Fiji Disease Research Articles

Population-based assessment of cardiovascular complications of rheumatic heart disease in Fiji: a record-linkage analysis

ObjectiveTo determine population-based rates of non-fatal complications of rheumatic heart disease (RHD).DesignRetrospective cohort study based on multiple sources of routine clinical and administrative data amalgamated by probabilistic record-linkage.SettingFiji, an upper-middle-income...

Epidemics in Fiji’s history: Stories of Power, Resistance and Contradiction

This paper is a historical review of known epidemics that have afflicted Fijians since European contact in the late 1700s, with particular attention to the devastations caused by the measles epidemic of 1875 and the influenza pandemic in 1918. The impact of these outbreaks is documented in numerous archival sources, including government records, the ‘Proceedings of the Council of Chiefs, the Colonial Secretary’s Office (CSO) files, the Fiji Times, and a report of the Royal Commission to investigate ‘the decrease of the native population’ (1896). The paper argues that despite changing historical contexts and epidemiological circumstances, official responses to disease in Fiji were underscored by assumptions of European superiority and power that ignored how non-Europeans viewed Western medicine with suspicion and colonial rules as contradictory.

Fiji disease virus (fiji disease of sugar cane)

Fiji disease virus (fiji disease of sugar cane)

The impact of 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine introduction on invasive disease in Fiji

SummaryBackgroundIn 2012, Fiji introduced the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10). We assessed the impact of PCV10 on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), probable bacterial or pneumococcal meningitis (PBPM), meningitis and sepsis 3-5 years post-introduction.MethodsLaboratory-confirmed IPD and PBPM cases were extracted from national laboratory records. ICD-10-AM coded all-cause meningitis and sepsis cases were extracted from national hospitalisation records. Incidence rate ratios were used to compare outcomes pre/post-PCV10, stratified by age groups: 1-23m, 2-4y, 5-9y, 10-19y, 20-54y, ≥55y. To account for different detection and serotyping methods in the pre-and post-PCV10 period, a Bayesian inference model estimated serotype-specific changes in IPD, using pneumococcal carriage and surveillance data.FindingsThere were 423 IPD, 1,029 PBPM, 1,391 all-cause meningitis and 7,611 all-cause sepsis cases. Five years post-PCV10 introduction, IPD declined by 60% (95%CI: 37%, 76%) in children 1-23m months old, and in age groups 2-4y, 5-9y, 10-19y although confidence intervals spanned zero. PBPM declined by 36% (95%CI: 21%, 48%) among children 1-23 months old, and in all other age groups, although some confidence intervals spanned zero. Among children <5y of age, PCV10-type IPD declined by 83% (95%CI; 70%, 90%) and with no evidence of change in non-PCV10-type IPD (9%, 95%CI; -69, 43%). There was no change in all-cause meningitis or sepsis. Post-PCV10, the most common serotypes in vaccine age-eligible and non-age eligible people were serotypes 8 and 23B, and 3 and 7F, respectively.InterpretationsOur study demonstrates the effectiveness of PCV10 against IPD in a country in the Asia-Pacific of which there is a paucity of data.FundingThis study was support by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Australian Government and Fiji Health Sector Support Program (FHSSP). FHSSP is implemented by Abt JTA on behalf of the Australian Government.

Understanding the decision-making structures, roles and actions of village-level water committees in Fiji

ABSTRACT As part of a community-based project on water-related disease in Fiji, we conducted a qualitative study to assess the decision-making structures, roles and actions of village-level water committees. Village water committees played a role in the management, operation and maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure. Reactive and proactive management approaches were both present. The water committees had clear processes in place for decision-making and membership and were influenced by social and cultural norms. Men dominated water committee membership, roles and decision-making. Knowledge about governance structures and processes can be used to strengthen systems for water committees to effectively manage water access and security.

