Comparing the effectiveness of negative-pressure barrier devices in providing air clearance to prevent aerosol transmission

Purpose To investigate the effectiveness of aerosol clearance using an aerosol box, aerosol bag, wall suction, and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter evacuator to prevent aerosol transmission. Methods The flow field was visualized using three protective device settings (an aerosol box, and an aerosol bag with and without sealed working channels) and four suction settings (no suction, wall suction, and a HEPA filter evacuator at flow rates of 415 liters per minute [LPM] and 530 LPM). All 12 subgroups were compared with a no intervention group. The primary outcome, aerosol concentration, was measured at the head, trunk, and foot of a mannequin. Results The mean aerosol concentration was reduced at the head (p < 0.001) but increased at the feet (p = 0.005) with an aerosol box compared with no intervention. Non-sealed aerosol bags increased exposure at the head and trunk (both, p < 0.001). Sealed aerosol bags reduced aerosol concentration at the head, trunk, and foot of the mannequin (p < 0.001). A sealed aerosol bag alone, with wall suction, or with a HEPA filter evacuator reduced the aerosol concentration at the head by 7.15%, 36.61%, and 84.70%, respectively (99.9% confidence interval [CI]: -4.51–18.81, 27.48–45.73, and 78.99–90.40); trunk by 70.95%, 73.99%, and 91.59%, respectively (99.9% CI: 59.83–82.07, 52.64–95.33, and 87.51–95.66); and feet by 69.16%, 75.57%, and 92.30%, respectively (99.9% CI: 63.18–75.15, 69.76–81.37, and 88.18–96.42), compared with an aerosol box alone. Conclusions As aerosols spread, an airtight container with sealed working channels is effective when combined with suction devices.

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Effect of Hope-oriented group counseling on mental health of infertile women with failed IVF cycles: a randomized controlled trial

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03280-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Roya Rahimi ◽

Shirin Hasanpour ◽

Mojgan. Mirghafourvand ◽

Khalil Esmaeilpour

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Group Counseling ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Control Group ◽

The Mean ◽

And Control

Abstract Background Considering the prevalence of infertility in the community and the consequences of failure of infertility treatments on women’s mental health, interventions that can control stress, anxiety and depression in infertile women with a history of IVF failure will be very helpful. This study aimed to determine the effects of hope-oriented group counseling on mental health (primary outcome) and quality of life (QoL) (secondary outcome) of women with failed IVF cycles. Method This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with failed IVF cycles visiting Infertility Clinic at Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital of Tabriz- Iran. Participants were allocated to the intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) based on a randomized block design. Hope-oriented group counseling was provided to the intervention group in six 45–60 min sessions (once a week). The control group only received routine care to undergo another IVF cycle. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the SF-12 Quality of Life Scale were filled out by interviewing the participants before the intervention and one week and one month after the intervention. After intervention 26 participants in each group were included in the analysis. Results There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the socio-demographic profile of participants (P > 0.05). The post-intervention mean score of stress (adjusted mean difference = − 1.7, 95% confidence interval: − 3.2 to − 0.3, P = 0.018) and depression (adjusted mean difference = − 1.3, 95% confidence interval: − 4.7 to − 1.5, P < 0.001) was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control. Although the mean anxiety score was lower in the intervention group compared to the control, the difference between them was not statistically significant (adjusted mean difference = − 1.1, 95% confidence interval: − 2.6 to 0.4, P = 0.153). The mean score of QoL was significantly higher in the intervention group than that of the control group (adjusted mean difference = 6.9, 95% confidence interval: 5.1 to 8.8, P < 0.001). Conclusion Hope-oriented group counseling was effective in reducing stress and depression and improving QoL in women with failed IVF cycles. It is recommended to use this counseling approach, along with other methods, to improve the mental health of women with failed IVF cycles. Trial registration TCT Registration Number: TCTR 20191017003, registered on October 17, 2019.

