OBJECTIVES:The aim was to establish the community prevalence of central obesity in Botswana and assess its association with HIV status. DESIGN:We performed a one-time central obesity assessment nested within a community-based cluster-randomised controlled HIV treatment and prevention trial (Botswana Combination Prevention Project (BCPP)) conducted in Botswana. SETTING:The BCPP enrolled consenting adults from a random sample of 20% of households in 30 rural/peri-urban communities. PARTICIPANTS:A subset of participants from 22 communities was selected for a nested central obesity study. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES:Central obesity was defined as a waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)>0.90 for males and >0.85 for females or as a waist circumference (WC) ≥94 cm for males and ≥80 cm for females. A modified Poisson regression model was used to ascertain the association between central obesity and HIV status. Additionally, the same model was used to estimate the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) for central obesity among participants with missing waist and hip measurements by applying inverse probability weighting, and then adjusting for sex and age in the final multivariate models. RESULTS:Of the 3981 adults, 2039 (51%) completed central obesity assessment (67% female, 29% people living with HIV and median age 35.4 years (IQR 26.4-48.3 years). Central obesity prevalence was 43.5% (95% CI 41.4% to 45.7%) and 50.8% (95% CI 48.6% to 52.9%) as defined by WHR and WC, respectively, and was higher among females than males by WHR (46.9% (95% CI 44.2% to 49.5%) vs 36.7% (95% CI 33.1% to 40.4%)) and WC 68.5% ((95% CI 65.9% to 70.9%) vs 15.1% (95% CI 12.4% to 17.8%)) and increased with age. In fully adjusted models, there was no difference in central obesity by HIV status for both WHR and WC, aPR 0.99 (95% CI 0.90 to 1.09), p value 0.88, and 0.93 (95% CI 0.85 to 1.01), p value 0.06, respectively. CONCLUSION:Over two-thirds of adult females in Botswana had central obesity; however, living with HIV was not consistently associated with central obesity. TRIAL REGISTERATION NUMBER:NCT01965470.

Background: Despite Botswana’s progress in achieving the 95–95–95 goals, some health systems continue to provide segregated services for people living with HIV through Infectious Disease Care Centres (IDCCs) located within public health facilities. This may lead to stigma arising from unintended disclosure of an HIV status and cause a detrimental impact on patient health-seeking behaviour. Objectives: This study explores the impact of segregation on patients living with HIV and the perception with which they view it, specifically: voluntary testing, disclosure of HIV status, treatment initiation, and continuation of treatment. Method: Fourteen in-depth interviews supplemented with field notes were conducted using the phenomenological approach. Data were analysed by the researcher and co-authors using manual coding and the Atlas Ti version 8 software. Results: Seven themes were derived from the data and included service provision, stigma and discrimination, disclosure of HIV status, treatment initiation and adherence, psychological impact and ethical considerations, barriers to service provision, and positive impact of IDCC-based care. Conclusion: Patients experienced both challenges and benefits with segregated care. Integrated HIV and general medical services leveraging on positive aspects of IDCC care and counselling for patients is recommended, alongside capacitating healthcare workers with communication skills.

