Emmanuel Peprah
Emmanuel Peprah
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Associate Professor of Global and Environmental Health
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Professional overview
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Dr. Emmanuel Peprah’s research interests lie at the confluence of understanding what, why, and how some evidence-based interventions work in some populations and not others. The programattic focus of his research is understanding the contextual factors that influence the burden of co-morbidity in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH), with a particular focus on cardiovascular disease risk factors and mental health. As the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continues to increase, there is an opportunity to integrate NCD management into HIV care with implemention strategies that leverage the global infrasturcture designed to improve care delivery for PLWH. Dr. Peprah has built collaborations with multidisciplinary teams of investigators, both nationally and internationally, to address the high burden of comorbidity in PLWH globally. He is also the founder of the Baakoye Foundation, a nonprofit philanthropic organization dedicated to serving people in sub-Saharan Africa, and co-founder of the Washington Leaders Index (WLI), which aims to empower the next generation of emerging leaders through active, innovative, and inclusive leadership programs. Both nonprofit organizations serve the needs of children and people globally within the domains of education and health.
Before joining GPH, Dr. Peprah was a senior program official at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he worked with senior leadership to oversee strategic planning, initiative development, and implementation of research priorities in the areas of translational research, implementation science, and global health. He led and managed HIV/AIDS programs and a $10 million portfolio as part of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine Program. He was instrumental in launching the Human, Heredity, and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Initiative, a multimillion trans-NIH program, and served on its executive board. Dr. Peprah has received several awards for strategic planning, management, and implementation of large-scale NIH programs.
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Education
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BS, Biology, Texas A&M University, Commerce, TXPhD, Molecular Biology & Biomedical Science, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN
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Honors and awards
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NIH Director’s Award for Leadership H3Africa Stage II Team: For exceptional leadership and dedication in implementing Stage II of the Human Heredity and Health in Africa program (2018)NHLBI’s Director's for Outstanding Service (2018)NHLBI’s Director's for Outstanding Service Partnership/Collaboration Award for bringing multiple disciplines together to understand HIV-related co-morbidities and prepare for the challenges presented by the complex conditions of the new HIV era (2018)NHLBI’s Director's for Outstanding Translational Science Award for demonstrating exemplary leadership and service in advancing translation research (2017)Federal Service Career Promotion (2016)NHLBI’s Director's for Outstanding Translational Science Award as part of the Center for Translational Research and Implementation Science (CTRIS) Leadership Team for demonstrating exemplary leadership and service in advancing CTRIS’s translation (2016)NHLBI’s Director's for Breath of Fresh Air (Innovation) award for exemplary work evaluating NHLBI’s support for multi-project research grants and proposing creative and innovative enhancements to the NHLBI’s program project grants (PPG) (2016)NHLBI’s Director's for Learning Environment Award for fostering a learning environment through effective administration, knowledge sharing, and thoughtful implementation of the NHLBI R35 Program (2016)NHLBI’s Director's for Partnership/Collaboration in recognition of outstanding collaborative efforts in developing a conceptual framework for the NHLBI R35 program to provide greater funding stability and flexibility to investigators (2015)NIH Director's Common Fund Leadership Award for the NIH Common Fund Early Independence Award Program (2013)NIH Director's Award as a member of the Common Fund Global Health Leadership Team for outstanding service in the coordination of the Common Fund Global Health Initiatives (2012)Certificate of Appreciation for Invited Presenter, NIH Seminar Series, STEM Careers (2012)Certificate of Appreciation for Invited Presenter, Washington Mathematics Science Technology Public Charter High School, Washington, DC (2012)Leadership Award, Postdoctoral Fellows Research Symposium Committee, Emory University, Atlanta, GA (2008)
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Areas of research and study
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Dissemination and Implementation of Evidence-based ProgramsHIV/AIDSImplementation scienceInter-organizational NetworksTranslational science
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Publications
Publications
