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Metabolic syndrome has emerged as a significant global public health concern, necessitating comprehensive examination alongside cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). This study provides a comprehensive analysis of clinical trials, drawing upon data sourced from the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), until April 2023. Information pertaining to trial attributes and intervention features was gathered and subsequently summarized. Among the 2379 studies found on ICTRP from 18 clinical registries, ClinicalTrials.gov was the most popular with 55 % of the studies, based on data emerging from the United States. Most trials were for treatment (44 %) and prevention (17 %), with fewer focused on basic science, and diagnostic purposes. Diet and exercise were the most prominent, with 710 and 247 studies, respectively. Metformin and statins emerge as leading pharmacological therapies, reflecting the prevalence of CVD and T2D in the context of metabolic syndrome. However, there is growing recognition of other promising interventions, such as Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 agonists and Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV inhibitors, which offer potential in slowing the progression of metabolic syndrome-related conditions. Notably, clinical trials primarily assessed diagnostic markers like lipid profiles, insulin, and blood pressure, rather than body mass and body mass index. These parameters are crucial for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of interventions for metabolic syndrome due to its multi-condition nature. Most studies aimed to address general symptom relief, while highlighting a need for additional well-designed treatment trials with rigorous methodologies in accordance with the World Health Organization's guidance for consistent evaluation and treatment.
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BACKGROUND: We have previously determined that the occurrence of missed vaccination opportunities in children in Cape Town, South Africa, is shaped by both individual and contextual factors. These factors present valuable openings for enhancing quality and implementing broader strategies to enhance the delivery of routine Immunisation services. METHODS: Here, we are further reporting regional-level data on the coverage and factors influencing vaccination completion within a similar study population, based on extensive data analysis from the 2016 South African Demographic and Health Survey. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The study reveals commendable vaccination coverage for most vaccines within recommended schedules, with high rates of initial vaccinations at birth and during the primary vaccination schedule. However, there are notable areas for improvement, particularly in ensuring complete coverage for the second measles vaccine and the 18-month vaccine. Socio-demographic factors also play a role, with maternal education and caregiver awareness campaigns showing the potential to positively influence vaccination completeness. This study emphasises the importance of timely vaccinations during the early months of life and underscores the need for interventions to maintain coverage as children age. Specific sub-districts, such as Tygerberg, may require targeted efforts to enhance vaccination completeness. Additionally, assessing caregiver knowledge about child vaccination is deemed vital, as it can impact vaccination decisions and adherence. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide valuable insights for public health interventions in Cape Town, aimed at reducing the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases and ensuring the health of the region's youngest population.
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This study aimed to explore the contextual factors that may be associated with missed opportunities for vaccination (MOV) from the perspectives of healthcare providers and caregivers attending primary healthcare facilities in the Cape Town Metro Health District, South Africa. The ultimate goal of the assessment was to help inform the design and implementation of a contextually appropriate quality improvement programme targeted at reducing MOV in primary healthcare settings. We used a theory-informed exploratory qualitative research design involving focus group discussions with caregivers of children aged 0-23 months; and in-depth interviews of facility staff. A thematic template analysis approach, integrating the theoretical domains framework (TDF) and the capability, opportunity and motivation model of behavior (COM-B) was used to code and analyze the data. Three focus group sessions were conducted, each consisting of 5-8 caregivers and five in-depth interviews involving facility staff. Capability factors comprised caregivers' knowledge, attitude and behavior toward children's immunization. Opportunity factors included the organization of immunization services, long waiting time, vaccine stock out, staff shortage and health workers' attitude, knowledge and capability to assess children's immunization status and needs. Motivation factors included optimism and beliefs about immunization, fear of vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization safety concerns. This study identified important caregiver-, provider- and health system-related factors, which influence immunization outcomes; offering useful contextual insights for informing quality improvement strategies for reducing MOV at primary healthcare level.