RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) is a World Health Organization-recommended intervention for the prevention of malaria among children at high risk in areas with seasonal transmission. During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, SMC drug distribution was rapidly adapted to reduce contact and mitigate the risk of transmission between communities and community distributors, with caregivers administering doses. To address the challenges and find local solutions to improve administration and adherence, the role model approach was designed, implemented and evaluated in selected communities of Burkina Faso, Chad and Togo. This paper describes the results of this evaluation. METHODS: Focus group discussions were held with primary caregivers in all three countries to understand their perceptions of the approach's acceptability and feasibility. In Burkina Faso and Togo, household surveys assessed the characteristics of caregivers reached by role model activities. Key indicators on SMC coverage and adherence allowed for an assessment of caregiver engagement outcomes related to participation in activities. Statistical associations between participation in study's activities and caregiver beliefs related to SMC had been tested. RESULTS: The majority of caregivers believed the approach to have a positive effect on drug administration, with most adopting the promoted strategies. Greater involvement of fathers in drug administration and acknowledgement of their joint responsibility was a notable positive outcome. However, several barriers to participation were noted and there was criticism of the group approach. In Burkina Faso and Togo, end-of-round survey results revealed that 98.4% of respondents agreed the approach improved their knowledge and skills in malaria prevention, while 100% expressed a desire to continue practicing the behaviours learned. However, there was a relatively low level of awareness of the approach among communities. Participation was strongly associated with participants' self-reported belief in ease of remembering to administer, and ease of administering, SMC medicines. CONCLUSION: Caregivers perceived the role model approach to be beneficial in aiding drug administration, with other positive impacts also reported. Replication and scale-up should utilize the most popular communication channels and existing community structures to ensure activities are promoted effectively. A mixture of group and one-on-one approaches should be used where appropriate and feasible.
Assuntos
Amodiaquina , Antimaláricos , Cuidadores , Combinação de Medicamentos , Malária , Pirimetamina , Sulfadoxina , Humanos , Togo , Burkina Faso , Antimaláricos/administração & dosagem , Antimaláricos/uso terapêutico , Cuidadores/psicologia , Cuidadores/estatística & dados numéricos , Pré-Escolar , Lactente , Malária/prevenção & controle , Pirimetamina/administração & dosagem , Pirimetamina/uso terapêutico , Sulfadoxina/administração & dosagem , Sulfadoxina/uso terapêutico , Chade , Amodiaquina/administração & dosagem , Amodiaquina/uso terapêutico , Feminino , Masculino , Grupos Focais , AdultoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Inadequate immunization coverage remains a public health problem in Africa. In Togo, only 62% of children under one year of age were fully immunized in 2013. This study aimed to estimate the immunization coverage among children aged 12-23 months, and to identify factors associated with incomplete immunization status in Togo. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the six health regions of Togo. Children aged 12 to 23 months who were living with one of their parents or guardians from selected households were recruited for the study. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with incomplete immunization coverage. RESULTS: A total of 1261 households were included. Respondents were predominantly women (91.9%) and 22.8% had secondary or higher education level. Immunization cards were available for 85.3% of children. Complete immunization coverage was 72.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI): [69.7-74.8]). After controlling for both individual and contextual level variables, children whose mothers attended secondary school or above were 33% (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 0.67, CI [0.47-0.94]) less likely to have an incomplete immunization coverage compared to those with no education. The likelihood of incomplete immunization in children decreased with the increase in household's income (aOR = 0.73, 95% CI [0.58-0.93]), children who did not have an immunization card (aOR = 13.41, 95% CI [9.19-19.57]) and those whose parents did not know that children immunization was free of charge (aOR = 1.82, 95% CI [1.00-3.30]) were more likely to have an incomplete immunization. Finally, children whose parents had to walk half an hour to one hour to reach a healthcare center were 57% (aOR = 1.57, 95% CI [1.15-2.13]) more likely to have an incomplete immunization coverage than those whose parents had to walk less than half an hour. CONCLUSION: The goal of 90% coverage at the national level has not been achieved in 2017. Innovative strategies such as using electronic cards and strengthening sensitization activities must be initiated in order to attain a complete immunization coverage in Togo.
Assuntos
Vacinação/estatística & dados numéricos , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Humanos , Lactente , Masculino , Análise Multinível , Razão de Chances , Pais , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Fatores de Tempo , Togo , Meios de Transporte , Cobertura Vacinal/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV (PLWHA) prevent and delay access to prevention and treatment services. The aim of this study was to describe the patterns of stigma and discrimination experienced by PLWHA in Togo and to identify the associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013 among PLWHA in Togo in order to collect data on stigma or discrimination experiences. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify associated factors. RESULTS: A total of 891 PLWHA were interviewed, including 848 (95.2%) receiving antiretroviral therapy. External stigma (37.9%) was the major form of stigmatization followed by internalized stigma (35.4%). The main features of external stigma were gossip (36.5%) and issues to access education (36.0%). Internalized stigma mainly consisted of a feeling of guilt (37.6%) and self-devaluation (36.0%). In univariate and multivariate analysis, female gender was significantly associated with stigma (aOR = 1.73, 95% CI [1.08-2.77]). Of the 891 PLWHA, 75 (8.4%) reported a violation of their rights. Finally 27 (4.1%) were discouraged from having children by a health professional because of their HIV status. CONCLUSION: Stigma affects more than one-third of PLWHA in Togo, more particularly females. It appears necessary to design new interventions and integrate psychosocial care in the management of PLWHA, in addition to antiretroviral therapy.
