Barriers and facilitators for treatment and control of high blood pressure among hypertensive patients in Kathmandu, Nepal: a qualitative study informed by COM-B model of behavior change.

BACKGROUND: Nepal has a high prevalence of hypertension which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases globally. It is inadequately controlled even after its diagnosis despite the availability of effective treatment of hypertension. There is a need for an in-depth understanding of the barriers and facilitators using theory to inform interventions to improve the control of hypertension. This formative study was conducted to address this gap by exploring the perceived facilitators and barriers to treatment and control of hypertension in Nepal. METHODS: We conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) among hypertensive patients, their family members, healthcare providers and key informants at primary (health posts and primary health care center) and tertiary level (Kathmandu Medical College) facilities in Kathmandu, Nepal. Additionally, data were collected using focus group discussions (FGDs) with hypertensive patients. Recordings of IDIs and FGDs were transcribed, coded both inductively and deductively, and subthemes generated. The emerging subthemes were mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model using a deductive approach. RESULTS: Major uncovered themes as capability barriers were misconceptions about hypertension, its treatment and difficulties in modifying behaviour. Faith in alternative medicine and fear of the consequences of established treatment were identified as motivation barriers. A lack of communication between patients and providers, stigma related to hypertension and fear of its disclosure, and socio-cultural factors shaping health behaviour were identified as opportunity barriers in the COM-B model. The perceived threat of the disease, a reflective motivator, was a facilitator in adhering to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This formative study, using the COM-B model of behaviour change identified several known and unknown barriers and facilitators that influence poor control of blood pressure among people diagnosed with hypertension in Kathmandu, Nepal. These findings need to be considered when developing targeted interventions to improve treatment adherence and blood pressure control of hypertensive patients.

Co-existence of diabetes and TB among adults in India: a study based on National Family Health Survey data.

Multiple studies suggest that diabetes mellitus (DM) is a potential risk factor for tuberculosis (TB) development and treatment, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The study aimed to test concomitancy between DM and TB among adults in India. Data were from the 2015-16 National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4). The study sample comprised 107,575 men aged 15-54 and 677,292 women aged 15-49 for which data on DM status were available in the survey. The association between state-level prevalence of TB and DM was examined and robust Poisson regression analysis applied to examine the effect of DM on TB. A high prevalence of TB was observed among individuals with diabetes in India in 2015-16. A total of 866 per 100,000 men and 405 per 100,000 women who self-reported having diabetes also had TB; among those who self-reported not having diabetes the ratios were 407 per 100,000 men and 241 per 100,000 women. The risk of having TB among those who self-reported having DM was higher for both men (2.03, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.28) and women (1.79, 95% CI: 1.48, 2.49) than for those who did not self-report having DM. Adults who were diagnosed with diabetes (including pre-diabetes) also had a higher rate of TB (477 per 100,000 men and 331 per 100,000 women) than those who were not diagnosed (410 per 100,000 men and 239 per 100,000 women). Adults from poor families, with lower BMIs, lower levels of literacy and who were not working had a higher risk of TB-DM co-morbidity. The state-level pattern of co-morbidity, the under-reporting of DM (undiagnosed) and TB stigmatization are discussed. The study confirms that diabetes is an important co-morbid feature with TB in India, and reinforces the need to raise awareness on screening for the co-existence of DM and TB with integrated health programmes for the two conditions.

Epidemic Varicella Zoster Virus among University Students, India.

We investigated a yearlong varicella zoster virus outbreak in a highly susceptible young adult population at a large university in India. Outbreaks of varicella infection among adults are not well described in the literature. Infection control measures and vaccination policy for this age group and setting are needed.

Understanding the convergence of social enterprise, digital health, and citizen engagement for co-producing integrated Person-Centred health services: A critical review and theoretical framework.

INTRODUCTION: To achieve Universal Health Coverage and the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda for 2030, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended the use of social enterprise, digital technology, and citizen engagement in the delivery of Integrated People-Centred Health Services (IPCHS) as part of its strategic vision for 21st century primary care. METHODS: We conducted a hermeneutic review of frameworks, models and theories on social enterprise, digital health, citizen engagement and IPCHS. This involved multiple iterative cycles of (i) searching and acquisition, followed by (ii) critical analysis and interpretation of literature to assemble arguments and evidence for conceptual relationships until information saturation was reached. This process identified a set of constructs which we synthesised into a testable framework. RESULTS: Several interdisciplinary frameworks, models and theories explain how social enterprises could use digital technology, and citizen engagement to enable the technical and social integration required to facilitate people-centred primary care. Innovative approaches can be used to maintain financial sustainability while delivering IPCHS at lower cost to vulnerable and marginalised populations in both developed and developing countries. CONCLUSION: This framework provides a theoretical grounding to guide empirical inquiry into how social enterprises use digital technology to engage citizens in co-producing IPCHS.

