Browsing by Author "Abdullahi, Leila"
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- ItemOpen AccessA systematic review of the epidemiology of hepatitis A in Africa(2019-07-22) Patterson, Jenna; Abdullahi, Leila; Hussey, Gregory D; Muloiwa, Rudzani; Kagina, Benjamin MAbstract Background Hepatitis A, caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV), is a vaccine preventable disease. In Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), poor hygiene and sanitation conditions are the main risk factors contributing to HAV infection. There have been, however, notable improvements in hygiene and sanitation conditions in many LMICs. As a result, there are studies showing a possible transition of some LMICs from high to intermediate HAV endemicity. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries should routinely collect, analyse and review local factors (including disease burden) to guide the development of hepatitis A vaccination programs. Up-to-date information on hepatitis A burden is, therefore, critical in aiding the development of country-specific recommendations on hepatitis A vaccination. Methods We conducted a systematic review to present an up-to-date, comprehensive synthesis of hepatitis A epidemiological data in Africa. Results The main results of this review include: 1) the reported HAV seroprevalence data suggests that Africa, as a whole, should not be considered as a high HAV endemic region; 2) the IgM anti-HAV seroprevalence data showed similar risk of acute hepatitis A infection among all age-groups; 3) South Africa could be experiencing a possible transition from high to intermediate HAV endemicity. The results of this review should be interpreted with caution as the reported data represents research work with significant sociocultural, economic and environmental diversity from 13 out of 54 African countries. Conclusions Our findings show that priority should be given to collecting HAV seroprevalence data and re-assessing the current hepatitis A control strategies in Africa to prevent future disease outbreaks.
- ItemOpen AccessEffectiveness of control measures to prevent occupational tuberculosis infection in health care workers: a systematic review(BioMed Central, 2018-05-25) Schmidt, Bey-Marrié; Engel, Mark E; Abdullahi, Leila; Ehrlich, RodneyBackground A number of guideline documents have been published over the past decades on preventing occupational transmission of tuberculosis (TB) infection in health care workers (HCWs). However, direct evidence for the effectiveness of these controls is limited particularly in low-and middle-income (LMIC) countries. Thus, we sought to evaluate whether recommended administrative, environmental and personal protective measures are effective in preventing tuberculin skin test conversion among HCWs, and whether there has been recent research appropriate to LMIC needs. Methods Using inclusion criteria that included tuberculin skin test (TST) conversion as the outcome and longitudinal study design, we searched a number of electronic databases, complemented by hand-searching of reference lists and contacting experts. Reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and assessed study quality using recommended criteria and overall evidence quality using GRADE criteria. Results Ten before-after studies were found, including two from upper middle income countries. All reported a decline in TST conversion frequency after the intervention. Among five studies that provided rates, the size of the decline varied, ranging from 35 to 100%. Since all were observational studies assessed as having high or unclear risk of bias on at least some criteria, the overall quality of evidence was rated as low using GRADE criteria. Conclusion We found consistent but low quality of evidence for the effectiveness of combined control measures in reducing TB infection transmission in HCWs in both high-income and upper-middle income country settings. However, research is needed in low-income high TB burden, including non-hospital, settings, and on contextual factors determining implementation of recommended control measures. Explicit attention to the reporting of methodological quality is recommended. Trial registration This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO in 2014 and its registration number is CRD42014009087 .
- ItemOpen AccessIntegrating the prevention and control of rheumatic heart disease into country health systems: a systemic review(2018) Abrams, Jessica; Engel, Mark E; Zühlke, Liesl; Watkins, David A; Abdullahi, LeilaPart A is a research protocol which describes the background and proposed methodology of this systematic review. This section contains the details of quantitative and qualitative methods to be used when analysing rheumatic heart disease (RHD) prevention and care programmes. Part B is a literature review which expands on the protocol. An in-depth explanation of the disease process is presented in order to understand the multiple opportunities for preventing RHD and its precursors. The importance of this research then is highlighted by contextualising RHD programmes within the health system and integrated care. Part C presents the research as a journal manuscript according the BMJ’s instructions for authors. The manuscript includes a brief introduction to the research followed by a summary of the methods and presentation of the results which are then discussed.
