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Paniagua-Avila A, Shelton RC, Figueroa JC, Guzman AL, Gutierrez L, Hernandez-Galdamez DR, Ramirez JM, Rodriguez J, Irazola V, Ramirez-Zea M, Fort MP. Assessing the implementation of a multi-component hypertension program in a Guatemalan under-resourced dynamic context: an application of the RE-AIM/PRISM extension for sustainability and health equity. Implement Sci Commun 2024; 5:23. [PMID: 38491376 PMCID: PMC10941412 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-024-00560-5] [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: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid changes in healthcare delivery in Guatemala's public primary care settings. A new hypertension program, implemented as part of a type 2 hybrid trial since 2019, exemplifies an implementation effort amidst a changing context in an under-resourced setting. We assessed the implementation of an evidence-based intervention (EBI; protocol-based hypertension treatment) and one of its main implementation strategies (team-based collaborative care), raising implications for health equity and sustainability. We present innovative application of systems thinking visuals. METHODS Conducting a convergent mixed methods analysis, we assessed implementation in response to contextual changes across five Ministry of Health (MoH) districts at the pandemic's onset. Utilizing quantitative programmatic data and qualitative interviews with stakeholders (n=18; health providers, administrators, study staff), we evaluated dimensions of "Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance," RE-AIM (Reach, Implementation delivery + adaptations), and "Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model," PRISM (Organizational perspective on the EBI, Fit, Implementation and sustainability infrastructure) frameworks. We assessed representativeness by comparing participants to census data. To assess implementation delivery, we built behavior-over-time (BOT) graphs with quantitative programmatic data (July 2019-July 2021). To assess adaptations and contextual changes, we performed matrix-based thematic qualitative analysis. We converged quantitative implementation delivery data + qualitative adaptations data in joint displays. Finally, we analyzed qualitative and quantitative results across RE-AIM/PRISM and health districts to identify equity and sustainability considerations. RESULTS Contextual factors that facilitated program delivery included the perception that the EBI was beneficial, program champions, and staff communication. Key barriers to implementation delivery included competition with other primary care activities and limited implementation infrastructure (e.g., equipment, medications). Contextual changes related to COVID-19 hindered implementation delivery, threatened sustainability, and may have exacerbated inequities. However, adaptations that were planned enhanced implementation delivery and may have supported improved equity and sustainability. CONCLUSIONS Recognition of an EBI's benefits and program champions are important for supporting initial uptake. The ability to plan adaptations amid rapid contextual changes has potential advantages for sustainability and equitable delivery. Systems thinking tools and mixed methods approaches may shed light on the relations between context, adaptations, and equitable and sustainable implementation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03504124.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Paniagua-Avila
- Epidemiology Department, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala.
| | - Rachel C Shelton
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Figueroa
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Department of Epidemiology, Dornsife School of Public Health, Urban Health Collaborative, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ana Lissette Guzman
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Laura Gutierrez
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego Rolando Hernandez-Galdamez
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Juan Manuel Ramirez
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Javier Rodriguez
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Vilma Irazola
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Manuel Ramirez-Zea
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Meredith P Fort
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Wellmann IA, Ayala LF, Rodríguez JJ, Guetterman TC, Irazola V, Palacios E, Huffman MD, Rohloff P, Heisler M, Ramírez-Zea M, Flood D. Implementing integrated hypertension and diabetes management using the World Health Organization's HEARTS model: protocol for a pilot study in the Guatemalan national primary care system. Implement Sci Commun 2024; 5:7. [PMID: 38195600 PMCID: PMC10775666 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-023-00539-8] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HEARTS technical package was developed by the World Health Organization to address the implementation gap in cardiovascular disease prevention in low- and middle-income countries. Guatemala is a middle-income country that is currently implementing HEARTS. National authorities in Guatemala are interested in exploring how hypertension and diabetes management can be integrated in HEARTS implementation. The objective of this study is to conduct a feasibility and acceptability pilot trial of integrated hypertension and diabetes management based on HEARTS in the publicly funded primary care system in Guatemala. METHODS A single-arm pilot trial for 6 months will be carried out in 11 Ministry of Health primary care facilities starting in September 2023. A planned sample of 100 adult patients diagnosed with diabetes (n = 45), hypertension (n = 45), or both (n = 10) will be enrolled. The intervention will consist of HEARTS-aligned components: Training health workers on healthy-lifestyle counseling and evidence-based treatment protocols, strengthening access to medications and diagnostics, training on risk-based cardiovascular disease management, team-based care and task sharing, and systems monitoring and feedback, including implementation of a facility-based electronic monitoring tool at the individual level. Co-primary outcomes of feasibility and acceptability will be assessed using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Secondary outcomes include clinical effectiveness (treatment with medication, glycemic control, and blood pressure control), key implementation outcomes (adoption, fidelity, usability, and sustainability), and patient-reported outcome measures (diabetes distress, disability, and treatment burden). Using an implementation mapping approach, a Technical Advisory Committee will develop implementation strategies for subsequent scale-up planning. DISCUSSION This trial will produce evidence on implementing HEARTS-aligned hypertension and diabetes care in the MOH primary care system in Guatemala. Results also will inform future HEARTS projects in Guatemala and other low- and middle-income countries. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06080451. The trial was prospectively registered on October 12, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irmgardt Alicia Wellmann