Are informal healthcare providers knowledgeable in tuberculosis care? A cross-sectional survey using vignettes in West Bengal, India.

BACKGROUND: India accounts for one-quarter of the world's TB cases. Despite efforts to engage the private sector in India's National TB Elimination Program, informal healthcare providers (IPs), who serve as the first contact for a significant TB patients, remain grossly underutilised. However, considering the substantial evidence establishing IPs' role in patients' care pathway, it is essential to expand the evidence base regarding their knowledge in TB care. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. The data were collected using the TB vignette among 331 IPs (165 trained and 166 untrained). The correct case management was defined following India's Technical and Operational Guidelines for TB Control. RESULTS: Overall, IPs demonstrated a suboptimal level of knowledge in TB care. IPs exhibited the lowest knowledge in asking essential history questions (all four: 5.4% and at least two: 21.7%) compared with ordering sputum test (76.1%), making a correct diagnosis (83.3%) and appropriate referrals (100%). Nonetheless, a statistically significant difference in knowledge (in most domains of TB care) was observed between trained and untrained IPs. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies gaps in IPs' knowledge in TB care. However, the observed significant difference between the trained and untrained groups indicates a positive impact of training in improving IPs' knowledge in TB care.

Barriers and facilitators to informal healthcare provider engagement in the national tuberculosis elimination program of India: An exploratory study from West Bengal.

India has a high burden of Tuberculosis (TB), accounting for a significant portion of global cases. While efforts are being made to engage the formal private sector in the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) of India, there remains a significant gap in addressing the engagement of Informal Healthcare Providers (IPs), who serve as the first point of contact for healthcare in many communities. Recognizing the increasing evidence of IPs' importance in TB care, it is crucial to enhance their engagement in the NTEP. Therefore, this study explored various factors influencing the engagement of IPs in the program. A qualitative study was conducted in West Bengal, India, involving 23 IPs and 11 Formal Providers (FPs) from different levels of the formal health system. Thematic analysis of the data was conducted following a six-step approach outlined by Braun and Clarke. Three overarching themes were identified in the analysis, encompassing barriers and facilitators to IPs' engagement in the NTEP. The first theme focused on IPs' position and capacity as care providers, highlighting their role as primary care providers and the trust and acceptance extended by the community. The second theme explored policy and system-level drivers and prohibitors, revealing barriers such as role ambiguity, competing tasks, and quality of care issues. Facilitators such as growing recognition of IPs' importance in the health system, an inclusive incentive system, and willingness to collaborate were also identified. The third theme focused on the relationship between the formal and informal systems, highlighting a need to strengthen the relationship between the two. This study sheds light on factors influencing the engagement of IPs in the NTEP of India. It emphasizes the need for role clarity, knowledge enhancement, and improved relationships between formal and informal systems. By addressing these factors, policymakers and stakeholders can strengthen the engagement of IPs in the NTEP.

Effectiveness and Acceptability of a Mobile Phone Text Messaging Intervention to Improve Blood Pressure Control (TEXT4BP) among Patients with Hypertension in Nepal: A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial.

Background: Uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) is the leading cause of preventable deaths in low- and middle-income countries. mHealth interventions, such as mobile phone text messaging, are a promising tool to improve BP control, but research on feasibility and effectiveness in resource-limited settings remains limited. Objective: This feasibility study assessed the effectiveness and acceptability of a mobile phone text messaging intervention (TEXT4BP) to improve BP control and treatment adherence among patients with hypertension in Nepal. Methods: The TEXT4BP study was a two-arm, parallel-group, unblinded, randomised controlled pilot trial that included 200 participants (1:1) (mean age: 50.5 years, 44.5% women) with hypertension at a tertiary referral hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. Patients in the intervention arm (n = 100) received text messages three times per week for three months. The control arm (n = 100) received standard care. The COM-B model informed contextual co-designed text messages. Primary outcomes were change in BP and medication adherence at three months. Secondary outcomes included BP control, medication adherence self-efficacy and knowledge of hypertension. A nested qualitative study assessed the acceptability of the intervention. Results: At three months, the intervention group had greater reductions in systolic and diastolic BP vs usual care [-7.09/-5.86 (p ≤ 0.003) vs -0.77/-1.35 (p ≥ 0.28) mmHg] [adjusted difference: systolic ß = -6.50 (95% CI, -12.6; -0.33) and diastolic BP ß = -4.60 (95% CI, -8.16; -1.04)], coupled with a greater proportion achieving target BP (70% vs 48%, p = 0.006). The intervention arm showed an improvement in compliance to antihypertensive therapy (p < 0.001), medication adherence (p < 0.001), medication adherence self-efficacy (p = 0.023) and knowledge on hypertension and its treatment (p = 0.013). Participants expressed a high rate of acceptability and desire to continue the TEXT4BP intervention. Conclusion: The TEXT4BP study provides promising evidence that text messaging intervention is feasible, acceptable, and effective to improve BP control in low-resource settings. Trial registration: anzctr.org.au Identifier ACTRN12619001213134.

