Annals of Global Health最新文献

{"title":"Gambian Mothers Lack Obstetric Danger Sign Knowledge, But Educational Intervention Shows Promise","authors":"Kara J Shannon, Jocelyn Burridge, Brodus A. Franklin, Sheena R. Bhushan, S. Hilsenbeck, Elena V. Petrova, James N’Dow, Ibezimako Iwuh, S. Anandasabapathy, Jeffrey P. Wilkinson","doi":"10.5334/aogh.3930","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.3930","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The Gambia has the 12th highest maternal mortality rate in the world, with 80% of deaths resulting from avoidable causes. Unawareness of pregnancy danger signs (DS) has been shown to be a barrier to seeking obstetric care, while app-based education intervention has shown promise. Objective: We aim to assess patient awareness of DS, identify barriers to awareness, and evaluate potential for implementing smartphone-based technologies for education. Methods: A cross-sectional semi-structured survey was administered to Gambian women (n = 100) across five hospitals/health centers. Data and informed consent were collected via an online survey portal. Analysis included bivariate analysis and descriptive statistics with p < 0.05 significance level. Recall of 0–2 DS per category was classified as “low” knowledge, 3–5 as “moderate” knowledge, and 6+ as “sufficient” knowledge. Cross-category recall was quantified for overall awareness level (0–6 = “low”, 7–12 = “moderate”, 13+ = “sufficient”. N = 28 total DS). Findings: Although 75% of participants (n = 100) self-perceived “sufficient” knowledge of DS, the average recall was only two (SD = 2, n = 11) pregnancy DS, one labor and delivery DS (SD = 1, n = 8), and one postpartum DS (SD = 1, n = 9). Twenty-one women were unable to recall any danger signs. “Low” awareness was identified in 77% of women, while 23%, and 0% of women showed “moderate” and “sufficient” overall awareness, respectively. Education level was significantly correlated with overall danger sign recall (ρ(98) = .243, p = .015) and awareness level (ρ(98) = .265, p = .008). Monthly income was significantly correlated with awareness level (ρ(97) = .311, p = .002). Smartphone ownership was reported by 76% of women, and 97% expressed interest in using app-based video (94%) or provider (93%) teaching. Conclusions: Women had low knowledge of obstetric danger signs, and true awareness of danger signs was remarkably lower than self-perceived knowledge. However, patients exhibited proper healthcare-seeking behavior when danger signs arose. Findings suggest that video- or messaging-based education from local healthcare providers may be effective DS educational interventions.","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141118949","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Possible Risk Factors and Their Potential Associations with Combined Heavy Metal Exposures in Pregnant Women in the Republic of Suriname","authors":"Vinoj H Sewberath Misser, A. Hindori-Mohangoo, A. Shankar, Maureen Lichtveld, Jeffrey Wickliffe, Dennis R. A. Mans","doi":"10.5334/aogh.4402","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.4402","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The exposure of pregnant women to multiple environmental pollutants may be more disadvantageous to birth outcomes when compared to single-compound contaminations. Objective: This study investigated the mixed exposures to mercury, manganese, or lead in 380 pregnant Surinamese women. The factors that might be associated with the heavy metal exposures and the relative risk of the potential factors to cause the mixed exposures were explored. The influencing factors of exposures to mixed contaminants assessed were living in Suriname’s rural regions, several parts of which are contaminated with heavy metals emitted from artisanal and small-scale gold mining and agricultural activities; the consumption of potentially contaminated foods; advanced maternal age; as well as a relatively low formal educational level and monthly household income. Methods: Descriptive statistics were used to calculate frequency distributions and χ2-contingency analyses to calculate associations and relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Findings: Blood levels of two or three of the heavy metals above public health limits were observed in 36% of the women. These women were more often residing in the rural regions, primarily consumed potentially contaminated food items, were 35 years or older, were lower educated, and more often had a lower household income. However, only living in the rural regions (RR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.23–1.77) and a low household income (RR = 1.38; 95% CI 1.15–1.66) significantly increased the risk of exposure exceeding levels of concern to two or three of the heavy metals (by 48% and 38%, respectively). Conclusion: More comprehensive pharmacological, ecological, and epidemiological studies about exposures to mixed heavy metal contaminations in pregnant women are warranted.","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140724226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Health in Persons Deprived of Their Liberty in South America: A Painful Reflection of Our Public Health","authors":"Franco Ernesto León-Jiménez","doi":"10.5334/aogh.4171","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.4171","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: To describe