Active surveillance of immunization adverse effects: a multicentre, open-label, three-arm randomized uncontrolled trial in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Participant-centred active adverse event following immunization (AEFI) surveillance can offer real-time vaccine safety data and help in signal detection. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of participant-centred active adverse events (AEs) surveillance following measles immunization in Gedeo Zone health facilities in Ethiopia. METHODS: An open-label, multicentred, three-arm randomized uncontrolled trial was conducted from 1 June to 21 October 2023. After assessing enrolment eligibility, the study participants were randomized into three groups (short message service [SMS], telephone interview, and diary card). They were expected to report AEs in children 1 week after receiving immunization. Binary and multivariable logistic regression and χ2 tests were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Among the 396 participants randomized into the three groups, 80.8% (320 participants) reported back about their children's AE status. Participants in the telephone interview group exhibited a substantially superior response rate (93.2% of 132 participants; p<0.00001) compared with the SMS (71.2%) and diary card (78%) groups. The likelihood of reporting the status of AEs experienced by children was lower by 77% (adjusted odds ratio 0.23 [95% confidence interval 0.1 to 0.52], p-value <0.00001) in the diary card group compared with the telephone interview group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a telephone interview was found to be the best method for AEFI reporting. Participant-centred active AE surveillance could potentially permit more rapid identification of emerging safety signals. Trial registration:  https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05803538.

Financial burden of tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment for patients in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) given free of charge in many high-burden countries, the costs that patients face in the cascade of care remain a major concern. Here, we aimed to investigate the financial burden of TB diagnosis and treatment for people with TB in Ethiopia. METHOD: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Center for Clinical Trials from December 1 2022 to 31 June 2023 for articles reporting the cost of diagnosis and treatment for patients regardless of their age with all forms of TB in Ethiopia. Major study outcomes were catastrophic costs, direct (out-of-pocket) pre-diagnosis, medical cost, and post-diagnosis costs, indirect (income loss) costs, coping costs, and total costs. We have used a threshold of 20% to define catastrophic costs. We used random-effects meta-analyses to calculate summary estimates of costs. R-studio software was used for analysis. The study is registered with PROSPERO: CRD42023387687. RESULT: Twelve studies, with a total of 4792 patients with TB, were included in our analysis. At the 20% threshold of total expenses, 51% of patients (2301 participants from 5 studies, 95% CI: 36-65%, I2 = 97%) faced catastrophic costs due to bacteriologically confirmed drug-sensitive pulmonary TB. Private facility diagnosis, drug-resistance TB, TB-HIV co-infection, hospitalization, and occupation were found to be associated with catastrophic costs. Reduction in the total cost spent by the patients was associated with digital adherence interventions, community-based direct observed therapy, short-course MDR-TB treatment regimens, and active case-finding. Pre-diagnosis costs had a positive correlation with diagnosis delays and the number of facilities visited until diagnosis. Post-diagnosis costs had a positive correlation with rural residence and inpatient treatments. CONCLUSION: Irrespective of a national policy of free TB service, more than half of TB patients are suffering catastrophic costs due to drug-sensitive pulmonary TB in Ethiopia and most of the patients spend a lot of money during the pre-diagnosis period and intensive phase, but declined drastically over time. Active case-finding, digital adherence interventions, community-based treatment, and comprehensive health insurance coverage have the potential to minimize the financial burden of TB diagnosis and treatment.

