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Masele JJ. Misinformation and COVID-19 vaccine uptake hesitancy among frontline workers in Tanzania: Do demographic variables matter? Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2324527. [PMID: 38584120 PMCID: PMC11000596 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2324527] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Although COVID-19 vaccination has been widely considered as an important remedy to confront COVID-19, people remain hesitant to take it. The objective of this study was to assess the moderation effects of demographic characteristics on the relationship between forms of misinformation and COVID-19 vaccine uptake hesitancy among frontline workers in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, Tanzania. Using a sample of 200 respondents, it assessed the differences in ratings on misinformation regarding COVID-19 vaccine based on respondents' demographics. The study used a Five-point Likert scale questionnaire distributed through snowball sampling to frontline workers from Dar es Salaam and Dodoma regions. Data was analyzed using binary logistic regression. It was found that the forms of misinformation revealed were manipulated imposters, satire, fabricated contents and false contents with their connection, which they influenced COVID-19 hesitancy significantly. With exception of age, that significantly moderated hesitancy, this study uncovers that, sex and education level moderated insignificantly in predicting those who are misinformed; misinformed individuals are not any less educated or not based on one's sex, different than individuals who are informed. The study informs policy makers on devising appropriate strategies to promote COVID-19 vaccination uptake among the different contextual demographic variables. Promotion of information, media and health literacy to the general public should be considered to deter spreading of vaccine-related misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juma James Masele
- Department of General Management, University of Dar es Salaam Business School, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Nsojo A, George L, Mwasomola D, Tawete J, Mbotwa CH, Mweya CN, Mwakyula I. Prescribing patterns of antimicrobials according to the WHO AWaRe classification at a tertiary referral hospital in the southern highlands of Tanzania. Infect Prev Pract 2024; 6:100347. [PMID: 38405014 PMCID: PMC10883815 DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2024.100347] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Antimicrobial consumption continues to rise globally and contributes to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial prescribing patterns in a selected tertiary hospital in Tanzania. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted for one year (September 2021-September 2022) at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, a public hospital in the southern highlands zone of Tanzania. Data on clinical diagnosis, laboratory tests, prescribed antimicrobials, and prescribers' designations were collected through a custom eMedical system, aligning antimicrobials with the WHO's 2021 AWaRe classification. Descriptive analysis was performed to assess the pattern of antimicrobial prescriptions. Results Of 2,293 antimicrobial prescriptions, 62.41% were ACCESS, 37.42% were WATCH, and 0.17% fell in the RESERVE categories. Metronidazole, accounting for 23.8%, was the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial. More than 50% of the ACCESS and WATCH prescriptions were justified by laboratory diagnosis and were predominantly prescribed by clinicians. A very small proportion of prescriptions (<1%) were informed by culture and sensitivity (C/S) testing. The Paediatric department had the majority of WATCH prescriptions (72.2%). Conclusion The prescribing patterns at the study hospital generally align with WHO AWaRe guidelines, potentially mitigating antimicrobial resistance. Nevertheless, the scarcity of culture and sensitivity testing is a concern that warrants targeted improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Nsojo
- Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 608, Mbeya, Tanzania
- Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, P. O. Box 419, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Joseph Tawete
- Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, P. O. Box 419, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Christopher H. Mbotwa
- Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 608, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Clement N. Mweya
- Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 608, Mbeya, Tanzania
- Mbeya Medical Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, P. O. Box 2410, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Issakwisa Mwakyula
- Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 608, Mbeya, Tanzania
- Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, P. O. Box 419, Mbeya, Tanzania
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Mchome Z, Mshana G, Malibwa D, Aloyce D, Dwarumpudi A, Peter E, Kapiga S, Stöckl H. Men's Narratives of Sexual Intimate Partner Violence in Urban Mwanza, Northwestern Tanzania. Sex Abuse 2024; 36:441-463. [PMID: 37941093 PMCID: PMC11010543 DOI: 10.1177/10790632231213831] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Engaging men has been established as central in addressing intimate partner violence. Yet few studies on intimate partner violence explored men's perspectives on what constitutes sexual violence in relationships only. To explore how men conceptualize sexual violence, we engaged a qualitative approach to unpack men's narratives of sexual IPV. The study was conducted in Mwanza, Tanzania using in-depth interviews with 30 married men. Men shared a broad spectrum of unacceptable behaviors that clearly or potentially connote sexual violence. Some of the acts were deemed to constitute sexual violence when directed to both men and women, while some were perceived as sexual violence when directed to women or men only. Threatened manhood underpinned men's conceptualization of sexual violence against them by their partners. Although a large part of men's narratives of sexual violence towards women seemed to challenge the common sexual scripts existing in patriarchal societies, some of their accounts indicated the persistence of traditional presumptions of masculine sexual entitlement. Our findings uncover additional dimensions of sexual violence that go beyond what is included in the current global frameworks, underscoring the critical need of giving people a voice in their local contexts in defining what sexual intimate partner violence entails for them. This may increase the likelihood of interventions becoming more acceptable and effective when targeting sexual violence, thereby contributing to reduced levels of sexual intimate partner violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaina Mchome
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Gerry Mshana
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | - Diana Aloyce
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Annapoorna Dwarumpudi
- Gender Violence and Health Centre, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Esther Peter
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Saidi Kapiga
- Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Heidi Stöckl
- Gender Violence and Health Centre, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
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4
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Mduma N, Mayo F. Updating "machine learning imagery dataset for maize crop: A case of Tanzania" with expanded data to cover the new farming season. Data Brief 2024; 54:110359. [PMID: 38586141 PMCID: PMC10998077 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2024.110359] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) and Maize Streak Virus (MSV) are among maize diseases which affect productivity in Tanzania and Africa at large. These diseases can be detected early for timely interventions and minimal losses. Machine learning (ML) has emerged as a powerful tool for automated diseases detection, offering several advantages over traditional methods. This article presents the updated dataset of 9356 imagery maize leaves to assist researchers in developing technological solutions for addressing crop diseases. The high-resolution imagery data presented in this dataset were captured using smartphone cameras in farm fields which were not selected in the previously published dataset. Also, data collection was taken in the range of three months from November 2022 to January 2023 to incorporate farming season not covered in the previously published dataset. The presented dataset can be used by researchers in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop ML solutions and eliminate the need of manual inspection and reduce human bias. Developing ML solutions require large amount of data therefore, the updated and previously published datasets can be combined to accommodate diverse and wider applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neema Mduma
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Box 447 Tengeru, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Flavia Mayo
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Box 447 Tengeru, Arusha, Tanzania
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Jeong J, Ahun MN, Gunaratna NS, Ambikapathi R, Mapendo F, Galvin L, Kieffer MP, Mwanyika-Sando M, Mosha D, O'Malley SF, Verissimo CK, PrayGod G, Yousafzai AK. Effects of engaging fathers and bundling parenting and nutrition interventions on early child development and maternal and paternal parenting in Mara, Tanzania: a factorial cluster-randomized controlled trial. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:694-709. [PMID: 37800367 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13897] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multicomponent interventions are needed to address the various co-occurring risks that compromise early child nutrition and development. We compared the independent and combined effects of engaging fathers and bundling parenting components into a nutrition intervention on early child development (ECD) and parenting outcomes. METHODS We conducted a 2×2 factorial cluster-randomized controlled trial across 80 villages in Mara Region, Tanzania, also known as EFFECTS (Engaging Fathers for Effective Child Nutrition and Development in Tanzania; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03759821). Households with children under 18 months of age residing with their mother and father were enrolled. Villages were randomly assigned to one of five groups: a nutrition intervention for mothers, a nutrition intervention for couples, a bundled nutrition and parenting intervention for mothers, a bundled intervention for couples, and a standard-of-care control. Interventions were delivered by trained community health workers through peer groups and home visits over 12 months. Mothers, fathers, and children were assessed at baseline, midline, and endline or postintervention. We used a difference-in-difference approach with intention-to-treat analysis to estimate intervention effects on ECD (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition) and maternal and paternal parenting and psychosocial well-being. RESULTS Between October 29, 2018, and May 24, 2019, 960 households were enrolled (n = 192 per arm). Compared to nutrition interventions, bundled interventions improved children's cognitive (β = .18 [95% CI: 0.01, 0.36]) and receptive language development (β = .23 [0.04, 0.41]). There were no differences between interventions for other ECD domains. Compared to nutrition interventions, bundled interventions achieved additional benefits on maternal stimulation (β = .21 [0.04, 0.38]) and availability of home learning materials (β = .25 [0.07-0.43]) and reduced paternal parenting distress (β = -.34 [-0.55, -0.12]). Compared to interventions with mothers only, interventions that engaged fathers improved paternal stimulation (β = .45 [0.27, 0.63]). CONCLUSIONS Jointly bundling parenting components into nutrition interventions while also engaging both mothers and fathers is most effective for improving maternal and paternal parenting and ECD outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Jeong
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marilyn N Ahun
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Ramya Ambikapathi
- Department of Public Health, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Global Development, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Frank Mapendo
- Africa Academy for Public Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Dominic Mosha
- Africa Academy for Public Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Savannah Froese O'Malley
- Department of Public Health, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - George PrayGod
- Mwanza Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Aisha K Yousafzai
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Mwakawanga DL, Chen S, Mwilike B, Lyimo AA, Hirose N, Shimpuku Y. Association between decision-making during pregnancy and woman-centred care among Tanzanian pregnant women: A cross-sectional survey. Women Birth 2024; 37:101615. [PMID: 38615514 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2024.101615] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many women in Tanzania lack autonomy in decision-making for their pregnancy and childbirth. Woman-centred care (WCC) seeks to provide each woman with the appropriate information that promotes participation and highlights their informed decision-making. Thus, decision-making has been proposed as an essential determinant of WCC. This study aimed to assess the association between decision-making and WCC among Tanzanian pregnant women. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study among 710 pregnant women in Tanzania. The 23-item Woman-Centred Care English version questionnaire was used to assess how women perceived the care provided by midwives. Participants were categorized into two decision-making groups: decision-making for the birthing place by pregnant women themselves and by others. The pre-defined cut-off point of the top 20 percentile was used to indicate a high level of WCC. Binary logistic regression models were used to determine the association between decision-making and WCC. RESULTS The median score (interquartile range) of WCC was 97 (92-103) points when decisions were made by pregnant women, compared to 92 (88-96) points when decisions were made by others (p<0.001). There was a significant association between decision-maker and WCC in both unadjusted (p<0.001) and multivariable-adjusted (p=0.006) analyses. The unadjusted odds were approximately 5 times higher in the pregnant women decision-making group (OR: 4.80, 95% CI: 2.74-8.43) and 3 times higher (OR:2.90, 95% CI: 1.36-6.07) after the adjustment for covariates. We observed no significant interaction between decision-making and parity on the level of WCC (p for interaction=0.52). CONCLUSION Pregnant women who made decisions for the birthing place had a higher likelihood of having a high level of WCC compared with their counterparts. Our findings suggest that women should be empowered to be involved in decision-making to increase their satisfaction with the care provided by healthcare providers and foster a positive childbirth experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorkasi L Mwakawanga
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami Ward, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan; Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sanmei Chen
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami Ward, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Beatrice Mwilike
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ally Abdul Lyimo
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P. O Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Naoki Hirose
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami Ward, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Yoko Shimpuku
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami Ward, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan.
