A pilot study to explore societal, patient, and public authority perception on 'Value-Added Tax' system for healthcare financing in Zimbabwe: A case for cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: Many of the cancer cases in Zimbabwe are HIV related, making it a significant health concern in the country. This concern requires innovative ways, such as implementing Value-Added Tax (VAT) to finance cancer management through health insurance. The study explores the general public, cancer patients, and public authorities' perception regarding using the VAT system for financing cancer treatment. METHOD: A qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted to explore the perception of study participants on 'Value Added Tax' as a source of healthcare financing in Harare. This was done through the use of in-depth interview guides. A total of 25 participants took part in the study. Fifteen were members of the general public, 5 were cancer patients, and 5 were key informants representing public authority. Members of the general public and cancer patients were conveniently selected, while key informants were purposively selected. Data were analyzed descriptively and by grounded theory whereby codes were developed by induction. RESULTS: The general public and cancer patients perceived cancer treatment as generally unaffordable and showed readiness to pay for a cancer levy through VAT. Cancer patients expressed disappointment at the low support for cancer treatment compared to HIV treatment concerning the already established AIDS levy. Public authorities also perceived the VAT system as an appropriate programme for health care financing. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study found that a 'Value-Added-Tax' system could potentially be an acceptable model to finance public healthcare, including cancer treatment in highly informal settings like Zimbabwe.

Adverse drug reactions associated with doxorubicin and epirubicin: A descriptive analysis from VigiBase.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. Owing to high toxicity, patients using chemotherapy drugs have a higher risk for developing adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Pharmacovigilance studies are essential in oncology to evaluate ADRs caused by anticancer drugs and improve patient safety. This study aimed to analyze serious ADRs associated with the use of doxorubicin and epirubicin reported to VigiBase. METHOD: All anonymized data on suspected ADRs for doxorubicin and epirubicin as 'serious' and 'suspected' or 'interacting' drugs between 1968 and 30 August 2021, were extracted from VigiBase. Descriptive statistics were conducted in Microsoft Excel, and data were summarized using frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: A total of 35,620 serious individual case safety reports was analyzed. The majority of reports were from females (Dox = 61.41%; Epi = 86.56%), while the predominant age group was 45-64 years (Dox = 42.06%; Epi = 57.39%). Physicians were the more likely group to report serious ADRs (Dox = 50.03%; Epi = 34.11%). In general, Europe reported the highest for doxorubicin (38.08%), while Asia recorded the highest reports for epirubicin (53.28%). Oceania reported the least for both drugs (Dox = 0.45%; Epi = 0.04%), followed by Africa (Dox = 0.72%; Epi = 0.29%). Blood and lymphatic system disorders were the most reported serious category (Dox = 11053 [44.47%]; Epi = 6659 [61.84%]). The most common manifestations were febrile neutropenia (Dox = 10.52%) and bone marrow failure (Epi = 23.89%). CONCLUSION: This study provides relevant global insights into serious ADRs for doxorubicin and epirubicin. This knowledge may assist in minimizing and proactively managing ADRs. It can also inform policies to improve patients' quality of life.

Impact of brief educational intervention on knowledge of cancer among community pharmacists.

INTRODUCTION: Community pharmacists may play a vital role in early detection and prevention of cancer. Findings from our pre-assessment studies showed that the Ghanaian community have inadequate knowledge of cancer. We assessed the impact of a brief educational intervention on knowledge level of cancer among Ghanaian community pharmacists. METHOD: The study was a descriptive interventional study. Knowledge of cancer, signs and symptoms, risk factors and cancer screening tests were assessed before in a pre-assessment study and after a brief online education in our current study. A total of 435 community pharmacists were recruited in both studies. RESULTS: The mean ± SD total knowledge score of cancer increased from 9.03 ± 2.65 to 12.97 ± 1.43 out of a maximum score of 15 points. The mean ± SD total knowledge score of signs and symptoms of cancer increased from 4.15 ± 2.14 to 6.86 ± 0.76 out of a maximum score of 7 points. For the total knowledge score of causes and risk factors of cancer, the mean ± SD score increased from 8.13 ± 3.31 to 11.59 ± 0.87 out of a maximum score of 12 points. Lastly, the mean ± SD total knowledge score of cancer screening tests increased from 9.04 ± 5.01 to 16.39 ± 0.86 out of a maximum score of 18 points. CONCLUSION: There were overall statistically significant improvements of participants knowledge in all aspects of cancer in this study compared to the pre-assessment study. Our study presents evidence of the effectiveness of a brief educational intervention tailor-made for Ghanaian community pharmacists.

