The V-BRCH Project: Strengthening HIV Research Capacity in Nigeria through Intensive Workshops in Implementation Science and Grant Writing.

As persons with HIV live longer as the result of antiretroviral therapy, morbidity from HIV-associated noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing. The Vanderbilt-Nigeria Building Research Capacity in HIV and Noncommunicable Diseases program is a training platform created with the goal of training a cohort of successful Nigerian investigators to become leaders in HIV-associated NCD research. We describe survey findings from two week-long workshops in Kano, Nigeria, where trainees received instruction in implementation science and grant writing. Surveys assessed participants' self-perceived knowledge and confidence in topics taught during these workshops. Thirty-seven participants (all assistant professors) attended the implementation science workshop; 30 attended the grant-writing workshop. Response rates for the implementation science workshop were 89.2% for the preworkshop survey and 91.9% for the postworkshop survey. For the grant-writing workshop, these values were 88.2% and 85.3%, respectively. Improvement in participant knowledge and confidence was observed in every domain measured for both workshops. On average, a 101.4% increase in knowledge and a 118.0% increase in confidence was observed across measured domains among participants in the implementation science workshop. For the grant-writing workshop, there was a 68.8% increase in knowledge and a 70.3% increase in confidence observed. Participants rated the workshops and instructors as effective for both workshops. These workshops improved participants' knowledge and competence in implementation science and grant writing, and provide a model for training programs that aim to provide physician scientists with the skills needed to compete for independent funding, conduct locally relevant research, and disseminate research findings.

Telemedicine Service Adoption During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Physicians' Experience from Nigeria.

Introduction: Telemedicine practice experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic have not been well documented in resource-constrained settings, such as Nigeria. We set out to assess knowledge, attitude, and factors associated with telemedicine practice during the COVID-19 lockdown, as well as physician experiences in Kano, Nigeria. Methods: We employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing structured questionnaires administered to 246 physicians, followed by in-depth interviews with a purposive subsample of 20 individuals. The data were analyzed using logistic regression and the framework approach. Results: Overall, 65.0% of the respondents demonstrated moderate to good knowledge of telemedicine. Before COVID, only 47.6% (n = 117) reported practicing telemedicine, compared with 77.2% (n = 190) during the COVID lockdown (p < 0.05). Factors associated with telemedicine practice included having at least 5 years of work experience, working in pediatrics, undergoing senior residency training, receiving formal telemedicine training, possessing good knowledge of telemedicine, and having a positive attitude toward it. The odds of engaging in telemedicine practice were four times higher (adjusted odds ratio = 4.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.79-9.40) for those who practiced it before the pandemic. Challenges identified included knowledge and skill gaps, slow internet connectivity, unstable electricity, and inadequate equipment. Conclusion: To enhance telemedicine practice in resource-limited settings, it is important to focus on strengthening information and communication infrastructure, providing comprehensive clinician training, implementing careful patient selection processes, and improving practice guidelines.

'We delivered at home out of fear': Maternity Care in Rural Nigeria During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background and Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic response overwhelmed health systems, disrupting other services, including maternal health services. The disruptive effects on the utilization of maternal health services in low-resource settings, including Nigeria have not been well documented. We assessed maternal health service utilization, predictors, and childbirth experiences amidst COVID-19 restrictions in a rural community of Kumbotso, Kano State, in northern Nigeria. Methods: Using an explanatory mixed methods design, 389 mothers were surveyed in January 2022 using validated interviewer-administered questionnaires, followed by in-depth interviews with a sub-sample (n=20). Data were analyzed using logistic regression models and the framework approach. Results: Less than one-half (n=165, 42.4%) of women utilized maternal health services during the period of COVID-19 restrictions compared with nearly two-thirds (n=237, 65.8%) prior to the period (p<0.05). Non-utilization was mainly due to fear of contracting COVID-19 (n=122, 54.5%), clinic overcrowding (n=43, 19.2%), transportation challenges (n=34, 15.2%), and harassment by security personnel (n=24, 10.7%). The utilization of maternal health services was associated with participant's post-secondary education (aOR=2.06, 95% CI:1.14- 11.40) (p=0.02), and employment type (civil service, aOR=4.60, 95% CI: 1.17-19.74) (p<0.001), business aOR=1.94, 95% CI:1.19- 4.12) (p=0.032) and trading aOR=1.62, 95% CI:1.19-2.94) (p=0.04)). Women with higher household monthly income (≥ N30,000, equivalent to 60 US Dollars) (aOR=1.53, 95% CI:1.13-2.65) (p=0.037), who adhered to COVID-19 preventive measures and utilized maternal health services before the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to utilize those services during the COVID-19 restrictions. In contrast, mothers of higher parity (≥5 births) were less likely to use maternal health services during the lockdown (aOR=0.30, 95% CI:0.10-0.86) (p=0.03). Utilization of maternal services was also associated with partner education and employment type. Conclusion and Global Health Implications: The utilization of maternal health services declined during the COVID-19 restrictions. Utilization was hindered by fear of contracting COVID-19, transport challenges, and harassment by security personnel. Maternal and partner characteristics, adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures, and pre-COVID maternity service utilization influenced attendance. There is a need to build resilient health systems and contingent alternative service delivery models for future pandemics.