Etornam Amesimeku, Himani Chhetri, Brian Angulo, Christina Ruan, Cong Wang, Judy Fordjuoh, Chukwuemeka Iloegbu, John Patena, Joyce Gyamfi, Jonathan Odumegwu, Nessa Ryan, Emmanuel Peprah. Association between the level of concern for COVID-19 and information sources among college students. APHA 2023. Nov 12-16 2023: Atlanta, GA (Poster)
AbstractPeprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Abstract~Evidence-based interventions to reduce maternal malnutrition in low and middle-income countries : a systematic review
AbstractShenoy, S., Sharma, P., Rao, A., Aparna, N., Adenikinju, D., Iloegbu, C., Pateña, J., Vieira, D., Gyamfi, J., & Peprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Frontiers in Health ServicesVolume
3AbstractIntroduction: Despite remarkable strides in global efforts to reduce maternal mortality, low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) continue to grapple with a disproportionate burden of maternal mortality, with malnutrition emerging as a significant contributing factor to this enduring challenge. Shockingly, malnourished women face a mortality risk that is twice as high as their well-nourished counterparts, and a staggering 95% of maternal deaths in 2020 occurred within LMICs. The critical importance of addressing maternal malnutrition in resource-constrained settings cannot be overstated, as compelling research studies have demonstrated that such efforts could potentially save thousands of lives. However, the landscape is marred by a scarcity of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) specifically tailored for pregnant individuals aimed at combatting maternal malnutrition and reducing mortality rates. It is against this backdrop that our study endeavors to dissect the feasibility, adoption, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of EBIs designed to combat maternal malnutrition. Methods: Our comprehensive search encompassed eight prominent databases covering the period from 2003 to 2022 in LMICs. We began our study with a comprehensive search across multiple databases, yielding a total of 149 studies. From this initial pool, we eliminated duplicate entries and the remaining studies underwent a thorough screening process resulting in the identification of 63 full-text articles that aligned with our predefined inclusion criteria. Results: The meticulous full-text review left us with a core selection of six articles that shed light on interventions primarily centered around supplementation. They underscored a critical issue -the limited understanding of effective implementation in these countries, primarily attributed to inadequate monitoring and evaluation of interventions and insufficient training of healthcare professionals. Moreover, our findings emphasize the pivotal role of contextual factors, such as cultural nuances, public trust in healthcare, the prevalence of misinformation, and concerns regarding potential adverse effects of interventions, which profoundly influence the successful implementation of these programs. Discussion: While the EBIs have shown promise in reducing maternal malnutrition, their true potential for feasibility, adoption, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability hinges on their integration into comprehensive programs addressing broader issues like food insecurity and the prevention of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.Evidence-based interventions to reduce maternal malnutrition in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review
AbstractShenoy, S., Sharma, P., Rao, A., Aparna, N., Adenikinju, D., Iloegbu, C., Pateña, J., Vieira, D., Gyamfi, J., & Peprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Frontiers in health servicesVolume
3Page(s)
1155928AbstractDespite remarkable strides in global efforts to reduce maternal mortality, low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) continue to grapple with a disproportionate burden of maternal mortality, with malnutrition emerging as a significant contributing factor to this enduring challenge. Shockingly, malnourished women face a mortality risk that is twice as high as their well-nourished counterparts, and a staggering 95% of maternal deaths in 2020 occurred within LMICs. The critical importance of addressing maternal malnutrition in resource-constrained settings cannot be overstated, as compelling research studies have demonstrated that such efforts could potentially save thousands of lives. However, the landscape is marred by a scarcity of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) specifically tailored for pregnant individuals aimed at combatting maternal malnutrition and reducing mortality rates. It is against this backdrop that our study endeavors to dissect the feasibility, adoption, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness of EBIs designed to combat maternal malnutrition.Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risks, 1990-2022
Failed generating bibliography.AbstractPublication year
2023Journal title
Journal of the American College of CardiologyVolume
82Issue
25Page(s)
2350-2473Abstract~Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risks, 1990-2022
AbstractGlobal Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risks Collaborators, A., Mensah, G. A., Habtegiorgis Abate, Y., Abbasian, M., Abd-Allah, F., Abdollahi, A., Abdollahi, M., Morad Abdulah, D., Abdullahi, A., Abebe, A. M., Abedi, A., Abedi, A., Olusola Abiodun, O., Ali, H. A., Abu-Gharbieh, E., Abu-Rmeileh, N. M., Aburuz, S., Abushouk, A. I., Abu-Zaid, A., … Peprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Journal of the American College of CardiologyVolume
