scholarly journals Self-testing for HIV, HBV, and HCV using finger-stick whole-blood multiplex immunochromatographic rapid test: A pilot feasibility study in sub-Saharan Africa

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249701
Author(s):  
Serge Tonen-Wolyec ◽  
Roland Marini Djang’eing’a ◽  
Salomon Batina-Agasa ◽  
Charles Kayembe Tshilumba ◽  
Jérémie Muwonga Masidi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Whole Blood ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Multicentric Study ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Finger Stick

Background The burden of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections remains disproportionately high in sub-Saharan Africa, with high rates of co-infections. Multiplex rapid diagnostic tests for HIV, HBV and HCV serological testing with high analytical performances may improve the “cascade of screening” and quite possibly the linkage-to-care with reduced cost. Based on our previous field experience of HIV self-testing, we herein aimed at evaluating the practicability and acceptability of a prototype finger-stick whole-blood Triplex HIV/HCV/HBsAg self-test as a simultaneous serological screening tool for HIV, HBV, and HCV in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Methods A cross-sectional multicentric study consisting of face-to-face, paper-based, and semi-structured questionnaires with a home-based and facility-based recruitment of untrained adult volunteers at risk of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections recruited from the general public was conducted in 2020 in urban and rural areas in the DRC. The practicability of the Triplex self-test was assessed by 3 substudies on the observation of self-test manipulation including the understanding of the instructions for use (IFU), on the interpretation of Triplex self-test results and on its acceptability. Results A total of 251 volunteers (mean age, 28 years; range, 18–49; 154 males) were included, from urban [160 (63.7%)] and rural [91 (36.3%)] areas. Overall, 242 (96.4%) participants performed the Triplex self-test and succeeded in obtaining a valid test result with an overall usability index of 89.2%. The correct use of the Triplex self-test was higher in urban areas than rural areas (51.2% versus 16.5%; aOR: 6.9). The use of video IFU in addition to paper-based IFU increased the correct manipulation and interpretation of the Triplex self-test. A total of 197 (78.5%) participants correctly interpreted the Triplex self-test results, whereas 54 (21.5%) misinterpreted their results, mainly the positive test results harboring low-intensity band (30/251; 12.0%), and preferentially the HBsAg band (12/44; 27.3%). The rates of acceptability of reuse, distribution of the Triplex self-test to third parties (partner, friend, or family member), linkage to the health care facility for confirmation of results and treatment, and confidence in the self-test results were very high, especially among participants from urban areas. Conclusions This pilot study shows evidence for the first time in sub-Saharan Africa on good practicability and high acceptability of a prototype Triplex HIV/HCV/HBsAg self-test for simultaneous diagnosis of three highly prevalent chronic viral infections, providing the rational basis of using self-test harboring four bands of interest, i.e. the control, HIV, HCV, and HBsAg bands. The relatively frequent misinterpretation of the Triplex self-test points however the necessity to improve the delivery of this prototype Triplex self-test probably in a supervised setting. Finally, these observations lay the foundations for the potential large-scale use of the Triplex self-test in populations living in sub-Saharan Africa at high risk for HIV, HBV, and HCV infections.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the practicability and virological performance of finger-stick whole-blood HIV self-testing in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa

PLoS ONE ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. e0189475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serge Tonen-Wolyec ◽  
Salomon Batina-Agasa ◽  
Jérémie Muwonga ◽  
Franck Fwamba N’kulu ◽  
Ralph-Sydney Mboumba Bouassa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Whole Blood ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
French Speaking ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Finger Stick

Laboratory protocol: Evaluation of the practicability and virological performances of finger-stick whole blood HIV self-test in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa v1

protocols.io ◽  
2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serge Tonen ◽  
not provided not provided ◽  
not provided not provided ◽  
not provided not provided ◽  
Salomon Batina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Whole Blood ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
French Speaking ◽  
Self Test ◽  
Protocol Evaluation ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Finger Stick ◽  
Laboratory Protocol

MIGRATION, TRANSLOCAL NETWORKS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STRATIFICATION IN NAMIBIA

Africa ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 606-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clemens Greiner
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Urban Migration ◽  
Urban Networks ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Economic Stratification ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Price Differences

ABSTRACTRural–urban migration and networks are fundamental for many livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa. Remittances in cash and kind provide additional income, enhance food security and offer access to viable resources in both rural and urban areas. Migration allows the involved households to benefit from price differences between rural and urban areas. In this contribution, I demonstrate that rural–urban networks not only contribute to poverty alleviation and security, but also further socio-economic stratification. This aspect has been ignored or neglected by most scholars and development planners. Using ethnographic data from Namibia, I have adopted a translocal perspective on migration and stratification, focusing on the resulting impact in rural areas where modern urban forms of stratification, induced by education and income from wage labour, are on the increase.

