Integration of mHealth ICTs into the Clinical Settings of Hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Qualitative Study (Preprint)

Abstract Background: Low literacy of study participants in Sub Saharan Africa has been associated with poor comprehension during consenting process in research participation. The concerns in comprehension are far greater when consenting to participate in genomic studies due to the complexity of the science involved. While efforts are made to explore possibilities of applying genomic technologies in diseases prevalent in Sub Saharan Africa, we ought to develop methods to improve participants’ comprehension for genomic studies. Aim: The aim of this study was to understand different approaches that can be used to seek consent from individuals with low literacy in Sub-Saharan African countries in genomic research to improve comprehension. Methods: Using qualitative study design, we conducted focus-group discussions, in-depth interviews and participant observations as data collection methods. This study was embedded in a hospital based genomic study on Sickle Cell Disease at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the transcripts and field notes. Results: Findings from this study show that literacy level has little influence on understanding the research details. According to the participants of this study, the methods used to provide information, the language, and time spent with the study participants were the key factors influencing understanding. The availability of group sessions held before individual consent to allow for a detailed questions and answers format was agreed to be the best method to facilitate the comprehension. Conclusion: The quality of the consenting process of participants will be influence by a number of factors. The type of research consented for, where the research will be implemented and who are the potential study participants are amongst the factors that need to be assessed during the consenting. Measures to improve participants’ comprehension need to be developed when consenting participants with low literacy level in genomic studies.

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Roles and Expectations of Male Partners from PMTCT services in Chiradzulu Malawi: A Qualitative Study

10.21203/rs.2.13825/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Beatrice M'baya Kansinjiro ◽

Alinane Linda Nyondo-Mipando

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Health Facility ◽

Health Care Workers ◽

Health Assessment ◽

Male Involvement ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Male Partners ◽

Care Workers ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract Background: Prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) is the main measure for curbing HIV infection in children. Male involvement (MI) greatly influences uptake and adherence to PMTCT services yet the level remain low in Sub Saharan Africa. Lack of well stipulated roles for men in PMTCT is one of the main barriers to MI. Studies on MI have focused on women and Health care workers (HCW), thereby making men silent partners. The main aim of the study was to explore the roles and expectations of male partners in PMTCT services in Malawi. Methods: This was a descriptive qualitative study that involved men whose partners were either pregnant or breastfeeding a child, health care workers working in PMTCT services for over six months and traditional leaders. We conducted 9 in-depth interviews and 12 key informant interviews from January to March 2018. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze data. Results: Male partners play supportive, HIV prevention behaviour change and decision-making roles in PMTCT services. Health assessment and health promotion activities are the male specific services required in PMTCT services and these should be delivered at both health facility and community levels. Conclusion : Male partners in PMTCT have expectations that need to be met at both health facility and community levels. There is need to have male-tailored package of health services that are directly provided to men along with PMTCT services at different levels in order to promote MI. The services should be provided in an atmosphere that allows and accepts male partners to exercise their roles in PMTCT services.

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Design, implementation and evaluation of school-based sexual health education in sub-Saharan Africa: a qualitative study of researchers’ perspectives

Sex Education ◽

10.1080/14681811.2017.1414040 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 172-190 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

A. Sadiq Sani ◽

Charles Abraham ◽

Sarah Denford ◽

Catherine Mathews

Keyword(s):

Health Education ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Sexual Health Education ◽

School Based ◽

Sub Saharan

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Cultural implications of mentoring in sub-Saharan Africa: a qualitative study

Medical Education ◽

10.1111/medu.12999 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 50 (6) ◽

pp. 657-669 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Adam P Sawatsky ◽

Natasha Parekh ◽

Adamson S Muula ◽

Ihunanya Mbata ◽

Thuy Bui

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Cultural Implications ◽

Sub Saharan

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PO 8564 WHAT IS CLINICAL TRIAL QUALITY? A QUALITATIVE STUDY BASED ON INTERVIEWS WITH DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS CONDUCTING CLINICAL TRIALS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

BMJ Global Health ◽

10.1136/bmjgh-2019-edc.141 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (Suppl 3) ◽

pp. A54.1-A54

Author(s):

Angela Lazarova ◽

Claudia Fuchs ◽

Christian Burri

Keyword(s):

Clinical Trials ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Web Search ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Quality Factors ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Trial Quality ◽

