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Climate footprint of industry-sponsored clinical research: an analysis of a phase-1 randomised clinical study and discussion of opportunities to reduce its impact

Por: LaRoche · J. K. · Alvarenga · R. · Collins · M. · Costelloe · T. · De Soete · W. · Faludi · J. · Rens · K.
Objective

This study aims to calculate the global warming potential, in carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent emissions, from all in-scope activities involved in a phase-1 clinical study.

Design

Retrospective analysis.

Data source

Internal data held by Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

Studies included

Janssen-sponsored TMC114FD1HTX1002 study conducted between 2019 and 2021.

Main outcome

Measure CO2 equivalents (CO2e) for in-scope clinical trial activities calculated according to intergovernmental panel on climate change 2021 impact assessment methodology.

Results

The CO2e emissions generated by the trial were 17.65 tonnes. This is equivalent to the emissions generated by driving an average petrol-fueled family car 71 004 km or roughly 1.8 times around the circumference of the Earth. Commuting to the clinical site by the study participants generated the most emissions (5419 kg, 31% of overall emissions), followed by trial site utilities (2725 kg, 16% of overall emissions) and site staff travel (2560 kg, 15% of overall emissions). In total, the movement of people (participant travel, site staff travel and trial site staff travel) accounted for 8914 kg or 51% of overall trial emissions.

Conclusions

Decentralised trial models which seek to bring clinical trial operations closer to the participant offer opportunities to reduce participant travel. The electrification of sponsor vehicle fleets and society’s transition towards electric vehicles may result in further reductions.

Trial registration number

NCT04208061.

The economic burden associated with unmet surgical needs in Liberia: a retrospective macroeconomic analysis based on a nationwide enumeration of surgical procedures

Por: Adde · H. A. · Oghogho · M. D. · van Duinen · A. J. · Grimes · C. E. · Hampaye · T. C. · Quaife · M. · Bolkan · H. A.
Objectives

The economic consequences of untreated surgical disease are potentially large. The aim of this study was to estimate the economic burden associated with unmet surgical needs in Liberia.

Design

A nationwide enumeration of surgical procedures and providers was conducted in Liberia in 2018. We estimated the number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) saved by operative activities and converted these into economic losses averted using gross national income per capita and value of a statistical life (VSL) approaches. The total, the met and the unmet needs for surgery were determined, and economic losses caused by unmet surgical needs were estimated. Finally, we valued the economic losses avoided by various surgical provider groups.

Results

A total of 55 890 DALYs were averted by surgical activities in 2018; these activities prevented an economic loss of between US$35 and US$141 million. About half of these values were generated by the non-specialist physician workforce. Furthermore, a non-specialist physician working a full-time position for 1 year prevented an economic loss of US$717 069 using the VSL approach, while a specialist resident and a certified specialist saved US$726 606 and US$698 877, respectively. The burden of unmet surgical need was associated with productivity losses of between US$388 million and US$1.6 billion; these losses equate to 11% and 46% of the annual gross domestic product for Liberia.

Conclusion

The economic burden of untreated surgical disease is large in Liberia. There is a need to strengthen the surgical system to reduce ongoing economic losses; a framework where specialist and non-specialist physicians collaborate may result in better economic return than a narrower focus on training specialists alone.

Scope, range and effectiveness of interventions to address social norms to prevent and delay child marriage and empower adolescent girls: a systematic review

Por: Greene · M. E. · Edmeades · J. · Siddiqi · M.
Objectives

Harmful gender and social norms prescribe divergent opportunities for girls and boys and drive child marriage. This systematic review examines the scope, range and effectiveness of interventions to change social norms and delay child marriage.

Design

We systematically assess the contributions made by interventions that work to shift norms to prevent child marriage or to limit its harmful consequences. Our analysis classifies each study’s quality in evaluation and implementation design regarding shifting norms.

Data sources

We conducted a search of electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Popline, Web of Science and Cochrane Library) and grey literature (targeted hand-searches of 15 key organisations and Google Scholar).

Eligibility criteria

Included interventions sought to change norms related to child marriage, were evaluated in experimental or quasi-experimental evaluations, collected data on age at marriage and norms/attitudes, and were published in English from January 2000 to September 2021.

Data extraction and synthesis

We used a standardised form to extract data from all eligible studies, and double-screened to validate coding and reporting. We classified the studies by low, medium and high quality for evaluation and risk of bias, and separately by the extent to which they addressed social norms.

