38 results on '"Desmond, Nicola"'
Search Results
2. ‘Guidance should have been there 15 years ago’ research stakeholders’ perspectives on ancillary care in the global south: a case study of Malawi
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Kapumba, Blessings M., Nyirenda, Deborah, Desmond, Nicola, and Seeley, Janet
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- 2023
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3. Prospective cohort study of referred Malawian children and their survival by hypoxaemia and hypoglycaemia status/Etude de cohorte prospective sur les enfants malawites ayant fait l'objet d'un transfert, et leur survie en cas d'hypoxemie et d'hypoglycemie/ Estudio de cohortes prospectivo de ninos malawianos remitidos y su supervivencia segun el estado de hipoxemia e hipoglucemia
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King, Carina, Zadutsa, Beatiwel, Banda, Lumbani, Phiri, Everlisto, McCollum, Eric D., Langton, Josephine, Desmond, Nicola, Qazi, Shamim Ahmad, Nisar, Yasir Bin, Makwenda, Charles, and Hildenwall, Helena
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Mortality -- Malawi ,Children -- Analysis ,Blood sugar -- Analysis ,Health ,World Health Organization - Abstract
Objective To investigate survival in children referred from primary care in Malawi, with a focus on hypoglycaemia and hypoxaemia progression. Methods The study involved a prospective cohort of children aged 12 years or under referred from primary health-care facilities in Mchinji district, Malawi in 2019 and 2020. Peripheral blood oxygen saturation (Sp[O.sub.2]) and blood glucose were measured at recruitment and on arrival at a subsequent health-care facility (i.e. four hospitals and 14 primary health-care facilities). Children were followed up 2 weeks after discharge or their last clinical visit. The primary study outcome was the case fatality ratio at 2 weeks. Associations between Sp[O.sub.2] and blood glucose levels and death were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models and the treatment effect of hospitalization was assessed using propensity score matching. Findings Of 826 children recruited, 784 (94.9%) completed follow-up. At presentation, hypoxaemia was moderate (Sp[O.sub.2]: 9093%) in 13.1% (108/826) and severe (Sp[O.sub.2]: < 90%) in 8.6% (71/826) and hypoglycaemia was moderate (blood glucose: 2.5-4.0 mmol/L) in 9.0% (74/826) and severe (blood glucose: < 2.5 mmol/L) in 2.3% (19/826). The case fatality ratio was 3.7% (29/784) overall but 26.3% (5/19) in severely hypoglycaemic children and 12.7% (9/71) in severely hypoxaemic children. Neither moderate hypoglycaemia nor moderate hypoxaemia was associated with mortality. Conclusion Presumptive pre-referral glucose treatment and better management of hypoglycaemia could reduce the high case fatality ratio observed in children with severe hypoglycaemia. The morbidity and mortality burden of severe hypoxaemia was high; ways of improving hypoxaemia identification and management are needed. Objectif Analyser le taux de survie des enfants transferes depuis les soins primaires au Malawi, en se focalisant sur l'evolution de l'hypoglycemie et de l'hypoxemie. Methodes Cette etude a ete menee sur une cohorte prospective d'enfants ages de maximum 12 ans et ayant fait l'objet d'un transfert depuis des etablissements de soins primaires situes dans le district de Mchinji, au Malawi, en 2019 et 2020. La saturation en oxygene du sang peripherique (Sp[O.sub.2]) et la glycemie ont ete mesurees lors de la selection ainsi qu'a l'arrivee dans le centre de soins suivant (c'est-a-dire l'un des quatre hopitaux ou des 14 etablissements de soins de sante primaires). Les enfants etaient suivis deux semaines apres leur sortie ou leur derniere visite clinique. Le resultat de l'etude primaire correspond au taux de letalite a deux semaines. Nous avons utilise des modeles a risques proportionnels de Cox pour identifier les liens entre la Sp[O.sub.2], le taux de glycemie et le deces, et un appariement des coefficients de propension pour evaluer l'effet therapeutique de l'hospitalisation. Resultats Sur 826 enfants selectionnes, 784 (94,9%) sont arrives au terme du suivi. Au moment de leur presentation, l'hypoxemie etait moderee (Sp[O.sub.2]: 90-93%) chez 13,1% (108/826) et severe (Sp[O.sub.2]: < 90%) chez 8,6% d'entre eux (71/826). De son cote, l'hypoglycemie etait moderee (glycemie: 2,5-4,0 mmol/L) chez 9,0% (74/826) et severe (glycemie: < 2,5 mmol/L) chez 2,3% d'entre eux (19/826). Le taux de letalite s'elevait a 3,7% (29/784) au total, mais a 26,3% (5/19) chez les enfants souffrant d'hypoglycemie severe et a 12,7% (9/71) chez ceux souffrant d'hypoxemie severe. Ni l'hypoglycemie moderee, ni l'hypoxemie moderee n'etaient associees au deces. Conclusion Un traitement presomptif avant le transfert et une meilleure gestion de l'hypoglycemie pourraient reduire le haut taux de letalite observe chez les enfants souffrant d'hypoglycemie severe. La charge de morbidite et de mortalite imputable a l'hypoxemie severe etait considerable; il est donc imperatif d'ameliorer le diagnostic et la gestion de l'hypoxemie. Objetivo Estudiar la supervivencia de los ninos remitidos desde la atencion primaria en Malawi, con un enfoque en la evolucion de la hipoglucemia y la hipoxemia. Metodos El estudio incluyo una cohorte prospectiva de ninos de 12 anos o menos remitidos desde centros de atencion primaria de salud ubicados en el distrito de Mchinji, Malawi, en 2019 y 2020. La saturacion de oxigeno en sangre periferica (Sp[O.sub.2]) y la glucemia se midieron en el momento de seleccion y a la llegada a un centro sanitario posterior (es decir, cuatro hospitales y 14 centros de atencion primaria). Se realizo un seguimiento de los ninos dos semanas despues del alta o de su ultima visita medica. El resultado principal del estudio fue la tasa de mortalidad a las dos semanas. Las asociaciones entre los niveles de Sp[O.sub.2] y de glucemia y la muerte se evaluaron mediante modelos de riesgo proporcional de Cox, y el efecto del tratamiento de la hospitalizacion se evaluo mediante el emparejamiento del indice de propension. Resultados De los 826 ninos seleccionados, 784 (94,9 %) completaron el seguimiento. Cuando se presentaron, la hipoxemia era moderada (Sp[O.sub.2]: 90-93 %) en el 13,1 % (108/826) y grave (Sp[O.sub.2]: Conclusion El tratamiento presunto de la glucosa antes de la remision y el mejor tratamiento de la hipoglucemia podrian reducir la elevada tasa de letalidad que se observa en los ninos con hipoglucemia grave. La carga de morbilidad y mortalidad de la hipoxemia grave fue elevada; en consecuencia, es preciso mejorar la identificacion y el tratamiento de la hipoxemia. [phrase omitted], Introduction Global initiatives to reduce child mortality have generally focused on improving early access to basic treatment for common illnesses using tools such as the World Health Organization's (WHO) Integrated [...]
