scholarly journals HIV Bio-behavioral Risk Study Implementation in Resource-poor Military Settings

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacy M. Endres-Dighe ◽  
Lauren Courtney ◽  
Tonya Farris
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Staff Retention ◽  
Low Literacy ◽  
Study Implementation ◽  
Administration Method ◽  
High Level

ObjectiveWe present lessons learned from over a decade of HIV bio-behavioral risk study implementation and capacity-building inAfrican militaries.IntroductionCircumstances within the military environment may place militarypersonnel at increased risk of contracting sexually transmittedinfections (STI) including HIV. HIV bio-behavioral risk studiesprovide a critical source of data to estimate HIV/STI prevalenceand identify risk factors, allowing programs to maximize impact byfocusing on the drivers of the epidemic.MethodsSince 2005, RTI has provided technical assistance (TA) to supportHIV/STI Seroprevalence and Behavioral Epidemiology Risk Surveys(SABERS) in 14 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.SABERS are cross-sectional studies consisting of a survey to assessknowledge, attitudes and behaviors related to HIV, coupled with rapidtesting for HIV and other STIs. RTI tailored each survey instrument tobe culturally appropriate in content and methodology, trained militarypersonal to serve as data collection staff, and provided logisticalsupport for study implementation.ResultsKey lessons learned are summarized below:Data collection mode varied from paper-based to computer-assisted surveys, depending on country preference, in-country staffcapabilities, and the country’s technological capacity. Computer-assisted data collection systems were preferable because theyimproved data quality through the use of programmed skip patterns,range, and consistency checks. By eliminating the need for data entry,computer-assisted systems also saved program resources and enabledfaster access to the data for analysis.Survey administration method varied from self-administeredto interviewer-administered surveys. Literacy rates, technologicalfamiliarity, and confidentiality concerns were key drivers indetermining the best data collection method. Self-administeredsurveys such as computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) werepreferable due to the high-level of confidentiality they provide,but required a high-level of literacy and computer familiarity.If confidentiality was a big concern in low-literacy settings, audiocomputer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) was used if the populationhad some computer familiarity. Interviewer-administered surveyssuch as computer-assisted personal interview (CAPI) were used inmost low-literacy settings.Tailoring the survey instrument and administration for culturalappropriateness was vital to the acquisition of sound, viable data.Sexual behaviors and the definition of “regular sexual partner”and other terms varied according to local custom. The sensitivenature of the survey questions also impacted survey administrationoperationally. The preference for same-sex or opposite sexinterviewers varied by country and military setting. It was imperativeto pre-test the survey.A skilled workforce and staff retention are essential to providehigh quality data. Literacy levels, technological familiarity, HIVknowledge, and time commitments must all be considered whenselecting data collection staff. Retention of staff throughout theduration of data collection activities can be a major issue especiallyamong military personnel who were often called away from studyactivities to perform military duties.Host military ownership was integral to the success of the SABERSprogram. By engaging military leadership early and involving themin all decision making processes we ensured the partner military wasinvested in the study and its success and found value in the resultingdata and findings. Host militaries were actively involved in SABERSby providing staff for data collection, leading sensitization activities,and monitoring data collection activities in the field.Inclusion of capacity building elements during studyimplementation led to increased host military buy-in. Capacitybuilding included staff trainings and practical experience in surveymethodology, use of electronic data collection instruments, studylogistics and data monitoring.Confidentiality of survey data and HIV test results was of increasedconcern given that these studies were conducted in a work placeenvironment. For this reason, it was imperative to assure participantsthat disclosures of drug or alcohol use and positive HIV/STI testresults would remain confidential and would not affect their militaryemployment.ConclusionsBased on our experience, the following are required for thesuccessful implementation of an HIV Bio-behavioral Risk Study inresource-poor military settings: (1) selection of a data collection modeand survey administration method that is context-appropriate, (2)utilization of local wording and customs, (3) a skilled workforce, (4)local buy-in/partnership, (5) inclusion of capacity building elements,and (6) assurance of confidentiality.

scholarly journals Design and Field Methods of the ARISE Network COVID-19 Rapid Monitoring Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena C. Hemler ◽  
Michelle L. Korte ◽  
Bruno Lankoande ◽  
Ourohiré Millogo ◽  
Nega Assefa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Mobile Telephone ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
The Impact

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significant health and economic ramifications across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Data regarding its far-reaching impacts are severely lacking, thereby hindering the development of evidence-based strategies to mitigate its direct and indirect health consequences. To address this need, the Africa Research, Implementation Science, and Education (ARISE) Network established a mobile survey platform in SSA to generate longitudinal data regarding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to COVID-19 prevention and management and to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on health and socioeconomic domains. We conducted a baseline survey of 900 healthcare workers, 1,795 adolescents 10 to 19 years of age, and 1,797 adults 20 years or older at six urban and rural sites in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. Households were selected using sampling frames of existing Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems or national surveys when possible. Healthcare providers in urban areas were sampled using lists from professional associations. Data were collected through computer-assisted telephone interviews from July to November 2020. Consenting participants responded to surveys assessing KAP and the impact of the pandemic on nutrition, food security, healthcare access and utilization, lifestyle, and mental health. We found that mobile telephone surveys can be a rapid and reliable strategy for data collection during emergencies, but challenges exist with response rates. Maintaining accurate databases of telephone numbers and conducting brief baseline in-person visits can improve response rates. The challenges and lessons learned from this effort can inform future survey efforts during COVID-19 and other emergencies, as well as remote data collection in SSA in general.

