A community health worker led approach to cardiovascular disease prevention in the UK-SPICES-Sussex (scaling-up packages of interventions for cardiovascular disease prevention in selected sites in Europe and Sub-saharan Africa): an implementation research project.

Background: This paper describes a UK-based study, SPICES-Sussex, which aimed to co-produce and implement a community-based cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment and reduction intervention to support under-served populations at moderate risk of CVD. The objectives were to enhance stakeholder engagement; to implement the intervention in four research sites and to evaluate the use of Voluntary and Community and Social Enterprises (VCSE) and Community Health Worker (CHW) partnerships in health interventions. Methods: A type three hybrid implementation study design was used with mixed methods data. This paper represents the process evaluation of the implementation of the SPICES-Sussex Project. The evaluation was conducted using the RE-AIM framework. Results: Reach: 381 individuals took part in the risk profiling questionnaire and forty-one women, and five men participated in the coaching intervention. Effectiveness: quantitative results from intervention participants showed significant improvements in CVD behavioural risk factors across several measures. Qualitative data indicated high acceptability, with the holistic, personalised, and person-centred approach being valued by participants. Adoption: 50% of VCSEs approached took part in the SPICES programme, The CHWs felt empowered to deliver high-quality and mutually beneficial coaching within a strong project infrastructure that made use of VCSE partnerships. Implementation: Co-design meetings resulted in local adaptations being made to the intervention. 29 (63%) of participants completed the intervention. Practical issues concerned how to embed CHWs in a health service context, how to keep engaging participants, and tensions between research integrity and the needs and expectations of those in the voluntary sector. Maintenance: Several VCSEs expressed an interest in continuing the intervention after the end of the SPICES programme. Conclusion: Community-engagement approaches have the potential to have positively impact the health and wellbeing of certain groups. Furthermore, VCSEs and CHWs represent a significant untapped resource in the UK. However, more work needs to be done to understand how links between the sectors can be bridged to deliver evidence-based effective alternative preventative healthcare. Reaching vulnerable populations remains a challenge despite partnerships with VCSEs which are embedded in the community. By showing what went well and what did not, this project can guide future work in community engagement for health.

Peanut supplementation affects compositions and functions of gut microbiome in Ugandan children.

Childhood malnutrition remains a serious global health concern, particularly in low-income nations like Uganda. This study investigated the impact of peanut supplementation on the compositions and functions of gut microbiome with nutritional improvement. School children aged 6-9 years from four rural communities were recruited, with half receiving roasted peanut snacks while the other half served as controls. Fecal samples were collected at the baseline (day 0), day 60, and day 90. Microbial DNA was extracted, and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed, followed by the measurement of SCFA concentration in fecal samples using UHPLC. Alpha and beta diversity analyses revealed significant differences between the control and supplemented groups after 90 days of supplementation. Leuconostoc lactis, Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus garvieae, Eubacterium ventriosum, and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, associated with the production of beneficial metabolites, increased significantly in the supplemented group. Acetic acid concentration also increased significantly. Notably, pathogenic bacteria, including Clostridium perfringens and Leuconostoc mesenteroides, were decreased in the supplemented group. The study indicates the potential of peanut supplementation to modulate the gut metabolome, enrich beneficial bacteria, and inhibit pathogens, suggesting a novel approach to mitigating child malnutrition and improving health status.

Disparities in the non-laboratory INTERHEART risk score and its components in selected countries of Europe and sub-Saharan Africa: analysis from the SPICES multi-country project.

