Global Health Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin

International Organization
Makerere University, Uganda Harm Reduction Network, ResilientAfrica Network

Faculty
Laura Cassidy, PhD, MS, Professor, Institute for Health & Equity & Ronald Anguzu, PhD, Institute for Health & Equity

Study
Factors associated with caregivers’ willingness for their children to receive routine annual COVID-19 vaccination while attending postnatal clinics in Kawempe, Uganda

Purpose
To determine the factors affecting the willingness of caregivers to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19 in a postnatal clinic in Kawempe, Uganda.

International Organization
Hawassa University, Addis Ababa University

Faculty
Katie Iverson, MD, MPH, Professor of Surgery Trauma and Critical Care

Study
Improving Perioperative Mortality Rate Data Capture in Hawassa, Ethiopia: A Mixed-Methods

Purpose
Explore reasons behind discrepancies in reported perioperative mortality rates and evaluate current methods of recording and reporting perioperative deaths.

International Organization
Bagamoyo District Hospital, Ifakara Research Institute

Faculty
Kari Wanat, MD, Vice Chair, Professor Dermatology, Administration

Study
Expanding Telehealth Dermatology Services to Rural Healthcare Centers in Bagamoyo, Tanzania

Purpose
The goal is to expand dermatological care to rural communities, allowing individuals who lack the means or resources to travel to the district hospital to conveniently receive expert care in their own localities.

1. Introduce and teach Tanzanian primary clinicians in multiple rural health facilities of Bagamoyo how to utilize the teledermatology platform.
2. Assess diagnostic and management concordance between Tanzanian general clinicians and licensed dermatologists via teledermatology consults.

International Organization
Makerere University, Uganda Harm Reduction Network, ResilientAfrica Network

Faculty
Ronald Anguzu, PhD, Assistant Professor, Institute of Health and Equity

Study
Assessing the Validity of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CESD) as a Depression Screening tool for adolescent mothers in Uganda

Purpose
To assess the psychometric properties of the depressing screening tool, CESD-20, in an accessible sample of adolescent mothers attending a postnatal clinic in Kampala, Uganda.

International Organization
Center for Policy Development

Faculty
Julia Dickson-Gomez, PhD, Professor, Institute for Health & Equity

Study
Formation and Development of Informal Settlements and Their Effects on Residents' Wellbeing and Safety in Kigali, Rwanda

Purpose

1. To conduct a qualitative analysis of the experiences of residents in Kigali's informal settlements, and those who have been relocated.
2. To foster a comprehensive understanding of the residents' perspectives, hopes and concerns, which will contribute to more inclusive and successful urban development.
3. To assess how living in informal settlement affects residents' health and how relocation to new apartments influences that impact.

International Organization
Uganda Cancer Institute

Faculty
Kirsten Beyer, PhD, MPH, Professor, Institute for Health and Equity

Study
Cervical Cancer in Uganda: An Exploration of Access - Imaging, Staging, Treatment, and Outcomes in a Low-Resource Setting from 2018 to the Present

Purpose
To initiate data collection for a larger UCI retrospective and prospective cervical cancer survivorship study and to explore initial case data findings regarding diagnostic imaging, treatment intent, and recurrence.

International Organization
University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

Faculty
Lolia Abibo, MD, Professor General Internal Medicine, Medicine, Hospitalist

Study
Educator and patient Outcomes and Experiences in the Roll-Out of A Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Purpose
Our study aimed to assess the impact of a Diabetes Management Course through these measures:

1. A1c Improvements at 3 Months: Evaluate immediate changes in glycemic control by measuring HbA1c levels after 3 months.
2. Patient Engagement and Retention: Track enrolment, follow-up, and compliance with inclusion criteria to assess patient engagement.
3. Course Evaluation and Patient Satisfaction: Examine participant feedback, focusing on organization structure, effectiveness in delivering diabetes management strategies, and knowledge implementation.

International Organization
Makerere University, Uganda Harm Reduction Network, ResilientAfrica Network

Faculty
Dr. Ronald Anguzu, Assistant Professor, Institute of Health and Equity

Study
Association of Intimate Partner Violence and Postpartum Depression Among Adolescent Mothers in Kampala, Uganda

Purpose
Determine the association between IPV forms and probable depression among adolescent mothers attending postnatal clinic (PNC) in Kawempe, Kampala, Uganda.