Improvised bubble continuous positive airway pressure ventilation use in neonates in resource-limited settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: In the face of limited fiscal and technical resources, improvised methods have been used to provide effective and sustainable ventilatory support in low-resource settings to reduce neonatal mortality associated with respiratory complications. This study assessed the use of improvised bubble continuous positive airway pressure (ibCPAP) ventilation among neonates with respiratory complications and determined its effect on neonatal outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). CONTENT: Hospital-based studies conducted between 2010 and 2020 in LMICs were reviewed. Rayyan® software for systematic review was used for screening and article selection. We used Stata® Statacorp Texas USA software to estimate pooled prevalence, proportion estimates, weighted mean differences and 95% Confidence Interval (CI), using the random effects model. SUMMARY: A total of 193 articles were generated and 125 were reviewed. Thirteen articles with 806 neonates on ibCPAP ventilation were included. The pooled prevalence of ibCPAP use was 7.0% (95% CI: 3.0%-13.0%). There was a significant difference in mean oxygen saturation before and after ibCPAP use (-1.34% [95% CI: -1.65% to -1.02%, p<0.01). The duration of oxygen requirement among neonates on ibCPAP was 6.5 hours less than controls (0.27 days [95%CI: -0.49 to -0.05, p<0.01). OUTLOOK: IbCPAP had no effect on the respiratory rate, duration of admission, mortality and survival. IbCPAP use in LMIC hospitals is low and its use improved oxygen saturation and duration on oxygen among the neonates, but had no impact on length of stay, respiratory rate, mortality or survival.

"I Would Rather Take the Vaccine Than Undergo Weekly Testing": Correlates of Health Workers' Support for COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates.

This study examined the support for vaccine mandates and uptake among clinical and non-clinical staff at a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria, focusing on variation of survey responses based on job position, socio-demographic characteristics, and perceived risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Using an explanatory, sequential, mixed-methods design and deploying a pragmatic paradigm, 370 healthcare workers were administered structured questionnaires. This was followed by in-depth interviews with a sub-sample of respondents to further clarify the responses regarding support for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine mandate. Findings demonstrated that less than one-half of respondents supported the COVID-19 mandate, and only one in three had received the recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses. Support for the vaccine mandate and vaccine uptake were predicted by profession, work experience, number of children, health status, and risk perception. Support for the vaccine mandate was ascribed to ethical and professional duty, whereas opposition was associated with respect for autonomy and human rights. This study documents the need to enhance support for vaccine mandates and uptake among healthcare workers through sustainable strategies, as Nigeria's healthcare workers are considered a source of trust and role models for the rest of society.

Population health outcomes in Nigeria compared with other west African countries, 1998-2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study.