Aims: Accurate prediction of a person's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is vital to initiate appropriate intervention. The non-laboratory INTERHEART risk score (NL-IHRS) is among the tools to estimate future risk of CVD. However, measurement disparities of the tool across contexts are not well documented. Thus, we investigated variation in NL-IHRS and components in selected sub-Saharan African and European countries. Methods and results: We used data from a multi-country study involving 9309 participants, i.e. 4941 in Europe, 3371 in South Africa, and 997 in Uganda. Disparities in total NL-IHRS score, specific subcomponents, subcategories, and their contribution to the total score were investigated. The variation in the adjusted total and component scores was compared across contexts using analysis of variance. The adjusted mean NL-IHRS was higher in South Africa (10.2) and Europe (10.0) compared to Uganda (8.2), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The prevalence and per cent contribution of diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure were lowest in Uganda. Score contribution of non-modifiable factors was lower in Uganda and South Africa, entailing 11.5% and 8.0% of the total score, respectively. Contribution of behavioural factors to the total score was highest in both sub-Saharan African countries. In particular, adjusted scores related to unhealthy dietary patterns were highest in South Africa (3.21) compared to Uganda (1.66) and Europe (1.09). Whereas, contribution of metabolic factors was highest in Europe (30.6%) compared with Uganda (20.8%) and South Africa (22.6%). Conclusion: The total risk score, subcomponents, categories, and their contribution to total score greatly vary across contexts, which could be due to disparities in risk burden and/or self-reporting bias in resource-limited settings. Therefore, primary preventive initiatives should identify risk factor burden across contexts and intervention activities need to be customized accordingly. Furthermore, contextualizing the risk assessment tool and evaluating its usefulness in different settings are recommended.

Practical dietary interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease suitable for implementation in primary care: an ADAPTE-guided systematic review of international clinical guidelines.

PURPOSE: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally. The current model of care for high-income countries involves preventive medication and highly trained healthcare professionals, which is expensive and not transposable to low-income countries. An innovative, effective approach adapted to limited human, technical, and financial resources is required. Measures to reduce CVD risk factors, including diet, are proven to be effective. The survey "Scaling-up Packages of Interventions for Cardiovascular disease prevention in selected sites in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa" aims to develop non-pharmacological cardiovascular prevention and control programs in primary care and community settings in high, middle, and low-income countries. This review aims to identify the existing, validated dietary interventions for primary CVD prevention from national and international clinical guidelines that can be implemented in primary care and communities. METHODS: A systematic review of CVD prevention guidelines was conducted between September 2017 and March 2023 using the Turning Research Into Practice medical database, the Guidelines International Network, and a purposive search. The ADAPTE procedure was followed. Two researchers independently conducted the searches and appraisals. Guidelines published after 01/01/2012 addressing non-pharmacological, dietary interventions for primary CVD prevention or CVD risk factor management, in the adult general population in primary care or in community settings were included and appraised using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation II score. Individual dietary recommendations and the studies supporting them were extracted. Then supporting data about each specific dietary intervention were extracted into a matrix. RESULTS: In total, 1375 guidelines were identified, of which 39 were included. From these, 383 recommendations, covering 10 CVD prevention themes were identified. From these recommendations, 165 studies for effective dietary interventions for CVD prevention were found. Among these, the DASH diet was the most effective on multiple CVD risk factors. Combining diet with other interventions such as exercise and smoking cessation increased efficacy. No guidelines provided detailed implementation strategies. CONCLUSION: The DASH diet combined with other interventions was the most effective on an individual basis. However, expansion in the wider population seems difficult, without government support to implement regulations such as reducing salt content in processed food. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT03886064.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world. Strategies to prevent heart disease in high-income countries rely on medications and the skills of highly trained healthcare professionals. However, this is expensive and unsuitable for low-income countries. Consequently, an innovative, effective approach, which can be adapted to countries with limited human, technical and financial resources is needed. A program called SPICES was developed to identify strategies other than medication to prevent and control heart disease. This program reviewed the evidence for smoking cessation, physical activity, and dietary strategies, which may be useful to prevent heart disease in communities with limited resources.In this review, the investigators searched online databases to find clinical guidelines that recommended dietary strategies to manage heart disease worldwide. The information found from this search revealed that the DASH diet, inspired by the Mediterranean diet, helps with weight loss, and improves blood pressure and cholesterol levels making it the most effective diet for preventing heart disease. It is even more effective if it is combined with other strategies such as exercise, stopping smoking or reducing the amount of alcohol consumed. However, this works well for individuals but is difficult to expand to the wider population. Therefore, government support is needed to implement regulations such as reducing salt content in processed food.

