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Guillaume D, Moise R, Chepkorir J, Alexander K, Alcaide ML, Chandler R, Rolland C, Pierre-Joseph N. Sociodemographics and health-literacy as predictors of cervical cancer screening practices among Haitian women: A secondary data analysis of 2016-17 DHS surveys. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002221. [PMID: 37552701 PMCID: PMC10409270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer screening rates in Haiti are concerningly low. Access to health-related information and health literacy may be important determinants of engagement in cervical cancer screening. This study explored the relationship between sociodemographics,literacy, and sources of information on cervical cancer screening among Haitian women. A secondary data analysis was conducted using USAID Demographics and Health Survey Haiti household data from 2016-2017. Univariate logistic regressions identified significant predictor covariates measuring sociodemographics and sources of information in cervical cancer screening uptake.Two multivariate logistic regression models with adjusted odds ratios were developed using the significant predictor variables from the univariate analysis. N = 610 women responded to questions pertaining to cervical cancer screening. The first multivariate model evaluating sociodemographics demonstrated an economic background of poorer (aOR = 4.06, 95% CI [1.16,14.27]) and richest (aOR = 19.10 , 95% CI[2.58,141.57]), higher education levels (aOR 7.58 , 95% CI [1.64,34.97]), and having insurance (aOR = 16.40, [95% CI 2.65, 101.42]) were significant predictors of cervical cancer screening. The second model evaluating literacy and sources of information indicated that access to a television (aOR = 4.28, 95% CI [1.21,9.34]), mobile phone ownership (aOR = 4.44, 95% CI [1.00,5.59]), and reading the newspaper (aOR = 3.57, [95% CI 1.10,11.59]) were significant predictors of cervical cancer screening. Diverse health communication initiatives that are adapted for literacy level and that incorporate multimedia components may effective in raising women's cervical cancer knowledge and awareness , and increasing intention and uptake of cervical cancer screening in Haiti.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Guillaume
- Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Jhpiego, A Johns Hopkins University Affiliate, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- International Vaccine Access Center, International Health Department, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Rhoda Moise
- Center for Translational Sleep and Circadian Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Joyline Chepkorir
- Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Kamila Alexander
- Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Maria Luisa Alcaide
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Rasheeta Chandler
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Claire Rolland
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Natalie Pierre-Joseph
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Poojar B, Shenoy K A, Kamath A, Ramapuram J, Rao SB. Evaluation of health literacy and medication regimen complexity index among patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection: A single-Centre, prospective, cross-sectional study. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2022.101206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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Antibiotic use numeracy: Developing the infectious numeracy test (INT). Res Social Adm Pharm 2022; 18:3580-3587. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Determinants of Use of Biotherapeutics in sub-Saharan Africa. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 42:75-84. [PMID: 33358177 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Biologic drugs are reshaping clinical practice in various disciplines, even while access to them is imbalanced across global settings. In sub-Saharan Africa, biotherapeutics have potential roles to play in the treatment of a range of conditions that include infectious and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). However, the literature is scarce on guidance for addressing local access challenges, including technical, regulatory, affordability, and other healthcare delivery aspects. This article aims to assess fundamental determinants of use of biologic medicines in sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose is to inform strategic actions of scientists, physicians, policymakers, and other stakeholders that are working to improve access to innovative therapies in low resource parts of the world.
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Rosenberg M, Gómez‐Olivé FX, Wagner RG, Rohr J, Payne CF, Berkman L, Kahn K, Tollman S, Bärnighausen T, Kobayashi LC. The relationships between cognitive function, literacy and HIV status knowledge among older adults in rural South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25457. [PMID: 32202047 PMCID: PMC7086300 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although HIV prevalence is exceptionally high in South Africa, HIV testing rates remain below targeted guidelines. Older adults living with HIV are substantially more likely to remain undiagnosed than younger people. Cognitive function and literacy could play key roles in HIV status knowledge due to the decision-making processes required around weighing the costs and benefits of testing, navigating testing logistics and processing results. We aimed to assess the independent relationships among each of cognitive function, literacy and education with HIV status knowledge in a population-based sample of older adults living in a rural South African community with high HIV prevalence. METHODS We analyzed data from a population-based study of 5059 men and women aged 40 years and older in rural South Africa (Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH community (HAALSI)). HAALSI surveys, conducted between 2014 and 2015, queried self-reported literacy, educational attainment and HIV status knowledge. Laboratory tests were conducted to assess true HIV sero-status. Cognitive function was assessed with a battery of cognitive tests measuring time orientation, immediate and delayed recall, and numeracy and coded using confirmatory factor analysis as a z-standardized latent variable. We estimated the relationship between the outcome of HIV status knowledge and each of three exposures: (1) latent cognitive z-score, (2) literacy and (3) education, using confounder-adjusted modified Poisson regression models in the study population overall and stratified by HIV sero-status. RESULTS We found that HIV status knowledge was higher among those with higher cognitive z-scores (adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR) (95% CI): 1.18 (1.14, 1.21) per standard deviation unit), and among literate participants (aPR (95% CI): 1.24 (1.16, 1.32) vs. non-literate participants). Taken together, the associations with literacy and cognitive function completely attenuated the otherwise positive association between educational attainment and HIV status knowledge. The magnitudes of effect were generally similar among laboratory-confirmed HIV-negative and HIV-positive participants. CONCLUSIONS Campaigns that target older adults in rural South Africa with HIV testing messages should carefully consider the cognitive and literacy levels of the intended audience. Innovations to ease the cognitive load associated with HIV testing could prove fruitful to increase HIV status knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsIndiana University School of Public Health‐BloomingtonBloomingtonINUSA
| | - F. Xavier Gómez‐Olivé
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt)School of Public HealthFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- INDEPTH NetworkAccraGhana
| | - Ryan G. Wagner
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt)School of Public HealthFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- INDEPTH NetworkAccraGhana
- Umeå Centre for Global Health ResearchDivision of Epidemiology and Global HealthDepartment of Public Health and Clinical MedicineUmeå UniversityUmeåSweden
| | - Julia Rohr
- Center for Population and Development StudiesHarvard UniversityCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Collin F. Payne
- School of Demography, Research School of Social SciencesAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
| | - Lisa Berkman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt)School of Public HealthFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Center for Population and Development StudiesHarvard UniversityCambridgeMAUSA
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt)School of Public HealthFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- INDEPTH NetworkAccraGhana
| | - Stephen Tollman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt)School of Public HealthFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- INDEPTH NetworkAccraGhana
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt)School of Public HealthFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
- Center for Population and Development StudiesHarvard UniversityCambridgeMAUSA
- Africa Health Research InstituteDurbanSouth Africa
- Heidelberg Institute of Global HealthFaculty of Medicine and University HospitalUniversity of HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Lindsay C. Kobayashi
- Department of EpidemiologySchool of Public HealthUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