Community health extension workers' training and supervision in Ethiopia: Exploring impact and implementation challenges for non-communicable disease service delivery.

Training and supervision of health workers are critical components of any health system;thus, we assessed how they impact health extension workers' (HEWs) role in non-communicable disease (NCD) service delivery in Ethiopia's health extension program (HEP), using an in-depth qualitative study conducted in 2019.The study covered two regions-the Tigray and the South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR)-and involved the Federal Ministry of Health. We conducted twenty-seven key informant interviews with federal and regional policymakers, district health officials, health centre representatives and HEWs.Participants highlighted substantial implementation challenges with training and supervision practices delivered via the HEP. Training for NCDs lacked breadth and depth. IT was described as inconsistently delivered with variable availability within and between regions;and when available, the quality was low with scant content specific to NCDs. HEP supervision was inconsistent and, rather than being supportive, mainly focused on finding faults in HEW work practices. Supervisors themselves had skill gaps in critical areas overall, and specifically concerning NCDs. HEWs' performance appraisal encompassed too many indicators, leading to excessive complexity, which was burdensome to HEWs. This, negatively impacted HEW motivation and compromised service delivery. HEW involvement in non-HEP activities (such as promoting other government programs) often competed with their core mandates, thus affecting HEP service delivery.Efforts to address training and supervision constraints in Ethiopia's HEP should focus on improving the quality of NCD training for HEWs and supervisors, shifting from authoritative to supportive supervision, simplifying performance appraisal and reducing competing attention from other programs.

What are the tuberculosis care practices of informal healthcare providers? A cross-sectional study from Eastern India.

India is the highest TB burden country, accounting for an estimated 26% of the global TB cases. Systematic engagement of the private sector is a cornerstone of India's National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination (2017-25). However, informal healthcare providers (IPs), who are the first point of contact for a large number of TB patients, remain significantly underutilized in the National TB Elimination Program of India. Non-prioritization of IPs has also resulted in a limited understanding of their TB care practices in the community. We, therefore, undertook a descriptive study to document IPs' TB care practices, primarily focusing on their approach to screening, diagnosis, treatment and referral. This cross-sectional study was carried out from February to March 2020 in the Birbhum District of West Bengal, India. Interviews were conducted utilizing the retrospective case study method. A total of 203 IPs participated who reported seeing at least one confirmed TB patient in 6 months prior to the study. In that duration, IPs reported interacting with an average of five suspected TB cases, two of which were later confirmed as having TB. Antibiotic use was found to be common among IPs (highest 69% during the first visit); however, they were prescribed before the patient was suspected or confirmed as having TB. We noted the practice of prolonged treatment among IPs as patients were prescribed medicines until the second follow-up visit. Referral was the preferred TB case management approach among IPs, but delayed referral was observed, with only one-third (34%) of patients being referred to higher health facilities during their first visit. This study presents important findings on IPs' TB care practices, which have consequences for achieving India's national goal of TB elimination.

Acceptability of a mHealth strategy for hypertension management in a low-income and middle-income country setting: a formative qualitative study among patients and healthcare providers.