The Pre-Implementation Phase of a Project Seeking to Deliver a Community-Based CVD Prevention Intervention (SPICES-Sussex): A Qualitative Study Exploring Views and Experience Relating to Intervention Development.

BACKGROUND.: Community-led health care interventions may be an effective way to tackle cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, especially in materially deprived communities where health care resources are stretched and engagement with institutions is often low. To do so effectively and equitably, interventions might be developed alongside community members through community engagement. OBJECTIVES.: The aim of this project was to carry out stakeholder mapping and partnership identification and to understand the views, needs, experiences of community members who would be involved in later stages of a community-based CVD prevention intervention's development and implementation. METHODS.: Stakeholder mapping was carried out to identify research participants in three communities in Sussex, United Kingdom. A qualitative descriptive approach was taken during the analysis of focus groups and interviews with 47 participants. FINDINGS.: Three themes were highlighted related to intervention design (a) Management: the suitability of the intervention for the community, management of volunteers, and communication; (b) Logistics: the structure and design of the intervention; and (c) Sociocultural issues, the social and cultural expectations/experiences of participants and implementers. CONCLUSIONS.: Study participants were open and willing to engage in the planned community-based intervention, particularly in elements of co-design and community-led delivery. They also highlighted the importance of sociocultural factors. Based on the findings, we developed recommendations for intervention design which included (but were not limited to): (a) a focus on a bottom-up approach to intervention design, (b) the recruitment of skilled local volunteers, and (c) the importance of fun and simplicity.

Dietary outcomes of community-based CVD preventive interventions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to synthesise available evidence on the effects of community-based interventions in improving various dietary outcome measures. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING: We searched databases including Medline, EMBASE, PSYCINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane registry for studies reported between January 2000 and June 2022. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tools for each study type. For some of the outcomes, we pooled the effect size using a random-effects meta-analysis. PARTICIPANTS: A total of fifty-one studies, thirty-three randomised and eighteen non-randomised, involving 100 746 participants were included. RESULTS: Overall, thirty-seven studies found a statistically significant difference in at least one dietary outcome measure favouring the intervention group, whereas fourteen studies found no statistically significant difference. Our meta-analyses indicated that, compared with controls, interventions were effective in decreasing daily energy intake (MJ/d) (mean difference (MD): -0·25; 95 % CI: -0·37, -0·14), fat % of energy (MD: -1·01; 95 % CI: -1·76, -0·25) and saturated fat % of energy (MD: -1·54; 95 % CI: -2·01, -1·07). Furthermore, the interventions were effective in improving fibre intake (g/d) (MD: 1·08; 95 % CI: 0·39, 1·77). Effective interventions use various strategies including tailored individual lifestyle coaching, health education, health promotion activities, community engagement activities and/or structural changes. CONCLUSION: This review shows the potential of improving dietary patterns through community-based CVD preventive interventions. Thus, development and implementation of context-specific preventive interventions could help to minimise dietary risk factors, which in turn decrease morbidity and mortality due to CVD and other non-communicable diseases.

