scholarly journals Use of iris scanning as a method of biometric recognition of healthy adults participating in an Ebola vaccine trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: a mixed-method study design (Preprint)

Author(s):  
Trésor Zola Matuvanga ◽  
Ginger Johnson ◽  
Ynke Larivière ◽  
Emmanuel Esanga ◽  
Junior Matangila-Rika ◽  
...  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trésor Zola Matuvanga ◽  
Ginger Johnson ◽  
Ynke Larivière ◽  
Emmanuel Esanga ◽  
Junior Matangila-Rika ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND As part of an Ebola outbreak preparedness initiative, a partnership between the University of Antwerp and the University of Kinshasa, through an Innovative Medicines Initiative-European Union (project ‘EBOVAC 3’), implemented a clinical trial on an Ebola vaccine regimen to be administered to health care provider participants (HCP-P) in Tshuapa Province (Democratic Republic of the Congo). The EBOVAC3 clinical trial used iris scan technology to identify all HCP-P participating in the vaccine trial so the right participant received the right vaccine at the right visit. OBJECTIVE To assess the acceptability, accuracy and feasibility of iris scan technology as an identification method within a population of HCP-P in a vaccine trial in a remote setting. METHODS A mixed-method study was utilized. The acceptability was assessed prior to the trial through 12 focus group discussions (FGDs) and assessed at enrolment. Feasibility and accuracy research was conducted using a longitudinal trial study design where iris scanning was compared to the unique study ID card to identify HCP-P at enrolment, and at their follow-up visits. RESULTS During the FGDs, main concerns raised by HCP-P about the iris scan technology were that it may cause physical problems to their eyes or expose them to spiritual problems through sorcery. Though, 99.1% (95%CI: 97.1;100.0) of HCP-P in the FGDs agreed to be identified by the iris scan. Also, at enrolment 99.0% (95%CI:98.3; 99.7) HCP-P accepted to be identified by iris scan. Iris scan technology correctly identified 93.1% (95%CI:91.2; 95.0) of the participants returning for scheduled follow-up visits. Iris scanning operation lasted no more than 2 minutes 30 seconds for 96.0% (95%CI: 99.0;100.0) and one attempt was enough to identify the majority of study volunteers [69.5% (95% CI:66.1;73.0)]. CONCLUSIONS Iris scan is highly acceptable as an identification tool in a clinical trial in HCP-Ps. Its operationalization during the trial demonstrated a high-level of accuracy that can reliably identify individuals. Iris scanning is found to be feasible in clinical trials but it requires a trained operator in order to reduce the duration and the number of attempts to identify a participant.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. van Doorn ◽  
A. Popma ◽  
T. van Amelsvoort ◽  
C. McEnery ◽  
J. F. Gleeson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The onset of mental disorders typically occurs between the ages of 12 and 25, and the burden of mental health problems is the most consequential for this group. Indicated prevention interventions to target individuals with subclinical symptoms to prevent the transition to clinical levels of disorders, even leading to suicide, have shown to be effective. However, the threshold to seek help appears to be high. Digital interventions could offer a solution, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. This implementation study will investigate the digital indicated prevention intervention ENgage YOung people Early (ENYOY), the Dutch version of the original Moderated Online Social Therapy Platform (MOST+) from Australia. In addition, the relationship between stress biomarkers, symptoms and outcome measures of youth using the platform will be investigated in this study. Methods The MOST+ platform will be adapted, translated and developed for the situation in the Netherlands in collaboration with a Youth Panel. A prospective cohort of 125 young people (16–25 years) with beginning mental health complaints will be on the platform and followed for a year, of which 10 participants will have an additional smart watch and 10 participants will be asked to provide feedback about the platform. Data will be collected at baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months. Outcome measures are Psychological Distress assessed with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Social and occupational functioning (measures by the SOFAS), positive mental health indicators measured by the Positive Health Instrument, stress biomarkers with a smart-watch, website journeys of visitors, and feedback of youth about the platform. It will be a mixed-method study design, containing qualitative and quantitative measures. Discussion This trial will specifically address young people with emerging mental health complaints, and offers a new approach for treatment in the Netherlands. Considering the waiting lists in (child and adolescent)-psychiatry and the increase in suicides among youth, early low-threshold and non-stigmatizing help to support young people with emerging psychiatric symptoms is of crucial importance. Moreover, this project aims to bridge the gap between child and adolescent and adult psychiatry. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register ID NL8966, retrospectively registered on the 19th of October 2020.


