10 results on '"Babawo, Lawrence S"'
Search Results
2. Impact of COVID-19 on hepatitis B screening in Sierra Leone: insights from a community pharmacy model of care
- Author
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Ghazzawi, Manal, Babawo, Lawrence S., Mohareb, Amir M., James, Peter B., Yendewa, Sahr A., Massaquoi, Samuel P.E., Cummings, Peterlyn E., Lakoh, Sulaiman, Salata, Robert A., and Yendewa, George A.
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- 2023
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3. Engaging communities as partners in health crisis response: a realist-informed scoping review for research and policy.
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Sahani, Mateus Kambale, Maat, Harro, Balabanova, Dina, Woldie, Mirkuzie, Richards, Paul, Babawo, Lawrence S, Berhanu, Negalign, Koenraadt, Sander, Makonene, Diribe, Mayhew, Susannah H, Mohan, Vikas, Mokuwa, Esther, Namakula, Justine, Ngunjiri, Edith, Ssengooba, Freddie, Sseviiri, Hakimu, Twinomuhangi, Revocatus, Vandi, Ahmed, and Mayhew, Susannah
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CRISES ,PUBLIC health ,HEALTH status indicators ,COMMUNITY involvement - Abstract
Background: Health is increasingly affected by multiple types of crises. Community engagement is recognised as being a critical element in successful crisis response, and a number of conceptual frameworks and global guideline documents have been produced. However, little is known about the usefulness of such documents and whether they contain sufficient information to guide effective community engagement in crisis response. We undertake a scoping review to examine the usefulness of conceptual literature and official guidelines on community engagement in crisis response using a realist-informed analysis [exploring contexts, mechanisms, and outcomes(CMOs)]. Specifically, we assess the extent to which sufficient detail is provided on specific health crisis contexts, the range of mechanisms (actions) that are developed and employed to engage communities in crisis response and the outcomes achieved. We also consider the extent of analysis of interactions between the mechanisms and contexts which can explain whether successful outcomes are achieved or not. Scope and findings: We retained 30 documents from a total of 10,780 initially identified. Our analysis found that available evidence on context, mechanism and outcomes on community engagement in crisis response, or some of their elements, was promising, but few documents provided details on all three and even fewer were able to show evidence of the interactions between these categories, thus leaving gaps in understanding how to successfully engage communities in crisis response to secure impactful outcomes. There is evidence that involving community members in all the steps of response increases community resilience and helps to build trust. Consistent communication with the communities in time of crisis is the key for effective responses and helps to improve health indicators by avoiding preventable deaths. Conclusions: Our analysis confirms the complexity of successful community engagement and the need for strategies that help to deal with this complexity to achieve good health outcomes. Further primary research is needed to answer questions of how and why specific mechanisms, in particular contexts, can lead to positive outcomes, including what works and what does not work and how to measure these processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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4. Prevalence of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Sierra Leone, 1997–2022: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
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Yendewa, George A., Gi-Ming Wang, James, Peter B., Massaquoi, Samuel P. E., Yendewa, Sahr A., Ghazawi, Manal, Babawo, Lawrence S., Ocama, Ponsiano, Russell, James B. W., Deen, Gibrilla F., Sahr, Foday, Kabba, Mustapha, Curtis Tatsuoka, Lakoh, Sulaiman, and Salata, Robert A.
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- 2023
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5. Measuring stigma associated with hepatitis B virus infection in Sierra Leone: Validation of an abridged Berger HIV stigma scale.
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Yendewa, George A., Sellu, Edmond J., Kpaka, Rashid A., James, Peter B., Yendewa, Sahr A., Cummings, Peterlyn E., Babawo, Lawrence M., Massaquoi, Samuel P., Ghazawi, Manal, Ocama, Ponsiano, Lakoh, Sulaiman, Babawo, Lawrence S., and Salata, Robert A.
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HEPATITIS B ,PUBLIC opinion ,SOCIAL stigma ,EXPLORATORY factor analysis ,CONFIRMATORY factor analysis - Abstract
Stigma associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common in endemic countries; however; instruments are lacking to accurately measure HBV‐related stigma. We therefore aimed to develop and validate a concise instrument for measuring perceived HBV‐related stigma in Sierra Leone. We enrolled 220 people living with HBV (PWHB) aged ≥18 years from August to November 2022. The initial Likert‐scale instrument entailed 12 items adapted from Berger's HIV Stigma Scale. We included four additional items adapted from the USAID indicators for enacted stigma. The proposed scale's psychometric properties were assessed. After item reduction, the final HBV Stigma Scale consisted of 10 items and had good internal consistency (overall Cronbach's α = 0.74), discriminant, and construct validity. Exploratory factor analysis produced a three‐dimensional structure accounting for 59.3% of variance: personalized stigma driven by public attitudes (six items), negative self‐image (two items), and disclosure concerns (two items). Overall, 72.8% of respondents reported perceived HBV‐related stigma (mean score 29.11 ± 4.14) and a similar proportion (73.6%) reported at least one instance of enacted stigma. In assessing criterion‐related validity, perceived HBV‐related stigma correlated strongly with enacted stigma (r = 0.556) and inversely with having family/friends with HBV (r = −0.059). The 10‐item HBV Stigma Scale demonstrated good internal consistency and validity and is suitable for screening for HBV‐related stigma in Sierra Leone. The psychometric properties of the scale can be optimized with item additions/modifications and confirmatory factor analysis. The scale may help in combating stigma as a barrier to achieving HBV global elimination goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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6. Determinants of incomplete childhood hepatitis B vaccination in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea: Analysis of national surveys (2018–2020).
