IJID regions最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence analysis of Chagas disease by age group in an endemic region of Brazil: possible scenario of active vectorial transmission","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100400","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100400","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Chagas disease (CD) is an infectious disease that predominantly affects poor and vulnerable populations. The last estimate conducted by the World Health Organization in Latin America regarding the prevalence of CD occurred more than 10 years ago. However, there is a scarcity of data assessing the magnitude of CD in populations residing in considered high-risk regions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of CD in an endemic region in Northern Minas Gerais through serologic screening.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>This is a prevalence study conducted in the municipalities of Catuti, Mato Verde, Mirabela, Montes Azul, and São Francisco, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Data collection occurred between December 2021 and December 2022, involving a questionnaire with closed-ended questions. The variables analyzed included serologic test results, stratified age groups, health indicators, and housing conditions.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Of the 2978 participants, 272 individuals (9.1%) tested positive for CD serology. In the age group of 4 to 14 years, 15 to 49 years, and 50 years or older, the prevalence of positive serology was 0.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-1.43), 5.5% (95% CI 4.20-6.83), and 18.8% (95% CI 16.48-21.11), respectively. Among the participating municipalities, Mato Verde had the highest prevalence of positive serology for CD (17%). For participants aged 4 to 14 years with positive serology for CD, first-degree relatives were invited to undergo serologic testing. It was possible to collect samples from relatives of all participants in this age group. However, none of the relatives tested positive.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study identified a 9.1% prevalence of individuals affected by CD who were unaware of their condition. In addition, having infected children in the 4 to 14 age group with mothers with negative serology would rule out congenital transmission of the disease.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772707624000717/pdfft?md5=2e50b05deed76501b2af75f05c940e9e&pid=1-s2.0-S2772707624000717-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141714884","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":"Rapid CD4 cell count determination and Cryptococcus and Histoplasma antigen detection in people living with HIV: Implementation of a package of care strategy in a pilot study, Argentina","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100403","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100403","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Despite advancements in HIV diagnosis and treatment, advanced HIV disease (AHD) is still a significant concern worldwide, especially in countries with a high percentage of undiagnosed cases and late-stage diagnoses.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A prospective pilot study was conducted in Buenos Aires, Argentina to assess the feasibility of implementing a package for people living with HIV, integrating a point-of-care clusters of differentiation (CD4) test, followed by rapid <em>Cryptococcus</em> and <em>Histoplasma</em> antigen (Ag) detection.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 105 people living with HIV were enrolled, during June 2021 to October 2021. The VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease Lateral Flow Assay (CD4-LFA) (Accubio) classified 98 (93%) patients with AHD. Compared with flow cytometry, the CD4-LFA performed with a high sensitivity (100%) but low specificity (19%) and limited accuracy (47%). In the 98 patients classified with AHD using the CD4-LFA, 16 tested positive for any of the rapid Ag used, including 12 patients positive for the <em>Histoplasma</em> Ag test and four positive for <em>Cryptococcus</em> Ag; all four patients with positive <em>Cryptococcus</em> Ag in sera and were diagnosed with meningitis. In the 30-day follow-up, one death was recorded.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The CD4-LFA correctly classified all patients with CD4 ≤200 cells/µL by flow cytometry, but a high frequency of patients misclassified with AHD was recorded. We also observed a high prevalence of opportunistic fungal infections, as previously observed in the hospital where this pilot study was conducted; however, in contrast with those previous reports, mortality was lower. The study underscores the importance of scaling up comprehensive care strategies and collaborating with governmental and non-governmental partners to enhance access to essential diagnostic tools and treatments for people living with HIV. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to validate these findings.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772707624000742/pdfft?md5=10937366510e9dc23aa305f9413cce21&pid=1-s2.0-S2772707624000742-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141694653","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 critical review of mpox outbreaks, risk factors, and prevention efforts in Africa: lessons learned and evolving practices","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100402","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100402","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>In recent years, mpox, a zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus, has transcended its primary association with Central and West Africa, emerging as a global public health concern. The virus poses a substantial threat, particularly, to vulnerable demographics such as young children and individuals with compromised immune systems. This critical literature review aimed to comprehensively evaluate the burden, risk factors, and current management strategies associated with mpox in Africa.