A Study on the Management of Non-Communicable Disease in Fiji

ODA 사업을 성공적으로 수행하기 위해서는 수요 국가에서 취약하고 필요한 분야가 무엇인지 정확히 아는 것이 중요하다. 보건분야는 대부분의 개발 도상국에서 우선순위의 첫 번째를 차지하고 있다. 이 연구는 ODA 프로젝트 계획에도움이 되고자 피지에서의 비전염병 질환(NCD) 상황을 소개하기 위해 수행되었다. 2016년 피지의 주요 사망 원인은당뇨병, 허혈성심장병, 뇌혈관질환, 만성신장질환, 하기도감염, 천식 등이다. 같은 해 한국의 주요 사망 원인은 암, 허혈성심장병, 뇌혈관질환, 폐렴, 자살, 당뇨병 순이다. 비전염성 질환으로서의 만성 질환은 생활 습관 및 소비 패턴의 변화와 인구 고령화로 인해 지속적으로 증가하고 있다. 이러한 세계적인 추세는 피지와 한국에서도 명백하며 NCD의 치료 및 관리를위한 사망률 및 개인 비용 증가에 반영된다. 많은 연구에서 개별 환자에 맞춘 지속적이고 포괄적인 치료의 필요성이 제안되었으며, 이러한 치료를 제공하기 위해 NCD 환자를 관리하는 체계적인 프로그램 개발이 권장되었다. 피지 정부는 2015-2019 년 NCD 전략계획을 개발했으며 요인별로 NCD의 유병률을 낮추려고 노력해왔다. 국가 차원의 NCD 정책을 안내하는 WHO 글로벌 행동 계획은 지역 사회 수준의 NCD 예방 및 관리 모델을 필요로 한다. 이런 측면에서 ODA도 직접적인 지원만이 아니라 시스템관리 지원도 고려할 만하다.

A self-reported measurement scale on a potential component of competency in the healthcare staff engaged in the prevention and control of non-communicable disease in Fiji

BackgroundAccording to the World Health Organization, an estimated 80% or more deaths in Pacific island countries, including Fiji, were related to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Although competency-based approaches have been effective for developing healthcare workers’ capabilities, there are only a few reports on competency scales of healthcare workers for NCD prevention. We aimed to develop a self-reported measurement scale on a potential component of competency in the healthcare staff engaged in the prevention and control of NCDs in Fiji.MethodsThere were 378 Ministry of Health and Medical Services staff members working on NCD prevention and control in Fiji included in this study, which was a cross-sectional survey of social factors, working situation factors, and competency. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess potential competency components, whereas Cronbach’s α coefficient and analysis of variance were used to assess the validity and reliability of the scale items, respectively. Multivariate regression analyses were conducted to analyze the respondents’ factor scores relative to social status and work situations.ResultsThe factor analysis revealed 16 items that identified competency in four work types: 1) work management, 2) monitoring and evaluation, 3) community partnership, and 4) community diagnosis. The monitoring and evaluation roles were related to ethnic background, community partnership was related to religion, and community diagnosis was related to academic qualifications.ConclusionsBased on the results, we developed a competency scale for the four work types. This scale can help healthcare workers engage in better management of residents with NCDs in Fiji.

Management of Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease in Fiji in 2018: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Patients.

The aim was to identify the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) at Sigatoka Subdivisional Hospital (SSH) in 2018 since no studies have been done on this issue so far in Fiji. A quantitative, cross-sectional study including 225 patients was carried out July 1, 2018, through August 31, 2018, using a validated self-structured questionnaire. Fijians, aged 30 years or above, with confirmed T2D and CKD who were attending the Special Outpatient Department (SOPD) at SSH, were included in the study using a purposive sampling method to identify eligible participants. Data was gathered by a questionnaire that covered questions related to each aspect of KAP. The relation of native Fijians (i-Taukei) to Fijians of Indian descent (FID) was approximately 1:1. The majority of participants had high levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice (61.8%, 63.6%, and 88.4%, respectively). However, a few areas of low knowledge were evident, such as the relation between high blood pressure and renal status in people with diabetes and the need for renal transplant in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) abroad. Low attitude was apparent for the impact and management of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Low practice was evident regarding clinic attendance, self-monitoring, and opting for non-medical treatment. The majority of T2D patients with CKD had a high level of knowledge, but weaknesses were observed in the self-management of CKD and clinic attendance. This information should be considered by clinicians and policy-makers to improve management and treatment of CKD in T2D.