sociodemographic characteristics and health-related data in persons deprived of liberty (PDL) from South America in the last five years. Methods: Documentary descriptive study. Results: There are 1.5 million PDL in Latin America and the Caribbean; the average overcrowding is 64%; 58% do not sleep in beds, 20% do not have access to clean water and 29% do not receive medical care. In Peru, during 2021, there were 87,245 PDL and 69 penal institutions. The national average overcrowding is 120%, the second-highest in South America. In South America, the prevalence of tuberculosis is 2.0% SD = 0.64 and the median of illegal substances prevalence is 34.6 (IQR = 7.5–41.4). In Peru, the prevalence of tuberculosis has decreased since 2016 (4.3%), 2018(3.5%), and 2021(2.5%). Among the health problems by country, there were more data on substance use: 8/10, and tuberculosis, 7/10 countries. Cardiovascular diseases had the least available data. Regarding COVID-19, during the first wave in Peru, 54% of the total PPL were infected, and by the end of the wave, 446 PDL and 46 members of the prison staff had died. In Colombia, between April and October 2020, there were 16,804 cases (80 in ICU) and 136 deaths. In Brazil, up to March 2021, 340 people had died, and there were over 67,000 infections. Conclusions: Overcrowding is an unresolved problem; tuberculosis and substance use are the most frequent issues. Data are limited in quality, homogeneity and availability. Greater effort is needed from health authorities to improve health management and information systematization. Source: MesH.","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140731503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Visual Impairment, Inclusion and Citizenship in South Africa","authors":"B. Watermeyer, Michelle Botha, H. Lourens, X. Hunt","doi":"10.5334/aogh.4245","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.4245","url":null,"abstract":"People with visual impairment face significant material challenges to access and inclusion in South Africa. These are in large part rooted in and supported by prejudiced assumptions about the needs, nature and capabilities of this group. The cultural and psychological face of oppression needs to be attended to. To this end, this viewpoint brings together the work of three visually impaired scholars in three key areas pertaining to the promotion of the inclusion and citizenship of visually impaired persons in South Africa. These areas are education; rehabilitation; and social inclusion and visibility. This work argues that undoing lifelong exclusion requires examining how disablism is embedded in the very fabric of our societies and operational at various levels: material, administrative, cultural and relational.","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140740647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Road Traffic Injuries in South Africa: A Complex Global Health Crisis","authors":"Heike Geduld, Marion Sinclair, E. Steyn, Kathryn Chu","doi":"10.5334/aogh.4249","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.4249","url":null,"abstract":"1.3 million people die each year as a result of Road traffic crashes. Road Traffic Injuries are a global health crisis with 90% of global deaths affecting LMICs. Sustainable Development Goal 3.6 focuses on reducing road injury and death. The global plan is based on the Safe Systems approach. In South Africa, the burden of crashes on the health system and society is particularly high with a population death rate of 20.7 per 100 000 population. Understanding local context and culture is critical. Rurality, distorted urban planning, higher travel exposure and alcohol usage disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minorities. Pedestrian safety is a key priority. There is a critical need for the global health community to take an active role in advocacy in order to achieve SDG 3.6 by 2030.","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140738280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Paving the Path to Patient-Centered Healthcare in Africa: Insights From a Student Led Initiative","authors":"D. J. Muganzi, Catherine Misango Namara, T. M. Kintu, Linda Atulinda, Raymond Bernard Kihumuro, B. Ahaisibwe, Victor M. Montori","doi":"10.5334/aogh.4250","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.4250","url":null,"abstract":"Patient-centered care (PCC) is a key domain of healthcare quality. Its importance is driven by evidence-based medicine, the predominance of chronic conditions requiring self-care, and the recognition of the priority of patient goals, values, priorities, and preferences in determining care plans. This article emphasizes the urgent need for Africa to develop PCC and a workforce committed to its implementation, as well as highlights an initiative by African medical students to champion PCC continent-wide. Embracing this transformative approach presents Africa with an unprecedented opportunity to improve care for each person. Through a comprehensive exploration of unique strategies and considerations in African health professions education, this viewpoint seeks to spark dialogue and inspire action towards a future where patient-centered care is the foundation of healthcare delivery in Africa.","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140738427","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Predictors for Loss to Follow Up among