Efficacy and safety of different regimens in the treatment of patients with latent tuberculosis infection: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is effective in preventing progression to TB disease. This study aimed to synthesize available evidence on the efficacy, adherence, and safety of LTBI treatment in order to assist policymakers to design appropriate national treatment policies and treatment protocols. METHOD: The PRISMA-NMA was used to review and report this research. Randomized controlled trials which compared the efficacy and safety of LTBI treatments were included. A systematic literature search was done to identify relevant articles from online databases PubMed/ MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Center for Clinical Trial database (CENTRAL). The network meta-analysis was done using R- studio Version 1.4.1103. RESULT: In this review, 42 studies were included, which enrolled 46,022 people who had recent contact with patients with active tuberculosis, evidence radiological of previous tuberculosis, tuberculin test equal or greater than 5 mm, radiographs that indicated inactive fibrotic or calcified parenchymal and/or lymph node lesions, had conversion to positive results on a tuberculin skin test, participants living with HIV, chronic Silicosis, immigrants, prisoners, old people, and pregnant women who were at risk for latent TB were included. The incidence of TB among people living with HIV who have taken 3RH as TPT was lower, followed by 48%,followed by 6H (41%). However, 3HP has also the potential to reduce the incidence of TB by 36% among HIV negative patients who had TB contact history. Patients' adherence to TPT was higher among patients who have taken 4R (RR 1.38 95% CI 1.0,1.89) followed by 3RH (34%). The proportion of subjects who permanently discontinued a study drug because of an adverse event were three times higher in the 3RH treatment group. Furthermore, the risk of grade 3 and 4 liver toxicity was significantly higher in 9H followed by 1HP, and 6H. CONCLUSION: From this review, it can be concluded 3RH and 6H has a significant impact on the reduction of TB incidence among PLWH and 3HP among HIV negative people who had TB contact history. However, combinations of rifampicin either with isoniazid were significantly associated with adverse events which resulted in permanent discontinuation among adult patients. Furthermore, grade 3 and 4 liver toxicity was more common in patents who have taken 9H, 1HP, and 6H. This may support the current recommended TPT regimen of 3HP, 3RH, and 6H.

System and facility readiness assessment for conducting active surveillance of adverse events following immunization in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: To help distinguish vaccine-related adverse events following immunization (AEFI) from coincidental occurrences, active vaccine pharmacovigilance (VP) prospective surveillance programs are needed. From February to May 2021, we assessed the system and facility readiness for implementing active AEFI VP surveillance in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: Selected hospitals were assessed using a readiness assessment tool with scoring measures. The site assessment was conducted via in-person interviews within the specific departments in each hospital. We evaluated the system readiness with a desk review of AEFI guidelines, Expanded Program for Immunization Guidelines and Ethiopian Food and Drug Administration and Ethiopian Public Health Institute websites. RESULTS: Of the hospitals in Addis Ababa, 23.1% met the criteria for our site assessment. During the system readiness assessment, we found that essential components were in place. However, rules, regulations and proclamations pertaining to AEFI surveillance were absent. Based on the tool, the three hospitals (A, B and C) scored 60.6% (94/155), 48.3% (75/155) and 40% (62/155), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Only one of three hospitals assessed in our evaluation scored >50% for readiness to implement active AEFI surveillance. We also identified the following areas for improvement to ensure successful implementation: training, making guidelines and reporting forms available and ensuring a system that accommodates paper-based and electronic-based recording systems.

Determinants of stock-outs of first line anti-tuberculosis drugs: the case of public health facilities of Addis Ababa city administration health bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The health sectors success has been determined by consistent and reasonably priced health commodities supply. Despite possible death from the disease, Tuberculosis (TB) can be prevented with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for which enough, effective, and qualified medicines need to be available. However, studies revealed stock of anti-TB drugs in health facilities. Here we present the recent finding on determinants of stock out of Anti-TB drug at public health facilities of Addis Ababa. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify determinants of stock outs of first line anti TB drugs at public health facilities under Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau. METHOD: Mixed study design were employed. A total of 106 facilities were included in the sampling frame and data were collected from the study population such as drug store managers of health facilities providing TB treatment using semi structured questionnaire and through in-depth interview with Addis Ababa hubs of the Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals Supply Agency (EPSA), Addis Ababa City Administration Health Bureau and selected heads of pharmacy departments of health facilities from May 1-30, 2020 considering one year back retrospective data from March 20,2019 to March 20,2020. Structured record review of data from Logistics Management Information System (LMIS) tools having TB drugs was done using structured observation checklist. Data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS Version 20. Both descriptive and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULT: 52(62.7%) of health facilities encountered stock out for at least one of these drugs during the past 1 year. Rifampicin 75 mg + Isoniazid 50 mg (RH 75/50 mg) were most stocked out first line anti-TB drug from 33(39.8%) of facilities with 17 mean stocks out days while Rifampicin 75 mg + Isoniazid 50 mg + Pyrazinamide 150 mg (RHZ 75/50/150 mg) were the least first line anti-TB drug stocked out from facilities with mean 5 days of stock out. Delayed supply of anti TB drug from EPSA, delivery of reduced quantity of anti TB drugs by EPSA and stocked out of anti TB Drugs at EPSA were significant determinate factors of stock out of first line anti-TB drug from facilities with 95%CI of 10.34(2.167-49.329), 11.452(2.183-60.079) and 5.646(1.240-25.707) respectively. CONCLUSION: Above median of health facilities encountered stock out of first line anti-TB drug in Addis Ababa. Delayed supply of anti TB drug from EPSA, delivery of reduced quantity of anti TB drugs by EPSA and stocked out of anti TB Drugs at EPSA were significant determinate factor of stocked out of first line anti-TB drug from facilities. EPSA and other responsible bodies shall work collaboratively to improve their service and ensure availability of adequate amount of Anti TB drug in health facilities.