Results

Our assessment of the 12 eligible studies identified revealed little evidence of a systematic relationship between social norms related to marriage and changes in child marriage behaviours. We found stronger evidence of programme effect on child marriage outcomes than on social norms, though only a minority of studies found an effect for either. Studies that appeared effective in changing child marriage norms varied greatly in scale and extent of programming, and few attempted to identify the appropriate reference groups for measuring social norms.

Conclusion

The studies evaluated by our review provide only weak evidence on the impact of interventions on norms, and on the link between shifts in norms and marriage behaviour.

Integration of cervical cancer screening into healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol

Por: Kassa · R. N. · Shifti · D. M. · Alemu · K. · Omigbodun · A. O.
Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in women, with 90% of deaths in low- and middle-income countries. Integrating cervical cancer screening services into healthcare facilities is crucial for overcoming the disease. Thus, this review aims to map existing evidence and identify barriers and facilitators in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

The scoping review will employ a five-step framework as proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. These are (1) formulating the research questions, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) selecting eligible studies, (4) charting the data, and (5) collating, summarising and reporting the results. Five databases (MEDLINE, Maternity and Infant Care, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science) will be systematically searched. Grey literature will also be searched. Data will be extracted, charted, synthesised and summarised.

Ethics and dissemination

This review does not require ethics approval. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs and conference presentations.

Barriers to uptake of cataract surgery among elderly patients in rural China: a cross-sectional study

Por: Ma · X. · Hao · J. · Jan · C. · Wan · Y. · Xie · Y. · Liu · C. · Shi · Y. · Hu · A. · Cao · K. · Congdon · N. · Rozelle · S. · Dong · Z. · Wang · N.
Objective

To investigate factors that differentiate elderly adults in rural China who accept free vision screening and cataract surgery from those who could benefit from vision care but refuse it when offered.

Design

We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study between October and December 2016. Logistic regression models were used to examine the predictors of accepting free vision screening and cataract surgery.

Setting

Rural communities in Handan, China.

Participants

Adults aged 50 years or older, with presenting visual acuity ≤6/18 in the better seeing eye, suspected by examining ophthalmologist to be due to cataract.

Results

Among 613 persons with cataract identified on a population basis, 596 (97.2%) completed the household survey (mean (SD) age, 71.5 (10.0) years; 79.8% female). A total of 214 persons (35.9%) refused participation, while 382 (64.1%) took part in the vision screening. A total of 193 (50.5%) participants were found eligible for surgery, while 189 (49.5%) were not. Among 99 randomly selected participants who were offered immediate free surgery, surgery was accepted by 77 participants (77.8%) and refused by 22 (22.2%). In the multivariate model, being engaged in income-generating activities (p

Conclusion

Our results suggest that refusal of basic eye examinations may be at least as important a determinant of low surgical rates in rural China as lack of acceptance of surgery itself.

Impact of COVID-19 on diabetes care: mixed methods study in an Indigenous area of Guatemala

Por: Guarchaj · M. · Tschida · S. · Milian Chew · J. P. · Aguilar · A. · Flood · D. · Fort · M. P. · Morales · L. C. · Mendoza Montano · C. · Rodriguez Serrano · S. N. · Rohloff · P.
Introduction

SARS-CoV-2 has impacted globally the care of chronic diseases. However, direct evidence from certain vulnerable communities, such as Indigenous communities in Latin America, is missing. We use observational data from a health district that primarily serves people of Maya K’iche’ ethnicity to examine the care of type 2 diabetes in Guatemala during the pandemic.

Methods

We used a parallel convergent mixed methods design. Quantitative data (n=142 individuals with diabetes) included glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure, body mass index and questionnaires on diabetes knowledge, self-care and diabetes distress. Quantitative data was collected at two points, at baseline and after COVID restrictions were lifted. For quantitative outcomes, we constructed multilevel mixed effects models with multiple imputation for missing data. Qualitative data included interviews with providers, supervisors and individuals living with diabetes (n=20). We conducted thematic framework analysis using an inductive approach.

Results

Quantitative data was collected between June 2019 and February 2021, with a median of 487 days between data collection points. HbA1c worsened +0.54% (95% CI, 0.14 to 0.94) and knowledge about diabetes decreased –3.54 points (95% CI, –4.56 to –2.51). Qualitatively, the most important impact of the pandemic was interruption of the regular timing of home visits and peer group meetings which were the standard of care.

