Knowledge, attitude, perception, and preventative practices towards COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review

Background Knowledge, attitudes, perception, and preventative practices regarding coronavirus- 2019 (COVID-19) are crucial in its prevention and control. Several studies have noted that the majority of people in sub-Saharan African are noncompliant with proposed health and safety measures recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and respective country health departments. In most sub-Saharan African countries, noncompliance is attributable to ignorance and misinformation, thereby raising questions about people’s knowledge, attitudes, perception, and practices towards COVID-19 in these settings. This situation is particularly of concern for governments and public health experts. Thus, this scoping review is aimed at mapping evidence on the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and preventive practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods Systematic searches of relevant articles were performed using databases such as the EBSCOhost, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, the WHO library and grey literature. Arksey and O’Malley’s framework guided the study. The risk of bias for included primary studies was assessed using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). NVIVO version 10 was used to analyse the data and a thematic content analysis was used to present the review’s narrative account. Results A total of 3037 eligible studies were identified after the database search. Only 28 studies met the inclusion criteria after full article screening and were included for data extraction. Studies included populations from the following SSA countries: Ethiopia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Sierra Leone. All the included studies showed evidence of knowledge related to COVID-19. Eleven studies showed that participants had a positive attitude towards COVID-19, and fifteen studies showed that participants had good practices towards COVID-19. Conclusions Most of the participants had adequate knowledge related to COVID-19. Despite adequate knowledge, the attitude was not always positive, thereby necessitating further education to convey the importance of forming a positive attitude and continuous preventive practice towards reducing contraction and transmission of COVID‐19.

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Unintended Pregnancies Among HIV Positive Women In Sub Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review Protocol

10.21203/rs.3.rs-970739/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Oguntade Racheal Tomilola ◽

Ojewole Elizabeth Bolanle ◽

Ogunrombi Modupe Olufunmi

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Well Being ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

World Health ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Hiv Positive ◽

Unintended Pregnancies ◽

Hiv Positive Women ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: Unintended pregnancies pose a severe threat to the well-being of HIV-positive women and their unborn children. Factors contributing to the high incidence of unintended pregnancies include contraceptive failure, low uptake of contraceptives, and misuse of contraceptives. Despite various contraceptive options, an increased incidence of unintended pregnancies is rampant among HIV-positive women in the region of sub-Saharan Africa. This study seeks to present evidence of unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, including those using contraceptives.Method: This study entails a scoping review to survey and interrogate the literature to provide evidence for the incidence of unintended pregnancies among HIV-positive women in sub-Saharan Africa. A proposed framework by Arksey and O'Malley will guide this scoping review. Peer-reviewed articles which address the research questions will constitute the main search. Electronic databases such as EBSCOhost, Cochrane Library, World of Science, World Health Organization (WHO) library databases, Science Direct, Google Scholar PubMed, and grey literature search will be involved. References list from studies included will also be searched. The investigation of articles will be done employing keywords from the studies included. The inclusion and exclusion criteria will guide two separate reviewers with the screening of abstracts and full papers. To summarize the findings from this review, thematic content analysis will be done using NVivo version 11.Discussion: We expect that this review will add to the current body of knowledge on the incidence of unintended pregnancies among HIV-positive women, identify gaps for further future research, and show evidence that may contribute to strengthening the health system's regulations, guidelines, and policies that may help prevent unintended pregnancies among HIV positive women. Registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/EY3R5

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Knowledge, Attitude, Perception and Preventive Practice Towards Novel Coronavirus 2019 in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review Protocol

10.21203/rs.3.rs-104159/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ugochinyere Ijeoma Nwagbara ◽

Emmanuella Chinonso Osuala ◽

Rumbidzai Chireshe ◽

Obasanjo Afolabi Bolarinwa

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Keyword Search ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

World Health ◽

Future Research ◽

Review Protocol ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background: Recent statistics and studies have shown the adverse effects of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) on population health and how knowledge, attitude, perception and practice (KAP) towards the virus can be the main key to limiting its spread in the absence of a vaccine. Thus, this study aims at mapping evidence on the KAP towards COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using scoping review.Methods: The study will employ a systematic scoping review to identify, describe, and map literature on the KAP towards COVID-19 in SSA. The primary search will include peer-reviewed and grey literature. The search will be performed using the EBSCOhost platform and a keyword search from the following electronic databases will be conducted: PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Science Direct, World Health Organization (WHO) library, and grey literature. The study selection will be guided by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A data charting table will be used to extract information from the included studies. Data will be analysed using NVIVO version 10 and a thematic content analysis will be used to present narrative account of the review.Discussion: We anticipate finding relevant literature on the KAP towards COVID-19 in SSA. The results of this study will help reveal research gaps in KAP towards COVID-19 and this will guide future research and highlight the new concepts discovered. Systematic review protocol registration: Open Science Framework https://osf.io/sdm46/.