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Yendewa, George A., James, Peter B., Mohareb, Amir, Barrie, Umaru, Massaquoi, Samuel P. E., Yendewa, Sahr A., Ghazzawi, Manal, Bockarie, Tahir, Cummings, Peterlyn E., Diallo, Ibrahima S., Johnson, Ambulai, Vohnm, Benjamin, Babawo, Lawrence S., Deen, Gibrilla F., Kabba, Mustapha, Sahr, Foday, Lakoh, Sulaiman, and Salata, Robert A.
- Abstract
Vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) is effective at preventing vertical transmission. Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea are hyperendemic West African countries; yet, childhood vaccination coverage is suboptimal, and the determinants of incomplete vaccination are poorly understood. We analyzed national survey data (2018–2020) of children aged 4–35 months to assess complete HBV vaccination (receiving 3 doses of the pentavalent vaccine) and incomplete vaccination (receiving <3 doses). Statistical analysis was conducted using the complex sample command in SPSS (version 28). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify determinants of incomplete immunization. Overall, 11,181 mothers were analyzed (4,846 from Sierra Leone, 2,788 from Liberia, and 3,547 from Guinea). Sierra Leone had the highest HBV childhood vaccination coverage (70.3%), followed by Liberia (64.6%) and Guinea (39.3%). Within countries, HBV vaccination coverage varied by socioeconomic characteristics and healthcare access. In multivariate regression analysis, factors that were significantly associated with incomplete vaccination in at least one country included sex of the child, Muslim mothers, lower household wealth index, <4 antenatal visits, home delivery, and distance to health facility vaccination (all p < 0.05). Understanding and addressing modifiable determinants of incomplete vaccination will be essential to help achieve the 2030 viral hepatitis elimination goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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7. Assessment of Knowledge, Stigmatizing Attitudes and Health-Seeking Behaviors Regarding Hepatitis B Virus Infection in a Pharmacy and Community Setting in Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study.
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Ghazzawi, Manal, Yendewa, Sahr A., James, Peter B., Massaquoi, Samuel P., Babawo, Lawrence S., Sahr, Foday, Deen, Gibrilla F., Kabba, Mustapha, Ocama, Ponsiano, Lakoh, Sulaiman, Salata, Robert A., and Yendewa, George A.
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HEPATITIS B ,CONFIDENCE intervals ,CROSS-sectional method ,PHARMACOLOGY ,SOCIAL stigma ,HEALTH literacy ,SURVEYS ,VIRUS diseases ,HEALTH behavior ,QUESTIONNAIRES ,CHI-squared test ,RESEARCH funding ,SOCIAL attitudes ,STATISTICAL sampling ,SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC factors ,ODDS ratio - Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health challenge. Emerging evidence suggests that poor knowledge and stigma are impacting HBV control efforts in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), but their role is not well understood. We conducted a cross-sectional study of adults aged ≥18 years in a community and pharmacy setting in Freetown, Sierra Leone. A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, stigmatizing attitudes and health-seeking behaviors regarding HBV. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of HBV knowledge and related stigma. A total of 306 adult participants were enrolled (50.7% male, 7.5% HBV positive and 11.7% vaccinated). Overall, 52.2% had good HBV knowledge and 49.3% expressed a stigmatizing attitude towards people with HBV. Notwithstanding, 72.2% stated they would receive the HBV vaccine if offered, 80.4% would take anti-HBV medication and 78.8% would be willing to attend clinic regularly. Good HBV knowledge was associated with HBV positive status (aOR 4.41; p = 0.029) and being vaccinated against HBV (aOR 3.30; p = 0.034). HBV-related stigma was associated with secondary or higher level of education (aOR 2.36; p < 0.001), good HBV knowledge (aOR 2.05; p = 0.006) and pharmacy setting (aOR 1.74, p = 0.037). These findings suggest that education and stigma reduction may benefit HBV elimination efforts in SSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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8. COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Healthcare Workers and Trainees in Freetown, Sierra Leone: A Cross-Sectional Study.
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Yendewa, Sahr A., Ghazzawi, Manal, James, Peter B., Smith, Mohamed, Massaquoi, Samuel P., Babawo, Lawrence S., Deen, Gibrilla F., Russell, James B. W., Samai, Mohamed, Sahr, Foday, Lakoh, Sulaiman, Salata, Robert A., and Yendewa, George A.