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A Novel Algorithm in the Management of Hypoglycemia in Newborns

International Journal of Pediatrics ◽

10.1155/2014/935726 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Swapna Naveen ◽

Chikati Rosy ◽

Hemasree Kandraju ◽

Deepak Sharma ◽

Tejopratap Oleti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Intravenous Fluids ◽

Standard Protocol ◽

Open Label ◽

Study Objective ◽

Protocol Group ◽

The Mean ◽

Novel Algorithm

Study Objective. To evaluate the safety of a new protocol in comparison to the standard protocol for managing hypoglycemia in neonates.Methods. Open label RCT-pilot study. Neonates admitted to NICU with hypoglycemia and requiring intravenous fluids were included. Fifty-seven eligible neonates were randomly allocated to either intervention group (starting fluids with 10% dextrose and increments of 1.5%) or standard protocol group (GIR of 6 mg/kg/min with increments of 2 mg/kg/min) till control of hypoglycemia. Primary outcome of the study was to know proportion of infants with subsequent hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia after enrolment.Results. The initial GIR (6 ± 0 mg/kg/min versus 4.8 ± 1.4 mg/kg/min,P< 0.001), the mean maximum GIR (6.7 ± 1.6 mg/kg/min versus 5.6 ± 2 mg/kg/min,P= 0.03), the maximum concentration of glucose infused (13.8 ± 2.9% versus 10.9 ± 1.9%,P< 0.001), and the total amount of glucose infused were significantly lower in the intervention group. The mean maximum blood sugar was significantly higher (129 ± 57 mg/dL versus 87 ± 30 mg/dL,P= 0.001) and there was a trend towards high proportion of infants with Hyperglycemia in the standard protocol group (n= 10, 39% versusn= 5, 16%,P= 0.07). The median difference between the highest and the lowest recorded sugar for any infant was significantly higher in the standard protocol group (median 93 mg/dL, IQR 52 to 147 mg/dL versus median 50 mg/dL, IQR 38 to 62.5 mg/dL,P= 0.03).Conclusion. A new and novel algorithm in the management of hypoglycemia in neonates is as safe as the standard protocol and requires further testing before routine implementation.

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Abstract 55: Selection and Outcomes of Multimodality Interventional Treatment for Unruptured Arteriovenous Malformations in a Single Institution

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.47.suppl_1.55 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Daisuke Maruyama ◽

Hisae Mori ◽

Tetsu Satow ◽

Hiroharu Kataoka ◽

Sei Sugata ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Arteriovenous Malformations ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Interventional Treatment ◽

Single Institution ◽

Conservative Group ◽

Brain Arteriovenous Malformations ◽

The Mean ◽

Grade Iii

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the selection and outcomes of multimodal interventional treatment for unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in A Randomised trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous malformations (ARUBA)-eligible patients in a single institution. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 94 patients with unruptured and untreated AVMs, who had modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores of 0 or 1 at our institution between 2002 and 2014. The patients were divided into an intervention group and a conservative group, and the outcomes were compared. Similar to ARUBA, we defined the primary outcome as the composite endpoint of death or symptomatic stroke. The mRS was used to assess the functional outcome. Results: Of the 94 patients, 75 were included in the intervention group and 19 were included in the conservative group. Additionally, among the 94 patients, 58, 29, and 7 patients had Spetzler-Martin grade I/II, III, and IV/V AVMs, respectively. The number of male patients and the mean age of the patients were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the conservative group (58.6% vs. 84.2%, P=0.03 and 40.8±13.9 vs. 48.4±18.4 years, P=0.04, respectively). However, no significant difference in the proportion of patients with grade I/II AVMs was noted between the groups (65.3% vs. 47.3%). In the intervention and conservative groups, the mean follow-up periods were 59.2±41.6 and 72.8±39.2 months, respectively (P=0.20), and the primary outcome occurred in 9 (12.3%) and 3 (17.6%) patients, respectively (P=0.56). The proportion of patients with a mRS score ≥2 at last follow-up was not significantly different between the two groups (6.9% vs. 11.7%). In the intervention group, the incidence of death or stroke was lower and functional outcomes were better among patients with grade I/II AVMs than among patients with grade III AVMs (4.1% vs. 20%, P=0.003 and 2.0% vs. 15.7%, P=0.04, respectively). Conclusion: The present study found that for patients with unruptured AVMs, interventional treatment is not inferior to medical treatment alone. Multimodal interventional treatment is associated with good outcomes in patients with grade I/II AVMs. However, careful selection should be considered for patients with grade III AVMs.