Conclusions

The deterioration of diabetes care was primarily attributed to the loss of regular contact with healthcare workers. The results emphasize the vulnerability of rural and Indigenous populations in Latin America to the suspension of chronic disease care.

Trends in liver cancer mortality in China from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Por: Chen · T. · Zhang · Y. · Liu · J. · Rao · Z. · Wang · M. · Shen · H. · Zeng · S.
Objective

We aimed to examine trends in overall mortality rates for liver cancer and those within subgroups according to sex, age, aetiological factors and modifiable risk factors in China from 1990 to 2019.

Design

The design of this study involved analysing liver cancer mortality rates in China from 1990 to 2019 using joinpoint regression analysis to identify significant changes in mortality rates. Annual percentage changes (APCs) and 95% CIs were used to quantify the magnitude of changes in mortality rates. The study also conducted subgroup analyses based on sex, age, aetiological factors and risk factors to better understand trends in liver cancer mortality rates.

Results

The age-standardised mortality from liver cancer in China first increased from 28.12 to 31.54 deaths per 100 000 population in 1990–1996 (APC=2.1%, 95% CI: 1.5% to 2.6%), then dropped at varying rates (1996–2000, APC=–3.7%, 95% CI: –5.2% to –2.1%; 2000–2004, APC=–17.4%, 95% CI: –18.7% to –16.1%; 2004–2007, APC=–5.4%, 95% CI: –8.3% to –2.3%; and 2007–2012, APC=–1.4%, 95% CI: –2.3% to –0.4%), and began to increase again after 2012 (APC=1.3%, 95% CI: 0.9% to 1.7%). Hepatitis B and C virus infections accounted for 63% and 18% of liver cancer-related deaths, respectively, in China from 1990 to 2019. Smoking, drug use, alcohol use and elevated body mass index were the four leading risk factors for liver cancer mortality in China during the study period. Notable variations in both liver cancer mortality rates and changes in mortality rates were observed across sexes and age groups.

Conclusions

The age-standardised liver cancer mortality rate in China significantly decreased from 1996 to 2019. The major differences in liver cancer mortality rates and inconsistent changes in mortality rates between 1990 and 2019 merit the attention of researchers and policymakers.

Behavioural and social drivers of COVID-19 vaccination in Vietnam: a scoping review

Por: Tran · L. · Dang · T. · Nguyen · M. · Kaufman · J. · Overmars · I. · Shrestha · S. · Abdi · I. · Nguyen · T. · Marahajan · M. · Chu · T. · Danchin · M. · Fox · G. · Nguyen · T. A.
Background

Understanding of the behavioural and social drivers (BeSD) of vaccination is key to addressing vaccine hesitancy and accessibility issues. Vietnam’s national COVID-19 vaccination programme resulted in high uptake of primary doses among adults, but lower booster doses for adults and primary doses for 5–11 years. This scoping review assessed BeSD influencing COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Vietnam to design interventions on reaching the national vaccination targets.

Method

We conducted a scoping review by searching PubMed, MedRxiv, LitCOVID, COVID-19 LOVE platform, WHO’s COVID-19 research database and seven dominant Vietnamese language medical journals published in English or Vietnamese between 28 December 2019 and 28 November 2022. Data were narratively synthesised and summarised according to the four components of the WHO BeSD framework. The drivers were then mapped along the timeline of COVID-19 vaccine deployment and the evolution of the pandemic in Vietnam.

Results

We identified 680 records, of which 39 met the inclusion criteria comprising 224 204 participants. Adults’ intention to receive COVID-19 vaccines for themselves (23 studies) ranged from 58.0% to 98.1%. Parental intention to vaccinate their under 11-year-old children (six studies) ranged from 32.8% to 79.6%. Key drivers of vaccination uptake were perceived susceptibility and severity of disease, perceived vaccine benefits and safety, healthcare worker recommendation, and positive societal perception. Commonly reported COVID-19 vaccines’ information sources (six studies) were social and mainstream media (82%–67%), television (72.7%–51.6%) and healthcare workers (47.5%–17.5%). Key drivers of COVID-19 uptake remained consistent for both adults and children despite changes in community transmission and vaccine deployment.