Drivers of cardiovascular disease risk factors in slums in Kampala, Uganda: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are increasing in many sub-Saharan African countries and disproportionately affecting communities in urban slums. Despite this, the contextual factors that influence CVD risk among slum communities have not been fully documented to guide interventions to prevent and control the disease. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the drivers of CVD risk factors in slums in Kampala, Uganda. METHODS: This qualitative study employed focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect data among slum residents. A total of 10 FGDs separate for gender and age group were held in community public places. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and transcripts analysed thematically with the aid of Atlas ti 7.0. Study themes and sub-themes are presented supported by participant quotations. RESULTS: Five themes highlighted the drivers of CVD risk factors in slum communities. (1) Poverty: a critical underlying factor which impacted access and choice of food, work, and housing. (2) Poverty-induced stress: a key intermediate factor that led to precarious living with smoking and alcohol use as coping measures. (3) The social environment which included socialisation through drinking and smoking, and family and peers modelling behaviours. (4) The physical environment such as the high availability of affordable alcohol and access to amenities for physical activity and healthy foods. (5) Knowledge and information about CVD risk factors which included understanding of a healthy diet and the dangers of smoking and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: To address CVD risk in slums, broad-ranging multisectoral interventions are required, including economic empowerment of the slum population, stress reduction and coping interventions, and alcohol legislation. Also, there is a need for community CVD sensitisation and screening as well as increasing access to physical activity amenities and healthy foods within slums.

The Role of Context in Integrating Buprenorphine into a Drop-In Center in Kampala, Uganda, Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

BACKGROUND: Although Africa has long borne the brunt of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, until recently, the continent has been considered largely free of illicit drug use and injection drug use in particular. In Uganda, the number of people who use or inject drugs (PWUD and PWID, respectively) has increased, and PWID are a key population at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, harm reduction practices, including providing clean injection equipment and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), have only recently been piloted in the country. This project aims to integrate buprenorphine into a harm reduction drop-in center (DIC). METHODS: The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to guide our preparations to integrate buprenorphine into existing practices at a harm reduction DIC. We conducted key informant interviews with members of a community advisory board and DIC staff to document this process, its successes, and its failures. RESULTS: Results indicate that criminalization of drug use and stigmatization of PWUD challenged efforts to provide buprenorphine treatment in less regulated community settings. CONCLUSIONS: DIC staff and their commitment to harm reduction and advocacy facilitated the process of obtaining necessary approvals.

At the intersection of sexual and reproductive health and HIV services: use of moderately effective family planning among female sex workers in Kampala, Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Female sex workers are vulnerable to HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and unintended pregnancies; however, the literature on female sex workers (FSW) focuses primarily on HIV and is limited regarding these other health issues. METHODS: We conducted a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey during April-December 2012 to characterize the reproductive health of and access to contraceptives FSW in Kampala, Uganda. Eligibility criteria included age ≥ 15 years, residence in greater Kampala, and having sold sex to men in ≤ 6 months. Data were analyzed using RDS-Analyst. Survey logistic regression was used in SAS. RESULTS: We enrolled 1,497 FSW with a median age of 27 years. Almost all FSW had been pregnant at least once. An estimated 33.8% of FSW were currently not using any form of family planning (FP) to prevent pregnancy; 52.7% used at least moderately effective FP. Among those using FP methods, injectable contraception was the most common form of FP used (55.4%), followed by condoms (19.7%), oral contraception (18.1%), and implants (3.7%). HIV prevalence was 31.4%, syphilis prevalence was 6.2%, and 89.8% had at least one symptom of a sexually transmitted disease in the last six months. Using at least a moderately effective method of FP was associated with accessing sexually transmitted disease treatment in a stigma-free environment in the last six months (aOR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.4), giving birth to 2-3 children (aOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4-4.8) or 4-5 children (aOR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.4-5.9). It is plausible that those living with HIV are also less likely than those without it to be using a moderately effective method of FP (aOR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5-1.0). CONCLUSIONS: The provision of integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services in a non-stigmatizing environment has the potential to facilitate increased health service uptake by FSW and decrease missed opportunities for service provision.