Failed induction of labor and associated factors among women delivered in Jigjiga University Sheik Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to assess the magnitude of failed induction of labor and associated factors among mothers delivered in Eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 364 women who had induction of labor at Jigjiga University, Sheik Hassan Yabare Referral Hospital from 2018 to 2021. A checklist was used to collect the data from the women's chart. To isolate independent predictors related to failed induction of labor, multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULT: The magnitude of failed induction of labor was 36.8% (95% CI: 31.8, 42.0). Age (AOR = 3.2; CI: 1.78, 5.75), rural residency (AOR = 2.28; CI:1.29, 4.01), para (AOR = 2.76; CI: 1.55, 4.91), gestational age (AOR = 2.65; CI: 1.44, 4.89), multiple pregnancy (AOR = 2.36; CI: 1.01, 5.55), premature rapture of membrane (AOR = 4.88; CI: 2.33, 10.21), pregnancy-induced hypertension (AOR = 5.11; CI: 2.67, 9.79), and bishop score (AOR = 1.95; CI: 1.15, 3.32) were significantly associated with failed induction of labor. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of failed induction of labor was relatively high in the study setting. Failed induction of labor was significantly associated with age, rural residency, primipara, gestational age, multiple pregnancy, premature rapture of membrane, PIH, and bishop score less than six. Prior to initiating the induction of labor, proper pelvis assessment and cervical ripening for bishop score might be considered. Beside to this, adherence to locally available induction protocols and guidelines might also be needed.

Utilization of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods and associated factor among women of reproductive age in west Guji zone, Southwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Increasing access to family planning helps to ensure the reproductive right, decrease unintended pregnancy, improve the health and nutritional status of children, reduction of maternal mortality, and enhance longer birth spacing. However, there is continually low utilization of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods among low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the utilization of long acting and permanent contraceptive methods (LAPMs) and associated factors among women of reproductive age in the West Guji Zone, Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 507 women of reproductive age in the West Guji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia from April 15 to May 15, 2018. Data were collected by a structured, pretested, and interview-based questionnaire with open ended and closed ended questionnaire, then entered, and analyzed by SPSS Version 20. Bivariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out. A 95% confidence interval (CI) AND P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistically significant variables. RESULT: The current utilization of LAPMs at West Guji zone among the reproductive-aged group was found to be 51.1%. More than the median of participants had negative altitude (72.4%) and poor knowledge (57%) towards the LAPMs. Educational status of women, the number of alive children, acceptance of utilization of LAPMs, how treated by other staff, and waiting time during service delivery are significant determinant factors of LAPMs. CONCLUSION: Overall, more than half of women had a negative attitude and poor knowledge of LAPMs. Educational status of women, the number of alive children, acceptance of utilization of LAPMs, how treated by other staff, and waiting time during service delivery were factors affecting utilization of LAPMs. Therefore, sustained, and appropriate information on LAPMs should be provided to raise knowledge and build the attitude of women and the community. Treating the clients with respect, reducing the waiting time, and collaborative work with health extension worker will enhance utilization of LAPMs.

Safety of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine versus artemether-lumefantrine for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria among children in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.