- Research Center for Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Luis Fernando Ayala
- Research Center for Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - José Javier Rodríguez
- Research Center for Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | | | - Vilma Irazola
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Palacios
- National Program for the Prevention of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases and Cancer, Ministry of Health, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Mark D Huffman
- Department of Medicine and Global Health Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter Rohloff
- Center for Indigenous Health Research, Wuqu' Kawoq, Tecpán, Guatemala
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michele Heisler
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Manuel Ramírez-Zea
- Research Center for Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - David Flood
- Research Center for Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
- Center for Indigenous Health Research, Wuqu' Kawoq, Tecpán, Guatemala.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Weber MB, Baumann AA, Rakhra A, Akwanalo C, Gladys Amaning Adjei K, Andesia J, Apusiga K, Ha DA, Hosseinipour MC, Muula AS, Nguyen HL, Price LN, Ramirez-Zea M, Fitzpatrick AL, Fort MP. Global implementation research capacity building to address cardiovascular disease: An assessment of efforts in eight countries. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002237. [PMID: 37708090 PMCID: PMC10501667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but implementation of evidence-based interventions for risk factors such as hypertension is lacking, particularly in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Building implementation research capacity in LMICs is required to overcome this gap. Members of the Global Research on Implementation and Translation Science (GRIT) Consortium have been collaborating in recent years to establish a research and training infrastructure in dissemination and implementation to improve hypertension care. GRIT includes projects in Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, Rwanda, and Vietnam. We collected data from each site on capacity building activities using the Potter and Brough (2004) model, mapping formal and informal activities to develop (a) structures, systems and roles, (b) staff and infrastructure, (c) skills, and (d) tools. We captured information about sites' needs assessments and metrics plus program adaptations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All sites reported capacity building activities in each layer of the Capacity Pyramid, with the largest number of activities in the Skills and Tools categories, the more technical and easier to implement categories. All sites included formal and informal training to build Skills. All sites included a baseline needs assessment to guide capacity building activities or assess context and inform intervention design. Sites implementing evidence-based hypertension interventions used common implementation science frameworks to evaluate implementation outcomes. Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected timelines and in-person events, all projects were able to pivot and carry out planned activities. Although variability in the activities and methods used existed, GRIT programs used needs assessments to guide locally appropriate design and implementation of capacity building activities. COVID-19 related changes were necessary, but strong collaborations and relationships with health ministries were maintained. The GRIT Consortium is a model for planning capacity building in LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Beth Weber
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Ana A. Baumann
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Ashlin Rakhra
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Kezia Gladys Amaning Adjei
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Josephine Andesia
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Kingsley Apusiga
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Duc A. Ha
- Health Strategy and Policy Institute, Vietnam Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Adamson S. Muula
- College of Medicine, University of Malawi and the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Hoa L. Nguyen
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - LeShawndra N. Price
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Manuel Ramirez-Zea
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Annette L. Fitzpatrick
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Meredith P. Fort
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado – Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
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Gyamfi J, Iwelunmor J, Patel S, Irazola V, Aifah A, Rakhra A, Butler M, Vedanthan R, Hoang GN, Nyambura M, Nguyen H, Nguyen C, Asante KP, Nyame S, Adjei K, Amoah J, Apusiga K, Adjei KGA, Ramierz-Zea M, Hernandez D, Fort M, Sharma H, Jarhyan P, Peprah E, Ogedegbe G. Implementation outcomes and strategies for delivering evidence-based hypertension interventions in lower-middle-income countries: Evidence from a multi-country consortium for hypertension control. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286204. [PMID: 37228144 PMCID: PMC10212179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Guidance on contextually tailored implementation strategies for the prevention, treatment, and control of hypertension is limited in lower-middle income countries (Lower-MIC). To address this limitation, we compiled implementation strategies and accompanying outcomes of evidence-based hypertension interventions currently being implemented in five Lower-MIC. The Global Research on Implementation and Translation Science (GRIT) Coordinating Center (CC) (GRIT-CC) engaged its global network sites at Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, and Vietnam. Purposively sampled implementation science experts completed an electronic survey assessing implementation outcomes, in addition to implementation strategies used in their ongoing hypertension interventions from among 73 strategies within the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC). Experts rated the strategies based on highest priority to their interventions. We analyzed the data by sorting implementation strategies utilized by sites into one of the nine domains in ERIC and summarized the data using frequencies, proportions, and means. Seventeen implementation experts (52.9% men) participated in the exercise. Of Proctor's implementation outcomes identified across sites, all outcomes except for appropriateness were broadly assessed by three or more countries. Overall, 59 out of 73 (81%) strategies were being utilized in the five countries. The highest priority implementation strategies utilized across all five countries focused on evaluative and iterative strategies (e.g., identification of context specific barriers and facilitators) to delivery of patient- and community-level interventions, while the lowest priority was use of financial and infrastructure change strategies. More capacity building strategies (developing stakeholder interrelationships, training and educating stakeholders, and supporting clinicians) were incorporated into interventions implemented in India and Vietnam than Ghana, Kenya, and Guatemala. Although robust implementation strategies are being used in Lower -MICs, there is minimum use of financial and infrastructure change strategies. Our study contributes to the growing literature that demonstrates the use of Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) implementation strategies to deliver evidence-based hypertension interventions in Lower-MICs and will inform future cross-country data harmonization activities in resource-constrained settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Gyamfi
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Juliet Iwelunmor
- Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Shivani Patel
- Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Vilma Irazola
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Angela Aifah
- Section for Global Health, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ashlin Rakhra
- Section for Global Health, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Mark Butler
- Center for Personalized Health, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rajesh Vedanthan
- Section for Global Health, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Giang Nguyen Hoang
- Health Strategy and Policy Institute, Vietnam Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Hoa Nguyen
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Cuc Nguyen
- Health Strategy and Policy Institute, Vietnam Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Kwame Adjei
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - John Amoah
- Kintampo Health Research Centre, Kintampo, Ghana
| | - Kingsley Apusiga
- Department of Physiology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Manuel Ramierz-Zea
- Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala, United States of America
| | - Diego Hernandez
- Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala, United States of America
| | - Meredith Fort
- Department of Health Systems, Management & Policy, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Peprah
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Gbenga Ogedegbe
- Section for Global Health, Institute for Excellence in Health Equity, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
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Fort MP, Manson SM, Glasgow RE. Applying an equity lens to assess context and implementation in public health and health services research and practice using the PRISM framework. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2023; 3:1139788. [PMID: 37125222 PMCID: PMC10137153 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2023.1139788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Dissemination and implementation science seeks to enhance the uptake, successful implementation, and sustainment of evidence-based programs and policies. While a focus on health equity is implicit in many efforts to increase access to and coverage of evidence-based programs and policies, most implementation frameworks and models do not explicitly address it. Disparities may in fact be increased by emphasizing high intensity interventions or ease of delivery over meeting need within the population, addressing deep-rooted structural inequities, and adapting to local context and priorities. PRISM (Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model), the contextual expansion of the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework has several elements that address health equity, but these have not been explicated, integrated, or illustrated in one place. We present guidance for applying PRISM with an equity lens across its four context domains (external environment; multi-level perspectives on the intervention; characteristics of implementers and intended audience; and the implementation and sustainability infrastructure-as well as the five RE-AIM outcome dimensions. We then present an example with health equity considerations and discuss issues of representation and participation, representativeness and the importance of ongoing, iterative assessment of dynamic context and structural drivers of inequity. We also elaborate on the importance of a continuous process that requires addressing community priorities and responding to capacity and infrastructure needs and changes. We conclude with research and practice recommendations for applying PRISM with an increased emphasis on equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith P. Fort
- Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Health Systems, Management and Policy, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Spero M. Manson
- Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Russell E. Glasgow
- Adult and Child Center for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, and Eastern Colorado Veterans Administration, Aurora, CO, United States