Type and effectiveness of community-based interventions in improving knowledge related to cardiovascular diseases and risk factors: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Despite an improvement in the healthcare system, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Improving knowledge is a key for behavioral change towards prevention of CVDs. However, up-to-date evidence is limited on the effect of interventions on CVD knowledge. Thus this study aimed to synthesize comprehensive evidence on the type and effectiveness of community-based interventions (CBIs) to improve knowledge related to CVDs. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of studies that tested the effectiveness of CBIs in improving CVD knowledge. International databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PSYCINFO and Cochrane register of controlled studies were searched for studies published between January 2000 and December 2019. The Cochrane risk of bias tools were used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Since CVD knowledge was measured using various tools, results were synthesized narratively and reported in line with the reporting guideline for Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM). The review protocol is registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019119885). RESULTS: 7 randomized and 9 non-randomized controlled trials involving 34,845 participants were included. Most of the interventions targeted the general population and majorities delivered the intervention to groups of individuals. Likewise, most of the interventions employed various intervention components including health education using different strategies. Overall, most studies showed that CBIs significantly improved knowledge related to CVDs. CONCLUSION: Community-based CVD preventive interventions are effective in improving knowledge related to CVD and risk factors. Measures to scale up CBIs are recommended to improve an individual's level of CVD knowledge, which potentially helps to counter the growing burden of CVDs.

Understanding factors influencing uptake of healthy lifestyle practices among adults following a community cardiovascular disease prevention programme in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Healthy lifestyle practices including physical activity, healthy diets, non-smoking, reduced alcohol consumption and stress reduction are important in the prevention of metabollic CVD risk factors such as hypertension, overweight and obesity, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. Owing to current lifestyle changes, the increasing burden of CVD and importance of healthy behaviours, the need for strategies to increase uptake of healthy lifestyles among sub-Saharan African populations are apparent. This study explored the factors influencing uptake of healthy lifestyle practices among adults following implementation of a community CVD prevention programme. METHODS: This was a descriptive qualitative study conducted among purposively selected adults who had engaged in a community CVD prevention programme. Data were collected using in-depth interviews, which were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Study transcripts were read into NVIVO 12.6 software for coding and analysis guided by thematic analysis following the semantic approach. RESULTS: This study found variations in uptake of healthy lifestyle practices for CVD prevention with most changes reported for dietary behaviour especially in vegetable and fruit intake, reduction of salt intake and fats and oils consumption. Changes in physical activity were also notable. On the other hand, participants were slow in making changes in alcohol consumption, smoking behaviours and stress reduction. The barriers to uptake of healthy lifestyle practices were individual such as limited capability or skills, structural such as limited physical activity facilities, and social such as cultural and peer influence. Relatedly, the facilitators of practices uptake were individual including knowledge and personal determination to change, and social including social support from family and the community. CONCLUSIONS: Insights from understanding the uptake of lifestyle practices should guide planning and design of community programmes with an emphasis on removing barriers and strengthening facilitators building on the intermediate motivating factors and considering individual needs and expectations.

Community-Based Interventions for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Low-and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: To synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of community-based interventions for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to inform design of effective strategies for CVD prevention. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane register of controlled studies and PSYCINFO databases for studies published between January 2000 and June 2019. Other studies were identified from gray literature sources and review of reference lists of included studies. The primary outcomes for the review were those aimed at primary prevention of CVD targeting physical activity, diet, smoking and alcohol consumption. Results: Database searches yielded 15,885 articles and 94 articles were identified through snowball searching. After screening, the articles from LMICs were 32 emanating from 27 studies: 9 cluster randomized trials, eight randomized controlled trials and 10 controlled before and after studies. Community-based interventions successfully improved population knowledge on CVD and risk factors and influenced physical activity and dietary practices. Evidence of interventions on smoking cessation and reduced alcohol consumption was inconsistent. Conclusion: This evidence should inform policy makers in decision-making and prioritizing evidence-based interventions.

Facilitators and barriers in prevention of cardiovascular disease in Limpopo, South Africa: a qualitative study conducted with primary health care managers.