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Popkin-Hall ZR, Seth MD, Madebe RA, Budodo R, Bakari C, Francis F, Pereus D, Giesbrecht DJ, Mandara CI, Mbwambo D, Aaron S, Lusasi A, Lazaro S, Bailey JA, Juliano JJ, Ishengoma DS. Malaria Species Positivity Rates Among Symptomatic Individuals Across Regions of Differing Transmission Intensities in Mainland Tanzania. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:959-968. [PMID: 37992117 PMCID: PMC11011190 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad522] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent data indicate that non-Plasmodium falciparum species may be more prevalent than thought in sub-Saharan Africa. Although Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale spp., and Plasmodium vivax are less severe than P. falciparum, treatment and control are more challenging, and their geographic distributions are not well characterized. METHODS We randomly selected 3284 of 12 845 samples collected from cross-sectional surveys in 100 health facilities across 10 regions of Mainland Tanzania and performed quantitative real-time PCR to determine presence and parasitemia of each malaria species. RESULTS P. falciparum was most prevalent, but P. malariae and P. ovale were found in all but 1 region, with high levels (>5%) of P. ovale in 7 regions. The highest P. malariae positivity rate was 4.5% in Mara and 8 regions had positivity rates ≥1%. We only detected 3 P. vivax infections, all in Kilimanjaro. While most nonfalciparum malaria-positive samples were coinfected with P. falciparum, 23.6% (n = 13 of 55) of P. malariae and 14.7% (n = 24 of 163) of P. ovale spp. were monoinfections. CONCLUSIONS P. falciparum remains by far the largest threat, but our data indicate that malaria elimination efforts in Tanzania will require increased surveillance and improved understanding of the biology of nonfalciparum species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R Popkin-Hall
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Misago D Seth
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rashid A Madebe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rule Budodo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Catherine Bakari
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Filbert Francis
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Center, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Dativa Pereus
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - David J Giesbrecht
- Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Celine I Mandara
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Samwel Lazaro
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jonathan J Juliano
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Deus S Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Pauline NM, Lema GA. Consideration of Climate Change on Environmental Impact Assessment in Tanzania: Challenges and Prospects. Environ Manage 2024:10.1007/s00267-024-01972-8. [PMID: 38607559 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-024-01972-8] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The potential of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process to respond to climate change impacts of development projects can only be realized with the support of policies, regulations, and actors' engagement. While considering climate change in EIA has become partly mandatory through the EU revised Directive in Europe, African countries are still lagging. This paper assesses Tanzanian policies, laws, regulations, and EIA reports to uncover consideration of climate change impacts, adaptation, and mitigation measures, drawing from the transformational role of EIA. The methodology integrates content analysis, interpretive policy analysis, and discourse analysis. The analyses draw from environmental policy, three regulatory documents and three EIA reports in Tanzania using a multi-cases study design. The aim was to understand how considering Climate Change issues in EIA has played out in practice. Results reveal less consideration of climate change issues in EIA. The policy, laws, and regulations do not guide when and how the EIA process should consider climate change-related impacts mitigation and adaptation. The practice of EIA in the country is utterly procedural in line with regulations provisions. Consequently, environmental impact statements only profile the climatology of the study area without conducting a deeper analysis of the historical and future climate to enhance the resilience of proposed projects. The weakness exposed in the laws and regulations contributes to the challenges of responding to the impacts of climate change through the EIA process. It is possible to address climate change issues throughout the project life cycle, including design, approval, implementation, monitoring, and auditing, provided the policy and regulations guide how and when the EIA process should consider climate change issues. Additionally, increasing stakeholders' awareness and participation can enhance the EIA process's potential to respond to the impacts of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah M Pauline
- Institute of Resource Assessment, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35097, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Godwin A Lema
- Department of Geography, College of Social Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35051, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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O'Malley SF, Ambikapathi R, Ghosh S, Galvin L, Jeong J, Mosha D, PrayGod G, Mapendo F, Shively G, Murray-Kolb LE, Gunaratna NS. Contribution of Food from Market Purchases and Home Production to Child Nutrient Intake: Evidence from the EFFECTS Study Baseline Data. J Nutr 2024:S0022-3166(24)00218-9. [PMID: 38608871 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.04.015] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child undernutrition is prevalent in Tanzania, and households rely primarily on local markets and home production as food sources. However, little is known about the contribution of food market purchases to nutrient intakes among children consuming complementary foods. OBJECTIVE To quantify the relationships between diversity of foods purchased and produced by households and adequate child nutrient intake in Mara, Tanzania. METHODS Cross-sectional baseline dietary and household food source data from the EFFECTS study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03759821) were collected from mothers of 586 children aged 9-23 months clustered in 80 villages in Mara, Tanzania. We conducted mixed effects linear regressions to quantify the association between diversity of foods consumed at home, from market purchases and home production, and nutrient intake adequacy (based on 24-hour food recalls). RESULTS Children had inadequate diets, with fewer than half of children consuming adequate amounts of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B9 (folate), calcium, iron, and zinc. Breastfeeding was associated with higher overall mean adequacy (b=0.15-0.19 across models, p<0.001). Diversity of foods purchased was positively associated with intake of vitamin B12 and calcium (both p<0.001); this effect was attenuated among breastfed children. Among non-breastfed children, production diversity was positively associated with vitamin A intake (b=0.04, p<0.05) but not with intake of other nutrients. CONCLUSIONS Both household food purchase diversity and food production diversity were positively associated with children's nutrient intake in rural Mara, Tanzania. Nutrition programming should consider the role of food markets in addition to home food production to improve child diets. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER NCT03759821, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03759821.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah F O'Malley
- Department of Public Health, Purdue University, USA; Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, USA.
| | | | - Susmita Ghosh
- Department of Nutrition Science, Purdue University, USA
| | | | - Joshua Jeong
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Dominic Mosha
- Department of Global Health, BeVera Solutions LLC, USA
| | | | | | - Gerald Shively
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, USA
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Wang D, Katalambula LK, Modest AR, Ismail A, Malero A, Bray D, Cinq-Mars H, Tinkasimile A, Sando MM, Vuai S, Fawzi WW. Meals, Education, and Gardens for In-School Adolescents: A Cluster Randomized Trial of an Adolescent Nutrition Intervention Package in Tanzania. J Adolesc Health 2024:S1054-139X(24)00124-1. [PMID: 38597842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.02.032] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to implement and evaluate integrated, school-based nutrition intervention packages for adolescents in Dodoma, Tanzania. METHODS A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among six secondary schools in Dodoma, Tanzania. Two schools received the full-intervention package of school meals, nutrition education, school gardens, and community workshops. Two schools received the partial-intervention package without the school meals component. Two schools served as the controls and did not receive any intervention. The intervention was implemented over one academic year. The analytical sample included 534 adolescents aged 14 to 17 at baseline and 286 parents. Outcomes included nutrition knowledge, food preferences, diet quality, food insecurity, physical activity, growth, and anemia. Linear models were used to estimate mean differences, and logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS Compared to the control, both the partial (OR: 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35, 1.00) and full (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.59) interventions were associated with lower odds of poor diet quality among adolescents. Among the parents, both the partial (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.40) and full (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.13, 0.58) interventions were associated with lower odds of poor diet quality. The partial (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.47) and full (OR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.72) interventions were associated with lower odds of adolescent overweight or obesity. DISCUSSION School-based nutritional intervention packages incorporating multiple actions may improve the diet quality of adolescents and their household members and reduce the double burden of adolescent malnutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqing Wang
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.
| | - Leonard K Katalambula
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | - Abbas Ismail
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Augustine Malero
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, College of Informatics and Virtual Education, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Dayana Bray
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Haley Cinq-Mars
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Said Vuai
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Wafaie W Fawzi
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.
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11
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Rogier E, Battle N, Bakari C, Seth MD, Nace D, Herman C, Barakoti A, Madebe RA, Mandara CI, Lyimo BM, Giesbrecht DJ, Popkin-Hall ZR, Francis F, Mbwambo D, Garimo I, Aaron S, Lusasi A, Molteni F, Njau R, Cunningham JA, Lazaro S, Mohamed A, Juliano JJ, Bailey JA, Udhayakumar V, Ishengoma DS. Plasmodium falciparum pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions among patients enrolled at 100 health facilities throughout Tanzania: February to July 2021. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8158. [PMID: 38589477 PMCID: PMC11001933 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58455-3] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum with the histidine rich protein 2 gene (pfhrp2) deleted from its genome can escape diagnosis by HRP2-based rapid diagnostic tests (HRP2-RDTs). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends switching to a non-HRP2 RDT for P. falciparum clinical case diagnosis when pfhrp2 deletion prevalence causes ≥ 5% of RDTs to return false negative results. Tanzania is a country of heterogenous P. falciparum transmission, with some regions approaching elimination and others at varying levels of control. In concordance with the current recommended WHO pfhrp2 deletion surveillance strategy, 100 health facilities encompassing 10 regions of Tanzania enrolled malaria-suspected patients between February and July 2021. Of 7863 persons of all ages enrolled and providing RDT result and blood sample, 3777 (48.0%) were positive by the national RDT testing for Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) and/or HRP2. A second RDT testing specifically for the P. falciparum LDH (Pf-pLDH) antigen found 95 persons (2.5% of all RDT positives) were positive, though negative by the national RDT for HRP2, and were selected for pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 (pfhrp2/3) genotyping. Multiplex antigen detection by laboratory bead assay found 135/7847 (1.7%) of all blood samples positive for Plasmodium antigens but very low or no HRP2, and these were selected for genotyping as well. Of the samples selected for genotyping based on RDT or laboratory multiplex result, 158 were P. falciparum DNA positive, and 140 had sufficient DNA to be genotyped for pfhrp2/3. Most of these (125/140) were found to be pfhrp2+/pfhrp3+, with smaller numbers deleted for only pfhrp2 (n = 9) or only pfhrp3 (n = 6). No dual pfhrp2/3 deleted parasites were observed. This survey found that parasites with these gene deletions are rare in Tanzania, and estimated that 0.24% (95% confidence interval: 0.08% to 0.39%) of false-negative HRP2-RDTs for symptomatic persons were due to pfhrp2 deletions in this 2021 Tanzania survey. These data provide evidence for HRP2-based diagnostics as currently accurate for P. falciparum diagnosis in Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Rogier
- Malaria Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Catherine Bakari
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Misago D Seth
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Douglas Nace
- Malaria Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Camelia Herman
- Malaria Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Achut Barakoti
- Malaria Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- CDC Foundation, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rashid A Madebe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Celine I Mandara
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Beatus M Lyimo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
- Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, Arusha, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | | | - Issa Garimo
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Ritha Njau
- World Health Organization, Country Office, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Samwel Lazaro
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Ally Mohamed
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Deus S Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
- Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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12
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Mbwasi R, Msovela K, Chilunda F, Tesha S, Canavan R, Wiedenmayer K. Comparing pharmacy practice in health facilities with and without pharmaceutically trained dispensers: a post intervention study in Tanzania. J Pharm Policy Pract 2024; 17:2323091. [PMID: 38572378 PMCID: PMC10989198 DOI: 10.1080/20523211.2024.2323091] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The critical shortage of comprehensively trained healthcare staff in Tanzania affects the capacity to deliver essential health services, attain universal health coverage and compromises health outcomes. There is a specific lack of suitably trained pharmaceutical professionals, thus, an increase in the use of unqualified or poorly trained staff. Following the introduction of a one-year pharmacy dispenser course intervention, this study explored the impact that the new cadre of graduates had on pharmacy practice compared to healthcare facilities with non-pharmacy trained dispensers (NPTDs). Methods A post intervention assessment was conducted in 2021 using questionnaires formulated to measure indicators of Good Pharmacy Practice, comparing 29 public health facilities employing pharmacy-trained dispensers (PTD) with 32 public health facilities with NPTDs in Dodoma, Shinyanga and Morogoro regions of Tanzania. Data were collected by experienced pharmacists or pharmaceutical technicians and subsequently aggregated and statistically analysed. Results The dispensing times for medicines were found to be the same for PTDs and the NPTDs (2 min). There were no statistically significant differences in the adequacy of labelling elements between PTDs and NPTDs. Patients' level of knowledge of the medicines dispensed to them, from both PTDs and NPTDs, showed no difference. Moreover, no differences were observed in storage practice and documentation performance, records of dispensed medicines, handling of medicines and the dispensing area cleanliness between both groups. Overall, facilities with PTDs averaged a higher availability of tracer medicines (77%) than those with NPTDs (70%), however, availability of health commodities in all health facilities in the three regions was low and there was no statistically significant difference between both groups. Conclusion The study showed no significant difference in performance of pharmacy practice between PTDs and NPTDs despite the former undertaking a one-year training course intended to improve knowledge and skills. Practice application not only depends on effective training but on the working environment. Clear job descriptions, appropriate tools and references to guide, Standard Operating Procedures, acceptance by management of the training undertaken to actively encourage recruits to apply these new skills could improve PTDs performance. Training and knowledge alone do not seem to lead to better practice and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romuald Mbwasi
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, St John’s University of Tanzania, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Kelvin Msovela
- School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, St John’s University of Tanzania, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Fiona Chilunda
- Health Promotion and System Strengthening (HPSS) Project, Dodoma
| | - Sia Tesha
- Health Promotion and System Strengthening (HPSS) Project, Dodoma
| | - Robert Canavan
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karin Wiedenmayer
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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13
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Abraham ZS, Zerd F, Mnguruta BJ, Mgute CD, Kahinga AA. Synchronous nasal rhinosporidiosis and inverted papilloma in a paediatric patient in Dodoma, Tanzania: Case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2024; 117:109578. [PMID: 38531292 PMCID: PMC10979196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109578] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nasal rhinosporidiosis refers to a rare chronic granulomatous disease caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi. It affects the mucous membrane of sites such as nasopharynx, conjunctiva and palate. Inverted papillomas are relatively rare and are benign epithelial tumors of the nasal cavity that are locally aggressive, exhibit recurrence tendency and malignant transformation. Both entities are very rare in our setting and this is perhaps the first documented case in Tanzania. CASE PRESENTATION The patient was a 7-year old boy with a 1-year history of left-sided nasal obstruction and intermittent epistaxis for 6 months. He had no history of cheek swelling, pain or numbness, loss or loosening of teeth or alveolar ridge fullness. There were no ophthalmological, otological or neurological complaints reported. Endoscopic excision of the nasal mass was done and histopathological analysis confirmed co-existence of rhinosporidiosis and inverted papilloma. Postoperatively, the patient was kept on oral dapsone at a dose of 50 mg/day for 6-months and with no residual disease recurrence noted after 6-months follow up. CLINICAL DISCUSSION The patient underwent endoscopic excision of the nasal mass and histopathological analysis confirmed co-existence of rhinosporidiosis and inverted papilloma. Postoperatively, the patient was kept on oral dapsone at a dose of 50 mg/day for 6-months and with no residual disease recurrence noted after 6-months of follow up. CONCLUSION Nasal rhinosporidiosis and inverted papilloma lesions may resemble the routinely encountered nasal polyps thus important for both clinicians and pathologists to have a high index of suspicion when managing patients with nasal masses even from non-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francis Zerd
- Department of Anatomical Pathology-The Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Benard John Mnguruta
- Department of Surgery-University of Dodoma, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Chrispin Dickson Mgute
- Department of Surgery-University of Dodoma, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Aveline Aloyce Kahinga
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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14
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Abdul R, Rinke de Wit TF, Martelli G, Costigan K, Katambi P, Pozniak A, Maokola W, Mfinanga S, Hermans S. Stability in care and risk of loss to follow-up among clients receiving community health worker-led differentiated HIV care: Results from a prospective cohort study in northern Tanzania. Trop Med Int Health 2024; 29:309-318. [PMID: 38279832 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13975] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV services in Tanzania are facility-based but facilities are often overcrowded. Differentiated care models (DCM) have been introduced into the National Guidelines. We piloted a Community Health Worker (CHW)-led HIV treatment club model (CHW-DCM) in an urban region, and assessed its effectiveness in comparison to the standard of care (SoC, facility-based model), in terms of stability in care, loss to follow-up (LTFU) and treatment adherence. METHODS In two clinics in the Shinyanga region, clients established on ART (defined as stable clients by national guidelines as on first-line ART >6 months, undetectable viral load, no opportunistic infections or pregnancy, and good adherence) were offered CHW-DCM. This prospective cohort study included all stable clients who enrolled in CHW-DCM between July 2018 and March 2020 (CHW-DCM) and compared them to stable clients who remained in SoC during that period. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to analyse factors associated with continued stability in care and the risk of LTFU during 18 months of follow-up; treatment adherence was assessed by pill count and compared using Chi-square tests. RESULTS Of 2472 stable clients, 24.5% received CHW-DCM and 75.5% SoC. CHW-DCM clients were slightly older (mean 42.8 vs. 37.9 years) and more likely to be female (36.2% vs. 32.2%). Treatment adherence was better among CHW-DCM than SoC: 96.6% versus 91.9% and 98.5% versus 92.2%, respectively (both p = 0.001). SoC clients were more likely to not remain stable over time than CHW-DCM (adjusted Hazard ratio [AHR] = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.86-3.90). There was no difference in LTFU (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 1.54; 95%CI: 0.82-2.93). CONCLUSION Clients attending CHW-DCM demonstrated better stability in care and treatment adherence than SoC, and the risk of LTFU was not increased. These findings demonstrate the potential of CHW in delivering community-based HIV services in the local Tanzanian context. These results could be used to extend this CHW-DCM model to similar settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramadhani Abdul
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tobias F Rinke de Wit
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Giulia Martelli
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AUSL Romagna, Morgagni Pierantoni Hospital, Doctors with Africa CUAMM IT, Forlí, Italy
| | | | | | - Anton Pozniak
- Department of HIV, London, UK
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Werner Maokola
- Strategic Information Unit, National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Sayoki Mfinanga
- Research Department, National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR)-Muhimbili Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Epidemiology, Alliance for Africa Health Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Muhimbili University of Health, and Allied Science, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sabine Hermans
- Department of Global Health, Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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15
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Hughes EC, de Glanville W, Kibona T, Mmbaga BT, Rostal MK, Swai ES, Cleaveland S, Lankester F, Willett BJ, Allan KJ. Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Seroprevalence in Human and Livestock Populations, Northern Tanzania. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:836-838. [PMID: 38526202 PMCID: PMC10977851 DOI: 10.3201/eid3004.231204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a cross-sectional study of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in northern Tanzania. CCHFV seroprevalence in humans and ruminant livestock was high, as were spatial heterogeneity levels. CCHFV could represent an unrecognized human health risk in this region and should be included as a differential diagnosis for febrile illness.
