Costs and health consequences of chlamydia management strategies among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa

2007/10: Authors: Romoren M, Sundby J, Hjortdahl P, Hussein F, Steen TW, Velauthapillai M, Kristiansen IS, University of Oslo, Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana, University of Oslo and University of Southern Denmark and HERO (PDF)

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infection worldwide and a major cause of morbidity – particularly among women and neonates (newborn infant). In this study the researchers compared costs and health consequences of using point-of-care (POC) tests with current syndromic management among antenatal care attendees in sub-Saharan Africa. The erythromycin was also compared with azithromycin treatment and universal with age-based chlamydia management.

Full text

Abstract

“Improving public health control of sexually transmitted diseases in Botswana” is one of the institutional collaboration projects financed by the Health Sector Agreement between Norway and Botswana. The project has two main components; an epidemiological study and an economic evaluation. In 2000 and 2001, the National Health Laboratory in Gaborone, the AIDS/STD Unit and the Health Research Unit in the Ministry of Health in Botswana and the University of Oslo, Norway, conducted a cross-sectional study on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among pregnant women in Gaborone. One of the aims of the study was to collect data for the cost-effectiveness analysism presented in this report.

Using POC tests to diagnose chlamydia during antenatal care in sub-Saharan Africa entails greater health benefits than syndromic management does – and at acceptable costs – especially when restricted to younger women. Changes in diagnostic strategy and treatment regimens may improve people’s health and even reduce health care budgets.

The authors thank the Health Research Unit, Ministry of Health, for the valuable contribution to the formal and organizational aspects of the study. We also want to thank the staff at the Government Clinics and at The National Health Laboratory for their cooperation during the field work. The costs of the field work were covered by The Health Sector Agreement. The Norwegian Research Council funded a doctoral fellowship for Maria Romoren.

ISSN 1890-1735
ISBN 82-7756-182-2

Publisert 25. mai 2011 16:21 - Sist endret 3. okt. 2011 13:26