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Baranczuk Z, Estill J, Blough S, Meier S, Merzouki A, Maathuis MH, Keiser O. Socio-behavioural characteristics and HIV: findings from a graphical modelling analysis of 29 sub-Saharan African countries. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25437. [PMID: 31854506 PMCID: PMC6921084 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Socio-behavioural factors may contribute to the wide variance in HIV prevalence between and within sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. We studied the associations between socio-behavioural variables potentially related to the risk of acquiring HIV. METHODS We used Bayesian network models to study associations between socio-behavioural variables that may be related to HIV. A Bayesian network consists of nodes representing variables, and edges representing the conditional dependencies between variables. We analysed data from Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 29 SSA countries between 2010 and 2016. We predefined and dichotomized 12 variables, including factors related to age, literacy, HIV knowledge, HIV testing, domestic violence, sexual activity and women's empowerment. We analysed data on men and women for each country separately and then summarized the results across the countries. We conducted a second analysis including also the individual HIV status in a subset of 23 countries where this information was available. We presented summary graphs showing associations that were present in at least six countries (five in the analysis with HIV status). RESULTS We analysed data from 190,273 men (range across countries 2295 to 17,359) and 420,198 women (6621 to 38,948). The two variables with the highest total number of edges in the summary graphs were literacy and rural/urban location. Literacy was negatively associated with false beliefs about AIDS and, for women, early sexual initiation, in most countries. Literacy was also positively associated with ever being tested for HIV and the belief that women have the right to ask their husband to use condoms if he has a sexually transmitted infection. Rural location was positively associated with false beliefs about HIV and the belief that beating one's wife is justified, and negatively associated with having been tested for HIV. In the analysis including HIV status, being HIV positive was associated with female-headed household, older age and rural location among women, and with no variables among men. CONCLUSIONS Literacy and urbanity were strongly associated with several factors that are important for HIV acquisition. Since literacy is one of the few variables that can be improved by interventions, this makes it a promising intervention target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zofia Baranczuk
- Institute of Global HealthUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Institute of MathematicsUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Janne Estill
- Institute of Global HealthUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
- Institute of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial ScienceUniversity of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Sara Blough
- Institute of Global HealthUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
- Rollins School of Public HealthEmory UniversityAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Sonja Meier
- Seminar for StatisticsETH ZürichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Aziza Merzouki
- Institute of Global HealthUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | | | - Olivia Keiser
- Institute of Global HealthUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
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Ousseine YM, Durand MA, Bouhnik AD, Smith AʻB, Mancini J. Multiple health literacy dimensions are associated with physicians' efforts to achieve shared decision-making. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2019; 102:1949-1956. [PMID: 31130338 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Shared decision-making (SDM) in health care is widely encouraged. However, for SDM to occur patients need to be able to obtain, understand and apply medical information. Our aim was to assess the relationship between health literacy (HL), numeracy and SDM (using French translations of validated measures). METHODS A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered online questionnaire was proposed to all members of the Seintinelles association. Several scales were used to measure HL (FCCHL and 3HLQ/SILS), numeracy (SNS-3), the SDM process (CollaboRATE) and explore their inter-relationships. RESULTS Data from 2 299 respondents (96.7% women, 46.1% with a history of cancer) were analysed. All measurement scales showed adequate psychometric properties. Functional HL, communicative HL and numeracy were positively associated with SDM while no significant relation was observed between critical HL and SDM. Furthermore, perceived difficulties in asking physicians' questions and deprivation were negatively associated with SDM. CONCLUSION Patient support to reach SDM requires high levels of HL, particularly in the functional and communicative domains. Efforts must be made to improve access and understanding of health information. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Brief self-reported measures could be used to screen for low levels of health literacy, tailor information accordingly and improve patient involvement in healthcare decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssoufa M Ousseine
- "Cancer, Biomedicine & Society" group, SESSTIM, INSERM, IRD, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Marie-Anne Durand
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Anne-Déborah Bouhnik
- "Cancer, Biomedicine & Society" group, SESSTIM, INSERM, IRD, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France
| | - Allan ʻBen' Smith
- Centre for Oncology Education and Research Translation (CONCERT), Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research & South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW, Australia; Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG), School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Julien Mancini
- "Cancer, Biomedicine & Society" group, SESSTIM, BIOSTIC, APHM, INSERM, IRD, Aix-Marseille Univ, Marseille, France.
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Filimão DBC, Moon TD, Senise JF, Diaz RS, Sidat M, Castelo A. Individual factors associated with time to non-adherence to ART pick-up within HIV care and treatment services in three health facilities of Zambézia Province, Mozambique. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213804. [PMID: 30908522 PMCID: PMC6433271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mozambique has made significant gains in addressing its HIV epidemic, yet adherence to visit schedules remains a challenge. HIV programmatic gains to date could be impaired if adherence and retention to ART remains low. We investigate individual factors associated with non-adherence to ART pick-up in Mozambique. Methods This was a retrospective cohort of patients initiating ART between January 2013 and June 2014. Non-adherence to ART pick-up was defined as a delay in pick-up ≥ 15 days. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Adherence to ART pick-up was assessed using Kaplan Meier estimates. Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine factors associated with non-adherence. Results 1,413 participants were included (77% female). Median age was 30.4 years. 19% of patients remained adherent to ART pick-up during the evaluation period, while 81% of patients were non-adherent to ART pick-up. Probability of being non-adherent to ART pick-up by 166 days following initiation was 50%. In univariate analysis, being widowed was associated with higher adherence to ART pick-up than other marital status groups (p = 0.01). After adjusting, being ≥35 years (aHR: 0.843, 95% CI: 0.738–0.964, p = 0.012); receiving efavirenz (aHR: 0.932, 95% CI: 0.875–0.992, p = 0.026); and being urban (aHR: 0.754, 95% CI: 0.661–0.861, p<0.0001) were associated with improved adherence. Non-participation in a Community ART Support Group (CASG) was associated with a 43% increased hazard of non-adherence to ART pick-up (aHR 1.431, 1.192–1.717, p<0.0001) Conclusions Interventions should focus on the first 6 months following ARV initiation for improvements. Younger persons and widows are two target groups for better understanding facilitators and barriers to visit schedule adherence. Future strategies should explore the benefits of joining CASGs earlier in one´s treatment course. Finally, greater efforts should be made to accelerate the scale-up of viral load capacity and HIV resistance monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dércio B. C. Filimão
- Provincial Directorate of Health, Zambézia Province, Quelimane, Mozambique
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Retrovirology Laboratory, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Troy D. Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jorge F. Senise
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo S. Diaz
- Retrovirology Laboratory, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mohsin Sidat
- Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Adauto Castelo