- ItemOpen AccessNarcolepsy associated with Pandemrix influenza vaccine: A systematic review and meta-analysis(2021) Lakoma, Leif; Muloiwa, Rudzani; Abdullahi, Leila; Engel, MarkThis systematic review and meta-analysis forms the mini-dissertation part of the primarily coursework degree of Master of Public Health at the University of Cape Town. The review is divided into three separate parts. The first part constitutes the research protocol which outlines the proposed methods and scope of the review. The second part is a structured literature review further elaborating on the research topic and current knowledge of it. The final third part constitutes the manuscript-ready part of the review. The aim of the review is to systematically explore the current scientific literature regarding the association between narcolepsy and the Pandemrix pandemic influenza vaccine. This particular association has been one of the most studied presumed vaccine adverse effects of the last decade and it has greatly affected the discussion on vaccine safety and vaccine hesitancy still to this date. Despite several studies having been published investigating the association, no systematic review of these studies had been performed prior to the beginning of this this review.
- ItemOpen AccessSystematic Reviews(BioMed Central, 2016) Njau, Bernard; Damian, Damian J; Abdullahi, Leila; Boulle, Andrew; Mathews, CatherineBackground: HIV is still a global public health problem. More than 75 % of HIV-infected people are in Africa, and most of them are unaware of their HIV status, which is a barrier to accessing antiretroviral treatment. Our review aims, firstly, to determine whether HIV self-testing is an effective method to increase the uptake of testing, the yield of new HIV-positive diagnoses, and the linkage to antiretroviral treatment. Secondly, we aim to review the factors that facilitate or impede the uptake of HIV self-testing. Methods/design: Participants will be adults living in Africa. For the first aim, the intervention will be HIV self-testing either alone or in addition to HIV testing standard of care. The comparison will be HIV testing standard of care. The primary outcomes will be (i) uptake of HIV testing and (ii) yield of new HIV-positive diagnoses. The secondary outcomes will be (a) linkage to antiretroviral (ARV) treatment and (b) incidence of social harms. For the second aim, we will review barriers and facilitators to the uptake of self-testing. We will search PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science, WHOLIS, Africa Wide, and CINAHL for eligible studies from 1998, with no language limits. We will check reference lists of included studies for other eligible reports. Eligible studies will include experimental and observational studies. Two authors will independently screen the search output, select studies, and extract data, resolving discrepancies by consensus and discussion. Two authors will use Cochrane risk of bias tools for experimental studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for observational studies, and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) quality assessment tool for qualitative studies. Discussion: Innovative and cost-effective community-based HIV testing strategies, such as self-testing, will contribute to universal coverage of HIV testing.
- ItemOpen AccessThe prevalence of breast cancer in Africa and establishment of The Libyan Breast Cancer Registry(2020) Abulkasim, Muna Abdussalam Owen; Engel, Mark E; Hendricks Denver; Abdullahi, Leila; Zühlke, LieslBreast cancer is well-known globally and remains one of the principal health concerns affecting women, and a rare malignancy in men. Although, there has been significant progress made in prevention strategies such as early detection and better treatment in most developed countries, incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer continued to rise. The rise is significant in Africa, a continent low in resources with a growing and ageing population exposed to risk factors leading to developing the disease. Although the incidence of breast cancer is lower in Africa than in high-income countries, mortality rates are high, mainly in women less than fifty years of age. Like most African countries, Libya is least prepared to cope with breast cancer and cancer in general. Additionally, many Libyans are adopting unhealthy lifestyles together which, together with environmental changes and high life expectancy, is perhaps the cause of rising cancer rates. However, no systematic collection of breast cancer incidence is currently undertaken, which in turn, impacts the implementation of detection and treatment measures. This thesis sought to evaluate the situation of breast cancer in Africa and specifically, for Libyan patients, through a systematic review of prevalence studies in Africa and by designing a registry for Libyan breast cancer patients. Objectives : • To conduct a systematic review and literature-based meta-analysis to provide an evidence-based estimate of the prevalence rate of breast cancer in Africa. This systematic review provides epidemiological data to guide health practitioners, educators and researchers for further studies needed in the field of breast cancer, specific for African patients. • To design a breast cancer registry for Libyan breast cancer patients. Developing a Libyan breast cancer registry provides an opportunity to learn more about disease development, and the changes through the course of the patient's life. Secondly, we will be able to track the incidence, mortality, and survival of patients diagnosed with breast cancer and their distribution in Libya. Finally, the information will be translated into numbers to aid policymakers in measuring the extent of the problem and help researchers in taking action needed to reduce the breast cancer load in Libya. Methods: • A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies retrieved from electronic databases, grey literature and reference lists, with no time and language limits. We