International Organization
Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital

Faculty
Kelli Snooks, DO, Pediatrics

Study
Identifying Indicators of Sepsis in Pediatric Patients in Belize City

Purpose
Analyze the presenting data and symptoms of pediatric patients with infectious concerns presenting to the Accident and Emergency department to identify a more efficient plan to recognize sepsis in pediatric patients.

International Organization
Bagamoyo District Hospital, Ifakara Research Institute

Faculty
Kari Wanat, MD, Vice Chair, Professor Dermatology, Administration

Study
Implementation of Teledermatopathology in Bagamoyo, Tanzania

Purpose
Optimizing a teledermatopathology biopsy process will lead to faster and more accurate diagnosis of skin conditions, improved health outcomes in patients, increased patient satisfaction, and increased clinician knowledge regarding skin conditions.

International Organization
Hawassa University, Addis Ababa University

Faculty
Chris Dodgion, MD, Professor Trauma and Critical Care

Study
Traumatic Injuries and Economic Barriers to Care in Hawassa, Ethiopia

Purpose
This study aims to evaluate trauma cases at a tertiary referral hospital in Hawassa, Ethiopia and identify financial implications associated with patient care.

International Organization
Alliance for Women Advocating for Change, Uganda

Faculty
Kirsten Beyer, PhD, MPH, Professor Epidemiology, Institute for Health and Equity

Study
A scoping review of HPV and cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes, practices, and prevention among female sex workers in Africa

Purpose
To understand the knowledge, attitudes, and current practices regarding HPV and cervical cancer prevention of FSW in Africa. To map prevention strategies and interventions implemented in Africa to prevent HPV and cervical cancer among FSW. To identify key themes from the existing literature to guide future public health program development.

International Organization
General Calixto-Garcia University Hospital, Cuba

Faculty
Marc De Moya, MD, Chief Trauma and Critical Care, Surgery

Study
Culture of Patient Safety and Team Communication in the Operating Room of a University Hospital in Cuba

Purpose
To analyze and identify the Cuban culture of patient safety and communication among the operating room (OR) teams of the General Calixto-Garcia University Hospital in La Havana, Cuba.

International Organization
Puerto Rico Public Health Trust

Faculty
Zeno Franco, PhD, Research, Family Medicine, Medical Effectiveness Research Center

Study
Implementation of a COVID-19 antigen testing protocol at the Parcelas Suarez in Loiza, Puerto Rico

Purpose
The overall study goals are to understand COVID-19 related community needs, increase access to COVID-19 testing, local resources and improve vaccination distribution. Objective 1: Perform baseline and follow up surveys to understand COVID-19 related barriers and needs in the community. Objective 2: Alleviate COVID testing barriers across Loíza by implementing a new COVID-19 testing protocol.

International Organization
General Calixto-Garcia University, Cuba

Faculty
Marc de Moya, MD, Chief Trauma and Critical Care, Surgery

Study
Real-Time Electronic Record and Clinical Guidelines Implementation in a University Hospital in Cuba

Purpose
Identify what fields and sections can be implemented in the hospital and customize the platform T6 accordingly. Identify the infrastructure limitations and propose modifications for improvement along with further training for the medical team.

International Organization
University Teaching Hospital, Rwanda

Faculty
Chris Dodgion, MD, Professor Trauma and Critical Care and Libby Schroeder, PAC, Physician Assistant General Surgery

Study
An Assessment of Trauma Registry Missing Data and Standardization at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Rwanda

Purpose
To evaluate the percentage of data points missing amongst variables in the trauma collection forms utilized at CHUK2. To assess whether data documentation was standardized.

International Organization
University Teaching Hospital, Rwanda

Faculty
Chris Dodgion, MD, Professor Trauma and Critical Care and Libby Schroeder, PAC, Physician Assistant General Surgery

Study
Pilot and Assessment of the Rwanda912 Ambulance System in Kigali, Rwanda

Purpose
Aim 1: Evaluate the feasibility of the Rwanda912 app as an effective tool for SAMU to reduce delays in Kigali and determine possible areas of error or improvement. Collect qualitative information about what the main points of delay are within Kigali’s prehospital care system.

International Organization
University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia

Faculty
Lolia Abibo, MD, Professor General Internal Medicine, Medicine, Hospitalist

Study
The Roll-Out of a Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program in Southern Nigeria

Purpose
To determine the effectiveness of a diabetes educator course and a DSME/S program specifically designed for the southern Nigerian population at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

International Organization
Nigeria Addis Ababa University, Bahir Dar University, Sidama Regional Health Bureau

Faculty
Katie Iverson, MD, MPH, Professor of Surgery Trauma and Critical Care

Study
Strengthening Surgical Systems in Ethiopia: An Assessment of Sustainability in Data Practices

Purpose
Evaluate the quality of current surgical indicator collection and reporting practices at the hospital level. Data quality is defined as consistency, validity, completeness, and timeliness. Determine facilitators and barriers to accurate surgical data acquisition in these facilities by assessing the flow of surgical data collection and recording.

