scholarly journals Measuring endemicity and burden of leprosy across countries and regions: A systematic review and Delphi survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. e0009769
Author(s):  
Dorcas O. Ogunsumi ◽  
Vivek Lal ◽  
Karl Philipp Puchner ◽  
Wim van Brakel ◽  
Eva-Maria Schwienhorst-Stich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Program Planning ◽  
National Level ◽  
Delphi Survey ◽  
Case Detection ◽  
Scoring Methods ◽  
Program Planning And Evaluation ◽  
Case Detection Rate ◽  
Multiple Indicators ◽  
Uniform Approach

Background Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, the annual new case detection in 2019 was 202,189 globally. Measuring endemicity levels and burden in leprosy lacks a uniform approach. As a result, the assessment of leprosy endemicity or burden are not comparable over time and across countries and regions. This can make program planning and evaluation difficult. This study aims to identify relevant metrics and methods for measuring and classifying leprosy endemicity and burden at (sub)national level. Methods We used a mixed-method approach combining findings from a systematic literature review and a Delphi survey. The literature search was conducted in seven databases, searching for endemicity, burden and leprosy. We reviewed the available evidence on the usage of indicators, classification levels, and scoring methods to measure and classify endemicity and burden. A two round Delphi survey was conducted to ask experts to rank and weigh indicators, classification levels, and scoring methods. Results The literature review showed variation of indicators, levels, and cut-off values to measure leprosy endemicity and/or burden. The most used indicators for endemicity include new case detection rate (NCDR), new cases among children and new cases with grade 2 disability. For burden these include NCDR, MB cases, and prevalence. The classification levels ‘high’ and ‘low’ were most important. It was considered most relevant to use separate scoring methods for endemicity and burden. The scores would be derived by use of multiple indicators. Conclusion There is great variation in the existing method for measuring endemicity and burden across countries and regions. Our findings contribute to establishing a standardized uniform approach to measure and classify leprosy endemicity and burden at (sub)national level, which would allow effective communication and planning of intervention strategies.

scholarly journals Developing a Minimum Dataset for a Mobile-based Contact Tracing System for the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol In Press (In Press) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostafa Shanbehzadeh ◽  
Hadi Kazemi-Arpanahi
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
National Level ◽  
Delphi Survey ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Scientific Databases ◽  
Health Response ◽  
Data Elements ◽  
Minimum Dataset

Context: Contact tracing is a cornerstone community-based measure for augmenting public health response preparedness to epidemic diseases such as the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there is no an agreed data collection tool for the unified reporting of COVID-19 contact tracing efforts at the national level. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to determine the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Minimal Dataset (COV-CT-MDS) as a prerequisite to develop a mobile-based contact racing system for the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This study was carried out in 2020 by a combination of literature review coupled with a two-round Delphi survey. First, the probable data elements were identified using an extensive literature review in scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Science Direct, and Web of Science (WOS). Then, the core data elements were validated using a two-round Delphi survey. Results: Out of 388 articles, 24 were eligible to be included in the study. By the full-text study of the included articles and after the Delphi survey, the designed COV-CT-MDS was categorized into two clinical and administrative data sections, nine data classes, and 81 data fields. Conclusions: COV-CT-MDS is an efficient and valid tool that could provide a basis for collecting comprehensive and standardized data on COVID-19 contact tracing. It could also provide scientific teamwork for health care authorities, which may lead to the enhanced quality of documentation, research, and surveillance outcomes.

An approach to estimating tuberculosis incidence and case detection rate from routine notification data

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 288-294 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. K. Avilov ◽  
A. A. Romanyukha ◽  
S. E. Borisov ◽  
E. M. Belilovsky ◽  
O. B. Nechaeva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Detection Rate ◽  
Case Detection ◽  
Case Detection Rate ◽  
Tuberculosis Incidence ◽  
Notification Data

scholarly journals An Evaluation of Childhood Tuberculosis Program in Chegutu District, Zimbabwe, 2020: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Memory Chimsimbe ◽  
Pride Mucheto ◽  
Tsitsi Patience Juru ◽  
Addmore Chadambuka ◽  
Emmanuel Govha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Detection Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Childhood Tuberculosis ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Case Detection ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Case Detection Rate ◽  
Childhood Tb

