Browsing by Author "Kitutu, Freddy E."

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
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    Comparison of pharmacist knowledge, perceptions and training opportunities regarding maternal fetal medicine in Canada, Qatar and Uganda
    (Canadian Pharmacists Journal, 2014) Bains, Serena; Kitutu, Freddy E.; Rahhal, Ala’a; Samaha, Rana Abu; Wilby, Kyle J.; Rowe, Hilary
    Although pharmacists have great potential to modify and optimize drug therapy in pregnancy and lactation, current literature demonstrates that they do not routinely provide this care and often feel ill equipped to do so. The objective of this study was to determine pharmacists’ knowledge and perceptions of maternal-fetal medicine in Canada, Uganda and Qatar. Secondary objectives were to determine factors associated with pharmacists’ knowledge and to characterize training opportunities and resources available to practising pharmacists.
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    Ethical challenges in designing and conducting medicine quality surveys
    (Tropical medicine & international health, 2016) Tabernero, Patricia; Parker, Michael; Ravinetto, Raffaella; Phanouvong, Souly; Yeung, Shunmay; Kitutu, Freddy E.; Yeong Chea, Phaik; Mayxay, Mayfong; Guerin, Philippe J.; Newton, Paul N.
    In this paper we discuss the main ethical challenges related to the conduct of medicine quality surveys and make suggestions on how to address them. method Most evidence-based information regarding medicine quality derives from surveys. However, existing research ethical guidelines do not provide specific guidance for medicine quality surveys. Hence, those conducting surveys are often left wondering how to judge what counts as best practice. A list of the main ethical challenges in the design and conduct of surveys is presented. results and conclusions It is vital that the design and conduct of medicine quality surveys uphold moral and ethical obligations and analyse the ethical implications and consequences of such work. These aspects include the impact on the local availability of and access to medicines; the confidentiality and privacy of the surveyors and the surveyed; questions as to whether outlet staff personnel should be told they are part of a survey; the need of ethical and regulatory approvals; and how the findings should be disseminated. Medicine quality surveys should ideally be conducted in partnership with the relevant national Medicine Regulatory Authorities. An international, but contextually sensitive, model of good ethical practice for such surveys is needed.
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    Non-adherence to anti-TB drugs among TB/HIV co-infected patients in Mbarara Hospital Uganda: Prevalence and associated factors
    (African health sciences, 2009) Amuha, Monica G.; Kutyabami, Paul; Kitutu, Freddy E.; Odoi-Adome, Richard; Kalyango, Joan N.
    Non-adherence to treatment remains a major obstacle to efficient tuberculosis control in developing countries. The dual infection of Tuberculosis and HIV presents further adherence problems because of high pill burden and adverse effects. This poses a risk of increased multi-drug resistant TB. However, the prevalence of non-adherence and its associated factors have not been studied in these patients in Uganda. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with non-adherence to anti-TB drugs among TB/HIV co-infected patients in Mbarara hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study with qualitative and quantitative data collection methods was conducted among TB/HIV coinfected adults in Mbarara hospital from January to March 2008. Consecutive sampling was used to select 140 participants. Adherence was assessed over a 5-day period prior to the interview using patients self-reports. Data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Qualitative data was collected through key informant interviews using a topic guide and was analyzed manually. Quantitative data was analyzed using STATA version 8. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with nonadherence. Results: The prevalence of non-adherence was 25% (95% CI=17.8-32%). Being on continuous phase of the TB regimen was significantly associated with non-adherence (OR=6.24, p<0.001). Alcohol consumption, being on antiretroviral therapy and smoking confounded the relationship between stage of the TB regimen and non-adherence. Conclusion: The prevalence of non-adherence was high. Patients that are on continuous phase of TB treatment should be supported to continue taking their drugs. In addition, patients that drink alcohol; smoke and those not on ART should be targeted with interventions to improve adherence.
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    Participatory healthcare-provider orientation to improve artemetherlumefantrine-based drug treatment of uncomplicated malaria: a cluster quasi-experimental study
    (BMJ quality & safety, 2012) Anyama, Norbert G.; Tibenderana, James K.; Kutyabami, Paul; Kamba, Pakoyo F.; Kitutu, Freddy E.; Adome, Richard O.
    To assess the effect of participatory healthcare-provider orientation in enhancing patient knowledge, appropriate prescribing and dispensing of artemether-lumefantrine, during drug treatment of uncomplicated malaria. Methods: A cluster quasi-experimental study. The authors developed strategies to address challenges encountered by healthcare providers during clinical management of malaria. The primary outcome was patient knowledge on prescribed malaria drug treatment. Secondary outcomes were appropriate prescribing and provision of adequate drug dispensing information. The authors used generalised estimating equation logistic regression to investigate correlates of appropriate use of artemether-lumefantrine. Results: The proportion of patients or caretakers of paediatric patients sufficiently knowledgeable about malaria treatment increased from 16/85 (18.8%) at baseline to 33/96 (34.4%) at evaluation, OR 2.26 (95% CI 1.13 to 4.49), p¼0.020, in the intervention, and fell slightly from 49/134 (36.6%) to 35/114 (30.7%), OR 0.77, (95% CI 0.45 to 1.31), p¼0.331 in the control district. This was enhanced by the existence of drugdispensing standard operating procedures (adjusted OR 1.85, 95% CI 0.98 to 3.50; p¼0.057). The proportion of appropriate prescriptions increased from 61/87 (70.1%) to 94/112 (83.9%) in the intervention district, OR 2.23 (95% CI 1.13 to 4.40), p¼0.020 and reduced from 91/115 (79.1%) to 75/112 (67.0%) in the control district, OR 0.53, (95% CI 0.29 to 0.97), p¼0.040. The frequency of adequately dispensed prescriptions increased in the intervention district (34 (32.4%) to 53(45.3%), OR 1.73 (95% CI 1.00 to 2.99), p¼0.050) but decreased in the control location (94 (69.6%) to 71 (52.6%), OR 0.48 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.80), p¼0.004). Conclusions: Participatory healthcare-provider orientation enhanced patient knowledge, healthcare provider prescribing and dispensing of artemether-lumefantrine, bolstered by adequate medication counselling and use of drug-dispensing standard operating procedures.
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    Practice Spotlight: Volunteer Pharmacists in Sub-Saharan Africa
    (The Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 2012) Wilby, Kyle J.; Kitutu, Freddy E.; Boakye, Samuel
    Armed with knowledge, textbooks, medical supplies, and mosquito repellant, Canadian pharmacists depart each year for international volunteer experiences in different areas of the world. Sub-Saharan Africa is a common destination for health care professionals, because of the high prevalence of disease and shortages of health care workers. 1 In recent years, pharmacists and student pharmacists have been working with local African organizations to optimize the distribution and provision of pharmacy-related services in this region. These volunteers bring particular knowledge, skills, and attitudes that can positively contribute to humanitarian efforts. Although many different types and durations of volunteer projects are available, this article focuses on pharmacists who take on medium- to longer-term assignments (minimum 4-week placements) in clinic and hospital settings.
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    Strategies to improve impact of volunteer pharmacists in sub-Saharan Africa
    (American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 2012) Wilby, Kyle J.; Kitutu, Freddy E.
    I nternational volunteering in the developing world is gaining popularity among pharmacists and student pharmacists.1,2 Programs have been undertaken in various settings in different geographic regions, including sub-Saharan Africa. Common volunteer duties include participation in dispensary renovations, clinical skill development programs, human resource relief, public health initiatives, and short-term medical mission trips and the provision of medical supplies to underserved populations.