Changes in proportional mortality from diabetes and circulatory disease in Mauritius and Fiji: possible effects of coding and certification

BackgroundMany developing countries are experiencing the epidemiological transition, with the majority of deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and others. In some countries, large proportional mortality attributed to diabetes is evident in official mortality statistics, with Mauritius and Fiji rated as the highest in the world.MethodsThis study investigates trends in recorded diabetes and cardiovascular disease mortality in Mauritius and Fiji under coding from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) versions 9 and 10, using mortality data reported from these countries to the World Health Organization (WHO).ResultsIn Mauritius over 1981–2004, T2DM proportional mortality varied between 4% and 7% in males (M) and 5% and 9% in females (F). In 2005 there was a sudden increase to M 20% and F 25%, which continued to M 25% and F 30% by 2012. Over 1981–2004 the proportion of circulatory disease mortality rose from 44% to 49% in males, and from 46% to 57% in females. In 2005, circulatory disease mortality proportions fell precipitously to 34% in males and 37% in females, and declined to 31% and 34% by 2013. ICD–10 coding was introduced in 2005.In Fiji, sharp rises in proportional T2DM mortality from 3% in both sexes in 2001 to M 15% and F 20% in 2002 were followed by more gradual trend increases to M 20% and F 26% by 2012–13. Circulatory disease proportions fell steeply from M 57% and F 53% in 2001 to M 44% and M 38% by 2004, with subsequent less steep declines to M 39% and F 30% by 2012. ICD–10 coding was introduced in 2001.ConclusionsLarge, abrupt changes in diabetes and circulatory disease proportional mortality in Fiji and Mauritius coincided with the local introduction of ICD–10 coding in different years. There is also evidence for diabetes-related misclassification of underlying cause of death in Australia and the USA. These artefacts can undermine accurate monitoring of cause of death for evaluation of effectiveness of prevention and control, especially of circulatory disease mortality which is demonstrably reversible in populations.

Determinants of knowledge, attitude and practice in patients with both type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease in Fiji.

Background: In Fiji, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Chronic kidney disease (CKD) are amongst the top four causes of premature mortality, disability and death. This study aims to identify the determinants of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in T2DM patients with CKD in Fiji in 2018. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sigatoka Sub-divisional Hospital (SSH) in Fiji in July-August, 2018 using a self-structured questionnaire to test KAP of 225 patients. The inclusion criteria were confirmed T2DM patients (Fijian citizens) with CKD, aged 30 years or above and attending Special Out-Patient's Department (SOPD) at SSH. Independent t-test and ANOVA was used to test differences between demographic variable and practice score while non-parametric tests were used for knowledge and attitude. Spearman correlation and multiple linear regressions were conducted. All tests were set at 5% level of significance. Results:From 249 questionnaires distributed, 225 responded thus response rate was 95%. The mean KAP level was high: knowledge, 23.3/30 (SD±3.25); attitude, 23.1/30 (SD±2.73) and practice, 7.1/10 (SD±2.04). A high level of knowledge was seen in those with university-level education (p<0.001), unemployed (p=0.05) and high average monthly income (p=0.03). Those aged 61-70 years had a 0.53-point lower attitude score (p=0.05) than other age categories, while those >70 years had a 1.78-point lower attitude score (p=0.01) than other age categories. Fijians of Indian descent (FID) had lower attitude (p=0.002) and higher practice (p=0.001) scores. Conclusion: Patients with both T2DM and CKD at SSH have high levels of KAP. The determinants of KAP have been shown and thus, this study identified high-risk groups for low KAP, which can become the focus of future public health intervention.

