Ethiopian paediatric oncology registry progress report: documentation practice improvements at tertiary care centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Levy S
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8796695 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:Approval of new cancer drugs for paediatric patients generally occurs after their development and approval for treating adult cancers. As most drug development occurs in the industry setting, the relatively small market of paediatric oncology does not provide the financial incentives for companies to actively pursue paediatric oncology solutions. Indeed, between 1948 and January 2003 the FDA approved 120 new cancer drugs, of which only 30 have been used in children. This slow rate of development must be addressed in a meaningful way if we are to make progress in the most pressing settings in childhood cancer. In this Viewpoint article, the key opinion leaders in the field weigh in and offer practical advice on how to address this issue.
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Project description:There are currently limited data regarding paediatric Behçet's disease (BD), particularly in the UK. We describe the clinical spectrum, treatment and outcome of BD, and explore the relative sensitivities of the criteria for the diagnosis of BD in a UK paediatric cohort. Single retrospective case note review of children with a clinical diagnosis of BD presenting between 1987 and 2012. Demographics, clinical features, treatment and outcomes were recorded. The sensitivities of the International Study Group (ISG) and International Criteria for BD (ICBD) criteria were explored. BD disease activity was calculated using the Behçet's Disease Activity Index (BDAI). Forty-six patients (22 male) were identified. Median age of onset was 4.87 (0.04-15.71) years; median time to diagnosis was 3.74 (0.25-13.48) years. Clinical features were recurrent oral ulceration (97.8 %), recurrent genital ulceration (73.9 %), gastrointestinal (58.7 %), musculoskeletal (47.83 %), cutaneous (23.9 %) involvement and uveitis (2 %). Recurrent genital ulceration was more common in female patients (P = 0.044). Thirty-seven patients (80.4 %) fulfilled the ICBD criteria; only 12 patients (26.1 %) fulfilled the ISG criteria. BDAI score at diagnosis was 7/20 (0-10/20) and significantly decreased to 5/20 (0-9/20) (P < 0.0001) at latest follow-up. The commonest systemic treatment was colchicine (76.1 %); anti-TNFα treatment was reserved for severe cases (15.5 %). Paediatric BD in the UK may present very early in life, sometimes with a family history, and with a low incidence of ocular involvement. Diagnostic delay is common. The majority of our patients required systemic therapy; anti-TNFα was reserved for severe cases and has largely superseded the use of thalidomide.
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Project description:Ambient air pollution is a growing public health concern in major African cities, including Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), where little information is available on fine particulate matter (PM2.5, with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm) pollution. This paper aims to characterize annual PM2.5, including bulk composition and seasonal patterns, in Addis Ababa. We collected 24-h PM2.5 samples in the central city every 6 days from November 2015 to November 2016. The mean (±SD) daily PM2.5 concentration was 53.8 (±25.0) µg/m3, with 90% of sampled days exceeding the World Health Organization's guidelines. Principal components were organic matter (OM, 44.5%), elemental carbon (EC, 25.4%), soil dust (13.5%), and SNA (sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium ions, 8.2%). Higher PM2.5 concentrations were observed during the heavy rain season, while crustal dust concentrations ranged from 2.9 to 37.6%, with higher levels during dry months. Meteorological variables, vehicle emissions, biomass fuels, unpaved roads, and construction activity contribute to poor air quality. Compared to the Air Quality Index (AQI), 31% and 36% of observed days were unhealthy for everyone and unhealthy for sensitive groups, respectively. We recommend adopting effective prevention strategies and pursuing research on vehicle emissions, biomass burning, and dust control to curb air pollution in the city.
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Project description:BackgroundInterprofessional learning is an important approach to preparing residents for collaborative practice. Limited knowledge and readiness of residents for interprofessional learning is considered one of the barriers and challenges for applying Interprofessional learning. We aimed to assess the perceptions of readiness of medical residents for interprofessional learning in Ethiopia.MethodsWe conducted a parallel mixed-methods study design to assess the perceptions of readiness for interprofessional learning among internal medicine and neurology residents of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Teaching Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from May 1 to June 30, 2021. One hundred one residents were included in the quantitative arm of the study, using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) tool. All internal medicine and neurology residents who consented and were available during the study period were included. SPSS/PC version 25 software packages for statistical analysis (SPSS) was used for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were summarized as mean and standard deviation for continuous data as well as frequencies and percentages to describe categorical variables. Data were presented in tables. In addition, qualitative interviews were undertaken with six residents to further explore residents' knowledge and readiness for IPL. Data were analyzed using a six-step thematic analysis.ResultsOf the 101 residents surveyed, the majority of the study participants were male (74.3%). The total mean score of RIPLS was 96.7 ± 8.9. The teamwork and collaboration plus patient-centeredness sub-category of RIPLS got a higher score (total mean score: 59.3 ± 6.6 and 23.5 ± 2.5 respectively), whereas the professional identity sub-category got the lowest score (total mean score: 13.8 ± 4.7). Medical residents' perceptions of readiness for interprofessional learning did not appear to be significantly influenced by their gender, age, year of professional experience before the postgraduate study, and department. Additionally, the qualitative interviews also revealed that interprofessional learning is generally understood as a relevant platform of learning by neurology and internal medicine residents.ConclusionsWe found high scores on RIPLS for internal medicine and neurology postgraduate residents, and interprofessional learning is generally accepted as an appropriate platform for learning by the participants, which both suggest readiness for interprofessional learning. This may facilitate the implementation of interprofessional learning in the postgraduate medical curriculum in our setting. We recommend medical education developers in Ethiopia consider incorporating interprofessional learning models into future curriculum design.