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Intersectional stigma and its impact on HIV prevention and care among MSM and WSW in sub-Saharan African countries: a protocol for a scoping review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047280 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. e047280

Author(s):

Gamji M’Rabiu Abubakari ◽

Debbie Dada ◽

Jemal Nur ◽

DeAnne Turner ◽

Amma Otchere ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Prevention ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Well Being ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

African Countries ◽

Scoping Reviews ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Meta Analyses

IntroductionResearch has established that various forms of stigma (HIV stigma, gender non-conforming stigma and same-gender sex stigma) exist across Sub-Saharan Africa and have consequences for the utilisation of HIV prevention and care services. Stigmas are typically investigated in HIV literature individually or through investigating individual populations and the various stigmas they may face. The concept of intersectionality highlights the interconnected nature of social categorisations and their ability to create interdependent systems of discrimination based on gender, race, sexuality and so on. Drawing from perspectives on intersectionality, intersectional stigma denotes the convergence of multiple marginalised identities within an individual or a group, the experiences of stigma associated with these identities as well as the synergistic impact of these experiences on health and well-being. With respect to HIV, public health scholars can examine the impacts of intersectional stigmas on HIV prevention and care utilisation.Methods and analysisReviewers will search systematically through MEDLINE, Global Health, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection and Africa Index Medicus and citations for quantitative studies, qualitative studies and grey literature that include data on stigma and HIV among men who have sex with men and women who have sex with women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Eligible studies will include primary or secondary data on stigma related to HIV risk factors experienced by this population. Studies will be written in French or English and be published between January 1991 and November 2020. All screening and data extraction will be performed in duplicate, and if discrepancies arise, they will be settled by GM’RA, LEN, DD or AO. Findings from this study will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required as there will be no human participants and no protected data will be used in this study. We will disseminate findings through peer-reviewed manuscripts, conferences and webinars.

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Urban health nexus with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) preparedness and response in Africa: Rapid scoping review of the early evidence

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/2050312121994360 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212199436

Author(s):

Robert Kaba Alhassan ◽

Jerry John Nutor ◽

Aaron Asibi Abuosi ◽

Agani Afaya ◽

Solomon Salia Mohammed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Urban Health ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Spillover Effects ◽

Health Systems Strengthening ◽

World Health ◽

African Countries ◽

Response Strategies ◽

Early Evidence

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 also called coronavirus disease 2019 was first reported in the African continent on 14 February 2020 in Egypt. As at 18 December 2020, the continent reported 2,449,754 confirmed cases, 57,817 deaths and 2,073,214 recoveries. Urban cities in Africa have particularly suffered the brunt of coronavirus disease 2019 coupled with criticisms that the response strategies have largely been a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. This article reviewed early evidence on urban health nexus with coronavirus disease 2019 preparedness and response in Africa. Methods: A rapid scoping review of empirical and grey literature was done using data sources such as ScienceDirect, GoogleScholar, PubMed, HINARI and official websites of World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. A total of 26 full articles (empirical studies, reviews and commentaries) were synthesised and analysed qualitatively based on predefined inclusion criteria on publication relevance and quality. Results: Over 70% of the 26 articles reported on coronavirus disease 2019 response strategies across Africa; 27% of the articles reported on preparedness towards coronavirus disease 2019, while 38% reported on urbanisation nexus with coronavirus disease 2019; 40% of the publications were full-text empirical studies, while the remaining 60% were either commentaries, reviews or editorials. It was found that urban cities remain epicentres of coronavirus disease 2019 in Africa. Even though some successes have been recorded in Africa regarding coronavirus disease 2019 fight, the continent’s response strategies were largely found to be a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Consequently, adoption of ‘Western elitist’ mitigating measures for coronavirus disease 2019 containment resulted in excesses and spillover effects on individuals, families and economies in Africa. Conclusion: Africa needs to increase commitment to health systems strengthening through context-specific interventions and prioritisation of pandemic preparedness over response. Likewise, improved economic resilience and proper urban planning will help African countries to respond better to future public health emergencies, as coronavirus disease 2019 cases continue to surge on the continent.