Determinants of knowledge, attitude and practice in patients with both type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease in Fiji

Background:In Fiji, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Chronic kidney disease (CKD) are amongst the top four causes of premature mortality, disability and death. This study aims to identify the determinants of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in T2DM patients with CKD in Fiji in 2018.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sigatoka Sub-divisional Hospital (SSH) in Fiji in July-August, 2018 using a self-structured questionnaire to test KAP of 225 patients. The inclusion criteria were confirmed T2DM patients (Fijian citizens) with CKD, aged 30 years or above and attending Special Out-Patient's Department (SOPD) at SSH. Independent t-test and ANOVA was used to test differences between demographic variable and practice score while non-parametric tests were used for knowledge and attitude. Spearman correlation and multiple linear regressions were also done. All the tests were set at 5% level of significance.Results: From 249 questionnaires distributed, 225 responded thus response rate was 95%. The mean KAP level was high: knowledge, 23.3/30 (SD±3.25); attitude, 23.1/30 (SD±2.73) and practice, 7.1/10 (SD±2.04). A high level of knowledge was seen in those with university-level education (p&lt;0.001), unemployed (p=0.05) and high average monthly income (p=0.03). Those aged 61-70 years had a 0.53-point lower attitude score (p=0.05) than other age categories, while those &gt;70 years had a 1.78-point lower attitude score (p=0.01) than other age categories. Fijians of Indian descent (FID) had lower attitude (p=0.002) and higher practice (p=0.001) scores.Conclusion:Patients with both T2DM and CKD at SSH have high levels of KAP. The determinants of KAP have been shown and thus, this study identified high-risk groups for low KAP, which can become the focus of future public health intervention.

Determinants of knowledge, attitude and practice in patients with both type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease in Fiji

Background: In Fiji, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Chronic kidney disease (CKD) are amongst the top four causes of premature mortality, disability and death. This study aims to identify the determinants of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in T2DM patients with CKD in Fiji in 2018. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sigatoka Sub-divisional Hospital (SSH) in Fiji in July-August, 2018 using a self-structured questionnaire to test KAP of 225 patients. The inclusion criteria were confirmed T2DM patients (Fijian citizens) with CKD, aged 30 years or above and attending Special Out-Patient's Department (SOPD) at SSH. Independent t-test and ANOVA was used to test differences between demographic variable and practice score while non-parametric tests were used for knowledge and attitude. Spearman correlation and multiple linear regressions were conducted. All tests were set at 5% level of significance. Results: From 249 questionnaires distributed, 225 responded thus response rate was 95%. The mean KAP level was high: knowledge, 23.3/30 (SD±3.25); attitude, 23.1/30 (SD±2.73) and practice, 7.1/10 (SD±2.04). A high level of knowledge was seen in those with university-level education (p<0.001), unemployed (p=0.05) and high average monthly income (p=0.03). Those aged 61-70 years had a 0.53-point lower attitude score (p=0.05) than other age categories, while those >70 years had a 1.78-point lower attitude score (p=0.01) than other age categories. Fijians of Indian descent (FID) had lower attitude (p=0.002) and higher practice (p=0.001) scores. Conclusion: Patients with both T2DM and CKD at SSH have high levels of KAP. The determinants of KAP have been shown and thus, this study identified high-risk groups for low KAP, which can become the focus of future public health intervention.

End-stage kidney disease in Fiji.

Chronic kidney disease is now a leading cause of death in Fiji. The country lacks even basic statistics about the incidence of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and presents significant challenges to conducting clinical research. To estimate the incidence and characteristics of ESKD in Fijian adults. A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients admitted to Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji, in 2012. Suspected ESKD cases were identified from laboratory registers of renal function tests and confirmed through medical record review. Population data were from the Fijian Bureau of Statistics. Screening identified 1474 suspected ESKD cases. Following removal of 763 duplicates and cases with discrepant identifiers, 711 unique cases remained. An additional 552 cases met exclusion criteria, including acute kidney injury (247), failure to be admitted (131) and pre-existing ESKD diagnosis (103), leaving 159 cases of confirmed ESKD. Median age was 57 years (interquartile range 47-65). Crude and age-adjusted ESKD incidence rates were 753 per million population (pmp) (95% confidence interval (CI) 636-870) and 793 pmp (95% CI 669-916), respectively, rising to 938 pmp (95% CI 804-1072) if African-American correction was removed. Diabetic nephropathy was the most common cause of ESKD (65.4%). The incidence of ESKD in Fiji is high. This is a substantial public health problem that is likely impacting life expectancy and quality of life. Improving screening, detection and management of kidney disease should be given more prominence in programmes to address non-communicable diseases in Fiji and the Western Pacific.