| S-EPMC10811800 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Objective To describe the demographic, clinical, laboratory and imaging features of the first 300 SARS-CoV-2-infected children presenting to a tertiary paediatric centre in Portugal. Design Single-centre, retrospective, descriptive study of paediatric patients who had a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from 7 March to 20 September 2020. Setting Tertiary paediatric referral centre (Hospital Dona Estefânia, Lisbon, Portugal). Patients 18 years or younger. Main outcome measures Incidence, mortality, age of infection, clinical characteristics, treatment prescribed and outcome. Results Three hundred patients with confirmed COVID-19 presented to the centre. One hundred and seventeen (39%) patients were admitted to the hospital: 69 with COVID-19 and 48 for other reasons. The most common symptoms in children admitted with COVID-19 were fever (49) and cough (38). Six patients required intensive care. Two children died and seven reported short-term sequelae. Conclusions COVID-19 is usually a mild disease in children, but a small proportion of patients develop severe and critical disease. Fatal outcomes were rare and only occurred in children with severe previous medical conditions.
| S-EPMC9240441 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa is becoming an important challenge for health services due to rising numbers of patients. In Addis Ababa with around 3.5 million inhabitants, more than 2000 cases are diagnosed annually. In this retrospective population-based cohort study we assessed completeness of and waiting time for cancer-therapy among patients registered in the Addis Ababa City Cancer Registry (AACCR), Ethiopia. Patient hospital files were retrieved to complete the data from AACCR. A total of 588 files were found (51% of those diagnosed from January to March 2012 and 2014). We analyzed completeness and waiting time of chemotherapy and radiotherapy; with completeness defined as ≥85% therapy received according to local guidelines. Analysis was done for the five most common cancer-types commonly treated with chemotherapy (breast, colorectal, non-Hodgkin`s lymphoma, lung and ovarian) and the four most common cancer-types commonly treated with radiotherapy (breast, cervical, head and neck and rectal). In our study, half of the patients (54.1%) received adequately dosed chemotherapy and 24.5% of patients received adequately dosed radiotherapy. The median waiting time was 2.1 months (Range: 0 to 20.72) for chemotherapy and 7 months (Range: 0.17 to 21.8) for radiotherapy. This study underscores the need for health system measures to improve cancer-directed therapy in Ethiopia, especially concerning radiotherapy.
| S-EPMC6752935 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Paediatric palliative care (PPC) endeavours to alleviate the suffering and improve the quality of life of children with serious illnesses and their families. In the past two decades since WHO defined PPC and called for its inclusion in paediatric oncology care, rigorous investigation has provided important insights. For example, the first decade of research focused on end-of-life experiences of the child and the family, underscoring the high prevalence of symptom burden, the barriers to parent-provider concordance with regards to prognosis, as well as the need for bereavement supports. The second decade expanded PPC oncology investigation to include the entire cancer continuum and the voices of patients. Other studies identified the need for support of parents, siblings, and racial and ethnic minority groups. Promising interventions designed to improve outcomes were tested in randomised clinical trials. Future research will build on these findings and pose novel questions about how to continue to reduce the burdens of paediatric cancer.
| S-EPMC5764167 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in unprecedented morbidity, mortality, and health system crisis leading to a significant psychological destress on healthcare workers (HCWs). The study aimed to determine the prevalence of symptoms of common mental disorders among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic at St. Paul's Hospital, Ethiopia.MethodsA self-administered cross-sectional study was conducted to collect socio-demographic information and symptoms of mental disorders using validated measurement tools. Accordingly, PHQ-9, GAD-7, ISI, and IES-R were used to assess the presence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress, respectively. Chi-square test, non-parametric, and logistic regression analysis were used to detect risk factors for common mental disorders.ResultsA total of 420 healthcare workers participated in the survey. The prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and psychological distress was 20.2%, 21.9%, 12.4%, and 15.5% respectively. Frontline HCWs had higher scores of mental health symptoms than non-frontline healthcare workers. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that being married was associated with a high level of depression. Furthermore, working in a frontline position was an independent risk factor associated with a high-level of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress.LimitationsIt is a single-center cross-sectional study and the findings may not be nationally representative or reveal causality.ConclusionsA significant proportion of healthcare workers are suffering from symptoms of mental disorders. Frontline HCWs were at a greater risk of severe symptoms. Therefore, psychological interventions should be implemented to support health professionals, especially frontline workers.