Conclusion

Key enablers of vaccine uptake for adults and children included perceived disease severity, perceived vaccine benefits and safety and healthcare worker recommendations. Future studies should assess vaccine communication targeted to these drivers, national policies and political determinants to optimise vaccine uptake.

Faith-based organisations and their role in supporting vaccine confidence and uptake: a scoping review protocol

Por: Song · M. Y. · Blake-Hepburn · D. · Fadel · S. · Allin · S. · Ataullahjan · A. · Di Ruggiero · E.
Introduction

Faith-based organisations (FBOs) and religious actors increase vaccine confidence and uptake among ethnoracially minoritised communities in low-income and middle-income countries. During the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent vaccine rollout, global organisations such as the WHO and UNICEF called for faith-based collaborations with public health agencies (PHAs). As PHA-FBO partnerships emerge to support vaccine uptake, the scoping review aims to: (1) outline intervention typologies and implementation frameworks guiding interventions; (2) describe the roles of PHAs and FBOs in the design, implementation and evaluation of strategies and (3) synthesise outcomes and evaluations of PHA-FBO vaccine uptake initiatives for ethnoracially minoritised communities.

Methods and analysis

We will perform six library database searches in PROQUEST-Public Health, OVID MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, SCOPUS- all, PROQUEST - Policy File index; three theses repositories, four website searches, five niche journals and 11 document repositories for public health. These databases will be searched for literature that describe partnerships for vaccine confidence and uptake for ethnoracially minoritised populations, involving at least one PHA and one FBO, published in English from January 2011 to October 2023. Two reviewers will pilot-test 20 articles to refine and finalise the inclusion/exclusion criteria and data extraction template. Four reviewers will independently screen and extract the included full-text articles. An implementation science process framework outlining the design, implementation and evaluation of the interventions will be used to capture the array of partnerships and effectiveness of PHA-FBO vaccine uptake initiatives.

Ethics and dissemination

This multiphase Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) project received ethics approval from the University of Toronto. Findings will be translated into a series of written materials for dissemination to CIHR, and collaborating knowledge users (ie, regional and provincial PHAs), and panel presentations at conferences to inform the development of a best-practices framework for increasing vaccine confidence and uptake.

Assessment of willingness and determinants to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among the general population of the Somali region, Eastern Ethiopia: a 2021 cross-sectional study

Por: Wolde · M. · Wasihun · Y. · Melesse · A. · Tadesse · T. · Sharma · R. · Mon · H. S. · Challa · A. · Simireta · T. · Addisu · H.
Objective

This research aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and the factors influencing it among the population of the Somali region in Ethiopia through a cross-sectional COVID-19 survey.

Design

Community-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

The survey was conducted in eight selected districts of the Somali region in Ethiopia from 20 October 2021 to 30 October 2021.

Participants

Participants were chosen using simple random sampling and data analysis used Stata V.14. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression methods were applied, with variables having a p value below 0.2 considered for inclusion in the final model, where statistically significant factors were identified at p

Primary outcome measure

Willingness to take the vaccine.

Results

A total of 1010 respondents participated in this study. The proportion of people’s willingness to take the vaccine was 65% (95% CI 62 to 68). When you believe moderately or highly that getting a COVID-19 vaccine will protect others (AOR=6.2, 95% CI 1.43 to 26.6) and (AOR=7.2, 95% CI 1.7 to 29.7), then you will protect others as well. Whereas, a desire to get vaccinated little, moderately and highly (AOR=4.3, 95% CI 1.77 to 10.4), (AOR=20, 95% CI 8.5 to 47) and (AOR=147, 95% CI 55 to 392), respectively, was significantly associated with willingness to take the vaccine. Moreover having close family and friends who want them to get a COVID-19 vaccine (AOR=2, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.57) and religious leaders or community leaders (AOR=1.8, 95% CI 1 to 3.1) were significant factors in the multivariable logistic regression model.

Conclusion

This study found that COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was low in the Somali region. Factors positively linked to one’s willingness to get vaccinated included the belief that it protects others, personal desire for vaccination and support from family, friends, community and religious leaders.

Geospatial mapping of 2-hour access to timely essential surgery in the Philippines

Por: Lim · X. · Ayyappan · M. · Zaw · M. W. W. · Mandyam · N. K. · Chia · H. X. · Lucero-Prisno · D. E.
Objectives

Timely access to safe and affordable surgery is essential for universal health coverage. To date, there are no studies evaluating 2-hour access to Bellwether procedures (caesarean section, laparotomy, open fracture management) in the Philippines. The objectives of this study were to measure the proportion of the population able to reach a Bellwether hospital within 2 hours in the Philippines and to identify areas in the country with the most surgically underserved populations.