scholarly journals Sexual Autonomy and Self-reported Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Sub-saharan African Women in Sexual Unions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Collins Adu ◽  
Aliu Mohammed ◽  
Eugene Budu ◽  
James Boadu Frimpong ◽  
Justice Kannor Tetteh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Women ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Sexual Autonomy ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health challenge worldwide. Despite the importance of sexual autonomy in the prevention and control of sexual and reproductive health disorders such as STIs, there are limited studies on the possible relationship between women’s sexual autonomy and self-reported STIs, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study, therefore, examined the association between sexual autonomy and self-reported STIs among women in sexual unions in SSA.Methods Data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of 31 countries in SSA conducted between 2010 and 2019 were analysed. A total of 234,310 women in sexual unions were included in the study. Data were analysed using binary logistic regression models and the results were presented as crude odds ratios (cORs) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) at 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The prevalence of self-reported STIs among women in sexual unions in SSA was 5.8%. Approximately 83.0% of the women surveyed had sexual autonomy. Women who had no sexual autonomy were less likely to have self-reported STIs (cOR=0.52, CI: 0.46-0.54), compared to those who had sexual autonomy. Additionally, higher odds of self-reported STIs were found among women aged 25-29, compared to those aged 15-19 (aOR= 1.21, CI: 1.09-1.35); those who reside in urban areas, compared to those who reside in rural areas (aOR= 1.51, CI: 1.37-1.66) and those who were cohabiting, compared to those who were married (aOR= 1.65, CI: 1.52-1.79). On the other hand, lower odds of self-reported STIs were found among women who were exposed to newspapers (aOR= 0.89, CI: 0.82-0.95), those whose partners had primary education (aOR= 0.84, CI: 0.78-0.91), those who were not exposed to radio (aOR= 0.84, CI: 0.79-0.89), and working women (aOR= 0.86, CI: 0.80-0.93). Conclusion Findings from this study suggest that sexual autonomy is a significant predictor of self-reported STIs among women in sexual unions in SSA. Thus, instituting policies and programs that empower women and improve their levels of sexual autonomy may result in increased self-reporting of symptoms associated with STIs which subsequently help in minimising STI-related complications. Also, policies aimed at enhancing women’s sexual autonomy may reduce the burden of STIs in SSA, especially among women in sexual unions.

scholarly journals Clinical Features of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Sub-Saharan African Population: A 308 Study Cases in Senegal

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
Souhaibou Ndongo ◽  
Abdoulaye Pouye ◽  
Emeric Azankpan ◽  
Mourtalla M. Ka ◽  
Thérèse Moreira Diop
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sicca Syndrome ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Early Management ◽  
Delay In Diagnosis ◽  
Sub Saharan

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis, formerly rare in sub-Saharan Africa, is becoming increasingly reported. The objective study determines the epidemiological, clinical and biological features of rheumatoid arthritis at diagnosis. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at the rheumatology outpatient department of Aristide Le Dantec Teaching Hospital of Dakar in Senegal. Results: Three hundred eight patients with rheumatoid arthritis according, to American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria, were included: 273 women and 35 men (ratio of 7:8). Median age was 41 years (Q1: 31; Q3: 53 years); predominant age group was 30-40 years. Ninety-three percent resided in urban areas and 7% in rural areas. Family history of chronic inflammatory arthritis was reported by 35.1% of patients. Thirty-nine percent of patients initially consulted a traditional healer. On admission, the median Disease Activity Score 28 was 6.5 (Q1: 5.5; Q3: 7.3). Rheumatoid arthritis was very active in 81.1% and a positive factor in 84% of patients. Cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies assessed in 116 patients; 95 reported positive (81.9%). Of 169 patients, at least one extra-articular manifestation was presented; the most common, anemia and sicca syndrome. Conclusion: Rheumatoid arthritis was characterized by an important delay in diagnosis, a polyarticular presentation, and a high positivity of immunological markers. Extra-articular manifestations included mainly anemia and sicca syndrome. Early management and a better understanding of rheumatoid arthritis in sub-Saharan Africa are required.

scholarly journals Understanding the Factors That Are Associated with Motorcycle Crash Severity in Rural and Urban Areas of Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
William Agyemang ◽  
Emmanuel Kofi Adanu ◽  
Steven Jones
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Traffic ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Crash Data ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Run Off ◽  
Sub Saharan

Like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana has witnessed an increase in the use of motorcycles for both commercial transport and private transport of people and goods. The rapid rise in commercial motorcycle activities has been attributed to the problem of urban traffic congestion and the general lack of reliable and affordable public transport in rural areas. This study investigates and compares factors that are associated with motorcycle crash injury outcomes in rural and urban areas of Ghana. This comparison is particularly important because the commercial use of motorcycles and their rapid growth in urban areas are a new phenomenon, in contrast to rural areas where people have long relied on motorcycles for their transportation needs. Preliminary analysis of the crash data revealed that more of the rural area crashes occurred under dark and unlit roadway conditions, while urban areas recorded more intersection-related crashes. Additionally, it was found that more pedestrian collisions happened in urban areas, while head-on collisions happened more in rural areas. The model estimation results show that collisions with a pedestrian, run-off-road, and collisions that occur under dark and unlit roadway conditions were more likely to result in fatal injury. Findings from this study are expected to help in crafting and targeting appropriate countermeasures to effectively reduce the occurrence and severity of motorcycle crashes throughout the country and, indeed, sub-Saharan Africa.

How Mobile Technologies Are Leading to Economic Development in Sub-Saharan Africa

2021 ◽  
pp. 1719-1726
Author(s):  
Nigel McKelvey ◽  
Adam Crossan ◽  
Kevin Curran
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Devices ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
African Countries ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Technology Focus

Mobile technology today is increasingly being used to help improve underdeveloped and developing areas such as sub-Saharan Africa. With the statistics showing the number of adults in Africa owning mobile devices steadily increasing, mobile technology has been a popular area of interest to use to help improve areas such as healthcare and education throughout African cities and rural areas. Common that ways mobile technology is being used to help the residents of sub-Saharan Africa are in the sectors of health care and education. Mobile technologies being used in these areas whilst simple are incredibly effective and successful in helping to better the quality of health in education in sub-Saharan Africa. Many of the projects and systems developed using mobile technology focus mainly on urban areas. While reports state the huge increase in the number of those using mobile devices in Africa, along with the large estimated increase in the coming years, the difference between rural African countries and countries which contain urban cities is substantial.

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