BACKGROUND: In the Southern African countries, cardiovascular disease burden is increasing and the second most prevalent cause of death after infectious diseases. The sustainable primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is associated with the engagement of facilitators that support it and hindered by barriers that undermine the support of a healthy lifestyle at the community level. The purpose of the study was to investigate facilitators and barriers at the level of primary health care facilities, on prevention of cardiovascular disease in Limpopo Province of South Africa. METHODS: This study is an exploratory and descriptive qualitative design, where open-ended key informant interviews were conducted among 20 primary health care managers conveniently sampled in their respective health care facilities. Coding and analysis were done using the thematic analysis method with the assistance of Atlas ti qualitative software. RESULTS: Various facilitators for the prevention of CVD were identified in this study. One of such facilitators is the availability and adherence to CVD treatment guidelines in the district. Other facilitators included top-down health education programme; collaboration with schools, traditional and religious leaders; the use of modern technology; and a structured healthcare system. Barriers were also identified as poor infrastructural development; shortage of medical supplies and equipment; lack of health promotion activities; shortage of nurses and other health care personnel; and poor accessibility to primary health care services. CONCLUSION: This study has identified barriers and facilitators that may be harnessed to improve cardiovascular disease prevention, care, and management in a rural setting in South Africa. The facilitators should be strengthened, and barriers identified redressed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: REC-0310111-031.

Effectiveness of community-based cardiovascular disease prevention interventions to improve physical activity: A systematic review and meta-regression.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Despite preventive community-based interventions (CBIs) seem efficacious in reducing CVD risks, a comprehensive up-to-date synthesis on the effectiveness of such interventions in improving physical activity (PA) is lacking. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of community-based CVD preventive interventions aimed at improving PA level. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane register and PSYCINFO databases were searched in October 2019 for studies reported between January 2000 and June 2019. We assessed the methodological quality of included studies using the Cochrane risk of bias tools. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression to pool estimates of various effect measures. Results are reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Our study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019119885). A total of 44 randomized and 20 non-randomized controlled studies involving 98,919 participants were included. Meta-analyses found that CBIs improved the odds of attaining the recommended PA level (at least 150 min of moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA)/week) at 12 month (OR: 1.62; 95%CI: 1.25-2.11) and 18 to 24 months of follow-up (OR: 1.46; 95%CI: 1.12-1.91). Furthermore, interventions were effective in improving metabolic equivalents of task at 12 month (standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.28; 95% CI: 0.03-0.53), MVPA time at 12 to 18 months (SMD: 0.34; 95%CI: 0.05-0.64), steps per day (SMD: 0.32; 95%CI: 0.08-0.55), and sitting time (SMD: -0.25; 95%CI: -0.34 to -0.17). Subgroup analyses found that interventions in low- and middle-income countries showed a greater positive effect on attainment of recommended PA level (OR: 1.40; 95%CI: 1.02-1.92) than those in high-income countries (OR: 1.31; 95%CI: 0.96-1.78). Moreover, interventions targeting high-risk groups showed greater effectiveness than those targeting the general population (OR: 1.76; 95%CI: 1.30-2.39 vs. 1.17; 95%CI: 0.89-1.55). In conclusion, community-based CVD preventive interventions have a positive impact on improving the PA level, albeit that relevant studies in lower-middle and low-income countries are limited. With the rising burden of CVDs, rolling out CBIs targeting the general population and high-risk groups are needed to control the growing CVD-burden.

Hypertension and diabetes patients' perspective of challenges and their coping mechanisms in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda - a qualitative study.

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, the burden of non-communicable diseases is steadily rising amidst a high prevalence of communicable diseases stretching the healthcare system. This study explored hypertension and diabetes patients' perspective of challenges and their coping mechanisms in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study involved four focus group discussions with 26 patients at four selected health facilities. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and data analysed following the thematic content analysis guided by the semantic approach with the aid of Atlas ti 6.0.15 software. Results: Five themes were identified regarding challenges and coping mechanisms of patients in managing their conditions. 1) Inadequate opportunities for diagnosis, with community screening supporting identification of patients. 2) Accessing care came amidst transport challenges, absence of health workers and the lack of essential supplies for monitoring conditions. Patients borrowed transport funds or trekked to health facilities and some formed groups to contribute resources to buy equipment and supplies. 3) Access to medications was affected by frequent drug stockouts at public health facilities which pushed patients to purchase own drugs or obtain these through friends and networks. However, other patients resorted to cheaper herbal remedies. 4) Monitoring and managing conditions was affected by insufficient knowledge and opportunities for self-monitoring. Information from health workers and experiences from peers bridged the knowledge gap while private facilities or community health workers supported self-monitoring. 5) Adopting changes in behaviour was challenging but patients fitted these within their usual routines and mobilised family members to also adopt lifestyle changes while ignoring those they deemed unrealistic. Conclusions: The coping mechanisms patients adopted to manage their chronic conditions reflects self-care initiatives at the individual and community levels which could be reinforced and supplemented to better support and empower patients as steps are taken to address existing challenges.

