Functional availability of medical oxygen for the management of hypoxaemia in Cameroon: A nationwide facility-based cross-sectional survey.

Background: Medical oxygen is essential for managing hypoxaemia, which has a multifactorial origin, including acute and chronic lung diseases such as pneumonia, asthma, and severe malaria. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) revealed substantial gaps in the availability and accessibility of safe medical oxygen, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aimed to assess the availability and sources, as well as the barriers to the availability of functional medical oxygen in hospitals in Cameroon. Methods: This was a nationwide cross-sectional descriptive study conducted from 26 March to 1 June 2021. Using a convenient sampling technique, we sampled accredited public and private COVID-19 treatment centres in all ten regions in Cameroon. Representatives from the selected hospitals were provided with a pre-designed questionnaire assessing the availability, type, and state of medical oxygen in their facilities. All analyses were performed using R. Results: In total, 114 hospitals were included in this study, with functional medical oxygen available in 65% (74/114) of the hospitals. About 85% (23/27) of the reference hospitals and only 59% (51/87) of the district hospitals had available functional medical oxygen. Compared to district hospitals, reference hospitals were more likely to have central oxygen units (reference vs. district: 10 vs. 0%), oxygen cylinders (74 vs. 42%), and oxygen concentrators (79 vs. 51%). The most common barriers to the availability of medical oxygen were inadequate oxygen supply to meet needs (district vs. reference hospitals: 55 vs. 30%), long delays in oxygen bottle refills (51 vs. 49%), and long distances from oxygen suppliers (57 vs. 49%). Conclusions: The availability of medical oxygen in hospitals in Cameroon is suboptimal and more limited in districts compared to reference hospitals. The cost of medical oxygen, delays related to refills and supplies, and long distances from medical sources were the most common barriers to availability in Cameroon.

Decentralizing oxygen availability and use at primary care level for children under-five with severe pneumonia, at 12 Health Centers in Ethiopia: a pre-post non-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of death in children worldwide, accounting for 15% of all deaths in children under the age of five. Hypoxemia is a major cause of death in patients suffering from pneumonia. There is strong evidence that using pulse oximetry and having reliable oxygen sources in health care facilities can reduce deaths due to pneumonia by one-third. Despite its importance, hypoxemia is frequently overlooked in resource-constrained settings. Aside from the limited availability of pulse oximetry, evidence showed that healthcare workers did not use it as frequently to generate evidence-based decisions on the need for oxygen therapy. As a result, the goal of this study was to assess the availability of medical oxygen devices, operating manuals, guidelines, healthcare workers' knowledge, and skills in the practice of hypoxemia diagnosis and oxygen therapy in piloted health centers of Ethiopia. METHODS: A pre-post non-experimental study design was employed. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect primary data and review medical record charts. A chi-square test with a statistical significance level of P < 0.05 was used as a cut-off point for claiming statistical significance. RESULTS: Eighty one percent of healthcare workers received oxygen therapy training, up from 6% at baseline. As a result of the interventions, knowledge of pulse oximetry use and oxygen therapy provision, skills such as oxygen saturation and practices of oxygen therapy have significantly improved among healthcare workers in the piloted Health Centers. In terms of availability of oxygen devices (e.g. cylinders, concentrators, and pulse oximeters) in the facilities, seven (58%) facilities did not have any at baseline, but due to the interventions, all facilities were equipped with the oxygen devices. CONCLUSIONS: Given the prevalence of pneumonia and hypoxemia, a lack of access to oxygen delivery devices, as well as a lack of knowledge and skills among healthcare workers in the administration of oxygen therapy, may represent an important and reversible barrier to improving child survival. Therefore, scaling up clinician training, technical support, availability of oxygen devices, guidelines, manuals, strengthening maintenance schemes, and close monitoring of healthcare workers and health facilities is strongly advised.