BACKGROUND: Population-level health and mortality data are crucial for evidence-informed policy but scarce in Nigeria. To fill this gap, we undertook a comprehensive assessment of the burden of disease in Nigeria and compared outcomes to other west African countries. METHODS: In this systematic analysis, using data and results of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019, we analysed patterns of mortality, years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), life expectancy, healthy life expectancy (HALE), and health system coverage for Nigeria and 15 other west African countries by gender in 1998 and 2019. Estimates of all-age and age-standardised disability-adjusted life-years for 369 diseases and injuries and 87 risk factors are presented for Nigeria. Health expenditure per person and gross domestic product were extracted from the World Bank repository. FINDINGS: Between 1998 and 2019, life expectancy and HALE increased in Nigeria by 18% to 64·3 years (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 62·2-66·6), mortality reduced for all age groups for both male and female individuals, and health expenditure per person increased from the 11th to third highest in west Africa by 2018 (US$18·6 in 2001 to $83·75 in 2018). Nonetheless, relative outcomes remained poor; Nigeria ranked sixth in west Africa for age-standardised mortality, seventh for HALE, tenth for YLLs, 12th for health system coverage, and 14th for YLDs in 2019. Malaria (5176·3 YLLs per 100 000 people, 95% UI 2464·0-9591·1) and neonatal disorders (4818·8 YLLs per 100 000, 3865·9-6064·2) were the leading causes of YLLs in Nigeria in 2019. Nigeria had the fourth-highest under-five mortality rate for male individuals (2491·8 deaths per 100 000, 95% UI 1986·1-3140·1) and female individuals (2117·7 deaths per 100 000, 1756·7-2569·1), but among the lowest mortality for men older than 55 years. There was evidence of a growing non-communicable disease burden facing older Nigerians. INTERPRETATION: Health outcomes remain poor in Nigeria despite higher expenditure since 2001. Better outcomes in countries with equivalent or lower health expenditure suggest health system strengthening and targeted intervention to address unsafe water sources, poor sanitation, malnutrition, and exposure to air pollution could substantially improve population health. FUNDING: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Facility and care provider emergency preparedness for neonatal resuscitation in Kano, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION: The knowledge, attitude, and practice of emergency neonatal resuscitation are critical requirements in any facility that offers obstetric and neonatal services. This study aims to conduct a needs assessment survey and obtain individual and facility-level data on expertise and readiness for neonatal resuscitation. We hypothesize that neonatal emergency preparedness among healthcare providers in Kano, Nigeria is associated with the level of knowledge, attitudinal disposition, practice and equipment availability at the facility level. METHODS: A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was administered to a cross-section of health providers directly involved with neonatal care (n = 112) and attending a neonatal resuscitation workshop in Kano state. Information regarding knowledge, attitude, practice and facility preparedness for neonatal resuscitation was obtained. Bloom's cut-off score and a validated basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care assessment tool were adopted to categorize outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to determine independent predictors of knowledge and practice. RESULTS: Almost half (48% and 42% respectively) of the respondents reported average level of self-assessed knowledge and comfort during resuscitation. Only 7% (95% CI:3.2-13.7) and 5% (95% CI:2.0-11.4) of health providers demonstrated good knowledge and practice scores respectively, with an overall facility preparedness of 46%. Respondents' profession as a physician compared to nurses and midwives predicted good knowledge (aOR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.69; p = 0.01), but not practice. CONCLUSION: Healthcare provider's knowledge and practice including facility preparedness for emergency neonatal resuscitation were suboptimal, despite the respondents' relatively high self-assessed attitudinal perception. Physicians demonstrated higher knowledge compared to other health professionals. The low level of respondents' awareness, practice, and facility readiness suggest the current weak state of secondary health systems in Kano.

Perinatal factors associated with admission to neonatal intensive care unit following cesarean delivery in Kano, northern Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES: Cesarean section is the most common obstetric surgical procedure, with associated risks for adverse neonatal outcomes. The interplay of perinatal factors associated with neonatal admissions following cesarean delivery remains poorly understood in developing countries. We examined how perinatal and facility-based factors affect Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission after cesarean delivery in northern Nigeria. METHODS: A prospective cohort study involving 200 women undergoing cesarean section were consecutively enrolled with subsequent follow-up of their infants in the post-natal period. Data were abstracted from the medical record using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The primary outcomes were NICU admission and intrauterine or early neonatal deaths. Binary logistic regression modelling was used to identify variables independently associated with the outcomes. RESULTS: Over the study period (six months), there were 200 cesarean sections. A total of 30 (15.0%) neonates were admitted into the NICU following the procedure. No stillbirths or early neonatal deaths were recorded. NICU admission was associated with gestational age (preterm vs. term [adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 18.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.0-90.4]), birth weight (small vs. appropriate [aOR: 6.7, 95% CI 1.9-22.7] and large vs. appropriate birth weight [aOR: 20.3, 95% CI 2.9-143.7]) and the number of indications for cesarean section (≥2 vs. one [aOR: 0.2, 95% 0.1-0.8]). CONCLUSIONS: Prematurity, small and large for gestational age neonates; and indications for cesarean section were associated with increased likelihood of neonatal admission following cesarean delivery. These findings could inform ongoing quality enhancement initiatives to improve NICU admission outcomes at the study site, and other similar settings.

Length-of-stay after a health facility birth and associated factors: analysis of data from three Sub-Saharan African countries.