BACKGROUND: Understanding contextual needs and preferences is important for a successful design and effective outcome of a mHealth strategy. OBJECTIVES: This formative study aimed to explore the perspectives of patients and providers on the acceptability of a mHealth (text message) strategy and elicit preferred features of a mHealth strategy for hypertension management. DESIGN: A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions guided by the technology acceptance model. SETTING: The study was conducted at primary healthcare facilities and at a tertiary level referral hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 61 participants, patients with hypertension (n=41), their family members (n=5), healthcare workers (n=11) and key informants (n=4) were included. We purposively recruited patients with hypertension aged 30-70 who attended the selected healthcare facilities to obtain maximum variation based on their age, sex and literacy. RESULTS: The respondents perceived the mHealth strategy to be useful as it would reinforce medication compliance and behaviour change. Participants valued the trustworthiness of information from health authorities that could be delivered privately. Some implementation challenges were identified including a lack of technical manpower, resources for software development, gaps in recording a patient's essential information and digital illiteracy. Solutions proposed were having system-level preparedness for recording the patient's details, establishing a separate technical department in the hospital and involving a family member to assist illiterate/elderly patients. In addition, participants preferred text messages in the local language, containing comprehensive contextual content (disease, treatment, cultural foods and misconceptions) delivered at regular intervals (2-3 times/week) preferably in the morning or evening. CONCLUSIONS: We found that a simple text messaging strategy was acceptable for hypertension management in this low/middle-income country setting. However, meticulous planning must address the needs of a diverse range of participants to ensure the mHealth strategy is acceptable to wider groups.

Role of informal healthcare providers in tuberculosis care in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic scoping review.

Achieving targets set in the End TB Strategy is still a distant goal for many Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). The importance of strengthening public-private partnership by engaging all identified providers in Tuberculosis (TB) care has long been advocated in global TB policies and strategies. However, Informal Healthcare Providers (IPs) are not yet prioritised and engaged in National Tuberculosis Programs (NTPs) globally. There exists a substantial body of evidence that confirms an important contribution of IPs in TB care. A systematic understanding of their role is necessary to ascertain their potential in improving TB care in LMICs. The purpose of this review is to scope the role of IPs in TB care. The scoping review was guided by a framework developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. An electronic search of literature was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Global Health, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Of a total 5234 records identified and retrieved, 92 full-text articles were screened, of which 13 were included in the final review. An increasing trend was observed in publication over time, with most published between 2010-2019. In 60% of the articles, NTPs were mentioned as a collaborator in the study. For detection and diagnosis, IPs were primarily involved in identifying and referring patients. Administering DOT (Directly Observed Treatment) to the patient was the major task assigned to IPs for treatment and support. There is a paucity of evidence on prevention, as only one study involved IPs to perform this role. Traditional health providers were the most commonly featured, but there was not much variation in the role by provider type. All studies reported a positive role of IPs in improving TB care outcomes. This review demonstrates that IPs can be successfully engaged in various roles in TB care with appropriate support and training. Their contribution can support countries to achieve their national and global targets if prioritized in National TB Programs.

Health system capacity and readiness for delivery of integrated non-communicable disease services in primary health care: A qualitative analysis of the Ethiopian experience.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for about 71% and 32% of all the deaths globally and in Ethiopia. Primary health care (PHC) is a vital instrument to address the ever-increasing burden of NCDs and is the best strategy for delivering integrated and equitable NCD care. We explored the capacity and readiness of Ethiopia's PHC system to deliver integrated, people-centred NCD services. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in two regions and Federal Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We carried out twenty-two key informant interviews with national and regional policymakers, officials from a partner organisation, woreda/district health office managers and coordinators, and PHC workers. Data were coded and thematically analysed using the World Health Organization (WHO) Operational Framework for PHC. RESULTS: Although the rising NCD burden is well recognised in Ethiopia, and the country has NCD-specific strategies and some interventions in place, we identified critical gaps in several levers of the WHO Operational Framework. Many compared the under-investment in NCDs contrasted with Ethiopia's successful PHC models established for maternal and child health and communicable disease programs. Insufficient political commitment and leadership required to integrate NCD services at the PHC level and weaknesses in governance structures, inter-sectoral coordination, and funding for NCDs were identified as significant barriers to strengthening PHC capacity to address NCDs. Among the operational-focussed levers, fragmented information management systems and inadequate equipment and medicines were identified as critical bottlenecks. The PHC workforce was also considered insufficiently skilled and supported to provide NCD services in PHC facilities. CONCLUSION: Strengthening NCD prevention and control through PHC in Ethiopia requires greater political commitment and investment at all health system levels. Prior success strategies with other PHC programs could be adapted and applied to NCD policies and practice, giving due consideration for the unique nature of the NCD program.