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>This critical literature review was guided by Jesson &amp; Laccy's guidelines on conducting critical literature reviews. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar databases and websites of the World Health Organization and health ministries in different African countries. We included articles written in English and published between 2010 and 2023. The synthesis of findings involved several steps, including summarizing themes, integrating themes, and linking themes to research questions.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 25 articles were included in this review. The review revealed that mpox cases are concentrated in Central African countries. The risk factors for mpox identified include being in contact with bushmeat or rodents, not having been vaccinated against smallpox, being HIV-positive, and having close physical contact with someone with the disease. The clinical presentation of mpox revealed in this review includes a skin rash, fever, lymphadenopathy, headache, pruritus, sore throat, and body aches. Four themes arose on strategies to prevent and control mpox in Africa.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The prevention and control of mpox in Africa require an improvement in community education, vaccination, disease surveillance, and infection control measures.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772707624000730/pdfft?md5=ae736a186a660efac8d78ed9cbdc3f19&pid=1-s2.0-S2772707624000730-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141693213","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":"Assessing the burden of disease of gram-negative bloodstream infections in a Brazilian hospital: A retrospective cohort study from 2015 to 2019","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100401","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100401","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>This study aimed to estimate the disease burden of BSIs caused by gram-negative bacteria (GNB-BSIs) in a Brazilian hospital from 2015 to 2019, measured in disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs).</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A retrospective cohort study of adult patients with GNB-BSI was conducted from April 01, 2015 to March 31, 2019. This study was carried out in a 356-bed private hospital with a 68-bed medical intensive care unit located in Salvador, Brazil. Demographic and clinical data were collected through a review of medical records. DALYs were estimated using Monte Carlo Simulations, using life tables for Brazilians estimated for 2020 and the Global Burden of Diseases 2010 (GBD 2010).</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 519 GNB-BSI episodes in 498 individuals were identified. The mean age was 59.92 ± 17.97 years, with 61.1% being male. The most common bacterial infections were <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em> and <em>Escherichia coli</em> (66.5%), whereas carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB) accounted for 32.7% of cases. The highest overall DALYs were observed in 2018 (752, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 520-1021 with Brazilian Life Tables and 782, 95% CI: 540-1062 with GBD 2010). Infections due to CR-GNB had the highest DALYs, particularly, in 2017, reaching 7050 (95% CI: 3200-12,150 with Brazilian Life Tables and 7350, 95% CI: 3350-12,700 with GBD 2010) DALYs per 1000 patient days and an estimated mortality rate of 40% per 1000 patient days.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The persistently high DALYs associated with CR-GNB raise alarming concerns, potentially leading to over 300 deaths per 1000 patient days in the coming years. These findings underscore the urgency of addressing GNB-BSI as a significant public health issue in Brazil. These results are expected to provide helpful information for public health policymakers to prioritize interventions for infections due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772707624000729/pdfft?md5=4d775be4722907f811c58b4f25428c3d&pid=1-s2.0-S2772707624000729-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141715909","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":"First reports of urogenital schistosomiasis in the Ndikiniméki health district, Center Cameroon","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100398","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100398","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Schistosomiasis is still a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Cameroon. In this context, a cross-sectional study was carried out from June 2023 to July 2023 in the Ndikiniméki subdivision, with the aim of knowing the status of this locality in relation to <em>Schistosoma haematobium</em> infection.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A parasitologic analysis of <em>S. haematobium</em> eggs was carried out on urine samples using the sedimentation technique.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 402 urine samples were collected from households. The age range of participants was 1-96 years, with the most signified age group being 1-9 years. Women were the most represented, with a proportion of 56.47%. Of the 402 people examined, 18 (4.45%) were affected, with an average intensity of 54.43 ± 85.30 eggs/10 mL urine. Women were the most affected, with a prevalence and average parasite intensity of 3.73% and 53.10 ± 131.27 eggs/10 mL of urine. The most affected age group was 10-19 years, with a prevalence and intensity of 4.60% and 49.49 ± 67.00 eggs per 10 mL of urine, respectively. Of those infected, 72.22% were lightly infected and 27.28% were heavily infected.