BACKGROUND: The efficacies of artemisinin based combinations have been excellent in Africa, but also comprehensive evidence regarding their safety would be important. The aim of this review was to synthesize available evidence on the safety of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQ) compared to artemether-lumefantrine (AL) for the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria among children in Africa. METHODS: A systematic literature search was done to identify relevant articles from online databases PubMed/ MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Center for Clinical Trial database (CENTRAL) for retrieving randomized control trials comparing safety of DHA-PQ and AL for treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria among children in Africa. The search was performed from August 2020 to 30 April 2021. Using Rev-Man software (V5.4.1), the extracted data from eligible studies were pooled as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: In this review, 18 studies were included, which involved 10,498 participants were included. Compared to AL, DHA-PQ was associated with a slightly higher frequency of early vomiting (RR 2.26, 95% CI 1.46 to 3.50; participants = 7796; studies = 10; I2 = 0%, high quality of evidence), cough (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.11; participants = 8013; studies = 13; I2 = 0%, high quality of evidence), and diarrhoea (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.31; participants = 6841; studies = 11; I2 = 8%, high quality of evidence) were more frequent in DHA-PQ treatment arm. CONCLUSION: From this review, it can be concluded that early vomiting, diarrhoea, and cough were common were significantly more frequent in patients who were treated with the DHA-PQ than that of AL, and both drugs are well tolerated. More studies comparing AL with DHA-PQ are needed to determine the comparative safety of these drugs.

Isoniazid Preventive Therapy for Prevention of Tuberculosis among People Living with HIV in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review of Implementation and Impacts.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV (PLWHIV). Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) prevents TB in PLWHIV, but estimates of its effects and actual implementation vary across countries. We reviewed studies that examined the impact of IPT on PLHIV and the factors influencing its implementation in Ethiopia. METHODS: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Clinical Controlled Trials from their inception to 1 April 2021 for studies of any design that examined the impact of IPT on PLHIV and the factors influencing its implementation. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, ID: CRD42021256579. RESULT: Of the initial 546 studies identified, 13 of which enrolled 12,426 participants, 15,640 PLHIV and 62 HIV clinical care providers were included. PLHIV who were on IPT, independently or simultaneously with ART, were less likely to develop TB than those without IPT. IPT interventions had a significant association with improved CD4 count and reduced all-cause mortality. IPT was less effective in people with advanced HIV infection. The major factors influencing IPT implementation and uptake were stock-outs, fear of developing isoniazid-resistant TB, patient's refusal and non-adherence, and improper counseling and low commitment of HIV clinical care providers. CONCLUSION: IPT alone or in combination with ART significantly reduces the incidence of TB and mortality in PLHIV in Ethiopia than those without IPT. More research on safety is needed, especially on women with HIV who receive a combination of IPT and ART. Additionally, studies need to be conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of the new TPT (3 months combination of isoniazid and rifapentine) in children and people living with HIV.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Problematic Internet Use among Ethiopian Undergraduate University Students in 2019.

BACKGROUND: Problematic Internet use is characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations, urges, or behavior regarding computer use and Internet access which lead to impairment or distress. It has been found that the occurrence rate of problematic Internet use among university students ranges from 0.8% to 47.7%. Despite this, there are multiple challenges that relate to problematic Internet use, which remain underrecognized and largely ignored by stakeholders and are not well known, especially in low-income countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted aiming to assess the prevalence of problematic Internet use and its associated factors among undergraduate students. METHODS: Cross-sectional study was employed from May 1st to June 1st, 2019. A multistage sampling technique was used to get a total of 846 undergraduate students. Data were collected by using self-administered structured questionnaires of Young's Internet Addiction Test. The collected data were coded and entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed by using SPSS version 22; bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with problematic Internet use, and statistical significance was considered at P value <0.05. RESULTS: For a total of 846 study participants, the response rate was 761 (90%) and the prevalence of problematic Internet use was 19.4%. Multiple logistic regression model revealed that being male [AOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.80, 6.41], depression [AOR = 3.61, 95% CI: 2.40, 5.43], and khat or caffeinated drinks [AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.21, 2.87] were significantly associated with problematic Internet use. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that there was high prevalence of problematic Internet use among Dilla University students and there were various factors associated with increased prevalence of problematic Internet use. Therefore, students need to be educated about the safe, valuable, and healthy practices of Internet use. Furthermore, it is better to counsel on substance use and its consequences to overcome the anticipated increase in problematic Internet use.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers/caregivers on infant and young child feeding in Assosa Woreda, Assosa Zone, Benshangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Through the health extension package, Ethiopia had practiced infant and young child feeding. However, infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practice has been poor. Hence, in this study, the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the mothers/caregivers on infant and young child feeding were assessed. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 486 mothers/caregivers from Assosa Districts in the Assosa Zone of Benshangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. To isolate independent predictors for good knowledge, good practice, and favorable attitude of the mothers/caregivers related to child feeding, multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Out of 486 study participants, 456 (93.8 %) of mothers had good knowledge, 432 (88.9 %) had a positive attitude, and 380 (78.2 %) mothers had good practice of IYCF practice recommendations. Furthermore, age of mothers, educational status of the mother, place of delivery, father's educational status, father's involvement & support, previous knowledge about IYCF, discussion with their husband about IYCF, and ANC follows up were significantly associated with mother's knowledge on IYCF recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: Overall mothers had good knowledge and a positive attitude about IYCF practices. To support IYCF practices, behavior change communications intervention strategies should be introduced in mothers to bridge the gap between knowledge and practices.

