AAS Open Research最新文献

{"title":"Institutionalizing research capacity strengthening in LMICs: A systematic review and meta-synthesis.","authors":"Marta Vicente-Crespo, O. Agunbiade, J. Eyers, M. Thorogood, S. Fonn","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13116.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13116.1","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Evidence on effective strategies to ensure sustainability of research capacity strengthening interventions in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) institutions is lacking. This systematic review identified publications describing research capacity building programs and noted their effect, their contexts, and the mechanisms, processes and social actors employed in them. Methods: We searched online databases for the period 2011-2018. Inclusion criteria were that the publications 1) described the intervention; 2) were implemented in LMICs; 3) were based in, or relevant to, university staff or post docs; 4) aimed to improve research capacity; 5) aimed to effect change at the institutional level. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts and full text in consecutive rounds, a third resolved disagreements. Two people extracted the data of each full text using a data extraction tool covering data relevant to our question. Results: In total 4052 citations were identified and 19 papers were included, which referred to 14 interventions. Only three interventions mentioned using a conceptual framework to develop their approach and none described using a theory of change to assess outcomes. The most frequent inputs described were some method of formal training, promotion of a research-conducive environment and establishment of research support systems. A range of outcomes were reported, most frequently an increased number of publications and proportion of staff with PhDs. When factors of success were discussed, this was attributed to a rigorous approach to implementation, adequate funding, and local buy-in. Those who mentioned sustainability linked it to availability of funds and local buy-in. The lack of a common lexicon and a framework against which to report outcomes made comparison between initiatives difficult. Conclusions: The reduced number of interventions that met the inclusion criteria suggests that programs should be well-described, evaluated systematically, and findings published so that the research capacity strengthening community can extract important lessons.","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":"43"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48574559","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recruiting students for the COVID-19 emergency response: lessons from eight African countries","authors":"V. Mkenda, M. Woolhouse, F. Mutapi, Geoffrey Banda","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13115.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13115.1","url":null,"abstract":"Background: This paper examines how African countries can innovatively use pre-qualified undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as retired clinical, laboratory and epidemiological technocrats in dealing with medical emergency situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An online questionnaire was sent to key informants in six universities and two research institutions working with the Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) program eight African countries.  The return rate was 88.9% and data was analysed using the framework method. Results: Students and other personnel trained in the medical and health professions are a valuable resource that can be mobilised by African governments during medical emergency situations. These are found in research, academia, non-governmental organisations, and government.  However, without clear plans and mechanisms for recruiting, supervising and remunerating or reimbursing the costs of engaging someone not employed by the government, the legitimation and authority for such recruitment becomes a challenge. Currently, postgraduate students in the biomedical sciences are the most preferred because of their level of experience and exposure to medical techniques. They also have a degree certificate, which serves as a quality and competence assurance tool. Engagement of postgraduate medical students undergoing their residence programmes also seems a lot easier. While on the other hand, undergraduate students, who are the majority, are considered underexposed and with low technological capabilities. They also lack certificates needed to ensure competence, although we argue that not all tasks during pandemics require specialized skills. Conclusion: As a step towards strengthening national disaster preparedness capacities, African governments need to develop plans that clarify protocols for engaging, training, supervising and protecting students, especially undergraduates and those taking non-biomedical courses. Such plans may form part of the National Pandemic Response Plan, while considering both specialised and non-specialized roles of emergency response.","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46888324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Validation of self-reported physical activity by accelerometry among primary school children in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania: a pilot study.","authors":"Mary Vincent Mosha,&nbsp;Elizabeth Kasagama,&nbsp;Philip Ayieko,&nbsp;Jim Todd,&nbsp;Sia E Msuya,&nbsp;Heiner Grosskurth,&nbsp;Suzanne Filteau","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13118.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13118.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Self-reports are commonly used to assess physical activity in children.  Existing self-reports for physical activity have not been validated for use among primary school children in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. In order to understand if primary school children can accurately report their physical activity, we examined the validity of self-reported physical activity against accelerometer measured physical activity. <b>Methods:</b> A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July, 2018 among four primary schools in Moshi municipal and Moshi rural districts, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.  A total of 51 primary school children aged 9-11 years were enrolled using a simple random sampling technique. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect physical activity related variables. In addition, children wore accelerometers for seven consecutive days to capture physical activity movements. Spearman's rank test and Bland Altman plots were used for assessing validity and agreement between self-reports and accelerometer moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). <b>Results:</b> The mean age of the study participants was 10 (SD=0.8) years. Majority of the study participants were female 32 (63%). A moderate, positive correlation was found between self-reports and accelerometer MVPA (rho=0.36, p=0.009). Accelerometer had higher MVPA compared to self-reports. Children who reported walking to school had higher MVPA for both accelerometer and self- reports compared to children who use other means of transport to school, e.g. school buses (p < 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> This study found the moderate positive correlation between self-reports and accelerometers. Self-reports are prone to errors due to recall bias, and this interferes their validity.  More research is needed to develop better self-reported measures with specific activities which can easily be recalled by children. Also, researchers have to be aware of self-reports validity limitation.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":"40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8132476/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39035112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of the MUII-plus mentorship programme: reflections of Fellows’ experiences and lessons for other programmes","authors":"Irene Andia Biraro, Emmanuella Driciru, Rehema Namaganda, Fiona Luboga, Charles Kato Drago, A. Wajja, B. Okech, Mary Gorrethy N. Mboowa, Raymond Muganyizi, Moses Kizza, S. Cose, V. Bukirwa, D. Nakanjako, A. Elliott","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13091.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13091.1","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The MUII mentorship programme began 11 years ago with a successful group mentorship model. Over the years, the programme has evolved and is presently anchored on the “GROW” approach. This model allows individuals to: set Goals (What I want?); Reflect (Where am I now?); think of Options (What can I do?); What to implement (my actions?). It is intended to help fellows (current, honorary, alumni) herein referred to as mentees achieve their short, medium, and long-term research, career and professional goals. Methods: A mixed methods study combining a cross-sectional survey, one focus group discussion and 11 in-depth key informant interviews were carried out between November 2018 and January 2019 to 1) assess the status of the mentorship programme, 2) perform a strength weakness opportunity and threats (SWOT) analysis, and 3) identify factors relevant for sustainability. Results: An open invitation was made to 52 fellows to participate in the survey, and 23 responded. Among respondents, the largest proportions were male [70% (16/23)], and PhD fellows [35% (8/23)]. The respondents rated the fellowship experience as excellent [65% (15/23)], and most [78% (18/23)] revealed they had benefitted greatly from the programme. The SWOT analysis revealed outstanding strengths of having regular fellows’ meetings for peer support, and availability of international collaborations, linkages and exposure. Opportunities identified included large pool of mentees within MUII-plus and evidence of fellows taking up leadership positions. The biggest threat to the mentorship programme was the busy schedule of mentors. Conclusions: The MUII-plus mentorship programme has strong potential to offer research and career mentorship to its fellows. To promote sustainability of the programme, there is a need for innovative ways to engage mentors; such as digital platforms (e-mentorship) for greater mentor-mentee interactions.","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41847933","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The wearing of face masks in African countries under the COVID-19 crisis: luxury or necessity?","authors":"Zohra Aloui-Zarrouk, Lahcen El Youssfi, K. Badu, Adeniyi Francis Fagbamigbe, D. Matoke-Muhia, C. Ngugi, N. Dukhi, G. Mwaura","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13079.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13079.1","url":null,"abstract":"The unforeseeable global crisis of the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused almost all affected countries to adopt a range of protective measures as recommended by the World Health Organization. However, the speed, type and level of adoption of these protective measures have been remarkably different. Social distancing and quarantine were the main measures adopted in addition to observing basic hygiene. Based on the available evidences, WHO continues to recommend wearing of face masks for healthcare workers and for those people caring for COVID-19 patients. However, some countries and organisations have recommended, and some have even made it mandatory, for their citizens to wear face masks. Particularly in low- and middle-income countries, protecting by wearing face masks is viewed as an affordable yet proactive preventive measure to avoid and slow down viral spread based on the experience of other affected countries. However, the wearing of face masks is controversial due to shortages in their stocks and uncertainty around the quality of masks, as well as their efficiency as a protective mechanism. Masks should be used based on appropriate use and management guidelines. This paper discusses the wearing of face masks from the perspective of low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa; and then makes some recommendations that will greatly inform policy makers on epidemic mitigation strategies throughout the African continent.","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45596026","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"SNPs in IL4 and IFNG show no protective associations with human African trypanosomiasis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a case-control study.","authors":"Olivier Fataki Asina, Harry Noyes, Bruno Bucheton, Hamidou Ilboudo, Annette MacLeod, Dieudonné Mumba Ngoyi","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.12999.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/aasopenres.12999.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a protozoal disease transmitted by tsetse flies. Infection with trypanosomes can lead directly to active HAT or latent infection with no detectable parasites, which may progress to active HAT or to spontaneous self-cure. Genetic variation could explain these differences in the outcome of infection. To test this hypothesis, polymorphisms in 17 candidate genes were tested ( <i>APOL1</i> [ <i>G1 and G2</i>], <i>CFH, HLA-A, HPR, HP, IL1B, IL12B, IL12RB1, IL10, IL4R, MIF, TNFA</i> <i>, IL6, IL4, IL8, IFNG</i>, and <i>HLA-G</i>). <b>Methods:</b> Samples were collected in Democratic Republic of the Congo. 233 samples were genotyped: 100 active HAT cases, 33 from subjects with latent infections and 100 negative controls. Commercial service providers genotyped polymorphisms at 96 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on 17 genes. Data were analyzed using Plink V1.9 software and R. Loci, with suggestive associations (uncorrected p < 0.05) validated using an additional 594 individuals, including 164 cases and 430 controls. <b>Results:</b> After quality control, 87 SNPs remained in the analysis. Two SNPs in <i>IL4</i> and two in <i>IFNG</i> were suggestively associated (uncorrected p<0.05) with a differential risk of developing a <i>Trypanosoma brucei gambiense</i> infection in the Congolese population. The <i>IFNG</i> minor allele (rs2430561, rs2069718) SNPs were protective in comparison between latent infections and controls. Carriers of the rs2243258_T and rs2243279_A alleles of <i>IL4</i> and the rs2069728_T allele of <i>IFNG</i> had a reduced risk of developing illness or latent infection, respectively. None of these associations were significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing. A validation study using more samples was run to determine if the absence of significant association was due to lack of power. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study showed no evidence of an association of HAT with <i>IL4</i> and <i>IFNG</i> SNPs or with <i>APOL1 G1</i> and <i>G2</i> alleles, which have been found to be protective in other studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":"35"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7481849/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"38411570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Detection of <i>Mycobacterium</i> <i>tuberculosis</i> DNA in CD34 ⁺ peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Ugandan adults with latent infection: a cross-sectional and nested prospective study.","authors":"Jonathan Mayito, Irene Andia Biraro, Stephen T Reece, Adrian R Martineau, David P Kateete","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13108.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/aasopenres.13108.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Tuberculin skin test and interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) show limitations in diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and poorly predict progression to active tuberculosis. This study will explore detection of <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> ( <i>M.tb</i>) DNA in CD34 ⁺ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as a biomarker for LTBI and monitoring chemoprophylaxis response. <b>Methods:</b> In a cross-sectional study, 120 household contacts (60 HIV positive and 60 HIV negative) will be recruited. Also, 10 patients with sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis and 10 visitors from low incidence countries with no history of TB treatment will be recruited as positive and negative controls, respectively. Participants will donate 100 ml (50 ml for TB patients) of blood to isolate PBMCs using density gradient centrifugation. Isolated PBMCs will be separated into CD34 ⁺ and CD34 ^- enriched cellular fractions. DNA from each fraction will be purified, quantified and subjected to droplet digital PCR targeting <i>IS6110</i> (a <i>M.tb</i> Complex multi-copy gene) and <i>rpoB</i>, a single copy gene. Also, 4 ml of blood will be drawn for IGRA. In a nested prospective study, 60 HIV positive participants will be given 300 mg of Isoniazid Preventive Therapy (IPT) daily for six months, after which they will donate a second 100 ml blood sample that will be processed as described above. Data from the cross-sectional study will be analysed to determine the proportion of individuals in whom <i>M.tb</i> DNA is detectable in CD34 ⁺ and CD34 ^- fractions and number of <i>M.tb</i> genomes present. Data from the prospective study will be analysed to compare the proportion of individuals with detectable <i>M.tb</i> DNA in CD34 ⁺ and CD34 ^- fractions, and median <i>M.tb</i> genome copy number, post vs pre-IPT. <b>Discussion:</b> This study will determine whether detection of <i>M.tb</i> DNA in CD34 ⁺ PBMCs holds promise as a biomarker for LTBI and monitoring chemoprophylaxis response.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":"34"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7422845/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"38294554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Journey of Hope: giving research participants a voice to share their experiences and improve community engagement around advanced HIV disease in Uganda","authors":"F. Cresswell, J. Kasibante, E. Martyn, L. Tugume, G. Stead, Kenneth Ssembambulidde, M. Rutakingirwa, E. Kagimu, Laura Nsangi, Carol Namuju, J. F. Ndyetukira, C. Ahimbisibwe, Florence Kugonza, Alisat Sadiq, Alice Namudde, Joanna Dobbin, Diksha Srishyla, C. Quinn, Mable Kabahubya, C. Muzoora, Stephen Watiti, D. Meya, A. Elliott","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13104.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13104.1","url":null,"abstract":"Over the last decade excellent progress has been made globally in HIV management thanks to antiretroviral therapy (ART) rollout and international guidelines now recommending immediate initiation of ART in people living with HIV. Despite this, advanced HIV disease (CD4 less than 200 cells/mL) and opportunistic infections remain a persistent challenge and contribute significantly to HIV-associated mortality, which equates to 23,000 deaths in Uganda in 2018 alone. Our Meningitis Research Team based in Uganda is committed to conducting clinical trials to answer important questions regarding diagnostics and management of HIV-associated opportunistic infections, including tuberculosis and cryptococcal meningitis. However, clinical research is impossible without research participants and results are meaningless unless they are translated into benefits for those affected by the disease. Therefore, we held a series of community engagement events with the aims of 1) giving research participants a voice to share their experiences of clinical research and messages of hope around advanced HIV disease with the community, 2) dispelling myths and stigma around HIV, and 3) raising awareness about the complications of advanced HIV disease and local clinical research and recent scientific advances. The purpose of this Open Letter is to describe our community engagement experience in Uganda, where we aimed to give clinical research participants a greater voice to share their experiences. These activities build upon decades of work in HIV community engagement and lays a platform for future research and engagement activities.","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":"3 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48240843","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strengthening research management and support services in sub-Saharan African universities and research institutions.","authors":"J. Pulford, Susie Crossman, Sara Begg, Jessica Amegee Quach, P. Abomo, T. El Hajj, I. Bates","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.13100.1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/aasopenres.13100.1","url":null,"abstract":"Background: International development partners and research councils are increasingly funding research management and support (RMS) capacity strengthening initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) as part of a broader investment in strengthening national and regional research systems.  However, the evidence-base to inform RMS capacity strengthening initiatives is limited at present. This research note presents a synthesis of 28 RMS capacity assessments completed in 25 universities/research institutions from across 15 SSA countries between 2014 and 2018.  Methods: All 28 capacity assessments were completed following a standardised methodology consisting of semi-structured interviews conducted with research and research support staff at the respective institution as well as document reviews and observation of onsite facilities. Data were extracted from the 28 reports detailing the findings of each assessment according to a framework synthesis approach. Results: In total, 13 distinct capacity gap categories emerged from across the 28 RMS capacity assessment reports.  Almost all the institutions assessed faced significant gaps in RMS capacity within and across each of these 13 categories. The 13 categories were not independent of each other and were often closely inter-connected. Commonalities were also evident across multiple categories, the two most obvious of which were severe fiscal constraints and the often-complex bureaucracy of the institutional operating environment. Conclusions: The synthesis findings reveal multiple, commonly shared RMS capacity gaps in universities and research institutions across SSA. No single intervention type, or focus, would be sufficient to strengthen capacity across all 13 areas; rather, what is needed to facilitate a significant shift in RMS capacity within such SSA universities and research institutions is a combination of interventions, consisting of differing levels of cost and complexity, variously led (or supported) by both internal and external actors.","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"31"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"66397188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of malaria on haematological parameters of urban, peri-urban and rural residents in the Ashanti region of Ghana: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Abdul-Hakim Mutala, Kingsley Badu, Christian Owusu, Samuel Kekeli Agordzo, Austine Tweneboah, Dawood Ackom Abbas, Matthew Glover Addo","doi":"10.12688/aasopenres.12979.3","DOIUrl":"10.12688/aasopenres.12979.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> We aimed at investigating the impact of malaria on the haematological parameters of residents from different demographic settlements in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Malaria parasites trigger changes in certain haematological parameters, which may result in a number of clinical manifestations. Differences in demographic settlements, such as rural, peri-urban and urban settlements may also influence these changes, but this has not been extensively studied in Ghana. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a hospital-based, cross-sectional study from January to December 2018 in three different settlements. A total of 598 participants were recruited. Blood smears were examined to detect and quantify malaria parasitaemia, while haematological parameters were measured using a haematology analyser. <b>Results:</b> Participants from the rural settlement had the highest malaria prevalence (21.3%) compared to urban (11.8%) and peri-urban areas (13.3%); however, the peri-urban area had the highest median parasite density (568; IQR=190.0-1312.0). Age was significantly associated with the odds of malaria positivity (OR: 0.97; CI:0.96 - 0.99;  <i>p</i>=4.96*10 ^-4). When haematological parameters of the malaria-infected study participants were compared to the parameters of uninfected participants, red blood cell count (p=0.017), haemoglobin (p=0.0165), haematocrit (p=0.0015), mean corpuscular volume (p=0.0014), plateletcrit (p<0.0001) and platelet count (p<0.0001) were all significantly lower in the malaria infected group. In addition to age, haemoglobin and plateletcrit levels were also inversely correlated with the odds of testing positive for malaria, suggesting that children who were anaemic and/or thrombocytopaenic were likely to be infected. After fitting the data to a logistic regression model comprising the three variables, the model correctly categorised 78% of uninfected study participants, but only 50% of the malaria-positive participants. <b>Conclusions:</b> Study participants who were positive for malaria were younger and had low haemoglobin and plateletcrit levels compared to uninfected individuals. Further studies are needed to more precisely elucidate the relationship between malaria infection,demographic and haematological parameters.</p>","PeriodicalId":34179,"journal":{"name":"AAS Open Research","volume":" ","pages":"27"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7355218/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"38203610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}