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- 2022
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4. Differentiated prevention and care to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission among female sex workers in Zimbabwe: study protocol for the ‘AMETHIST’ cluster randomised trial
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Cowan, Frances M., Machingura, Fortunate, Chabata, Sungai T., Ali, M. Sanni, Busza, Joanna, Steen, Richard, Desmond, Nicola, Shahmanesh, Maryam, Revill, Paul, Mpofu, Amon, Yekeye, Raymond, Mugurungi, Owen, Phillips, Andrew N., and Hargreaves, James R.
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- 2022
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5. A chronological discourse analysis of ancillary care provision in guidance documents for research conduct in the global south
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Kapumba, Blessings M., Desmond, Nicola, and Seeley, Janet
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- 2022
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6. Factors impacting—stillbirth and neonatal death audit in Malawi: a qualitative study
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Gondwe, Mtisunge Joshua, Joshua, Emily, Kaliati, Hendrina, Aminu, Mamuda, Allen, Stephen, and Desmond, Nicola
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- 2022
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7. Guardians and research staff experiences and views about the consent process in hospital-based paediatric research studies in urban Malawi: A qualitative study
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Gondwe, Mtisunge Joshua, Toto, Neema Mtunthama, Gunda, Charity, Gmeiner, Markus, MacCormick, Ian J. C., Lalloo, David, Parker, Michael, and Desmond, Nicola
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- 2022
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8. Process Evaluation of Services for HIV-Infected Post-Partum Women and HIV-Exposed Infants in Primary Health Care Blantyre Malawi
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Suwedi-Kapesa, Leticia Chimwemwe, primary, Nyondo-Mipando, Alinane Linda, additional, Choko, Augustine, additional, Obasi, Angela, additional, MacPherson, Peter, additional, and Desmond, Nicola, additional
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- 2024
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9. Experience of social harms among female sex workers following HIV self-test distribution in Malawi: results of a cohort study
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Mee, Paul, Neuman, Melissa, Kumwenda, Moses, Lora, Wezzie S., Sikwese, Simon, Sambo, Mwiza, Fielding, Katherine, Indravudh, Pitchaya P., Hatzold, Karin, Johnson, Cheryl, Corbett, Elizabeth. L., and Desmond, Nicola
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- 2022
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10. “You have a self-testing method that preserves privacy so how come you cannot give us treatment that does too?” Exploring the reasoning among young people about linkage to prevention, care and treatment after HIV self-testing in Southern Malawi
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Harrison, Lisa, Kumwenda, Moses, Nyirenda, Lot, Chilongosi, Richard, Corbett, Elizabeth, Hatzold, Karin, Johnson, Cheryl, Simwinga, Musonda, Desmond, Nicola, and Taegtmeyer, Miriam
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- 2022
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11. ‘Too old to test?’: A life course approach to HIV-related risk and self-testing among midlife-older adults in Malawi
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Johnson, Cheryl, Kumwenda, Moses, Meghji, Jamilah, Choko, Augustine T., Phiri, Mackwellings, Hatzold, Karin, Baggaley, Rachel, Taegtmeyer, Miriam, Terris-Prestholt, Fern, Desmond, Nicola, and Corbett, Elizabeth L.
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- 2021
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12. Clinical diagnosis in paediatric patients at urban primary health care facilities in southern Malawi: a longitudinal observational study
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Gondwe, Mtisunge Joshua, Henrion, Marc Y. R., O’Byrne, Thomasena, Masesa, Clemens, Lufesi, Norman, Dube, Queen, Majamanda, Maureen D., Makwero, Martha, Lalloo, David G., and Desmond, Nicola
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- 2021
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13. Use of qualitative research in World Health Organisation guidelines: a document analysis.
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Taylor, Melissa, Garner, Paul, Oliver, Sandy, and Desmond, Nicola
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QUALITATIVE research ,RANDOMIZED controlled trials ,WORLD health ,INFANT health - Abstract
Background: Guidelines depend on effect estimates, usually derived from randomised controlled trials, to inform their decisions. Qualitative research evidence may improve decisions made but where in the process and the methods to do this have not been so clearly established. We sought to describe and appraise how qualitative research has been used to inform World Heath Organization guidance since 2020. Methods: We conducted a document analysis of WHO guidelines from 2020 to 2022. We purposely sampled guidelines on the topics of maternal and newborn health (MANH) and infectious diseases, as most of the qualitative synthesis to date has been conducted on these topics, likely representing the 'best case' scenario. We searched the in-built repository feature of the WHO website and used standardised search terms to identify qualitative reporting. Using deductive frameworks, we described how qualitative evidence was used to inform guidelines and appraised the standards of this use. Results: Of the 29 guidelines, over half used qualitative research to help guide decisions (18/29). A total of 8 of these used qualitative research to inform the guideline scope, all 18 to inform recommendations, and 1 to inform implementation considerations. All guidelines drew on qualitative evidence syntheses (QES), and five further supplemented this with primary qualitative research. Qualitative findings reported in guidelines were typically descriptive, identifying people's perception of the benefits and harms of interventions or logistical barriers and facilitators to programme success. No guideline provided transparent reporting of how qualitative research was interpreted and weighed used alongside other evidence when informing decisions, and only one guideline reported the inclusion of qualitative methods experts on the panel. Only a few guidelines contextualised their recommendations by indicating which populations and settings qualitative findings could be applied. Conclusions: Qualitative research frequently informed WHO guideline decisions particularly in the field of MANH. However, the process often lacked transparency. We identified unmet potential in informing implementation considerations and contextualisation of the recommendations. Use in these areas needs further methods development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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14. Experience of social harms among female sex workers following HIV self-test distribution in Malawi: results of a cohort study.