Evaluating essential medicines for treating childhood cancers: availability, price and affordability study in Ghana.

INTRODUCTION: Access to childhood cancer medicines is a critical global health challenge. There is a lack of sufficient context-specific data in Ghana on access to essential medicines for treating childhood cancers. Here, we present an analysis of essential cancer medicine availability, pricing, and affordability using the pediatric oncology unit of a tertiary hospital as the reference point. METHOD: Data on prices and availability of 20 strength-specific essential cancer medicines and eight non-cancer medicines were evaluated using the modified World Health Organization (WHO)/Health Action International method. Two pharmacies in the hospital and four private pharmacies around the hospital were surveyed. We assessed their median price ratio using the WHO international reference price guide. The number of days wages per the government daily wage salary was used to calculate the affordability of medicines. RESULTS: The mean availability of essential cancer medicines and non-cancer medicines at the hospital pharmacies were 27 and 38% respectively, and 75 and 84% respectively for private pharmacies. The median price ratio of cancer medicines was 1.85, and non-cancer medicines was 3.75. The estimated cost of medicines for treating a 30 kg child with Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was GHÈ» 4928.04 (US$907.56) and GHÈ» 4878.00 (US$902.62) for Retinoblastoma, requiring 417 and 413-days wages respectively for the lowest-paid unskilled worker in Ghana. CONCLUSION: The mean availability of cancer medicines at the public and private pharmacies were less than the WHO target of 80%. The median price ratio for cancer and non-cancer medicines was less than 4, yet the cost of medicines appears unaffordable in the local setting. A review of policies and the establishment of price control could improve availability and reduce medicines prices for the low-income population.

The role of Lesotho community pharmacists in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases: The perceived facilitators and barriers.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality globally. The impact of cardiovascular diseases can be minimized by addressing modifiable risk factors at primary health care level. Community pharmacists are well-positioned to identify patients at risk of cardiovascular diseases for early detection and initiation of treatment. However, the role of Lesotho community pharmacists in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the Lesotho community pharmacists' role in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: The methodological reporting of this study was guided by the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies. A list of registered community pharmacists was obtained from the Ministry of Health. Pharmacists were selected based on their close proximity to the researcher and invited to participate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Five themes were identified namely: 1) Current roles 2) Future role 3) Facilitators, 4) Barriers, and 5) Community pharmacists' perceptions of their roles. Generally, community pharmacists were involved in medication counselling, health promotion, and referral of patients. Lack of support from government, patients' lack of adherence, poor interprofessional relationship, and lack of clear community pharmacy practice guidelines were identified as barriers. Despite the challenges, community pharmacists are motivated by patients' gratitude for their services. CONCLUSIONS: Lesotho community pharmacists can potentially improve cardiovascular diseases' health outcomes at primary healthcare level through early detection of CVD risk factors, and health promotion.

Assessment of adherence to pre-vaccination precautions and AEFI reporting practices during BCG vaccination in 4 hospitals in Ghana.

The BCG vaccine, like all other vaccines, is associated with adverse events following immunization (AEFI). Reducing the incidence of AEFI is crucial in reposing confidence in BCG vaccination and reducing hesitancy associated with the vaccine. This requires safety precautions before and during vaccinations, as well as reporting AEFIs after vaccination. This study assessed the adherence of health-care professionals to pre-vaccination precautions and adverse events following immunization (AEFI) reporting practices during BCG vaccination in four hospitals in Ghana. It is hoped that the findings of the study will serve as a baseline to identify gaps for further studies to generate a stronger evidence for policy formulation aimed at improving BCG vaccine safety in Ghana and other tuberculosis endemic countries. A cross-sectional study design was employed, and Statistical Package for Social Sciences, IBM® SPSS version 25 (SPSS Inc. USA) software was used for analysis. Chi-square and binary logistic regression tests were used to test the association between categorical variables and predictors of adherence to pre-BCG vaccination precautions, respectively, and a p-value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. The AEFIs commonly reported by mothers included abscess, injection site pain, injection site redness, fever, rash, muscle weakness, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing and rhinitis. Ninety-three participants (73.2%) were adherent to pre-BCG vaccination precautions. Ninety-two participants (72.4%) informed mothers to report all AEFIs encountered. Adherence to pre-BCG vaccination precautions and AEFI reporting were generally good; however, there is still room for improvement.