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Effect of cognitive behavioral therapy-based counseling on perceived stress in pregnant women with history of primary infertility: a controlled randomized clinical trial

BMC Psychiatry ◽

10.1186/s12888-021-03283-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Farideh Golshani ◽

Shirin Hasanpour ◽

Mojgan Mirghafourvand ◽

Khalil Esmaeilpour

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Primary Infertility ◽

History Of ◽

The Mean

Abstract Background Given the prevalence of infertility and consequences of stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy and after childbirth, this study aimed to determine the effect of group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based counseling on perceived stress (primary outcome), anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) of pregnant women with a history of primary infertility. Method This controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted on 56 pregnant women with a history of primary infertility referred to Infertility Clinic of Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital of Tabriz. The participants were divided into the intervention (n = 28) and control (n = 28) groups using block randomization. The intervention group received group CBT-based counseling after the 14th week of the pregnancy: six in-person sessions and two telephone sessions once per week. The control group received routine care. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Van den Bergh’s Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire (PRAQ), and Quality of Life in Pregnancy (Gravidarum) (QOL-GRAV) were completed through interviews before and 4 weeks after the intervention by the researcher. Results There was not any between-group difference in socio-demographic characteristics, except the gestational age and husband educational level (p > 0.05). Both of these variables were adjusted in ANCOVA. After the intervention, the mean scores of perceived stress (mean difference: − 7.3; confidence interval: 95%, from − 0.9 to − 5.6; p < 0.001) and anxiety (mean difference:-14.7; confidence interval: 95%. from − 20.6 to - 8.8; p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the intervention group. The mean depression score in the intervention group was lower than the control; however, this between-group difference was not significant (mean difference: − 1.95; confidence interval: 95% from − 3.9 to 0.2; p = 0.052). The mean score of quality of life in pregnancy was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control (mean difference: − 5.4; confidence interval: 95% from 3.4 to 7.4; p < 0.001). Conclusion CBT counseling can affect the perceived stress, anxiety, and quality of life of pregnant women with a history of primary infertility. As a result, this counseling approach is recommended along with other counseling approaches to improve the mental health of pregnant women with a history of infertility. Trial registration IRCT Registration Number: IRCT20111219008459N12, registered on 10/11/ 2018.

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Effect of Hope-Oriented Group Counseling on Mental Health of Infertile Women with Failed IVF Cycles: A Randomized Controlled Trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-130529/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Roya Rahimi ◽

Mojgan Mirghafourvand ◽

Khalil Esmaeilpour ◽

Shirin Hasanpour

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Group Counseling ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Control Group ◽

The Mean ◽

And Control

Abstract Background Considering the prevalence of infertility in the community and the consequences of failure of infertility treatments on women's mental health, interventions that can control stress, anxiety and depression in infertile women with a history of IVF failure will be very helpful. This study aimed to determine the effects of hope-oriented group counseling on mental health (primary outcome) and quality of life (QoL) (secondary outcome) of women with failed IVF cycles.Method This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with failed IVF cycles visiting Infertility Clinic at Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital of Tabriz- Iran. Participants were allocated to the intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) based on a randomized block design. Hope-oriented group counseling was provided to the intervention group in six 45–60 minute sessions (once a week). The control group only received routine care to undergo another IVF cycle. The author filled out the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the SF-12 Quality of Life Scale by interviewing the participants before the intervention and one week and one month after the intervention.Results There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the socio-demographic profile of participants (P > 0.05). The post-intervention mean score of stress (modified mean difference=-1.7, 95% confidence interval: -3.2 to 0.3, P = 0.018) and depression (modified mean difference=-1.3, 95% confidence interval: -4.7 to -1.5, P < 0.001) was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control. Although the mean anxiety score was lower in the intervention group compared to the control, the difference between them was not statistically significant (modified mean difference= -1.1, 95% confidence interval: -2.6 to 0.4, P = 0.153). The mean score of QoL was significantly higher in the intervention group than that of the control group (modified mean difference= -1.1, 95% confidence interval: 5.1 to 8.8, P < 0.001).Conclusion Hope-oriented group counseling was effective in reducing stress and depression and improving QoL in women with failed IVF cycles. It is recommended to use this counseling approach, along with other methods, to improve the mental health of women with failed IVF cycles.Trial Registration TCT Registration Number: TCTR 20191017003, registered on October 17, 2019 (http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th/index.php?tp=regtrials&menu=trialsearch&smenu=fulltext&task=search&task2=view1&id=5369)