Changes in the availability of medical oxygen and its clinical practice in Ethiopia during a national scale-up program: a time series design from thirty-two public hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Oxygen therapy is a lifesaving treatment, however, in Ethiopia, oxygen is not readily available in many healthcare facilities. In 2015, the Federal Ministry of Health launched a national roadmap to increase access to oxygen. This study aims to evaluate whether availability of oxygen and its clinical practice in public hospitals of Ethiopia changed during the time the roadmap was being implemented. METHODS: Between December 2015 and December 2019, a multifaceted approach was undertaken to increase access to oxygen in public facilities in Ethiopia. The activities included formation of new policies, development of guidelines, procurement and maintenance of oxygen equipment, and training of healthcare workers. To evaluate whether access and use of oxygen changed during this period, facility-based surveys were conducted between December 2015 to December 2019. Primary data, including medical record reviews, were collected from 32 public hospitals bi-annually. A chi-square test that claimed P < 0.05 used to assess the statistical significance differences. RESULTS: The study was conducted in 32 public hospitals of Ethiopia, where capacity building and technical support interventions implemented. Of these 32 facilities, 15 (46.9%) were general hospitals, 10 (31.2%) were referral hospitals, and 7 (21.9%) were primary hospitals. Functional availability of oxygen has shown a statistically significant increase from 62 to 100% in the pediatric in-patient departments of general and referral hospitals (p-value < 0.001). Similarly, functional availability of pulse oximetry has shown a statistically significant increase from 45 to 96%. With regard to clinical practices, the blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurement at diagnosis increased from 10.2 to 75%, and SpO2 measurement at admission increased 20.5 to 83%. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the intervention results, we conclude that multifaceted approaches targeting policy, healthcare workers' capacity, increased device procurement, and device maintenance programs with on-site mentorship, can improve the availability of medical oxygen and pulse oximetry, as well as clinical practice of oxygen therapy in health facilities. Therefore, ensuring device availability along with regular technical support and close follow-up of healthcare workers and facilities are critical, and these interventions should be scaled further.

Drug and Therapeutics Committee (DTC) evolvement and expanded scope in Ethiopia.

As a key partner of Ministry of Health (MOH) Ethiopia, The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) had been implementing the Child Survival Project (CSP) since October 2015. Strengthening DTC was one of its focuses to improve overall supply chain management (SCM). The objective of this study are to review the evolution of DTCs in Ethiopia from their early years to current practice and identify the major driving and hindering factors for their functionality. A descriptive mixed study design was employed. The study made use of qualitative data supplemented with quantitative data, generated from both primary and secondary sources through key informant interviews and desk review methods. DTCs were introduced in Ethiopia in the early 1980s. The mandate of DTCs has been given to four different government organizations during that time. As a result, due to a lack of coordination among these organizations, its implementation was lagging. Recently, the government and its partners have given attention to DTCs. More than 5847 professionals underwent DTC training from 2016 onwards. DTC establishment in health facilities improved from 85% to 98% between 2015 and 2019 during baseline and end-line assessments carried out by CHAI/CSP. Similarly, DTC functionality in HFs improved from 20% to 63%. The CHAI/CSP regular supervision data analysis revealed that DTC establishment improved from 83% to 100% of HFs, while its functionality improved from 5% to 72% between 2016 and 2019, respectively. A chi-square test of independence examining the relationship between facility and pharmacy head training on DTCs and functionality of DTC in the same facility revealed a significant association between the two variables at p<0.0001. Conclusions: Providing consistent capacity building and availing strong monitoring and evaluation system improves functionality of DTCs. Moreover, national coordinating bodies for DTCs and similar structures at Regional Health Bureaus and woreda health offices should be established.