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Figueroa JC, Paniagua-Avila A, Sub Cuc I, Cardona S, Ramirez-Zea M, Irazola V, Fort MP. Explanatory models of hypertension in Guatemala: recognizing the perspectives of patients, family members, health care providers and administrators, and national-level health system stakeholders. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2320. [PMID: 36510216 PMCID: PMC9743515 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14668-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncontrolled hypertension is a major public health burden and the most common preventable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in Guatemala and other low- and middle-income countries. Prior to an initial trial that evaluated a hypertension intervention in rural Guatemala, we collected qualitative information on the needs and knowledge gaps of hypertension care within Guatemala's public healthcare system. This analysis applied Kleinman's Explanatory Models of Illness to capture how patients, family members, community-, district-, and provincial-level health care providers and administrators, and national-level health system stakeholders understand hypertension. METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews with three types of participants: 1) national-level health system stakeholders (n = 17), 2) local health providers and administrators from district, and health post levels (25), and 3) patients and family members (19) in the departments of Sololá and Zacapa in Guatemala. All interviews were conducted in Spanish except for 6 Maya-Kaqchikel interviews. We also conducted focus group discussions with auxiliary nurses (3) and patients (3), one in Maya-Tz'utujil and the rest in Spanish. Through framework and matrix analysis, we compared understandings of hypertension by participant type using the Explanatory Model of Illness domains -etiology, symptoms, pathophysiology, course of illness, and treatment. RESULTS Health providers and administrators, and patients described hypertension as an illness that spurs from emotional states like sadness, anger, and worry; is inherited and related to advanced age; and produces symptoms that include a weakened body, nerves, pain, and headaches. Patients expressed concerns about hypertension treatment's long-term consequences, despite trying to comply with treatment. Patients stated that they combine biomedical treatment (when available) with natural remedies (teas and plants). Health providers and administrators and family members stated that once patients feel better, they often disengage from treatment. National-level health system stakeholders referred to lifestyle factors as important causes, considered patients to typically be non-compliant, and identified budget limitations as a key barrier to hypertension care. The three groups of participants identified structural barriers to limited hypertension care (e.g., limited access to healthy food and unaffordability of medications). CONCLUSION As understandings of hypertension vary between types of participants, it is important to describe their similarities and differences considering the role each has in the health system. Considering different perceptions of hypertension will enable better informed program planning and implementation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Figueroa
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 Zona 11, 01011, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University, Urban Health Collaborative, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Alejandra Paniagua-Avila
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 Zona 11, 01011, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Ingrid Sub Cuc
- Department of Native American Studies, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, , USA
| | - Sayra Cardona
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 Zona 11, 01011, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Manuel Ramirez-Zea
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 Zona 11, 01011, Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Vilma Irazola
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Meredith P Fort
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, Calzada Roosevelt 6-25 Zona 11, 01011, Guatemala City, Guatemala
- Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Glasgow RE, Battaglia C, McCreight M, Ayele R, Maw AM, Fort MP, Holtrop JS, Gomes RN, Rabin BA. Use of the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework to guide iterative adaptations: Applications, lessons learned, and future directions. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2022; 2:959565. [PMID: 36925843 PMCID: PMC10012751 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2022.959565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Implementation science frameworks have been used widely for planning and evaluation, but seldom to guide adaptations during program implementation. There is great potential for these frameworks to be used to inform conceptual and data-driven decisions about adaptations. Methods We summarize recent applications using Iterative RE-AIM to capture and guide adaptations. Iterative RE-AIM can be repeated at multiple time points customized to each project and involves the following activities: identification of key implementation partners; rating importance of and progress on each RE-AIM dimension (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance); use of summary data on ratings to identify one or two RE-AIM dimensions for adaptations and implementation strategies; and evaluation of progress and impact of adaptations. We summarize recent and ongoing Iterative RE-AIM applications across multiple care coordination and pain management projects within the Veterans Health Administration, a hypertension control trial in Guatemala, a hospital-based lung ultrasound implementation pilot, and a colorectal cancer screening program in underserved communities. Results Iterative RE-AIM appears feasible, helpful, and broadly applicable across diverse health care issues, interventions, contexts, and populations. In general, the RE-AIM dimension showing the largest gap between importance and progress has been Reach. The dimensions most frequently selected for improvement have been Reach and Implementation. We discuss commonalities, differences and lessons learned across these various applications of Iterative RE-AIM. Challenges include having objective real time data on which to make decisions, having key implementation staff available for all assessments, and rapidly scoring and providing actionable feedback. We discuss print and online resources and materials to support Iterative RE-AIM. Conclusions The use of Iterative RE-AIM to guide and support understanding of adaptations has proven feasible across diverse projects and in multiple case studies, but there are still questions about its strengths, limitations, essential components, efficiency, comparative effectiveness, and delivery details. Future directions include investigating the optimal frequency and timing for iterative applications; adding contextual assessments; developing more continuous and rapid data on which to make adaptation decisions; identifying opportunities to enhance health equity; and determining the level of facilitation that is most cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell E. Glasgow