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Mee, Paul, Neuman, Melissa, Kumwenda, Moses, Lora, Wezzie S., Sikwese, Simon, Sambo, Mwiza, Fielding, Katherine, Indravudh, Pitchaya P., Hatzold, Karin, Johnson, Cheryl, Corbett, Elizabeth. L., and Desmond, Nicola
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SEX workers ,HIV testing kits ,PATIENT self-monitoring ,HIV ,SEXUAL intercourse - Abstract
Background: In Malawi, female sex workers (FSW) have high HIV incidence and regular testing is suggested. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a safe and acceptable alternative to standard testing services. This study assessed; whether social harms were more likely to be reported after HIVST distribution to FSW by peer distributors than after facility-based HIV testing and whether FSW regretted HIVST use or experienced associated relationship problems. Methods: Peer HIVST distributors, who were FSW, were recruited in Blantyre district, Malawi between February and July 2017. Among HIVST recipients a prospective cohort was recruited. Interviews were conducted at baseline and at end-line, 3 months later. Participants completed daily sexual activity diaries. End-line data were analysed using logistic regression to assess whether regret or relationship problems were associated with HIVST use. Sexual activity data were analysed using Generalised Estimating Equations to assess whether HIVST use was temporally associated with an increase in social harms. Results: Of 265 FSW recruited and offered HIVST, 131 completed both interviews. Of these, 31/131(23.7%) reported initial regret after HIVST use, this reduced to 23/131(17.6%) at the 3-month follow-up. Relationship problems were reported by 12/131(9.2%). Regret about HIVST use was less commonly reported in those aged 26–35 years compared to those aged 16–25 years (OR immediate regret—0.40 95% CI 0.16–1.01) (OR current regret—0.22 95% CI 0.07 – 0.71) and was not associated with the HIVST result. There was limited evidence that reports of verbal abuse perpetrated by clients in the week following HIVST use were greater than when there was no testing in the preceding week. There was no evidence for increases in any other social harms. There was some evidence of coercion to test, most commonly initiated by the peer distributor. Conclusions: Little evidence was found that the peer distribution model was associated with increased levels of social harms, however programmes aimed at reaching FSW need to carefully consider possible unintended consequences of their service delivery approaches, including the potential for peer distributors to coerce individuals to test or disclose their test results and alternative distribution models may need to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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15. Enhanced health systems to improve uptake of early infant diagnosis of HIV among post-partum women in primary health care in Blantyre, District Malawi
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Suwedi-Kapesa, Leticia Chimwemwe, primary, MacPherson, Peter, additional, Desmond, Nicola, additional, and Obasi, Angela, additional
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- 2023
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16. Acceptance of and Adherence to a Four-Dose RTS,S/AS01 Schedule: Findings from a Longitudinal Qualitative Evaluation Study for the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme.
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Price, Jessica, Gurley, Nikki, Gyapong, Margaret, Ansah, Evelyn Korkor, Awusabo-Asare, Kofi, Gyasi, Samuel Fosu, Nkhoma, Pearson, Nyondo-Mipando, Alinane Linda, Okello, George, Webster, Jayne, Desmond, Nicola, Hill, Jenny, and Gordon, W. Scott
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MALARIA vaccines ,CAREGIVER attitudes ,VACCINATION of children ,VACCINATION status ,TRUST - Abstract
Background: The WHO recommended the use of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine (RTS,S) based on a pilot evaluation in routine use in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. A longitudinal qualitative study was conducted to examine facilitators and barriers to uptake of a 4-dose RTS,S schedule. Methods: A cohort of 198 caregivers of RTS,S-eligible children from communities where RTS,S was provided through the pilot were interviewed three times over a ≈22-month, 4-dose schedule. The interviews examined caregiver perceptions and behaviors. Children's vaccination history was obtained to determine dose uptake. Results: 162 caregivers remained at round 3 (R3); vaccination history was available for 152/162 children. Despite early rumors/fears, the uptake of initial doses was high, driven by vaccine trust. Fears dissipated by R2, replaced with an enthusiasm for RTS,S as caregivers perceived its safety and less frequent and severe malaria. By R3, 98/152 children had received four doses; 34 three doses; 9 one or two doses; and 11 zero doses. The health system and information barriers were important across all under-dose cases. Fears about AEFIs/safety were important in zero-, one-, and two-dose cases. Competing life/livelihood demands and complacency were found in three-dose cases. Regardless of the doses received, caregivers had positive attitudes towards RTS,S by R3. Conclusions: Findings from our study will help countries newly introducing the vaccine to anticipate and preempt reasons for delayed acceptance and missed RTS,S doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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17. ‘Why would they spend all this money and give us these items for free?’: Exploring precarity and power in a cleaner cookstove intervention in rural Malawi
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Ardrey, Jane, primary, Jehan, Kate, additional, Desmond, Nicola, additional, Kumbuyo, Caroline, additional, Nyirenda, Deborah, additional, Gordon, Stephen B., additional, Mortimer, Kevin, additional, and Tolhurst, Rachel, additional
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- 2023
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18. A network of empirical ethics teams embedded in research programmes across multiple sites: opportunities and challenges in contributing to COVID-19 research and responses
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Ngwenya, Nothando, primary, Ilo Van Nuil, Jennifer, additional, Nyirenda, Deborah, additional, Chambers, Mary, additional, Cheah, Phaik Yeong, additional, Seeley, Janet, additional, Chi, Primus, additional, Mafuleka, Lindiwe, additional, Nkosi, Busisiwe, additional, Kamuya, Dorcas, additional, Davies, Alun, additional, Schneiders, Mira L, additional, Mumba, Noni, additional, Dlamini, Siphephelo, additional, Desmond, Nicola, additional, Marsh, Vicki, additional, Rippon, Dinnah, additional, Parker, Michael, additional, and Molyneux, Sassy, additional
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- 2023
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19. Quality of stillbirth and neonatal death audit in Malawi: A descriptive observational study
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Gondwe, Mtisunge Joshua, primary, Desmond, Nicola, additional, Aminu, Mamuda, additional, and Allen, Stephen, additional
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- 2022
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20. Resource availability and barriers to delivering quality care for newborns in hospitals in the southern region of Malawi: A multisite observational study
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Gondwe, Mtisunge Joshua, primary, Desmond, Nicola, additional, Aminu, Mamuda, additional, and Allen, Stephen, additional
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- 2022
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21. Capacity Building for Health Care Workers and Support Staff in Pediatric Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment (ETAT) at Primary Health Care Level in Resource Limited Settings: Experiences from Malawi
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Majamanda, Maureen Daisy, Joshua Gondwe, Mtisunge, Makwero, Martha, Chalira, Alfred, Lufesi, Norman, Dube, Queen, and Desmond, Nicola
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8637d585 ,ws_20 ,wa_395 ,f0e481db - Abstract
Primary health care facilities offer an entry point to the health care system in Malawi. Challenges experienced by these facilities include limited resources (both material and human), poor or inadequate knowledge, skills and attitudes of health care workers in emergency management, and delay in referral from primary care level to other levels of care. These contribute to poor outcomes including children dying within the first 24 hours of hospital admission. Training of health care workers and support staff in Emergency Triage Assessment and Treatment (ETAT) at primary care levels can help improve care of children with acute and severe illnesses. Health care workers and support staff in the primary care settings were trained in pediatric ETAT. The training package for health care workers was adapted from the Ministry of Health ETAT training for district and tertiary health care. Content for support staff focused on non-technical responsibility for lifesaving in emergency situations. The primary health care facilities were provided with a minimum treatment package comprising emergency equipment, supplies and drugs. Supportive supervisory visits were conducted quarterly. The training manual for health care workers was adapted from the Ministry of Health package and the support staff training manual was developed from the adapted package. Eight hundred and seventy-seven participants were trained (336 health care workers and 541 support staff). Following the training, triaging of patients improved and patients were managed as emergency, priority or non-urgent. This reduced the number of referral cases and children were stabilized before referral. Capacity building of health care workers and support staff in pediatric ETAT and the provision of a basic health center package improved practice at the primary care level. The practice was sustained through institutional mentorship and pre-service and in-service training. The practice of triage and treatment including stabilization of children with dangerous signs at the primary health care facility improves emergency care of patients, reduces the burden of patients on referral hospitals and increases the number of successful referrals.