The prevalence of hypoxemia among pediatric and adult patients presenting to healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxemia is a severe condition associated with high rates of mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with poor access to oxygen therapy. Despite its clinical significance, there have been few studies to describe the burden of hypoxemia. Thus, the primary objective of this study is to systematically describe the prevalence of hypoxemia among pediatric and adult patients in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS/DESIGN: Standard systematic review methods will be used. Bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL) will be searched from 1998 onwards. The search strategy aims to identify studies that have measured peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) in children and adults presenting to health facilities in LMICs. Studies will be included if oxygen saturation measurements by pulse oximetry were measured. No studies will be excluded based on study design though patients recruited from intensive care units and post-operative care will be excluded. The primary outcome is the prevalence of hypoxemia on presentation to the healthcare facility. We define hypoxemia on the basis of SpO2 measurements, and use a threshold of SpO2 less than 90% at sea level though allow for a lower threshold for studies conducted at higher altitude and where justified. Standardized tools will be used to extract data on number of patients with SpO2 measurements, number of patients with hypoxemia, patient population characteristics, and study characteristics. Quality of the included studies will be assessed using the "Checklist for Prevalence Studies" developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. If there are enough studies to do so, we will conduct meta-analysis using a random effects model to estimate prevalence of hypoxemia and conduct subgroup analyses by age and disease groups. DISCUSSION: Hypoxemia is a critical condition and understanding the burden of hypoxemia may support decision-making in LMICs to deploy pulse oximeters and oxygen treatments more efficiently to address diseases and patient populations with the highest burden. Previous studies on hypoxemia prevalence have focused too narrowly on a few diseases or specific patient populations (e.g., pneumonia in children under five) whereas any effort to improve access to oxygen requires understanding of the potential demand for oxygen for all diseases and population groups. Governments, UN agencies, donors, and NGOs are investing strongly to improve oxygen systems in LMICs. Effective oxygen system planning requires estimation of oxygen need, informed by robust data on hypoxemia prevalence and admission patterns at all the levels of the health system. This study aims to fill that gap by providing comprehensive estimates of hypoxemia prevalence. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019136622.

Improved oxygen systems at hospitals in three Nigerian states: An implementation research study.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoxemia is a life-threatening condition and is commonly seen in children with severe pneumonia. A government-led, NGO-supported, multifaceted oxygen improvement program was implemented to increase access to oxygen therapy in 29 hospitals in Kaduna, Kano, and Niger states. The program installed pulse oximeters and oxygen concentrators, trained health care workers, and biomedical engineers (BMEs), and provided regular feedback to health care staff through quality improvement teams. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the program increased screening for hypoxemia with pulse oximetry and prescription of oxygen for patients with hypoxemia. METHODOLOGY: The study is an uncontrolled before-after interventional study implemented at the hospital level. Medical charts of patients under 5 admitted for pneumonia between January 2017 and August 2018 were reviewed and information on patient care was extracted using a standardized form. The preintervention period of this study was defined as 1 January to 31 October 2017 and the postintervention period as 1 February to 31 August 2018. The primary outcomes of the study were whether blood-oxygen saturation measurements (SpO2 ) were documented and whether children with hypoxemia were prescribed oxygen. RESULTS: A total of 3418 patient charts were reviewed (1601 during the preintervention period and 1817 during the postintervention period). There was a significant increase in the proportion of patients with SpO2 measurements after the interventions were conducted (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.0; 4.3-5.7, P < .001). Before the interventions, only 13.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.2-15.3) of patients had SpO2 measurements and after the interventions, 82.4% (95% CI: 80.7-84.1) had SpO2 measurements. Oxygen administration for patients with clinical signs of hypoxemia also increased significantly (aOR 5.0; 4.2-5.9, P < .001)-from 22.8% (95% CI: 18.8-27.2) to 77.9% (95% CI: 73.9-81.5). CONCLUSION: Increasing pulse oximetry and oxygen therapy access and utilization in a low-resourced environment is achievable through a multifaceted program focused on strengthening government-owned systems.

An evaluation of a national oral rehydration solution and zinc scale-up program in Kenya between 2011 and 2016.

BACKGROUND: In Kenya, diarrheal disease is the second leading cause of death among children under five. The Government of Kenya launched a national plan to increase coverage of oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc by addressing demand and supply-side barriers. This study evaluates progress of ORS and zinc uptake in Kenya according to the national plan from 2011 to 2016. METHODS: In 2016, we conducted a nationally representative population-based household survey to estimate coverage of ORS and zinc for treatment of diarrhea cases among children under five. We also used ORS and zinc coverage data from the two most recent Kenya Demographic and Health Surveys in 2008/09 and 2014 to estimate annual changes in coverage rates during the program period. Based on these inputs, we used the Lives Saved Tool to estimate the number of diarrhea deaths averted between 2011 and 2016 due to increased use of ORS and zinc. RESULTS: The 2016 survey results showed that ORS coverage was 42% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 38%, 47%) and zinc coverage was 18% (95% CI = 15%, 23%). The estimated coverage for the combined use of ORS and zinc was 15% in 2016 (95% CI = 12%, 19%). Compared to 2011, an additional 3340 (sensitivity bounds = 2 670, 3 920) diarrhea deaths among children under five were averted due to increases in ORS and zinc coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Kenya was successful in catalyzing uptake of combined treatment with ORS and zinc, which rose from 0.8% in 2011 to 15% in 2016. Ongoing efforts are necessary to further build on these gains.