Background Morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are high and increasing in low- and middle-income countries. People living with HIV (PLWH) are more likely to experience CVD than members of the general population. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether PLWH were more likely to have previously been screened for cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRFs) than people without HIV. Methods A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals aged 16 to 68 years across 22 communities in Botswana from February to August 2017 as part of a larger community-based cluster randomized HIV treatment-as-prevention trial. Participants were asked if they had been screened for and counselled on cardiovascular disease risk factors (history of hypertension or blood pressure check, blood glucose and cholesterol measurements, weight check and weight control, tobacco smoking and cessation, alcohol use and physical activity) in the preceding 3 years. HIV testing was offered to those with an unknown HIV status. Multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for age and sex was used to assess the relationship between CVDRF screening and HIV status. Results Of the 3981 participants enrolled, 2547 (64%) were female, and 1196 (30%) were PLWH (93% already on antiretroviral therapy [ART]). PLWH were more likely to report previous screening for diabetes (25% vs. 19%, p < 0.001), elevated cholesterol (17% vs. 12%, p < 0.001) and to have had their weight checked (76% vs. 55%, p < 0.001) than HIV-uninfected participants. PLWH were also more likely to have received counselling on salt intake (42% vs. 33%, p < 0.001), smoking cessation (66% vs. 46%, p < 0.001), weight control (38% vs. 29%, p < 0.001), physical activity (46% vs. 34%, p < 0.001) and alcohol consumption (35% vs. 23%, p < 0.001) than their HIV-uninfected counterparts. Overall, PLWH were more likely to have received screening for and/or counselling on CVDRFs (adjusted odds ratio 1.84, 95% CI: 1.46–2.32, p < 0.001). Conclusion PLWH were almost two times more likely to have been previously screened for CVDRFs than those without HIV, indicating a need for universal scale-up of integrated management and prevention of CVDs in the HIV-uninfected population.

Background Health education and self-management are among key strategies for managing diabetes and hypertension to reduce morbidity and mortality. Inappropriate self-management support can potentially worsen chronic diseases outcomes if relevant barriers are not identified and self-management solutions are not contextualised. Few studies deliberately solicit suggestions for enhancing self-management from patients and their providers.Objective This qualitative study aimed to unravel experiences, identify self-management barriers, and solicit solutions for enhancing self-management from patients and their healthcare providers.Methods Eight in-depth interviews were conducted with healthcare providers. These were followed by four focus group discussions among patients with type-2- diabetes and or hypertension receiving chronic disease care from two health facilities in a peri-urban township in Cape Town, South Africa. The Self-Management framework described by Lorig and Holman, based on work done by Corbin and Strauss was used to analyse the data.Results Patients experienced challenges across all three self-management tasks of behavioural/medical management, role management, and emotional management. Main challenges included poor patient self-control towards lifestyle modification, sub-optimal patient-provider and family partnerships, and post-diagnosis grief-reactions by patients. Barriers experienced were stigma, socio-economic and cultural influences, provider-patient communication gaps, disconnect between facility-based services and patients' lived experiences, and inadequate community care services. Patients suggested empowering community-based solutions to strengthen their disease self-management, including dedicated multidisciplinary diabetes services, counselling services; strengthened family support; patient buddies; patient-led community projects, and advocacy. Providers suggested contextualised communication using audio-visual technologies and patient-centred provider consultations.Conclusions Community-based dedicated multidisciplinary chronic disease healthcare teams, chronic disease counselling services, patient-driven projects and advocacy are needed to improve patient self-management.

Objective: We sought to determine hypertension knowledge and magnitude of non-adherence to treatment among hypertension patients aged 18–39 years attending selected clinics in Gaborone, Botswana. Design and Methods: This was a cross sectional survey across five high volume primary care clinics among young adults conducted between March and April 2021. Stratified sampling was used to estimate sample size per clinic followed by systematic random sampling to select participants and an adapted questionnaire plus Morisky 8-Item Medication Adherence checklist were used to measure non-adherence. Results: 135 participants enrolled in the study with mean and median ages of 27, majority 90 (66.7%) being female. 15 (11.1%) were smokers while 57 (42.2%) consumed alcohol. Most common comorbidities were asthma 14(10.4%) and HIV/AIDS 9(6.7%). 100% participants had been told they have hypertension. 68 (50.4%) correctly stated that hypertension means increased blood pressure, 73 (54.0%) thought hypertension is curable and 8 (5.93%) thought there is no danger in not taking antihypertensives. 69/135 (51.2%) were on antihypertensives with almost half, 49.3%, of those being on treatment for more than 12 months. Only 43/69 (62.3%) knew their medication by name. Main reasons of not being on medication was: 22/66 (33.3%) did not want lifelong medication and 12/66 (18.2%) feared of side effects. Pre- treatment adherence counselling was received by 78 (58%) while post-treatment counselling was received twice or more by 59 (43.7%). 35 (25.9%) missed some clinical appointments - reasons being feeling better 18 (31.6%), followed by depression/lack of interest 14 (24.6%). Very few, 11 (19.3%) forgot appointments. Majority of total participants, 75 (81.5%), experienced some side effects after medication mainly nausea 44 (58.7%), headaches 43 (55.1%), dizziness 24 (30.8%) and depression 16(20.5%). On the Morisky questionnaire for those currently on antihypertensives: 27/69 (39.1%) admitted to sometimes forgetting to take medication. 49/69 (71.0%) sometimes stopped medication without doctor's consultation as they felt worse. A similar number, 68.1%, sometimes stopped medication when feeling better and 28/69 (40.5%) reported that it was a hassle to take medication. A few 5/69 (7.7%) forgot to take medication the day before the consultation. Conclusion: Most participants had limited knowledge of hypertension and were not adherent to medication. Reasons for non-adherence were predominantly related to side effects and feeling better. A significant proportion stopped medications without consultation with a healthcare worker. These results highlight the need to enhance hypertension awareness and continuous adherence counselling in young people to curb hypertension related complications.