Methods

All public hospitals with Bellwether capacities were identified from the Philippines Ministry of Health website. The service area tool in ArcGIS Pro was used to determine the population within a 2-hour drive time of a Bellwether facility. Finally, suitability modelling was conducted to identify potential future sites for a surgical facility that targets the most underserved regions in the Philippines.

Results

428 Bellwether capable hospitals were identified. 85.1% of the population lived within 2 hours of one of these facilities. However, 6 regions had less than 80% of its population living within 2 hours of a Bellwether capable facility: Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga, Autonomous region of Muslim Mindanao, Caraga and Mimaropa. Suitability analysis identified four regions—Caraga, Mimaropa, Calabarzon and Zamboanga—as ideal locations to build a new hospital with surgical capacity to improve access rates.

Conclusion

85.1% of the population of the Philippines are able to reach Bellwether capable hospitals within 2 hours, with regional disparities in terms of access rates. However, other factors such as weather, traffic conditions, financial access, availability of 24-hour surgical services and access to motorised vehicles should also be taken into consideration, as they also affect actual access rates.

Non-specific effects of Pneumococcal and Haemophilus vaccines in children aged 5 years and under: a systematic review

Por: Geraghty · K. · Rooney · D. · Watson · C. · Ledwidge · M. T. · Glynn · L. · Gallagher · J.
Objective

To determine the evidence for non-specific effects of the Pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenza vaccine in children aged 5 years and under.

Data sources

A key word literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the European Union Clinical Trials Register and ClinicalTrials.gov up to June 2023.

Study eligibility criteria

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCT or cohort studies.

Participants

Children aged 5 or under.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods

Studies were independently screened by two reviewers, with a third where disagreement arose. Risk of bias assessment was performed by one reviewer and confirmed by a second. Results were tabulated and a narrative description performed.

Results

Four articles were identified and included in this review. We found a reduction in hospitalisations from influenza A (44%), pulmonary tuberculosis (42%), metapneumovirus (45%), parainfluenza virus type 1–3 (44%), along with reductions in mortality associated with pneumococcal vaccine. No data on the Haemophilus vaccine was found.

Conclusions and implications

In this systematic review, we demonstrate that there is a reduction in particular viral infections in children aged 5 years and under who received the 9-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine which differ from those for which the vaccine was designed to protect against. While limited studies have demonstrated a reduction in infections other than those which the vaccine was designed to protect against, substantial clinical trials are required to solidify these findings.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020146640.

Policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in West Africa: a scoping review protocol

Por: Fischer · H.-T. · Müller · K. · Wenham · C. · Hanefeld · J.
Introduction

Four years after the devastating Ebola outbreak, governments in West Africa were quick to implement non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in response to the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2. The NPIs implemented included physical distancing, closure of schools and businesses, restrictions on public gatherings and mandating the use of face masks among others. In the absence of widely available vaccinations, NPIs were the only known means to try to slow the spread of COVID-19. While numerous studies have assessed the effectiveness of these NPIs in high-income countries, less is known about the processes that lead to the adoption of policies and the factors that influence their implementation and adherence in low-income and middle-income countries. The objective of this scoping review is to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to the policy formulation, decision-making and implementation stages of NPIs in West Africa.

Methods and analysis

A scoping review will be undertaken following the guidance developed by Arskey and O’Malley, the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and the PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews. Both peer-reviewed and grey literature will be searched using Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, APA PsycInfo, WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing, JSTOR and Google Advanced Search, and by searching the websites of the WHO, and the West African Health Organisation. Screening will be conducted by two reviewers based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data will be extracted, coded and narratively synthesised.

Ethics and dissemination

We started this scoping review in May 2023, and anticipate finishing by April 2024. Ethics approval is not required since we are not collecting primary data. This protocol was registered at Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/gvek2/). We plan to disseminate this research through publications, conference presentations and upcoming West African policy dialogues on pandemic preparedness and response.