A retrospective mixed-methods evaluation of a national ORS and zinc scale-up program in Uganda between 2011 and 2016.

BACKGROUND: In Uganda, diarrhoea was the third leading cause of mortality among children under the age of five in 2010. To address this issue, the Ministry of Health (MOH) formed a national Diarrhoea and Pneumonia Coordination Committee (DPCC) in 2011. One of the objectives of the DPCC for reducing diarrhoea mortality was to increase the use of oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc. This study aimed to describe and evaluate efforts by the DPCC to increase ORS and zinc coverage. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective mixed-methods evaluation to describe the activities conducted under the DPCC and evaluate the extent to which the committee's goal of increasing ORS and zinc use was achieved. We conducted secondary analysis using Uganda's Demographic and Health Survey from 2011 and 2016, analyzed cross-sectional private medicine outlet surveys from 2014 and 2016, analyzed ORS and zinc distribution data from the Uganda National Medical Stores, and reviewed program documents from DPCC partners. RESULTS: Nationally, the proportion of children under five with diarrhoea treated with ORS and zinc increased from 1% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1%, 2%) in 2011 to 30% (95% CI = 27%, 32%) in 2016. Among private medicine outlets, the adjusted odds of having any zinc in-stock was 1.5 (95% CI = 1.14, 1.97) times higher in 2016 than in 2014, and the retail price for a complete treatment (2 ORS sachets and 10 zinc tablets) declined by $0.19 (95% CI = -0.31, -0.06), or 14%. CONCLUSIONS: Use of combined ORS and zinc for treatment of diarrhoea in children under five significantly increased in Uganda during the program period. The range of activities conducted by the various members of the DPCC likely contributed to the increase in the use of combined ORS and zinc.

Increasing coverage of pediatric diarrhea treatment in high-burden countries.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea is the second leading cause of infectious deaths in children under-five globally. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) and zinc could avert an estimated 93% of deaths, but progress to increase coverage of these interventions has been largely stagnant over the past several decades. The Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), along with donors and country governments in India, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda, implemented programs to scale-up ORS and zinc coverage from 2012 to 2016. The programs sought to demonstrate that increases in pediatric diarrhea treatment rates are possible at scale in high-burden settings through a holistic approach addressing both supply and demand barriers. We describe the overall program model and the activities undertaken in each country. The overall goal of the paper is to share the program results and lessons learned to inform other countries aiming to scale-up ORS and zinc. METHODS: We used a triangulation approach, using population-based household surveys, public facility audits, and private outlet surveys, to evaluate the program model. We used pre- and post-program population-based household survey data to estimate the changes in coverage of ORS and zinc for treatment of diarrhea cases in children under-five in program areas. We also conducted secondary analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS) surveys in surrounding regions and compared annual coverage changes in the CHAI-supported program geographies to the surrounding regions. RESULTS: Across CHAI-supported focal geographies, the average ORS coverage across the program areas increased from 35% to 48% and combined ORS and zinc coverage increased from 1% to 24%. ORS coverage increases were statistically significant in the program states in India, from 22% (95% confidence interval CI = 21-23%) to 48% (95% CI = 47-50%) and program states in Nigeria, from 38% (95% CI = 32-40%) to 55% (95% CI = 51-58%). For combined ORS and zinc, coverage increases were statistically significant in all program geographies. Compared to surrounding regions, the estimated annual changes in combined ORS and zinc coverage were greater in program geographies. Using the Lives Saved Tool and based on the coverage changes during the program period, we estimated 76 090 diarrheal deaths were averted in the program geographies. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing ORS and zinc coverage at scale in high-burden countries and states is possible through a comprehensive approach that targets both demand and supply barriers, including pricing, optimal product qualities, provider dispensing practices, stocking rates, and consumer demand.