Barriers and facilitators of implementation of a community cardiovascular disease prevention programme in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

BACKGROUND: In low- and middle-income countries, there is an increasing attention towards community approaches to deal with the growing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, few studies have explored the implementation processes of such interventions to inform their scale up and sustainability. Using the consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR), we examined the barriers and facilitators influencing the implementation of a community CVD programme led by community health workers (CHWs) in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda. METHODS: This qualitative study is a process evaluation of an ongoing type II hybrid stepped wedge cluster trial guided by the CFIR. Data for this analysis were collected through regular meetings and focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted during the first cycle (6 months) of intervention implementation. A total of 20 CHWs participated in the implementation programme in 20 villages during the first cycle. Meeting reports and FGD transcripts were analysed following inductive thematic analysis with the aid of Nvivo 12.6 to generate emerging themes and sub-themes and thereafter deductive analysis was used to map themes and sub-themes onto the CFIR domains and constructs. RESULTS: The barriers to intervention implementation were the complexity of the intervention (complexity), compatibility with community culture (culture), the lack of an enabling environment for behaviour change (patient needs and resources) and mistrust of CHWs by community members (relative priority). In addition, the low community awareness of CVD (tension for change), competing demands (other personal attributes) and unfavourable policies (external policy and incentives) impeded intervention implementation. On the other hand, facilitators of intervention implementation were availability of inputs and protective equipment (design quality and packaging), training of CHWs (Available resources), working with community structures including leaders and groups (process-opinion leaders), frequent support supervision and engagements (process-formally appointed internal implementation leaders) and access to quality health services (process-champions). CONCLUSION: Using the CFIR, we identified drivers of implementation success or failure for a community CVD prevention programme in a low-income context. These findings are key to inform the design of impactful, scalable and sustainable CHW programmes for non-communicable diseases prevention and control.

The Relationship between Binge Drinking and Metabolic Syndrome Components amongst Young Adults Aged 21 to 31 Years: Ellisras Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence is lacking on the effects of binge alcohol consumption on metabolic syndrome in the rural South African population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between binge drinking and components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) amongst Ellisras rural young adults aged 21 to 31 years who are part of the Ellisras Longitudinal Study. METHODS: Logistic regression analysis was applied to a total of 624 participants (306 males and 318 females) aged 21 to 31 years who took part in the Ellisras Longitudinal Study (ELS). The model was adjusted for covariates, including smoking, age, and gender. Binge alcohol consumption was assessed using a standardised questionnaire that was validated for the Ellisras rural community. A standardised method of determining the components MetS was used after fasting blood samples were collected from all the participants. RESULTS: Binge drinking remained significantly associated with low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (OR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.23-5.65), after being adjusted for smoking, age, and gender. Other MetS components were not predicted. Instead, gender remained significantly associated with all MetS components, except triglycerides, at multivariate analysis. Age retained significance at multivariate analysis with waist girth (OR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.37-3.34), triglycerides (OR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.05-5.02), and the MetS composite (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.12-2.41). CONCLUSION: Binge drinking was significantly associated with lower levels of HDL-C. Future studies should investigate the relationship between alcohol abuse and the components of incident MetS in this population.