A systematic review of the role of community pharmacists in the prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases: the perceptions of patients.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality globally. The modifiable risk factors can be measured and identified early at primary healthcare facilities. Community pharmacists present an opportunity for improved management of cardiovascular diseases and health outcomes. The systematic review aims to identify the roles of community pharmacists in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases and patients' perceptions towards such functions. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The team searched MEDLINE, CINAHL via EBSCOhost, and Web of Science from January 2001 to December 2021 with a focus on studies reporting the role of community pharmacists in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases, and patients' perceptions of such roles. Search terms included were ''interventions,'' ''community pharmacists,'' ''patients,'' ''cardiovascular diseases,'' ''risk factors,'' and "perceptions". The quality of studies was appraised using the Joanne Briggs Institute checklist. RESULTS: A total of 45 studies met the inclusion criteria: 35 (78%) and 10 (22%) reported community pharmacists' preventive and control roles, respectively. Generally, drug therapy monitoring, medicine and lifestyle counselling, and health education were most common roles, with pharmacist-initiated prescribing and social support least common. A total of 11 (24%) studies reported patients' perceptions of community pharmacists' contribution in preventing (73%, n = 8) and controlling (27%, n = 3) cardiovascular diseases. Patients were satisfied with community pharmacists' services in 10 of 11 studies. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight community pharmacists' capability of providing primary healthcare services in preventing and controlling cardiovascular diseases and provide evidence for their inclusion in primary healthcare frameworks. Future research should assess the effectiveness of these roles and provide a comprehensive evaluation of clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Open Science Framework (OSF) registration https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WGFXT .

Socio-Demographic Factors and Other Predictors of Pap Test Uptake Among Women: A Retrospective Study in Ghana.

Introduction: The World Health Organization has reported a rise in cervical cancer in Ghana. Ghanaian women predominantly undergo opportunistic Pap smear screening for cervical cancer. Numerous studies have documented differences in the sociodemographic traits of participants undergoing Pap smear testing or screening, which correlates with their screening habits. This study aims to assess sociodemographic variables, including others that determine Pap test utilization at a single center in Ghana. Methods: A single-center survey was conducted by extracting data from the records of women who walked in for Pap smear testing. A telephone survey was also conducted among these women to document their barriers to utilizing the center. For data analysis, descriptive statistics and chi-square were utilized. Results: A total of 197 participants' records were retrieved for the study. Most participants were market women (69.4%) and uneducated (71.4%). Their Pap smear screening records indicate that the majority (86%) had no history of cervical cancer screening, and only 3% tested positive for Pap smear test. Educational level, occupation and family history of cancer significantly correlated with participants' Pap smear history (p<0.05). However, most sociodemographic factors were not significant with the Pap test results of the participants (p>0.05). The perceived barrier identified by most participants was the need for more information (67.40%) on the test. Conclusion: This study revealed that sociodemographic and gynaecological factors do not correlate with Pap test results. However, education level, occupation, and family history of cancer were significantly associated with the history of Pap smear uptake. The most significant barrier hindering Pap smear services was the need for more information.

Adverse events following immunization associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines: A descriptive analysis from VigiAccess.

This study assessed adverse events following immunizations (AEFIs) reported on COVID-19 vaccines in VigiAccess and determined the reporting trends across all continents of the world. The study was cross-sectional quantitative in design. VigiAccess was searched on 10 November 10 2021 for reported adverse events following the introduction of COVID-19 vaccines. After entering the search term, "COVID-19 vaccines" in VigiAccess, AEFIs associated with nine approved brands of COVID-19 vaccines had been documented in the database. Data were captured among age groups, sex, and continents of the world and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Overall, 2,457,386 AEFIs had been reported in VigiAccess at the time of the search. No causal associations could be established between the vaccines and the AEFIs. The public accessing VigiAccess data should therefore be made aware of this in order to not falsely attribute AEFIs to COVID-19 vaccines when assessing the database.

Social Media and COVID-19-Perceptions and Public Deceptions of Ivermectin, Colchicine and Hydroxychloroquine: Lessons for Future Pandemics.

The capacity for social media to influence the utilization of re-purposed medicines to manage COVID-19, despite limited availability of safety and efficacy data, is a cause for concern within health care systems. This study sought to ascertain links between social media reports and utilization for three re-purposed medicines: hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), ivermectin and colchicine. A combined retrospective analysis of social media posts for these three re-purposed medicines was undertaken, along with utilization and clinical trials data, in South Africa, between January 2020 and June 2021. In total, 77,257 posts were collected across key social media platforms, of which 6884 were relevant. Ivermectin had the highest number of posts (55%) followed by HCQ (44%). The spike in ivermectin use was closely correlated to social media posts. Similarly, regarding chloroquine (as HCQ is not available in South Africa), social media interest was enhanced by local politicians. Sentiment analysis revealed that posts regarding the effectiveness of these repurposed medicines were positive. This was different for colchicine, which contributed only a small number of mentions (1%). Of concern is that the majority of reporters in social media (85%) were unidentifiable. This study provides evidence of social media as a driver of re-purposed medicines. Healthcare professionals have a key role in providing evidence-based advice especially with unidentifiable posts.