Marginalized Homeless and Migrant Communities: a Cross-Sectional Study","authors":"F. Segala, Roberta Novara, G. Panico, Renato Laforgia, Lucia Raho, Marcella Schiavone, Giovanni Civile, Nicole Laforgia, Stefano Di Gregorio, Giacomo Guido, Mariangela Cormio, Angelo Dargenio, Roberta Papagni, Angelo L’Erario, Luca L’Erario, Valentina Totaro, Vitor J Spada, Lauriana Valentini, Luisa Frallonardo, Rossana Lattanzio, Carmine Falanga, Giovanni Putoto, Annalisa Saracino, F. Di Gennaro","doi":"10.5334/aogh.4388","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.4388","url":null,"abstract":"Background: In Europe and Italy, marginalized communities have a higher risk for both contracting sexually transmitted infections (STI) and progressing towards adverse outcomes. Objectives: This study focuses on the screening of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis among homeless individuals and agricultural migrant workers living in Apulia, Italy. It aims to assess STI prevalence and investigate factors that might hinder return to collect test results. In addition, it explores STI knowledge, attitudes, and practices among these vulnerable populations. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023. Participants were recruited from community health centers and migrant camps. Blood tests for HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis were performed, and Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) survey were conducted via face-to-face interviews. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors influencing the return for test results. Results: A total of 149 persons were recruited, including 64 agricultural migrant workers and 85 homeless people. Overall, 24.8% (n = 37) tested positive for at least one infection, and only 50.3% (n = 75) of the screened participants returned to collect their test results. Significant disparities in STI knowledge and healthcare access were observed between the two populations, with only 14.1% (n = 9) of migrants having access to primary healthcare. At multivariable analysis, the strongest predictor for not returning for test results was being positive for HCV. Conclusions: Among homeless people and agricultural migrant workers, STI prevalence was high, and only half of the population returned to collect test results. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy reevaluation to address healthcare disparities in marginalized communities.","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140774657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing Gender Equality in Healthcare Leadership: Protocol to Co-Design and Evaluate a Leadership and Mentoring Intervention in Tanzania.","authors":"Doreen Mucheru, Henry Mollel, Brynne Gilmore, Anosisye Kesale, Eilish McAuliffe","doi":"10.5334/aogh.4374","DOIUrl":"10.5334/aogh.4374","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Women constitute almost two thirds of the health and social workforce. Yet, the proportion of women in decision-making positions remains significantly low leading to gender inequities in access to and appropriateness of healthcare. Several barriers which limit women's advancement to leadership positions have been documented and they generally constitute of gender stereotypes, discrimination and inhibiting systems; these hinderances are compounded by intersection with other social identities. Amelioration of the barriers has the potential to enhance women's participation in leadership and strengthen the existing health systems.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This protocol describes a proposed study aimed at addressing the organisational and individual barriers to the advancement of women to leadership positions in the Tanzanian health sector, and to evaluate the influence on leadership competencies and career advancement actions of the female health workforce.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The study utilises a gender transformative approach, co-design and implementation science in the development and integration of a leadership and mentorship intervention for women in the Tanzanian health context. The key steps in this research include quantifying the gender ratio in healthcare leadership; identifying the individual and organisational barriers to women's leadership; reviewing existing leadership, mentorship and career advancement interventions for women; recruiting programme participants for a leadership and mentorship programme; running a co-design workshop with programme participants and stakeholders; implementing a leadership and mentorship programme; and conducting a collaborative evaluation and lessons learnt.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This research underscores the notion that progression towards gender equality in healthcare leadership is attained by fashioning a system that supports the advancement of women. We also argue that one of the pivotal indicators of progress towards the gender equality sustainable development goal is the number of women in senior and middle management positions, which we hope to further through this research.