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Individual, community and societal correlates of insecticide treated net use among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa: a multi-level analysis

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11635-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Edward Kwabena Ameyaw

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

World Health ◽

Health Concern ◽

Maternal And Newborn Health ◽

African Countries ◽

The World ◽

Itn Use ◽

Multi Level ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Malaria in pregnancy is a crucial public health concern due to the enormous risk it poses to maternal and newborn health. The World Health Organisation therefore recommends insecticide-treated net (ITN) for pregnant women. The world over, sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest prevalence of malaria and its associated complications. This study investigated the individual, community and society level factors associated with ITN use among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods The study was conducted with Demographic and Health Survey data of 21 sub-Saharan African countries. A total of 17,731 pregnant women who possessed ITN participated in the study. Descriptive computation of ITN use by survey country and socio-demographic characteristics was conducted. Further, five multi-level binary logistic regression models were fitted with MLwiN 3.05 package in STATA. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation procedure was used in estimating the parameters whilst the Bayesian Deviance Information Criterion was used for the model fitness test. Results On average, 74.2% pregnant women in SSA used ITN. The highest prevalence of ITN use occurred in Mali (83.7%) whilst the least usage occurred in Namibia (7%). Women aged 30–34 were more likely to use ITN compared with those aged 45–49 [aOR = 1.14; Crl = 1.07–1.50]. Poorest women were less probable to use ITN relative to richest women [aOR = 0.79; Crl = 0.70–0.89]. Compared to women who did not want their pregnancies at all, women who wanted their pregnancies [aOR = 1.06; Crl = 1.04–1.19] were more probable to use ITN. Women in male-headed households had higher likelihood of ITN use compared to those from female-headed households [aOR = 1.28; Crl = 1.19–1.39]. On the whole, 38.1% variation in ITN use was attributable to societal level factors whilst 20.9% variation was attributable to community level factors. Conclusion The study has revealed that in addition to individual level factors, community and society level factors affect ITN use in SSA. In as much as the study points towards the need to incorporate community and societal variations in ITN interventions, active involvement of men can yield better outcome for ITN utilisation interventions in SSA.

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A Systematic Review of the Incremental Costs of Implementing a New Vaccine in the Expanded Program of Immunization in Sub-Saharan Africa

MDM Policy & Practice ◽

10.1177/2381468319894546 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

pp. 238146831989454

Author(s):

Joe Brew ◽

Christophe Sauboin

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Data Collection ◽

Interquartile Range ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

World Health ◽

African Countries ◽

Vaccine Type ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Health Organization ◽

The Cost

Background. The World Health Organization is planning a pilot introduction of a new malaria vaccine in three sub-Saharan African countries. To inform considerations about including a new vaccine in the vaccination program of those and other countries, estimates from the scientific literature of the incremental costs of doing so are important. Methods. A systematic review of scientific studies reporting the costs of recent vaccine programs in sub-Saharan countries was performed. The focus was to obtain from each study an estimate of the cost per dose of vaccine administered excluding the acquisition cost of the vaccine and wastage. Studies published between 2000 and 2018 and indexed on PubMed could be included and results were standardized to 2015 US dollars (US$). Results. After successive screening of 2119 titles, and 941 abstracts, 58 studies with 80 data points (combinations of country, vaccine type, and vaccination approach–routine v. campaign) were retained. Most studies used the so-called ingredients approach as costing method combining field data collection with documented unit prices per cost item. The categorization of cost items and the extent of detailed reporting varied widely. Across the studies, the mean and median cost per dose administered was US$1.68 and US$0.88 with an interquartile range of US$0.54 to US$2.31. Routine vaccination was more costly than campaigns, with mean cost per dose of US$1.99 and US$0.88, respectively. Conclusion. Across the studies, there was huge variation in the cost per dose delivered, between and within countries, even in studies using consistent data collection tools and analysis methods, and including many health facilities. For planning purposes, the interquartile range of US$0.54 to US$2.31 may be a sufficiently precise estimate.

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Mapping evidence on the distribution of paediatric cancers in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-019-1184-4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sehlisiwe R. Ndlovu ◽

Desmond Kuupiel ◽

Themba G. Ginindza

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Low Income ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

World Health ◽

Low Income Countries ◽

Future Research ◽

International Agency ◽

Healthcare Needs ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Paediatric cancers account for a minor fraction of deaths and hence receive little attention from policymakers. In low-income countries, the absence of comprehensive national paediatric strategies results in a lack of access for a majority of children with cancer. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the burden of childhood cancers is underestimated due to a lack of paediatric cancer registries, poor health care systems and competing healthcare needs. The objective of this study is to map evidence on the distribution of paediatric cancers in the SSA region. Method A scoping review will be conducted to map literature on the distribution of paediatric cancers in SSA. An electronic literature search will be conducted from the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost (CINAHL and Health Source) and World Health Organization (WHO)/International Agency for Research in Cancer (IARC) (GLOBOCAN databases). We will also search the reference lists of included studies to source relevant literature. A pilot search was conducted to determine the feasibility of the study. Study selection will be guided by the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After charting the data, a descriptive overview of the studies will be presented in a narrative format. An account of the study characteristics will be described in this narrative. The analysis will be mainly based on mapping the country-specific outcomes emerging from the studies, and a numerical summary of these outcomes will be conducted. Tables, maps and charts will be produced and presented in the result section. Discussion This review study will identify existing research gaps for future research to influence policy implementation and to improve the availability of diagnosis and treatment of paediatric cancers in SSA.