82Issue
25Page(s)
2350-2473Abstract~Implementation of non-insulin-dependent diabetes self-management education (DSME) in LMICs : a systematic review of cost, adoption, acceptability, and fidelity in resource-constrained settings
AbstractFitzpatrick, R., Pant, S., Li, J., Ritterman, R., Adenikinju, D., Iloegbu, C., Pateña, J., Vieira, D., Gyamfi, J., & Peprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Frontiers in Health ServicesVolume
3AbstractBackground: Type II diabetes (T2D), is a serious health issue accounting for 10.7% of mortality globally. 80% of cases worldwide are found in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), with rapidly increasing prevalence. Diabetes-self management education (DSME) is a cost-effective program that provides at-risk individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to adopt lifestyle changes that will improve their health and well-being. This systematic review examined the application of DSME in LMICs and identified the corresponding implementation results (cost, fidelity, acceptance, and adoption) associated with successful implementation in low-resource settings. Methods and analysis: The available research on T2D and the use of DSME in LMIC were systematically searched for using six electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PAIS, and EBSCO Discovery) between the months of October and November of 2022. The articles that met the search criteria were subsequently imported into EndNote and Covidence for analysis. The Cochrane RoB methodology for randomized trials was used to evaluate the risk of bias (RoB) in the included studies. A narrative synthesis was used to summarize the results. Results: A total of 773 studies were imported for screening, after 203 duplicates were removed, 570 remained. Abstract and title screenings resulted in the exclusion of 487 articles, leaving 83 for full-text review. Following a full-text review, 76 articles were excluded and seven were found to be relevant to our search. The most common reasons for exclusion were study design (n = 23), lack of results (n = 14), and wrong patient population (n = 12). Conclusion: Our systemic review found that DSME can be an acceptable and cost-effective solution in LMIC. While we intended to analyze cost, adoption, acceptability, and fidelity, our investigation revealed a gap in the literature on those areas, with most studies focusing on acceptability and cost and no studies identifying fidelity or adoption. To further evaluate the efficacy of DSME and enhance health outcomes for T2D in LMICs, more research is needed on its application. Systematic Review Registration: osf.io/7482t.Implementation of non-insulin-dependent diabetes self-management education (DSME) in LMICs: a systematic review of cost, adoption, acceptability, and fidelity in resource-constrained settings
AbstractFitzpatrick, R., Pant, S., Li, J., Ritterman, R., Adenikinju, D., Iloegbu, C., Pateña, J., Vieira, D., Gyamfi, J., & Peprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Frontiers in health servicesVolume
3Page(s)
1155911AbstractType II diabetes (T2D), is a serious health issue accounting for 10.7% of mortality globally. 80% of cases worldwide are found in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), with rapidly increasing prevalence. Diabetes-self management education (DSME) is a cost-effective program that provides at-risk individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to adopt lifestyle changes that will improve their health and well-being. This systematic review examined the application of DSME in LMICs and identified the corresponding implementation results (cost, fidelity, acceptance, and adoption) associated with successful implementation in low-resource settings.Implementation outcomes and strategies for delivering evidence-based hypertension interventions in lower-middle-income countries : Evidence from a multi-country consortium for hypertension control
AbstractGyamfi, J., Iwelunmor, J., Patel, S., Irazola, V., Aifah, A., Rakhra, A., Butler, M., Vedanthan, R., Hoang, G. N., Nyambura, M., Nguyen, H., Nguyen, C., Asante, K. P., Nyame, S., Adjei, K., Amoah, J., Apusiga, K., Adjei, K. G., Ramierz-Zea, M., … Ogedegbe, G. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
PloS oneVolume
18Issue
5 MayAbstractGuidance on contextually tailored implementation strategies for the prevention, treatment, and control of hypertension is limited in lower-middle income countries (Lower-MIC). To address this limitation, we compiled implementation strategies and accompanying outcomes of evidence-based hypertension interventions currently being implemented in five Lower-MIC. The Global Research on Implementation and Translation Science (GRIT) Coordinating Center (CC) (GRIT-CC) engaged its global network sites at Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, and Vietnam. Purposively sampled implementation science experts completed an electronic survey assessing implementation outcomes, in addition to implementation strategies used in their ongoing hypertension interventions from among 73 strategies within the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC). Experts rated the strategies based on highest priority to their interventions. We analyzed the data by sorting implementation strategies utilized by sites into one of the nine domains in ERIC and summarized the data using frequencies, proportions, and