Assuntos
Infecções por HIV/psicologia , Discriminação Social , Estigma Social , Adolescente , Adulto , Idoso , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Discriminação Social/psicologia , Discriminação Social/estatística & dados numéricos , Togo/epidemiologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Introduction: in Africa, the proportion of minors with AIDS is ever increasing and adherence to treatment protocols is still suboptimal. The study investigated the conditions of HIV status disclosure and adherence to treatment in patients < 19 in two West African cities. Methods: in 2016, thirteen health professionals and four parents filled out questionnaires to identify problems and solutions relative to disclosure of HIV status and adherence to treatment in 208 children and adolescents seen at University Hospitals in Abidjan (Ivory Coast) and Lomé (Togo). Results: medians (extrema) of patients´ ages at start and end of status disclosure process were 10 (8-13) and 15 (13-17.5) years. In 61% of cases, disclosure was made individually after preparation sessions. The main difficulties were: parents´ disapproval, skipped visits, and rarity of psychologists. The solutions proposed were: recruiting more full-time psychologists, improving personnel training, and promoting patients´ "clubs". One out of three respondents was not satisfied with patients´ adherence to treatments. The major reasons were: intake frequencies, frequent omissions, school constraints, adverse effects, and lack of perceived effect. Nevertheless, 94% of the respondents confirmed the existence of support groups, interviews with psychologists, and home visits. To improve adherence, the respondents proposed increasing the number of support groups, sustaining reminder phone calls and home visits, and supporting therapeutic mentoring. Conclusion: despite persisting disclosure and adherence problems, appropriate measures already put into practice still need to be taken further, especially through engaging psychologists, training counsellors, and promoting therapeutic support groups.
Assuntos
Revelação , Infecções por HIV , Humanos , Criança , Adolescente , Côte d'Ivoire , Antirretrovirais/uso terapêutico , Adesão à Medicação , Infecções por HIV/tratamento farmacológico , Revelação da VerdadeRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: Mental health is a largely neglected issue among in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially among key populations at risk for HIV. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress (PD) and to assess the factors associated among males who have sex with males (MSM), female sex workers (FSW) and drug users (DU) in Togo in 2017. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional bio-behavioral study was conducted in August and September 2017 using a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method, in eight cities in Togo. METHODS: A standardized questionnaire was used to record sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behaviors. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and a subset of questions from the Tobacco Questions for Survey were used to assess alcohol and tobacco consumption respectively. PD was assessed with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. A blood sample was taken to test for HIV. Descriptive statistics, univariable and multivariable ordinal regression models were used for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2044 key populations including 449 DU, 952 FSW and 643 MSM with a median age of 25 years, interquartile range (IQR) [21-32] were recruited. The overall prevalence of mild PD among the three populations was 19.9% (95%CI = [18.3-21.8]) and was 19.2% (95%CI = [17.5-20.9]) for severe/moderate PD. HIV prevalence was 13.7% (95%CI = [12.2-15.2]). High age (≥ 25 years) [aOR = 1.24 (95% CI: 1.02-1.50)], being HIV positive [aOR = 1.80 (95% CI: 1.31-2.48)] and hazardous alcohol consumption [aOR = 1.52 (95% CI: 1.22-1.87)] were risk factors for PD. Secondary [aOR = 0.52 (95% CI: 0.42-0.64)] or higher [aOR = 0.46 (95% CI: 0.32-0.64)] education levels were protective factors associated with PD. FSW [OR = 0.55 (95% CI: 0.43-0.68)] and MSM [OR = 0.33 (95% CI: 0.24-0.44)] were less likely to report PD compared with DU. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This is the first study conducted among a large, nationally representative sample of key populations in Togo. The prevalence of PD is high among these populations in Togo and was associated to HIV infection. The present study indicates that mental health care must be integrated within health programs in Togo with a special focus to key populations through interventions such as social support groups.