Abstract Background Childhood tuberculosis (TB) is a major global public health concern contributing to significant child morbidity and mortality. A records review of the TB notification for Chegutu District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2) showed a low childhood TB case detection rate. For 2018 and 2019, childhood TB notifications were 4% and 7% respectively against the national 12% case detection rate. We evaluated the performance of the childhood TB program in Chegutu. Methods We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study. Sixty-six health workers (HW) participated in the study. Interviewer-administered questionnaires and checklists were used to collect data on reasons for low TB case detection, HW childhood TB knowledge, program inputs, processes and outputs. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis was used to assess the childhood TB processes. We analyzed the data using Epi Info 7TM to generate frequencies, proportions and means. A Likert scale was used to assess health worker knowledge. Results The majority 51/66(77%) of HW were nurses and 51/66(67%) of respondents were females. Reasons for the low childhood TB case detection were lack of HW confidence in collecting gastric aspirates 55/66(83%) and HW’s negative attitudes towards gastric aspirate collection 23/66(35%). HW 24/66 (37%) had a fair childhood TB notification knowledge. The district had only one functional X-ray machine for 34 health facilities. Only 6/18 motorcycles were functional with inadequate fuel supply. No desk guide for the management of TB in children for HW (2018) was available in 34 health facilities. Ethambutol 400mg was out of stock and adult 800mg tablets were used. Funds allocated for motor vehicle and motorcycles service ($1612USD/year) were inadequate. The district failed to perform planned quarterly TB review meetings, contact tracing and childhood TB training due to funding and COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Conclusion The childhood TB program failed to meet its targets due to inadequate inputs and suboptimal HW childhood TB knowledge. Case detection and notification can be improved through on-job training, mentorship, support and supervision and adequate resources.

scholarly journals Forecasting the new case detection rate of leprosy in four states of Brazil: A comparison of modelling approaches

Epidemics ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 92-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Blok ◽  
Ronald E. Crump ◽  
Ram Sundaresh ◽  
Martial Ndeffo-Mbah ◽  
Alison P. Galvani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Detection Rate ◽  
Case Detection ◽  
Case Detection Rate ◽  
Modelling Approaches

scholarly journals Spatial patterns of leprosy in a hyperendemic state in Northern Brazil, 2001-2012

2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorena Dias Monteiro ◽  
Francisco Rogerlândio Martins-Melo ◽  
Aline Lima Brito ◽  
Carlos Henrique Alencar ◽  
Jorg Heukelbach
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Spatial Patterns ◽  
Detection Rate ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Late Diagnosis ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Case Detection ◽  
Detection Rates ◽  
Case Detection Rate ◽  
Brazilian State

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To describe the spatial patterns of leprosy in the Brazilian state of Tocantins. METHODS This study was based on morbidity data obtained from the Sistema de Informações de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN – Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System), of the Ministry of Health. All new leprosy cases in individuals residing in the state of Tocantins, between 2001 and 2012, were included. In addition to the description of general disease indicators, a descriptive spatial analysis, empirical Bayesian analysis and spatial dependence analysis were performed by means of global and local Moran’s indexes. RESULTS A total of 14,542 new cases were recorded during the period under study. Based on the annual case detection rate, 77.0% of the municipalities were classified as hyperendemic (> 40 cases/100,000 inhabitants). Regarding the annual case detection rate in < 15 years-olds, 65.4% of the municipalities were hyperendemic (10.0 to 19.9 cases/100,000 inhabitants); 26.6% had a detection rate of grade 2 disability cases between 5.0 and 9.9 cases/100,000 inhabitants. There was a geographical overlap of clusters of municipalities with high detection rates in hyperendemic areas. Clusters with high disease risk (global Moran’s index: 0.51; p < 0.001), ongoing transmission (0.47; p < 0.001) and late diagnosis (0.44; p < 0.001) were identified mainly in the central-north and southwestern regions of Tocantins. CONCLUSIONS We identified high-risk clusters for transmission and late diagnosis of leprosy in the Brazilian state of Tocantins. Surveillance and control measures should be prioritized in these high-risk municipalities.