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16
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Gosse RA, Msengi EA, Chona EZ, Ambikile JS. Experiences of caring for women with cervical cancer: A qualitative study among male partners in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Health Expect 2024; 27:e14038. [PMID: 38561909 PMCID: PMC10985225 DOI: 10.1111/hex.14038] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than three-fourths of cervical cancer cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, with sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) accounting for approximately 25% of global mortality. The significant rise in the prevalence of cervical cancer in SSA amplifies the burden on caregivers, contributing to elevated rates of mental illness, particularly among spouses who provide care. Men who assume the role of caregivers for their partners with cervical cancer encounter unique challenges and substantial adjustments across multiple facets of life, impacting both their own quality of life and that of their partners. Despite this, there is a notable lack of extensive research on the experiences of male partners in caregiving roles, particularly within SSA countries like Tanzania. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the experiences of male partners providing care for women with cervical cancer in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS An exploratory qualitative study was undertaken to explore the experiences of 13 male partners, selected purposively and guided by the principle of saturation. Data gathering employed in-depth interviews utilizing a semistructured interview guide, with subsequent analysis conducted via a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS Five themes and 13 subthemes were generated, encompassing psychosocial distress, attitudes towards cervical cancer, unity in the provision of care, economic burden, and altered sexual relationships. Participants reported experiencing emotional distress, shifts in social responsibilities, financial challenges, and unfulfilled sexual needs. Moreover, they expressed the need for social, psychological, financial, and sexual and reproductive support. CONCLUSION This study underscores the numerous challenges encountered by male partners caring for women with cervical cancer, encompassing emotional distress, financial strain, and shifts in social and sexual dynamics. The identified themes and subthemes highlight the intricate interplay of these difficulties and stress the necessity for holistic support systems addressing the social, psychological, financial, and sexual aspects of male partners' experiences. The findings emphasize the importance of designing and implementing comprehensive support programmes tailored to the diverse needs of male partners, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and overall well-being. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Before the study, the nursing manager assisted in selecting three male partners randomly. These partners were involved in the design of the participants' information sheet, the evaluation of the interview schedule and rooms, and the dissemination of information about the study's purpose to the target population. Their valuable input contributed to improving the participant information sheet, refining data collection procedures and addressing ethical considerations. However, these individuals were not considered study participants. Throughout the study, in-charge nurses in the hospital were informed about the study's goals and helped organize appointments with participants and manage the interview schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashid A. Gosse
- School of NursingMuhimbili University of Health and Allied SciencesDar es SalaamTanzania
| | - Emanueli Amosi Msengi
- School of NursingMuhimbili University of Health and Allied SciencesDar es SalaamTanzania
| | - Emmanuel Z. Chona
- School of NursingMuhimbili University of Health and Allied SciencesDar es SalaamTanzania
| | - Joel S. Ambikile
- Department of Clinical NursingMuhimbili University of Health and Allied SciencesDar es SalaamTanzania
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17
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Abraham ZS, Dismas DS. Prevalence of Cerumen Impaction and Associated Factors Among Primary School Pupils at an Urban District in Northern Tanzania. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024; 76:1724-1732. [PMID: 38566698 PMCID: PMC10982150 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-023-04391-z] [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: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cerumen impaction is a public problem of great concern due to associated hearing impairment. Despite cerumen impaction being one of the commonest causes of hearing loss among primary school children, there is no any published study to date from northern Tanzania focused on this topic. This study aimed to address this gap. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used where 307 primary school pupils were recruited using a multistage cluster sampling technique and it was conducted from January to July 2023. Data was collected using Swahili translated semi-structured questionnaires. Results The prevalence of cerumen impaction was 10.7% with the right ear being mostly affected (57.6%). A statistically significant association was found between prevalence of cerumen impaction and mother's education level though no association was found between sex, residence, father's education level and mother's occupation status. Predisposing factors like history or presence of ear infection, habit of cleaning ears and using hearing aids or earphones showed a statistically significant association The commonest clinical presentation was otalgia (36.4%) and washing ears with water (71.5%) was the commonly applied method of cleaning the ears apart from hospital based interventions. The commonest method of wax removal for those who visited health facilities was ear syringing (42.9%). Conclusion Lesser prevalence of cerumen impaction was found in this study though majority had previous history of impacted wax. Cotton bud was the commonest predisposing factor for cerumen impaction. The commonest clinical presentation among those with impacted cerumen was otalgia though some pupils reported asymptomatic cerumen impaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dismas Samwel Dismas
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania
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18
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Mseti JJ, Maasayi MS, Lugenge AG, Mpelepele AB, Kibondo UA, Tenywa FC, Odufuwa OG, Tambwe MM, Moore SJ. Temperature, mosquito feeding status and mosquito density influence the measured bio-efficacy of insecticide-treated nets in cone assays. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:159. [PMID: 38549097 PMCID: PMC10979578 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06210-y] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The WHO cone bioassay is routinely used to evaluate the bioefficacy of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) for product pre-qualification and confirmation of continued ITN performance during operational monitoring. Despite its standardized nature, variability is often observed between tests. We investigated the influence of temperature in the testing environment, mosquito feeding status and mosquito density on cone bioassay results. METHODS Cone bioassays were conducted on MAGNet (alphacypermethrin) and Veeralin (alphacypermethrin and piperonyl butoxide (PBO)) ITNs, using laboratory-reared pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles funestus sensu stricto (FUMOZ strain) mosquitoes. Three experiments were conducted using standard cone bioassays following WHO-recommended test parameters, with one variable changed in each bioassay: (i) environmental temperature during exposure: 22-23 °C, 26-27 °C, 29-30 °C and 32-33 °C; (ii) feeding regimen before exposure: sugar starved for 6 h, blood-fed or sugar-fed; and (iii) mosquito density per cone: 5, 10, 15 and 20 mosquitoes. For each test, 15 net samples per treatment arm were tested with four cones per sample (N = 60). Mortality after 24, 48 and 72 h post-exposure to ITNs was recorded. RESULTS There was a notable influence of temperature, feeding status and mosquito density on An. funestus mortality for both types of ITNs. Mortality at 24 h post-exposure was significantly higher at 32-33 °C than at 26-27 °C for both the MAGNet [19.33% vs 7%; odds ratio (OR): 3.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.99-7.87, P < 0.001] and Veeralin (91% vs 47.33%; OR: 22.20, 95% CI: 11.45-43.05, P < 0.001) ITNs. Mosquito feeding status influenced the observed mortality. Relative to sugar-fed mosquitoes, The MAGNet ITNs induced higher mortality among blood-fed mosquitoes (7% vs 3%; OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 0.94-5.27, P = 0.068) and significantly higher mortality among starved mosquitoes (8% vs 3%, OR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.25-6.63, P = 0.013); in comparison, the Veeralin ITNs showed significantly lower mortality among blood-fed mosquitoes (43% vs 57%; OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.38-0.81, P = 0.002) and no difference for starved mosquitoes (58% vs 57%; OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.72-1.51, P = 0.816). Mortality significantly increased with increasing mosquito density for both the MAGNet (e.g. 5 vs 10 mosquitoes: 7% vs 12%; OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.03-3.20, P = 0.040) and Veeralin (e.g. 5 vs 10 mosquitoes: 58% vs 71%; OR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.24-3.42, P = 0.005) ITNs. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study highlight that the testing parameters temperature, feeding status and mosquito density significantly influence the mortality measured in cone bioassays. Careful adherence to testing parameters outlined in WHO ITN testing guidelines will likely improve the repeatability of studies within and between product testing facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilly Jackson Mseti
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania.
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), 447, Arusha, Tanzania.
| | - Masudi Suleiman Maasayi
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Aidi Galus Lugenge
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Ahmadi B Mpelepele
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Ummi Abdul Kibondo
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Frank Chelestino Tenywa
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- Vector Biology Unit, Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwil, 4123, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Olukayode G Odufuwa
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- Vector Biology Unit, Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwil, 4123, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Mgeni Mohamed Tambwe
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- Vector Biology Unit, Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwil, 4123, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Jane Moore
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Environmental Health and Ecological Science Department, Ifakara Health Institute, 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), 447, Arusha, Tanzania
- Vector Biology Unit, Epidemiology and Public Health Department, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwil, 4123, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
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19
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Hertz JT, Sakita FM, Prattipati S, Coaxum L, Tarimo TG, Kweka GL, Mlangi JJ, Stark K, Thielman NM, Bosworth HB, Bettger JP. Improving acute myocardial infarction care in northern Tanzania: barrier identification and implementation strategy mapping. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:393. [PMID: 38549108 PMCID: PMC10979618 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10831-5] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-based care for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) reduces morbidity and mortality. Prior studies in Tanzania identified substantial gaps in the uptake of evidence-based AMI care. Implementation science has been used to improve uptake of evidence-based AMI care in high-income settings, but interventions to improve quality of AMI care have not been studied in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from key stakeholder groups (patients, providers, and healthcare administrators) in northern Tanzania. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using a guide informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Interview transcripts were coded to identify barriers to AMI care, using the 39 CFIR constructs. Barriers relevant to emergency department (ED) AMI care were retained, and the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) tool was used to match barriers with Level 1 recommendations for targeted implementation strategies. RESULTS Thirty key stakeholders, including 10 patients, 10 providers, and 10 healthcare administrators were enrolled. Thematic analysis identified 11 barriers to ED-based AMI care: complexity of AMI care, cost of high-quality AMI care, local hospital culture, insufficient diagnostic and therapeutic resources, inadequate provider training, limited patient knowledge of AMI, need for formal implementation leaders, need for dedicated champions, failure to provide high-quality care, poor provider-patient communication, and inefficient ED systems. Seven of these barriers had 5 strong ERIC recommendations: access new funding, identify and prepare champions, conduct educational meetings, develop educational materials, and distribute educational materials. CONCLUSIONS Multiple barriers across several domains limit the uptake of evidence-based AMI care in northern Tanzania. The CFIR-ERIC mapping approach identified several targeted implementation strategies for addressing these barriers. A multi-component intervention is planned to improve uptake of evidence-based AMI care in Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian T Hertz
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Francis M Sakita
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Lauren Coaxum
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kristen Stark
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nathan M Thielman
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hayden B Bosworth
- Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Janet P Bettger
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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20
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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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21
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Mbwambo SH, Mbago MC, Rao GS. Socio-environmental predictors of diabetes incidence disparities in Tanzania mainland: a comparison of regression models for count data. BMC Med Res Methodol 2024; 24:75. [PMID: 38532325 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-024-02166-w] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is one of the top four non-communicable diseases that cause death and illness to many people around the world. This study aims to use an efficient count data model to estimate socio-environmental factors associated with diabetes incidences in Tanzania mainland, addressing lack of evidence on the efficient count data model for estimating factors associated with disease incidences disparities. METHODS This study analyzed diabetes counts in 184 Tanzania mainland councils collected in 2020. The study applied generalized Poisson, negative binomial, and Poisson count data models and evaluated their adequacy using information criteria and Pearson chi-square values. RESULTS The data were over-dispersed, as evidenced by the mean and variance values and the positively skewed histograms. The results revealed uneven distribution of diabetes incidence across geographical locations, with northern and urban councils having more cases. Factors like population, GDP, and hospital numbers were associated with diabetes counts. The GP model performed better than NB and Poisson models. CONCLUSION The occurrence of diabetes can be attributed to geographical locations. To address this public health issue, environmental interventions can be implemented. Additionally, the generalized Poisson model is an effective tool for analyzing health information system count data across different population subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sauda Hatibu Mbwambo
- Department of Statistics, Dar es Salaam, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35047, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Dodoma, P.O. Box 338, Dodoma, Tanzania.