Assuntos
Usuários de Drogas/psicologia , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Homossexualidade Masculina/psicologia , Angústia Psicológica , Profissionais do Sexo/psicologia , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Demografia , Usuários de Drogas/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Homossexualidade Masculina/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Masculino , Prevalência , Fatores de Risco , Profissionais do Sexo/estatística & dados numéricos , Fatores Sociológicos , Inquéritos e Questionários , Togo/epidemiologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the screening of syphilis among populations highly exposed to HIV. However, data on the prevalence of syphilis in these populations are scarce in Togo. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of syphilis among males who have sex with males (MSM), female sex workers (FSW) and drug users (DU) in Togo. METHODS: A cross-sectional bio-behavioral study was conducted in August and September 2017 using a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method in eight major cities in Togo. A standardized questionnaire was used to record socio-demographic data and sexual behavior patterns. A blood sample was taken and SD Bioline Duo VIH/Syphilis rapid test was used to test for HIV and syphilis. RESULTS: A total of 2158 key populations (678 MSM, 1003 FSW and 477 DU), with an average age of 27.6 years (standard deviation 8.8 years) participated in the study. Prevalence of syphilis was 0.6% (95% CI = [0.3-1.0]) with no statistical significance between the three groups: null among MSM, 0.8% among FSW (95% CI = [0.37-1.63]) and 1.1% among DU (95% CI = [0.39-2.57]). There was no relation between HIV status and syphilis (p = 0.236). Among the 298 HIV-positive people, none was diagnosed with syphilis. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study reveal a low prevalence rate of syphilis among key populations in Togo. Specific interventions into HIV prevention programs should be reinforced to eliminate syphilis in Togo.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: In February 2011, the Togolese Government established a compulsory health insurance for public officials and assimilated employees. Four years later, this study investigated the satisfaction of beneficiaries of this insurance plan in Lomé. METHODS: The survey was conducted among a sample of beneficiaries using an anonymous face to face questionnaire outside eight health care facilities. The analysis of survey responses allowed measuring the degree of satisfaction. Quantitative data were described using median and extended interquartile range (IQR) and qualitative data were transcribed verbatim. RESULTS: Out of 288 subjects invited to participate, 279 agreed to participate of whom 58% were women and 88% were officials in active employment. The average age of the participants was 38 years (IQR: 30-47). A very large majority of respondents (93.5%) considered this health insurance "satisfactory". The mean overall satisfaction score was 6/10 (min: 5, max: 9). The main elements of dissatisfaction involved the refusal of care to those people with long-term illnesses (84% dissatisfied), the complexity of administrative formalities (84% dissatisfied) and care delays (67% dissatisfied). CONCLUSION: The very high level of satisfaction promotes the maintenance and the development of this health insurance in Togo. However, the elements of dissatisfaction should receive prompt attention and genuine efforts should be made to correct them.
Assuntos
Comportamento do Consumidor/estatística & dados numéricos , Seguro Saúde/estatística & dados numéricos , Satisfação do Paciente/estatística & dados numéricos , Adulto , Idoso , Feminino , Humanos , Seguro Saúde/normas , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Inquéritos e Questionários , TogoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate alcohol and tobacco use prevalence and their correlates among female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM) and drug users (DU) in Togo. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional bio-behavioural study was conducted among 2115 MSM, FSW and DU in 2017 using a respondent-driven sampling method, in the eight biggest towns of Togo. Selection criteria for the MSM were being male and having had oral or anal intercourse with a man in the previous 12 months; for FSW, being a female and having exchanged sex for money in the previous 12 months; and for DU, consuming heroin, cocaine or hashish for MSM, FSW and DU, respectively. All participants had to be at least 18 years old and residing in the territory for the past 3 months. RESULTS: The prevalence of alcohol consumption, hazardous/harmful consumption and binge drinking was 64.8%, 38.4% and 45.5%, respectively. Current tobacco use was reported by 30.6% of participants and HIV prevalence was estimated at 12.5%. DU were more likely to engage in binge drinking compared with other key populations (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.0; 95% CI 1.4 to 2.8; p=0.001). Participants who were identified as having hazardous/harmful alcohol consumption had almost three times the odds of tobacco consumption than those with no risky consumption (aOR=2.6; 95% CI 2.0 to 3.4; p=0.001). Hazardous/harmful alcohol consumption was three times more likely among participants with severe psychological distress compared with those with no psychological distress (aOR=3.3, 95% CI 2.2 to 5.1; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Findings from this study demonstrate the need for the integration of mental health and substance abuse reduction interventions into HIV prevention programme, particularly those geared towards key populations.
Assuntos
Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/epidemiologia , Consumo Excessivo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/epidemiologia , Infecções por HIV/epidemiologia , Angústia Psicológica , Uso de Tabaco/epidemiologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Estudos Transversais , Demografia , Usuários de Drogas/psicologia , Usuários de Drogas/estatística & dados numéricos , Feminino , Homossexualidade Masculina/psicologia , Homossexualidade Masculina/estatística & dados numéricos , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Análise Multivariada , Prevalência , Profissionais do Sexo/psicologia , Profissionais do Sexo/estatística & dados numéricos , Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero/psicologia , Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero/estatística & dados numéricos , Togo/epidemiologia , Adulto JovemRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the immunization coverage among children admitted for consultation or hospitalization in health structures of Lomé. RESULTS: A total of 797 respondent-child couples were included and 31.1% of them had their immunization cards. Complete immunization coverage was 69.3%, 95% confidence interval (65.9-72.5) and per antigen, it ranged from 83.1% for measles to 95.7% for BCG. Factors associated with incomplete immunization were the absence of immunization card (p < 0.001), respondents' sex (p < 0.001), level of education (p < 0.001), marital status (p < 0.001) and the level of the health structure in the organization of the Togolese health system (p < 0.001). Obstacles to immunization were mainly the lack of money to pay for immunization fees (38.4%) and forgetting the immunization appointment (28.1%).