What is the current global health participation and future interest of healthcare students and National Health Service (NHS) staff? A cross-sectional research study of healthcare students and NHS staff in England

Por: Goldstone · R. · Hinds · R. · McCarthy · R. · Byrne · G. · Keen · D.
Objectives

This research aimed to understand the prior and current global health participation, current availability of and future interest in participating in global health activities healthcare students and National Health Service (NHS) staff.

Design

An online survey was conducted on NHS staff and healthcare students in England between July and November 2021. The survey was disseminated to all secondary care providers in the English NHS and universities in England. A volunteer sample of 3955 respondents, including 2936 NHS staff, 683 healthcare students, 172 individuals combining NHS working and study and 164 respondents classified as other.

Results

Most (80%) respondents had not participated in a global health activity before, with 6% having previously participated, a further 3% currently participating and 11% unsure. Among those who had participated, the most common types of activity were attending global health events (75%). The most common reason for not participating was a limited knowledge of opportunities (78%). When asked about their future interest in global health participation, more than half of respondents (53%) indicated an interest and 8% were not interested. There was an significant proportion (39%) answering unsure, indicating a possible lack of understanding about global health participation.

Conclusions

Global health has gathered increasing significance in recent years, both in policy and in education and training for healthcare professionals. Despite recognition of the role global learning plays in knowledge enhancement, skill development and knowledge exchange, this study suggests that global health participation remains low among NHS staff and healthcare students.

Validation of maternal recall of number of antenatal care visits attended in rural Southern Nepal: a longitudinal cohort study

Por: Xie · X. · Munos · M. K. · Lama · T. P. · Bryce · E. · Khatry · S. K. · LeClerq · S. C. · Katz · J.
Objectives

This study aimed to examine the validity of maternal recall of total number of antenatal care (ANC) visits during pregnancy and factors associated with the accuracy of maternal recall.

Design

This was a longitudinal cohort study conducted from December 2018 through November 2020.

Setting

Five government health posts in the Sarlahi district of Southern Nepal.

Participants

402 pregnant women between ages 15 and 49 who presented for their first ANC visit at the study health posts.

Main outcomes

The observed number of ANC visits (gold standard) and the reported number of ANC visits at the postpartum interview (maternal recall).

Results

On average, women in the study who had a live birth attended 4.7 ANC visits. About 65% of them attended four or more ANC visits during pregnancy as recommended by the Nepal government, and 38.3% of maternal report matched the categorical ANC visits as observed by the gold standard. The individual validity was poor to moderate, with the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) being 0.69 (95% CI: 0.65 to 0.74) in the 1–3 visits group. Population-level bias (as distinct from individual-level bias) was observed in the 1–3 visits and 4 visits groups, where 1–3 visits were under-reported (inflation factor (IF): 0.69) and 4 ANC visits were highly over-reported (IF: 2.12). The binary indicator ANC4+ (1–3 visits vs 4+ visits) showed better population-level validity (AUC: 0.69; IF: 1.17) compared with the categorical indicators (1–3 visits, 4 visits, 5–6 visits and more than 6 visits). Report accuracy was not associated with maternal characteristics but was related to ANC frequency. Women who attended more ANC visits were less likely to correctly report their total number of visits.

Conclusion

Maternal report of number of ANC visits during pregnancy may not be a valid indicator for measuring ANC coverage. Improvements are needed to measure the frequency of ANC visits.

Exploring dietary perception, beliefs and practices among pregnant adolescents, their husbands and healthcare providers in West Arsi, Central Ethiopia: a phenomenological study

Por: Tesfaye · A. · Wondimagegne · Y. A. · Tamiru · D. · Belachew · T.
Background

The two most physically active stages of life, pregnancy and adolescence, put the pregnant adolescent under a lot of stress. Adolescence is a crucial era in women’s nutrition that is frequently overlooked.

Objective

This study aimed to explore dietary perceptions, beliefs and practices among pregnant Adolescents in West Arsi, Central Ethiopia.

Design

A qualitative method, specifically, a phenomenological research design, was carried out from February to March 2023.

Settings

This study was conducted in the West Arsi zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, in four randomly selected districts.

Participants

Thirty participants, 12 pregnant adolescents, 8 husbands of pregnant adolescents and 10 healthcare providers were purposefully selected and participated.

Methods

In-depth and key informant interviews were conducted. To create relevant codes, subthemes and themes, ATLAS.ti V.7.1 software was used. An inductive qualitative data analysis approach was used. The results were presented using respondents’ clear verbatim and thematic analysis.