Determinants of knowledge, attitude and practice in patients with both type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease in Fiji

Background:In Fiji, Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Chronic kidney disease (CKD) are amongst the top four causes of premature mortality, disability and death. This study aims to identify the determinants of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) in T2DM patients with CKD in Fiji in 2018.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sigatoka Sub-divisional Hospital (SSH) in Fiji in July-August, 2018 using a self-structured questionnaire to test KAP of 225 patients. The inclusion criteria were confirmed T2DM patients (Fijian citizens) with CKD, aged 30 years or above and attending Special Out-Patient's Department (SOPD) at SSH. Independent t-test and ANOVA was used to test differences between demographic variable and practice score while non-parametric tests were used for knowledge and attitude. Spearman correlation and multiple linear regressions were also done. All the tests were set at 5% level of significance.Results:The mean KAP level was high: knowledge, 23.3 (SD±3.25); attitude, 23.1 (SD±2.73) and practice, 7.1 (SD±2.04). A high level of knowledge was seen in those with university-level education (p&lt;0.001), unemployed (p=0.05) and high average monthly income (p=0.03). Those aged 61-70 years had a 0.53-point lower attitude score (p=0.05) than other age categories, while those &gt;70 years had a 1.78-point lower attitude score (p=0.01) than other age categories. Fijians of Indian descent (FID) had lower attitude (p=0.002) and higher practice (p=0.001) scores.Conclusion:Patients with both T2DM and CKD at SSH have high levels of KAP. Those with higher levels of education, the unemployed and those with high monthly income had higher knowledge, FID had low attitude but high practice scores, and the higher age category had lower attitude scores. The study identified high-risk groups for low KAP, which can become the focus of future public health intervention.

Analysis of Analysis of Agronomic Traits and Quarantine Diseases of Sugarcane Germplasms Newly Introduced from USA and Vietnem

The purpose of this study was to detect the status of Fiji disease virus (FDV) and leaf scald ( Xanthomonas albilineans ) in the newly introduced sugarcane germplasms from USA and Vietnam, and observe their agronomic performances in Guangxi sugarcane growing area, thus to provide references for screening healthy sugarcane germplasm. Following the quarantine procedure, 41 newly introduced sugarcane germplasm accessions were planted in isolated quarantine area for FDV and leaf scald detection. The PCR (RT-PCR) results showed the reaction to FDV and leaf scald were both negative and no quarantine disease occurred. Further, field experiments were conducted to observe their agronomic performance and resistance to commom diseases, like red rot, yellow spot, ring spot, pokkah boeng, mosaic, smut, rust and brown stripe diseases, and the results showed that 18 germplasm accessions were resistant to these diseases. Based on the experimental results, 8 accessions from USA and 4 accessions from Vietnam were selected for the next variety test. This study would provide excellent resistant germplasm materials and scientific references for further sugarcane disease resistance breeding.

The development and implementation of a new import duty on palm oil to reduce non-communicable disease in Fiji

BackgroundNon communicable diseases (NCD) place a significant health burden on Pacific Island countries including Fiji. Policy interventions to curb NCDs have been implemented in Fiji including a 32% increase in the import duty on palm oil. This study aims to analyse the development and implementation of the increase in palm oil import duty in Fiji. Also, to document the policy process, identify barriers and facilitators during implementation and to examine the impact of the new import duty on import volumes.MethodsData were collected through key informant interviews with private stakeholders, government officials and supermarket managers. Transcripts were analysed thematically. Import volumes were analysed for the 2010–2015 period.ResultsFacilitators of policy development and implementation included stakeholder awareness of the health implications of palm oil, preparation of a comprehensive policy briefing paper, and inter-sectoral support and leadership. This decrease in the availability of palm oil was encouraging however, it may have been counteracted to some extent by industry relabelling the product as vegetable oil.ConclusionsBarriers to policy changes need to be anticipated during the policy development process. Whilst the decline in imports probably reduced population consumption, further research is needed to determine if this translated to a population wide reduction in saturated fat.