means. Seventeen implementation experts (52.9% men) participated in the exercise. Of Proctor's implementation outcomes identified across sites, all outcomes except for appropriateness were broadly assessed by three or more countries. Overall, 59 out of 73 (81%) strategies were being utilized in the five countries. The highest priority implementation strategies utilized across all five countries focused on evaluative and iterative strategies (e.g., identification of context specific barriers and facilitators) to delivery of patient- and community-level interventions, while the lowest priority was use of financial and infrastructure change strategies. More capacity building strategies (developing stakeholder interrelationships, training and educating stakeholders, and supporting clinicians) were incorporated into interventions implemented in India and Vietnam than Ghana, Kenya, and Guatemala. Although robust implementation strategies are being used in Lower -MICs, there is minimum use of financial and infrastructure change strategies. Our study contributes to the growing literature that demonstrates the use of Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) implementation strategies to deliver evidence-based hypertension interventions in Lower-MICs and will inform future cross-country data harmonization activities in resource-constrained settings.Implementation outcomes and strategies for delivering evidence-based hypertension interventions in lower-middle-income countries: Evidence from a multi-country consortium for hypertension control
AbstractGyamfi, J., Iwelunmor, J., Patel, S., Irazola, V., Aifah, A., Rakhra, A., Butler, M., Vedanthan, R., Hoang, G. N., Nyambura, M., Nguyen, H., Nguyen, C., Asante, K. P., Nyame, S., Adjei, K., Amoah, J., Apusiga, K., Adjei, K. G. A., Ramierz-Zea, M., … Ogedegbe, G. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
PloS oneVolume
18Issue
5Page(s)
e0286204AbstractGuidance on contextually tailored implementation strategies for the prevention, treatment, and control of hypertension is limited in lower-middle income countries (Lower-MIC). To address this limitation, we compiled implementation strategies and accompanying outcomes of evidence-based hypertension interventions currently being implemented in five Lower-MIC. The Global Research on Implementation and Translation Science (GRIT) Coordinating Center (CC) (GRIT-CC) engaged its global network sites at Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, and Vietnam. Purposively sampled implementation science experts completed an electronic survey assessing implementation outcomes, in addition to implementation strategies used in their ongoing hypertension interventions from among 73 strategies within the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC). Experts rated the strategies based on highest priority to their interventions. We analyzed the data by sorting implementation strategies utilized by sites into one of the nine domains in ERIC and summarized the data using frequencies, proportions, and means. Seventeen implementation experts (52.9% men) participated in the exercise. Of Proctor's implementation outcomes identified across sites, all outcomes except for appropriateness were broadly assessed by three or more countries. Overall, 59 out of 73 (81%) strategies were being utilized in the five countries. The highest priority implementation strategies utilized across all five countries focused on evaluative and iterative strategies (e.g., identification of context specific barriers and facilitators) to delivery of patient- and community-level interventions, while the lowest priority was use of financial and infrastructure change strategies. More capacity building strategies (developing stakeholder interrelationships, training and educating stakeholders, and supporting clinicians) were incorporated into interventions implemented in India and Vietnam than Ghana, Kenya, and Guatemala. Although robust implementation strategies are being used in Lower -MICs, there is minimum use of financial and infrastructure change strategies. Our study contributes to the growing literature that demonstrates the use of Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) implementation strategies to deliver evidence-based hypertension interventions in Lower-MICs and will inform future cross-country data harmonization activities in resource-constrained settings.John Pateña J, Daliya Ali, Kiera Bloch, Marsha Williams, Dorice Vieria, Deborah Adenikinju, Chukwuemeka Iloegbu, Joyce Gyamfi, Emmanuel Peprah. A systematic review of the facilitators and barriers for implementing hypertension interventions among displaced persons in low- and middle-income countries. American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2023. November 11–13, 2023. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
AbstractPeprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Abstract~Judy Fordjuoh, Himani Chhetri, Rodina Mohamed, Chloe Ambrose, Khady Ndiaye, Shreya Meda, Dorice Vieria, Chukwuemeka Iloegbu, John Patena, Joyce Gyamfi, Emmanuel Peprah. The intersection between female-related cancer screenings and improving maternal health in LMIC: A systematic review. APHA 2023. Nov 12-16 2023: Atlanta, GA (Poster)
AbstractPeprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Abstract~Reducing Dietary Sodium Intake among Young Adults in Ghana: A Call to Action