Results

The findings were organised into four major themes: (1) low nutritional awareness, (2) poor dietary practice, (3) barriers to good dietary practice and (4) facilitators for good dietary practice. A low perceived severity (one’s belief of the seriousness) of undernutrition and low perceived benefits (one’s belief of the benefits) of balanced nutrition have been reported. A monotonous diet (one type food usually cereal based), no change in dietary practices during pregnancy, and low intake of animal food sources (meat, egg and milk) were found under dietary practices. One of the most striking findings to emerge from this study is the Alliance for Development (AFD), the former Women Development Army, which can be a great facilitator of good dietary practice. Husbands’ involvement in nutrition education and specific nutrition training for healthcare providers are the other facilitators identified in this study. The lack of nutrition education, misconceptions and economic problems are barriers to dietary practices.

Conclusion

This study found a low nutritional awareness and poor dietary practices. Further experimental studies are recommended to assess whether AFD is capable of delivering effective nutrition interventions that improve dietary practice of pregnant.

Barriers and facilitators for developing a prehospital emergency care system evaluation tool (PEC-SET) for low-resource settings: a qualitative analysis

Por: Joiner · A. · Blewer · A. L. · Pek · P. P. · Ostbye · T. · Staton · C. A. · Silvalila · M. · Ong · M. · Nadarajan · G. D.
Objectives

Strengthening of emergency care systems, including prehospital systems, can reduce death and disability. We aimed to identify perspectives on barriers and facilitators relating to the development and implementation of a prehospital emergency care system assessment tool (PEC-SET) from prehospital providers representing several South and Southeast (SE) Asian countries.

Design

We conducted a qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGD) informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). FGDs were conducted in English, audioconferencing/videoconferencing was recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded using an inductive and deductive approach. Participants suggested specific elements to be measured within three main ‘pillars’ of disease conditions proposed by the research team of the tool being developed (cardiovascular, trauma and perinatal emergencies).

Setting

We explored the perspectives of medical directors in six low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) in South and SE Asia.

Participants

A total of 16 participants were interviewed (1 Vietnam, 4 Philippines, 4 Thailand, 5 Malaysia, 1 Indonesia and 1 Pakistan) as a part of 4 focus groups.

Results

Themes identified within the four CFIR constructs included: (1) Intervention characteristics: importance of developing an contextually specific tool, need for generalisability, trialling in one geographical area or with one pillar before expanding; (2) Inner setting: data transfer barriers, workforce shortages; (3) Outer setting: underdevelopment of EMS nationally; need for further EMS system development prior to implementing a tool and (4) Individual characteristics: lack of buy-in by prehospital personnel. Elements proposed by participants included both process and outcome measures.

Conclusions

Through the CFIR framework, we identified several themes which can provide a basis for codeveloping a PEC-SET for LMICs with local stakeholders. This work may inform development of quality improvement tools in LMIC PEC systems.

Designing intervention prototypes to improve infant and young child nutrition in Peru: a participatory design study protocol

Por: Rousham · E. · Pareja · R. G. · Creed-Kanashiro · H. M. · Bartolini · R. · Pradeilles · R. · Ortega-Roman · D. · Holdsworth · M. · Griffiths · P. · Verdezoto · N.
Introduction

Nutrition during the complementary feeding period (6–23 months) is critical to ensure optimal growth and reduce the risk of diet-related disease across the life course. Strategies to reduce multiple forms of malnutrition (stunting, overweight/obesity and anaemia) in infants and young children (IYC) are a key priority in low-income and middle-income countries, including Peru. This study aims to co-design and develop prototypes for interventions to address the multiple forms of malnutrition in IYC in urban Peru, using a participatory design approach.

Methods and analysis

The study will be based within peri-urban communities in two areas of Peru (Lima and Huánuco city). Following the identification of key nutritional challenges for IYC aged 6–23 months through formative research (phase I), we will conduct a series of workshops bringing together healthcare professionals from government health centres and caregivers of IYC aged 6–23 months. Workshops (on idea generation; creating future scenarios; storyboarding and early implementation and feedback) will take place in parallel in the two study areas. Through these workshops, we will engage with community participants to explore, experiment, co-design and iteratively validate new design ideas to address the challenges around IYC complementary feeding from phase I. Workshop outputs and transcripts will be analysed qualitatively using affinity diagramming and thematic analyses. The intervention prototypes will be evaluated qualitatively and piloted with the participating communities.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee of the Instituto de Investigación Nutricional (IIN) Peru (388-2019/CIEI-IIN), Loughborough University (C19-87) and confirmed by Cardiff University. Findings of the participatory design process will be disseminated through a deliberative workshop in Lima, Peru with national and regional government stakeholders, as well as participants and researchers involved in the design process. Further dissemination will take place through policy briefs, conferences and academic publications.