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What sub-Saharan African countries can learn from malaria elimination in China

Tropical Medicine and Health ◽

10.1186/s41182-021-00379-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 49 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abubakar Olaitan Badmos ◽

Aishat Jumoke Alaran ◽

Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi ◽

Oumnia Bouaddi ◽

Zainab Onibon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Significant Proportion ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

World Health ◽

Western Pacific Region ◽

African Region ◽

African Countries ◽

African Context ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Health Organization ◽

Global Reduction

AbstractMalaria is one of the most devastating diseases plaguing the sub-Saharan African region since time immemorial. In spite of a global reduction in mortality rates, a significant proportion of deaths due to malaria is still accounted for in the region. China recently joined the 40 countries declared malaria free by the World Health Organization and became the first country in the WHO Western Pacific Region to be awarded the certification. We commented on the strategies employed by China to eliminate malaria, address challenges facing malaria control in sub-Saharan Africa, and derive lessons that could be learned in the sub-Saharan African context.

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The Distribution of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Nurses in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review Protocol

10.21203/rs.3.rs-50166/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Kagiso Kgakge ◽

Mbuzeleni Hlongwa ◽

Themba Ginindza

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Mortality Risk ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

World Health ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Health Organization

Abstract Background Globally, work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) have emerged as a major occupational public health concern among healthcare workers (HCW), in particular the nurses who are at the forefront of the healthcare delivery system. The 2016 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data for non-communicable diseases reports that Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALYs) for musculoskeletal conditions increased by 61.6% between 1990 and 2016, with an increase of 19.6% between 2006 and 2016. Furthermore, World Health Organization (WHO, 2018), states that the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the Decade of Healthy Ageing (DHA) 2020–2030 offer a timely and favorable opportunity for increased global attention and action on musculoskeletal health both at national and global level because the burden of disease profiles are shifting from communicable conditions to predominantly long-term non-communicable diseases, commonly including musculoskeletal conditions. Literature indicates that musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) constitute a notable occupational problem among the nurses with low back pain (LBP) being the most prevalent with consequent occupational injuries. There is an increase in literature regarding the MSD which poses a major threat to the health of nurses, hence there is need to investigate measures that can be used to mitigate the burden of LBP among nurses. Therefore, the scoping review will map the existing evidence on prevalence, incidence, mortality, risk factors and economic costs associated with MSD among nurses in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods and analysis Scoping review will be done to explore, describe and map literature on the prevalence, incidence, mortality, risk factors, and economic costs related to MSD among nurses in SSA. The search will be done using databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, nursing academic editions and World Health Organization (WHO) library databases. The search will look for primary studies within peer-reviewed articles as well as gray literature. The list of references from included studies will also be searched. This scoping review will be reported in accordance to the MOOSE and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The NVivo 12 data analysis software will be used to generate themes, and a thematic content analysis will be used to give the narrative account of the review. Discussion At the end, this study anticipates to uncover the relevant literature in SSA in regard to prevalence, incidence, mortality, risk factors and costs related to MSD among nurses, furthermore findings from this study will help in identifying research gaps, informing policy, priority in funding and planning and to guide future research.

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Financing of surgery and anaesthesia in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051617 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (10) ◽

pp. e051617

Author(s):

Martilord Ifeanyichi ◽

Ellis Aune ◽

Mark Shrime ◽

Jakub Gajewski ◽

Chiara Pittalis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Grey Literature ◽

National Level ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Health Priorities ◽

Situational Analysis ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Anaesthesia Care

ObjectiveThis study aimed to provide an overview of current knowledge and situational analysis of financing of surgery and anaesthesia across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).SettingSurgical and anaesthesia services across all levels of care—primary, secondary and tertiary.DesignWe performed a scoping review of scientific databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Global Health and African Index Medicus), grey literature and websites of development organisations. Screening and data extraction were conducted by two independent reviewers and abstracted data were summarised using thematic narrative synthesis per the financing domains: mobilisation, pooling and purchasing.ResultsThe search resulted in 5533 unique articles among which 149 met the inclusion criteria: 132 were related to mobilisation, 17 to pooling and 5 to purchasing. Neglect of surgery in national health priorities is widespread in SSA, and no report was found on national level surgical expenditures or budgetary allocations. Financial protection mechanisms are weak or non-existent; poor patients often forego care or face financial catastrophes in seeking care, even in the context of universal public financing (free care) initiatives.ConclusionFinancing of surgical and anaesthesia care in SSA is as poor as it is underinvestigated, calling for increased national prioritisation and tracking of surgical funding. Improving availability, accessibility and affordability of surgical and anaesthesia care require comprehensive and inclusive policy formulations.

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