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- 2022
22. “Don’t rush into thinking of walking again”: Patient views of treatment and disability following an open tibia fracture in Malawi
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Schade, Alexander Thomas, primary, Sibande, Wakumanya, additional, Kumwenda, Moses, additional, Desmond, Nicola, additional, Chokotho, Linda, additional, Karasouli, Eleni, additional, Metcalfe, Andrew, additional, and Harrison, William J., additional
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- 2022
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23. Primary motivations for and experiences with paediatric minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) participation in Malawi: a qualitative study
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Lawrence, Sarah, primary, Namusanya, Dave, additional, Mohamed, Sumaya B, additional, Hamuza, Andrew, additional, Huwa, Cornelius, additional, Chasweka, Dennis, additional, Kelley, Maureen, additional, Molyneux, Sassy, additional, Voskuijl, Wieger, additional, Denno, Donna, additional, and Desmond, Nicola, additional
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- 2022
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24. Differentiated prevention and care to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission among female sex workers in Zimbabwe:study protocol for the ‘AMETHIST’ cluster randomised trial
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Cowan, Frances M., Machingura, Fortunate, Chabata, Sungai T., Ali, M. Sanni, Busza, Joanna, Steen, Richard, Desmond, Nicola, Shahmanesh, Maryam, Revill, Paul, Mpofu, Amon, Yekeye, Raymond, Mugurungi, Owen, Phillips, Andrew N., Hargreaves, James R., Cowan, Frances M., Machingura, Fortunate, Chabata, Sungai T., Ali, M. Sanni, Busza, Joanna, Steen, Richard, Desmond, Nicola, Shahmanesh, Maryam, Revill, Paul, Mpofu, Amon, Yekeye, Raymond, Mugurungi, Owen, Phillips, Andrew N., and Hargreaves, James R.
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Background: Female sex workers (FSW) in sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected by HIV and are critical to engage in HIV prevention, testing and care services. We describe the design of our evaluation of the ‘AMETHIST’ intervention, nested within a nationally-scaled programme for FSW in Zimbabwe. We hypothesise that the implementation of this intervention will result in a reduction in the risk of HIV transmission within sex work. Methods: The AMETHIST intervention (Adapted Microplanning to Eliminate Transmission of HIV in Sex Transactions) is a risk-differentiated intervention for FSW, centred around the implementation of microplanning and self-help groups. It is designed to support uptake of, and adherence to, HIV prevention, testing and treatment behaviours among FSW. Twenty-two towns in Zimbabwe were randomised to receive either the Sisters programme (usual care) or the Sisters programme plus AMETHIST. The composite primary outcome is defined as the proportion of all FSW who are at risk of either HIV acquisition (HIV-negative and not fully protected by prevention interventions) or of HIV transmission (HIV-positive, not virally suppressed and not practicing consistent condom use). The outcome will be assessed after 2 years of intervention delivery in a respondent-driven sampling survey (total n = 4400; n = 200 FSW recruited at each site). Primary analysis will use the ‘RDS-II’ method to estimate cluster summaries and will adapt Hayes and Moulton’s ‘2-step’ method produce adjusted effect estimates. An in-depth process evaluation guided by our project trajectory will be undertaken. Discussion: Innovative pragmatic trials are needed to generate evidence on effectiveness of combination interventions in HIV prevention and treatment in different contexts. We describe the design and analysis of such a study. Trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry PACTR202007818077
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- 2022
25. Power and Powerlessness in a Group Based Digital Story Telling Project-An Exploration of Community Perceptions of Health Concerns in Urban Malawi
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Nyirenda, Deborah, primary, Payesa, Chipiliro, additional, Ntaba, Jolly, additional, Mhango, Rachel, additional, Kingori, Patricia, additional, Parker, Michael, additional, and Desmond, Nicola, additional
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- 2022
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26. A critical examination of research narratives ‘rumours’ and passive community resistance in medical research
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Nyirenda, Deborah, primary, Sariola, Salla, additional, and Desmond, Nicola, additional
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- 2022
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27. 'An increase in COVID-19 patients would be overwhelming': A qualitative description of healthcare workers’ experiences during the first wave of COVID-19 (March 2020 to October 2020) at Malawi’s largest referral hospital
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Limbani, Felix, Kapumba, Blessings M, Mzinganjira, Henry, Phiri, Tamara, Mwandumba, Henry, Rylance, Jamie, Morton, Ben, and Desmond, Nicola
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wa_30 ,wc_506 ,7c0bbdab ,f0e481db - Abstract
Background \ud COVID-19 is currently a global health threat. Healthcare workers are on the front-line of the COVID-19 outbreak response and therefore at heightened risk of infection. There is a dearth of evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa about healthcare worker experiences in managing COVID-19. We have reported on healthcare worker responses, experiences, and perspectives on epidemic response strategies at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Malawi’s largest referral hospital. Methods \ud We conducted 39 face-to-face in-depth interviews with a purposively selected sample of healthcare workers during the first wave of COVID-19 in Malawi (March 2020 to October 2020). The study included healthcare workers who provided direct and indirect patient care. Results \ud During the early phase of the first wave (March to May 2020), healthcare workers expressed concerns with inadequate working space, unconducive infrastructure, delayed and rushed training on the management of COVID-19, and lack of incentives. Additionally, the hospital had staff shortages and limited essential resources such as piped oxygen and personal protective equipment. This increased healthcare worker fears of contracting COVID-19 and they were less willing to volunteer at COVID-19 isolation units. Resource constraints and limited preparedness compromised the care pathway particularly with increased numbers of COVID-19 patients. By the peak of the first wave (June to August 2020) many of these issues had been resolved. The hospital provided refresher training courses, personal protective equipment became available, incentives were offered to healthcare workers working in COVID-19 units and piped oxygen was installed. Staff morale was boosted, and more staff were willing to work at the COVID-19 isolation centres. \ud Conclusion \ud Experiences of healthcare workers during the first wave of COVID-19 are critical for improving care in future COVID-19 waves. Response strategies in resource-constrained areas should prioritise timely training of staff, creation of adequate isolation areas, provision of adequate medical supplies and strengthening leadership.