</p>","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10976988/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140319597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterizing Mobility and its Association with HIV Outcomes in Refugee Settlements in Uganda.","authors":"Robin E Klabbers, Canada Parrish, Patient Iraguha, Marcel Kambale Ntuyenabo, Scovia Ajidiru, Valentine Nshimiyimana, Kampire Caroline, Zikama Faustin, Elinor M Sveum, Timothy R Muwonge, Kelli N O'Laughlin","doi":"10.5334/aogh.4367","DOIUrl":"10.5334/aogh.4367","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>A better understanding of refugee mobility is needed to optimize HIV care in refugee settlements.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>We aimed to characterize mobility patterns among people living with HIV in refugee settlements in Uganda and evaluate the association between mobility and retention in HIV care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Refugees and Ugandan nationals accessing HIV services at seven health centers in refugee settlements across Uganda, with access to a phone, were recruited and followed for six months. Participants received an intake survey and monthly phone surveys on mobility and HIV. Clinic visit and viral suppression data were extracted from clinic registers. Mobility and HIV data were presented descriptively, and an alluvial plot was generated characterizing mobility for participants' most recent trip. Bivariate Poisson regression models were used to describe the associations between long-term mobility (≥1 continuous month away in the past year) and demographic characteristics, retention (≥1 clinic visit/6 months) and long-term mobility, and retention and general mobility (during any follow-up month: ≥2 trips, travel outside the district or further, or spending >1-2 weeks (8-14 nights) away).</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Mobility data were provided by 479 participants. At baseline, 67 participants (14%) were considered long-term mobile. Male sex was associated with an increased probability of long-term mobility (RR 2.02; 95%CI: 1.30-3.14, p < 0.01). In follow-up, 185 participants (60% of respondents) were considered generally mobile. Reasons for travel included obtaining food or supporting farming activities (45% of trips) and work or trade (33% of trips). Retention in HIV care was found for 417 (87%) participants. Long-term mobility was associated with a 14% (RR 0.86; 95%CI: 0.75-0.98) lower likelihood of retention (p = 0.03).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Refugees and Ugandan nationals accessing HIV care in refugee settlements frequently travel to support their survival needs. Mobility is associated with inferior retention and should be considered in interventions to optimize HIV care.</p>","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10976981/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140319598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evidence-based Decision Making: Infectious Disease Modeling Training for Policymakers in East Africa.","authors":"Sylvia K Ofori, Emmanuelle A Dankwa, Emmanuel Ngwakongnwi, Alemayehu Amberbir, Abebe Bekele, Megan B Murray, Yonatan H Grad, Caroline O Buckee, Bethany L Hedt-Gauthier","doi":"10.5334/aogh.4383","DOIUrl":"10.5334/aogh.4383","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mathematical modeling of infectious diseases is an important decision-making tool for outbreak control. However, in Africa, limited expertise reduces the use and impact of these tools on policy. Therefore, there is a need to build capacity in Africa for the use of mathematical modeling to inform policy. Here we describe our experience implementing a mathematical modeling training program for public health professionals in East Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used a deliverable-driven and learning-by-doing model to introduce trainees to the mathematical modeling of infectious diseases. The training comprised two two-week in-person sessions and a practicum where trainees received intensive mentorship. Trainees evaluated the content and structure of the course at the end of each week, and this feedback informed the strategy for subsequent weeks.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Out of 875 applications from 38 countries, we selected ten trainees from three countries - Rwanda (6), Kenya (2), and Uganda (2) - with guidance from an advisory committee. Nine trainees were based at government institutions and one at an academic organization. Participants gained skills in developing models to answer questions of interest and critically appraising modeling studies. At the end of the training, trainees prepared policy briefs summarizing their modeling study findings. These were presented at a dissemination event to policymakers, researchers, and program managers. All trainees indicated they would recommend the course to colleagues and rated the quality of the training with a median score of 9/10.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Mathematical modeling training programs for public health professionals in Africa can be an effective tool for research capacity building and policy support to mitigate infectious disease burden and forecast resources. Overall, the course was successful, owing to a combination of factors, including institutional support, trainees' commitment, intensive mentorship, a diverse trainee pool, and regular evaluations.</p>","PeriodicalId":48857,"journal":{"name":"Annals of Global Health","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10959131/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140207991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}