| | - Maurice C Mbago
- Department of Statistics, Dar es Salaam, University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 35047, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Gadde Srinivasa Rao
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Dodoma, P.O. Box 338, Dodoma, Tanzania
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22
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Alila DO, Ten Brink H, Haesler M, Seehausen O. Ecological character displacement among Nothobranchius annual killifishes in Tanzania. Evolution 2024; 78:679-689. [PMID: 38241699 DOI: 10.1093/evolut/qpae005] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Divergent ecological character displacement (ECD) is the competition-driven divergence in resource use-related phenotypic traits between coexisting species. It is considered one of the primary drivers of ecological diversification and adaptive radiation. We analyzed phenotypic and ecological variation in 2 African annual killifish species of the genus Nothobranchius: N. eggersi and N. melanospilus in sympatry and N. melanospilus in allopatry. Our aim was to test whether allopatric and sympatric populations of N. melanospilus differ morphologically from each other and from N. eggersi and examine whether these differences are consistent with the predictions of ECD. We find that sympatric N. melanospilus differ from allopatric N. melanospilus and differ from N. eggersi more strongly than the latter. Our data satisfy four criteria for demonstrating ECD: Differences in phenotypes between allopatric and sympatric N. melanospilus are greater than expected by chance; the divergence pattern between allopatric and sympatric N. melanospilus results from an evolutionary shift rather than from ecological sorting; morphological differences observed reflect differences in resource use; and, lastly, sites of allopatry and sympatry do not differ in food resource availability or other ecological conditions. Our results suggest that competition is the main driver of the observed divergence between two N. melanospilus populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David O Alila
- Department of Fish Ecology and Evolution, Centre of Ecology, Evolution, and Biogeochemistry, EAWAG Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Kastanienbaum, Switzerland
- Division of Aquatic Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Ecology & Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Mkwawa University College of Education, University of Dar es salaam, Iringa, Tanzania
| | - Hanna Ten Brink
- Division of Aquatic Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Ecology & Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Fish Ecology, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Texel, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Haesler
- Department of Fish Ecology and Evolution, Centre of Ecology, Evolution, and Biogeochemistry, EAWAG Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Kastanienbaum, Switzerland
- Division of Aquatic Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Ecology & Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ole Seehausen
- Department of Fish Ecology and Evolution, Centre of Ecology, Evolution, and Biogeochemistry, EAWAG Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Kastanienbaum, Switzerland
- Division of Aquatic Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Ecology & Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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23
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Mwakawanga DL, Massae AF, Kohli N, Lukumay GG, Rohloff CT, Mushy SE, Mgopa LR, Mkoka DA, Mkonyi E, Trent M, Ross MW, Rosser BRS, Connor J. The need for and acceptability of a curriculum to train nursing and medical students in the sexual healthcare of clients with female genital mutilation/cutting in Tanzania. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:198. [PMID: 38532377 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03034-x] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is tied to one of the most conservative cultures in the Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan Africa. More than 200 million girls and women in 30 African, Asian and the middle Eastern countries have undergone FGM/C. However, healthcare professionals are not adequately trained to prevent and manage FGM/C-related complications including sexual health problems. This study aimed to assess the need and acceptability of a curriculum to train nursing and medical students in the sexual healthcare of clients with FGM/C in Tanzania. METHODS We used a descriptive and cross sectional study design to collect and analyse information from 271 medical and 137 nursing students in Tanzania. A Qualtrics online survey was used to obtain quantitative data on training interest, previous training received, and the curriculum delivery method. Open-ended questions were used to explore their insights on significance to obtain the necessary competencies to treat and prevent FGM/C. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach. RESULTS Almost half of the participants reported they had little to no training in sexual healthcare for women with FGM/C (47%). In all, 82.4% reported the training to be acceptable. Following thematic analysis of open-ended questions, participants expressed a desire to improve their competencies to meet the current and future sexual and psychological health needs of women and girls who have undergone FGM/C. CONCLUSION It is a necessary and acceptable to develop a curriculum to train healthcare students to diagnose, treat and prevent sexual health complications related to FGM/C. In our study, designing a culturally sensitive curriculum and its delivery method, that includes practical sessions with simulated patients, was considered the most beneficial and favorable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorkasi L Mwakawanga
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Agnes F Massae
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nidhi Kohli
- University of Minnesota, #300, 1300 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA
| | - Gift Gadiel Lukumay
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Corissa T Rohloff
- University of Minnesota, #300, 1300 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA
| | - Stella Emmanuel Mushy
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lucy R Mgopa
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Dickson Ally Mkoka
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ever Mkonyi
- University of Minnesota, #300, 1300 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA
| | - Maria Trent
- Johns Hopkins University, 200 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Michael W Ross
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, United Nations Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - B R Simon Rosser
- University of Minnesota, #300, 1300 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA.
| | - Jennifer Connor
- University of Minnesota, #300, 1300 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA
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24
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Hanson OR, Weglarz AJ, Barabara ML, Cohen SR, Minja LM, Mlay PS, Stephens MJ, Olomi GA, Mlay J, Mmbaga BT, Watt MH. HIV-related Shame among Women Giving Birth in Tanzania: A Mixed Methods Study. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04322-1. [PMID: 38526642 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04322-1] [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] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Women living with HIV (WLHIV) commonly experience HIV-related shame which can interfere with HIV care-seeking behavior and lead to poor clinical outcomes. HIV-related shame may be particularly heightened during the pregnancy and postpartum periods. This study aimed to describe HIV-related shame among WLHIV giving birth, identify associated factors, and qualitatively examine the impacts of HIV-related shame on the childbirth experience. Postpartum WLHIV (n = 103) were enrolled in the study between March and July 2022 at six clinics in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania. Participants completed a survey within 48 h after birth, prior to being discharged. The survey included a 13-item measure of HIV-related shame, which assessed levels of HIV-related shame (Range: 0-52). Univariable and multivariable regression models examined factors associated with HIV-related shame. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with pregnant WLHIV (n = 12) and postpartum WLHIV (n = 12). Thematic analysis, including memo writing, coding, and synthesis, was employed to analyze the qualitative data. The survey sample had a mean age of 29.1 (SD = 5.7), and 52% were diagnosed with HIV during the current pregnancy. Nearly all participants (98%) endorsed at least one item reflecting HIV-related shame, with an average endorsement of 9 items (IQR = 6). In the final multivariable model, HIV-related shame was significantly associated with being Muslim vs. Christian (ß = 6.80; 95%CI: 1.51, 12.09), attending less than four antenatal care appointments (ß = 5.30; 95%CI: 0.04, 10.55), and reporting experiences of HIV stigma in the health system (ß = 0.69; 95%CI: 0.27, 1.12). Qualitative discussions revealed three key themes regarding the impact of HIV-related shame on the childbirth experience: reluctance to disclose HIV status, suboptimal adherence to care, and the influence on social support networks. WLHIV giving birth experience high rates of HIV-related shame, and social determinants may contribute to feelings of shame. HIV-related shame impacts the childbirth experience for WLHIV, making the labor and delivery setting an important site for intervention and support.The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health (R21 TW012001) and is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05271903).
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia R Hanson
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Williams Building, Room 1N410, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA.
| | - Anya J Weglarz
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Williams Building, Room 1N410, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | | | - Susanna R Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Linda M Minja
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Pendo S Mlay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Maya J Stephens
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Williams Building, Room 1N410, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
| | - Gaudensia A Olomi
- Health Management Department, Kilimanjaro Regional Secretary's Office, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Janeth Mlay
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | - Melissa H Watt
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Williams Building, Room 1N410, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84108, USA
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25
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Popkin-Hall ZR, Seth MD, Madebe RA, Budodo R, Bakari C, Francis F, Pereus D, Giesbrecht DJ, Mandara CI, Mbwambo D, Aaron S, Lusasi A, Lazaro S, Bailey JA, Juliano JJ, Gutman JR, Ishengoma DS. Prevalence of non-falciparum malaria infections among asymptomatic individuals in four regions of Mainland Tanzania. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:153. [PMID: 38519992 PMCID: PMC10960463 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06242-4] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies point to the need to incorporate the detection of non-falciparum species into malaria surveillance activities in sub-Saharan Africa, where 95% of the world's malaria cases occur. Although malaria caused by infection with Plasmodium falciparum is typically more severe than malaria caused by the non-falciparum Plasmodium species P. malariae, P. ovale spp. and P. vivax, the latter may be more challenging to diagnose, treat, control and ultimately eliminate. The prevalence of non-falciparum species throughout sub-Saharan Africa is poorly defined. Tanzania has geographical heterogeneity in transmission levels but an overall high malaria burden. METHODS To estimate the prevalence of malaria species in Mainland Tanzania, we randomly selected 1428 samples from 6005 asymptomatic isolates collected in previous cross-sectional community surveys across four regions and analyzed these by quantitative PCR to detect and identify the Plasmodium species. RESULTS Plasmodium falciparum was the most prevalent species in all samples, with P. malariae and P. ovale spp. detected at a lower prevalence (< 5%) in all four regions; P. vivax was not detected in any sample. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicate that malaria elimination efforts in Tanzania will need to account for and enhance surveillance of these non-falciparum species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R Popkin-Hall
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Misago D Seth
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rashid A Madebe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rule Budodo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Catherine Bakari
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Filbert Francis
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Center, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Dativa Pereus
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Celine I Mandara
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Samwel Lazaro
- National Malaria Control Programme, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Computational Molecular Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jonathan J Juliano
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julie R Gutman
- Malaria Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Deus S Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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26
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Rwabiyago OE, Katale A, Bingham T, Grund JM, Machangu O, Medley A, Nkomela ZM, Kayange A, King'ori GN, Juma JM, Ismail A, Kategile U, Akom E, Mlole NT, Schaad N, Maokola W, Nyagonde N, Magesa D, Kazitanga JC, Maruyama H, Temu F, Kimambo S, Sando D, Mbatia R, Chalamila ST, Ogwang BE, Njelekela MA, Kazaura K, Wong VJ, Gongo R, Njau PF, Mbunda A, Nondi J, Bateganya M, Greene J, Breda M, Mgomella G, Rwebembera A, Swaminathan M. Social network strategy (SNS) for HIV testing: a new approach for identifying individuals with undiagnosed HIV infection in Tanzania. AIDS Care 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38502602 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2307383] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Social network strategy (SNS) testing uses network connections to refer individuals at high risk to HIV testing services (HTS). In Tanzania, SNS testing is offered in communities and health facilities. In communities, SNS testing targets key and vulnerable populations (KVP), while in health facilities it complements index testing by reaching unelicited index contacts. Routine data were used to assess performance and trends over time in PEPFAR-supported sites between October 2021 and March 2023. Key indicators included SNS social contacts tested, and new HIV-positives individuals identified. Descriptive and statistical analysis were conducted. Univariable and multivariable analysis were applied, and variables with P-values <0.2 at univariable analysis were considered for multivariable analysis. Overall, 121,739 SNS contacts were tested, and 7731 (6.4%) previously undiagnosed individuals living with HIV were identified. Tested contacts and identified HIV-positives were mostly aged ≥15 years (>99.7%) and females (80.6% of tests, 79.4% of HIV-positives). Most SNS contacts were tested (78,363; 64.7%) and diagnosed (6376; 82.5%) in communities. SNS tests and HIV-positives grew 11.5 and 6.1-fold respectively, from October-December 2021 to January-March 2023, with majority of clients reached in communities vs. facilities (78,763 vs. 42,976). These results indicate that SNS testing is a promising HIV case-finding approach in Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Ernest Rwabiyago
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Allen Katale
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Trista Bingham
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jonathan M Grund
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ona Machangu
- Tanzania Ministry of Health: The National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Amy Medley
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV and TB, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zeye M Nkomela
- Tanzania Ministry of Health: The National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Alick Kayange
- United States Walter Reed Army Institute of Research/Department of Defense (WRAIR/DOD), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Galal Naphtal King'ori
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - James McOllogi Juma
- Tanzania Ministry of Health: The National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Abbas Ismail
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Upendo Kategile
- United States Agency for International Development, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Eniko Akom
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Neema Tabian Mlole
- President's Office, Regional Administration and Local Government, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Nicolas Schaad
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Werner Maokola
- Tanzania Ministry of Health: The National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Nyagonde Nyagonde
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Daniel Magesa
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jaiving C Kazitanga
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Sajida Kimambo
- USAID Afya Yangu Northern Project, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - David Sando
- Management and Development for Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | | | - Kokuhumbya Kazaura
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Vincent J Wong
- United States Agency for International Development, Office of HIV/AIDS, Washington DC, USA
| | - Ramadhani Gongo
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Prosper Faustine Njau
- Tanzania Ministry of Health: The National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Andrea Mbunda
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Joseph Nondi
- United States Walter Reed Army Institute of Research/Department of Defense (WRAIR/DOD), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Moses Bateganya
- United States Agency for International Development, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Mark Breda
- United States Walter Reed Army Institute of Research/Department of Defense (WRAIR/DOD), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - George Mgomella
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Anath Rwebembera
- Tanzania Ministry of Health: The National AIDS, STIs and Hepatitis Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Mahesh Swaminathan
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es Salaam, Division of Global HIV and TB, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Kalezi ZE, Simbila AN, Mongella S, Nkya D, Sharau G, Shonyela F, Mlawi V, Majani N. Outcomes post Ozaki procedure among children with aortic valve disease at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: a retrospective descriptive study. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2024; 24:163. [PMID: 38504187 PMCID: PMC10949633 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-024-03829-8] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aortic valve reconstruction using glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardium, also called Ozaki procedure, is a surgical procedure for patients with aortic valve disease. Gratifying results have been reported in adult patients, however, limited published data is available in paediatric population. This study looked at clinical characteristics and early outcomes of children who underwent Ozaki procedure at our Institute. METHODS This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted on children who underwent aortic valve reconstruction at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) from January 2019 through December 2022. Medical records of these children were reviewed to extract data on demographics, clinical characteristics, redo surgical interventions and survival. RESULTS A total of 10 children underwent Ozaki procedure during the study period. Eight children had severe aortic regurgitation while 2 had severe aortic stenosis preoperatively. All children had either none or trivial aortic regurgitation immediately after surgery. None of them had redone operations throughout the follow-up period. There was no in-hospital mortality, however, one child died one-year after surgery. The mean follow-up period was 1.6 years with the longest follow-up time of 4 years. CONCLUSION Ozaki procedure showed encouraging early results among children with aortic valve disease who underwent surgical repair by this technique. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow up periods to evaluate long-term results in this population are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zawadi Edward Kalezi
- Department of Paediatric cardiology, Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, P.O Box 65141, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Alphonce Nsabi Simbila
- Emergency Medicine Department, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Stella Mongella
- Department of Paediatric cardiology, Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, P.O Box 65141, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Deogratias Nkya
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Godwin Sharau
- Department of Paediatric cardiology, Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, P.O Box 65141, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Felix Shonyela
- Department of Paediatric cardiology, Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, P.O Box 65141, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Vivienne Mlawi