Theory-based mobile phone text messaging intervention for blood pressure control (TEXT4BP) among hypertensive patients in Nepal: study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Uncontrolled blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease and death in Low-income and middle-income countries. Improvements to medication adherence and lifestyle changes can be assisted by using mobile phone text messaging interventions. This study aims to test the feasibility and acceptability of a text messaging intervention for blood pressure control '(TEXT4BP)', developed based on behavioural change theory to improve treatment adherence and lifestyle change among hypertensive patients in Nepal. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The TEXT4BP intervention will be tested using a two-arm parallel-group, unblinded, individually randomised controlled trial. This feasibility study would recruit 200 clinically diagnosed hypertensive patients aged 18-69 years, currently receiving blood pressure-lowering medication for more than 3 months, visiting a tertiary healthcare facility in Kathmandu, Nepal. A nested qualitative study will assess the acceptability of the short message service intervention. The intervention group will receive text messages containing information on hypertension, diet, medication and physical activity three times a week for 3 months. The control group will receive standard care. At baseline and 3 months, measures of medication adherence, salt intake, physical activity and blood pressure will be collected. Feasibility measures, such as differential rates of recruitment and attrition rates, will be calculated. Acceptability of text message interventions will be studied using usability measures and in-depth interviews among intervention group participants. This pilot study is not funded. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has received ethics approval from the University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee B (HC190357), Nepal Health Research Council (302/2019) and Institutional Review Committee of Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital Kathmandu, Nepal (030520192). The findings of the study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12619001213134.

mHealth for Integrated People-Centred Health Services in the Western Pacific: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to examine how mobile health (mHealth) to support integrated people-centred health services has been implemented and evaluated in the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region (WPR). METHODS: Eight scientific databases were searched. Two independent reviewers screened the literature in title and abstract stages, followed by full-text appraisal, data extraction, and synthesis of eligible studies. Studies were extracted to capture details of the mhealth tools used, the service issues addressed, the study design, and the outcomes evaluated. We then mapped the included studies using the 20 sub-strategies of the WHO Framework on Integrated People-Centred Health Services (IPCHS); as well as with the RE-AIM (Reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance) framework, to understand how studies implemented and evaluated interventions. RESULTS: We identified 39 studies, predominantly from Australia (n = 16), China (n = 7), Malaysia (n = 4) and New Zealand (n = 4), and little from low income countries. The mHealth modalities included text messaging, voice and video communication, mobile applications and devices (point-of-care, GPS, and Bluetooth). Health issues addressed included: medication adherence, smoking cessation, cardiovascular disease, heart failure, asthma, diabetes, and lifestyle activities respectively. Almost all were community-based and focused on service issues; only half were disease-specific. mHealth facilitated integrated IPCHS by: enabling citizens and communities to bypass gatekeepers and directly access services; increasing affordability and accessibility of services; strengthening governance over the access, use, safety and quality of clinical care; enabling scheduling and navigation of services; transitioning patients and caregivers between care sectors; and enabling the evaluation of safety and quality outcomes for systemic improvement. Evaluations of mHealth interventions did not always report the underlying theories. They predominantly reported cognitive/behavioural changes rather than patient outcomes. The utility of mHealth to support and improve IPCHS was evident. However, IPCHS strategy 2 (participatory governance and accountability) was addressed least frequently. Implementation was evaluated in regard to reach (n = 30), effectiveness (n = 24); adoption (n = 5), implementation (n = 9), and maintenance (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: mHealth can transition disease-centred services towards people-centred services. Critical appraisal of studies highlighted methodological issues, raising doubts about validity. The limited evidence for large-scale implementation and international variation in reporting of mHealth practice, modalities used, and health domains addressed requires capacity building. Information-enhanced implementation and evaluation of IPCHS, particularly for participatory governance and accountability, is also important.

Community health alliances as social enterprises that digitally engage citizens and integrate services: A case study in Southwestern Sydney (protocol).

South Western Sydney (SWS) is one of the fastest growing regions in the state of New South Wales (Australia). Much of the population live in local government areas (LGAs) with levels of disadvantage higher than the state average, with a predominance of non-communicable and chronic diseases that are typically associated with age-related and behavioural factors. This necessitates the management of social determinants of health through the integrated provision of primary and social care. The SWS Local Health District and Primary Health Network is exploring the potential of community health alliances (CHAs) as an innovative approach to support the provision of integrated health services. CHAs are a population health approach for addressing health challenges faced by people who share a common area of residence, sociocultural characteristic or health need, and are characterised by a shared mission, shared resource needs and acquiring/developing necessary organisational knowledge and skills. We explore how CHAs operate as social enterprises that utilise digital health and citizen engagement to deliver integrated people-centred health services (IPCHS) by conducting two case studies of CHAs operating in SWS: in Wollondilly and Fairfield LGAs. Using this approach, we aim to unpack the conceptual convergence that enables social enterprises to utilise digital health interventions and citizen engagement strategies to co-produce IPCHS with a view to developing theory and a framework for engaging digital citizens in integrated primary health care via social enterprise.