Management of Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease in Fiji in 2018: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Patients

The Review of Diabetic Studies,2019,15,1,26-34.DOI:10.1900/RDS.2019.15.26Published:February 2019Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Mohammed Alvis Zibran, and Masoud Mohammadnezhad Author(s) affiliations:Mohammed Alvis Zibran and Masoud Mohammadnezhad School of Public Health and Primary Care, Fiji National University. Abstract:Objective: The aim was to identify the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) at Sigatoka Subdivisional Hospital (SSH) in 2018 since no studies have been done on this issue so far in Fiji. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study including 225 patients was carried out July 1, 2018, through August 31, 2018, using a validated self-structured questionnaire. Fijians, aged 30 years or above, with confirmed T2D and CKD who were attending the Special Outpatient Department (SOPD) at SSH, were included in the study using a purposive sampling method to identify eligible participants. Data was gathered by a questionnaire that covered questions related to each aspect of KAP. Results: The relation of native Fijians (i- Taukei) to Fijians of Indian descent (FID) was approximately 1:1. The majority of participants had high levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice (61.8%, 63.6%, and 88.4%, respectively). However, a few areas of low knowledge were evident, such as the relation between high blood pressure and renal status in people with diabetes and the need for renal transplant in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) abroad. Low attitude was apparent for the impact and management of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Low practice was evident regarding clinic attendance, self-monitoring, and opting for non-medical treatment. Conclusion: The majority of T2D patients with CKD had a high level of knowledge, but weaknesses were observed in the self-management of CKD and clinic attendance. This information should be considered by clinicians and policy-makers to improve management and treatment of CKD in T2D. Keywords:Attitude, Awareness., Chronic kidney disease, Fiji islands, KAP Questionnaire, Knowledge, Practice, Type 2 diabetesView:PDF (399.31 KB)

Measuring morbidity and mortality attributable to rheumatic heart disease in Fiji: a prototype study of disease burden in a developing country by data linkage

ABSTRACT&#x0D; ObjectivesRheumatic heart disease remains a major public health concern in developing countries. Motivated by the lack of up-to-date epidemiologic data from endemic settings, we sought to quantity morbidity and mortality attributable the condition in Fiji, a middle-income country where a high prevalence has consistently been reported. Having resolved to undertake the analysis using the existing routine clinical and administrative data at our disposal, we first set out to develop a data linkage procedure robust to the inherent limitations of data from low resource settings.&#x0D; ApproachRecords were available from four sources: an electronic patient information system, a database of death certificates, a disease control register, and echocardiography clinic registers. All referred to 2008-2012.&#x0D; Throughout the design and calibration process we used 1,406 known duplications in the patient information system from which we calculated the sensitivity and specificity. After cleaning, standardisation and preliminary blocking, we categorised identifiers including names, dates and demographics into agreement, partial agreement, disagreement or missing, accounting for issues such as out of order or misspelt names. After concentrating true matches by further blocking, we estimated match and nonmatch probabilities using expectation maximisation under the Fellegi-Sunter model of record linkage. We then derived the posterior match probability taking into consideration the size of block and prior information about the probability a match be present given the demographics of the individual concerned. In its final configuration, with record pairs considered a match if they achieved a posterior probability of over 50%, our procedure identified the known duplications with sensitivity of 91.4% and specificity of 99.9%.&#x0D; ResultsHaving identified 2,619 cases from the 1,773,999 records available, we used the linked data to make population-based estimates of prevalence using capture-recapture analyses and cause-specific mortality using relative survival methods, the first such estimates for a developing country. Moreover, in sensitivity analyses, we found that changing posterior probability threshold above which record pairs were considered a match had limited impact on the results.&#x0D; ConclusionAlthough data linkage is widely used for epidemiologic research in high-income settings, its application to developing countries has been limited. We developed and validated a data linkage procedure that can be used to turn largely unstudied routine clinical and administrative data into robust estimates of disease burden. With the growing availability of computerized data, we propose our approach has strong potential to assist the production of disease burden statistics in developing countries where civil registration systems are weak.