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study indicates that this locality is a risk area for urinary schistosomiasis despite its low prevalence.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772707624000699/pdfft?md5=c992324b3c367854ff2aa2b8a529ffb7&pid=1-s2.0-S2772707624000699-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141691284","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":"Predictors and outcomes of multi-drug–resistant gram-negative bacteremia in patients with cancer: A retrospective cohort study at a tertiary cancer center in Oman","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100399","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100399","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>This study aimed to delineate the characteristics and outcomes of gram-negative bacteremia (GNB) in oncology patients; analyze the risk factors for multi-drug–resistant (MDR) GNB; and assess its impact on the recurrence of bloodstream infection (BSI), hospital stay, and 30-day mortality.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Data, including demographics, clinical features, common cancers, and microbiologic findings, were collected retrospectively from electronic medical records of patients admitted with solid tumors and BSI episodes between January and December 2022. Fisher's exact tests were used to determine the effect of MDR-GNB on 30-day mortality and BSI recurrence. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test assessed the differences in the length of hospital stay. Logistic regression models identified the risk factors for MDR-GNB.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Among 1074 patients, 77 episodes of GNB bacteremia occurred in 59 individuals (47% male, median age 57.4 years). Of these, 37 (48%) were MDR-GNB. Carbapenem resistance was noted in 9.1% of GNB episodes. Previous antibiotic use was significantly associated with MDR-GNB (odds ratio 7.82; 95% confidence interval 2.52-24). MDR-GNB was linked to longer hospital stays (median 23 vs 10.5 days, <em>P</em> = 0.003) and higher recurrence rates than non-MDR-GNB (35.13% vs 5.0%, <em>P</em> &lt;0.001). However, 30-day mortality did not significantly differ between the groups (35.14% vs 32.5%, <em>P</em> = 0.81).</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Previous antibiotic use predicted MDR-GNB in patients with solid tumor. MDR-GNB bacteremia increased the length of hospital stay and risk of recurrence compared with non-MDR-GNB bacteremia.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772707624000705/pdfft?md5=f3238006980a54269e620aa708e567dc&pid=1-s2.0-S2772707624000705-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141691998","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":"The 2023 – 2024 multi-source mpox outbreaks of Clade I MPXV in sub-Saharan Africa: Alarm bell for Africa and the World","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100397","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100397","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772707624000687/pdfft?md5=8b17fee09f83a69018819f8390dea4db&pid=1-s2.0-S2772707624000687-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141950120","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":"Integrating mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into infectious disease outbreak response: Results of an expert consensus study","authors":"Biksegn Asrat Yirdaw PhD ,&nbsp;Marianne Moussallem ,&nbsp;Muhammad Alkasaby ,&nbsp;Michele Kosremelli Asmar ,&nbsp;Vania Alves ,&nbsp;Dumsani Njobo Mamba ,&nbsp;Basma Tolba ,&nbsp;Claire W. Kyalo ,&nbsp;Mujataba Hussain ,&nbsp;Jennifer Dafwat ,&nbsp;Godfrey Kagaayi ,&nbsp;Duncan Nkhoma ,&nbsp;Julian Eaton ,&nbsp;Ian F. Walker","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100396","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100396","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Outbreaks are associated with increased risk of anxiety disorders, depression, and severe mental conditions. Integrating mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into outbreak response facilitates the delivery of holistic care to the affected community. As there is an increasing incidence of outbreaks globally, integrating MHPSS into preparedness and response plans is paramount to strengthen the capacity of existing health systems and respond to mental health and psychosocial needs. However, the attention given to MHPSS during outbreak response is critically low. The objectives of this study were to identify areas of MHPSS integration and explore the challenges that hinder the delivery of an integrated care during outbreak response.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>A participatory qualitative study was conducted to explore how MHPSS can be incorporated into outbreak preparedness and response plans as a cross-cutting intervention in the context of low- and middle-income countries. We brought together civil society representatives, key stakeholders, and public health experts to explore areas of MHPSS integration during outbreak response.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Systematic integration of MHPSS into outbreak response was perceived to be feasible. Study participants strongly agreed that MHPSS can be integrated into most of the outbreak response pillars including partner coordination, case management, infection prevention and control, staff health and well-being, and risk communication and community engagement. However, the effort requires multi-sectoral collaboration, political commitment, and adequate recognition in planning and financing.