University of Sussex
Browse
s12889-016-3669-6.pdf (660.95 kB)

Detecting and staging podoconiosis cases in North West Cameroon: positive predictive value of clinical screening of patients by community health workers and researchers

Download (660.95 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-21, 06:02 authored by Samuel Wanji, Jonas A Kengne-Ouafo, Fabrice R Datchoua-Poutcheu, Abdel Jelil Njouendou, Dizzel Bita Tayong, David D Sofeu-Feugaing, Nathalie Amvongo-Adjia, Bridget A Fovennso, Yolande F Longang-Tchounkeu, Fasil Tekola-Ayele, Peter A Enyong, Melanie NewportMelanie Newport, Gail DaveyGail Davey
Background The suitability of using clinical assessment to identify patients with podoconiosis in endemic communities has previously been demonstrated. In this study, we explored the feasibility and accuracy of using Community Health Implementers (CHIs) for the large scale clinical screening of the population for podoconiosis in North-west Cameroon. Methods Before a regional podoconiosis mapping, 193 CHIs and 50 health personnel selected from 6 health districts were trained in the clinical diagnosis of the disease. After training, CHIs undertook community screening for podoconiosis patients under health personnel supervision. Identified cases were later re-examined by a research team with experience in the clinical identification of podoconiosis. Results Cases were identified by CHIs with an overall positive predictive value (PPV) of 48.5% [34.1–70%]. They were more accurate in detecting advanced stages of the disease compared to early stages; OR 2.07, 95% CI?=?1.15–3.73, p?=?0.015 for all advanced stages). Accuracy of detecting cases showed statistically significant differences among health districts (?2?=?25.30, p?=?0.0001). Conclusion Podoconiosis being a stigmatized disease, the use of CHIs who are familiar to the community appears appropriate for identifying cases through clinical diagnosis. However, to improve their effectiveness and accuracy, more training, supervision and support are required. More emphasis must be given in identifying early clinical stages and in health districts with relatively lower PPVs.

Funding

Enriching and Validating Geological Studies in Podoconiosis; G1018; WELLCOME TRUST; 091956/Z/10/A

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

BMC Public Health

ISSN

1471-2458

Publisher

BioMed Central

Issue

1

Volume

16

Page range

1-8

Article number

a997

Department affiliated with

  • Global Health and Infection Publications

Research groups affiliated with

  • Centre for Global Health Policy Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2016-11-08

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-11-08

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-11-08

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC