{"title":"A conceptual system dynamics model of social determinants of health (SDoH) and its impact on population health.","authors":"John P Ansah, Robinson Salazar, Amal Elamin","doi":"10.1177/22799036251347035","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251347035","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This paper primarily aims to construct a conceptual model of social determinants of health (SDoH), which will serve as a vital tool for identifying the feedback mechanisms that influence population health outcomes. Additionally, it seeks to simulate both the immediate and long-term effectiveness of proposed SDoH interventions on population health.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>We developed a system dynamics model of SDoH based on literature review and insights from community health experts. This model enables us to simulate the effectiveness of proposed interventions on population health, using CVD as a representative example of health outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The model results highlight a promising approach for enhancing population health. The neighborhood intervention stands out among the various interventions, demonstrating the most significant impact on health compared to other individual interventions. This finding underscores the potential of neighborhood-focused strategies in improving overall population health.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This paper provides a clear explanation and causal framework for why investing in programs that enhance SDoH can improve population health. It introduces a powerful tool such as a causal map of SDoH, enabling policymakers and stakeholders to gain a more profound, dynamic understanding of the relationship between SDoH and health outcomes. This knowledge may help to make informed decisions and implement effective interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"22799036251347035"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12166213/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144303259","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}
Hoang Dinh Canh, Cao Ba Loi, Nguyen Van Tuan, Nguyen Van Thoai, Nguyen Duc Tan, Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh, Vu Van Du, Do Ngoc Anh
{"title":"Prevalence and risk factors of fish-borne zoonotic trematode infections in a rural community: A cross-sectional study in the Red River Delta of Vietnam.","authors":"Hoang Dinh Canh, Cao Ba Loi, Nguyen Van Tuan, Nguyen Van Thoai, Nguyen Duc Tan, Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh, Vu Van Du, Do Ngoc Anh","doi":"10.1177/22799036251345939","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251345939","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>To our knowledge, there is a lack of reports on the prevalence and risk factors of fish-borne zoonotic trematodiasis (FZTi) in humans in many regions of Vietnam.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was performed in three communes located in the Red River Delta, northern Vietnam, where residents are reported to have a habit of eating raw freshwater fish, between June 2020 and December 2021. A total of 591 individuals were interviewed using structured questionnaires, and their stool samples were collected for the analysis of fishborne zoonotic trematode (FZT) egg presence using direct microscopic observation and the formalin-ether concentration method. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to explore potential risk factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of fish-borne zoonotic trematodiasis (FZTi) was 14.89% among the 591 participants, ranging from 1.52% to 39%. The average age of the participants was 48.31 ± 16.77 years (range: 7-86 years old), and the highest prevalence of FZT infection (17.36%) was observed in individuals aged 19-39 years, followed by those aged 40-59 (16.67%). The prevalence of FZT infectionwas higher in men (17.75%) than in women (11.07%). Factors independently associated with FZTi, obtained by multivariate analysis, included a history of eating raw freshwater fish and the study commune.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The present study has revealed a wide-ranging prevalence of FZTi among humans in Vietnam's Red River Delta. Sustained surveillance efforts for FZTi, as well as the implementation of long-term, practical control policies, and strategies for eliminating FZT in Vietnam, are still necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"22799036251345939"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12166251/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144303260","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}
Noa Hurvitz, Hillel Lehman, Yoav Hershkovitz, Yotam Kolben, Khurram Jamil, Samuel Agus, Marc Berg, Suhail Aamar, Yaron Ilan
{"title":"A constrained disorder principle-based second-generation artificial intelligence digital medical cannabis system: A real-world data analysis.","authors":"Noa Hurvitz, Hillel Lehman, Yoav Hershkovitz, Yotam Kolben, Khurram Jamil, Samuel Agus, Marc Berg, Suhail Aamar, Yaron Ilan","doi":"10.1177/22799036251337640","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251337640","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Adhering to treatment plans can be challenging for medical cannabis patients. According to the constrained-disorder principle (CDP), biological systems are defined by their degree of variability. CDP-based second-generation artificial intelligence (AI) systems use personalized variability signatures to improve chronic medication response.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>We retrospectively analyzed real-world data regarding chronic pain patients using the second generation of artificial intelligence systems to improve adherence to medical cannabis and increase its effectiveness.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis of real-world data of 27 patients using prescribed medical cannabis for chronic pain was conducted. Patients received treatment according to a regimen provided by the CDP-based second-generation AI Altus Care™ app that managed the product's dosage and administration times. The app offers a therapeutic regimen by varying dosages and administration times within predefined ranges. We included 16 patients who participated for more than a week. We assessed adherence to therapy and clinical response in real life based on pain scale measurements.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The patients were followed up for 64 days (30-189). Second-generation, AI-based, personalized regimens had a high engagement rate and adherence. 50% of patients showed a high compliance rate. Chronic pain improved in patients who reported their pain score.</p><p><strong>Summary: </strong>This preliminary real-world data analysis suggests that an algorithm-based approach using a second-generation AI system may enhance the adherence to and clinical effectiveness of medical cannabis. These findings require confirmation through prospective controlled studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"22799036251337640"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12149626/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267586","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}
Deborah Tolulope Esan, Adewale Allen Sokan-Adeaga, Opeoluwa Esther Odesanya, Oluwadamilare Akingbade, Titilope Abisola Awotunde, Carlos Guillermo Ramos
{"title":"Breastfeeding patterns among mothers of different occupational groups in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria.","authors":"Deborah Tolulope Esan, Adewale Allen Sokan-Adeaga, Opeoluwa Esther Odesanya, Oluwadamilare Akingbade, Titilope Abisola Awotunde, Carlos Guillermo Ramos","doi":"10.1177/22799036251345537","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251345537","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Breastfeeding Enabling Environment Conceptual Framework underscores the pivotal role of structural, individual, and setting-level factors, including the mother's occupation in the practice of breastfeeding. This study aimed to investigate the pattern and practice of breastfeeding among mothers of different occupations in Ekiti State, a southwestern region of Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted involving 191 working mothers selected from different occupational groups in Ekiti State, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A pre-tested adapted questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square analysis were used for data analysis at a significance level of <i>p</i> < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of the respondents was 32.4 ± 2.1 years, with approximately 70.2% having tertiary education. Among the respondents, 66% were in professional (white-collar) roles, while 34.0% were artisans (non-professional roles). Sixty-one percent of the respondents reported breastfeeding their babies within 1 h after birth, and a majority (71.2%) practiced exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first 6 months. Approximately 61% of the respondents reported having workplace support for breastfeeding, although only 52.4% had breastfeeding breaks. Mothers in white-collar jobs demonstrated higher rates of EBF (61.0%) and good infant feeding practices (74.8%) compared to self-employed mothers. Bivariate analysis revealed a statistically significant association between the practice of EBF and maternal occupation (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Mothers in white-collar and professional occupations exhibited more appropriate breastfeeding practices compared to self-employed mothers. It is crucial for healthcare professionals, including nurses, midwives, and other stakeholders, to prioritize support systems and interventions that facilitate breastfeeding among self-employed mothers.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"22799036251345537"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12146593/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144259018","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}
Galiya Bazarbekova, Mansur Inkarbekov, Ainur B Qumar, Lyazzat Kosherbayeva, Anuar Akhmetzhan, Bekzat Suieubekov
{"title":"Mortality trends from respiratory disease in Kazakhstan: A 2011-2021 analysis.","authors":"Galiya Bazarbekova, Mansur Inkarbekov, Ainur B Qumar, Lyazzat Kosherbayeva, Anuar Akhmetzhan, Bekzat Suieubekov","doi":"10.1177/22799036251341526","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251341526","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Respiratory diseases rank second in global morbidity and mortality. By 2020, mortality from these conditions surged by 39.8% due to increased incidence and COVID-19-related deaths.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to identify preventable mortality and total mortality from respiratory diseases in Kazakhstan from 2011 to 2021.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>Data from the National Statistics Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan were analyzed. Preventable mortality rates were calculated across 5-year age groups (i.e. 0, 1-4, 5-9, . . ., 74+) and by gender using respiratory disease mortality data from 2011 to 2021. In addition, 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the age group of 0-74 years and gender factors were calculated to ensure statistical reliability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Preventable mortality levels have more than doubled by 2021, reaching 156.19 per 100,000 population, with a significant increase in 2020. Preventable mortality among men was consistently three or more times higher than among women. The average annual percentage change increased by 7.5% (95% CI: 3.1; 12.2), from 2011 to 2021, where the rate was higher among women 9.2% (95% CI: 4.8; 13.9), compared to men (6.6% [95% CI: 0.9; 12.7]). Our findings strongly indicate that mortality rates will continue to rise by 2026, underscoring the urgent need for the scientific community and governments to collaborate in preventing further escalations of respiratory diseases.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study seeks to project the future prognosis of respiratory disease-related mortality and to highlight the need for targeted health strategies to reduce avoidable deaths through targeted health strategies with cooperative measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"22799036251341526"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12126622/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144200410","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":"Prevalence, clinical presentation and risk factors of molar incisor hypomineralisation and hypomineralised second primary molars among children in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Hessah A Al-Huzaimi, Randa M F Ibrahim","doi":"10.1177/22799036251341529","DOIUrl":"10.1177/22799036251341529","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) and Hypomineralised second primary molars (HSPM) are qualitative defects of enamel of systemic origin. The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence and clinical presentation of MIH and HSPM among Saudi primary school children in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, to investigate the association between MIH and HSPM, and to assess the association between MIH and HSPM with possible risk factors.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>This was a descriptive cross-sectional study involving 325 primary school children in Buraydah, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected via questionnaire and clinical examination that was conducted by two calibrated examiners, according to the criteria of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (EAPD). Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests/Fisher's exact tests and odds ratio were used; the significance level was set at <i>p</i>-value ≤ 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence values of MIH and HSPM were 18.5% and 11.4%, respectively. There was a significant association between MIH and HSPM (OR = 8.38, 95% CI = 4.027-17.437, <i>p</i> < 0.05). Demarcated opacity (78.5%) was the most common clinical pattern in MIH affected teeth; atypical caries (42.4%) was the most common in cases with HSPM. MIH was significantly associated with otitis media during the first 4 years of life (OR = 3.552, 95% CI = 1.362-9.262, <i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>MIH and HSPM are common conditions amongst Saudi children (18.5% and 11.4% respectively). HSPM is a risk factor for MIH. Otitis media is associated with MIH. Further research on the aetiology of these conditions is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"22799036251341529"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12099115/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144143925","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":"Corrigendum to \"The realities of data derived from electronic health records to evaluate health outcomes, utilization, and cost of produce prescription programs: A multiple case study evaluation\".","authors":"","doi":"10.1177/22799036251346121","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/22799036251346121","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1177/22799036251329452.].</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"22799036251346121"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12095953/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144128955","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}
Sira Jam Munira, Mohammad Jahid Hasan, Md Abdur Rafi, Shafia Shaheen, Md Iqbal Kabir
{"title":"Prevalence of prehypertension and undiagnosed hypertension among urban bankers of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Sira Jam Munira, Mohammad Jahid Hasan, Md Abdur Rafi, Shafia Shaheen, Md Iqbal Kabir","doi":"10.1177/22799036251337641","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/22799036251337641","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bankers live a sedentary and highly stressful life that often leads to developing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, mental disorders, etc. The study aims to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and prehypertension among urban bankers in Bangladesh.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>Data from 365 bankers from five public and private banks in Bangladesh were collected using a pretested semistructured questionnaire. The Seventh Joint National Committee on Hypertension (JNC 7) guideline was followed to define prehypertension and undiagnosed hypertension. Multivariable logistic regression models were created to investigate the associated factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and prehypertension were 22.5% and 55.3%, respectively. Most of the bankers were males and 35-44 years of age. The risk of hypertension and prehypertension was significantly higher among males (Odds ratio [OR], 16.6; OR, 6.4), longer service duration (F, 3.6), prolonged working hours (OR, 3.8; OR, 3.1), smoking (OR, 6.2; OR, 3.4), overweight (OR, 6.8; OR, 2.4) and obese (OR, 8.9; OR, 3.4) bankers, respectively. After controlling for confounders, the predictors of hypertension were males (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 12.8; 95%CI, 2.7-60), current smokers (aOR, 2.9; 95%CI, 1-8), overweight (aOR, 5.1; 95%CI, 1.5-17.9), and obesity (aOR, 9.6; 95%CI, 2.4-38.2). For prehypertension, males (aOR, 9.7; 95%CI, 3.1-30.9) and obesity (aOR, 3.9; 95%CI, 1.5-10.3) were found as predictors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>More than three-fourths of bankers in Bangladesh have either prehypertension or undiagnosed hypertension. Although this study included only urban banks, a large-scale study is recommended to understand the overall NCD risk factors burden among this professional group- bankers in Bangladesh.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"22799036251337641"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12075984/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144081279","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":"Frailty modelling for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis mortality in Namibia.","authors":"Opeoluwa Oyedele, Paulina Mweshitya Shikongo","doi":"10.1177/22799036251336969","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/22799036251336969","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is fast becoming a major public health concern, with 80% of the reported global MDR-TB deaths occurring in high burden countries including Namibia where drug susceptibility testing is not routinely performed. Previous studies on TB in Namibia have primarily focused on TB and HIV co-infection and MDR-TB development. However, no study to date has specifically examined the epidemiology of MDR-TB mortality or its associated risk factors at a national level. Thus, this study aimed at examining the variation of mortality among MDR-TB patients in Namibia and identifying its risk factors.</p><p><strong>Design and methods: </strong>The study adopted a retrospective cohort study design using the 2014-2017 MDR-TB records, and a Gompertz PH model with Gamma (shared) frailty for the frailty modelling of the MDR-TB mortality and its associated risk factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were more MDR-TB deaths among females, HIV positive patients with pulmonary TB in the Khomas region. MDR-TB mortality was more likely to occur for patients who were aged 55 and above (HR = 3.57, <i>p</i> < 0.001, 95% CI: 2.18-5.91), HIV positive (HR = 2.07, <i>p</i> < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.39-3.08), and from the Khomas (HR = 3.68, <i>p</i> = 0.001, 95% CI: 1.72-7.87), Kunene (HR = 4.45, <i>p</i> = 0.022, 95% CI: 1.24-15.91), Omusati (HR = 2.70, <i>p</i> = 0.022, 95% CI: 1.15-6.31), and Oshana (HR = 2.51, <i>p</i> = 0.021, 95% CI: 1.15-5.48) regions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>It is therefore recommended that the Namibian government and policy makers consider conducting outreach sessions to increase awareness on MDR-TB including early detection and screening programmes, and patient's adherence, especially among female patients aged 55 and above, with HIV and those living in these highlighted regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"22799036251336969"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12066852/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143988934","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}
Anthony Ajeh, Peter Attah, Adamu Alhassan Ibrahim, Ruth Amarachi Ogbonna, Esther Audu, Sambo Yakubu, Oka Eze, Toufik Abdul-Rahman, Andrew Awuah Wireko
{"title":"Retention of HIV clients in care: A comparative study to highlight the benefit of HIV clinical mentorship program in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.","authors":"Anthony Ajeh, Peter Attah, Adamu Alhassan Ibrahim, Ruth Amarachi Ogbonna, Esther Audu, Sambo Yakubu, Oka Eze, Toufik Abdul-Rahman, Andrew Awuah Wireko","doi":"10.1177/22799036251330711","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/22799036251330711","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Retention in care is a critical indicator of the quality of HIV care and a cornerstone for achieving epidemic control. Interruption in treatment (IIT) poses a significant threat to achieving the global 95-95-95 targets and leads to adverse health outcomes. This study assessed the effect of the national clinical mentorship program on retention in care and IIT among HIV clients in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>In the 47 facilities where mentors worked, every client who missed an appointment was tracked immediately. A list of potential IIT clients was generated and followed through by linking those clients to trackers who ensured they were returned to care. Mentors ensured that the process of tracking in the facilities was strengthened as part of their routine mentoring activities including facilitating the release of tracking funds. Data from the Retention and Audit Determination Tool (RADET) for patients reported between November 2021 and August 2022 were extracted and imported into an Excel template. Demographic and clinical program parameters were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bi-variate, and multivariate analysis, including Chi-square and logistic regression. The parameters in the facilities where mentorship was deployed were then compared to pre-deployment parameters.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study found that a clinical mentorship program reduced the Interruption in treatment (IIT) rate from 7% to 0.5% between 2021 and 2022. Although the 25-34 age group had the highest IIT rate, it decreased from 41.6% to 33.3% after the mentorship program. Tertiary facilities still have the highest IIT rates. Non-pregnant women were more likely to continue with treatment than pregnant women. The mentorship program successfully reduced IIT rates in Nasarawa State.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Clinical mentoring can reduce IIT among HIV patients. The study found a decrease from 7% to 0.5%. Tailored mentorship programs can improve retention in HIV care and reduce IIT rates. Gender-specific barriers should be addressed, and interventions should be customized for pregnant women for better program effectiveness and health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":45958,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Public Health Research","volume":"14 2","pages":"22799036251330711"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12035571/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144005824","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}