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Carlucci JG, Liu Y, Friedman H, Pelayo BE, Robelin K, Sheldon EK, Clouse K, Vermund SH. Attrition of HIV-exposed infants from early infant diagnosis services in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25209. [PMID: 30649834 PMCID: PMC6287094 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Identification and retention of HIV-exposed infants in early infant diagnosis (EID) services helps to ensure optimal health outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the magnitude of attrition from EID services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHODS We performed a comprehensive database search through April 2016. We included original studies reporting retention/attrition data for HIV-exposed infants in LMICs. Outcomes included loss to follow-up (LTFU), death and overall attrition (LTFU + death) at time points along the continuum of EID services. At least two authors determined study eligibility, performed data extraction and made quality assessments. We used random-effects meta-analytic methods to aggregate effect sizes and perform meta-regression analyses. This study adhered to PRISMA reporting guidelines. RESULTS We identified 3040 unique studies, of which 92 met eligibility criteria and were included in the quantitative synthesis. The included studies represent data from 110,805 HIV-exposed infants, the majority of whom were from Africa (77%). LTFU definitions varied widely, and there was significant variability in outcomes across studies. The bulk of attrition occurred in the first six months of follow-up, with additional losses over time. Overall, 39% of HIV-exposed infants were no longer in care at 18 months. When restricted to non-intervention studies, 43% were not retained at 18 months. CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the high attrition of HIV-exposed infants from EID services in LMICs and the urgent need for implementation research and resources to improve retention among this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G Carlucci
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global HealthVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
- Division of Pediatric Infectious DiseasesDepartment of PediatricsVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Public Health SciencesSchool of Medicine and DentistryUniversity of RochesterRochesterNYUSA
| | | | | | | | - Emily K Sheldon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global HealthVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Kate Clouse
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global HealthVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Sten H Vermund
- Yale School of Public HealthYale UniversityNew HavenCTUSA
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Sterling MR, Safford MM, Goggins K, Nwosu SK, Schildcrout JS, Wallston KA, Mixon AS, Rothman RL, Kripalani S. Numeracy, Health Literacy, Cognition, and 30-Day Readmissions among Patients with Heart Failure. J Hosp Med 2018; 13:145-151. [PMID: 29455228 PMCID: PMC5836748 DOI: 10.12788/jhm.2932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numeracy, health literacy, and cognition are important for chronic disease management. Prior studies have found them to be associated with poorer selfcare and worse clinical outcomes, but limited data exists in the context of heart failure (HF), a condition that requires patients to monitor their weight, fluid intake, and dietary salt, especially in the posthospitalization period. OBJECTIVE To examine the relationship between numeracy, health literacy, and cognition with 30-day readmissions among patients hospitalized for acute decompensated HF (ADHF). DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS The Vanderbilt Inpatient Cohort Study is a prospective longitudinal study of adults hospitalized with acute coronary syndromes and/or ADHF. We studied 883 adults hospitalized with ADHF. MEASUREMENTS During their hospitalization, a baseline interview was performed in which demographic characteristics, numeracy, health literacy, and cognition were assessed. Through chart review, clinical characteristics were determined. The outcome of interest was 30-day readmission to any acute care hospital. To examine the association between numeracy, health literacy, cognition, and 30-day readmissions, multivariable Poisson (log-linear) regression was used. RESULTS Of the 883 patients admitted for ADHF, 23.8% (n = 210) were readmitted within 30 days; 33.9% of the study population had inadequate numeracy skills, 24.6% had inadequate/marginal literacy skills, and 53% had any cognitive impairment. Numeracy and cognition were not associated with 30-day readmissions. Though (objective) health literacy was associated with 30-day readmissions in unadjusted analyses, it was not in adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS Numeracy, health literacy, and cognition were not associated with 30-day readmission among this sample of patients hospitalized with ADHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline R Sterling
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Monika M Safford
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kathryn Goggins
- Center for Health Services Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Effective Health Communication, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Clinical Quality and Implementation Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sam K Nwosu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jonathan S Schildcrout
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | | | - Amanda S Mixon
- Center for Health Services Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Russell L Rothman
- Center for Health Services Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sunil Kripalani
- Center for Health Services Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Effective Health Communication, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Clinical Quality and Implementation Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Stonbraker S, Befus M, Lerebours Nadal L, Halpern M, Larson E. Factors Associated with Health Information Seeking, Processing, and Use Among HIV Positive Adults in the Dominican Republic. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:1588-1600. [PMID: 27714522 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1569-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Effective treatment and management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) depend on patients' ability to locate, comprehend, and apply health information. This study's purpose was to identify characteristics associated with these skills among HIV positive adults in the Dominican Republic. An information behavior survey was administered to 107 participants then three logistic regressions were conducted to identify characteristics associated with information seeking, processing, and use. Never having cared for someone who was sick was significantly associated with less information seeking, processing, and use. Males were more likely to be active information seekers and those who had attended the clinic for six or fewer years were less likely to actively seek information. Younger individuals had increased odds of higher information processing and those without comorbidities had increased odds of more information use. Results may inform researchers, organizations, and providers about how patients interact with health information in limited resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Stonbraker
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 617 W. 168th St. Rm 330, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Montina Befus
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Mina Halpern
- Clínica de Familia La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic
| | - Elaine Larson
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 617 W. 168th St. Rm 330, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Carlucci JG, Blevins Peratikos M, Cherry CB, Lopez ML, Green AF, González-Calvo L, Moon TD. Prevalence and determinants of malaria among children in Zambézia Province, Mozambique. Malar J 2017; 16:108. [PMID: 28274257 PMCID: PMC5343407 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-1741-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria is the leading cause of death among children in Mozambique. Prevalence and factors associated with malaria are not well studied among children in rural Zambézia Province. Whether prevalence of malaria varies across diverse districts within the province is unknown. Methods A cross-sectional survey of female heads of household was conducted during April and May 2014, a period of peak malaria transmission. Data were collected on up to two randomly selected children aged 6–59 months per household. The outcome of interest was self-report of symptomatic malaria confirmed by diagnostic test in the past 30 days. Analyses accounted for the two-stage cluster sample design. Prevalence of symptomatic malaria was calculated for the province and three over-sampled focus districts—Alto Molócuè, Morrumbala, and Namacurra. Multivariable logistic regression of symptomatic malaria diagnosis included: district, age, sex, education, bed net use, urban setting, distance to health facility, income, roofing material, and pig farming. Results Data were collected on 2540 children. Fifty percent were female, and the median age was 24 months. Sixty percent of children slept under bed nets the night prior to the survey, but utilization varied between districts (range 49–89%; p < 0.001). Forty-three percent of children reported fever in the past 30 days, 91% of those sought care at a health facility, 67% of those had either a malaria rapid diagnostic test or blood smear, and 67% of those had a positive test result and therefore met our case definition of self-reported symptomatic malaria. There were significant differences in prevalence of fever (p < 0.001), health-seeking (p < 0.001), and diagnostic testing (p = 0.003) between focus districts. Province-wide prevalence of symptomatic malaria was 13% and among focus districts ranged from 14% in Morrumbala to 17% in Namacurra (p < 0.001). Higher female caregiver education (OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.31–2.70), having fewer young children in the household (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.01–1.56), and higher income (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.11–2.22) were independently associated with having a child with symptomatic malaria. Conclusions Self-reported symptomatic malaria is highly prevalent among children in Zambézia Province, Mozambique and varies significantly between diverse districts. Factors facilitating access to health services are associated with symptomatic malaria diagnosis. These findings should inform resource allocation in the fight against malaria in Mozambique.