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Abdominal massage plus advice, compared with advice only, for neurogenic bowel dysfunction in MS: a RCT

Health Technology Assessment ◽

10.3310/hta22580 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 22 (58) ◽

pp. 1-134 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Doreen McClurg ◽

Fiona Harris ◽

Kirsteen Goodman ◽

Selina Doran ◽

Suzanne Hagen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Outcome ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Clinical Effectiveness ◽

Bowel Dysfunction ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Control Group ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Abdominal Massage ◽

The Mean ◽

Neurogenic Bowel

Background Between 50% and 80% of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) experience neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) (i.e. constipation and faecal incontinence) that affects quality of life and can lead to hospitalisation. Objectives To determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of abdominal massage plus advice on bowel symptoms on PwMS compared with advice only. A process evaluation investigated the factors that affected the clinical effectiveness and possible implementation of the different treatments. Design A randomised controlled trial with process evaluation and health economic components. Outcome analysis was undertaken blind. Setting The trial took place in 12 UK hospitals. Participants PwMS who had ‘bothersome’ NBD. Intervention Following individualised training, abdominal massage was undertaken daily for 6 weeks (intervention group). Advice on good bowel management as per the Multiple Sclerosis Society advice booklet was provided to both groups. All participants received weekly telephone calls from the research nurse. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was the difference between the intervention and control groups in change in the NBD score from baseline to week 24. Secondary outcomes were measured via a bowel diary, adherence diary, the Constipation Scoring System, patient resource questionnaire and the EuroQol-5 Dimensions, five-level version (EQ-5D-5L). Results A total of 191 participants were finalised, 189 of whom were randomised (two participants were finalised in error) (control group, n = 99; intervention group, n = 90) and an intention-to-treat analysis was performed. The mean age was 52 years (standard deviation 10.83 years), 81% (n = 154) were female and 11% (n = 21) were wheelchair dependent. Fifteen participants from the intervention group and five from the control group were lost to follow-up. The change in NBD score by week 24 demonstrated no significant difference between groups [mean difference total score –1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) –3.32 to 0.04; p = 0.0558]; there was a significant difference between groups in the change in the frequency of stool evacuation per week (mean difference 0.62, 95% CI 0.03 to 1.21; p = 0.039) and in the number of times per week that participants felt that they emptied their bowels completely (mean difference 1.08, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.76; p = 0.002), in favour of the intervention group. Of participant interviewees, 75% reported benefits, for example less difficulty passing stool, more complete evacuations, less bloated, improved appetite, and 85% continued with the massage. A cost–utility analysis conducted from a NHS and patient cost perspective found in the imputed sample with bootstrapping a mean incremental outcome effect of the intervention relative to usual care of –0.002 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) (95% CI –0.029 to 0.027 QALYs). In the same imputed sample with bootstrapping, the mean incremental cost effect of the intervention relative to usual care was £56.50 (95% CI –£372.62 to £415.68). No adverse events were reported. Limitations include unequal randomisation, dropout and the possibility of ineffective massage technique. Conclusion The increment in the primary outcome favoured the intervention group, but it was small and not statistically significant. The economic analysis identified that the intervention was dominated by the control group. Given the small improvement in the primary outcome, but not in terms of QALYs, a low-cost version of the intervention might be considered worthwhile by some patients. Future work Research is required to establish possible mechanisms of action and modes of massage delivery. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN85007023 and NCT03166007. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 22, No. 58. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

