Sickle Cell Disease in African Newspapers: A Content Analysis of News Coverage of Burden, Genetic Counselling and Newborn Screening, 2006‐2023

eJHaem · 2026-03-30

ABSTRACT Background Despite being the most common monogenic disease worldwide, there is a general lack of public awareness of sickle cell disease (SCD). Newspapers, which are widely accessible in Africa, are key to increasing awareness of health issues and disease prevention. This study aimed to assess the extent to which newspapers in Africa have reported on key topics, namely SCD burden, newborn screening and genetic counselling or testing. Methods We conducted a content analysis of newspaper articles on the burden (prevalence or incidence) of SCD, SCD genetic counselling or testing and newborn screening for SCD using two newspaper databases: Nexis Uni and NewsBank. The search was limited to articles published in English until 31 October 2023. We used descriptive statistics to analyse key topics and chi‐square tests to assess the association between variables, including SCD burden, newborn screening and genetic counselling or testing. Results A total of 804 newspaper articles on the key topics were published from 2006 to 2023 in 13 African countries. Of these, 68.9%, 51.2% and 20.8% covered SCD burden, genetic counselling and newborn screening, respectively. We found increasing newspaper coverage of the key topics over the years. There were statistically significant relationships between the country of newspaper and mentioning prevalence or incidence of SCD ( p < 0.001) or newborn screening ( p < 0.001) but not genetic counselling ( p = 0.217). Conclusion There was low media coverage of SCD in Africa. Improved newspaper coverage of SCD could contribute to better public awareness about important interventions. Trial Registration The authors have confirmed clinical trial registration is not needed for this submission.

Dietary characteristics associated with hemoglobin and anemia among prospective first-time voluntary blood donors in Accra, Ghana

BMC Nutrition · 2026-05-22

BACKGROUND: Optimal dietary intake supports adequate hemoglobin (Hb) levels for blood donation. However, little is known about the dietary characteristics of prospective first-time voluntary blood donors (VBDs) in Ghana and their associations with Hb and anemia. We aimed to identify dietary characteristics associated with Hb concentration and anemia status among prospective first-time VBDs in Accra. METHODS: ) screening test. Participants were over-sampled for low Hb. We collected background and dietary data, including number of meals consumed the previous day, foods usually consumed, and average frequency of consumption (AFC) of iron-rich foods and iron-absorption inhibitors (tea/coffee) using a questionnaire. Hb was measured using an automated Hematology Analyzer. We summarized dietary variables descriptively and analyzed associations using bivariate and multivariate statistics. RESULTS: Mean age was 20 years. Most were females (63%) and students (98%). By participant report, 47% consumed ≤ 2 meals the previous day; 17% usually skipped breakfast; and 27% usually skipped lunch. Most reported high (weekly/daily) AFC of meat (78.9%), poultry (91.0%), fish (87.0%), fruits and vegetables (59.2%), legumes (72.6%), and tea/coffee (66.8%). Mean ± SD Hb was 12.4 ± 1.5 g/dL; anemia prevalence was 51.6% reflecting the deliberate oversampling for low Hb. In unadjusted models, reported animal source food (ASF) consumption at breakfast was associated with lower mean Hb (-0.57 g/dL; P = 0.016), while high AFC of poultry (+ 0.72 g/dL; P = 0.046) and legumes (+ 0.50 g/dL; P = 0.029) were associated with higher mean Hb; these associations were attenuated in multivariate models after adjusting for sex, age, and household assets index (HAI). In unadjusted analyses, high reported AFC of poultry was associated with lower odds of anemia (OR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.58; P = 0.005), and high AFC of tea or coffee with higher odds (OR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.10, 3.44; P = 0.022); both associations remained significant after adjustment for sex, age, HAI, and ethnicity (poultry aOR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.66; tea/coffee aOR: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.05, 3.64). CONCLUSION: High AFC of poultry was the most consistent dietary marker significantly associated with lower odds of anemia, whereas high AFC of tea or coffee was significantly associated with greater odds of anemia. Targeted nutrition interventions that address overall dietary diversity and iron bioavailability could help reduce anemia and improve donor eligibility in Ghana.

From Lab Coats to Public Forums: Crafting a Science Communication Curriculum for Nigerian Medical Researchers

Research Square · 2026-04-08

Multi-pronged biobehavioural intervention strategies for prevention and control of hypertension: A systematic review of education-based community trials