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Affiliation(s)
- James G Carlucci
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA. .,Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Meridith Blevins Peratikos
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.,Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Charlotte B Cherry
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
| | | | - Ann F Green
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.,Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Lazaro González-Calvo
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.,Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Troy D Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.,Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.,Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
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13
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Tique JA, Howard LM, Gaveta S, Sidat M, Rothman RL, Vermund SH, Ciampa PJ. Measuring Health Literacy Among Adults with HIV Infection in Mozambique: Development and Validation of the HIV Literacy Test. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:822-832. [PMID: 26961538 PMCID: PMC5306223 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1348-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The role of health literacy on HIV outcomes has not been evaluated widely in Africa, in part because few appropriate literacy measures exist. We developed a 16-item scale, the HIV Literacy Test (HIV-LT) to assess literacy-related tasks needed to participate in HIV care. Items were scored as correct or incorrect; higher scores indicated higher literacy skill (range 0-100 %). We tested internal reliability (Kuder-Richardson coefficient) of the HIV-LT in a convenience sample of 319 Portuguese-speaking, HIV infected adults on antiretroviral treatment in Maputo, Mozambique. Construct validity was assessed by a hypothetical model developed a priori. The HIV-LT was reliable and valid to measure participants' literacy skills. The mean HIV-LT score was 42 %; literacy skills applicable to HIV care were challenging for many participants. The HIV-LT could be used to assess the relationship of literacy and HIV-related outcomes in diverse settings, and evaluate interventions to improve health communication for those in HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Tique
- National STI's and HIV Program, Ministry of Health, Avenida Eduardo Mondlane/Salvador Allende, Maputo, Mozambique.
| | - Leigh M Howard
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, USA
| | - Sandra Gaveta
- Community Health Department, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mohsin Sidat
- Community Health Department, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Russell L Rothman
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, USA
| | - Sten H Vermund
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, USA
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14
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Gellert P, Detel S, Ernsting C, Oedekoven M, Kuhlmey A. Development and psychometric properties of a health knowledge test on six chronic conditions. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2016; 99:2034-2042. [PMID: 27499029 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2016.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of a health knowledge test on common chronic conditions in the general population. METHODS Operationalization based on a facet design led to 108 knowledge items on six conditions: cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal system conditions, depression, and chronic pain. We refined the items (qualitative study 1; N=20) and selected the items by applying a mixed Rasch model (study 2; N=861). The psychometric properties (Study 3; N=4144) of the remaining 24 items were tested using exploratory (split sample N=2110) and confirmatory factor analyses (split sample N=2034). RESULTS 108 items were refined within study 1, 24 of which were selected in study 2. In study 3, a general health knowledge factor was confirmed based on six subscales on specific conditions. Convergent validity was confirmed by the overlap of health knowledge with education and perceived health knowledge. CONCLUSION The development and evaluation of the psychometric properties of a health knowledge test on six common conditions will improve future research on health knowledge. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Chronic conditions present a challenge; assessing the level of health knowledge is the first step to prevent and to cope with these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Gellert
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sibylle Detel
- Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Clemens Ernsting
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Monika Oedekoven
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Adelheid Kuhlmey
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
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15
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Sweetland AC, Oquendo MA, Sidat M, Santos PF, Vermund SH, Duarte CS, Arbuckle M, Wainberg ML. Closing the mental health gap in low-income settings by building research capacity: perspectives from Mozambique. Ann Glob Health 2016; 80:126-33. [PMID: 24976551 DOI: 10.1016/j.aogh.2014.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropsychiatric disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide, accounting for 22.7% of all years lived with disability. Despite this global burden, fewer than 25% of affected individuals ever access mental health treatment; in low-income settings, access is much lower, although nonallopathic interventions through traditional healers are common in many venues. Three main barriers to reducing the gap between individuals who need mental health treatment and those who have access to it include stigma and lack of awareness, limited material and human resources, and insufficient research capacity. We argue that investment in dissemination and implementation research is critical to face these barriers. Dissemination and implementation research can improve mental health care in low-income settings by facilitating the adaptation of effective treatment interventions to new settings, particularly when adapting specialist-led interventions developed in high-resource countries to settings with few, if any, mental health professionals. Emerging evidence from other low-income settings suggests that lay providers can be trained to detect mental disorders and deliver basic psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological interventions when supervised by an expert. OBJECTIVES We describe a new North-South and South-South research partnership between Universidade Eduardo Mondlane (Mozambique), Columbia University (United States), Vanderbilt University (United States), and Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Brazil), to build research capacity in Mozambique and other Portuguese-speaking African countries. CONCLUSIONS Mozambique has both the political commitment and available resources for mental health, but inadequate research capacity and workforce limits the country's ability to assess local needs, adapt and test interventions, and identify implementation strategies that can be used to effectively bring evidence-based mental health interventions to scale within the public sector. Global training and research partnerships are critical to building capacity, promoting bilateral learning between and among low- and high-income settings, ultimately reducing the mental health treatment gap worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika C Sweetland
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY.