- Colorado Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control, Dissemination and Implementation Science Program, Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Catherine Battaglia
- Denver/Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Marina McCreight
- Denver/Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Roman Ayele
- Denver/Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Anna M. Maw
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Meredith P. Fort
- Colorado Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control, Dissemination and Implementation Science Program, Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Health Systems, Management and Policy Department, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Jodi Summers Holtrop
- Colorado Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control, Dissemination and Implementation Science Program, Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Rebekah N. Gomes
- Colorado Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control, Dissemination and Implementation Science Program, Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Borsika Adrienn Rabin
- Colorado Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control, Dissemination and Implementation Science Program, Adult and Child Center for Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Dissemination and Implementation Science Center, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Center, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity in Science, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States
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[Synthesis of evidence and recommendations: guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of arterial hypertension in adultsSíntese de evidências e recomendações: diretrizes para o tratamento farmacológico da hipertensão arterial em adultos]. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2022; 46:e172. [PMID: 36177299 PMCID: PMC9512685 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2022.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Arterial hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the most prevalent chronic noncommunicable diseases. It is a cause of cardiovascular disease and is the leading attributable cause of death in the Region of the Americas. Objectives Synthesize the recommendations developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve the quality of care and health outcomes of adults with high blood pressure, and address aspects of implementing these recommendations. Methods A synthesis was conducted of the recommendations contained in the WHO Guideline for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults. In addition, a systematic search for studies carried out in the Region of the Americas was conducted in PubMed, Lilacs, Health Systems Evidence, Epistemonikos, and gray literature in order to identify barriers, facilitators, and implementation strategies. Results Ten recommendations were made for adults with high blood pressure. Implementation barriers, facilitators, and strategies were identified, and indicators were created for assessing treatment adherence and outcomes. Conclusions The formulated recommendations aim to provide guidance on how to approach the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults, except pregnant women, as well as considerations for implementation of the recommendations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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Rabin BA, Cakici J, Golden CA, Estabrooks PA, Glasgow RE, Gaglio B. A citation analysis and scoping systematic review of the operationalization of the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM). Implement Sci 2022; 17:62. [PMID: 36153628 PMCID: PMC9509575 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-022-01234-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) was developed in 2008 as a contextually expanded version of the broadly used Reach, Adoption, Effectiveness, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. PRISM provides researchers a pragmatic and intuitive model to improve translation of research interventions into clinical and community practice. Since 2008, the use of PRISM increased across diverse topics, populations, and settings. This citation analysis and scoping systematic review aimed to assess the use of the PRISM framework and to make recommendations for future research. Methods A literature search was conducted using three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus) for the period of 2008 and September 2020. After exclusion, reverse citation searches and invitations to experts in the field were used to identify and obtain recommendations for additional articles not identified in the original search. Studies that integrated PRISM into their study design were selected for full abstraction. Unique research studies were abstracted for information on study characteristics (e.g., setting/population, design), PRISM contextual domains, and RE-AIM outcomes. Results A total of 180 articles were identified to include PRISM to some degree. Thirty-two articles representing 23 unique studies integrated PRISM within their study design. Study characteristics varied widely and included studies conducted in diverse contexts, but predominately in high-income countries and in clinical out-patient settings. With regards to use, 19 used PRISM for evaluation, 10 for planning/development, 10 for implementation, four for sustainment, and one for dissemination. There was substantial variation across studies in how and to what degree PRISM contextual domains and RE-AIM outcomes were operationalized and connected. Only two studies directly connected individual PRISM context domains with RE-AIM outcomes, and another four included RE-AIM outcomes without direct connection to PRISM domains. Conclusions This is the first systematic review of the use of PRISM in various contexts. While there were low levels of ‘integrated’ use of PRISM and few reports on linkage to RE-AIM outcomes, most studies included important context domains of implementation and sustainability infrastructure and external environment. Recommendations are provided for more consistent and comprehensive use of and reporting on PRISM to inform both research and practice on contextual factors in implementation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13012-022-01234-3.
