's health system bore strain as it battled mitigating the coronavirus pandemic. The country's pandemic response was scrutinized. This period also brought into focus pre-existing shortcomings in the healthcare system and its governing bodies. Contextually, there is a paucity in literature on the experiences of healthcare providers and users. This study aimed to contribute information on COVID-19, with the intention of providing guidance on preparing for future infectious disease outbreaks. Methods Cross sectional exploratory qualitative methodology was employed using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with community members (CM) and healthcare workers (HCW) from two South African study sites: (a) rural Bushbuckridge (run by Agincourt Health and Socio-Demographic Surveillance Site) and (b), Regions D and F in Johannesburg Metropole. Results After interviewing 42 CMs and 43 HCWs, it emerged that mandated process changes while minimizing COVID-19 exposure, necessitated healthcare personnel focusing on critical care treatment at the expense of less acute ones. COVID-19 isolation protocols, extensive absenteeism and HCWs with advanced skills being perceived as more adept to treat COVID-19 patients contributed to HCWs experiencing higher workloads. Fears regarding contracting and transmitting COVID-19, suffering financial losses, and not being able to provide adequate advice to patients were recurrent themes. Dissemination of relevant information among healthcare facility personnel and communities suffered due to breakdowns in communication. Conclusion Concessions and novel strategies to avail medication to patients had to be created. Since providence was lacking, government needs to formulate health intervention strategies that embrace health literacy, alternate methods of chronic medication dispensation, improved communication across health care platforms and the use of telehealth, to circumvent the threats of possible further infectious disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samanta T. Lalla-Edward
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Atiya Mosam
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS South Africa (SA), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jennifer Hove
- Medical Research Council (MRC)/Wits Rural Public and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Agnes Erzse
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS South Africa (SA), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Teurai Rwafa-Ponela
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS South Africa (SA), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jessica Price
- Medical Research Council (MRC)/Wits Rural Public and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Athini Nyatela
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sizwe Nqakala
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- Medical Research Council (MRC)/Wits Rural Public and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephen Tollman
- Medical Research Council (MRC)/Wits Rural Public and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Karen Hofman
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS South Africa (SA), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Susan Goldstein
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)/Wits Centre for Health Economics and Decision Science – PRICELESS South Africa (SA), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Ndambo MK, Munyaneza F, Aron MB, Nhlema B, Connolly E. Qualitative assessment of community health workers' perspective on their motivation in community-based primary health care in rural Malawi. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:179. [PMID: 35148772 PMCID: PMC8840069 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07558-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community Health Workers (CHWs) have a positive impact on the provision of community-based primary health care through screening, treatment, referral, psychosocial support, and accompaniment. With a broad scope of work, CHW programs must balance the breadth and depth of tasks to maintain CHW motivation for high-quality care delivery. Few studies have described the CHW perspective on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to enhance their programmatic activities. METHODS We utilized an exploratory qualitative study design with CHWs employed in the household model in Neno District, Malawi, to explore their perspectives on intrinsic and extrinsic motivators and dissatisfiers in their work. Data was collected in 8 focus group discussions with 90 CHWs in October 2018 and March-April 2019 in seven purposively selected catchment areas. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using Dedoose. RESULTS Themes of complex intrinsic and extrinsic factors were generated from the perspectives of the CHWs in the focus group discussions. Study results indicate that enabling factors are primarily intrinsic factors such as positive patient outcomes, community respect, and recognition by the formal health care system but can lead to the challenge of increased scope and workload. Extrinsic factors can provide challenges, including an increased scope and workload from original expectations, lack of resources to utilize in their work, and rugged geography. However, a positive work environment through supportive relationships between CHWs and supervisors enables the CHWs. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated enabling factors and challenges for CHW performance from their perspective within the dual-factor theory. We can mitigate challenges through focused efforts to limit geographical distance, manage workload, and strengthen CHW support to reinforce their recognition and trust. Such programmatic emphasis can focus on enhancing motivational factors found in this study to improve the CHWs' experience in their role. The engagement of CHWs, the communities, and the formal health care system is critical to improving the care provided to the patients and communities, along with building supportive systems to recognize the work done by CHWs for the primary health care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabien Munyaneza
- Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, PO Box 56, Neno, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Moses Banda Aron
- Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, PO Box 56, Neno, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Basimenye Nhlema
- Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, PO Box 56, Neno, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Emilia Connolly
