The Tools for Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (TIMCI) study protocol: a multi-country mixed-method evaluation of pulse oximetry and clinical decision support algorithms.

Effective and sustainable strategies are needed to address the burden of preventable deaths among children under-five in resource-constrained settings. The Tools for Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (TIMCI) project aims to support healthcare providers to identify and manage severe illness, whilst promoting resource stewardship, by introducing pulse oximetry and clinical decision support algorithms (CDSAs) to primary care facilities in India, Kenya, Senegal and Tanzania. Health impact is assessed through: a pragmatic parallel group, superiority cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT), with primary care facilities randomly allocated (1:1) in India to pulse oximetry or control, and (1:1:1) in Tanzania to pulse oximetry plus CDSA, pulse oximetry, or control; and through a quasi-experimental pre-post study in Kenya and Senegal.

Prevalence of dental caries and its impact on quality of life (QoL) among HIV-infected children in Kenya.

Aim: To determine the prevalence of dental caries and its impact on QoL among HIV-infected children in Kenya.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey of HIV-positive children aged 3-15 years.

Method: Two hundred and twenty participants were selected by consecutive sampling.

Genital ulcer disease treatment for reducing sexual acquisition of HIV.

Background: Genital ulcer disease by virtue of disruption of the mucosal surfaces may enhance HIV acquisition. Genital ulcer disease treatment with resolution of the ulcers may therefore contribute in reducing the sexual acquisition of HIV.

Objectives: To determine the effects of treatment of genital ulcer disease on sexual acquisition of HIV.

Patient education and counselling for promoting adherence to treatment for tuberculosis.

Background: Non-adherence to tuberculosis treatment can lead to prolonged periods of infectiousness, relapse, emergence of drug-resistance, and increased morbidity and mortality. In this review, we assess whether patient education or counselling, or both, promotes adherence to tuberculosis treatment.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of patient education or counselling, or both, on treatment completion and cure in people requiring treatment for active or latent tuberculosis.

Cesarean delivery outcomes from the WHO global survey on maternal and perinatal health in Africa.

Objective: To assess the association between cesarean delivery rates and pregnancy outcomes in African health facilities.

Methods: Data were obtained from all births over 2-3 months in 131 facilities. Outcomes included maternal deaths, severe maternal morbidity, fresh stillbirths, and neonatal deaths and morbidity.