AbstractPeprah, E., Amegbor, P., Laar, A., Akasoe, B., & Commodore-Mensah, Y. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
NutrientsVolume
15Issue
16AbstractThe positive association between excessive dietary sodium intake, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been widely investigated in observational studies and clinical trials. Reducing sodium intake is a proven strategy to prevent hypertension and the onset of CVD, a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Africa has the youngest population globally, which is key to the continent's sustainable development. However, in Africa, the epidemics of hypertension and CVD negatively impact life expectancy and economic growth. Ghana, like other African countries, is no exception. The factors contributing to the increasing burden of CVD and excessive sodium consumption are multi-faceted and multi-level, including individual lifestyle, neighborhood and built environments, and socio-economic and health policies. Thus, the implementation of evidence-based interventions such as the World Health Organization Best Buys that target the multi-level determinants of sodium consumption is urgently needed in Ghana and other African countries. The aim of this commentary is to highlight factors that contribute to excessive sodium consumption. Second, the commentary will showcase lessons of successful implementation of sodium reduction interventions in other countries. Such lessons may help avert CVD in young adults in Ghana and Africa.Scaling-up Evidence-based Interventions for Communities of Color With Marked Health Disparities: Lessons Learned From COVID-19 Can Be Applied to Reduce Morbidity and Mortality and Achieve Health Equity
AbstractGyamfi, J., & Peprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Medical careVolume
61Issue
7Page(s)
417-420Abstract~Shivani Shenoy, Priyanka Sharma, Aishwarya Rao, Nusrat Aparna, Deborah Adenikinju, Chukwuemeka Iloegbu, John Pateña, Dorice Vieira, Joyce Gyamfi, Emmanuel Peprah. Evidence-based interventions to reduce maternal malnutrition in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review. APHA 2023. Nov 12-16 2023: Atlanta, GA (Poster)
AbstractPeprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Abstract~Shreya Meda, Joyce Gyamfi, Farha Islam, Dorice Vieira, Deborah Adenikinjuku, Christina Ruan, Kahini Patel, Himani Chhetri, Etornam Amesimeku, Sukruthi Thunga, Amy Diawara, Jumoke Opeyemi, Temitope Ojo, John Patena, Emeka Iloegbu, Carlos Chrinos, Olajide Williams, Gbenga Ogedegbe, Emmanuel Peprah. Music Interventions for Blood Pressure Reduction in the United States: A Systematic Review. American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2023. November 11–13, 2023. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
AbstractPeprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Abstract~Systematic review of end stage renal disease in Pakistan : Identifying implementation research outcomes
AbstractAlRashed, H., Miele, J., Prasad, J., Adenikinju, D., Iloegbu, C., Patena, J., Vieira, D., Gyamfi, J., & Peprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
PloS oneVolume
18Issue
12 DecemberAbstractAim and objectives The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review analysis to identify and evaluate the available literature on implementation science outcomes research in relation to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in Pakistan. Methods A systematic database search of PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Ovid was conducted through October 22nd 2022, without any restrictions on publication dates. A screening and data extraction tool, Covidence, was used to evaluate the literature against our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Furthermore, a Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to evaluate the selected studies. Results We identified four studies that presented findings of implementation outcomes research which were related to appropriateness, feasibility, and acceptability. Appropriateness was examined using knowledge scores (p = 0.022) and medication adherence scores (p < 0.05) that showed statistical significance between the control and intervention groups. Acceptability was assessed through a cross sectional quantitative descriptive study that evaluated the reasons for refusal and acceptance of treatment in a cohort of patients suffering from ESRD. Feasibility was examined in one cross sectional, and one mixed methods study that aimed to evaluate and understand the impact of initiating dialysis treatment and the feasibility of maintaining it in low-income families that care for children or adults with ESRD. Conclusion The preliminary results of this review indicate a gap in the availability of implementation research studies about ESRD in Pakistan. The burden of ESRD, and the implementation methods by which it is treated is notable in Pakistan and requires evidence-based measures to be implemented to support the critical healthcare delivery platforms that provide treatment.Systematic review of end stage renal disease in Pakistan : Identifying implementation research outcomes
AbstractAlrashed, H., Miele, J., Prasad, J., Adenikinju, D., Iloegbu, C., Patena, J., Vieira, D., Gyamfi, J., Peprah, E., & Peprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
PloS oneVolume
18Issue
12Abstract~Systematic review of end stage renal disease in Pakistan: Identifying implementation research outcomes