Pyrosequencing for diagnosis of multidrug and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis: A systemic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB) pose major threats to global health. Diagnosis accuracy and delay have been the major drivers for the upsurge of M/XDR-TB. Pyrosequencing (PSQ) is a novel, real-time DNA sequencing for rapid detection of mutations associated with M/XDR-TB. We aimed to systematically synthesize the evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of PSQ for M/XDR-TB. METHODS: We conducted an electronic search of PubMed, Embase, Biosis, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to March 2020. We used the QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) tool to assess the quality of studies, the BRMA (bivariate random-effects meta-analysis) model to synthesize diagnostic accuracies, and the Rev-Man 5.4 software to perform the meta-analyses. We analyzed dichotomous data using the risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval. PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD42020200817. RESULTS: The analysis included seven studies, with a total sample of 3,165. At 95% confidence interval, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of PSQ were 89.7 (CI: 83.5-93.8) and 97.8 (CI: 94.9-99.1) for Isoniazid, 94.6 (CI: 90.9-96.8) and 98.5 (CI: 96.5-99.3) for Rifampicin, 87.9 (CI: 81.2-92.4) and 98.8 (CI: 97.2-99.5) for Fluoroquinolone, 83.5 (CI: 72.8-90.5) and 99.4 (CI: 98.3-99.8) for Amikacin, 79 (CI: 67-8-87) and 97.9 (CI: 95.5-99) for Capreomycin, and 69.6 (CI: 57-79.8) and 98.2 (CI: 95.9-99.2) for Kanamycin. The overall pooled sensitivity and specificity were 85.8 (CI: 76.7-91.7) and 98.5 (CI: 96.5-99.3), respectively. CONCLUSION: According to the pooled data, PSQ is highly sensitive and specific for detecting M/XDR-TB, both from clinical specimens and culture isolates, and within a shorter turnaround time. We suggest a continued synthesis of the evidence on the cost-effectiveness and technical feasibilities of PSQ in low-income countries context, including sub-Saharan Africa.