- Department of Paediatric cardiology, Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, P.O Box 65141, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Naizihijwa Majani
- Department of Paediatric cardiology, Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute, P.O Box 65141, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Ikwuegbuenyi CA, Waterkeyn F, Okembo A, Bureta C, Kassim KO, Shabani HK, Zuckerman S, Härtl R. Presentation, Management, and Outcomes of Thoracic, Thoracolumbar, and Lumbar Spine Trauma in East Africa: A Cohort Study. Int J Spine Surg 2024:8575. [PMID: 38499345 DOI: 10.14444/8575] [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] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trauma to the thoracic, thoracolumbar (TL), and lumbar spine is common and can cause disability and neurological deficits. Using a cohort of patients suffering from thoracic, TL, and lumbar spine trauma in a tertiary hospital in East Africa, the current study sought to: (1) describe demographics and operative treatment patterns, (2) assess neurologic outcomes, and (3) report predictors associated with undergoing surgery, neurologic improvement, and mortality. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of patient records from September 2016 to December 2020 was conducted at a prominent East Africa referral center. The study collected data on demographics, injury, and operative characteristics. Surgical indications were assessed using the AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen) TL fracture classification system and neurological function. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors for operative treatment, neurologic improvement, and mortality. RESULTS The study showed that 64.9% of the 257 TL spine trauma patients underwent surgery with a median postadmission day of 17.0. The mortality rate was 1.2%. Road traffic accidents caused 43.6% of the injuries. The most common fracture pattern was AO Type A fractures (78.6%). Laminectomy and posterolateral fusion were performed in 97.6% of the surgical cases. Patients without neurological deficits (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.13-0.54, P < 0.001) and those with longer delays from injury to admission were less likely to have surgery (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.99, P = 0.007). The neurologic improvement rate was 11.1%. Univariate analysis showed a significant association between surgery and neurologic improvement (OR: 3.83, 95% CI: 1.27-16.61, P < 0.001). However, this finding was lost in multivariate regression. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights various themes surrounding the management of TL spine trauma in a low-resource environment, including lower surgery rates, delays from admission to surgery, safe surgery with low mortality, and the potential for surgery to lead to neurologic improvement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Despite challenges such as surgical delays and limited resources in East Africa, there is potential for surgical intervention to improve neurologic outcomes in thoracic, TL, and lumbar spine trauma patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4
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Affiliation(s)
- Chibuikem A Ikwuegbuenyi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital/Och Spine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, Muhimbili Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - François Waterkeyn
- Department of Neurosciences, Grand Hôpital de Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium
| | - Arthur Okembo
- Division of Neurosurgery, Muhimbili Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Costansia Bureta
- Division of Neurosurgery, Muhimbili Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kassim O Kassim
- Division of Neurosurgery, Muhimbili Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Hamisi K Shabani
- Division of Neurosurgery, Muhimbili Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Scott Zuckerman
- Departments of Neurological Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Roger Härtl
- Department of Neurological Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital/Och Spine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Holl F, Kircher J, Hertelendy AJ, Sukums F, Swoboda W. Tanzania's and Germany's Digital Health Strategies and Their Consistency With the World Health Organization's Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025: Comparative Policy Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e52150. [PMID: 38498021 PMCID: PMC10985601 DOI: 10.2196/52150] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the fast-paced adoption of digital health (DH) technologies has transformed health care delivery. However, this rapid evolution has also led to challenges such as uncoordinated development and information silos, impeding effective health care integration. Recognizing these challenges, nations have developed digital health strategies (DHSs), aligning with their national health priorities and guidance from global frameworks. The World Health Organization (WHO)'s Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025 (GSDH) guides national DHSs. OBJECTIVE This study analyzes the DHSs of Tanzania and Germany as case studies and assesses their alignment with the GSDH and identifies strengths, shortcomings, and areas for improvement. METHODS A comparative policy analysis was conducted, focusing on the DHSs of Tanzania and Germany as case studies, selected for their contrasting health care systems and cooperative history. The analysis involved a three-step process: (1) assessing consistency with the GSDH, (2) comparing similarities and differences, and (3) evaluating the incorporation of emergent technologies. Primary data sources included national eHealth policy documents and related legislation. RESULTS Both Germany's and Tanzania's DHSs align significantly with the WHO's GSDH, incorporating most of its 35 elements, but each missing 5 distinct elements. Specifically, Tanzania's DHS lacks in areas such as knowledge management and capacity building for leaders, while Germany's strategy falls short in engaging health care service providers and beneficiaries in development phases and promoting health equity. Both countries, however, excel in other aspects like collaboration, knowledge transfer, and advancing national DHSs, reflecting their commitment to enhancing DH infrastructures. The high ratings of both countries on the Global Digital Health Monitor underscore their substantial progress in DH, although challenges persist in adopting the rapidly advancing technologies and in the need for more inclusive and comprehensive strategies. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that both Tanzania and Germany have made significant strides in aligning their DHSs with the WHO's GSDH. However, the rapid evolution of technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning presents challenges in keeping strategies up-to-date. This study recommends the development of more comprehensive, inclusive strategies and regular revisions to align with emerging technologies and needs. The research underscores the importance of context-specific adaptations in DHSs and highlights the need for broader, strategic guidelines to direct the future development of the DH ecosystem. The WHO's GSDH serves as a crucial blueprint for national DHSs. This comparative analysis demonstrates the value and challenges of aligning national strategies with global guidelines. Both Tanzania and Germany offer valuable insights into developing and implementing effective DHSs, highlighting the importance of continuous adaptation and context-specific considerations. Future policy assessments require in-depth knowledge of the country's health care needs and structure, supplemented by stakeholder input for a comprehensive evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Holl
- DigiHealth Institute, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Neu-Ulm, Germany
| | - Jennifer Kircher
- DigiHealth Institute, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Neu-Ulm, Germany
| | - Attila J Hertelendy
- Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, College of Business, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Felix Sukums
- MUHAS Digital Health and Innovation Research Group, Muhimbili University of Health & Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Walter Swoboda
- DigiHealth Institute, Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Neu-Ulm, Germany
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Mancini V, Borellini M, Belardi P, Colucci MC, Kadinde EY, Mwibuka C, Maziku D, Parisi P, Di Napoli A. Factors associated with hospitalization in a pediatric population of rural Tanzania: findings from a retrospective cohort study. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:53. [PMID: 38500138 PMCID: PMC10949679 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01622-z] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite pediatric acute illnesses being leading causes of death and disability among children, acute and critical care services are not universally available in low-middle income countries, such as Tanzania, even if in this country significant progress has been made in child survival, over the last 20 years. In these countries, the hospital emergency departments may represent the only or the main point of access to health-care services. Thus, the hospitalization rates may reflect both the health system organization and the patients' health status. The purpose of the study is to describe the characteristics of clinical presentations to a pediatric Outpatient Department (OPD) in Tanzania and to identify the predictive factors for hospitalization. METHODS Retrospective cohort study based on 4,324 accesses in the OPD at Tosamaganga Voluntary Agency Hospital (Tanzania). Data were collected for all 2,810 children (aged 0-13) who accessed the OPD services, within the period 1 January - 30 September 2022. The association between the hospitalization (main outcome) and potential confounding covariates (demographic, socio-contextual and clinical factors) was evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS Five hundred three (11.6%) of OPD accesses were hospitalized and 17 (0.4%) died during hospitalization. A higher (p < 0.001) risk of hospitalization was observed for children without health insurance (OR = 3.26), coming from more distant districts (OR = 2.83), not visited by a pediatric trained staff (OR = 3.58), and who accessed for the following conditions: burn/wound (OR = 70.63), cardiovascular (OR = 27.36), constitutional/malnutrition (OR = 62.71), fever (OR = 9.79), gastrointestinal (OR = 8.01), respiratory (OR = 12.86), ingestion/inhalation (OR = 17.00), injury (OR = 6.84). CONCLUSIONS The higher risk of hospitalization for children without health insurance, and living far from the district capital underline the necessity to promote the implementation of primary care, particularly in small villages, and the establishment of an efficient emergency call and transport system. The observation of lower hospitalization risk for children attended by a pediatric trained staff confirm the necessity of preventing admissions for conditions that could be managed in other health settings, if timely evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Mancini
- Chair of Pediatrics, NESMOS department, Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Doctors with Africa CUAMM, Iringa, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Maria Carolina Colucci
- Chair of Pediatrics, NESMOS department, Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Pasquale Parisi
- Chair of Pediatrics, NESMOS department, Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Anteo Di Napoli
- Epidemiolgy Unit, National Institute for Health Migration and Poverty (INMP), Via di San Gallicano, 25a - 00153, Rome, Italy.
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Mlunde LB, Saalim K, Mbwambo JK, Kiwia P, Fitch E, Manyama W, Rugemalila I, Clay S, Lambdin BH, Stelmach RD, Bann C, Nyblade L. Adapting a health facility HIV stigma-reduction participatory training intervention to address drug use stigma in HIV care and treatment clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:65. [PMID: 38491349 PMCID: PMC10941424 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00965-4] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV prevalence among people who use drugs (PWUD) in Tanzania is 4-7 times higher than in the general population, underscoring an urgent need to increase HIV testing and treatment among PWUD. Drug use stigma within HIV clinics is a barrier to HIV treatment for PWUD, yet few interventions to address HIV-clinic drug use stigma exist. Guided by the ADAPT-ITT model, we adapted the participatory training curriculum of the evidence-based Health Policy Plus Total Facility Approach to HIV stigma reduction, to address drug use stigma in HIV care and treatment clinics (CTCs). METHODS The first step in the training curriculum adaptation process was formative research. We conducted 32 in-depth interviews in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: 18 (11 men and 7 women) with PWUD living with HIV, and 14 with a mix of clinical [7] and non-clinical [7] CTC staff (5 men and 9 women). Data were analyzed through rapid qualitative analysis to inform initial curriculum adaptation. This initial draft curriculum was then further adapted and refined through multiple iterative steps of review, feedback and revision including a 2-day stakeholder workshop and external expert review. RESULTS Four CTC drug use stigma drivers emerged as key to address in the curriculum adaptation: (1) Lack of awareness of the manifestations and consequences of drug use stigma in CTCs (e.g., name calling, ignoring PWUD and denial of care); (2) Negative stereotypes (e.g., all PWUD are thieves, dangerous); (3) Fear of providing services to PWUD, and; (4) Lack of knowledge about drug use as a medical condition and absence of skills to care for PWUD. Five, 2.5-hour participatory training sessions were developed with topics focused on creating awareness of stigma and its consequences, understanding and addressing stereotypes and fears of interacting with PWUD; understanding drug use, addiction, and co-occurring conditions; deepening understanding of drug use stigma and creating empathy, including a panel session with people who had used drugs; and working to create actionable change. CONCLUSION Understanding context specific drivers and manifestations of drug use stigma from the perspective of PWUD and health workers allowed for ready adaptation of an existing evidence-based HIV-stigma reduction intervention to address drug use stigma in HIV care and treatment clinics. Future steps include a pilot test of the adapted intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda B Mlunde
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | | | - Jessie K Mbwambo
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Pfiriael Kiwia
- Kimara Peer Educators and Health Promoters, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | - Sue Clay
- 3C Regional Consultants, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | - Carla Bann
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Ishengoma DS, Mandara CI, Madebe RA, Warsame M, Ngasala B, Kabanywanyi AM, Mahende MK, Kamugisha E, Kavishe RA, Muro F, Mandike R, Mkude S, Chacky F, Njau R, Martin T, Mohamed A, Bailey JA, Fola AA. Microsatellites reveal high polymorphism and high potential for use in anti-malarial efficacy studies in areas with different transmission intensities in mainland Tanzania. Malar J 2024; 23:79. [PMID: 38491359 PMCID: PMC10943981 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04901-6] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tanzania is currently implementing therapeutic efficacy studies (TES) in areas of varying malaria transmission intensities as per the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. In TES, distinguishing reinfection from recrudescence is critical for the determination of anti-malarial efficacy. Recently, the WHO recommended genotyping polymorphic coding genes, merozoite surface proteins 1 and 2 (msp1 and msp2), and replacing the glutamate-rich protein (glurp) gene with one of the highly polymorphic microsatellites in Plasmodium falciparum to adjust the efficacy of antimalarials in TES. This study assessed the polymorphisms of six neutral microsatellite markers and their potential use in TES, which is routinely performed in Tanzania. METHODS Plasmodium falciparum samples were obtained from four TES sentinel sites, Kibaha (Pwani), Mkuzi (Tanga), Mlimba (Morogoro) and Ujiji (Kigoma), between April and September 2016. Parasite genomic DNA was extracted from dried blood spots on filter papers using commercial kits. Genotyping was done using six microsatellites (Poly-α, PfPK2, TA1, C3M69, C2M34 and M2490) by capillary method, and the data were analysed to determine the extent of their polymorphisms and genetic diversity at the four sites. RESULTS Overall, 83 (88.3%) of the 94 samples were successfully genotyped (with positive results for ≥ 50.0% of the markers), and > 50.0% of the samples (range = 47.6-59.1%) were polyclonal, with a mean multiplicity of infection (MOI) ranging from 1.68 to 1.88 among the four sites. There was high genetic diversity but limited variability among the four sites based on mean allelic richness (RS = 7.48, range = 7.27-8.03, for an adjusted minimum sample size of 18 per site) and mean expected heterozygosity (He = 0.83, range = 0.80-0.85). Cluster analysis of haplotypes using STRUCTURE, principal component analysis, and pairwise genetic differentiation (FST) did not reveal population structure or clustering of parasites according to geographic origin. Of the six markers, Poly-α was the most polymorphic, followed by C2M34, TA1 and C3M69, while M2490 was the least polymorphic. CONCLUSION Microsatellite genotyping revealed high polyclonality and genetic diversity but no significant population structure. Poly-α, C2M34, TA1 and C3M69 were the most polymorphic markers, and Poly-α alone or with any of the other three markers could be adopted for use in TES in Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deus S Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Celine I Mandara
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rashid A Madebe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Billy Ngasala
- Department of Parasitology, School of Public Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - Erasmus Kamugisha
- Bugando Medical Centre, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Reginald A Kavishe
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Florida Muro
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Renata Mandike
- National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Sigsbert Mkude
- National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Frank Chacky
- National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Ritha Njau
- Malariologist and Public Health Specialist, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Troy Martin
- HIV Vaccine Trials Network, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Centre, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ally Mohamed
- National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Jeffrey A Bailey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Abebe A Fola
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Lyaatu I, Mosha D, Sando MM, Jeong J, Yousafzai A, PrayGod G, Evarist R, Galvin L, Kieffer MP, Kumalija E, Simpson J, Ambikapathi R, Boncyk M, Matangi E, Gunaratna NS. Engaging Fathers for Effective Child Nutrition and Development in Tanzania (EFFECTS): study protocol for a five-arm, cluster-randomized trial. Trials 2024; 25:188. [PMID: 38486278 PMCID: PMC10938806 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-07002-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, 144 million children under 5 years are undernourished and 250 million do not meet their developmental potential. Multi-input interventions, such as bundled nutrition and parenting interventions, are designed to mitigate risks for multiple child outcomes. There is limited evidence that bundled interventions have additive benefits to nutrition, growth, or development outcomes. These outcomes share common risks; therefore, designing interventions to tackle these risks using a common theory of change may optimize effectiveness. Emerging evidence suggests explicit engagement of fathers may benefit child outcomes, but few trials have tested this or included data collected from fathers. METHODS Engaging Fathers for Effective Child Nutrition and Development in Tanzania (EFFECTS) is a community-based cluster-randomized controlled trial that will be implemented in the rural Mara Region, Tanzania. The trial aims (1) to test a bundled nutrition and parenting program delivered to mothers' groups, with or without fathers' groups, over 12 months on child and caregiving outcomes compared to a nutrition program alone, and (2) to test nutrition or bundled nutrition and parenting programs delivered to mothers' and fathers' groups over 12 months on child and caregiving outcomes compared to programs delivered to mothers alone. The trial comprises five arms: (1) mothers' groups receiving a nutrition program, (2) mothers' groups receiving a bundled nutrition and parenting program, (3) mothers' and fathers' groups receiving a nutrition program, (4) mothers' and fathers' groups receiving a bundled nutrition and parenting program, and (5) control receiving standard of care health services. The primary outcomes are child dietary diversity and early child development (mental and motor development). Parents with a child under 18 months will be enrolled in peer groups and receive twice monthly intervention by trained community health workers. Data will be collected from mothers, fathers, and children at baseline (pre-intervention), midline, and endline (post-intervention). DISCUSSION EFFECTS will generate evidence on the effects of bundled nutrition and parenting interventions on child nutrition, growth, and development outcomes; determine the benefits of engaging fathers on child, caregiving, and caregiver outcomes; and investigate common and unique pathways between treatments and child outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03759821. Registered on November 30, 2018.