BACKGROUND:New models of care are required to support women with breast cancer due to rising incidence and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study gives voice to the experiences of advanced-stage breast cancer patients in the Botswana healthcare system, to guide improved service provision and the potential utility of patient navigator (PN) programs.METHODS:focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted with advanced-stage breast cancer patients recruited from the oncology ward of the public Princess Marina Hospital located in Gaborone, Botswana.RESULTS:FGDs included 7 female breast cancer patients and their 7 caregivers (2 male and 5 females). Findings fell into the following themes: experiences with cancer diagnosis, experiences with treatment, roles of caregivers, information needs, views on cancer resources, and attitudes towards cancer research. The study identified several barriers across the cascade of care for breast cancer patients in the Botswana health system. These correspond to challenges with timely diagnosis and comprehensive management and highlight community level barriers to achieving the targets of the WHO Global Breast Cancer initiative (GBCI).CONCLUSION:The study findings suggest PN programs have the potential to bridge barriers identified in the Botswana healthcare system by improving communication, meeting information needs, providing emotional or practical support, and by addressing logistical barriers to cancer diagnosis and treatment in Botswana.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common and important occupational health problems in working populations with significant impact on quality of life and a major economic burden from compensation costs and lost income. MSDs decrease productivity at work due to absenteeism, presenteeism and sick leave. During the course of their work, teachers can be subjected to conditions that cause physical and psychosocial illness. Common MSDs among teachers include those affecting the lower back, neck and upper extremities. Research suggests that the aetiology of MSDs is complex and multifactorial in nature. Occupational factors including location of school, carrying heavy loads, prolonged computer use, awkward posture and psychosocial factors such as poor social work environment, high anxiety and low job satisfaction have been found to contribute to development of MSDs. Factors such as high supervisor support and regular physical exercise on the other hand have been found to have a protective effect against MSDs among teachers. The interventions for these conditions need to be contextualized for them to be effective and to take into consideration, the risk factors for these conditions and how they interact with each other.

In a population-based representative sample of adults residing in 22 communities in Botswana, a southern African country with high HIV prevalence, 1 in 4 individuals had high blood pressure. High blood pressure was less prevalent in adults with HIV than without HIV. Sixty percent of persons with high blood pressure had not previously been diagnosed. Among individuals with a prior diagnosis of high blood pressure who reported being prescribed anti-hypertension medications, almost half had elevated blood pressure, irrespective of HIV-status. One-third of adults in this setting (mainly men) declined free non-invasive blood pressure assessments in their households. In conclusion, our study highlights alarmingly high hypertension rates in the community, with low levels of awareness and control, emphasizing the urgent need for community level BP screening and active management to reach recommended targets.