scholarly journals Virtual Assisted Self Interviewing (VASI): An Expansion of Survey Data Collection Methods to Virtual Worlds by Means of VDCI

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark W. Bell ◽  
Edward Castronova ◽  
Gert G. Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Sampling Frame ◽  
Open Questions ◽  
High Level ◽  
Sampling Procedures

Changes in communication technology have allowed for the expansion of data collection modes in survey research.  The proliferation of the computer has allowed the creation of web and computer assisted auto-interview data collection modes.  Virtual worlds are a new application of computer technology that once again expands the data collection modes by VASI (Virtual Assisted Self Interviewing).  The Virtual Data Collection Interface (VDCI) developed at Indiana University in collaboration with the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP) allows survey researchers access to the population of virtual worlds in fully immersive Heads-up Display (HUD)-based survey instruments.  This expansion needs careful consideration for its applicability to the researcher’s question but offers a high level of data integrity and expanded survey availability and automation.  Current open questions on the VASI method concern the optimal sampling frame and sampling procedures within a virtual world like Second Life (SL).  Further multimodal studies are proposed to aid in evaluating the VDCI and placing it in the context of other data collection modes.

scholarly journals Going Digital – Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI): Lessons learned from a pilot study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Harris ◽  
Alexia Pretari
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Digital Computer ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Survey Technique ◽  
Collection Practices ◽  
Remote Data

In this sixth instalment of the Going Digital Series, we share our experiences of using computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) software, which was researched and piloted following the outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent need for improved remote data collection practices. CATI is a survey technique in which interviews are conducted via a phone call, using an electronic device to follow a survey script and enter the information collected. This paper looks at the experience of piloting the technique in phone interviews with women in Kirkuk Governorate, Iraq.

UPAYA MENINGKATKAN KOMPETENSI GURU SMP DALAM MENYUSUN TES HASIL BELAJAR BERBASIS KETERAMPILAN BERPIKIR KRITIS MELALUI SUPERVISI AKADEMIK

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 772
Author(s):  
Leni Suryani
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Student Learning Outcomes ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Critical Thinking Skills ◽  
Teacher Competence ◽  
Collection Data ◽  
High Level ◽  
Teacher Data

This research is motivated by the competence of teachers in preparing poor learning outcomes tests and has not been able to measure high-level thinking skills, especially critical thinking skills. Therefore the researcher seeks to improve teacher competence in compiling tests on student learning outcomes based on critical thinking skills through academic supervision. This study uses a school action research design that has stages of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. This research was conducted for 2 months starting April 9 to May 17, 2019 for Physics teachers in the 7 target schools. Data is sourced from interviews with teachers and test documents prepared by the teacher. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis through the stages of data collection, data simplification, data presentation, conclusion drawing. Data were analyzed using assessment rubrics adjusted to indicators of critical thinking skills. The results of this study conclude that teacher competence in preparing tests of learning outcomes based on critical thinking skills has increased from the first cycle with a percentage of 61% with sufficient categories to 76% with good categories in cycle II.

scholarly journals Costing interventions in the field: preliminary cost estimates and lessons learned from an evaluation of community-wide mass drug administration for elimination of soil-transmitted helminths in the DeWorm3 trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. e049734
Author(s):  
Katya Galactionova ◽  
Maitreyi Sahu ◽  
Samuel Paul Gideon ◽  
Saravanakumar Puthupalayam Kaliappan ◽  
Chloe Morozoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Drug Administration ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Data Quality Control ◽  
Soil Transmitted Helminths ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Rich Data