Objectives: We estimated the length-of-stay (LOS) in the health facility after childbirth and identified associated factors in three sub-Saharan African countries. Design: Secondary analysis using data from the most recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. Setting: Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys from Ghana, Malawi and Eswatini were selected. Participants: Women aged 15-49 years who had a facility delivery in the two years preceding the survey were included. Main outcome measures: Length-of-stay recorded in days and weeks were converted to hours and analysed as a continuous variable. Results: Length-of-stay was estimated for 9147 women, wherein 6610 women (median LOS and IQR: 36 36,60 hours), 1698 women (median LOS and IQR 36 10,60 hours) and 839 women (median-length-stay 36 36,60 hours) were from Malawi, Ghana and Eswatini respectively. Being from Ghana [RC, -20.6 (95%CI:-25.2 - -16.0)] and then Eswatini [RC: -13.0 (95%CI: -19.9 - -9.8)] and delivery in a government hospital [RC: -4.9 (95%CI -9.9- -0.3)] were independently associated with having a shorter LOS. Having a caesarean section, assistance by Nurses/Midwives or Auxiliaries/CHOs, single birth, heavier birth weight, and death of newborn before discharge increased the duration of stay. Conclusions: Necessitating and facility factors are important determinants of length of stay. Socio-demographic characteristics, however, have a restricted role in influencing the duration of postpartum stay in sub-Saharan Africa. Further prospective research is required to identify more determinants and provide evidence for policy formulation and clinical guidelines regarding the safest time for discharge after delivery. Funding: None declared.

Building Research Capacity in HIV and Noncommunicable Diseases in Africa: A Mentorship and Leadership Workshop Report.

INTRODUCTION: Few structured mentoring programs target early-stage investigators in Africa, creating a gap in mentorship skills where HIV burden is greatest. We describe findings from a Nigeria-based workshop for early-career physician scientists to build mentoring and leadership capacity in HIV and noncommunicable disease research. METHODS: Baseline surveys captured participant demographics, confidence in implementing mentoring competencies, and perceived importance of workshop training domains. The workshop included didactic presentations, small group activities, and interactive discussions. Daily surveys evaluated sessions, and postworkshop surveys solicited overall course impressions. RESULTS: Of the 33 participants, most were male (n = 21, 63.6%) and from medicine, laboratory sciences, and surgical specialties. "Building mentees' confidence" and "setting mentees' research goals" were ranked as areas where participants most believed they needed training. Sessions were rated favorably across five areas. Greatest improvements in mean scores were for confidence in identifying personal temperament styles, describing mentoring and leadership theories/frameworks, and developing mentoring plans. Additional identified workshop strengths were content relevance, leadership case series, interactive nature, and collegial atmosphere. All respondents indicated learning something new/useful/helpful in each session. At 6-month postworkshop, most respondents (25 of 26, 96%) had replicated or plan to replicate parts of the workshop in their departments/institutions. DISCUSSION: Effective mentoring training initiatives targeting future academic leaders have the potential to create skilled academicians who can impart mentoring skills and competencies to their mentees.

"They have produced a vaccine, but we doubt if COVID-19 exists": correlates of COVID-19 vaccine acceptability among adults in Kano, Nigeria.

Vaccination is a critical tool in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has not been well explored in parts of Nigeria. We assessed the predictors of acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine and identified reasons for vaccine hesitancy among adults in urban Kano, northern Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods design, we administered structured questionnaires to a cross-section of adults (n = 446), complemented with 20 in-depth interviews. Binary logistic regression and the framework approach were used to analyze the data. About one-half (51.1%, n = 228) of the respondents were willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccine acceptance was higher among older respondents (≥30 years) (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 1.76, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.14-2.99 (≥30 vs. <30), higher-income earners (≥30,000 Naira) (aOR = 2.06, 95%CI:1.12-3.80, ≥30,000 vs. <30,000), and those with a history of a chronic medical disorder (aOR = 1.90, 95%CI:1.06-3.72). Vaccine acceptance was also higher in persons with high risk perception (aOR = 1.61, 95%CI:1.13-2.81, high vs. low), those who were unconcerned about vaccine safety (aOR = 1.71, 95%CI:1.13-3.55), and those who were not worried about efficacy (aOR = 2.02, 95%CI:1.14-4.11) and infertility-related rumors (aOR = 1.98, 95%CI:1.24-3.18). Themes revealed doubts about the existence of COVID-19, mistrust for authorities, and popular credence to rumors and conspiracy theories. In conclusion, COVID-19 vaccine acceptance was sub-optimal and influenced by respondent's age, income, co-morbidities, risk perception, and concerns about vaccine safety, efficacy, and rumors. Context-specific, evidence-based risk communication strategies and trust-building measures could boost vaccine confidence in similar settings.

The V-BRCH Project: building clinical trial research capacity for HIV and noncommunicable diseases in Nigeria.