BACKGROUND:The COVID-19 disease burden continues to be high worldwide and vaccines continue to be developed to help combat the pandemic. Acceptance and risk perception for COVID-19 vaccines is unknown in Botswana despite the government's decision to roll out the vaccine nationally.OBJECTIVES:This study aims to assess the acceptance rate and risk perception of COVID-19 vaccines amongst the general population in Botswana.METHODS:We interviewed 5300 adults in Botswana from 1-28 February 2021 using self-administered questionnaires. The main outcomes of the study were vaccine acceptance and hesitancy rates. Demographic, experiential and socio-cultural factors were explored for their association with outcome variables.RESULTS:Two-thirds of the participants were females (3199), with those aged 24-54 making the highest proportion (61%). The acceptance rate of COVID-19 vaccine was 73.4% (95% CI: 72.2%-74.6%) with vaccine hesitancy at 31.3% (95% CI: 30.0%-32.6%). When the dependent variable was vaccine acceptance, males had higher odds of accepting the vaccine compared to females (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.4). Individuals aged 55-64 had high odds of accepting the vaccine compared to those aged 65 and above (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 0.6, 2.5). The odds of accepting the vaccine for someone with primary school education were about 2.5 times that of an individual with post graduate level of education. Finally, individuals with comorbidities had higher odds (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.5) of accepting the vaccine compared to those without any underlying conditions.CONCLUSION:This study demonstrated a high acceptance rate for the COVID-19 vaccine and a low risk perception in Botswana. In order to achieve a high vaccine coverage and ensure a successful vaccination process, there is need to target populations with high vaccine hesitancy rates. A qualitative study to assess the factors associated with vaccine acceptance and hesitancy is recommended to provide an in-depth analysis of the findings.

Background In March 2019, students at Lempu Secondary School in Kweneng District, Botswana displayed symptoms including headache, abnormal leg movements and difficulty walking. Within days, 133 students were admitted to Scottish Livingstone Hospital where mass psychogenic illness (MPI) was diagnosed. Aim To identify predictors of this illness. Setting Kweneng West District, Botswana. Methods This was a case control study using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Cases were students who displayed MPI symptoms from the 2nd of March to the time of the interviews or who were admitted with MPI diagnosis. Analysis was restricted to female students. Logistic regression was used to generate odds ratios. A p value of < 0.05 was considered to demonstrate significant association between variables. Results Interviews were conducted with 142 cases and 202 controls. The median age was 15 years. Most of the cases (95.8%) were boarding girls. Residence in school campus (AOR 13.2), history of evaluation by psychologist and/or social worker (AOR 2.6), history of traumatic events (AOR 1.8), contact with sick peers (AOR 2.3) and contact with spiritual healer (AOR 2.0) were independent predictors of MPI. Additionally, perception of adequate security in the dormitories (AOR 0.3) and perception of poor lighting (AOR 6.8) were significant predictors of MPI amongst boarding girls. Conclusion The outbreak in Lempu Community Junior Secondary School (CJSS) was typical of mass psychogenic illness affecting mainly boarding girls and was associated with psychological and environmental risk factors. Changing the boarding environment and continuous psychological support are key to preventing future outbreaks. Interventions should also target the identified risk factors.

Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with mental health outcomes and healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the highest risk. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of depression, anxiety and stress, among frontline HCWs at COVID-19 isolation and treatment sites in Gaborone, Botswana. Methods This was a cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires at the six (6) isolation facilities. The 42-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-42) was used to assess for the outcomes. The proportions are presented with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of the outcomes. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 447 participants with a median age of 30 years responded. Depression, anxiety and stress were detected in 94 (21.0% (95% CI 17.3-25.1%)), 126 (28.2% (CI 24.1-32.6%)) and 71 (15.9% (12.6-19.6%)) of the participants respectively. Depression was associated with smoking (AOR 2.39 (95% CI 1.23-4.67)), working at the largest COVID-19 isolation centre, Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital (SKMTH) (AOR 0.25 (95% CI 0.15-0.43)) and experience of stigma (AOR 1.68 (95% CI 1.01-2.81)). Tertiary education (AOR 1.82 (95% CI 1.07-3.07)), SKMTH (AOR 0.49 (95% CI 0.31-0.77)), household members with chronic lung or heart disease (AOR 2.05 (95% CI 1.20-3.50)) and losing relatives or friends to COVID-19 (AOR 1.72 (95% CI 1.10-2.70)) were predictors of anxiety. Finally, predictors of stress were smoking (AOR 3.20 (95% CI 1.42-7.39)), household members with chronic heart or lung disease (AOR 2.44 (95% CI 1.27-4.69)), losing relatives or friends to COVID-19 (AOR 1.90 (1.05-3.43)) and working at SKMTH (AOR 0.24 (0.12-0.49)). Conclusion Depression, anxiety and stress are common among frontline HCWs working in the COVID-19 isolation sites in Gaborone. There is an urgent need to address the mental health outcomes associated with COVID-19 including addressing the risk factors identified in this study.

PURPOSE High-level investment in cancer prevention and control in low- and middle-income countries is urgently needed to address the predicted surge in cancer incidence, yet few assessments of health systems have systematically identified gaps in infrastructure, training, and patient care in sub-Saharan Africa. In Botswana, we evaluated the current state of cancer care and prevention, to understand the strengths, weaknesses, and needs regarding the provision of comprehensive cancer services. METHODS The study evaluated four regional hospitals designated as cancer sites by the Botswana Ministry of Health and Wellness to decentralize cancer services. A multi-site, cross-sectional evaluation using qualitative and quantitative methods was conducted. Focus Group Discussions with cancer patients, cancer survivors, caregivers, the general population, and healthcare workers were analyzed for emergent themes. Quantitative surveys assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices of health workers and hospital management staff, and cancer service gaps at health facilities. RESULTS Knowledge gaps included low awareness of cancer signs and symptoms among the general population, poor knowledge of early detection and treatment among health workers, and caregivers lacked skills to support cancer patients. Cancer screening services, other than cervical screening, were limited in all sites. Diagnosis and treatment barriers included lack of specialized personnel, equipment, timely pathology services, and drug stockouts. There were low levels of confidence in cancer management, including chemotherapy, without support from oncologists. Providers reported low patient screening uptake due lack of access and patients reported fear of diagnosis. Health facilities did not routinely notify cancers to the national registry. Radiotherapy was limited to one private hospital in the capital. CONCLUSION Decentralization of cancer services to regions will require substantial capacity building at district hospitals to strengthen fragmented screening, early diagnosis and treatment services. Health provider training needs and infrastructure gaps were substantial, with low public awareness of cancer signs, symptoms and causes.

Background. Child mortality is a core indicator for child health and wellness. Botswana reported an under-five-year-old children (UFC) mortality rate of 48 deaths per 1000 live births in 2017 against 152 deaths per 1000 live births in 1971. This was a commendable accomplishment. However, given the current country situation whereby 23% of children are born to women living with HIV, the incidence of mortality among UFC born to women living with and not living with HIV and their survival are better health metrics to inform decision making. Nevertheless, such data are still very scarce in Botswana. The study’s objective was to estimate the incidence of UFC mortality among children born to women living with and not living with HIV and to compare UFC survival between the two groups. Methods. A retrospective cohort study of mortality among UFC was conducted in Botswana, including all UFC born between January 2014 and June 2018. Data were extracted from the National Under-Five Mortality Audit Committee (NUFMAC) database using a standardized data collection tool. The incidence rate of UFC death was estimated as a function of the duration from birth to death. Survival functions of UFC born to women living with and not living with HIV were plotted and compared using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Results. The overall incidence of UFC death was 4.63/1000 child months (CM) (95% CI 4.36–4.90). The incidence of UFC death among children born to women living with HIV was 6.96/1000 CM (95% CI 6.47–7.45) and that of UFC born to women not living with HIV was 4.34/1000 CM (95% CI 4.03–4.65). The overall average and standard error (SE) time to event/death for UFC born to women living with and not living with HIV was 54.80 (0.18) months. The mean (SE) time to death for UFC born to women living with HIV was 52.79 (0.41) months and that of UFC born to women not living with HIV was 55.44 (0.19) months (log-rank X2 = 37.59, p<0.001). Prematurity or low birth weight was the leading cause of UFC death in both groups; but, it was higher in UFC born to women not living with HIV subgroup than their counterparts. Four cases only or 0.5% of the 806 death cases reported by reporting physicians were attributable to HIV-related complications. Conclusion. Despite the commendable efforts made in reducing UFC death, the incidence of UFC death among UFC born to women living with HIV in Botswana is still higher, and their survival is shorter compared to UFC born to women not living with HIV. Child survival interventions should prioritize UFC born to women living with HIV to improve their survival.