Cardiovascular disease prevention knowledge and associated factors among adults in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: With the growing epidemic of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in sub-Saharan Africa, behavioural change interventions are critical in supporting populations to achieve better cardiovascular health. Population knowledge regarding CVD is an important first step for any such interventions. This study examined CVD prevention knowledge and associated factors among adults in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda. METHODS: The study was cross-sectional in design conducted among adults aged 25 to 70 years as part of the baseline assessment by the Scaling-up Packages of Interventions for Cardiovascular disease prevention in selected sites in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa (SPICES) - project. Data were collected using pretested semi-structured questionnaires, and respondents categorized as knowledgeable if they scored at least five out of six in the knowledge questions. Data were exported into STATA version 15.0 statistical software for analysis conducted using mixed-effects Poisson regression with fixed and random effects and robust standard errors. RESULTS: Among the 4372 study respondents, only 776 (17.7%) were knowledgeable on CVD prevention. Most respondents were knowledgeable about foods high in calories 2981 (68.2%), 2892 (66.1%) low fruit and vegetable intake and high salt consumption 2752 (62.9%) as CVD risk factors. However, majority 3325 (76.1%) thought the recommended weekly moderate physical activity was 30 min and half 2262 (51.7%) disagreed or did not know that it was possible to have hypertension without any symptoms. Factors associated with high CVD knowledge were: post-primary education [APR = 1.55 (95% CI: 1.18-2.02), p = 0.002], formal employment [APR = 1.69 (95% CI: 1.40-2.06), p < 0.001] and high socio-economic index [APR = 1.35 (95% CI: 1.09-1.67), p = 0.004]. Other factors were: household ownership of a mobile phone [APR = 1.35 (95% CI: 1.07-1.70), p = 0.012] and ever receiving advice on healthy lifestyles [APR = 1.38 (95% CI: 1.15-1.67), p = 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: This study found very low CVD knowledge with major gaps around recommended physical activity duration, diet and whether hypertension is asymptomatic. Observed knowledge gaps should inform suitable interventions and strategies to equip and empower communities with sufficient information for CVD prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN15848572 , January 2019, retrospectively registered.

Cardiovascular risk factor mapping and distribution among adults in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda: small area analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing an increasing burden of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). Modifiable risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, central obesity, sedentary behaviours, smoking, poor diet (characterised by inadequate vegetable and fruit consumption), and psychosocial stress are attributable to the growing burden of CVDs. Small geographical area mapping and analysis of these risk factors for CVD is lacking in most of sub-Saharan Africa and yet such data has the potential to inform monitoring and exploration of patterns of morbidity, health-care use, and mortality, as well as the epidemiology of risk factors. In the current study, we map and describe the distribution of the CVD risk factors in 20 parishes in two neighbouring districts in Uganda. METHODS: A baseline survey benchmarking a type-2 hybrid stepped wedge cluster randomised trial design was conducted in December 2018 and January 2019. A sample of 4372 adults aged 25-70 years was drawn from 3689 randomly selected households across 80 villages in 20 parishes in Mukono and Buikwe districts in Uganda. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear modelling controlled for clustering were conducted for this analysis in Stata 13.0, and a visual map showing risk factor distribution developed in QGIS. RESULTS: Mapping the prevalence of selected CVD risk factors indicated substantial gender and small area geographic heterogeneity which was masked on aggregate analysis. Patterns and clustering were observed for hypertension, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol consumption and risk factor combination. Prevalence of unhealthy diet was very high across all parishes with no significant observable differences across areas. CONCLUSION: Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors are common in this low-income context. Moreover, across small area geographic setting, it appears significant differences in distribution of risk factors exist. These differences suggest that underlying drivers such as sociocultural, environmental and economic determinants may be promoting or inhibiting the observed risk factor prevalences which should be further explored. In addition, the differences emphasize the value of small geographical area mapping and analysis to inform more targeted risk reduction interventions.

Correction: Estimating the Size of Key Populations in Kampala, Uganda: 3-Source Capture-Recapture Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/12118.].