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- 2022
28. Additional file 1 of Differentiated prevention and care to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition and transmission among female sex workers in Zimbabwe: study protocol for the ���AMETHIST��� cluster randomised trial
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Cowan, Frances M., Machingura, Fortunate, Chabata, Sungai T., Ali, M. Sanni, Busza, Joanna, Steen, Richard, Desmond, Nicola, Shahmanesh, Maryam, Revill, Paul, Mpofu, Amon, Yekeye, Raymond, Mugurungi, Owen, Phillips, Andrew N., and Hargreaves, James R.
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Additional file 1: Table A1. Risk assessment tool for risk differentiated microplanning. Table A2. Site level Characteristics between intervention and control arms used in restricted randomisation. Table A3. List of questions to ascertain consistent condom use. Table A4. Measurement of the AMETHIST primary outcome. Table 5A. Power calculations. Fig. 1A. AMETHIST trial sites. Appendix A1. Ethical considerations. Appendix A2. AMETHIST Trial Protocol
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- 2022
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29. A network of empirical ethics teams embedded in research programmes across multiple sites: opportunities and challenges in contributing to COVID-19 research and responses
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Ngwenya, Nothando, primary, Ilo Van Nuil, Jennifer, additional, Nyirenda, Deborah, additional, Chambers, Mary, additional, Cheah, Phaik Yeong, additional, Seeley, Janet, additional, Chi, Primus, additional, Mafuleka, Lindiwe, additional, Nkosi, Busisiwe, additional, Kamuya, Dorcas, additional, Davies, Alun, additional, Schneiders, Mira Leonie, additional, Mumba, Noni, additional, Dlamini, Siphephelo, additional, Desmond, Nicola, additional, Marsh, Vicki, additional, Rippon, Dinnah, additional, Parker, Michael, additional, and Molyneux, Sassy, additional
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- 2022
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30. Feasibility and acceptability of a peer-led HIV self-testing model among female sex workers in Malawi: a qualitative study
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Kumwenda, Moses K, primary, Mavhu, Webster, additional, Lora, Wezzie S, additional, Chilongosi, Richard, additional, Sikwese, Simon, additional, Taegtmeyer, Miriam, additional, Hatzold, Karin, additional, Johnson, Cheryl C, additional, Corbett, Elizabeth L, additional, and Desmond, Nicola, additional
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- 2021
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31. Processes and outcomes of stillbirth and neonatal death audit as a quality improvement tool in the southern region of Malawi
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Gondwe, Mtisunge, Allen, Stephen, Aminu, Mamuda, and Desmond, Nicola
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W 84.4 Quality of Health Care ,W 84 Health services. Delivery of health care ,WA 310 Maternal welfare ,WQ 330 Complications of labor ,WS 420 Newborn infants. Neonatology - Abstract
Stillbirth and neonatal death audits are suggested interventions to help meet the Sustainable Development Goals of reducing stillbirth and neonatal mortality. Many interventions aimed at improving treatment do not achieve their desired change, with few efficiently implemented and sustained due to health system constraints such as poor infrastructure, insufficient resources and poor leadership. To address these gaps, I assessed the quality, facilitators and barriers associated with stillbirth and neonatal death audit processes in seven public hospitals in Malawi. The ultimate goal was to provide evidence for recommendations on how the health system may better support staff so that the audit process can be improved. The research approaches were guided by a conceptual framework which I developed based on health system strengthening, quality improvement theories, and a systematic literature review. I tested the framework in practice through three cross-sectional descriptive studies to evaluate its strengths and limitations. In a systematic literature review, I evaluated ten studies from low and lower middle-income countries (LMICs) that implemented stillbirth and neonatal death audits. I found that audits improved structure, process and health outcomes in maternal and neonatal care. I identified 18 enablers and 23 barriers with the majority identified at the health provider and facility levels. The first study assessed the resources available for neonatal care. I discovered that the hospitals' ability to provide newborn care was universally low due to inadequate Infrastructure, staff training, medications and supplies, clinical protocols and leadership support. The second study assessed the quality of stillbirth and neonatal death audits and discovered that they were of poor quality due to challenges in audit tools and guidelines, WHO audit cycle stages, action plans and patient load. In the last study, I used the conceptual framework to identify facilitators and barriers at system levels to performing death audits in practice. I discovered that the elements that influence staff engagement in audit meetings and the implementation of recommended solutions were interrelated. In my research, I discovered that a number of structure and process factors contribute to low-quality audits. Rather than simply gathering information, I have emphasised that facility audits should aim at improving practice. This can be accomplished by implementing suggested actions and evaluating the process. However, this will only be possible if facility and national leadership provide adequate support in terms of resources, supervision and guidelines. A comprehensive approach guided by behavioural theory that tackles variables at all system levels is more likely to be successful. The findings contribute to the evidence base required to develop strategies that ensure the audit cycle is completed and contributes effectively to improving patient outcomes. The conceptual framework was deemed to be suitable for use in the Malawi context and should now be tried in other facilities across Malawi, as well as in other LMICs.