Human papillomavirus self-sampling versus standard clinician-sampling for cervical cancer screening in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains a major health threat in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). HPV self-sampling could help find and treat cervical cancer at an early stage. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of HPV self-sampling over the standard health facility-based clinician-sampling for cervical cancer screening through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials. METHOD: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrial.gov, and the WHO Global Health Library for articles in SSA published as of 31 May 2020. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) 2015 guidelines for the design and reporting of the results. We included randomized control trials that compared HPV self-sampling with the standard of care. The primary endpoint was uptake of cervical cancer screening service. The secondary endpoints were linkage to care, acceptability, screening frequency, and adverse events. We used RevMan V.5.3 software for statistical analysis. We computed random-effect model to provide pooled estimates of available data and I-squared (I2) test to assess heterogeneity. RESULT: Of 77 citations, we included four trials from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, encompassing 8200 participants with age ranging from 25 to 65 years. The pooled analysis showed significantly higher uptake of cervical cancer screening in women who used HPV self-sampling (risk ratio [RR] 1.72, 95% CI 1.58-1.87; p = 0.01), while this had a considerable heterogeneity as explained by subgroup analysis. Uptake was higher in women who were offered sampling kit at home or work (RR 2.05, 95% CI 1.80-2.33) and those who's kit was mailed to or invited to a nearby health center (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.58-1.72, I2 = 0%) than those screened with the standard of care. There was no difference between the two groups in the rate of linkage to care of positive cases (RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.90-2.74, I2 = 91%). HPV self-sampling was acceptable and easy to use. None of the trials compared the frequency of screening or adverse events. CONCLUSION: HPV self-sampling is an effective and feasible alternative to the standard health facility-based clinician-sampling for cervical cancer screening in SSA. It could improve the uptake of cervical cancer screening and harness the global strategy towards elimination of cervical cancer by 2030.

Efficacy and safety of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine versus artemether-lumefantrine for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Ugandan children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of artemisinin resistance in Southeast Asia and Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 propeller gene mutations in sub-Saharan African pose the greatest threat to global efforts to control malaria. This is a critical concern in Uganda, where artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the first-line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHA-PQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Ugandan children. METHODS: A search of PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for retrieving randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy and safety of DHA-PQ and AL for treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Ugandan children was done. The search was performed up to 31 August 2020. The data extracted from eligible studies and pooled as risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), using Rev Man Software (5.4). The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, ID: CRD42020182354. RESULTS: Eleven trials were included in this review and two of them only included under safety outcome. Total 3798 participants were enrolled. The PCR unadjusted treatment failure was significantly lower with DHA-PQ at day 28 (RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.19-0.49; participants = 7863; studies = 5; I2 = 93%, low quality evidence) and at day 42 (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38-0.76; participants = 1618; studies = 4; I2 = 79%, moderate quality of evidence). The PCR adjusted treatment failure at day 42 was significantly lower with DHA-PQ treatment group (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.72; participants = 1370; studies = 5, high quality of evidence), and it was below 5% in both arms at day 28 (moderate quality of evidence). AL showed a longer prophylactic effect on new infections which may last for up to 63 days (PCR-adjusted treatment failure: RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.13-3.70; participants = 1311; studies = 2, moderate quality of evidence). Compared to AL, DHA-PQ was associated with a slightly higher frequency of cough (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.13; 2575 participants; six studies; high quality of evidence). In both treatment groups, the risk of recurrent parasitaemia due to possible recrudescence was less than 5% at day 28. The appearance of gametocyte between 29 and 42 days was also significantly lower in DHA-PQ than AL (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.56; participants = 623; studies = 2; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSION: Compared to AL, DHA-PQ appeared to reduce treatment failure and gametocyte carriage in Ugandan children. This may trigger DHA-PQ to become the first-line treatment option. Both treatments were safe and well-tolerated.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection caused by mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) continues to pose challenges to global health. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) for preventing HBV MTCT. PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched through August 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were selected that evaluated the efficacy and safety of TDF for preventing MTCT of HBV compared with the standard of care, placebo or other HBV therapies. The primary outcomes were HBV MTCT rate and maternal HBV DNA level. Secondary outcomes were infant and maternal safety outcomes. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Guidelines, and prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020186275). Of 240 citations, three RCTs that involved 651 participants were included. The pooled result showed that TDF can reduce the risk of HBV MTCT after 6 months postpartum by 80% (risk ratio [RR] 0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI 0.06-0.7], n = 584) with low heterogeneity (I2  = 0%). TDF demonstrated HBV DNA suppression at delivery, though there was heterogeneity among individual studies (RR 0.13, 95% CI [0.08-0.20] and (RR 0.36, 95% CI [0.27-0.49]). Maternal and infant safety outcomes were comparable among treated and untreated mothers and infants born to them. The quality of evidence varied from high to very low. There is evidence that TDF effectively interrupted MTCT of HBV and suppressed HBV DNA level. Available studies on safety are very limited and heterogeneous, emphasising the need for additional RCTs with complete safety indicators.