Resource Limited ◽

Quality Aspects ◽

Sub Saharan

BackgroundThere is no unified, broad definition for quality in clinical trials (CTs). Besides the explicit quality requirements in international guidelines and national legislation, however, there are broader factors to consider, including specific setting-related aspects influencing quality needs, quality perception and local implementation of guidelines. Our objective was to identify these factors from a resource-limited settings perspective (in this case, sub-Saharan Africa).MethodsIn March-April 2018, we conducted a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with participants from three stakeholder groups (monitors, sponsors, and investigators) conducting CTs in sub-Saharan Africa. We identified the interviewees either through CT registry platforms, a web search or by reference. We aimed to include 10–20 participants per stakeholder group. After consent, the interviews were held in person (via Skype or telephone), recorded, and transcribed verbatim. The interview questionnaire addressed a CT quality definition and quality factors during the CT process. We performed the analysis using the framework method.ResultsSo far, we included 21 participants (17 investigators, two sponsors, two monitors). Eight (8) (from sub-Saharan Africa) and 13 (not from sub-Saharan Africa) who contributed to CTs in 19 different countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Quality definitions mentioned so far were variable. A repeated statement was that the quality definition should be broad and include a system of multiple aspects and layers. We will interview more experts with sponsor and monitor experience in May 2018 and elaborate these quality aspects and layers. We will discuss these results with regards to a comprehensive quality framework for CTs currently under development for Northern countries by another Swiss research team.ConclusionCT quality was perceived in variable ways, as was the relevance of the aspects across different CT steps. Structuring the multifaceted layers of CT quality will facilitate appropriate and efficient CT quality management in sub-Saharan Africa.

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Use of the socio-ecological model to explore factors that influence the implementation of a diabetes structured education programme (EXTEND project) inLilongwe, Malawi and Maputo, Mozambique: a qualitative study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11338-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

C. Bamuya ◽

J. C. Correia ◽

E. M. Brady ◽

D. Beran ◽

D. Harrington ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Diabetes Management ◽

Ecological Model ◽

Education Programme ◽

Healthcare Systems ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Structured Education ◽

Culturally Adapted ◽

Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) programmes are vital for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management. However, they are limited in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). To address this gap, a DSMES, namedEXTEND was developed in Lilongwe (Malawi) and Maputo (Mozambique). This qualitative study aimed to explore factors that influence the implementation of DSMES in these settings. Methods The Socio-ecological model was applied to explore factors influencing the implementation of DSMES in SSA. Data was analysed using the Framework method and constant comparative techniques. Sixty-six people participated in the study: people with T2DM who participated in the EXTEND programme; healthcare professionals (HCPs), EXTEND educators, EXTEND trainers, and stakeholders. Results Our findings indicate that there is a need to develop an integrated and dedicated diabetes services in SSA healthcare systems, incorporating culturally adapted DSMES and tailored diabetes training to all professions involved in diabetes management. Traditional media and the involvement of community leaders were proposed as important elements to help engage and promote DSMES programmes in local communities. During the design and implementation of DSMES, it is important to consider individual and societal barriers to self-care. Conclusion Findings from this study suggest that multi-faceted factors play a significant role to the implementation of DSMES programmes in LICs. In the future, EXTEND could be incorporated in the development of diabetes training and dedicated diabetes services in SSA healthcare systems, acting as an educational tool for both people with T2DM and HCPs. This project was supported by the Medical Research Council GCRF NCDs Foundation Awards 2016 Development Pathway Funding.

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A qualitative study on consenting approaches for genomic research in communities with low literacy

10.21203/rs.2.18267/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Daima Athumani Bukini ◽

Columba Mbekenga ◽

Siana Nkya ◽

Lisa Purvis ◽

Sheryl McCurdy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Genomic Research ◽

Low Literacy ◽

African Countries ◽

Genomic Study ◽

Genomic Studies ◽

Literacy Level ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Background: Low literacy of study participants in Sub Saharan Africa has been associated with poor comprehension during consenting process in research participation. The concerns in comprehension are far greater when consenting to participate in genomic studies due to the complexity of the science involved. While efforts are made to explore possibilities of applying genomic technologies in diseases prevalent in Sub Saharan Africa, we ought to develop methods to improve participants’ comprehension for genomic studies. Aim: The aim of this study was to understand different approaches that can be used to seek consent from individuals with low literacy in Sub-Saharan African countries in genomic research to improve comprehension. Methods: Using qualitative study design, we conducted focus-group discussions, in-depth interviews and participant observations as data collection methods. This study was embedded in a hospital based genomic study on Sickle Cell Disease at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the transcripts and field notes. Results: Findings from this study show that literacy level has little influence on understanding the research details. According to the participants of this study, the methods used to provide information, the language, and time spent with the study participants were the key factors influencing understanding. The availability of group sessions held before individual consent to allow for a detailed questions and answers format was agreed to be the best method to facilitate the comprehension. Conclusion: The quality of the consenting process of participants will be influence by a number of factors. The type of research consented for, where the research will be implemented and who are the potential study participants are amongst the factors that need to be assessed during the consenting. Measures to improve participants’ comprehension need to be developed when consenting participants with low literacy level in genomic studies.

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