AbstractAlRashed, H., Miele, J., Prasad, J., Adenikinju, D., Iloegbu, C., Patena, J., Vieira, D., Gyamfi, J., & Peprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
PloS oneVolume
18Issue
12Page(s)
e0296243AbstractThe aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review analysis to identify and evaluate the available literature on implementation science outcomes research in relation to End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in Pakistan.Arvin Karbasi, Judy Fordjuoh, Dorice Vieria, Joyce Gyamfi, Temitope Ojo, Emmanuel Peprah. An evolving HIV epidemic in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region amongst People Who Inject Drugs (PWID): A scoping review. American Public Health Association 2022 Annual Meeting and Expo Boston, MA Nov 6- 9 2022 (Oral Presentation)
AbstractPeprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Abstract~Assessing descriptions of scalability for hypertension control interventions implemented in low-and middle-income countries : A systematic review
AbstractGyamfi, J., Vieira, D., Iwelunmor, J., Watkins, B. X., Williams, O., Peprah, E., Ogedegbe, G., & Allegrante, J. P. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
PloS oneVolume
17Issue
7AbstractBACKGROUND: The prevalence of hypertension continues to rise in low- and middle-income- countries (LMICs) where scalable, evidence-based interventions (EBIs) that are designed to reduce morbidity and mortality attributed to hypertension have yet to be fully adopted or disseminated. We sought to evaluate evidence from published randomized controlled trials using EBIs for hypertension control implemented in LMICs, and identify the WHO/ExpandNet scale-up components that are relevant for consideration during "scale-up" implementation planning.METHODS: Systematic review of RCTs reporting EBIs for hypertension control implemented in LMICs that stated "scale-up" or a variation of scale-up; using the following data sources PubMed/Medline, Web of Science Biosis Citation Index (BCI), CINAHL, EMBASE, Global Health, Google Scholar, PsycINFO; the grey literature and clinicaltrials.gov from inception through June 2021 without any restrictions on publication date. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion, conducted data extraction using the WHO/ExpandNet Scale-up components as a guide and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. We provide intervention characteristics for each EBI, BP results, and other relevant scale-up descriptions.MAIN RESULTS: Thirty-one RCTs were identified and reviewed. Studies reported clinically significant differences in BP, with 23 studies reporting statistically significant mean differences in BP (p < .05) following implementation. Only six studies provided descriptions that captured all of the nine WHO/ExpandNet components. Multi-component interventions, including drug therapy and health education, provided the most benefit to participants. The studies were yet to be scaled and we observed limited reporting on translation of the interventions into existing institutional policy (n = 11), cost-effectiveness analyses (n = 2), and sustainability measurements (n = 3).CONCLUSION: This study highlights the limited data on intervention scalability for hypertension control in LMICs and demonstrates the need for better scale-up metrics and processes for this setting.TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registration PROSPERO (CRD42019117750).Barriers to Therapeutic Use of Hydroxyurea for Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria : A Cross-Sectional Survey
AbstractOkocha, E. C., Gyamfi, J., Ryan, N., Babalola, O., Etuk, E. A., Chianumba, R., Nwegbu, M., Isa, H., Madu, A. J., Adegoke, S., Nnebe-Agumandu, U., Brown, B., Peprah, E., & Nnodu, O. E. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
Frontiers in GeneticsVolume
12AbstractBackground: Sickle cell disease, the inherited blood disorder characterized by anemia, severe pain and other vaso-occlusive complications, acute chest syndrome, disproportionate hospitalization, and early mortality, has significant financial, social, and psychosocial impacts and drains individuals, families, and health systems globally. Hydroxyurea could improve the health of the 300,000 individuals born each year with sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa; however, challenges to adoption and adherence persist. This study assessed the barriers to therapeutic use of hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease within the Nigerian healthcare system, specifically from the level of the patient, provider, and health system. Methods: We used purposive sampling to recruit participants from 13 regions in Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was administered to physicians (n = 70), nurses or counselors (n = 17), and patients or their caregivers (n = 33) at 13 health centers. Findings were mapped onto the appropriate Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) domains. Results: This study was able to identify factors that mapped onto the inner setting, outer setting, and characteristics of individuals domains of CFIR. The majority of physicians (74.3%) prescribe hydroxyurea, and half stated hydroxyurea is the standard of care. Among clinicians, barriers included limited knowledge of the drug, as well as low self-efficacy to prescribe among physicians and to counsel among nurses; perceived side effects; perceived patient preference for traditional medicine; cost for patient and expense of accompanying laboratory monitoring; and limited availability of the drug and equipment for laboratory monitoring. Among patients and caregivers, barriers included lack of knowledge; perceived side effects; cost; religious beliefs of disease causation; and lack of pediatric formulation. Conclusions: Findings suggest that patient, provider, and health systems-level interventions are needed to improve hydroxyurea uptake among providers and adherence among patients with sickle cell disease in Nigeria. Interventions such as patient education, provider training, and policy change could address the disproportionate burden of sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa and thus improve health equity.Determinants of hydroxyurea use among doctors, nurses and sickle cell disease patients in Nigeria