Objective: During the May Measurement Month 2018 (MMM18) campaign, we aimed to raise hypertension awareness and measure blood pressure across different communities in Botswana. Design and method: Study sites were four large villages and Gaborone (capital city). Screening sites included shopping malls, train stations, churches and workplaces. Individuals aged over 18 years were recruited through fliers, word of mouth and volunteer walk-ins at the sites. Demographic and risk factor data were collected through a questionnaire prior to measuring three blood pressure (BP) readings per participant. Weight was measured while height was usually estimated. Hypertension was defined as: SBP above 140 mmHg or DBP above 90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication. The mean of readings 2 and 3 was used, and was estimated using multiple imputation where missing. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ministry of Health and University of Botswana. Results: Amongst 4,599 participants whose BPs were measured, 54.5% were female, mean age was 35.9 years. A total of 1,510 (32.8%) participants were hypertensive with 712 (47.1%) aware of the hypertension. In participants not taking antihypertensive medication, the association between age and sex with SBP showed a linear increase, with the mean BP in males prominently higher than the mean BP in females across ages below 85–90 years, where they became equal. The DBP association showed an inverted U curve, with the mean DBP in males exceeding the mean DBP in females at age of 25 years, and the peak on the male curve at ages 45–50 years, while in females it was at ages 50–55 years. Only 35.2% of hypertensives were on anti-hypertensive treatment with 54.4% having controlled BP. Amongst all hypertensives, only 19.1% had controlled BP. Factors associated with higher BP included obesity, more than 1unit of alcohol/week and BP measured on Sunday. Conclusions: Less than half (52.9%) of those identified to have hypertension during MMM18 campaign were aware of their condition, despite the escalating prevalence of hypertension in the country. Regular BP awareness and opportunistic BP measurement campaigns like the MMM are recommended to improve detection and control of hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors.

BACKGROUND:Policy changes are often necessary to contain the detrimental impact of epidemics such as those brought about by coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In the earlier phases of the emergence of COVID-19, China was the first to impose strict restrictions on movement (lockdown) on January 23rd, 2020. A strategy whose effectiveness in curtailing COVID-19 was yet to be determined. We, therefore, sought to study the impact of the lockdown in reducing the incidence of COVID-19.METHODS:Daily cases of COVID-19 that occurred in China which were registered between January 12th and March 30th, 2020, were extracted from the Johns Hopkins CSSE team COVID-19 ArcGIS® dashboards. Daily cases reported were used as data points in the series. Two interrupted series models were run: one with an interruption point of 23 January 2020 (model 1) and the other with a 14-day deferred interruption point of 6th February (model 2). For both models, the magnitude of change (before and after) and linear trend analyses were measured, and β-coefficients reported with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the precision.RESULTS:Seventy-eight data points were used in the analysis. There was an 11% versus a 163% increase in daily cases in models 1 and 2, respectively, in the preintervention periods (p ≤ 0.001). Comparing the period immediately following the intervention points to the counterfactual, there was a daily increase of 2,746% (p < 0.001) versus a decline of 207% (p = 0.802) in model 2. However, in both scenarios, there was a statistically significant drop in the daily cases predicted for this data and beyond when comparing the preintervention periods and postintervention periods (p < 0.001).CONCLUSION:There was a significant decrease the COVID-19 daily cases reported in China following the institution of a lockdown, and therefore, lockdown may be used to curtail the burden of COVID-19.