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Mboggo E, Mtisi E, Mushy SE, Mkawe S, Ngalesoni F, Muya A, Kilimba E, Kamugumya D, Mlay BS. Determinants of viral load suppression failure among HIV adults on ARV attending health care facilities: a retrospective study in Tanga region, Tanzania. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:312. [PMID: 38486174 PMCID: PMC10941608 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08604-2] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Availability and accessibility of Antiretroviral drugs (ARV's) improve the lives of People living with HIV (PLHIV) by improving client's immune system to overcome infections and prevent the development of AIDS and other HIV complications. Combination therapy, early initiation of ART, newer ART drugs, single dosage and drug affordability significantly contribute in the reduction of viral multiplication and suppression of HIV to undetectable plasma levels. METHODS A retrospective longitudinal study design study was conducted from 1st October, 2018 to 30th June 2022 in all supported HIV care and treatment health facilities in Tanga region which were supported by Amref Health Africa, Tanzania. The participants were HIV adult patients aged 15 years and above on ART and attended the clinic at least once after ART initiation. Viral load suppression levels are defined with viral load <1,000 HIV RNA copies/ml (viral load suppression). Cox proportional hazard regression models were employed to identify risk factors for virological failure. P values were two-sided, and we considered a P<0.05 to be statistically significant. RESULTS Fifty-nine thousand five hundred three adult clients >15 years whom were on ART were included in the analysis to determine the level of plasma Viral Load suppression after being on ART. Female 41,304 (69.4%) and male 18,199 (30.6%). Only four percent (2,290) were found to be unsuppressed i.e having plasma Viral Load >1,000cp/ml while 96% (57,213) were virally suppressed. Several factors were independently associated with virologic failure that included; age between 15 - <25 years (HR: 2.82, 95% CI 1.96 - 4.04), BMI <18.5 (HR: 1.69, 95% CI 1.23 - 2.30), advanced WHO stage IV (HR: 1.60, 95% CI 1.12 - 2.24), CD4 cell count <350 (HR: 2.61, 95% CI 2.12 - 3.23), poor adherence (HR: 1.98, 95% CI 1.80 - 2.18) and not using DTG based drug (HR: 11.8, 95% CI 9.74 - 14.3). CONCLUSION Virologic failure was observed in this study among clients with young age, advanced WHO stage IV, not using DTG based regimen, poor drug adherence and second line regime. To improve Viral Load Suppression among these clients; the existing HIV intervention strategies should be taken care by targeting the identified risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Mboggo
- AMREF Health Africa, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Expeditho Mtisi
- Department of General Studies, Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Stella E Mushy
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health Science, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Simon Mkawe
- AMREF Health Africa, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Aisa Muya
- AMREF Health Africa, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Muhimbili University of Health Science, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Denice Kamugumya
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
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Bakari C, Mandara CI, Madebe RA, Seth MD, Ngasala B, Kamugisha E, Ahmed M, Francis F, Bushukatale S, Chiduo M, Makene T, Kabanywanyi AM, Mahende MK, Kavishe RA, Muro F, Mkude S, Mandike R, Molteni F, Chacky F, Bishanga DR, Njau RJA, Warsame M, Kabula B, Nyinondi SS, Lucchi NW, Talundzic E, Venkatesan M, Moriarty LF, Serbantez N, Kitojo C, Reaves EJ, Halsey ES, Mohamed A, Udhayakumar V, Ishengoma DS. Trends of Plasmodium falciparum molecular markers associated with resistance to artemisinins and reduced susceptibility to lumefantrine in Mainland Tanzania from 2016 to 2021. Malar J 2024; 23:71. [PMID: 38461239 PMCID: PMC10924419 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04896-0] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic efficacy studies (TESs) and detection of molecular markers of drug resistance are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to monitor the efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT). This study assessed the trends of molecular markers of artemisinin resistance and/or reduced susceptibility to lumefantrine using samples collected in TES conducted in Mainland Tanzania from 2016 to 2021. METHODS A total of 2,015 samples were collected during TES of artemether-lumefantrine at eight sentinel sites (in Kigoma, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mtwara, Mwanza, Pwani, Tabora, and Tanga regions) between 2016 and 2021. Photo-induced electron transfer polymerase chain reaction (PET-PCR) was used to confirm presence of malaria parasites before capillary sequencing, which targeted two genes: Plasmodium falciparum kelch 13 propeller domain (k13) and P. falciparum multidrug resistance 1 (pfmdr1). RESULTS Sequencing success was ≥ 87.8%, and 1,724/1,769 (97.5%) k13 wild-type samples were detected. Thirty-seven (2.1%) samples had synonymous mutations and only eight (0.4%) had non-synonymous mutations in the k13 gene; seven of these were not validated by the WHO as molecular markers of resistance. One sample from Morogoro in 2020 had a k13 R622I mutation, which is a validated marker of artemisinin partial resistance. For pfmdr1, all except two samples carried N86 (wild-type), while mutations at Y184F increased from 33.9% in 2016 to about 60.5% in 2021, and only four samples (0.2%) had D1246Y mutations. pfmdr1 haplotypes were reported in 1,711 samples, with 985 (57.6%) NYD, 720 (42.1%) NFD, and six (0.4%) carrying minor haplotypes (three with NYY, 0.2%; YFD in two, 0.1%; and NFY in one sample, 0.1%). Between 2016 and 2021, NYD decreased from 66.1% to 45.2%, while NFD increased from 38.5% to 54.7%. CONCLUSION This is the first report of the R622I (k13 validated mutation) in Tanzania. N86 and D1246 were nearly fixed, while increases in Y184F mutations and NFD haplotype were observed between 2016 and 2021. Despite the reports of artemisinin partial resistance in Rwanda and Uganda, this study did not report any other validated mutations in these study sites in Tanzania apart from R622I suggesting that intensified surveillance is urgently needed to monitor trends of drug resistance markers and their impact on the performance of ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Bakari
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Celine I Mandara
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Rashid A Madebe
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Misago D Seth
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Billy Ngasala
- Department of Parasitology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Erasmus Kamugisha
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Maimuna Ahmed
- Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Filbert Francis
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Samwel Bushukatale
- Department of Parasitology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mercy Chiduo
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Research Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Twilumba Makene
- Department of Parasitology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Muhidin K Mahende
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar Es Salaam Office, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Florida Muro
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Fabrizio Molteni
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- National Malaria Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Frank Chacky
- National Malaria Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Dunstan R Bishanga
- Ifakara Health Institute, Dar Es Salaam Office, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
- Maternal and Child Survival Program, Jhpiego, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ritha J A Njau
- Malariologist and Public Health Specialist, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Bilali Kabula
- PMI/Okoa Maisha Dhibiti Malaria, RTI International, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
- National Institute for Medical Research, Amani Research Centre, Muheza, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Ssanyu S Nyinondi
- PMI/Okoa Maisha Dhibiti Malaria, RTI International, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Naomi W Lucchi
- Malaria Branch, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Division of Global Health Protection, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Eldin Talundzic
- Malaria Branch, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Leah F Moriarty
- Malaria Branch, U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Naomi Serbantez
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, USAID, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Chonge Kitojo
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, USAID, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Erik J Reaves
- U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Eric S Halsey
- Malaria Branch, U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ally Mohamed
- National Malaria Control Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Venkatachalam Udhayakumar
- Malaria Branch, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Independenant Consultant, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Deus S Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
- Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Kampala International University, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
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Olakkengil M, Said S, Abdalla O, Hofmann R, Hedt-Gauthier B, Fulcher I. Are populations of postpartum women differentially served by community health worker programs: an observational cohort study from Zanzibar, Tanzania. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:183. [PMID: 38454323 PMCID: PMC10921749 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06356-8] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although community health worker (CHW) programs focus on improving access to healthcare, some individuals may not receive the intended quality or quantity of an intervention. The objective of this research was to examine if certain populations of pregnant women differentially experience the implementation of a community health worker-led maternal health intervention in Zanzibar. METHODS We included pregnant women enrolled in the Safer Deliveries (Uzazi Salama) program, which operated in 10 of 11 districts in Zanzibar, Tanzania between January 1, 2017, and June 19, 2019 (N = 33,914). The outcomes of interest were receipt of the entire postpartum intervention (three CHW visits) and time to first postpartum CHW visit (days). Visits by CHWs were done at the women's home, however, a telehealth option existed for women who were unable to be reached in-person. We conducted statistical tests to investigate the bivariate associations between our outcomes and each demographic and health characteristic. We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate the relationships between covariates and the outcomes and multivariate linear regression to estimate the association between covariates and the average time until first postpartum visit. RESULTS Higher parity (OR = 0.85; P = 0.014; 95%CI: 0.75-0.97), unknown or unreported HIV status (OR = 0.64; p < 0.001; 95%CI: 0.53-0.78), and receipt of phone consultations (OR = 0.77; p < 0.001; 95%CI: 0.69-0.87) were associated with a lower odds of receiving all postpartum visits. Similarly, women with an unknown or unreported HIV status (estimated mean difference of 1.81 days; p < 0.001; 95%CI: 1.03-2.59) and those who received a phone consultation (estimated mean difference of 0.83 days; p < 0.001; 95%CI: 0.43-1.23), on average, experienced delays to first visit. In addition, current delivery at a referral hospital was associated with lower odds of receiving a postpartum visit and longer time to first visit compared to delivery at home, cottage hospital, PHCU + , or district hospital. Women from all other districts received their first visit earlier than women from Kaskazini B. There were no differences in the odds of receiving the entire postpartum intervention by sociodemographic variables, including age, education, and poverty assessment indicators. CONCLUSION The results indicate no differences in intervention contact across wealth and education levels, suggesting that the program is effectively reaching women regardless of SES. However, women with other characteristics (e.g., higher parity, unknown or unreported HIV status) had lower odds of receiving the complete intervention. Overall, this work generates knowledge on existing disparities in intervention coverage and enables future programs to develop approaches to achieve equity in health care utilization and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Olakkengil
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.