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- 2022
32. ‘Why would they spend all this money and give us these items for free?’: Exploring precarity and power in a cleaner cookstove intervention in rural Malawi
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Jane Ardrey, Kate Jehan, Nicola Desmond, Caroline Kumbuyo, Deborah Nyirenda, Stephen B. Gordon, Kevin Mortimer, Rachel Tolhurst, Ardrey, Jane [0000-0003-4558-5113], Desmond, Nicola [0000-0002-2874-8569], Kumbuyo, Caroline [0000-0001-5707-0489], Mortimer, Kevin [0000-0002-8118-8871], and Apollo - University of Cambridge Repository
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Clinical Research ,Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities ,Behavioral and Social Science ,4206 Public Health ,42 Health Sciences ,7 Affordable and Clean Energy - Abstract
Acknowledgements: The authors gratefully acknowledge the contribution of all study participants. The support of MLW staff was key to the successful completion of this study, especially the CAPS Chikwawa field team led by Andrew Nuanje., We carried out a qualitative study to gain a deeper understanding of the social context of the Cooking and Pneumonia Study (CAPS) and implications for implementation of clean cooking and similar interventions. Such initiatives are recognised as complex, power-laden processes, which has consequences for outcomes and uptake. However, understanding of how precarious livelihoods and unequal power differentials impact on trials of technology is limited and potentially hampers the achievement of the SDGs including SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy. An in-depth exploration of experiences and perceptions of cooking and cookstove use within CAPS was completed using qualitative methods and the participatory methodology Photovoice. Ten CAPS participants from each of five villages participated in Photovoice activities and five village representatives were interviewed. Twelve fieldworkers participated in gender specific focus groups and four were interviewed. A thematic content approach was used for data analysis. The analysis showed that economic and power inequity underpinned the complex social relationships within CAPS impacting on trial participation, perceptions of the cookstoves, and on the potential of the intervention to affect health and other benefits. Power can be understood as relational and productive within the research environment. This is illustrated by an analysis of the role of fieldworkers and community representatives who needed to negotiate resistance to trial compliance decisions, including 'satanic' rumours about cookstoves and blood-taking. Transformative approaches that challenge existing power inequities are needed to maximise the success and beneficence of cookstove and other health promoting interventions, and achievement of the SDGs.
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- 2023
33. Combined interventions for the testing and treatment of HIV and schistosomiasis among fishermen in Malawi: a three-arm, cluster-randomised trial.
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Choko AT, Dovel KL, Kayuni S, Conserve DF, Buttterworth A, Bustinduy AL, Stothard JR, Kamchedzera W, Mukoka-Thindwa M, Jafali J, MacPherson P, Fielding K, Desmond N, and Corbett EL
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- Humans, Male, Malawi epidemiology, Adult, Middle Aged, Young Adult, Schistosomiasis epidemiology, Schistosomiasis drug therapy, Schistosomiasis diagnosis, Fisheries, Cluster Analysis, HIV Testing methods, Adolescent, Prevalence, Anthelmintics therapeutic use, HIV Infections epidemiology, HIV Infections drug therapy, Praziquantel therapeutic use
- Abstract
Background: Undiagnosed HIV and schistosomiasis are highly prevalent among fishermen in the African Great Lakes region. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of lakeside interventions integrating services for HIV and male genital schistosomiasis on the prevalence of schistosomiasis, uptake of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV, and voluntary male medical circumcision (VMMC) among fishermen in Malawi., Methods: We conducted a three-arm, cluster-randomised trial in 45 lakeshore fishing communities (clusters) in Mangochi, Malawi. Clusters were defined geographically by their home community as the place where fishermen leave their boats (ie, a landing site). Eligible participants were male fishermen (aged ≥18 years) who resided in a cluster. Clusters were randomly allocated (1:1:1) through computer-generated random numbers to either enhanced standard of care (SOC), which offered invitation with information leaflets to a beach clinic offering HIV testing and referral, and presumptive treatment for schistosomiasis with praziquantel; peer education (PE), in which a nominated fisherman was responsible for explaining the study leaflet to promote services to his boat crew; or peer distribution education (PDE), in which the peer educator explained the leaflet and distributed HIV self-test kits to his boat crew. The beach clinic team and fishermen were not masked to intervention allocation; however, investigators were masked until the final analysis. Coprimary composite outcomes were the proportion of participants who had at least one Schistosoma haematobium egg observed on light microscopy from 10 mL of urine filtrate and the proportion who had self-reported initiating ART or scheduling VMMC by day 28. Outcomes were analysed by intention to treat; multiple imputation for missing outcomes was done; random-effect binomial models adjusting for baseline imbalance and clustering were used to compute unadjusted and adjusted risk differences, risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs, and intracluster correlation coefficients for each outcome. This trial is registered with ISRCTN, ISRCTN14354324., Findings: Between March 1, 2022, and Jan 29, 2023, 45 (65·2%) of 69 clusters assessed for eligibility were enrolled in the trial, with 15 clusters per arm. Of the 6036 fishermen screened at baseline, 5207 (86·3%) were eligible for participation: 1745 (87·6%) of 1991 in the enhanced SOC group, 1687 (81·9%) of 2061 in the PE group, and 1775 (89·5%) of 1984 in the PDE group. Compared with the prevalence of active schistosomiasis in the enhanced SOC group (292 [16·7%] of 1745), 241 (13·6%) of 1775 fishermen in the PDE group (adjusted RR 0·80 [95% CI 0·69-0·94]; p=0·0054) and 263 (15·6%) of 1687 fishermen in the PE group (0·92 [0·79-1·07]; p=0·28) had schistosomiasis at day 28. 230 (13·2%) in the enhanced SOC group, 281 (16·7%) in the PE group, and 215 (12·1%) in the PDE group initiated ART or were scheduled for VMMC. ART initiation or VMMC scheduling was not significantly increased with the PDE intervention (0·88 [0·74-1·05); p=0·15) and was marginally increased with the PE intervention (1·16 [0·99-1·37]; p=0·069) when compared with the enhanced SOC group. No serious adverse events were reported in this trial., Interpretation: We found weak evidence for the use of peer education to increase uptake of ART and VMMC, but strong evidence for the added distribution of HIV self-test kits to promote high engagement with services and reduce the prevalence of active schistosomiasis, suggesting a high potential for scale-up in hard-to-reach communities across Malawi., Funding: Wellcome Trust and the UK National Institute for Health Research., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests ELC reports grants to London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine during the conduct of the study. All other authors declare no competing interests. DFC was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (grant number R00MH110343: PI: DFC and R01NR021169: PI: DFC)., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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34. The effect on HIV transmission and cost-effectiveness of programmes for female sex workers in East, Central, and Southern Africa: a modelling study.