SAGE Open Medicine · 2026-05-01

Background: Hypertension contributes to preventable morbidity and mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries with strained healthcare services. Factors such as diet, inactivity, stress, and low treatment adherence worsen this challenge. Community-based education programmes can address hypertension prevention and management. This review thus examines multi-pronged bio-behavioural education interventions outside healthcare facilities. Methods: Multiple electronic databases were searched for community-based education programmes from inception (1996) to May 2025. Eligible studies evaluated community, workplace, or home-based education programmes that combined lifestyle advice, self-regulation strategies, and self-monitoring. Randomised and non-randomised designs were included if they reported blood pressure outcomes in adults without restriction to baseline hypertension status. Primary outcomes comprised changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Data were extracted by a trained assistant, and independently verified by the primary reviewer. Meta-analyses were conducted using random effects models. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane ROBINS-I and RoB-2 tools. Results: Seventeen studies with 5532 participants met the inclusion criteria. Interventions typically incorporated dietary education, physical activity guidance, stress control techniques, and blood pressure self-monitoring. Programme duration ranged from 4 weeks to 12 months. Pooled results showed a reduction in SBP of 6.42 mmHg (95% CI -9.69 to -3.16) and a reduction in DBP of 3.04 mmHg (95% CI -6.02 to -0.07). Effects were larger in randomised trials and in interventions lasting 6 months or longer. The overall risk of bias was moderate. Conclusion: Community bio-behavioural education programmes may improve blood pressure and complement pharmacological care, particularly where clinical access is limited. However, very high heterogeneity indicates that effects vary across settings and interventions. Further well-designed studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm durability and guide implementation. Registration: The study is registered with PROSPERO, an international register of systematic reviews (ID: CRD420251034159).

Implementation research can enhance health research systems and reduce dependency on external aid

PLOS Global Public Health · 2026-03-30

Implementation research is essential for moving research findings into everyday practice. It is intentionally geared towards local ownership and sustainability, and contributes to more effective health policies, improved service delivery, better resource allocation and strengthened health research systems. By engaging with non-specialist researchers who have in-depth understanding of the context in which interventions occur, implementation research utilises existing capacity and ingenuity for localised problem-solving. Although it is now changing, the traditional global health research paradigm has been of extractive research which undermined local knowledge and expertise and perpetuated asymmetrical research relationships. The failure of global research partnerships to focus on systems strengthening has hindered the ability of poorer countries to compete internationally for research funds, meaning that countries with the weakest health research systems have been hardest hit by the recent shrinking of international health research and programme funds. The gap between decolonial discourse and action is wide. The 'research for development' community is significantly under-exploiting the potential of stronger implementation research capability in the world's poorest countries to narrow this gap. A deliberate and sustained shift toward strengthening research systems with a greater focus on implementation research would be an effective way to promote genuine research partnerships. It could also contribute to reducing external dependency on programme delivery and agenda-setting and promote more equitable global health outcomes.

Awareness and acceptability of long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention among female students at tertiary learning institutions: a multi-center, institution-based cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health · 2025-07-17 · 2 citations

BACKGROUND: Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Zambia face an elevated risk of acquiring HIV. Long-acting injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (LAI-PrEP) is an effective scientific method to prevent new HIV infections. However, awareness and acceptability of LAI-PrEP among AGYW remain limited. Thus, we aimed to assess awareness and acceptability of LAI-PrEP among female students. METHODS: This multi-center, institution-based cross-sectional study involved 760 female students from three universities in Lusaka, Zambia. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Questions on acceptability and awareness were presented in a yes/no format. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 15.1. RESULTS: Of the 760 participants, less than half, 349 (45.9%), were aware of injectable PrEP, with lectures being the most common source of information. In terms of acceptability, 531 (69.9%) of respondents indicated they would be willing to take LAI-PrEP once available. Biomedical science students were significantly less likely to accept injectable PrEP (AOR = 0.10, CI: 0.01-0.94, p = 0.044), as were those not at risk of HIV in the past three months (AOR = 0.41, CI: 0.21-0.81, p = 0.011). Conversely, knowing a partner's HIV status (AOR = 2.52, CI: 1.27-4.98, p = 0.0001) and being at risk of HIV in the past three months (AOR = 3.4, CI: 1.78-7.81, p = 0.011) were significantly associated with LAI-PrEP acceptability. CONCLUSION: The study revealed a notable gap in awareness of LAI-PrEP among participants, with less than half being informed about its existence. Despite this low awareness, a significant majority expressed a willingness to accept LAI-PrEP if it were made available to them. This indicates a strong potential for adoption of LAI-PrEP, contingent upon improved education and awareness efforts.

Public awareness of stroke risk factors in high-income countries: A systematic review

Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases · 2025-11-21 · 2 citations