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The feasibility and utility of an eye movement recording application: a randomized trial (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.18022 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hee Jin Chang ◽

Sooyoung Kim ◽

In-Sun Kwon ◽

Han Young Yu ◽

Seong-Hae Jeong

Keyword(s):

Eye Movement ◽

Primary Outcome ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mobile App ◽

Glass System ◽

University Hospital ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

National University ◽

The Mean ◽

Mean Time

BACKGROUND Examination of eye movement both with fixation and without fixation is important in the management of patients with dizziness and imbalance. At present, a device that records eye movement without fixation usually utilizes Frenzel glasses with a desktop-based recording system. This system is inconvenient because Windows devices are large and require substantial power, and no Windows-based mobile phone exists. A mobile device application (app) could address those concerns. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and feasibility of mobile app-based Frenzel tests in dizziness clinics. METHODS We performed an investigator-initiated, blinded-outcome assessor, parallel, randomized controlled crossover trial at Chungnam National University Hospital between August 2019 and October 2019. Certified medical staff were randomly assigned to the intervention group (i.e., a mobile app-based Frenzel glass system, n=15) or the observation group (i.e., a conventional desktop-based Frenzel glass system, n=15); the groups applied the respective systems for the preparation of eye movement recording and switched systems. The primary outcome was the elapsed time in seconds it took the participants to prepare the system for eye recording simulation. The secondary outcomes were perceived stress and satisfaction scores after completion of the operation, as measured by a questionnaire using ten-point Likert scales. RESULTS The mean time of machine preparation for eye recording simulation was reduced by 50% in the mobile app group compared to the desktop group in both study periods (38.0±7.1 vs. 76.0±8.7). We detected no carryover effect. Participants also reported lower stress while using app than while using the desktop system (2.3±1.3 vs. 4.6±2.4; p<0.001). The app obtained a mean overall satisfaction score of 9.2 out of 10. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of an eye movement recording app in a dizziness examination was well adopted by users and decreased the time and stress related to machine operation. CLINICALTRIAL This trial is registered with cris.nih.go.kr under number KCT 0004403.

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Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Counseling on Perceived Stress in Pregnant Women with History of Primary Infertility: A Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-219769/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Farideh Golshani ◽

Shirin Hasanpour ◽

Mojgan Mirghafourvand ◽

Khalil Esmaeilpour

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Perceived Stress ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Mean Difference ◽

Primary Infertility ◽

History Of ◽

The Mean

Abstract BackgroundGiven the prevalence of infertility and consequences of stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy and after childbirth, this study aimed to determine the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based counseling on perceived stress (primary outcome), anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) of pregnant women with a history of primary infertility (secondary outcome).Method:This controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted on 56 pregnant women with a history of primary infertility referred to Infertility Clinic of Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital of Tabriz. The participants were divided into the intervention (n = 28) and control (n = 28) groups using block randomization. The intervention group received group CBT-based counseling after the 14th week of the pregnancy: six in-person sessions and two telephone sessions once per week. The control group received routine care. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Van den Bergh’s Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire (PRAQ), and Quality of Life in Pregnancy (Gravidarum) (QOL-GRAV) were completed through interviews before and four weeks after the intervention by the researcher.ResultsThere was not any between-group difference in socio-demographic characteristics, except the gestational age and husband educational level (p > 0.05). Both of these variables were adjusted in ANCOVA. After the intervention, the mean scores of perceived stress (mean difference: -7.3; confidence interval: 95%, from − 0.9 to -5.6; p < 0.001) and anxiety (mean difference:-14.7; confidence interval: 95%. from − 20.6 to − 8.8; p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the intervention group. The mean depression score in the intervention group was lower than the control; however, this between-group difference was not significant (mean difference: -1.95; confidence interval: 95% from − 3.9 to 0.2; p = 0.052). The mean score of quality of life in pregnancy was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control (mean difference: -5.4; confidence interval: 95% from 3.4 to 7.4; p < 0.001).ConclusionCBT counseling can affect the perceived stress, anxiety, and quality of life of pregnant women with a history of primary infertility. As a result, this counseling approach is recommended along with other counseling approaches to improve the mental health of pregnant women with a history of infertility.Trial RegistrationIRCT Registration Number: IRCT20111219008459N12, registered on 10/11/ 2018 (https://irct.ir/user/trial/34677)

