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Estimate the incremental costs and benefits of scaling up hypertension care in adults in 24 select countries, using three different systolic blood pressure (SBP) treatment cut-off points—≥140, ≥150 and ≥160 mm Hg.
Strengthening the hypertension care cascade compared with status quo levels, with pharmacological treatment administered at different cut-points depending on the scenario.
Adults aged 30+ in 24 low-income and middle-income countries spanning all world regions.
Societal.
30 years.
4%.
2020 USD.
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Epi Visualisations database—country-specific cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence, prevalence and death rates. Mean SBP and prevalence—National surveys and NCD-RisC. Treatment protocols—WHO HEARTS. Treatment impact—academic literature. Costs—national and international databases.
Health outcomes—averted stroke and myocardial infarction events, deaths and disability-adjusted life-years; economic outcomes—averted health expenditures, value of averted mortality and workplace productivity losses.
Across 24 countries, over 30 years, incremental scale-up of hypertension care for adults with SBP≥140 mm Hg led to 2.6 million averted CVD events and 1.2 million averted deaths (7% of expected CVD deaths). 68% of benefits resulted from treating those with very high SBP (≥160 mm Hg). 10 of the 12 highest-income countries projected positive net benefits at one or more treatment cut-points, compared with 3 of the 12 lowest-income countries. Treating hypertension at SBP≥160 mm Hg maximised the net economic benefit in the lowest-income countries.
The model only included a few hypertension-attributable diseases and did not account for comorbid risk factors. Modelled scenarios assumed ambitious progress on strengthening the care cascade.
In areas where economic considerations might play an outsized role, such as very low-income countries, prioritising treatment to populations with severe hypertension can maximise benefits net of economic costs.
The aim of the study was to establish the feasibility of delivering a structured post-diagnosis information and support program to dyads (persons living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and family carers) in two primary care settings.
A two-phase explanatory mixed-method approach guided by the Bowen Feasibility Framework focused on acceptability, implementation, adaptation, integration and efficacy of a five-part programme. In phase 1, the quantitative impact of the programme on the dyadic programme recipients' self-efficacy, quality of life, dyadic relationship and volume of care was measured. In phase 2, inductive content analysis focused on nurse and dyad participant experiences of the programme. Quantitative and qualitative data were reviewed to conclude each element of feasibility.
Four registered nurses working within the participating sites were recruited, trained as programme facilitators and supported to deliver the programme. Eligible dyads attending the respective primary health clinics were invited to participate in the programme and complete surveys at three time points: recruitment, post-programme and 3-month follow-up. Post-programme semi-structured interviews were conducted with dyads and programme facilitators.
Twenty-nine dyads completed the program; the majority were spousal dyads. The programme proved acceptable to the dyads with high retention and completion rates. Implementation and integration of the programme into usual practice were attributed to the motivation and capacity of the nurses as programme facilitators. Regarding programme efficacy, most dyads reported they were better prepared for the future and shared the plans they developed during the programme with family members.
Implementing a structured information and support programme is feasible, but sustainability requires further adaptation or increased staff resources to maintain programme fidelity. Future research should consider selecting efficacy measures sensitive to the unique needs of people living with dementia and increasing follow-up time to 6 months.
This study established the feasibility of registered nurses delivering a post-diagnosis information and support programme for people living with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their informal carers in primary care settings. The motivation and capacity of nurses working as programme facilitators ensured the integration of the programme into usual work, but this was not considered sustainable over time. Family carer dyads reported tangible outcomes and gained confidence in sharing their diagnosis with family and friends and asking for assistance. Findings from this study can be used to provide direction for a clinical trial investigating the effectiveness of the structured information and support programme in the primary care setting.
The authors have adhered to the EQUATOR STROBE Statement.
A public hospital memory clinic and general medical practice participated in project design, study protocol development and supported implementation.
To identify factors associated with malnutrition (undernutrition and overnutrition) and determine appropriate cut-off values for mid-arm circumference (MAC) and calf circumference (CC) among community-dwelling Indian older adults.
Data from the first wave of harmonised diagnostic assessment of dementia for Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI-DAD) were used. Various sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, geriatric syndromes, childhood financial and health status were included. Anthropometric measurements included body mass index (BMI), MAC and CC.
Nationally representative cohort study including 36 Indian states and union territories.
4096 older adults aged >60 years from LASI DAD.
The outcome variable was BMI, categorised as low (2), normal (18.5–22.9 kg/m2) and high (>23 kg/m2). The cut-off values of MAC and CC were derived using ROC curve with BMI as the gold standard.
902 (weighted percentage 20.55%) had low BMI, 1742 (44.25%) had high BMI. Undernutrition was associated with age, wealth-quintile and impaired cognition, while overnutrition was associated with higher education, urban living and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes and chronic heart disease. For CC, the optimal lower and upper cut-offs for males were 28.1 cm and >31.5 cm, respectively, while for females, the corresponding values were 26 cm and >29 cm. Similarly, the optimal lower and upper cut-offs for MAC in males were 23.9 cm and >26.9 cm, and for females, they were 22.5 cm and >25 cm.
Our study identifies a high BMI prevalence, especially among females, individuals with higher education, urban residents and those with comorbidities. We establish gender-specific MAC and CC cut-off values with significant implications for healthcare, policy and research. Tailored interventions can address undernutrition and overnutrition in older adults, enhancing standardised nutritional assessment and well-being.
The Gastric Alimetry platform offers a multimodal assessment of gastric function through body surface gastric mapping (BSGM) and concurrent symptom-tracking via a validated App. We aim to perform a longitudinal cohort study to examine the impact of Gastric Alimetry, and changes in clinical management on patient symptoms, quality of life and psychological health.
This is a prospective multicentre longitudinal observational cohort study of participants with chronic gastroduodenal symptoms. Consecutive participants undergoing Gastric Alimetry will be invited to participate. Quality of life will be assessed via EuroQol-5D and the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders-Quality of Life score. Gastrointestinal symptoms will be assessed via the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Symptom Severity index, and the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index. Psychometrics will be assessed, including anxiety via the General Anxiety Disorder-7, perceived stress using the Perceived Stress Scale 4, and depression via the Patient Health Questionnaire 9. Clinical parameters including diagnoses, investigations and treatments (medication and procedures) will also be captured. Assessments will be made the week after the BSGM test, at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days and 360 days thereafter. The primary outcome is feasibility of longitudinal follow-up of a cohort that have undergone Gastric Alimetry testing; from which patients’ continuum of care can be characterised. Secondary outcomes include changes in patient-reported symptoms, quality of life and psychometrics (anxiety, stress and depression). Inferential causal analyses will be performed at the within patient level to explore causal associations between treatment changes and clinical outcomes. The impact of Gastric Alimetry on clinical management will also be captured.
The protocol has been approved in Aotearoa New Zealand by the Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee. Results will be submitted for conference presentation and peer-reviewed publication.
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