2017 ◽  
Vol 52 ◽  
pp. 15-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvisa Palese ◽  
Felix Basso ◽  
Elena Del Negro ◽  
Illarj Achil ◽  
Annamaria Ferraresi ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Boraya ◽  
Caroline Githae ◽  
Esther Njuguna ◽  
Ombaka Dickson ◽  
Gachau Albert

The report presents both quantitative and qualitative date indicating factors affecting use of female condom among youths in Migori County, Kenya. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 and qualitative data was analyzed using N- Vivo version 11. Tables were used to present the results. Significant results were reported at p value < 0.05.<div>The study used a mixed method study design </div>


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (09) ◽  
pp. 1351-1357
Author(s):  
Noorikiran Naeem ◽  
Zil-e-Fatima Naeem ◽  
Subhan Ullah ◽  
Ahmad Hassan Khan ◽  
Kainat Javed ◽  
...  

Objective: This study aimed to explore the use of the WhatsApp instant messaging as a source of learning for postgraduate students enrolled in Master of Health Profession Education. Study Design: Mixed Method Study. Setting: University of Lahore. Period: January 2017 to January 2018. Material & Methods: Eighteen students filled the questionnaire after giving informed consent. This was followed by eight individual interviews of students consenting for interview. Results: The findings of the research suggest that the use of WhatsApp instant messaging may assist students in learning as it fosters a social constructivist environment. This environment supported students in reinforcing various concepts by enhancing interaction within the groups, among teachers as well as assimilation of the content material shared. Conclusion: WhatsApp is perceived to be an acceptable supplementary application for educational purposes, if used appropriately.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Boraya ◽  
Caroline Githae ◽  
Esther Njuguna ◽  
Ombaka Dickson ◽  
Gachau Albert

The report presents both quantitative and qualitative date indicating factors affecting use of female condom among youths in Migori County, Kenya. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 and qualitative data was analyzed using N- Vivo version 11. Tables were used to present the results. Significant results were reported at p value < 0.05.<div>The study used a mixed method study design </div>


Author(s):  
Amadou Barrow ◽  
Solomon P. S. Jatta ◽  
Musa Nget ◽  
Rex A. Kuye

Background: Providing occupational health and safety (OHS) services to employees has been a global problem for an extended period. A safe workplace should pose no avoidable risk to employees' physical, psychological, or social wellbeing and should provide opportunities for employees to improve and support their health. This study aimed to assess the occupational health and safety risks and hazards among workers at the construction sites in Kombo North District of the Gambia. Methods: A mixed-method study design was conducted across construction workers in Kombo North District, West Coast Region of the Gambia. Data was generated using validated OHS risk assessment matrix, structured questionnaires, environmental and physical inspection and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics, including a composite scoring system, were used to present the results of this study. Results: Of the 157 respondents in this study, 98.1% were males, and about one-third of these construction workers were 31-40 years of age. About 46% and 34.4% spent 1-5 and 6-10 years in the construction industry, while about 40.2% of the respondents never been to school. The study revealed that physical risks and hazards in the form of falling from a height, electric shock, etc. were the most common forms compared to other categories such as ergonomics, biological and chemical risks and hazards. There is no reporting system or registry in place across the study sites. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that physical hazards reported being the most common across other forms of ergonomics, biological and chemical risk and hazards. There is an urgent need for reactivation and implementation of OHS advocacies, health education, and other preventive strategies to control common workplace risks and hazards in their various forms.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. e005726
Author(s):  
Gwen Lemey ◽  
Ynke Larivière ◽  
Trésor Matuvanga Zola ◽  
Vivi Maketa ◽  
Junior Matangila ◽  
...  

Implementing an Ebola vaccine trial in a remote area in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and being confronted with a dysfunctional health care system and acute unmet health needs of participants, ethical considerations were made regarding the ancillary care obligations of the sponsor and researchers. Spurred by the occurrence of non-related (serious) adverse events (NR-SAEs), the Universities of Antwerp and Kinshasa jointly developed an algorithm, accompanied by an algorithm policy. The algorithm consists of a set of consecutive questions with binary response options, leading to structured, non-arbitrary and consistent support and management for each NR-SAE. It is the result of dialogue and collaboration between the sponsor (University of Antwerp) and the principal investigator (University of Kinshasa), consultation of literature, and input of research ethics and social sciences experts. The characteristics of the project and its budgetary framework were taken into account, as well as the local socioeconomic and healthcare situation. The algorithm and related policy have been approved by the relevant ethics committee (EC), so field implementation will begin when the study activities resume in November 2021. Lessons learnt will be shared with the relevant stakeholders within and outside DRC.If NR-SAEs are not covered by a functioning social welfare system, sponsors and researchers should develop a feasible, standardised and transparent approach to the provision of ancillary care. National legislation and contextualised requirements are therefore needed, particularly in low/middle-income countries, to guide researchers and sponsors in this process. Protocols, particularly of clinical trials conducted in areas with ‘access to care’ constraints, should include adequate ancillary care arrangements. Furthermore, it is essential that local ECs systematically require ancillary care provisions to enhance the well-being and protection of the rights of research participants. This project was funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.


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