| | - Maria A Oquendo
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
| | - Mohsin Sidat
- Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Palmira F Santos
- Ministry of Health, Mental Health Department, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Sten H Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health and Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Cristiane S Duarte
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
| | - Melissa Arbuckle
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
| | - Milton L Wainberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY
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Chelo D, Nguefack F, Ntoude A, Soh F, Ngou P, Koki Ndombo PO. Verbal autopsy and therapeutic itinerary of children who die before arrival in a paediatric centre in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Transl Pediatr 2016; 5:16-22. [PMID: 26835402 PMCID: PMC4729042 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2224-4336.2015.12.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Cameroon the rate of infant-juvenile mortality remains high and most death occur in the community. Mortality statistics is usually based on hospital data which are generally insufficient and less reliable. In a context where legislation on death registration is not applied, and where conventional autopsy is not often done, verbal autopsy (VA) provides information on mortality. This study tried to experiment this method and also analyses the therapeutic pathway of a group of children who died before arrival at the emergency department of a pediatric hospital. METHODS A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out on children who died before arrival, at the Mother and Child Centre of the Chantal Biya Foundation in Yaounde, between October 2013 and April 2014. The addresses of parents or relatives of the deceased children were registered at the start of the study. Each respondent was interviewed 5 to 6 weeks later at the residence of the deceased child, with the aid of a VA questionnaire. Information obtained was on the socio-demographic characteristics of the families, past history of deceased, clinical presentation and the different health care services sought before the death. RESULTS In all, 40 children who died were included in the study. The majority of the deceased children were less than 5 years (82.5%) with 50.0% being less than 1 year of age. Almost half of them (47.5%) had been ill for more than 24 hours, 40% for more than 3 days. Up to 50.0% had not been taken to a health facility. Most of them had visited 2 or 3 other health facilities before dying on the way to our hospital. Auto medication was frequent (42.5%); parents initially recourse to drugs which were either bought or obtained from home. Some parents (25.0%) brought their children only after they had been to a private dispensary, or a traditional healer (15.0%). Only 7.5% benefited from consultation in a public health facility and 2.5% resorted to prayers and incantations. Whatever the kind of care sought, the choice was mostly guided by its proximity (32.5%), advice from a relative (27.5%) or its affordability. CONCLUSIONS It is of crucial importance that the government reinforces the measures to avoid the existence of clandestine health centres and check the competence of health care professionals. Improving referral/counter referral system will permit the limitation of fatal medical errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Chelo
- 1 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé-University I, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; 2 Mother and Child Centre of the Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; 3 Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Félicitée Nguefack
- 1 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé-University I, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; 2 Mother and Child Centre of the Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; 3 Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Anicet Ntoude
- 1 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé-University I, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; 2 Mother and Child Centre of the Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; 3 Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Florence Soh
- 1 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé-University I, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; 2 Mother and Child Centre of the Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; 3 Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Patrick Ngou
- 1 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé-University I, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; 2 Mother and Child Centre of the Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; 3 Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Paul O Koki Ndombo
- 1 Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Yaoundé-University I, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; 2 Mother and Child Centre of the Chantal Biya Foundation, Yaoundé, Cameroon ; 3 Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Buehler CP, Blevins M, Ossemane EB, González-Calvo L, Ndatimana E, Vermund SH, Sidat M, Olupona O, Moon TD. Assessing spatial patterns of HIV knowledge in rural Mozambique using geographic information systems. Trop Med Int Health 2015; 20:353-364. [PMID: 25430042 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To conduct a cross-sectional mapping analysis of HIV knowledge in Zambézia Province, Mozambique, and to examine spatial patterns of HIV knowledge and associated household characteristics. METHODS A population-based cluster survey was administered in 2010; data were analysed from 201 enumeration areas in three geographically diverse districts: Alto Molócuè, Morrumbala and Namacurra. We assessed HIV knowledge scores (0-9 points) using previously validated assessment tools. Using geographic information systems (GIS), we mapped hot spots of high and low HIV knowledge. Our multivariable linear regression model estimated HIV knowledge associations with distance to nearest clinic offering antiretroviral therapy, respondent age, education, household size, number of children under five, numeracy, literacy and district of residence. RESULTS We found little overall HIV knowledge in all three districts. People in Alto Molócuè knew comparatively most about HIV, with a median score of 3 (IQR 2-5) and 22 of 51 (43%) enumeration areas scoring ≥4 of 9 points. Namacurra district, closest to the capital city and expected to have the best HIV knowledge levels, had a median score of 1 (IQR 0-3) and only 3 of 57 (5%) enumeration areas scoring ≥4 points. More HIV knowledge was associated with more education, age, household size, numeracy and proximity to a health facility offering antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSIONS HIV knowledge is critical for its prevention and treatment. By pinpointing areas of poor HIV knowledge, programme planners can prioritize educational resources and outreach initiatives within the context of antiretroviral therapy expansion.
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18
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Paulin HN, Blevins M, Koethe JR, Hinton N, Vaz LME, Vergara AE, Mukolo A, Ndatimana E, Moon TD, Vermund SH, Wester CW. HIV testing service awareness and service uptake among female heads of household in rural Mozambique: results from a province-wide survey. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:132. [PMID: 25881182 PMCID: PMC4339241 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-1388-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) utilization remains low in many sub-Saharan African countries, particularly in remote rural settings. We sought to identify factors associated with service awareness and service uptake of VCT among female heads of household in rural Zambézia Province of north-central Mozambique which is characterized by high HIV prevalence (12.6%), poverty, and suboptimal health service access and utilization. Methods Our population-based survey of female heads of household was administered to a representative two-stage cluster sample using a sampling frame created for use on all national surveys and based on census results. The data served as a baseline measure for the Ogumaniha project initiated in 2009. Survey domains included poverty, health, education, income, HIV stigma, health service access, and empowerment. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to describe service awareness and service uptake of VCT. Results Of 3708 women surveyed, 2546 (69%) were unaware of available VCT services. Among 1162 women who were aware of VCT, 673 (58%) reported no prior testing. In the VCT aware group, VCT awareness was associated with higher education (aOR = 2.88; 95% CI = 1.61, 5.16), higher income (aOR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.06, 1.86), higher numeracy (aOR = 1.05, CI 1.03, 1.08), more children < age 5 in the home (aOR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.07, 2.18), closer proximity to a health facility (aOR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.03, 1.07), and mobile phone ownership (aOR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.03, 1.84) (all p-values < 0.04). Having a higher HIV-associated stigma score was the factor most strongly associated with being less likely to test. (aOR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.23, 0.71; p<0.001). Conclusions Most women were unaware of available VCT services. Even women who were aware of services were unlikely to have been tested. Expanded VCT and social marketing of VCT are needed in rural Mozambique with special attention to issues of community-level stigma reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather N Paulin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1611 21st Avenue South, A-2200, Medical Center North, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Meridith Blevins
- Department of Biostatistics, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - John R Koethe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1611 21st Avenue South, A-2200, Medical Center North, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | | | - Lara M E Vaz
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Friends in Global Health (FGH), Maputo, Mozambique. .,Save the Children, Washington, D.C., USA.
| | - Alfredo E Vergara
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Abraham Mukolo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, TN, USA.
| | | | - Troy D Moon
- Department of Pediatrics, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, TN, USA. .,Friends in Global Health (FGH), Maputo, Mozambique.
| | - Sten H Vermund
- Department of Pediatrics, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - C William Wester
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1611 21st Avenue South, A-2200, Medical Center North, Nashville, TN, USA. .,Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH), Nashville, TN, USA.