have reviewed the available studies addressing the prevalence rate of breast cancer for African patients living in Africa who developed the disease. • Secondly, the Libyan Breast Cancer Registry (LBCR) is a prospective, hospital-based registry planned to document clinical and imaging characteristics of patients at presentation. Through follow-up, we will document disease progression and treatment practices to reliably determine the incidence of all-cause mortality and worsening disease requiring hospitalization. Results: • The overall prevalence rate of breast cancer in Africa was 0.30 [ 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.34] (22 studies, n=10,795). The prevalence rate of breast cancer for African females was 0.49 [95% CI, 0.38 to 0.62]. South African region had the highest breast cancer prevalence rate, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.24 to 1.26], while the lowest rates of breast cancer were from Central African regions. The use of mammography yielded higher rates of detection, (0.63 [95% CI, 0.46 to 0.82]), in comparison with clinical breast examination (0.31 [95% CI, 0.22 to 0.42]). • The proposed LBCR comprises parts I, II, AND III. Part I consists of demographic data and cancer information detailing personal data such as medical history, general examination, breast examination, methods and results of the diagnosis, and the treatment offered. Part II comprises the forms used for continuous follow-up – a new form is completed at each visit. All new information regarding patients' details, new complaints, and investigation findings and any changes or treatment offered at the visit, are recorded in this section. Part III documents mortality information. Details are recorded accompanied with a copy of the death certificate, and an autopsy report in case it was required. The LBCR pack includes consent forms in both English and Arabic languages. Also, it is accompanied by a manual of operation with given answered examples. Furthermore, the form is provided with contact details in case of any required information or explanation needed in the future. Conclusion: The clinical picture of breast cancer in Africa differs from Western countries due to the high proportion of patients developing the disease at a younger age and seeking management care at an advanced stage. Currently, there exists no specific breast cancer registry designed specifically for any African patients living in Africa. The LBCR will provide comprehensive, contemporary data on patients with breast cancer through establishing a baseline figure of the current situation for future local and national comparisons. The LBCR includes ready and accessible information for the temporary and future use of medical elements and researchers in this field and will help in the development of strategies to prevent and manage breast cancer and its complications.
- ItemOpen AccessVaricella zoster virus-associated morbidity and mortality in Africa – a systematic review(BioMed Central, 2017-11-14) Hussey, Hannah; Abdullahi, Leila; Collins, Jamie; Muloiwa, Rudzani; Hussey, Gregory; Kagina, BenjaminBackground: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes varicella and herpes zoster. These vaccine preventable diseases are common globally. Most available data on VZV epidemiology are from industrialised temperate countries and cannot be used to guide decisions on the immunization policy against VZV in Africa. This systematic review aims to review the published data on VZV morbidity and mortality in Africa. Methods: All published studies conducted in Africa from 1974 to 2015 were eligible. Eligible studies must have reported any VZV epidemiological measure (incidence, prevalence, hospitalization rate and mortality rate). For inclusion in the review, studies must have used a defined VZV case definition, be it clinical or laboratory-based. Results: Twenty articles from 13 African countries were included in the review. Most included studies were crosssectional, conducted on hospitalized patients, and half of the studies used varying serological methods for diagnosis. VZV seroprevalence was very high among adults. Limited data on VZV seroprevalence in children showed very low seropositivity to anti-VZV antibodies. Co-morbidity with VZV was common. Conclusion: There is lack of quality data that could be used to develop VZV control programmes, including vaccination, in Africa. Trial registration: PROSPERO 2015: CRD42015026144.
- ItemOpen AccessVaricella zoster virus-associated morbidity and mortality in Africa – a systematic review(2017) Hussey, Hannah; Abdullahi, Leila; Collins, Jamie; Muloiwa, Rudzani; Hussey, Gregory; Kagina, BenjaminBACKGROUND: Varicella zoster virus (VZV) causes varicella and herpes zoster. These vaccine preventable diseases are common globally. Most available data on VZV epidemiology are from industrialised temperate countries and cannot be used to guide decisions on the immunization policy against VZV in Africa. This systematic review aims to review the published data on VZV morbidity and mortality in Africa. METHODS: All published studies conducted in Africa from 1974 to 2015 were eligible. Eligible studies must have reported any VZV epidemiological measure (incidence, prevalence, hospitalization rate and mortality rate). For inclusion in the review, studies must have used a defined VZV case definition, be it clinical or laboratory-based. RESULTS: Twenty articles from 13 African countries were included in the review. Most included studies were cross-sectional, conducted on hospitalized patients, and half of the studies used varying serological methods for diagnosis. VZV seroprevalence was very high among adults. Limited data on VZV seroprevalence in children showed very low seropositivity to anti-VZV antibodies. Co-morbidity with VZV was common. CONCLUSION: There is lack of quality data that could be used to develop VZV control programmes, including vaccination, in Africa. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO 2015: CRD42015026144 .