| | - Samira Said
- D-Tree International, IRCH Building, Kidongo Chekundu, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Omar Abdalla
- D-Tree International, IRCH Building, Kidongo Chekundu, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Rachel Hofmann
- D-Tree International, IRCH Building, Kidongo Chekundu, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Bethany Hedt-Gauthier
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Isabel Fulcher
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Amani DE, Ndumwa HP, Ngowi JE, Njiro BJ, Munishi C, Mboya EA, Mloka D, Kikula AI, Balandya E, Ruggajo P, Kessy AT, Kitambala E, Kapologwe N, Kengia JT, Kiologwe J, Ubuguyu O, Salum B, Kamuhabwa A, Ramaiya K, Sunguya BF. National Non-Communicable Diseases Conferences- A Platform to Inform Policies and Practices in Tanzania. Ann Glob Health 2024; 90:18. [PMID: 38463453 PMCID: PMC10921961 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4112] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) arise from diverse risk factors with differences in the contexts and variabilities in regions and countries. Addressing such a complex challenge requires local evidence. Tanzania has been convening stakeholders every year to disseminate and discuss scientific evidence, policies, and implementation gaps, to inform policy makers in NCDs responses. This paper documents these dissemination efforts and how they have influenced NCDs response and landscape in Tanzania and the region. Methods Desk review was conducted through available MOH and conference organizers' documents. It had both quantitative and qualitative data. The review included reports of the four NCDs conferences, conference organization, and conduct processes. In addition, themes of the conferences, submitted abstracts, and presentations were reviewed. Narrative synthesis was conducted to address the objectives. Recommendations emanated from the conference and policy uptake were reviewed and discussed to determine the impact of the dissemination. Findings Since 2019, four theme-specific conferences were organized. This report includes evidence from four conferences. The conferences convened researchers and scientists from research and training institutions, implementers, government agencies, and legislators in Tanzania and other countries within and outside Africa. Four hundred and thirty-five abstracts were presented covering 14 sub-themes on health system improvements, financing, governance, prevention intervention, and the role of innovation and technology. The conferences have had a positive effect on governments' response to NCDs, including health care financing, NCDs research agenda, and universal health coverage. Conclusion The National NCDs conferences have provided suitable platforms where stakeholders can share, discuss, and recommend vital strategies for addressing the burden of NCDs through informing policies and practices. Ensuring the engagement of the right stakeholders, as well as the uptake and utilization of the recommendations from these platforms, remains crucial for addressing the observed epidemiological transition in Tanzania and other countries with similar contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis E. Amani
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Harrieth P. Ndumwa
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jackline E. Ngowi
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Belinda J. Njiro
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Castory Munishi
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Erick A. Mboya
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Doreen Mloka
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Amani I. Kikula
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel Balandya
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Paschal Ruggajo
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
- Ministry of Health, P O Box 743 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Anna T. Kessy
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Emilia Kitambala
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ntuli Kapologwe
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, P O Box 1923 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - James T. Kengia
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, P O Box 1923 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Bakari Salum
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, P O Box 1923 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Appolinary Kamuhabwa
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kaushik Ramaiya
- Tanzania Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance, P O Box 65201 Dar es salaam, Tanzania
- Tanzania Diabetes Association, P O Box 65201 Dar es salaam, Tanzania
- Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital, P O Box 581 Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Bruno F. Sunguya
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
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Kilonzo SB, Kamala E, Jaka H, Ngoya P. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Tanzania: prevalence, determinants, and diagnostic performance of triglycerides-glucose index and triglycerides-glucose index -body mass index compared to the hepatic ultrasound in overweight and obese individuals. BMC Gastroenterol 2024; 24:96. [PMID: 38438930 PMCID: PMC10910753 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03164-4] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is closely associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), is rarely reported in Tanzania, where MetS is prevalent. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of this condition in overweight and obese individuals and to correlate standard ultrasound diagnosis with triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI). METHODS A cross-sectional analysis was performed in 181 adult outpatients attending a general medical clinic. The presence of fatty liver was detected by ultrasound. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected and analyzed using STATA 15. To compare categorical variables, a chi-square test was employed, while a Student's t-test was used to compare continuous variables. Additionally, a multivariate regression analysis was conducted to identify the determinants of NAFLD. A significance level was set at p < 0.05. The discriminatory power of TyG and TyG-BMI for diagnosing NAFLD was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve analysis and the Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) was reported. RESULTS The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 30.4% (55/181). The prevalence's of NAFLD in patients with class III obesity, class II obesity, class I obesity and overweight were 50.0% (12/24),, 38% (19/50), 23.7% (18/76), and 19.5% (6/31),respectively. NAFLD was strongly predicted by hyperuricemia (≥ 360 μmol/L) (p = 0.04) and TyG ≥ 8.99 (p = 0.003). The best cut-off values of TyG and TyG-BMI to predict NAFLD were 8.99 [AUC 0.735; sensitivity 70.9%, specificity 79.3%] and 312 [AUC 0.711; sensitivity 60% and specificity 75.4%] respectively. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of NAFLD is high among people with overweight and obesity in Tanzania. We did not find sufficient evidence to recommend the use of TyG and TyG-BMI as surrogates for hepatic ultrasound in detecting NAFLD, and further evaluation is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Semvua B Kilonzo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 1464, Mwanza, Tanzania.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bugando Medical Centre, P.O. Box 1370, Mwanza, Tanzania.
| | - Eliud Kamala
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 1464, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Hyasinta Jaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 1464, Mwanza, Tanzania
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bugando Medical Centre, P.O. Box 1370, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Patrick Ngoya
- Department of Radiology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 1464, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Odufuwa OG, Bradley J, Ngonyani S, Mpelepele AB, Matanila I, Muganga JB, Bosselmann R, Skovmand O, Mboma ZM, Moore SJ. Time of exposure and assessment influence the mortality induced by insecticides against metabolic resistant mosquitoes. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:103. [PMID: 38431631 PMCID: PMC10908098 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06190-z] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing metabolic resistance in malaria vector mosquitoes resulted in the development of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) with active ingredients (AI) that target them. Bioassays that accurately measure the mortality induced by these AIs on ITNs are needed. Mosquito metabolic enzyme expression follows a circadian rhythm. Thus, this study assessed (i) influence of the time of day of mosquito exposure and (ii) timing of assessment of mortality post exposure (24 and 72 h) to ITNs against vectors that are susceptible to pyrethroids and those with metabolic and knockdown resistance mechanisms. METHODS Two cone bioassay experiments were conducted following World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Firstly, on ITNs incorporated with 2 g AI/kg of deltamethrin (DM) alone, or combined with 8 g AI/kg piperonyl butoxide (PBO) synergist, during the day (9:00-14:00 h) and repeated in the evening (18:00-20:00 h). This was followed by a confirmatory experiment during the afternoon (12:00-14:00 h) and repeated in the night (22:00-24:00 h) using mosquitoes unexposed or pre-exposed to PBO for 1 h before exposure to DM ITNs. Each net piece was tested with a minimum of eight cones per time (N = 24). The outcome was mortality after 24 h (M24) or 72 h (M72) of holding. RESULTS The cone bioassays performed using metabolic resistant mosquitoes during the evening showed significantly lower M24 than those performed in the day for DM: odds ratio (OR) 0.14 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06-0.30, p < 0.0001] and DM PBO [OR 0.29 (95% CI 0.18-0.49, p < 0.0001). M72 was higher than M24 for metabolic resistant mosquitoes exposed to DM [OR 1.44 (95% CI 1.09-1.88), p = 0.009] and DM PBO [OR 1.82 (95% CI 1.42-2.34), p < 0.0001]. An influence of hour of experiment and time of assessment was not observed for mosquitoes that had knockdown resistance or that were pyrethroid-susceptible. CONCLUSIONS Time of day of experiment and hour of assessment of delayed mortality after exposure of mosquitoes are important considerations in evaluating insecticides that interact with mosquito metabolism to counter metabolic resistant mosquitoes. This is important when evaluating field-aged ITNs that may have lower concentrations of AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olukayode G Odufuwa
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU) Ifakara Health Institute, Environmental Health, and Ecological Sciences, P.O. Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania.
- Vector Biology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwill, 4123, Basel, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland.
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - John Bradley
- MRC International Statistics and Epidemiology Group, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Safina Ngonyani
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU) Ifakara Health Institute, Environmental Health, and Ecological Sciences, P.O. Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Ahmadi Bakari Mpelepele
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU) Ifakara Health Institute, Environmental Health, and Ecological Sciences, P.O. Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Isaya Matanila
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU) Ifakara Health Institute, Environmental Health, and Ecological Sciences, P.O. Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Joseph B Muganga
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU) Ifakara Health Institute, Environmental Health, and Ecological Sciences, P.O. Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Zawadi Mageni Mboma
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU) Ifakara Health Institute, Environmental Health, and Ecological Sciences, P.O. Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tengeru, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Sarah Jane Moore
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit (VCPTU) Ifakara Health Institute, Environmental Health, and Ecological Sciences, P.O. Box 74, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- Vector Biology Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, Allschwill, 4123, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4001, Basel, Switzerland
- The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Tengeru, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
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Osaki H, Sørensen JB, Maaløe N, Mbekenga C, Skovdal M. "It is because the treatment of this lady is a cascade": Accumulation of delays and the occurrence of obstetric emergencies in an urban maternity unit in Tanzania. Midwifery 2024; 130:103926. [PMID: 38217929 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.103926] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore healthcare workers' and women's experiences of providing and seeking childbirth care in a busy urban maternity facility in Tanzania. DESIGN A qualitative study with observations, in-depth interviews, and informal conversations, using thematic network analysis. SETTING This study was conducted in a busy urban maternity unit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania which is a low-resource setting with a need to improve childbirth care. PARTICIPANTS Six frontline healthcare providers and four hospital managers from the facility, along with six postpartum women who gave birth at the facility. FINDINGS Delays were observed throughout the childbirth care cascade, encompassing various stages. During antenatal care, timely provision of care was hindered by a high patientto-provider ratio, resulting in inadequate monitoring of risk factors. At the onset of labor, women delayed seeking care, sometimes, attempting a trial of labor after a previous Caesarean section. Within the facility, delays in care decision-making and patient management were evident due to insufficient resources. The accumulation of these delays over time influenced the quality of care provided and challenged the management of obstetric emergencies at the study facility. KEY CONCLUSIONS The study findings show that delays are prevalent throughout the entire childbirth care cascade. The accumulation of these delays over time has influenced the quality of care provided at the facility and increased the vulnerability of women experiencing obstetric emergencies. To effectively address the imperative of reducing maternal mortality in low-resource settings, it is essential to develop appropriate interventions that span the entire spectrum of childbirth care. Additionally, further research is needed to delve into the complexities of care decision-making and the quality of care delivered within urban maternal facilities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Our findings stress the need for comprehensive childbirth interventions and contextspecific guidelines to address challenges across the care cascade, particularly in lowresource settings. Urgent attention is required to prioritize care during patient triage and address systemic challenges within the healthcare system to improve birth outcomes and ensure effective facility-based care provision. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04685668 Date of initial trial registration: December 28th, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haika Osaki
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Agha Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | | | - Nanna Maaløe
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Agha Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Columba Mbekenga
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Agha Khan University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Faculty of Nursing, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Morten Skovdal
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Strahan EK, Witherbee J, Bergl R, Lonsdorf EV, Mwacha D, Mjungu D, Arandjelovic M, Ikfuingei R, Terio K, Travis DA, Gillespie TR. Potentially Zoonotic Enteric Infections in Gorillas and Chimpanzees, Cameroon and Tanzania. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:577-580. [PMID: 38407249 PMCID: PMC10902540 DOI: 10.3201/eid3003.230318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite zoonotic potential, data are lacking on enteric infection diversity in wild apes. We employed a novel molecular diagnostic platform to detect enteric infections in wild chimpanzees and gorillas. Prevalent Cryptosporidium parvum, adenovirus, and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli across divergent sites and species demonstrates potential widespread circulation among apes in Africa.
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Sao SS, Kisigo GA, Osaki H, Coleman JN, Renju J, Mwamba RN, Ngocho JS, Mmbaga BT, Watt MH. Understanding male involvement in antenatal care in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania: Barriers, facilitators, and opportunities for engagement. Sex Reprod Healthc 2024; 39:100931. [PMID: 38039661 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2023.100931] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male engagement in antenatal care (ANC) has been recommended by the World Health Organization to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, but implementation challenges remain. This study explored barriers, facilitators, and opportunities to improve male attendance and engagement in ANC. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted individually with pregnant women and male partners attending a first ANC visit at two public health facilities in Moshi, Tanzania. Interviews examined factors influencing male ANC attendance and male experiences during the clinic visit. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated from Swahili into English. Transcripts were coded thematically in NVivo. MAIN FINDINGS Constructions of masculinity both positively and negatively influenced male involvement in ANC. Individual-level barriers included a fear of HIV testing, perceptions of pregnancy as the woman's responsibility, and discomfort with ANC as a predominantly female space. Structural barriers included inability to take time off from work and long clinic wait times. The primary facilitator to male involvement was the preferential care given in the ANC clinic to women who present with a male partner. Additionally, some men desired to learn about their family's health status and felt that attending ANC was a sign of respect and love for their partner. CONCLUSIONS Opportunities exist to improve male involvement in ANC, namely training providers to engage men beyond HIV testing and counseling. Peer programs that promote men's engagement in pregnancy could prove useful to reduce apprehension around HIV testing and dispel conceptions of ANC as only a women's healthcare space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saumya S Sao
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Godfrey A Kisigo
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Haika Osaki
- University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Jessica N Coleman
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Jenny Renju
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Rimel N Mwamba
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - James S Ngocho
- Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania.
| | - Blandina T Mmbaga
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Moshi, Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania.