ObjectiveTo present a costing study integrated within the DeWorm3 multi-country field trial of community-wide mass drug administration (cMDA) for elimination of soil-transmitted helminths.DesignTailored data collection instruments covering resource use, expenditure and operational details were developed for each site. These were populated alongside field activities by on-site staff. Data quality control and validation processes were established. Programmed routines were used to clean, standardise and analyse data to derive costs of cMDA and supportive activities.SettingField site and collaborating research institutions.Primary and secondary outcome measuresA strategy for costing interventions in parallel with field activities was discussed. Interim estimates of cMDA costs obtained with the strategy were presented for one of the trial sites.ResultsThe study demonstrated that it was both feasible and advantageous to collect data alongside field activities. Practical decisions on implementing the strategy and the trade-offs involved varied by site; trialists and local partners were key to tailoring data collection to the technical and operational realities in the field. The strategy capitalised on the established processes for routine financial reporting at sites, benefitted from high recall and gathered operational insight that facilitated interpretation of the estimates derived. The methodology produced granular costs that aligned with the literature and allowed exploration of relevant scenarios. In the first year of the trial, net of drugs, the incremental financial cost of extending deworming of school-aged children to the whole community in India site averaged US$1.14 (USD, 2018) per person per round. A hypothesised at-scale routine implementation scenario yielded a much lower estimate of US$0.11 per person treated per round.ConclusionsWe showed that costing interventions alongside field activities offers unique opportunities for collecting rich data to inform policy toward optimising health interventions and for facilitating transfer of economic evidence from the field to the programme.Trial registration numberNCT03014167; Pre-results.

scholarly journals A model for malaria elimination based on learnings from the Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project, Mandla district, Madhya Pradesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harsh Rajvanshi ◽  
Praveen K. Bharti ◽  
Sekh Nisar ◽  
Himanshu Jayswar ◽  
Ashok K. Mishra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Management ◽  
Vector Control ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Madhya Pradesh ◽  
Demonstration Project ◽  
Bed Nets ◽  
Field Staff ◽  
Pharmaceutical Industries

Abstract Background Malaria Elimination Demonstration Project (MEDP) was started as a Public-Private-Partnership between the Indian Council of Medical Research through National Institute of Research in Tribal Health, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh and Foundation of Disease Elimination and Control of India, which is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. The project’s goal was to demonstrate that malaria can be eliminated from a high malaria endemic district along with prevention of re-establishment of malaria and to develop a model for malaria elimination using the lessons learned and knowledge acquired from the demonstration project. Methods The project employed tested protocols of robust surveillance, case management, vector control, and capacity building through continuous evaluation and training.  The model was developed using the learnings from the operational plan, surveillance and case management, monitoring and feedback, entomological investigations and vector control, IEC and capacity building, supply chain management, mobile application (SOCH), and independent reviews of MEDP. Results The MEDP has been operational since April 2017 with field operations from August 2017, and has observed: (1) reduction in indigenous cases of malaria by about 91 %; (2) need for training and capacity building of field staff for diagnosis and treatment of malaria; (3) need for improvement insecticide spraying and for distribution and usage of bed-nets; (4) need for robust surveillance system that captures and documents information on febrile cases, RDT positive individuals, and treatments provided; (5) need for effective supervision of field staff based on advance tour plan; (6) accountability and controls from the highest level to field workers; and (7) need for context-specific IEC. Conclusions Malaria elimination is a high-priority public health goal of the Indian Government with a committed deadline of 2030. In order to achieve this goal, built-in systems of accountability, ownership, effective management, operational, technical, and financial controls will be crucial components for malaria elimination in India. This manuscript presents a model for malaria elimination with district as an operational unit, which may be considered for malaria elimination in India and other countries with similar geography, topography, climate, endemicity, health infrastructure, and socio-economic characteristics.

scholarly journals Contexts and mechanisms that promote access to healthcare for populations experiencing homelessness: a realist review

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e043091
Author(s):  
Rikke Siersbaek ◽  
John Alexander Ford ◽  
Sara Burke ◽  
Clíona Ní Cheallaigh ◽  
Steve Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Healthcare Access ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Realist Review ◽  
Access To Healthcare ◽  
Staff Retention ◽  
Programme Theory ◽  
Eligibility Criteria ◽  
Ovid Medline ◽  
High Level

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify and understand the health system contexts and mechanisms that allow for homeless populations to access appropriate healthcare when needed.DesignA realist review.Data sourcesOvid MEDLINE, embase.com, CINAHL, ASSIA and grey literature until April 2019.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesThe purpose of the review was to identify health system patterns which enable access to healthcare for people who experience homelessness. Peer-reviewed articles were identified through a systematic search, grey literature search, citation tracking and expert recommendations. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were assessed for rigour and relevance and coded to identify data relating to contexts, mechanisms and/or outcomes.AnalysisInductive and deductive coding was used to generate context–mechanism–outcome configurations, which were refined and then used to build several iterations of the overarching programme theory.ResultsSystematic searching identified 330 review articles, of which 24 were included. An additional 11 grey literature and primary sources were identified through citation tracking and expert recommendation. Additional purposive searching of grey literature yielded 50 records, of which 12 were included, for a total of 47 included sources. The analysis found that healthcare access for populations experiencing homelessness is improved when services are coordinated and delivered in a way that is organised around the person with a high degree of flexibility and a culture that rejects stigma, generating trusting relationships between patients and staff/practitioners. Health systems should provide long-term, dependable funding for services to ensure sustainability and staff retention.ConclusionsWith homelessness on the rise internationally, healthcare systems should focus on high-level factors such as funding stability, building inclusive cultures and setting goals which encourage and support staff to provide flexible, timely and connected services to improve access.

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