PURPOSE: Stroke remains a significant health concern in high-income countries (HICs) and is increasing among younger adults. Although largely preventable, public awareness of stroke risk factors in HICs is not well established. We assessed awareness levels in World Bank-classified HICs and identified associated factors. METHODS: Systematic searches used Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Cochrane Review Library, Emcare, and ASSIA. Two authors independently screened studies and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists. Due to heterogeneity, narrative synthesis was conducted. Exploratory analyses including visual mapping and descriptive cross-country comparisons were performed despite methodological heterogeneity. Protocol registered on PROSPERO (CRD42025621931). FINDINGS: Of 2146 papers screened, 23 met inclusion criteria. Most studies reported low stroke risk factor awareness. Hypertension was most frequently identified, followed by smoking, dyslipidaemia, and diabetes. Sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, ethnicity, and atrial fibrillation were least recognised. Risk of bias assessment revealed sampling and generalisability concerns in most studies. Most reported associations were unadjusted for potential confounders. Higher education was linked to greater awareness. Marked geographical clustering occurred, with 65 % of studies from Middle Eastern countries, predominantly Saudi Arabia. DISCUSSION: This review uniquely identifies critical evidence gaps including under-representation of diverse populations, lack of standardised awareness metrics, and predominance of unadjusted analyses in HIC stroke risk factor awareness research. CONCLUSION: Stroke risk factor awareness gaps are prevalent and may limit prevention efforts. Large-scale, methodologically robust studies across diverse geographical, socioeconomic, and ethnic populations within HICs are urgently needed, as awareness characteristics may vary dramatically even within high-income settings. Targeted education is necessary for primary prevention strategies.

Self-Reflection Resilience-Recovery Activity Promotion Training for Emergency Medical Service Clinicians: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial of a Novel Digital Intervention

2025-07-09

Objectives: The emergency medical service profession needs resilience interventions that address clinicians’ mental health risk. This study performed a randomized controlled pilot trial examining 1) feasibility, acceptability, and adoptability of a novel digital intervention: Self-Reflection Resilience-Recovery Activity Promotion Training; 2) the intervention’s effect on hypothesized mechanisms of action (HMAs: meaning made from stressors, adaptive self-reflection, recovery activities, recovery experiences); and 3) the intervention’s impact on mental health outcomes (MHOs: PTSD, anxiety, depression symptoms).Methods: Eligible participants were ≥18 years with ≥1 EMS shift scheduled in the next 8 days. Recruitment took 6 months; 83/126 workers were eligible and randomized to intervention (n = 37) or control groups (n = 46). Most were White (89%) and male (51%). Both groups completed 8 daily assessments on mobile devices/computers that monitored the HMAs/MHOs. Intervention respondents received 10 additional open-ended questions prompting reflection about stressors encountered, lessons learned, and recovery strategies. We used Welch’s t-tests and Fisher’s exact tests for the feasibility analyses, summary measures for the acceptability and adoptability analyses, and multilevel models for the HMA/MHO analyses. Results: We recruited over 80% of respondents within the first 3 weeks; 70/83 respondents submitted ≥1 complete daily assessment (M = 6.07, SD = 2.20); the intervention was rated helpful, useful, not burdensome, and likely to be used in the future. The intervention group reported more meaning made relative to the control group across all assessments (b = 1.46, 95%CI = 0.17, 2.75, p = .027) and higher levels of meaning made on each subsequent assessment (b = 0.35, 95%CI = 0.16, 0.53, p < .001). These effects varied by intervention fidelity. Respondents demonstrating greater adherence reported more meaning made across all assessments (b = 1.53, 95%CI = 0.03, 1.02, p = .039), and higher levels on each subsequent assessment (b = 0.13, 95%CI = 0.06, 0.20, p < .001). No statistically significant differences were detected on the other HMAs and MHOsConclusion: While results support the intervention’s feasibility, acceptability, and adoptability, some refinement to the intervention’s content and procedures is necessary to detect expected differences on all HMAs and MHOs before conducting a definitive trial.

The African blood donor study: Study design and pilot experience from the <scp>BLOODSAFE</scp> program

Transfusion · 2025-06-24 · 1 citations

PK is a director in Health-E-Net Limited, which has commercial interests in the PaperEMR® technology used to capture demand data on blood transfusion. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. No other commercial interests are reported.

Efficacy of communication interventions for promoting blood donation in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review

Vox Sanguinis · 2025-02-04 · 3 citations

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), information on the efficacy of communication interventions promoting blood donation is very scarce. The present review aimed to identify specific communication interventions and their efficacy for increasing blood donation in LMICs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The databases searched were PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, ProQuest, AJOL and CAB Abstracts. Grey literature sources included the websites of African Society of Blood Transfusion, International Society of Blood Transfusion and World Health Organization. The outcomes of interest were donation attempt or actual blood donations. RESULTS: A total of 16 studies including nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the review. The communication interventions included social media and mass media, such as radio and television, as platforms for promoting blood donation, and newspaper articles or advertisements as an incentive for donor recruitment. Mobile text messages were used either alone or in combination with phone calls, and other interventions such as meetings and brochures. Only three of the 16 studies specifically targeted behavioural science theories, and none of the 16 studies used any implementation science framework. For some communication interventions, there was evidence of statistically significant increases in donations, but the quality of the studies was weak. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of communication interventions for promoting blood donations in LMICs remains limited due to few rigorous studies. More rigorous, theory-based studies on the use of communication interventions to increase blood donation in LMICs, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where no prior RCT were identified, are needed.