02770nas a2200421   4500000000100000008004100001260003400042653005700076653002100133653002800154100001700182700001400199700001700213700001500230700001200245700001300257700001900270700001400289700001200303700001300315700001800328700001600346700001100362700001500373700001500388700001500403700001600418700001500434700001400449700001400463700001200477245015700489856009200646300001200738490000700750520156600757022002502323       2023                            d  bOxford University Press (OUP)10aPublic Health, Environmental and Occupational Health10aGeneral Medicine10aHealth (social science)1 aPiotrowski H1 aOluwole A1 aFapohunda VO1 aAdejobi JB1 aNebe OJ1 aSoneye I1 aKafil-Emiola M1 aGideon NU1 aEkpo UF1 aAhmed AO1 aAbdussalam HO1 aImhonopi GB1 aOjo OY1 aOdubena OY1 aAdebola IO1 aSoyinka FO1 aOgunmola OO1 aOlalupo AF1 aIsiyaku S1 aThomson R1 aOzano K00aMixed-methods evaluation of integrating female genital schistosomiasis management within primary healthcare: a pilot intervention in Ogun State, Nigeria  uhttps://academic.oup.com/inthealth/article-pdf/15/Supplement_1/i18/49573388/ihac073.pdf  ai18-i290 v153 a<p>Background: Detection and management of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) within primary healthcare is crucial for achieving schistosomiasis elimination, however, current technical strategies are not feasible in many settings. In Nigeria, there are currently no established standard operating procedures to support front-line health workers. This article presents an evaluation of piloting an FGS care package in two LGAs of Ogun State, Nigeria.</p>

<p>Methods: We used quantitative and qualitative analysis, including 46 interviews with patients, health workers and the quality improvement team; observations of training, learning sessions and supervision across 23 heath facilities; and records of patients detected and managed.</p>

<p>Results: Of 79 women and girls who were screened, 66 were treated and followed up. Health workers assimilated knowledge of FGS and effectively diagnosed and managed patients, demonstrating the feasibility of using symptomatic screening and treatment tools to diagnose and care for women or girls with suspected FGS. Challenges included establishing a referral pathway to tertiary care for patients with complications, insecurity, gender norms that limited uptake and sensitization, the limited capacity of the workforce, conflicting priorities and praziquantel acquisition.</p>

<p>Conclusions: Simple tools can be used in primary healthcare settings to detect and manage women and girls with FGS. Contextual challenges must be addressed. Sustainability will require political and financial commitments.</p>
  a1876-3413, 1876-3405