Clinical outcomes for young people with screening-detected and clinically-diagnosed rheumatic heart disease in Fiji

BackgroundEchocardiographic screening is under consideration as a disease control strategy for rheumatic heart disease (RHD). However, clinical outcomes of young people with screening-detected RHD are unknown. We aimed to describe the outcomes for a cohort with screening-detected RHD, in comparison to patients with clinically-diagnosed RHD. MethodsA retrospective cohort study included all young people with screening-detected RHD in the Central Division of Fiji in the primary cohort. Screen-negative and clinically-diagnosed comparison groups were matched 1:1 to the primary cohort. Data were collected on mortality, clinical complications and healthcare utilisation from the electronic and paper health records and existing databases. ResultsSeventy participants were included in each group. Demographic characteristics of the groups were similar (median age 11years, 69% female, median follow-up 7years). There were nine (12.9%) RHD-related deaths in the clinically-diagnosed group and one (1.4%) in the screening-detected group (Incident Rate Ratio: 9.6, 95% CI 1.3–420.6). Complications of RHD were observed in 39 (55.7%) clinically-diagnosed cases, four (20%) screening-detected cases and one (1.4%) screen-negative case. There were significant differences in the cumulative complication curves of the groups (p<0.001). Rates of admission and surgery were highest in the clinically-diagnosed group, and higher in the screening-detected than screen-negative group. ConclusionsYoung people with screening-detected RHD have worse health outcomes than screen-negative cases in Fiji. The prognosis of clinically-diagnosed RHD remains poor, with very high mortality and complication rates. Further studies in other settings will inform RHD screening policy. Comprehensive control strategies are required for disease prevention.

Attenuation of the Effect of 100 mg Aspirin on Platelet Aggregation in Regular Kava Drinkers

Background and Purpose: Numerous interactions between herbal medicines and conventional drugs have been documented. While the significance of many interactions is uncertain, several others may have serious clinical consequences. Kava (Piper methysticum) is an ancient crop of the western Pacific. Kava preparation and extracts are very popular in the Pacific and the potential remains for herbal supplements like kava to interact negatively with other drugs like aspirin in vivo which needs to be thoroughly explored. Management of cardiovascular disease in Fiji includes anti-platelet drugs, especially aspirin which is prescribed routinely. Aim: Our study aimed to assess the effect of two different doses of aspirin (100 mg and 300 mg) on the degree of platelet aggregation induced by collagen amongst healthy non kava drinkers and kava drinkers. The objective of this study was to examine potential effect of concomitant aspirin on platelet aggregation (PA) in kava drinkers. Methods: Platelet aggregation was measured using whole blood platelet aggregometer (Chronology Corp) using collagen as an aggregating agent in two main ethnic groups, Fijians and Indo-Fijians, before and after the intake of a single dose of 100 mg and 300 mg of aspirin. The Fijian and Indo-Fijian volunteers were divided into three groups, non-kava drinkers (NKD), occasional-kava drinkers (OKD) and regular-kava drinkers (RKD). Results: The results were found to be non-significant in NKD, OKD and RKD Fijians and IndoFijians before aspirin intervention, the intake of kava did not have any effect on platelet aggregation. Overall PA remained within the normal range (15-27 Ω). After a single dose of 100 mg of aspirin, a large number of participants in both ethnic groups of RKD were found to have decreased aspirin sensitivity. The decreased aspirin sensitive participants had their PA within the normal range (15-27 Ω) even after administration of aspirin. All the participants showed a reduction in PA ( 0.05). The most important finding of this study is that 100 mg aspirin had significantly less inhibitory effect on PA in both Fijian and Indo-Fijian RKD (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our studies show a reduced effect of aspirin on platelet aggregation in regular kava drinkers (RKD).