COVID-19 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in January 2020 and a pandemic in March 2020. Botswana reported its first case on 30th March 2020 and as of 31st January 2021 had 21,293 cases and 46 deaths. The University of Botswana Public Health Medicine Unit has made significant contributions to the national preparedness and response to COVID-19. The program alumni and Public Health Medicine residents have and continue to provide key technical support to the Ministry of Health and Wellness across the major pillars of COVID-19. This includes key roles in national and subnational coordination and planning, surveillance, case investigations and rapid response teams, points of entry, travel and transportation, infection prevention and control and case management. The unit is thus supporting the country in achieving the World Health Organization (WHO) primary objective of limiting human-to-human transmission, optimal care of the affected and maintaining essential services during the outbreak. The Public Health Medicine Unit has played a key role in capacity building including early rapid COVID-19 training of healthcare workers across the country. Furthermore faculty members and residents are involved in several COVID-19 research projects and collaborations.

BACKGROUND:Health research governance is an essential function of national health research systems. Yet many African countries have not developed strong health research governance structures and processes. This paper presents a comparative analysis of national health research governance in Botswana, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia, where health sciences research production is well established relative to some others in the region and continues to grow. The paper aims to examine progress made and challenges faced in strengthening health research governance in these countries.METHODS:We collected data through document review and key informant interviews with a total of 80 participants including decision-makers, researchers and funders across stakeholder institutions in the four countries. Data on health research governance were thematically coded for policies, legislation, regulation and institutions and analysed comparatively across the four national health research systems.RESULTS:All countries were found to be moving from using a research governance framework set by national science, technology and innovation policies to one that is more anchored in health research structures and policies within the health sectors. Kenya and Zambia have adopted health research legislation and policies, while Botswana and Uganda are in the process of developing the same. National-level health research coordination and regulation is hampered by inadequate financial and human resource capacities, which present challenges for building strong health research governance institutions.CONCLUSION:Building health research governance as a key pillar of national health research systems involves developing stronger governance institutions, strengthening health research legislation, increasing financing for governance processes and improving human resource capacity in health research governance and management.

Background South Africa established chronic disease management programmes (CDMPs) called ‘clubs’ to ensure quality diabetes care. However, the effectiveness of these clubs remains unclear in terms of disease risk factor monitoring and complication prevention. Aim We assessed risk factor monitoring, prevalence and determinants of diabetes related complications amongst type-2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension (HTN) patients attending two CDMPs. Setting Urban Township in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods Cross-sectional survey combined with a 10-year retrospective medical records analysis of adult T2D/HTN patients attending two CDMPs, using a structured survey questionnaire and an audit tool. Statistical Software for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used to analyse risk factor monitoring and calculate prevalence of complications. Potential determinants of complications were explored through logistic regression. Results There were 379 patients in the survey, 372 (97.9%) had HTN whilst 159 (41.9%) had T2D and HTN; 361 medical records were reviewed. Blood pressure (87.7%) and weight (86.6%) were the best monitored risk factors. Foot care (0.0% – 3.9%) and eye screening (0.0% – 1.1%) were least monitored. Nearly 22.0% of patients reported one complication, whilst 9.2% reported ≥ 3 complications. Medically recorded complications ranged from 11.1% (1 complication) to 4.2% with ≥ 3 complications. The most common self-reported and medically recorded complications were eye problems (33%) and peripheral neuropathy (16.4%), respectively. Complication occurrence was positively associated with age and female gender and negatively associated with perceived illness control. Conclusions Type-2 diabetes and hypertension patients experienced diabetes related complications and inadequate risk factor monitoring despite attending CDMPs. Increased self-management support is recommended to reduce complication occurrence.