AbstractIsa, H. A., Nnebe-Agumadu, U., Nwegbu, M. M., Okocha, E. C., Chianumba, R. I., Brown, B. J., Asala, S. A., Peprah, E., & Nnodu, O. E. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
PloS oneVolume
17Issue
11 NovemberAbstractBackground Hydroxyurea (HU) is an evidence-based therapy that is currently the most effective drug for sickle cell disease (SCD). HU is widely used in high-income countries with consequent reduction of morbidity and mortality. In Nigeria, HU is prescribed by physicians while nurses are mainly involved in counseling the patients to ensure adherence. The extent of utilization and the determinant factors have not been sufficiently evaluated in Nigeria. Objective To assess the frequency of use of HU and factors affecting utilization among healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers for SCD. Methods A questionnaire was administered online and in- person to assess the frequency of HU use and the factors that promote and limit its use. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics using IBM SPSS software version 23 and the result was presented in frequency tables and percentages. Result A total of 137 physicians, 137 nurses, and 237 patients/caregivers responded to the survey. The rate of prescription of HU by doctors in the past 6 months was 64 (46.7%), 43 (31.4%) nurses provided counseling and 36 (15.6%) patients were on HU. Among doctors, adequate knowledge (91.3%), clinical benefits and safety (94.8%), and inclusion of HU in management guidelines (86.9%) were motivators for prescribing it while inadequate knowledge (60.9%) and unawareness of treatment guidelines (68.6%) constituted barriers. Among nurses, reduction of crisis (91.6%) and safety (64.8%) were the major motivators while barriers were high cost (79.1%) and intensive monitoring (63.1%) of HU treatment. Among the patients, the major motivator was the reduction of crises (80.3%) while poor knowledge (93.2%), high cost of the drug (92.2%) while monitoring (91.2%), non-availability (87.7%) and side effects (83.9%) were the major barriers for the utilization of HU. Conclusion HU prescription and utilization are still poor among healthcare providers and patients. Inadequate knowledge, non-availability and high cost of HU as well as unawareness of treatment guidelines constitute major barriers to prescription and utilization.Development of the ASSESS tool : a comprehenSive tool to Support rEporting and critical appraiSal of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods implementation reSearch outcomes
AbstractRyan, N., Vieira, D., Gyamfi, J., Ojo, T., Shelley, D., Ogedegbe, O., Iwelunmor, J., & Peprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
Implementation science communicationsVolume
3Issue
1AbstractBackground: Several tools to improve reporting of implementation studies for evidence-based decision making have been created; however, no tool for critical appraisal of implementation outcomes exists. Researchers, practitioners, and policy makers lack tools to support the concurrent synthesis and critical assessment of outcomes for implementation research. Our objectives were to develop a comprehensive tool to (1) describe studies focused on implementation that use qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed methodologies and (2) assess risk of bias of implementation outcomes. Methods: A hybrid consensus-building approach combining Delphi Group and Nominal Group techniques (NGT) was modeled after comparative methodologies for developing health research reporting guidelines and critical appraisal tools. First, an online modified NGT occurred among a small expert panel (n = 5), consisting of literature review, item generation, round robin with clarification, application of the tool to various study types, voting, and discussion. This was followed by a larger e-consensus meeting and modified Delphi process with implementers and implementation scientists (n = 32). New elements and elements of various existing tools, frameworks, and taxonomies were combined to produce the ASSESS tool. Results: The 24-item tool is applicable to a broad range of study designs employed in implementation science, including qualitative studies, randomized-control trials, non-randomized quantitative studies, and mixed methods studies. Two key features are a section for assessing bias of the implementation outcomes and sections for describing the implementation strategy and intervention implemented. An accompanying explanation and elaboration document that identifies and describes each of the items, explains the rationale, and provides examples of reporting and appraising practice, as well as templates to allow synthesis of extracted data across studies and an instructional video, has been prepared. Conclusions: The comprehensive, adaptable tool to support both reporting and critical appraisal of implementation science studies including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods assessment of intervention and implementation outcomes has been developed. This tool can be applied to a methodologically diverse and growing body of implementation science literature to support reviews or meta-analyses that inform evidence-based decision-making regarding processes and strategies for implementation.Global, regional, and national burden of diseases and injuries for adults 70 years and older : Systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Study