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Project description:BackgroundThe health sectors success has been determined by consistent and reasonably priced health commodities supply. Despite possible death from the disease, Tuberculosis (TB) can be prevented with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for which enough, effective, and qualified medicines need to be available. However, studies revealed stock of anti-TB drugs in health facilities. Here we present the recent finding on determinants of stock out of Anti-TB drug at public health facilities of Addis Ababa.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify determinants of stock outs of first line anti TB drugs at public health facilities under Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau.MethodMixed study design were employed. A total of 106 facilities were included in the sampling frame and data were collected from the study population such as drug store managers of health facilities providing TB treatment using semi structured questionnaire and through in-depth interview with Addis Ababa hubs of the Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Supply Agency (EPSA), Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau and selected heads of pharmacy departments of health facilities from May 1-30, 2020 considering one year back retrospective data from March 20,2019 to March 20,2020. Structured record review of data from Logistics Management Information System (LMIS) tools having TB drugs was done using structured observation checklist. Data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS Version 20. Both descriptive and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed.Result52(62.7%) of health facilities encountered stock out for at least one of these drugs during the past 1 year. Rifampicin 75 mg + Isoniazid 50 mg (RH 75/50 mg) were most stocked out first line anti-TB drug from 33(39.8%) of facilities with 17 mean stocks out days while Rifampicin 75 mg + Isoniazid 50 mg + Pyrazinamide 150 mg (RHZ 75/50/150 mg) were the least first line anti-TB drug stocked out from facilities with mean 5 days of stock out. Delayed supply of anti TB drug from EPSA, delivery of reduced quantity of anti TB drugs by EPSA and stocked out of anti TB Drugs at EPSA were significant determinate factors of stock out of first line anti-TB drug from facilities with 95%CI of 10.34(2.167-49.329), 11.452(2.183-60.079) and 5.646(1.240-25.707) respectively.ConclusionAbove median of health facilities encountered stock out of first line anti-TB drug in Addis Ababa. Delayed supply of anti TB drug from EPSA, delivery of reduced quantity of anti TB drugs by EPSA and stocked out of anti TB Drugs at EPSA were significant determinate factor of stocked out of first line anti-TB drug from facilities. EPSA and other responsible bodies shall work collaboratively to improve their service and ensure availability of adequate amount of Anti TB drug in health facilities.
| S-EPMC9381400 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND:Rubella is a vaccine-preventable contagious disease causing an estimated 100,000 children to be born with congenital rubella syndrome each year globally. Studies documented that 18 rubella outbreaks were occurred each year in Ethiopia. Yeka sub-city woreda 13 public health emergency management office reported two measles suspected cases on 8 February, 2018. We investigated this outbreak to identify its etiology, describe the outbreak and implement control measures. METHODS:We described the outbreak using descriptive epidemiology. The study population was defined as students learning in the school where the outbreak occurred. Suspected rubella case was defined as student with generalized rash whereas confirmed case was suspected case tested positive for rubella IgM. Questionnaires, checklists and students record review were used to collect data. We searched for new cases in classes daily and excluded them from classes. The school environment was assessed and the outbreak was described in person and time. RESULTS:We identified 58 cases (median age: 4.6 years; IQR: 4-5 years) with six of them rubella IgM positive and 52 epidemiologically linked. The outbreak began on 8 February 2018 having multiple intermittent peaks during its course reaching its highest peak at 2 April, 2018 and ended on 20 April, 2018. Index cases were reported from two classes; however, cases were occurred in 13/15(86.67%) of the classes during the entire outbreak. Fifty five percent (32/58) and 45/58(77.59%) of the cases were females and 3-5 years children, respectively. Overall attack rate was 58/531(4.05%). Attack rate was higher in females 32/252 (12.7%) than in males 26/279 (9.32%), and higher 45/275(16.36%) in 3-5 years than those in 5-8 years 13/256(5.08%) children. Case fatality ratio was zero. All cases were vaccinated against measles but unvaccinated against rubella. CONCLUSIONS:Attack rate was higher in females than in males and higher in 3-5 years than 5-8 years children. We recommended establishing rubella surveillance system, conducting sero-prevalence of rubella among child bearing age females and establishing CRS surveillance among young infants to provide evidence-based information for RCV introduction. It was also recommended to develop a national rubella surveillance guideline which aid to exclude rubella cases from schools during outbreak.
| S-EPMC6423871 | biostudies-other