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VACCINE hesitancy ,MEDICAL personnel ,COVID-19 vaccines ,MEDICAL students ,CROSS-sectional method - Abstract
Despite having safe and efficacious vaccines against COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy is widespread. Although a trusted source of information, vaccine hesitancy has been reported among healthcare professionals, yet few studies have explored this phenomenon in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of healthcare professionals in Sierra Leone from January to March 2022. Measures included sociodemographic/health-related information and COVID-19-related concerns. From the responses, we constructed a hesitancy (VAX) score, with higher scores implying negative attitudes or unwillingness to vaccinate. Multivariate linear regression was used to access factors associated with vaccine hesitancy. Overall, 592 participants submitted responses (67.2% female, mean age 29 years, 5.6% physicians/pharmacists, 44.3% medical students, 29.2% nurses, 20.9% nursing students). The mean VAX score was 43.27 ± 8.77, with 60.1% of respondents classified as vaccine hesitant (>50th percentile) and 13.8% as highly hesitant (>75th percentile). Worries about unforeseen future effects (76.3%), a preference for natural immunity (59.5%), and profiteering/mistrust of health authorities (53.1%) were the most common concerns. Being a medical student (β = 0.105, p = 0.011) and previously refusing a recommended vaccine (β = 0.177, p < 0.001) were predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Our findings call for addressing vaccine hesitancy among healthcare professionals as an essential component of strategies aimed at increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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9. Perceived and Enacted HIV-Related Stigma in Eastern and Southern Sierra Leone: A Psychometric Study of an HIV Stigma Scale.
- Author
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Yendewa GA, Kpaka RA, Sellu E, Yendewa SA, Massaquoi SPE, Cummings PE, Ghazzawi M, Barrie U, Dubé K, Lakoh S, James PB, Salata RA, and Babawo LS
- Abstract
Background: HIV stigma continues to hinder the care of people with HIV (PWH), especially in low-resource settings. We aimed to adapt and validate a concise HIV stigma scale for perceived HIV stigma in Sierra Leone., Methods: We enrolled participants in two HIV clinics in Eastern and Southern Sierra Leone in 2022. We assessed perceived stigma using a 12-item adaptation of Berger's HIV Stigma Scale and enacted stigma using select USAID indicators. We used ordinal logistic regression to identify predictors of perceived stigma and Pearson's correlation to examine associations between perceived and enacted stigma., Results: 624 PWH were enrolled. The final adapted 6-item HIV stigma scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.72) and a four-factor solution accounting for 84.8% of variance: concern about public attitude (2 items), personalized stigma (2 items), negative self-image (1 item), and disclosure concerns (1 item). The prevalence of perceived HIV stigma was 68.6%, with disclosure concerns as the most prominent contributor. Enacted HIV stigma was reported by only 6.7% of participants, with partner/spousal abandonment and workplace stigma being the most common discriminatory experiences. Employment (β = 0.525, p <0.001), residence in Eastern Sierra Leone (β = 3.215, p < 0.001), and experiencing enacted stigma (β = 0.804, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with perceived stigma. Having a family member or friend with HIV (β = -0.499, p < 0.001), and HIV disclosure (β = -0.710, p < 0.001) were protective against perceived stigma. Enacted stigma strongly correlated with partner abandonment and family isolation (r = 0.223, p < 0.001)., Conclusion: We found high levels of perceived HIV stigma, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to combat stigma and promote inclusivity for PWH in Sierra Leone., Competing Interests: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The authors report no relevant financial disclosures or conflicts of interests.
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- 2023
- Full Text
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10. Measuring Stigma Associated with Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Sierra Leone: Validation of an Abridged Berger HIV Stigma Scale.
- Author
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Yendewa GA, Sellu EJ, Kpaka RA, James PB, Yendewa SA, Cummings PE, Babawo LM, Massaquoi SP, Ghazawi M, Ocama P, Lakoh S, Babawo LS, and Salata RA
- Abstract
Stigma associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is common in endemic countries; however; instruments are lacking to accurately measure HBV-related stigma. We therefore aimed to develop and validate a concise instrument for measuring perceived HBV-related stigma in Sierra Leone. We enrolled 220 people living with HBV (PWHB) aged ≥ 18 years from August to November 2022. The initial Likert-scale instrument entailed 12 items adapted from Berger's HIV Stigma Scale. We included 4 additional items adapted from the USAID indicators for enacted stigma. The proposed scale's psychometric properties were assessed. After item reduction, the final HBV Stigma Scale consisted of 10 items and had good internal consistency (overall Cronbach's α = 0.74), discriminant and construct validity. Exploratory factor analysis produced a 3-dimensional structure accounting for 59.3% of variance: personalized stigma driven by public attitudes (6 items), negative self-image (2 items), and disclosure concerns (2 items). Overall, 72.8% of respondents reported perceived HBV stigma (mean score 29.11 ± 4.14) and a similar a proportion (73.6%) reported at least one instance of enacted stigma. In assessing criterion-related validity, perceived HBV-related stigma correlated strongly with enacted stigma (r = 0.556) and inversely with having family/friends with HBV (r = -0.059). The 10-item HBV Stigma Scale demonstrated good internal consistency and validity and is suitable for screening for HBV-related stigma in Sierra Leone. The psychometric properties of the scale can be optimized with item additions/modifications and confirmatory factor analysis. The scale may help in combating stigma as a barrier to achieving HBV global elimination goals.
- Published
- 2023
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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