Socioeconomic inequality and contributors in accepting attitudes toward people living with HIV among adults in Ethiopia from 2005 to 2016: a population-based cross-sectional study

Por: Endalamaw · A. · Gilks · C. F. · Ambaw · F. · Assefa · Y.
Introduction

The public’s accepting attitude toward people living with HIV is crucial in reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination, increasing people’s access to HIV service. This study examines the inequalities in accepting attitudes toward people living with HIV in Ethiopia from 2005 to 2016.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was based on the 2005, 2011 and 2016 Ethiopian Demographic Health Surveys. A total of 17 075, 28 478 and 25 542 adults were included in the 2005, 2011 and 2016 surveys, respectively. Socioeconomic inequality was investigated using the concentration curve and Erreygers’ concentration index (ECI), which is scaled from –1 (pro-poor) to +1 (pro-rich). The ECI was decomposed to identify the contributors to socioeconomic inequality using generalised linear regression with the logit link function.

Results

Accepting attitude toward people living with HIV was 17.9% (95% CI: 16.6%, 19.3%) in 2005, which increased to 33.5% (95% CI: 31.8%, 35.3%) in 2011 and 39.6% (95% CI: 37.6%, 41.9%) in 2016. ECI was 0.342 (p

Conclusions

The current study found that there was pro-rich inequality from 2005 to 2016. People with higher socioeconomic status had a better attitude toward people living with HIV. Comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS, education status, residence, and access to electronic and paper-based media, as well as HIV testing, contribute to a better accepting attitude toward people living with HIV. It is of utmost importance for the country to enhance accepting attitude toward people living with HIV to reduce stigma and discrimination. This requires whole-system response according to the primary healthcare approach toward ending the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in the country.

Effectiveness of a government-led, multiarm intervention on early childhood development and caregiver mental health: a study protocol for a factorial cluster-randomised trial in rural China

Por: Jiang · Q. · Wang · B. · Qian · Y. · Emmers · D. · Li · S. · Pappas · L. · Tsai · E. · Sun · L. · Singh · M. · Fernald · L. · Rozelle · S.
Introduction

The high incidences of both the developmental delay among young children and the mental health problems of their caregivers are major threats to public health in low-income and middle-income countries. Parental training interventions during early childhood have been shown to benefit early development, yet evidence on strategies to promote caregiver mental health remains limited. In addition, evidence on the optimal design of scalable interventions that integrate early child development and maternal mental health components is scarce.

Methods and analysis

We design a single-blind, factorial, cluster-randomised controlled, superiority trial that will be delivered and supervised by local agents of the All China Women’s Federation (ACWF), the nationwide, government-sponsored social protection organisation that aims to safeguard the rights and interests of women and children. We randomise 125 villages in rural China into four arms: (1) a parenting stimulation arm; (2) a caregiver mental health arm; (3) a combined parenting stimulation and caregiver mental health arm and (4) a pure control arm. Caregivers and their children (aged 6–24 months at the time of baseline data collection) are selected and invited to participate in the 12-month-long study. The parenting stimulation intervention consists of weekly, one-on-one training sessions that follow a loose adaptation of the Reach Up and Learn curriculum. The caregiver mental health intervention is comprised of fortnightly group activities based on an adaptation of the Thinking Healthy curriculum from the WHO. Primary outcomes include measures of child development and caregiver mental health. Secondary outcomes include a comprehensive set of physical, psychological and behavioural outcomes. This protocol describes the design and evaluation plan for this programme.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Stanford University (IRB Protocol #63680) and the Institutional Review Board of the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. Informed oral consent will be obtained from all caregivers for their own and their child’s participation in the study. The full protocol will be publicly available in an open-access format. The study findings will be published in economics, medical and public health journals, as well as Chinese or English policy briefs.

Trial registration number

AEA RCT Registry (AEARCTR-0010078) and ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN84864201).

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