How well are non-communicable disease services being integrated into primary health care in Africa: A review of progress against World Health Organization's African regional targets.

OBJECTIVE: In Africa, mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is projected to overtake the combined mortality from communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases by 2030. To address this growing NCD burden, primary health care (PHC) systems will require substantial re-orientation. In this study, we reviewed the progress of African countries towards integrating essential NCD services into PHC. METHODS: A review of World Health Organization (WHO) reports was conducted for all 47 countries in the WHO African Region. To report each country's progress, we used an a priori framework developed by the WHO regional office for Africa (AFRO). Twelve indicators were used to measure countries' progress. The proportion of countries meeting each indicator was tabulated using a heat map. Correlation between country income status and attainment of each indicator was also assessed. FINDINGS: No country met all the recommended indicators to integrate NCD services into PHC and seven countries met none of the indicators. Few countries (30%) had nationally approved guidelines for NCD management and very few reported availabilities of all essential NCD medicines (13%) and technologies (11%) in PHC facilities. There was no overall correlation between a country's GDP per capita and the aggregate of targets being met (rho = 0.23; P = .12). There was, however, a modestly negative correlation between out-of-pocket expenditure and overall country progress (rho = -0.58; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Progress by AFRO Member States in integrating NCD care into PHC is variable across the region. Enhanced government commitment and judicious resource allocation to prioritize NCDs are needed. Particular areas of focus include increasing the uptake of simplified guidelines for NCDs; increasing workforce capacity to manage NCDs; and removing access barriers to essential medicines and basic diagnostic technologies.

Adherence to anti-vectorial prevention measures among travellers with chikungunya and malaria returning to Australia: comparative epidemiology.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the adoption and adherence to health protection behaviours prior to and during travel among international Australian travellers who return to Australia with notified chikungunya or malaria infection. This information could inform targeted health promotion and intervention strategies to limit the establishment of these diseases within Australia. RESULTS: Seeking travel advice prior to departure was moderate (46%, N = 21/46) yet compliance with a range of recommended anti-vectorial prevention measures was low among both chikungunya and malaria infected groups (16%, N = 7/45). Reasons for not seeking advice between groups was similar and included 'previous overseas travel with no problems' (45%, N = 9/20) and 'no perceived risk of disease' (20%, N = 4/20). Most chikungunya cases (65%, N = 13/20) travelled to Indonesia and a further 25% (N = 5/20) visited India, however most malaria cases (62%, N = 16/26) travelled to continental Africa with only 12% (N = 3/26) travelling to India. The majority (50%, N = 10/20) of chikungunya cases reported 'holiday' as their primary purpose of travel, compared to malaria cases who most frequently reported travel to visit friends and family (VFR; 42%, N = 11/26). These results provide import data that may be used to support distinct public health promotion and intervention strategies of two important vector-borne infectious diseases of concern for Australia.

High rates of latent TB infection in contacts and the wider community in South India.

Background: We aimed to compare TB transmission rates between case and community households in Vellore, South India. Methods: 359 household contacts (HHC) and 363 community contacts (CC) were assessed with tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT) between August 2010 and September 2011. Concordance test and multivariate risk factor assessment were conducted using logistic regression adjusted for clustering. Results: Latent TB infection (LTBI) positivity was similar between the two groups using both tests, with only moderate concordance observed between QFT and TST. Children of HHC (<15 years) were at a higher risk for LTBI (odds of 2.37 [1.15-4.89] and 3.02 [1.22-7.45] for TST and QFT respectively). Among adults, both age in decades (odds of 1.33 [1.14-1.15] and 1.16 [1.02-1.32] for TST and QFT, respectively) and the interaction of male gender, smoking and alcohol consumption (odds of 4.06 [1.38-11.93] and 2.59 [1.19-5.64] for TST and QFT, respectively), were associated with increased risk of LTBI. Conclusions: This study provides estimates of TB infection rates accounting for both community and household exposure that contribute to understanding of TB transmission in this setting. We suggest that assessment of risk factors for infection need increased examination as prophylactic treatment of LTBI are being considered.