| | - Melissa H Watt
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Kabagenyi A, Wasswa R, Kayemba V. Multilevel mixed effects analysis of individual and community factors associated with unmet need for contraception among married women in four East African countries. SSM Popul Health 2024; 25:101602. [PMID: 38375320 PMCID: PMC10875291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101602] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the use of contraceptives being an expression of a woman's reproductive control, the prevalence of unmet need remains high and a public concern among married women in East Africa. However, limited literature has explored the associated factors in the region. We live in age of leaving no one behind unfortunately many women still have unmet for family planning todate. This study therefore intends to examine the individual and community level factors associated with unmet need for contraception among married women in Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Methods The study utilizes data from the four recent demographic and health surveys for Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Analyses were conducted using multilevel mixed effects logistic regressions with random community and country level effects. Results are reported using predictive probabilities and margins. Results This study revealed that: 20%, 22%, 28% and 33% of the married women in Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi respectively had unmet need for contraception. Younger women, and those: without formal education, from the poorest households, had ever experienced child loss, whose husbands desire more children than them, and have no access to family planning messages faced a higher probability of unmet need for contraception. This was also true for women living in communities with low usage of modern contraception and those in communities where there is an increasing number of children per woman. Conclusions The findings reiterate the need for family planning efforts to focus on younger women. Additionally, improved education, economic empowerment, calls for spousal involvement in family planning matters, support for those with child loss, and comprehensive awareness initiatives remain vital to tackling unmet need for contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen Kabagenyi
- Department of Population Studies, School of Statistics & Planning, College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Wasswa
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, Makerere University School of Public Health, New Mulago Complex, Kampala, Uganda
- Center of Excellence for Maternal and Newborn Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, New Mulago Complex, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Vincent Kayemba
- Department of Population Studies, School of Statistics & Planning, College of Business and Management Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Mazzucchi A. Cognitive evaluation and rehabilitation in high- and low-income countries. J Neuropsychol 2024; 18:1-14. [PMID: 37424164 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12338] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Starting from her own personal experience, in the First Part of the article, the author reconstructs how the specialized sectors of cognitive evaluation and rehabilitation evolved in Western countries (Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia, in particular) during the second half of the last century and the first decades of this century. In the Second Part, she describes her personal experience in setting up a rehabilitation centre dedicated to traumatic brain-injured subjects and her commitment to international cooperation (Bolivia, Rwanda, Myanmar, Tanzania) in the field of cognitive evaluation and rehabilitation in favour of people with congenital and acquired cerebral pathology, especially in the paediatric age, since there is an almost total lack of diagnostic, but above all, rehabilitative procedures for cognitive functions in low-middle income countries. In the Third Part of the article, the author carries out an extensive review of the international literature on the differences in access to cognitive diagnostic evaluation and cognitive rehabilitation in middle- and low-income countries - but not only - underlining the urgent need to launch a major international collaborative effort to reduce and eliminate these discrepancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mazzucchi
- Former Teacher of Neuropsychology and Neurological Rehabilitation, University of Parma, Parma PR, Italy
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Wang D, Shahab-Ferdows S, Lweno ON, Hampel D, Method B, Yelverton CA, Nguyen CH, Aboud S, Allen LH, Fawzi WW. The effects of prenatal and postnatal high-dose vitamin B-12 supplementation on human milk vitamin B-12: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Tanzania. Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 119:730-739. [PMID: 38432714 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.07.023] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin B-12 status in human milk (HM) has critical implications for infant growth and development. Few studies have separately evaluated the effects of prenatal and postnatal maternal high-dose vitamin B-12 supplementation on HM vitamin B-12 concentration. OBJECTIVES This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of prenatal and postnatal vitamin B-12 supplementation on HM vitamin B-12 at 6 wk and 7 mo postpartum. METHODS Pregnant women were enrolled in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, between 2001 and 2004. From recruitment (12-27 weeks of gestation) through 6 wk postpartum, participants were randomly assigned to daily oral multiple micronutrient supplementation or placebo. From 6 wk to 18 mo postpartum, a subset of participants was randomly assigned to a postnatal supplement or placebo. The supplement included 50 μg/d of vitamin B-12 and various other vitamins. HM vitamin B-12 concentrations were analyzed at 6 wk and 7 mo postpartum for 412 participants. RESULTS The prevalence of HM vitamin B-12 of <310 pmol/L was 73.3% and 68.4% at 6 wk and 7 mo postpartum, respectively. Prenatal supplementation increased HM vitamin B-12 concentration (percent difference: 34.4; 95% CI: 17.0, 54.5; P < 0.001) at 6 wk; this effect was not present at 7 mo. Postnatal supplementation increased HM vitamin B-12 concentration (percent difference: 15.9; 95% CI: 1.91, 31.9; P = 0.025) at 7 mo. Effect modification between prenatal and postnatal supplementation on HM vitamin B-12 status at 7 mo was found, with the effects of prenatal and postnatal supplements more pronounced among those receiving control during the other period; the prenatal supplement had a greater effect with postnatal control, and the postnatal supplement had a greater effect with prenatal control. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal maternal vitamin B-12 supplementation has benefits on short-term HM status, and postnatal maternal vitamin B-12 supplementation has benefits on long-term HM status. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00197548. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00197548.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqing Wang
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States.
| | - Setareh Shahab-Ferdows
- Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Omar N Lweno
- Ifakara Health Institute, Bagamoyo Research and Training Center, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Daniela Hampel
- Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, CA, United States; Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Balama Method
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Cara A Yelverton
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Christine H Nguyen
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, United States
| | - Said Aboud
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lindsay H Allen
- Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Wafaie W Fawzi
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
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Johnson K, Hartwig K, Maisano K, Crusan A, Biggs J, DiSpirito K. Caregivers' perspectives of community acceptance before and after surgical treatment for their child's disability. Child Care Health Dev 2024; 50:e13232. [PMID: 38356401 DOI: 10.1111/cch.13232] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
In Tanzania, about 600 000 youth between 5 and 24 years old have a disability. Individuals with disabilities face numerous obstacles due to social stigma. The aim of this formative evaluation is to assess how caregivers of children with correctable disabilities (e.g., cleft lip/palate, club foot, and burn scar contractures) in Tanzania perceive their community's acceptance of their child before and after surgical treatment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 80 caregivers of children with disabilities treated at Kafika House in Arusha, Tanzania. The constant comparative method identified themes regarding the caregivers' feelings on their child's functional abilities and experiences of stigma in their community. Caregiver perceptions of stigma before and after surgical treatment were categorized and quantified as 'positive', 'neutral' and 'negative'. Thematic analysis of the 80 interviews resulted in five major themes: (1) stigma and acceptance (pre-treatment) and (2) post-treatment; (3) functional abilities (pre-treatment) and (4) post-treatment; and (5) emotional impact (pre- and post-treatment). These themes indicate caregivers and their children experience a range of emotional impacts before and after treatment, more severe stigma before treatment, and overall better social, emotional and functional status after treatment. Frequency analysis of caregiver experiences indicated that stigma experienced by children and their families decreased from 75% before surgical treatment to 2.5% after surgery. Surgical intervention and rehabilitation of physical disabilities mitigated experiences of social stigma for both children and their caregivers. Findings support the need for expanded treatment of correctable disabilities, larger investments in community-based rehabilitation programmes and further interventions to support stigmatized parents and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kali Johnson
- St. Catherine University, Henrietta Schmoll School of Health Sciences, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kari Hartwig
- St. Catherine University, Henrietta Schmoll School of Health Sciences, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kristen Maisano
- St. Catherine University, Henrietta Schmoll School of Health Sciences, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ambria Crusan
- St. Catherine University, Henrietta Schmoll School of Health Sciences, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jennifer Biggs
- St. Catherine University, Henrietta Schmoll School of Health Sciences, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
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Zimmerman A, Minnig MC, Meela J, Tupetz A, Bettger JP, Nickenig Vissoci JR, Staton C. A systematic review and cross-sectional survey of rehabilitation resources for injury patients in the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:1045-1052. [PMID: 36803149 PMCID: PMC10468893 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2179674] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE An estimated 10 million people across Tanzania have a condition that would benefit from rehabilitative care. However, access to rehabilitation remains inadequate to meet the needs of Tanzania's population. The goal of this study was to identify and characterize rehabilitation resources available to injury patients in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania. METHODS We used two approaches to identify and characterize rehabilitation services. First, we conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed and gray literature. Second, we administered a questionnaire to rehabilitation clinics identified through the systematic review as well as through staff at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre. RESULTS Our systematic review identified eleven organizations offering rehabilitation services. Eight of these organizations responded to our questionnaire. Seven of the surveyed organizations provide care to patients with spinal cord injuries, short term disability, or permanent movement disorders. Six offer diagnostic and treatment procedures to injured and disabled patients. Six offer homecare support. Two require no payment. Only three accept health insurance. None offer financial support. CONCLUSIONS There is a sizable portfolio of health clinics offering rehabilitation services to injury patients in the Kilimanjaro region. However, there remains an ongoing need to connect more patients in the region to long-term rehabilitative care.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONInjury is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and disproportionately affects populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).Rehabilitation is an essential component of injury care, yet an estimated 50% of patients in LMICs who need rehabilitation do not receive it.This study offers insight into the availability and use of rehabilitative services in an LMIC with a substantial injury burden.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joseph Meela
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Anna Tupetz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Joao Ricardo Nickenig Vissoci
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Catherine Staton
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Sway GG, Materu SF. Status of occupational health and safety in the informal sectors in Tanzania: the case of stone quarrying and soil brickmaking. Int J Occup Saf Ergon 2024; 30:136-145. [PMID: 37914664 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2023.2278935] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. The informal economy in Tanzania, as in many other developing countries, presents numerous workplace safety issues. This study was conducted in stone quarrying (SQ) and soil brickmaking (SBM) sites to assess workers' awareness and perceptions of safety practices, identify common workplace risks and hazards, and evaluate challenges hindering the implementation of workplace safety culture. Methods. A total of 173 workers responded to a semi-structured questionnaire and 15 workers were interviewed. Data were summarized using Stata (version 15). Results. More than 95% of the SQ and SBM workers were exposed to ergonomic hazards and related health risks, due to low awareness (90%) and unavailable leadership structures (>96%) for enforcing and overseeing the implementation of workplace occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations. Conclusion. Due to the lack of regulation and oversight, workers in the informal sector in Tanzania often face hazardous conditions that put their health and safety at risk. Workers use self-intuitions, observations, injuries and near miss incidences to improvise control measures and minimize hazardous risks. This study provides baseline information that can be used for evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation to safeguard workers' safety and health in the informal sectors of Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon George Sway
- College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania
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Mangowi I, Mirambo MM, Kilonzo SB, Mlewa M, Nyawale H, Majinge D, Hyera F, Jaka H, Mtemisika C, Michael F, Mshana SE. Hepatitis B virus infection, associated factors, knowledge and vaccination status among household contacts of hepatitis B index cases in Mwanza, Tanzania. IJID Reg 2024; 10:168-173. [PMID: 38317663 PMCID: PMC10840095 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.12.007] [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] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Objectives To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, knowledge regarding HBV, vaccination status, and associated factors among household contacts of HBV index cases in Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods Between July and August 2023, a cross-sectional study involving 97 index cases and 402 household contacts was conducted. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire and blood samples were collected from household contacts for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) testing. Results The prevalence of HBV among household contacts was 5.4% (95% confidence interval, 2.9-9.0) with a significantly high proportion observed in > 45 years (16.6%) and in males (9.9%). A total of 40.0% of the household contacts had completed the full HBV vaccination series. On multivariate analysis, being male was significantly associated with HBsAg positivity (odds ratio: 7.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.81-28.2, P = 0.005). Conclusion About one-tenth of adults' male household contacts were HBsAg positive. In addition, the majority of household contacts had poor to fair knowledge regarding HBV infection with more than half being unvaccinated against HBV. There is a need to enhance awareness and education regarding HBV infection among household contacts in Tanzania and other low- and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivon Mangowi
- School of Public Health, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Mariam M. Mirambo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Semvua B. Kilonzo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences- Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Mathias Mlewa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Helmut Nyawale
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Hyasinta Jaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences- Bugando, Mwanza, Tanzania
| | | | - Fausta Michael
- Ministry of Health, Immunization and Vaccine Development Program, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Stephen E. Mshana
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, Mwanza, Tanzania
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Said AH, Msuya FE, Kyewalyanga MS, Mmochi AJ, Evensen Ø, Hurem S, Sandvik M, Lyche JL. Spatial and seasonal distribution of cyanobacteria Moorea species in coastal waters of Tanzania. Mar Pollut Bull 2024; 200:116134. [PMID: 38350254 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116134] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed at identifying the presence of harmful cyanobacteria, detecting potential harmful algae toxins and their distribution in three seasons: December to February (hot dry season), March to May (rainy season), and June to November (cool dry season) of 2016. The samples were collected in five study sites in Tanzania: Tumbe, Chwaka, Paje, Bweleo in Zanzibar islands and Songosongo Island, mainland Tanzania, where skin irritation problems were observed in seaweed workers in an earlier study. The cyanobacteria from the Moorea genus were microscopically detected in the seawater, with highest concentrations in the months with the highest seawater temperature or hot dry season, than in the other two seasons. The concentration of Moorea species was significantly higher in Songosongo, Tanzania mainland than in Zanzibar Islands in all three seasons, corresponding to the higher level of nutrients of nutrients (PO43-, NO3- and NH4+) in the prior season. However, the concentrations were considered relatively low and thus not collected during an ongoing algal bloom. This is one of the first studies that detect Moorea sp. in Tanzanian seawater, and complementary studies including genome sequencing to characterize the species are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziza H Said
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, The University of Dodoma, P.O. Box 259, Dodoma, Tanzania; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), P.O. Box 5003, 1432 Ås, Norway; Institute of Marine Science (IMS), University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
| | - Flower E Msuya
- Institute of Marine Science (IMS), University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Margareth S Kyewalyanga
- Institute of Marine Science (IMS), University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Aviti J Mmochi
- Institute of Marine Science (IMS), University of Dar es Salaam, P.O. Box 668, Zanzibar, Tanzania
| | - Øystein Evensen
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), P.O. Box 5003, 1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Selma Hurem
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), P.O. Box 5003, 1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Morten Sandvik
- Section for Chemistry and Toxicology, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 64, 1431 Ås, Norway
| | - Jan Ludvig Lyche
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), P.O. Box 5003, 1432 Ås, Norway.
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