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Rakhra A, Mishra S, Aifah A, Colvin C, Gyamfi J, Ogedegbe G, Iwelunmor J. Sustaining capacity building and evidence-based NCD intervention implementation: Perspectives from the GRIT consortium. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2022; 2:891522. [PMID: 36925894 PMCID: PMC10012828 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2022.891522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Implementation science has been primarily focused on adoption of evidence-based interventions, and less so on sustainability, creating a gap in the field. The Global Research on Implementation and Translation Science (GRIT) Consortium is funded by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHBLI) to support the planning, implementation, and sustainability of Late-Stage Phase 4 Translational Research (T4TR) and capacity building for NCD prevention and control in eight low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This paper highlights perspectives, including barriers, facilitators, opportunities, and motivators for sustaining capacity building and evidence-based hypertension interventions within LMICs. Methods Guided by the Capacity, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) Model, this study surveyed GRIT consortium members on the barriers, facilitators, key motivators, and opportunities for sustaining capacity building and evidence-based hypertension interventions in LMICs. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and patterns across responses. Results Twenty-five consortium members across all eight sites and from various research levels responded to the survey. Overarching themes identifying facilitators, key motivators and opportunities for sustainability included: (1) access to structured and continuous training and mentorship; (2) project integration with existing systems (i.e., political systems and health systems); (3) adaption to the local context of studies (i.e., accounting for policies, resources, and utilizing stakeholder engagement); and (4) development of interventions with decision makers and implementers. Barriers to sustainability included local policies and lack of infrastructure, unreliable access to hypertension medications, and lack of sufficient staff, time, and funding. Conclusion Sustainability is an important implementation outcome to address in public health interventions, particularly as it pertains to the success of these initiatives. This study provides perspectives on the sustainability of NCD interventions with a focus on mitigating their NCD burden in LMICs. Addressing multilevel factors that influence the sustainability of capacity building and interventions will have notable implications for other global NCD efforts going forward. Current and future studies, as well as consortium networks, should account for sustainability barriers outlined as it will strengthen program implementation, and long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlin Rakhra
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Shivani Mishra
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Angela Aifah
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Calvin Colvin
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joyce Gyamfi
- New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Gbenga Ogedegbe
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Juliet Iwelunmor
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Hernández-Galdamez D, Mansilla K, Peralta AL, Rodríguez-Szaszdi J, Ramírez JM, Roche D, Gulayin P, Ramirez-Zea M, He J, Irazola V, Fort MP. Monitoring Study Participants and Implementation with Phone Calls to Support Hypertension Control During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of a Multicomponent Intervention Trial in Guatemala. Glob Heart 2021; 16:77. [PMID: 34900568 PMCID: PMC8622336 DOI: 10.5334/gh.954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic presents a challenge to health care for patients with chronic diseases, especially hypertension, because of the important association and increased risk of these patients with a severe presentation of COVID-19 disease. The Guatemalan Ministry of Health has been implementing a multi-component program aimed at improving hypertension control in rural communities since 2019 as a part of an intervention research cluster randomized trial. When the first cases of COVID-19 were reported (March 13, 2020) in Guatemala, our study paused all study field activities, and began monitoring participants through phone calls. The objective of this paper is to describe the approach used to monitor study participants during the COVID-19 pandemic and compare data obtained during phone calls for intervention and control group participants. Methods We developed a cross-sectional study within the HyTREC (Hypertension Outcomes for T4 Research within Lower Middle-Income Countries) project 'Multicomponent Intervention to Improve Hypertension Control in Central America: Guatemala' in which phone calls were made to participants from both intervention and control groups to monitor measures important to the study: delivery of antihypertensive medications in both groups, receipt of coaching sessions and use of a home blood pressure monitor by intervention group participants, as well as reasons that they were not implemented. Results Regarding the delivery of antihypertensive drugs by the MoH to participants, those in the intervention group had a higher level of medication delivery (73%) than the control group (51%), p<0.001. Of the total participants in the intervention group, 62% had received at least one health coaching session in the previous three months and 81% used a digital home blood pressure monitor at least twice a week. Intervention activities were lower than expected due to restricted public transportation on top of decreased availability of health providers. Conclusion In Guatemala, specifically in rural settings, access to antihypertensive medications and health services during pandemic times was impaired and less than expected, even after accounting for the program's implementation activities and actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Hernández-Galdamez