THE EVOLUTION OF STUDIES ON BUSINESS LOCATION FACTORS

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (04) ◽  
pp. 1550023 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHARISIA VLACHOU ◽  
OLGA IAKOVIDOU
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
National Level ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Location Factors ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Quantitative Survey ◽  
Business Location ◽  
National Institutions

Entrepreneurship has been widely considered as the power that drives development and well-being in the regions it affects. As a result, local, regional and national institutions, as well as researches in different disciplines, have focused on finding and researching the factors leading to the installation of business on a certain location. Therefore, it seems well-timed to present a quantitative survey of the literature review of this field. The scope of this article is to present past and present research studies related to the business location factors (BLF) identifying the most important sub-topics, contributors and their geographical distribution, major outlets, main empirical methodologies employed, as well as the most frequently studied countries. The presentation and documentation of the existing literature review could be a valuable tool for policy makers in the regional and national level, as well as for active entrepreneurs and researchers engaged in relevant academic disciples. Policy makers could take advantage of the BLF to attract investments in regions seeking development while active entrepreneurs could realize the important role played by the factors affecting the location of their business in a specific place and researchers could trace and fill in potential research voids on this subject.

Development of a Comprehensive Quality-of-Life Measure for Facial and Torso Acne

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 304-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea McLellan ◽  
Marc P. Frey ◽  
Diane Thiboutot ◽  
Alison Layton ◽  
Mary-Margaret Chren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Skin Disorder ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Delphi Survey ◽  
Psychometric Validation ◽  
Cognitive Interviews ◽  
Life Measure ◽  
Chronic Skin

Background Acne is a chronic skin disorder which generally presents in adolescence but continues into adulthood, and negatively affects both physical and psychosocial well-being. Presently, there are no validated acne-specific quality-of-life (QoL) measures that include dimensions for both facial and torso acne. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a QoL instrument for both facial and torso acne (CompAQ) in accordance with recommended standards. Methods: A literature review and Delphi survey of patients and clinicians were used to develop the conceptual framework for outcomes perceived important to acne patients. An initial version of the measure was developed, CompAQ-v1, and pilot tested with patients via cognitive interviews. Results: The Delphi survey generated 4 domains (physical, psychological, sociological, and treatment) and 54 items. These, along with a literature review and input from clinical experts, informed the development of the CompAQ-v1. Eleven cognitive interviews were conducted, resulting in the second version of the measure, CompAQ-v2. Psychometric validation resulted in the final 20-item CompAQ measure comprising 5 domains. An abbreviated 5-item measure was also developed (CompAQ-SF). Conclusion: CompAQ and CompAQ-SF are instruments intended to evaluate QoL in patients with acne on their face or torso. The former is a 21-item QoL intended for research, while the latter is intended for clinical practice.

scholarly journals Development of generic core competences of health professionals in rheumatology: a systematic literature review informing the 2019 EULAR recommendations

RMD Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. e001028
Author(s):  
George E Fragoulis ◽  
Lisa Edelaar ◽  
Theodora P M Vliet Vlieland ◽  
Annamaria Iagnocco ◽  
Valentin Sebastian Schäfer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
National Level ◽  
Basic Knowledge ◽  
Eular Recommendations ◽  
Core Competences ◽  
Generic Competences

ObjectiveTo identify generic competences on the desired knowledge, skills and of health professionals in rheumatology (HPRs) to inform the respective EULAR recommendations.MethodsA systematic literature review was performed on the generic core competences (defined as knowledge, skills or attitudes) of HPRs (nurses, physical therapists (PTs) or occupational therapists (OTs)). Literature was obtained from electronic databases, published EULAR recommendations and via personal communication with representatives of national rheumatology societies and experts in the field. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies were included, and their methodological quality was scored using appropriate instruments.ResultsFrom 766 references reviewed, 79 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty studies addressed competences of multiple HPRs: 15 were of qualitative design, 1 quantitative, 1 mixed-methods, 2 systematic reviews and 1 opinion paper. The methodological quality of most studies was medium to high. Five studies concerned the development of a comprehensive set of competences. Key competences included: basic knowledge of rheumatic diseases, holistic approach to patient management, effective communication with colleagues and patients and provision of education to patients. The proposed competences were confirmed in studies focusing on one or more specific competences, on a rheumatic disease or on a specific profession (nurses, PTs or OTs).ConclusionGeneric competences were identified for HPRs. Data were mostly derived from qualitative studies. All identified studies varied and were at national level, highlighting the need for the harmonisation of HPR competences across Europe. These findings underpin the development of EULAR recommendations for the core competences of HPRs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document