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19
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De Schacht C, Lucas C, Mboa C, Gill M, Macasse E, Dimande SA, Bobrow EA, Guay L. Access to HIV prevention and care for HIV-exposed and HIV-infected children: a qualitative study in rural and urban Mozambique. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:1240. [PMID: 25467030 PMCID: PMC4265432 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-1240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Follow-up of HIV-exposed children for the delivery of prevention of mother-to-child transmission services and for early diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection is critical to their survival. Despite efforts, uptake of postnatal care for these children remains low in many sub-Saharan African countries. Methods A qualitative study was conducted in three provinces in Mozambique to identify motivators and barriers to improve uptake of and retention in HIV prevention, care and treatment services for HIV-exposed and HIV-infected children. Participant recommendations were also gathered. Individual interviews (n = 79) and focus group discussions (n = 32) were conducted with parents/caregivers, grandmothers, community leaders and health care workers. Using a socioecological framework, the main themes identified were organized into multiple spheres of influence, specifically at the individual, interpersonal, institutional, community and policy levels. Results Study participants reported factors such as seeking care outside of the conventional health system and disbelief in test results as barriers to use of HIV services. Other key barriers included fear of disclosure at the interpersonal level and poor patient flow and long waiting time at the institutional level. Key facilitators for accessing care included having hope for children’s future, symptomatic illness in children, and the belief that health facilities were the appropriate places to get care. Conclusions The results suggest that individual-level factors are critical drivers that influence the health-seeking behavior of caregivers of HIV-exposed and HIV-infected children in Mozambique. Noted strategies are to provide more information and awareness on the benefits of early pediatric testing and treatment with positive messages that incorporate success stories, to reach more pregnant women and mother-child pairs postpartum, and to provide counseling during tracing visits. Increasing uptake and retention may be achieved by improving patient flow at the institutional level at health facilities, by addressing concerns with family decision makers, and by working with community leaders to support the uptake of services for HIV-exposed children for essential preventive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline De Schacht
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Avenida Kwame Nkrumah 417, Maputo, Mozambique.
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Vermund SH, Blevins M, Moon TD, José E, Moiane L, Tique JA, Sidat M, Ciampa PJ, Shepherd BE, Vaz LME. Poor clinical outcomes for HIV infected children on antiretroviral therapy in rural Mozambique: need for program quality improvement and community engagement. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110116. [PMID: 25330113 PMCID: PMC4203761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Residents of Zambézia Province, Mozambique live from rural subsistence farming and fishing. The 2009 provincial HIV prevalence for adults 15-49 years was 12.6%, higher among women (15.3%) than men (8.9%). We reviewed clinical data to assess outcomes for HIV-infected children on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in a highly resource-limited setting. METHODS We studied rates of 2-year mortality and loss to follow-up (LTFU) for children <15 years of age initiating cART between June 2006-July 2011 in 10 rural districts. National guidelines define LTFU as >60 days following last-scheduled medication pickup. Kaplan-Meier estimates to compute mortality assumed non-informative censoring. Cumulative LTFU incidence calculations treated death as a competing risk. RESULTS Of 753 children, 29.0% (95% CI: 24.5, 33.2) were confirmed dead by 2 years and 39.0% (95% CI: 34.8, 42.9) were LTFU with unknown clinical outcomes. The cohort mortality rate was 8.4% (95% CI: 6.3, 10.4) after 90 days on cART and 19.2% (95% CI: 16.0, 22.3) after 365 days. Higher hemoglobin at cART initiation was associated with being alive and on cART at 2 years (alive: 9.3 g/dL vs. dead or LTFU: 8.3-8.4 g/dL, p<0.01). Cotrimoxazole use within 90 days of ART initiation was associated with improved 2-year outcomes Treatment was initiated late (WHO stage III/IV) among 48% of the children with WHO stage recorded in their records. Marked heterogeneity in outcomes by district was noted (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS We found poor clinical and programmatic outcomes among children taking cART in rural Mozambique. Expanded testing, early infant diagnosis, counseling/support services, case finding, and outreach are insufficiently implemented. Our quality improvement efforts seek to better link pregnancy and HIV services, expand coverage and timeliness of infant diagnosis and treatment, and increase follow-up and adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sten H. Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Meridith Blevins
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Troy D. Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Eurico José
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Linda Moiane
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
| | - José A. Tique
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Mohsin Sidat
- School of Medicine, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Philip J. Ciampa
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Bryan E. Shepherd
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Lara M. E. Vaz
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Quelimane and Maputo, Mozambique
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21
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Antiretroviral therapy program expansion in Zambézia Province, Mozambique: geospatial mapping of community-based and health facility data for integrated health planning. PLoS One 2014; 9:e109653. [PMID: 25329169 PMCID: PMC4201452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0109653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To generate maps reflecting the intersection of community-based Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) delivery points with facility-based HIV program demographic information collected at the district level in three districts (Ile, Maganja da Costa and Chinde) of Zambézia Province, Mozambique; in order to guide planning decisions about antiretroviral therapy (ART) program expansion. METHODS Program information was harvested from two separate open source databases maintained for community-based VCT and facility-based HIV care and treatment monitoring from October 2011 to September 2012. Maps were created using ArcGIS 10.1. Travel distance by foot within a 10 km radius is generally considered a tolerable distance in Mozambique for purposes of adherence and retention planning. RESULTS Community-based VCT activities in each of three districts were clustered within geographic proximity to clinics providing ART, within communities with easier transportation access, and/or near the homes of VCT volunteers. Community HIV testing results yielded HIV seropositivity rates in some regions that were incongruent with the Ministry of Health's estimates for the entire district (2-13% vs. 2% in Ile, 2-54% vs. 11.5% in Maganja da Costa, and 23-43% vs. 14.4% in Chinde). All 3 districts revealed gaps in regional disbursement of community-based VCT activities as well as access to clinics offering ART. CONCLUSIONS Use of geospatial mapping in the context of program planning and monitoring allowed for characterizing the location and size of each district's HIV population. In extremely resource limited and logistically challenging settings, maps are valuable tools for informing evidence-based decisions in planning program expansion, including ART.