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Therapeutic Effects of Hab Shabyar on Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

10.31661/gmj.v0i0.1218 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 1218

Author(s):

Ebrahim Khalil BaniHabib ◽

Ali Mostafai ◽

Seyyed Mohammad Bagher Fazljou ◽

Ghadir Mohammdi

Keyword(s):

Placebo Group ◽

Intraocular Pressure ◽

Open Angle Glaucoma ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Intervention Group ◽

Therapeutic Effects ◽

Open Angle ◽

The Mean ◽

The Right ◽

Double Blinded

Background: Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of hab shabyar in patients with open-angle glaucoma. Materials and Methods: In this clinical randomized controlled trial, 50 patients with OAG were randomized into two groups. The intervention group was received a drop of timolol plus 500 mg of hab shabyar every 12 hours. The placebo group was received a drop of timolol every 12 hours plus 500 mg of wheat germ as a placebo. The intraocular pressure in patients with OAG was measured in each group and compared at before the intervention (t1), one month (t2), and two months (t3) after the intervention. Results: The mean decrease in intraocular pressure for the right eye at three times in the intervention group was statistically significant, but the mean decrease in the placebo group was not significant. Similar results were obtained for the left eye at t1 when compared to t3. The patients in the intervention group expressed more satisfaction than the patients in the placebo group (P≤0.001). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that consumption of timolol plus hab shabyar instead of consuming of timolol alone was probably more effective for reducing intraocular pressure in patients with OAG.[GMJ.2019;In press:e1218]

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Onchocerciasis control in Ghana (1974–2016)

Parasites & Vectors ◽

10.1186/s13071-020-04507-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Nana-Kwadwo Biritwum ◽

Dziedzom K. de Souza ◽

Odame Asiedu ◽

Benjamin Marfo ◽

Uche Veronica Amazigo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Confidence Interval ◽

Vector Control ◽

Control Strategy ◽

Financial Support ◽

Control Programme ◽

Ivermectin Treatment ◽

Mobile Community ◽

The Mean ◽

The Impact ◽

Onchocerciasis Control

Abstract Background The control of onchocerciasis in Ghana started in 1974 under the auspices of the Onchocerciasis Control Programme (OCP). Between 1974 and 2002, a combination of approaches including vector control, mobile community ivermectin treatment, and community-directed treatment with ivermectin (CDTI) were employed. From 1997, CDTI became the main control strategy employed by the Ghana OCP (GOCP). This review was undertaken to assess the impact of the control interventions on onchocerciasis in Ghana between 1974 and 2016, since which time the focus has changed from control to elimination. Methods In this paper, we review programme data from 1974 to 2016 to assess the impact of control activities on prevalence indicators of onchocerciasis. This review includes an evaluation of CDTI implementation, microfilaria (Mf) prevalence assessments and rapid epidemiological mapping of onchocerciasis results. Results This review indicates that the control of onchocerciasis in Ghana has been very successful, with a significant decrease in the prevalence of infection from 69.13% [95% confidence interval) CI 60.24–78.01] in 1975 to 0.72% (95% CI 0.19–1.26) in 2015. Similarly, the mean community Mf load decreased from 14.48 MF/skin snip in 1975 to 0.07 MF/skin snip (95% CI 0.00–0.19) in 2015. Between 1997 and 2016, the therapeutic coverage increased from 58.50 to 83.80%, with nearly 100 million ivermectin tablets distributed. Conclusions Despite the significant reduction in the prevalence of onchocerciasis in Ghana, there are still communities with MF prevalence above 1%. As the focus of the GOCP has changed from the control of onchocerciasis to its elimination, both guidance and financial support are required to ensure that the latter goal is met.

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