AbstractGBD 2019 Ageing Collaborators, A., Tyrovolas, S., Stergachis, A., Krish, V. S., Chang, A. Y., Skirbekk, V., Dieleman, J. L., Chatterji, S., Abd-Allah, F., Abdollahi, M., Abedi, A., Abolhassani, H., Abosetugn, A. E., Abreu, L. G., Abrigo, M. R., Abu Haimed, A. K., Adabi, M., Adebayo, O. M., Adedeji, I. A., … Peprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
BMJVolume
376AbstractObjectives To use data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2019 (GBD 2019) to estimate mortality and disability trends for the population aged ≥70 and evaluate patterns in causes of death, disability, and risk factors. Design Systematic analysis. Setting Participants were aged ≥70 from 204 countries and territories, 1990-2019. Main outcomes measures Years of life lost, years lived with disability, disability adjusted life years, life expectancy at age 70 (LE-70), healthy life expectancy at age 70 (HALE-70), proportion of years in ill health at age 70 (PYIH-70), risk factors, and data coverage index were estimated based on standardised GBD methods. Results Globally the population of older adults has increased since 1990 and all cause death rates have decreased for men and women. However, mortality rates due to falls increased between 1990 and 2019. The probability of death among people aged 70-90 decreased, mainly because of reductions in non-communicable diseases. Globally disability burden was largely driven by functional decline, vision and hearing loss, and symptoms of pain. LE-70 and HALE-70 showed continuous increases since 1990 globally, with certain regional disparities. Globally higher LE-70 resulted in higher HALE-70 and slightly increased PYIH-70. Sociodemographic and healthcare access and quality indices were positively correlated with HALE-70 and LE-70. For high exposure risk factors, data coverage was moderate, while limited data were available for various dietary, environmental or occupational, and metabolic risks. Conclusions Life expectancy at age 70 has continued to rise globally, mostly because of decreases in chronic diseases. Adults aged ≥70 living in high income countries and regions with better healthcare access and quality were found to experience the highest life expectancy and healthy life expectancy. Disability burden, however, remained constant, suggesting the need to enhance public health and intervention programmes to improve wellbeing among older adults.HIV, Tuberculosis, and Food Insecurity in Africa—A Syndemics-Based Scoping Review
AbstractOjo, T., Ruan, C., Hameed, T., Malburg, C., Thunga, S., Smith, J., Vieira, D., Snyder, A., Tampubolon, S. J., Gyamfi, J., Ryan, N., Lim, S., Santacatterina, M., & Peprah, E. (n.d.).Publication year
2022Journal title
International journal of environmental research and public healthVolume
19Issue
3AbstractThe double burden of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), coupled with endemic and problematic food insecurity in Africa, can interact to negatively impact health outcomes, creating a syndemic. For people living with HIV/AIDS (PWH), food insecurity is a significant risk factor for acquiring TB due to the strong nutritional influences and co-occurring contextual barriers. We aim to synthesize evidence on the syndemic relationship between HIV/AIDS and TB co-infection and food insecurity in Africa. We conducted a scoping review of studies in Africa that included co-infected adults and children, with evidence of food insecurity, characterized by insufficient to lack of access to macronutrients. We sourced information from major public health databases. Qualitative, narrative analysis was used to synthesize the data. Of 1072 articles screened, 18 articles discussed the syndemic effect of HIV/AIDS and TB co-infection and food insecurity. Reporting of food insecurity was inconsistent, however, five studies estimated it using a validated scale. Food insecure co-infected adults had an average BMI of 16.5–18.5 kg/m2 . Negative outcomes include death (n = 6 studies), depression (n = 1 study), treatment non-adherence, weight loss, wasting, opportunistic infections, TB-related lung diseases, lethargy. Food insecurity was a precursor to co-infection, especially with the onset/increased incidence of TB in PWH. Economic, social, and facility-level factors influenced the negative impact of food insecurity on the health of co-infected individuals. Nutritional support, economic relief, and psychosocial support minimized the harmful effects of food insecurity in HIV–TB populations. Interventions that tackle one or more components of a syndemic interaction can have beneficial effects on health outcomes and experiences of PWH with TB in Africa.