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Sirili N, Kilonzi M, Kiwango G, Lengai E, Nandala R, Mwakawanga DL, Philipo EG, Thobias JM, Frumence G. Knowledge of non-communicable diseases and access to healthcare services among adults before and during COVID-19 pandemic in rural Tanzania. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1342885. [PMID: 38605870 PMCID: PMC11008714 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1342885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected access to healthcare services, particularly among individuals living with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) who require regular healthcare visits. Studies suggest that knowledge about a specific disease is closely linked to the ability to access services for that condition. In preparation for the future, we conducted the study to assess knowledge of NCDs and access to healthcare services among adults residing in rural areas before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in rural Tanzania in October 2022, a few months after the end of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 689 community residents participated in the study. The level of knowledge of NCDs was assessed using an 11-item Likert questionnaire, which was later dichotomized into adequate and inadequate levels of knowledge. In addition, access to healthcare was assessed before and during the pandemic. We summarized the results using descriptive statistics and logistic regression was applied to determine factors associated with adequate levels of knowledge of NCDs. All statistical tests were two-sided; a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. All data analyses were performed using SPSS. Results Among 689 participants, more than half 369 (55%) had adequate knowledge of whether a disease is NCD or not; specifically, 495 (73.8%), 465 (69.3%), and 349 (52%) knew that hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and stroke are NCDs while 424 (63.2%) know that UTI is not NCD. Of the interviewed participants, 75 (11.2%) had at least one NCD. During the COVID-19 pandemic the majority 57 (72.2%) accessed healthcare services from nearby health facilities followed by traditional healers 10 (12.7%) and community drug outlets 8 (10.1%). Residence and education level were found to be significantly associated with knowledge of NCDs among participants. Conclusion The study revealed that the community has a moderate level of knowledge of NCDs, and during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreaks, people living with NCD (s) relied on nearby health facilities to obtain healthcare services. Health system preparedness and response to pandemics should take into account empowering the community members to understand that NCD care is continuously needed even during pandemic times. We further advocate for a qualitative study to explore contextual factors influencing the knowledge of NCDs and access to healthcare services beyond the big domains of education and residence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathanael Sirili
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Manase Kilonzi
- School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - George Kiwango
- School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Dorkasi L. Mwakawanga
- School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Erick G. Philipo
- School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Joseph Matobo Thobias
- School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Gasto Frumence
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Kiwango G, Katopola D, Francis F, Möller J, Hasselberg M. A systematic review of risk factors associated with road traffic crashes and injuries among commercial motorcycle drivers. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38385344 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2024.2319628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
To effectively reduce road traffic crashes (RTCs) and injuries interventions should be based on firm evidence regarding risk factors of RTCs and injuries in that specific population. Therefore, we undertook a systematic review to determine risk factors of RTCs and injuries among commercial motorcycle drivers. Searches were performed from inception to May 2022 in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science Core Collection, PsycINFO and Cinahl, along with registers and reference lists. Inclusion criteria were commercial motorcycle drivers, quantitative observational studies, and RTCs and injuries. The search resulted in 1546 articles, of which 20 met the relevance and quality criteria. Of the 20 articles, 17 were cross-sectional, 2 were case-control studies, and one was a cohort study. Close to half of all articles (9) came from sub-Saharan Africa. Risk factors with consistent association with RTCs and injuries were young age, low education level, alcohol consumption, speeding, mobile phone use, non-helmet use, risky driving behaviours and long working hours. There was inconclusive evidence for driver's training, work schedules, motorcycle ownership, experience, dependents number, and marital status. More robust designs such as case-control or longitudinal studies are required to gain a comprehensive understanding of the antecedents of RTCs among commercial motorcycle drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Kiwango
- Department of Physiology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daudi Katopola
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Management Sciences, National Institute of Transport, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Filbert Francis
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Statistics, National Institute of Medical Research, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Jette Möller
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Hasselberg
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Mo M, Thiesmeier R, Kiwango G, Rausch C, Möller J, Liang Y. The Association between Birthweight and Use of Cardiovascular Medications: The Role of Health Behaviors. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:426. [PMID: 37887873 PMCID: PMC10607150 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10100426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited evidence on the effect of low birthweight on the use of cardiovascular medications and the role of health behaviors. This study aims to determine the independent effect of low birthweight and its combination with adult health behaviors on the number of dispensed cardiovascular medications. METHODS We included 15618 participants with information on birthweight and self-reported health behaviors. Dispensed cardiovascular medications were identified from the Prescribed Drug Register based on a three-digit level Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification code (C01 to C10 and B01) and categorized into 0, 1, and ≥2 different types of medications. We applied multinomial logistic regression models estimating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Participants with low birthweight had a higher estimated OR of using ≥2 types of cardiovascular medications (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.06, 2.01). Further, an increased risk for using ≥2 types of cardiovascular medications was found in participants with poor health behaviors for normal (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.80, 2.62) and high (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.29, 2.62) birthweight. The strongest effect on using ≥2 types of cardiovascular medications was found for low birthweight and poor health behaviors (OR = 3.14, 95% CI = 1.80, 5.50). CONCLUSION This cohort study provides evidence that low birthweight increases the risk of using more types of cardiovascular medications in adulthood. This study also suggests that ideal health behaviors reduce this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjia Mo
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 14183 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robert Thiesmeier
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - George Kiwango