Antiretroviral therapy has turned HIV into a chronic condition, with morbidity from HIV-associated noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) becoming more common as HIV-infected individuals live longer. In Nigeria, the additional challenge of an under-capacitated health system highlights the need for skilled clinical investigators who can generate evidence to tackle the double burden of HIV and NCDs. The Vanderbilt-Nigeria Building Research Capacity in HIV and Non-communicable Diseases (V-BRCH) programme is a training platform to create a cohort of skilled Nigerian investigators with the capacity to lead independent clinical trial research focused on the intersection of HIV and NCDs. V-BRCH will solidify an atmosphere of continuous mentoring and skills acquisition for physician faculty at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital via short- and medium-term learning opportunities, paired mentoring arrangements, and mentored research projects. Trainees will attend an annual faculty enrichment programme in Nashville, in addition to on-site workshops in Nigeria on HIV-associated NCD epidemiology, clinical trials methodology, evidence synthesis, qualitative research methods, stakeholder engagement, knowledge translation, and grant writing. Research-oriented junior faculty will undergo focused training in clinical trials administration and regulatory oversight. Scholars will share best practices through mentoring panels, regular 'Works in Progress' meetings, and monthly career development seminars. Competitive seed grants will be provided to mentor-mentee teams to promote targeted in-country pilot studies focused on HIV-associated NCDs. For long-term training, physician scientists will be supported to undergo enhanced Master of Public Health (MPH) training at Bayero University in Nigeria and Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) training at Vanderbilt. Short-term regional courses, staff development workshops, and MPH curriculum refinement will help to strengthen institutional capacity in HIV-associated NCD clinical trial research. V-BRCH will create a cohort of skilled Nigerian scientists who will be able to compete for independent funding and design and implement high quality research that will generate evidence to inform policy and practice and lead to improved outcomes for Nigerians impacted by HIV-associated NCDs.

Effectiveness of an ear and hearing care training program for frontline health workers: A before and after study.

Background: Delegating ear and hearing care (EHC) tasks to frontline health workers may help to improve muchneeded access to this specialized care. Primary healthcare workers (PHCWs) need to acquire relevant knowledge and skill to recognize, refer, and/or treat simple ear problems. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an EHC training program for PHCWs. Methodology: The training intervention was a 2day course based on an adapted WHO training resource in EHC for frontline workers. A pre and posttest study design was undertaken with the assessment of EHC at two time points using the same questionnaire at baseline and at completion of the training. Results: One hundred and ninety PHCWs were recruited for the study. Overall, there was a statistically significant improvement from baseline to course completion. However, participants' scores in the domain of knowledge for risk factors were slightly low compared to other domains (54.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 52.0%-56.6%), and this improved significantly following the training (72.7%, 95% CI: 71.0%-74.0%). A potential confounder in this evaluation may be that of the scores recorded at pretest, which may change in the posttest due to regression to the mean phenomenon. Conclusion: The findings from this study indicate that the training program demonstrated the potential to be an effective way to improve knowledge of EHC, and we suggest the inclusion of "primary ear care" as a component of primary health care.

RésuméContexte: La délégation des tâches liées aux soins de l'oreille et de l'ouïe aux travailleurs de la santé de première ligne peut aider à améliorer l'accès indispensable à ces soins soins spécialisés. Les travailleurs de la santé primaire (SSP) doivent acquérir des connaissances et des compétences pertinentes pour reconnaître, aiguiller et/ou traiter les simples problèmes d'oreille. Cette étude vise à évaluer l'efficacité d'un programme de formation EHC pour les CSP. Méthodologie: L'intervention de formation était un cours de deux jours fondé sur une ressource de formation adaptée de l'OMS en EHC pour les travailleurs de première ligne. Un plan d'étude avant et après l'essai a été entrepris avec l'évaluation de EHC à deux moments à l'aide du même questionnaire au départ et à la fin de la formation. Résultats: Cent Quatre-vingt-dix CSP ont été recrutés pour l'étude. Dans l'ensemble, il y a eu une amélioration statistiquement significative entre le début et la fin du cours. Toutefois, les notes des participants dans le domaine de la connaissance des facteurs de risque étaient légèrement faibles comparativement aux autres domaines (54,3 %, confiance à 95 % intervalle [IC] : 52,0 % à 56,6 %), et cela s'est nettement amélioré après la formation (72,7 %, IC à 95 % : 71,0 % à 74,0 %). Un facteur de confusion potential dans cette évaluation peut être celle des scores enregistrés au stade pré-test, qui peut changer dans le post-test en raison de la régression au phénomène moyen. Conclusion: Les résultats de cette étude indiquent que le programme de formation a démontré le potentiel d'être un moyen efficace d'améliorer connaissance du CSM, et nous suggérons l'inclusion des soins de l'oreille primaire comme composante des soins de santé primaires.