COVID-19: Guidelines for pharmacists in South Africa.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, and its declaration as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), the reliance on pharmacists as one of the first points of contact within the healthcare system has been highlighted. This evidence-based review is aimed at providing guidance for pharmacists in community, hospital and other settings in South Africa, on the management of patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19. The situation is rapidly evolving, and new evidence continues to emerge on a daily basis. This guidance document takes into account and includes newly available evidence and recommendations, particularly around the following aspects relating to COVID-19: EpidemiologyThe virus, its modes of transmission and incubation periodSymptom identification, including the differentiation between influenza, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and COVID-19Social media myths and misinformationTreatment guidelines and medicines that may need to be kept in stockTreatment and prevention options, including an update on vaccine developmentThe case for and against the use of NSAIDs, ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in patients with COVID-19Interventions and patient counselling by the pharmacist. It is critical, though, that pharmacists access the most recent and authoritative information to guide their practice. Key websites that can be relied upon are: World Health Organization (WHO): https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD): https://www.nicd.ac.za/diseases-a-z-index/covid-19/National Department of Health (NDoH): http://www.health.gov.za/index.php/outbreaks/145-corona-virus-outbreak/465-corona-virus-outbreak; https://sacoronavirus.co.za/.

Utilization of over-the-counter analgesics in two private medical insurance schemes in South Africa.

INTRODUCTION: In South Africa there is an easy access to over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and expenditure is high. Certain OTC products are available to the public in general stores, while others may only be available at pharmacies. It is also common for OTC medicines to be prescribed by a doctor for treatment of minor illnesses. Individuals with medical insurance usually have cover for these products, but typically only to a limited extent. AIM: To investigate the utilization patterns in two medical insurance schemes of OTC analgesic products in the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) category N02BE51 which includes medicines containing paracetamol and varying combinations of codeine, caffeine and antihistamines. METHODOLOGY: Data were obtained for two benefit plans, one with generous, high benefits (HI), the other with lower benefits (LO). Data covered utilization of OTC medicines in the N02BE51 group, indicating whether the medicines were purchased at a pharmacy or dispensed by a doctor. Doctors were further categorised as contracted/network or non-network providers. Product costs and volumes were analysed according to access directly by the beneficiary, recommendation by a pharmacist, or prescription from a doctor. RESULTS: Compared to doctors, pharmacists issued more-expensive products. Average costs were higher in the HI plan compared to the LO plan. Pharmacists showed a preference for dispensing larger and more expensive pack sizes. Doctors showed better cost containment: the average cost of products in HI was twice that of LO. Doctors dispensing directly to patients issued smaller pack sizes and lower-priced products. Contracted network doctors did not appear to impact on costs. CONCLUSION: Among the privately-insured individuals studied, the avaiIability, cost and formulation of N02BE51 OTC products appeared to be poorly regulated, whether by the consumer, pharmacist, medical insurance scheme or legislation. Doctors demonstrate better cost containment by prescribing less costly, smaller pack-size alternatives compared to pharmacists.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses and pharmacists towards adverse drug reaction reporting in the South African private hospital sector.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacovigilance (PV) is an important tool in monitoring the quality, efficacy and safety of medicines, with spontaneous reporting being the mainstay system of reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) worldwide. ADRs are largely underreported in South Africa. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pharmacists and nurses in the private hospital sector towards ADR reporting. SETTING: This study was conducted in six private hospitals and clinics within a single hospital group in Johannesburg, South Africa. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst healthcare professionals using a structured multiple-choice questionnaire containing 20 close-ended questions. Both electronic and paper questionnaires were used to obtain as many responses as possible. RESULTS: A total of 233 healthcare professionals participated in the study. Of these, 78.5% were registered nurses and 21.5% were hospital pharmacists. Although three-quarters of participants believed ADR reporting to be important, most had received no previous PV training (76.2%) and did not know how to report an ADR (54.5%). The majority of participants (87.1%) believed that all ADRs should be reported, with 75.5% of participants believing they would report all ADRs they encountered in the future provided they had sufficient training and knowledge. The major factors discouraging participants from reporting was a lack of awareness with respect to the process of reporting as well as a lack of access to the ADR reporting form. CONCLUSION: The majority of participants require further training regarding ADR reporting. Although the knowledge of most participants was acceptable, the transition into practice needs to be improved.