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, GT
| | - Kristyne Mansilla
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, GT
| | - Ana Lucía Peralta
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, GT
| | - Javier Rodríguez-Szaszdi
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, GT
| | - Juan Manuel Ramírez
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, GT
| | - Dina Roche
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, GT
| | - Pablo Gulayin
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, AR
| | - Manuel Ramirez-Zea
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, GT
| | - Jiang He
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, US
| | - Vilma Irazola
- Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, AR
| | - Meredith P. Fort
- Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, US
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Fort MP, Mundo W, Paniagua-Avila A, Cardona S, Figueroa JC, Hernández-Galdamez D, Mansilla K, Peralta-García A, Roche D, Palacios EA, Glasgow RE, Gulayin P, Irazola V, He J, Ramirez-Zea M. Hypertension in Guatemala's Public Primary Care System: A Needs Assessment Using the Health System Building Blocks Framework. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:908. [PMID: 34479559 PMCID: PMC8414027 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06889-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uncontrolled hypertension represents a substantial and growing burden in Guatemala and other low and middle-income countries. As a part of the formative phase of an implementation research study, we conducted a needs assessment to define short- and long-term needs and opportunities for hypertension services within the public health system. Methods We conducted a multi-method, multi-level assessment of needs related to hypertension within Guatemala’s public system using the World Health Organization’s health system building blocks framework. We conducted semi-structured interviews with stakeholders at national (n = 17), departmental (n = 7), district (n = 25), and community (n = 30) levels and focus groups with patients (3) and frontline auxiliary nurses (3). We visited and captured data about infrastructure, accessibility, human resources, reporting, medications and supplies at 124 health posts and 53 health centers in five departments of Guatemala. We conducted a thematic analysis of transcribed interviews and focus group discussions supported by matrix analysis. We summarized quantitative data observed during visits to health posts and centers. Results Major challenges for hypertension service delivery included: gaps in infrastructure, insufficient staffing and high turnover, limited training, inconsistent supply of medications, lack of reporting, low prioritization of hypertension, and a low level of funding in the public health system overall. Key opportunities included: prior experience caring for patients with chronic conditions, eagerness from providers to learn, and interest from patients to be involved in managing their health. The 5 departments differ in population served per health facility, accessibility, and staffing. All but 7 health posts had basic infrastructure in place. Enalapril was available in 74% of health posts whereas hydrochlorothiazide was available in only 1 of the 124 health posts. With the exception of one department, over 90% of health posts had a blood pressure monitor. Conclusions This multi-level multi-method needs assessment using the building blocks framework highlights contextual factors in Guatemala’s public health system that have been important in informing the implementation of a hypertension control trial. Long-term needs that are not addressed within the scope of this study will be important to address to enable sustained implementation and scale-up of the hypertension control approach. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06889-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith P Fort
- Department of Health Systems, Management and Policy, Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA. .,Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA. .,INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala.
| | - William Mundo
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Alejandra Paniagua-Avila
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Sayra Cardona
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Juan Carlos Figueroa
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Diego Hernández-Galdamez
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Kristyne Mansilla
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Ana Peralta-García
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | - Dina Roche
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
| | | | - Russell E Glasgow
- Adult and Child Consortium for Health Outcomes Research and Delivery Science, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Pablo Gulayin
- South American Center of Excellence for Cardiovascular Health, Department of Research in Chronic Diseases, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vilma Irazola
- South American Center of Excellence for Cardiovascular Health, Department of Research in Chronic Diseases, Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jiang He
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Tulane University Translation Science Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Manuel Ramirez-Zea
- INCAP Research Center for the Prevention of Chronic Diseases (CIIPEC), Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), Guatemala City, Guatemala
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