- Partners In Health/Abwenzi Pa Za Umoyo, PO Box 56, Neno, Blantyre, Malawi.,Division of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.,Division of Hospital Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45529, USA
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Thomas LS, Buch E, Pillay Y, Jordaan J. Effectiveness of a large-scale, sustained and comprehensive community health worker program in improving population health: the experience of an urban health district in South Africa. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2021; 19:153. [PMID: 34930328 PMCID: PMC8686370 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-021-00696-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION South Africa is an upper middle-income country with wide wealth inequality. It faces a quadruple burden of disease and poor health outcomes, with access to appropriate and adequate health care a challenge for millions of South Africans. The introduction of large-scale, comprehensive community health worker (CHW) programs in the country, within the context of implementing universal health coverage, was anticipated to improve population health outcomes. However, there is inadequate local (or global) evidence on whether such programs are effective, especially in urban settings. METHODS This study is part of a multi-method, quasi-experimental intervention study measuring effectiveness of a large-scale CHW program in a health district in an urban province of South Africa, where CHWs now support approximately one million people in 280,000 households. Using interviewer administered questionnaires, a 2019 cross-sectional survey of 417 vulnerable households with long-term CHW support (intervention households) are compared to 417 households with no CHW support (control households). Households were selected from similar vulnerable areas from all sub-levels of the Ekurhuleni health district. RESULTS The 417 intervention and control households each had good health knowledge. Compared to controls, intervention households with long-term comprehensive CHW support were more likely to access early care, get diagnosed for a chronic condition, be put on treatment and be well controlled on chronic treatment. They were also more likely to receive a social grant, and have a birth certificate or identity document. The differences were statistically significant for social support, health seeking behavior, and health outcomes for maternal, child health and chronic care. CONCLUSION A large-scale and sustained comprehensive CHW program in an urban setting improved access to social support, chronic and minor acute health services at household and population level through better health-seeking behavior and adherence to treatment. Direct evidence from households illustrated that such community health worker programs are therefore effective and should be part of health systems in low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. S. Thomas
- Gauteng Department of Health, School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Bophelo Rd, Prinshof 349-Jr, Pretoria, 0084 Gauteng South Africa
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria and Colleges of Medicine, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - E. Buch
- School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria and Colleges of Medicine, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Y. Pillay
- Clinton Health Access Initiative, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - J. Jordaan
- Department of Statistics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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Saks M. The regulation of healthcare professions and support workers in international context. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2021; 19:74. [PMID: 34103060 PMCID: PMC8185486 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-021-00618-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this paper is to outline and compare the regulation of paid healthcare professions and associated support workers in international context, bringing out the lessons to be learned as appropriate. Modern neo-liberal societies have sought to enhance healthcare through greater professional regulation, albeit in different ways and at variable pace. This general trend is illustrated with reference to medicine in the UK. However, although such reforms have helpfully cascaded to other health professions, government policy in high-income countries has not yet adequately regulated the interrelated group of non-professionalised health support workers who form the largest and least recognised part of the workforce. Nonetheless, in low- and middle-income (LMIC) countries-aside from the greater need for regulation of health professions-there is even more of an imperative to regulate the disparate, largely invisible support workforce. METHODS With reference to existing studies of the medical and wider health professions in the UK and selected other higher income societies, the importance of health professional regulation to the public is underlined in the Global North. The larger gap in the regulation of support workers in modern neo-liberal countries is also emphasised on a similar basis, with an increasingly ageing population and advances in healthcare. It is argued from the very limited patchwork of secondary literature, though, that policy-makers may want to focus even more on enhancing regulation of both the professional and non-professional workforce in LMIC societies centred mainly in the Global South, drawing on lessons from the Global North. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS Efforts to reform health professional regulatory approaches in more economically developed countries, while needing refinement, are likely to have had a positive effect. However, even in these societies there are still substantial shortfalls in the regulation of health support workers. There are even larger gaps in LMICs where there are fewer health professional staff and a greater dependence on support workers. With higher rates of morbidity and mortality, there is much more scope here for reforming health regulation in the public interest to extend standards and mitigate risk, following the pattern for healthcare professions in the Global North.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Saks
- University of Suffolk, Ipswich, UK.
- University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK.
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK.
- University of Westminster, London, UK.
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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