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Victor B, Blevins M, Green AF, Ndatimana E, González-Calvo L, Fischer EF, Vergara AE, Vermund SH, Olupona O, Moon TD. Multidimensional poverty in rural Mozambique: a new metric for evaluating public health interventions. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108654. [PMID: 25268951 PMCID: PMC4182519 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon and unidimensional measurements have proven inadequate to the challenge of assessing its dynamics. Dynamics between poverty and public health intervention is among the most difficult yet important problems faced in development. We sought to demonstrate how multidimensional poverty measures can be utilized in the evaluation of public health interventions; and to create geospatial maps of poverty deprivation to aid implementers in prioritizing program planning. METHODS Survey teams interviewed a representative sample of 3,749 female heads of household in 259 enumeration areas across Zambézia in August-September 2010. We estimated a multidimensional poverty index, which can be disaggregated into context-specific indicators. We produced an MPI comprised of 3 dimensions and 11 weighted indicators selected from the survey. Households were identified as "poor" if were deprived in >33% of indicators. Our MPI is an adjusted headcount, calculated by multiplying the proportion identified as poor (headcount) and the poverty gap (average deprivation). Geospatial visualizations of poverty deprivation were created as a contextual baseline for future evaluation. RESULTS In our rural (96%) and urban (4%) interviewees, the 33% deprivation cut-off suggested 58.2% of households were poor (29.3% of urban vs. 59.5% of rural). Among the poor, households experienced an average deprivation of 46%; thus the MPI/adjusted headcount is 0.27 ( = 0.58×0.46). Of households where a local language was the primary language, 58.6% were considered poor versus Portuguese-speaking households where 73.5% were considered non-poor. Living standard is the dominant deprivation, followed by health, and then education. CONCLUSIONS Multidimensional poverty measurement can be integrated into program design for public health interventions, and geospatial visualization helps examine the impact of intervention deployment within the context of distinct poverty conditions. Both permit program implementers to focus resources and critically explore linkages between poverty and its social determinants, thus deriving useful findings for evidence-based planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Victor
- Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Meridith Blevins
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Ann F. Green
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | | | | | - Edward F. Fischer
- Vanderbilt Center for Latin American Studies and Department of Anthropology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Alfredo E. Vergara
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Sten H. Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Omo Olupona
- World Vision International, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Troy D. Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- Friends in Global Health, Maputo, Mozambique
- * E-mail:
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Narayan KMV, Miotti PG, Anand NP, Kline LM, Harmston C, Gulakowski R, Vermund SH. HIV and noncommunicable disease comorbidities in the era of antiretroviral therapy: a vital agenda for research in low- and middle-income country settings. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2014; 67 Suppl 1:S2-S7. [PMID: 25117958 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this special 2014 issue of JAIDS, international investigator teams review a host of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) that are often reported among people living and aging with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. With the longer lifespans that antiretroviral therapy programs have made possible, NCDs are occurring due to a mix of chronic immune activation, medication side effects, coinfections, and the aging process itself. Cancer; cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases; metabolic, body, and bone disorders; gastrointestinal, hepatic, and nutritional aspects; mental, neurological, and substance use disorders; and renal and genitourinary diseases are discussed. Cost-effectiveness, key research methods, and issues of special importance in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean are also addressed. In this introduction, we present some of the challenges and opportunities for addressing HIV and NCD comorbidities in low- and middle-income countries, and preview the research agenda that emerges from the articles that follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Venkat Narayan
- *Departments of Global Health and Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA; †Hubert Department of Global Health, Office of AIDS Research, Bethesda, MD; ‡Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD; and §Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
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24
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Vermund SH, Van Lith LM, Holtgrave D. Strategic roles for health communication in combination HIV prevention and care programs. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2014; 66 Suppl 3:S237-40. [PMID: 25007259 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This special issue of JAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes is devoted to health communication and its role in and impact on HIV prevention and care. The authors in this special issue have tackled a wide swath of topics, seeking to introduce a wider biomedical audience to core health communication principles, strategies, and evidence of effectiveness. Better awareness of health communication strategies and concepts can enable the broader biomedical community to partner with health communication experts in reducing the risk of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and tuberculosis and maximize linkage and adherence to care. Interventions can be strengthened when biomedical and health communication approaches are combined in strategic and evidence-based ways. Several of the articles in this special issue present the current evidence for health communication's impact. These articles show how far we have come and yet how much further we have to go to document impact convincingly. Examples of the biomedical approaches to HIV control include treatment as prevention, voluntary medical male circumcision, preexposure prophylaxis, sterile needle exchange, opiate substitution therapy, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission. None will succeed without behavior change, which can be facilitated by effective health communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sten H Vermund
- *Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health and Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN; †Center for Communication Programs, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD; and ‡Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
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Moon TD, Jequicene T, Blevins M, José E, Lankford JR, Wester CW, Fuchs MC, Vermund SH. Mobile clinics for antiretroviral therapy in rural Mozambique. Bull World Health Organ 2014; 92:680-4. [PMID: 25378759 PMCID: PMC4208568 DOI: 10.2471/blt.13.129478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Problem Despite seven years of investment from the President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the expansion of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related services continues to challenge Mozambique’s health-care infrastructure, especially in the country’s rural regions. Approach In 2012, as part of a national acceleration plan for HIV care and treatment, Namacurra district employed a mobile clinic strategy to provide temporary manpower and physical space to expand services at four rural peripheral clinics. This paper describes the strategy deployed, the uptake of services and the key lessons learnt in the first 18 months of implementation. Local setting In 2012, Namacurra´s adult population was estimated to be 125 425, and of those 15 803 were estimated to be HIV infected. Although there is consistent government support of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes, national coverage remains low, with less than 15% of those eligible having received ART by December 2012. Relevant changes Between April 2012 and September 2013, Namacurra district enrolled 4832 new patients into HIV care and treatment. By using the mobile clinic strategy for ART expansion, the district was able to expand provision of ART from two to six (of a desired seven) clinics by September 2013. Lessons learnt Mobile clinic strategies could rapidly expand HIV care and treatment in under-funded settings in ways that both build local capacity and are sustainable for local health systems. The clinics best serve as a transition to improved capacity at fixed-site services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy D Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, United States of America (USA)
| | - Tito Jequicene
- Friends in Global Health, Limited Liability Corporation, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - Meridith Blevins
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, United States of America (USA)
| | - Eurico José
- Friends in Global Health, Limited Liability Corporation, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - Julie R Lankford
- Friends in Global Health, Limited Liability Corporation, Quelimane, Mozambique
| | - C William Wester
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, United States of America (USA)
| | | | - Sten H Vermund
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, United States of America (USA)
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Abstract
Health literacy is known to affect vulnerable communities such as persons living with HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this review was to provide a current summary of research on the impact of health literacy on the health of persons living with HIV/AIDS and to address future areas of need. Contemporary studies focused on expanding the reach of health literacy in HIV/AIDS to retention in HIV care, use of technology for assessing and intervening to improve health literacy, and health literacy across the globe, for example. A number of studies did not find health literacy to explain health behaviors whereas other studies supported such a relationship. Future issues relevant to health literacy in HIV/AIDS include the aging of the HIV population and associated comorbidities, studies to understand the role of health literacy in specific populations affected by HIV/AIDS, and the continued need to refine the definition and measurement of health literacy.