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Bansi-Matharu L, Revill P, Taramusi I, Steen R, Chabata ST, Busza J, Mangenah C, Musemburi S, Machingura F, Desmond N, Matambanadzo P, Shahmanesh M, Yekeye R, Mugurungi O, Cowan FM, Hargreaves JR, and Phillips AN
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- Humans, Female, Africa, Southern epidemiology, Africa, Eastern epidemiology, Africa, Central epidemiology, Adult, Incidence, Program Evaluation, HIV Infections prevention & control, HIV Infections epidemiology, HIV Infections drug therapy, HIV Infections transmission, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Sex Workers statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Background: HIV prevalence and incidence has declined in East, Central, and Southern Africa (ECSA), but remains high among female sex workers (FSWs). Sex worker programmes have the potential to considerably increase access to HIV testing, prevention, and treatment. We aimed to quantify these improvements by modelling the potential effect of sex worker programmes at two different intensities on HIV incidence and key health outcomes, and assessed the programmes' potential cost-effectiveness in order to help inform HIV policy decisions., Methods: Using a model previously used to review policy decisions in ECSA, we assumed a low-intensity sex worker programme had run from 2010 until 2023; this resulted in care disadvantages among FSWs being reduced, and also increased testing, condom use, and willingness to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). After 2023, three policy options were considered: discontinuation, continuation, and a scale-up of the programme to high-intensity, which would have a broader reach, and higher influences on condom use, antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, testing, and PrEP use. Outputs of the key outcomes (the percentage of FSWs who were diagnosed with HIV, on ART, and virally suppressed; the percentage of FSWs with zero condomless partners, and HIV incidence) were compared in 2030. The maximum cost for a sex worker programme to be cost-effective was calculated over a 50-year time period and in the context of 10 million adults. The cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from a health-care perspective; costs and disability-adjusted life-years were both discounted to present US$ values at 3% per annum., Findings: Compared with continuing a low-intensity sex worker programme until 2030, discontinuation of the programme was calculated to result in a lower percentage of FSWs diagnosed (median 88·75% vs 91·37%; median difference compared to continuation of a low-intensity programme [90% range] 2·03 [-4·49 to 10·98]), a lower percentage of those diagnosed currently taking ART (86·35% vs 88·89%; 2·38 [-3·69 to 13·42]), and a lower percentage of FSWs on ART with viral suppression (87·49% vs 88·96%; 1·17 [-6·81 to 11·53]). Discontinuation of a low-intensity programme also resulted in an increase in HIV incidence among FSWs from 5·06 per 100 person-years (100 p-y; 90% range 0·52 to 22·21) to 4·05 per 100 p-y (0·21 to 21·15). Conversely, comparing a high-intensity sex worker programme until 2030 with discontinuation of the programme resulted in a higher percentage of FSWs diagnosed (median 95·81% vs 88·75; median difference compared to discontinuation [90% range] 6·36 [0·60 to 18·63]), on ART (93·93 vs 86.35%; median difference 7·13 [-0·65 to 26·48]), and with viral suppression (93·21% vs 87·49; median difference 7·13 [-0·65 to 26·48]). A high-intensity programme also resulted in HIV incidence in FSWs declining to 2·23 per 100 p-y (0·00 to 14·44), from 5·06 per 100 p-y (0·52 to 22·21) if the programme was discontinued. In the context of 10 million adults over a 50-year time period and a cost-effectiveness threshold of US$500 per disability-adjusted life-year averted, $34 million per year can be spent for a high-intensity programme to be cost-effective., Interpretation: A sex worker programme, even with low-level interventions, has a positive effect on key outputs for FSWs. A high-intensity programme has a considerably higher effect; HIV incidence among FSW and in the general population can be substantially reduced, and should be considered for implementation by policy makers., Funding: Wellcome Trust., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests LB-M and ANP have received funds paid to their institution from the Wellcome Trust for this study (grant number: 214280/Z/18/Z), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Horizon Europe (grant number 101103140). FMC and JRH have received funds paid to their institution from the Wellcome Trust for this study. All other authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
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- 2024
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35. Improving care pathways for children with severe illness through implementation of the ASPIRE mHealth primary ETAT package in Malawi.
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Desmond N, Henrion MYR, Gondwe M, O'Byrne T, Iroh Tam PY, Nyirenda D, Pollock L, Majamanda MD, Makwero M, Geldof M, Dube Q, Phiri C, Banda C, Kachala R, Heyderman PRS, Masesa C, Lufesi N, and Lalloo DG
- Abstract
Providing emergency care in low resource settings relies on delivery by lower cadres of health workers (LCHW). We describe the development, implementation and mixed methods evaluation of a mobile health (mHealth) triage algorithm based on the WHO Emergency, Triage, Assessment, and Treatment (ETAT) for primary-level care. We conducted an observational study design of implementation research. Key stakeholders were engaged throughout implementation. Clinicians and LCHW at eight primary health centres in Blantyre district were trained to use an mHealth algorithm for triage. An mHealth patient surveillance system monitored patients from presentation through referral to tertiary and final outcome. A total of 209,174 children were recorded by ETAT between April 2017 and September 2018, and 155,931 had both recorded mHealth and clinician triage outcome data. Concordance between mHealth triage by lower cadres of HCW and clinician assessment was 81·6% (95% CI [81·4, 81·8]) over all outcomes (kappa: 0·535 (95% CI [0·530, 0·539]). Concordance for mHealth emergency triage was 0.31 with kappa 0.42. The most common mHealth recorded emergency sign was breathing difficulty (74·1% 95% CI [70·1, 77·9]) and priority sign was raised temperature (76·2% (95% CI [75·9, 76·6]). A total of 1,644 referrals out of 3,004 (54·7%) successfully reached the tertiary site. Both providers and carers expressed high levels of satisfaction with the mHealth ETAT pathway. An mHealth triage algorithm can be used by LCHWs with moderate concordance with clinician triage. Implementation of ETAT through an mHealth algorithm documented successful referrals from primary to tertiary, but half of referred patients did not reach the tertiary site. Potential harms of such systems, such as cases requiring referral being missed during triage, require further evaluation. The ASPIRE mHealth primary ETAT approach can be used to prioritise acute illness and support future resource planning within both district and national health system., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Desmond et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)
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- 2024
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36. Child acute illness presentation and referrals at primary health clinics in Malawi: a secondary analysis of ASPIRE.