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Physiology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 17105 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Christian Rausch
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jette Möller
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yajun Liang
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
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Kiwango G, Francis F, Moshiro C, Möller J, Hasselberg M. Association between alcohol consumption, marijuana use and road traffic injuries among commercial motorcycle riders: A population-based, case-control study in Dares Salaam, Tanzania. Accid Anal Prev 2021; 160:106325. [PMID: 34390892 DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2021.106325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol consumption and psychoactive drug use are well-recognised risk factors for road traffic injuries (RTIs). Both types of use may impair and affect drivers' performance. Yet, there is limited literature on their contribution to RTIs among commercial motorcycle riders, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. This study aimed to determine the association between alcohol consumption, marijuana use and RTIs among commercial motorcycle riders in the city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS We conducted a case-control study between July 2018 and March 2019. Cases (n = 164) were commercial motorcycle riders who had sustained an RTIs and attended at a hospital. Controls (n = 400) were commercial motorcycle riders who had not experienced an RTIs that led to hospital attendance during the past six months. Alcohol consumption was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification (AUDIT) score, which classified participants as a non-drinker, normal drinker(1-7 scores) and risky drinker (scores ≥ 8). Marijuana use was assessed through self-reported use in the past year. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) using logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographic, driver-, and work-related factors. RESULTS Risky drinking was associated with close to six times the odds of RTIs compared to non-drinkers (OR = 5.98, 95% CI: 3.25 - 11.0). The association remained significant even after adjusting for sociodemographic, driving and work-related factors (OR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.01 - 5.76). The crude odds ratios of RTIs were significantly higher among users of marijuana than non-users (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.38 - 3.95). However, the association did not remain statistically significant after adjusting for confounders (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.49-2.48). CONCLUSION Our findings confirm increased odds of RTIs among commercial motorcycle riders with risky drinking behaviour even after taking sociodemographic, driving and work-related factors into account. Unlike alcohol consumption the relationship between marijuana use and RTIs among commercial motorcycle riders was unclear. Since motorcycle riders are more susceptible to the effect of alcohol due to higher demands of balance and coordination and because commercial motorcyclist riders, in particular, they spend a considerable amount of time on the road, our results underscore the importance of addressing hazardous alcohol consumption and marijuana use in future prevention strategies to enhance road safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Kiwango
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Filbert Francis
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; National Institute of Medical Research, Tanga, Tanzania.
| | - Candida Moshiro
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jette Möller
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Hasselberg
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Reardon JM, Andrade L, Hertz J, Kiwango G, Teu A, Pesambili M, El-Gabri D, Hocker M, Mvungi M, Vissoci JRN, Staton CA. The epidemiology and hotspots of road traffic injuries in Moshi, Tanzania: An observational study. Injury 2017; 48:1363-1370. [PMID: 28529012 PMCID: PMC5545685 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Road traffic injuries (RTIs) continue to increase with the proliferation of motor vehicles, especially in low-income countries where safe road infrastructure is lacking. Knowing where and why RTIs occur would allow for increased safety and prevention planning. In this study, police records of 300 motor vehicle collisions which occurred between February 2013 and January 2014 in Moshi, Tanzania were reviewed. Analysis of variables including victim age, gender, type of collision, conditions, and use of safety equipment were analyzed. Geographic information system (GIS) analysis was performed to identify areas with the most collisions. Most injuries occurred at four intersections on two main corridor. Car crashes represented 48% of reports while motorcycle collisions were 35% of reports. Victims were predominantly male. The majority (64%) of RTI victims in cars used seatbelts while only 43% of motorcyclists wore helmets; none of those who used the helmet or seatbelt suffered a grievous injury. These data demonstrate that RTIs in Moshi occur in predictable high traffic locations. RTIs injure victims of all backgrounds and safety equipment is not universally utilized. More investment is needed in improved data collection methods, and a greater emphasis on intersection safety is needed to reduce these preventable injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Reardon
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Departmento of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Luciano Andrade
- Department of Medicine, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Julian Hertz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Departmento of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Anneth Teu
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Deena El-Gabri
- Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke Univertsity School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Michael Hocker
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Departmento of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Mark Mvungi
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - João Ricardo N Vissoci
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Departmento of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke Univertsity School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Catherine A Staton
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Departmento of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Division of Global Neurosurgery and Neuroscience, Department of Neurosurgery, Duke Univertsity School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States; Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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Staton CA, Msilanga D, Kiwango G, Vissoci JR, de Andrade L, Lester R, Hocker M, Gerardo CJ, Mvungi M. A prospective registry evaluating the epidemiology and clinical care of traumatic brain injury patients presenting to a regional referral hospital in Moshi, Tanzania: challenges and the way forward. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2015; 24:69-77. [DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2015.1061562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Staton
- Duke Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Rebecca Lester
- London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Hocker
- Duke Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Charles J Gerardo
- Duke Division of Emergency Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mark Mvungi
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
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Kiwango G, Msilanga D, Hocker M, Gerardo C, Lester R, Mvungi M, Ntabaye M, Lynch C. Epidemiology of traumatic brain injury patients at Kilimanjaro Christian medical centre, Moshi, Tanzania. Afr J Emerg Med 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.afjem.2013.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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