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Howard LM, Tique JA, Gaveta S, Sidat M, Rothman RL, Vermund SH, Ciampa PJ. Health literacy predicts pediatric dosing accuracy for liquid zidovudine. AIDS 2014; 28:1041-8. [PMID: 24463393 PMCID: PMC4171732 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000000197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about adult caregivers' ability to accurately dose pediatric antiretroviral medications. We aimed to characterize the frequency of dosing errors for liquid zidovudine using two dosing devices and to evaluate the association between HIV literacy and dosing errors in adults living with HIV infection. DESIGN Cross-sectional study enrolling 316 adults receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) for HIV infection in Maputo Province, Mozambique. METHODS Participants were administered the HIV Literacy Test (HIV-LT) and asked to measure 2.5 ml of liquid zidovudine using both a cup and syringe. Dosing measurement errors for liquid zidovudine were defined as 'any error' (≥ 20% deviation from reference dose) and 'major error' (≥ 40% deviation from reference dose). RESULTS Dosing errors were common using the cup (any error: 50%, major error: 28%) and syringe (any error: 48% of participants, major error: 28%). There were no significant differences in proportions of any dosing error (P=0.61) or major dosing errors (P=0.82) between dosing instruments. In multivariable models, associations (P ≤ 0.03) were found between higher HIV-LT score and dosing errors for both the cup [any error adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 0.91 (0.84-0.99), major error AOR: 0.84 (0.75-0.92)] and syringe [any error AOR: 0.82 (0.75-0.90), major error AOR: 0.88 (0.80-0.97)]. CONCLUSION Liquid antiretroviral medications are critical for prevention and treatment of pediatric HIV infections, yet dosing errors were exceedingly common in this population and were significantly associated with lower HIV literacy levels. Targeted interventions are needed to improve HIV knowledge and skills for pediatric medication dosing, particularly for caregivers with limited literacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh M. Howard
- Instructor, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1161 21Avenue South; CCC-5319 MCN, Nashville, TN 37212; USA,
| | - José A. Tique
- Clinical Advisor, Friends in Global Health, LLC, Avenida da Maguiguana, N° 32, CP 604, Maputo, Moçambique
| | - Sandra Gaveta
- Fellow, Departamento de Saúde da Comunidade, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Avenida Salvador Allende, N°702, CP: 257, Maputo, Moçambique
| | - Mohsin Sidat
- Professor, Departamento de Saúde da Comunidade, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Avenida Salvador Allende, N°702, CP: 257, Maputo, Moçambique
| | - Russell L. Rothman
- Associate Professor, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2525 West End Ave., Suite 600, Nashville, Tennessee 37203-1738
| | - Sten H. Vermund
- Professor of Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 750, Nashville, TN 37203-1738
| | - Philip J. Ciampa
- Instructor, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 725, Nashville, TN 37203-1738
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Afolabi MO, Okebe JU, McGrath N, Larson HJ, Bojang K, Chandramohan D. Informed consent comprehension in African research settings. Trop Med Int Health 2014; 19:625-642. [PMID: 24636078 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous reviews on participants' comprehension of informed consent information have focused on developed countries. Experience has shown that ethical standards developed on Western values may not be appropriate for African settings where research concepts are unfamiliar. We undertook this review to describe how informed consent comprehension is defined and measured in African research settings. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive search involving five electronic databases: Medline, Embase, Global Health, EthxWeb and Bioethics Literature Database (BELIT). We also examined African Index Medicus and Google Scholar for relevant publications on informed consent comprehension in clinical studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. 29 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria; meta-analysis was possible in 21 studies. We further conducted a direct comparison of participants' comprehension on domains of informed consent in all eligible studies. RESULTS Comprehension of key concepts of informed consent varies considerably from country to country and depends on the nature and complexity of the study. Meta-analysis showed that 47% of a total of 1633 participants across four studies demonstrated comprehension about randomisation (95% CI 13.9-80.9%). Similarly, 48% of 3946 participants in six studies had understanding about placebo (95% CI 19.0-77.5%), while only 30% of 753 participants in five studies understood the concept of therapeutic misconception (95% CI 4.6-66.7%). Measurement tools for informed consent comprehension were developed with little or no validation. Assessment of comprehension was carried out at variable times after disclosure of study information. No uniform definition of informed consent comprehension exists to form the basis for development of an appropriate tool to measure comprehension in African participants. CONCLUSIONS Comprehension of key concepts of informed consent is poor among study participants across Africa. There is a vital need to develop a uniform definition for informed consent comprehension in low literacy research settings in Africa. This will be an essential step towards developing appropriate tools that can adequately measure informed consent comprehension. This may consequently suggest adequate measures to improve the informed consent procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed O Afolabi
- Medical Research Council Unit, Fajara, The Gambia.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | | | - Heidi J Larson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Yang SO, Jeong GH, Kim SJ, Lee SH. Correlates of self-care behaviors among low-income elderly women with hypertension in South Korea. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2013; 43:97-106. [PMID: 24354464 DOI: 10.1111/1552-6909.12265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify correlates of self-care behaviors among elderly, low-income Korean women with hypertension. RESEARCH DESIGN A secondary analysis of data from a community-based intervention trial for hypertension control. SETTING Three community health posts in the Gangwon province, South Korea. PARTICIPANTS Two hundred thirty-four (234) low-income elderly women (age 60-93) who had previously participated in a community-based intervention trial for hypertension control. METHODS The researchers collected data that included patient background characteristics, hypertension self-care behavior, self-efficacy of hypertension control, general knowledge of hypertension, and social support. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including hierarchical regression analysis. RESULTS The model explained 41.1% of the total variance in hypertension self-care behavior scores. Among elderly, low-income Korean women, the significant factors of their hypertension self-care behavior included: (a) self-efficacy of hypertension control (β = .62), (b) social support (β = .16), and (c) age (β = -.14). Hierarchical regression analysis showed that elderly Korean women that had higher self-efficacy of hypertension control, higher social support, and were younger were more likely to have higher hypertension self-care behavior scores. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the need for interventions that focus on improving an individual's self-efficacy and social support to enhance hypertension self-care. The findings of this study can help nurses better understand hypertension self-care behavior in elderly, low-income Korean women.
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Comprehensive knowledge of HIV among women in rural Mozambique: development and validation of the HIV knowledge 27 scale. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48676. [PMID: 23119087 PMCID: PMC3485372 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The relationship between HIV knowledge and HIV-related behaviors in settings like Mozambique has been limited by a lack of rigorously validated measures. Methods A convenience sample of women seeking prenatal care at two clinics were administered an adapted, orally-administered, 27 item HIV-knowledge scale, the HK-27. Validation analyses were stratified by survey language (Portuguese and Echuabo). Kuder-Richardson (KR-20) coefficients estimated internal reliability. Construct validity was assessed with bivariate associations between HK-27 scores (% correct) and selected participant characteristics. The association between knowledge, self-reported HIV testing, and HIV infection were evaluated with multivariable logistic regression. Results Participants (N = 348) had a median age of 24; 188 spoke Portuguese, and 160 spoke Echuabo. Mean HK-27 scores were higher for Portuguese-speaking participants than Echuabo-speaking participants (68% correct vs. 42%, p<0.001). Internal reliability was strong (KR-20>0.8) for scales in both languages. Higher HK-27 scores were significantly (p≤0.05) correlated with more education, more media items in the home, a history of HIV testing, and participant work outside of the home for women of both languages. HK-27 scores were independently associated with completion of HIV testing in multivariable analysis (per 1% correct: aOR:1.02, 95%CI:0.01–0.03, p = 0.01), but not with HIV infection. Conclusions HK-27 is a reliable and valid measure of HIV knowledge among Portuguese and Echuabo-speaking Mozambican women. The HK-27 demonstrated significant knowledge deficits among women in the study, and higher scores were associated with higher HIV testing probability. Future studies should evaluate the role of the HK-27 in longitudinal studies and in other populations.
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