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Iroh Tam PY, Twabi HH, Gondwe M, O'Byrne T, Lufesi N, and Desmond N
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- Humans, Malawi epidemiology, Infant, Child, Preschool, Female, Male, Acute Disease, Child, Cough epidemiology, Patient Acceptance of Health Care statistics & numerical data, Adolescent, Infant, Newborn, Telemedicine statistics & numerical data, Referral and Consultation statistics & numerical data, Triage statistics & numerical data, Primary Health Care statistics & numerical data, Fever epidemiology
- Abstract
Objectives: We aimed to assess the prevalence, presentation and referral patterns of children with acute illness attending primary health centres (PHCs) in a low-resource setting., Design, Setting and Participants: We conducted a secondary analysis of ASPIRE. Children presenting at eight PHCs in urban Blantyre district in southern Malawi with both recorded clinician and mHealth (non-clinician) triage data were included, and patient records from different data collection points along the patient healthcare seeking pathway were consolidated and analysed., Results: Between April 2017 and September 2018, a total of 204 924 children were triaged, of whom 155 931 had both recorded clinician and mHealth triage data. The most common presenting symptoms at PHCs were fever (0.3%), cough (0.2%) and difficulty breathing (0.2%). The most common signs associated with referral for under-5 children were trauma (26.7%) and temperature (7.4%). The proportion of emergency and priority clinician triage were highest among young infants <2 months (0.2% and 81.4%, respectively). Of the 3004 referrals (1.9%), 1644 successfully reached the referral facility (54.7%). Additionally, 372 children were sent home from PHC who subsequently self-referred to the referral facility (18.7%)., Conclusions: Fever and respiratory symptoms were the most common presenting symptoms, and trauma was the most common reason for referral. Rates of referral were low, and of successful referral were moderate. Self-referrals constituted a substantial proportion of attendance at the referral facility. Reducing gaps in care and addressing dropouts as well as self-referrals along the referral pathway could improve child health outcomes., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)
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- 2024
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37. "An increase in COVID-19 patients would be overwhelming": A qualitative description of healthcare workers' experiences during the first wave of COVID-19 (March 2020 to October 2020) at Malawi's largest referral hospital.
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Limbani F, Kapumba BM, Mzinganjira H, Phiri T, Mwandumba HC, Rylance J, Morton B, and Desmond N
- Abstract
Background COVID-19 is currently a global health threat. Healthcare workers are on the front-line of the COVID-19 outbreak response and therefore at heightened risk of infection. There is a dearth of evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa about healthcare worker experiences in managing COVID-19. We have reported on healthcare worker responses, experiences, and perspectives on epidemic response strategies at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Malawi's largest referral hospital. Methods We conducted 39 face-to-face in-depth interviews with a purposively selected sample of healthcare workers during the first wave of COVID-19 in Malawi (March 2020 to October 2020). The study included healthcare workers who provided direct and indirect patient care. Results During the early phase of the first wave (March to May 2020), healthcare workers expressed concerns with inadequate working space, unconducive infrastructure, delayed and rushed training on the management of COVID-19, and lack of incentives. Additionally, the hospital had staff shortages and limited essential resources such as piped oxygen and personal protective equipment. This increased healthcare worker fears of contracting COVID-19 and they were less willing to volunteer at COVID-19 isolation units. Resource constraints and limited preparedness compromised the care pathway particularly with increased numbers of COVID-19 patients. By the peak of the first wave (June to August 2020) many of these issues had been resolved. The hospital provided refresher training courses, personal protective equipment became available, incentives were offered to healthcare workers working in COVID-19 units and piped oxygen was installed. Staff morale was boosted, and more staff were willing to work at the COVID-19 isolation centres. Conclusion Experiences of healthcare workers during the first wave of COVID-19 are critical for improving care in future COVID-19 waves. Response strategies in resource-constrained areas should prioritise timely training of staff, creation of adequate isolation areas, provision of adequate medical supplies and strengthening leadership., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2022 Limbani F et al.)
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- 2022
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38. 'Cooking is for everyone?': Exploring the complexity of gendered dynamics in a cookstove intervention study in rural Malawi.
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Ardrey J, Jehan K, Desmond N, Kumbuyo C, Mortimer K, and Tolhurst R
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- Child, Cooking methods, Family Characteristics, Female, Humans, Malawi, Male, Rural Population, Air Pollution, Indoor adverse effects, Air Pollution, Indoor analysis, Air Pollution, Indoor prevention & control
- Abstract
Background: Household air pollution (HAP) resulting from cooking on open fires has been linked to considerable ill-health in women and girls, including chronic respiratory diseases, and has been identified as a contributor to climate change. It has been suggested that cleaner burning cookstoves can mitigate these risks, and that time saved through speedier cooking can lead to the economic empowerment of women. Despite these and other potential advantages of cookstoves, sustained use is difficult to achieve., Objective: We used qualitative methods (focus groups, interviews, observation) and the participatory methodology Photovoice in order to inform a deeper understanding of gendered social relationships within the Cooking and Pneumonia Study (CAPS) in rural Malawi., Methods: Over five CAPS villages, forty women and ten men were recruited for Photovoice activities, including image collection, village-level focus group discussion and interviews. Data were also collected from interviews with village-based community representatives., Results: This study facilitated a rich exploration of context-specific gendered household roles and power relations which found that there was space for contestation in seemingly entrenched and 'traditional' household responsibilities. The results suggest that the introduction of cookstoves through CAPS provided a focus for this contestation. It was evident that men and children also cooked, and that cooking played a central role in the gendered socialisation of children. However, there were no indications that time saved resulted in the empowerment of women., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that dominant narratives of the links between gender and cookstoves are often reductive and fail to reflect the complexity of gender power relations. The use of qualitative methods incorporating Photovoice helped to facilitate an alternative 'bottom-up' view of cookstove use which demonstrated that while cookstoves may disrupt gendered relationships in target communities, positive impacts for women and girls cannot be assumed.
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- 2021
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