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Despite complex challenges, integrating MHPSS into outbreak pillars is possible. Moreover, emphasis should be placed on cultural adaptation of MHPSS guidelines and strong leadership in coordinating MHPSS into outbreak planning and response.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772707624000675/pdfft?md5=52fb38ca0f5b4650f8f19db7f00bbba3&pid=1-s2.0-S2772707624000675-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141594044","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":"Bangladesh records persistently increased number of dengue deaths in recent years: Dissecting the shortcomings and means to resolve","authors":"Sakirul Khan ,&nbsp;Sheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar ,&nbsp;Mamun Al Mahtab ,&nbsp;Takaaki Yahiro ,&nbsp;Takehiro Hashimoto ,&nbsp;Kazunori Kimitsuki ,&nbsp;Akira Nishizono","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100395","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100395","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Dengue, a life-threatening disease caused by the mosquito-borne dengue virus, has become a severe problem in recent years in Bangladesh, a South Asian country. In this study, we have critically analyzed the factors contributing to the escalation of the dengue burden in recent years in Bangladesh and discussed the strategies for effective control.</p></div><div><h3>Design</h3><p>This retrospective observational study analyzed the dengue data collected from the five most dengue-affected countries (Bangladesh, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, and the Philippines) from 2019 to 2023.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>An increased number of dengue-related deaths has been recorded in Bangladesh since 2021. The year 2023 has witnessed a record high dengue-related deaths in Bangladesh, with cumulative deaths for the year surpassing all totals of the previous 23 years (2000-2022: 853 deaths vs 2023: 1705 deaths). Comparing the epidemiologic data of major dengue-endemic countries over the last 5 years, Bangladesh recorded higher dengue fatality rates consecutively for 3 years. Besides the environmental and viral host factors, which are also applicable to many other dengue-endemic countries, there is concern about the failures and mismanagement of authorities to manage dengue patients properly.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study provided evidence that Bangladesh recorded higher dengue fatality rates in recent years. By implementing multi-pronged proactive approaches that can ensure proper prevention programs and appropriate patient management, Bangladesh or similar other countries can significantly reduce the current dengue burden and the associated deaths.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772707624000663/pdfft?md5=2675281fc6eced9d991fb48dfb7215ee&pid=1-s2.0-S2772707624000663-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141594045","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":"Effect of telephone reminders on adherence to anti-rabies vaccine amongst animal bite patients in North India: A randomised, single-blind, parallel-group, single-centre, interventional superiority trial","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100386","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijregi.2024.100386","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>Rabies is a highly infectious viral zoonotic disease of the central nervous system with a near 100% fatality rate. Vaccine adherence is an integral part of achieving effective treatment. India accounts for 27% of the global deaths from rabies yearly. Rabid dog bites are responsible for 99% of these deaths. This study aimed to assess the effect of reminder calls on compliance with the anti-rabies vaccine among animal bite patients.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>An interventional, randomised, single-blinded, parallel-group, single-centre study was conducted at the Anti Rabies Clinic, Rajindra Hospital, Government Medical College, Patiala, a city located in Punjab, India, with a population of approximately 19 lakhs. A sample of 400 patients was enrolled and divided into two groups by lottery method. After obtaining written and informed consent from patients, data were collected using a validated pre-tested, semi-structured proforma. The intervention group received reminder calls before each dose. At the end of the study, complete information regarding compliance was obtained from both groups and analysed.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The median age group of the animal bite patients was 21-40 years, with most being male (69.50%). Most of the bites were on the lower extremities (64.0%), followed by the upper extremities (29.0%) and the face (3.25%). Out of 153 patients who delayed the dose, 137 (89.54%) delayed a single dose. The 4th dose on the 28th day was the most frequently delayed dose (75.16%). Reminder calls increased the vaccine compliance rate from 53.5% in the non-intervention group to 70% in the intervention group (adjusted odds ratio=2.28; <em>P</em>=0.0002). There was no effect of gender, area, educational qualification, or marital status on the compliance.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Reminder calls were found to have significant effect on the adherence to the anti-rabies vaccine. This simple, cost-effective, and patient-friendly intervention must be integrated within the health care system to ensure timely and complete administration of the anti-rabies vaccine to reduce the risk of rabies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":73335,"journal":{"name":"IJID regions","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772707624000572/pdfft?md5=c0943dd5c64372051653aa42c8f5812a&pid=1-s2.0-S2772707624000572-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141728908","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}