International Organization
Uganda Makerere University, Uganda Cancer Institute

Faculty
Kirsten Beyer, PhD, MPH, Professor Epidemiology, Institute for Health and Equity

Study
Patient Perspectives on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Control and Prevention in Uganda: A Qualitative Study

Purpose
To identify and explore barriers faced by UCI cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. To enhance provision and use of cancer treatment and prevention services. To better prepare the Uganda cancer control system for future public health emergencies.

International Organization
Tanzania Ifkara Health Institute, Bagamoyo District Hospital, University of Iowa Carver

Faculty
Kari Wanat, MD, Vice Chair, Professor Dermatology, Administration

Study
Improving Access to Dermatology Specialty Services in Bagamoyo, Tanzania using Teledermatology

Purpose
To identify the common categories of skin diseases observed in Bagamoyo, Tanzania 2. To compare concordance of diagnosis and treatment between Tanzanian primary care doctors and dermatologist via teledermatology consults.

International Organization
Medical College of WI

Faculty
Karolyn A. Wanat

Study
Invasive Fungal Infections at an Urban Tertiary Care Center - A Retrospective Review

Purpose

1. Describe cutaneous fungal infections in the patient population of a tertiary care center
2. Identify risk factors that contribute to the development of cutaneous fungal infections
3. Identify treatment algorithms for these patients

International Organization
Makerere University

Faculty
Kirsten Beyer

Study
By the they run into [the] hospital, their life is already at stake

Purpose

• Explore Ugandan HIV professionals’ knowledge and perceptions on CxCa, given HIV & HPV comorbidity
• Identify perceived barriers and facilitators to CxCa screening and treatment, among women living with HIV (WLHIV)

International Organization
Medical College of Wisconsin

Faculty
Kirsten Beyer

Study
"Volume became our Achille’s heel” - Lessons learned from COVID-19 Response in Southeastern WI to build systems resilience for future challenges

Purpose
Characterize how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected individuals and organizations across sectors in greater Milwaukee’s seven counties (M7) by generating evidence to inform policy, strengthen partnerships, and improve practices to reduce healthcare disparities and prepare for COVID-19 long term effects and future public health emergencies

International Organization
Makerere University & Kampala Cancer Registry

Faculty
Kirsten Beyer

Study
Breast cancer incidence and predictive parish-level social determinants of health in and around Kampala, Uganda

Purpose
To identify associations between parish-level social determinants of health and the incidence of breast cancer within the Kampala Cancer Registry catchment area in order to inform the targeting of limited cancer prevention and control resources.

International Organization
Tunisian Center for Public Health & Global Health Strategies

Faculty
Melek Somai

Study
Rethinking data during a global pandemic: Open data initiative on COVID-19 in the middle east & North Africa

Purpose

1. To create a centralized open source data repository for data about COVID-19 in the MENA region
2. To automate and correlate data from various academic and public sources and produce a virtual platform and map which illustrates regional patterns and inequities in COVID-19 spread and vaccination
3. To gauge the impact and utility of both a data repository and virtual platform

International Organization
Hawassa University

Faculty
Libby Schroeder and Christopher Dodgion

Study
A scoping review of surgical access to pediatric patients with congenital anomalies in Ethiopia

Purpose

• Conduct a scoping review of the literature to gain an understanding of the current research available on congenital anomalies in children in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs)
• Assess the need for further research on surgical outcomes for congenital anomalies to inform interventions, policy, and capacity building at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH)

International Organization
University of Havana, Cuba/Calixto-Garcia Hospital

Faculty
Marc de Moya

Study
Teamwork as a mechanism to improve the surgical culture of safety

Purpose

1. Conduct literature review to examine evidence regarding the relationship between teamwork and patient safety
2. Identify teamwork interventions that have been implemented to improve the surgical culture of safety

International Organization
Calixto-Garcia Hospital, University of Havana

Faculty
Marc de Moya

Study
Trauma Registry and Complex Data Collection in Cuba: A Scoping Review

Purpose

1. Explore the existing evidence on the effectiveness of using dat from trauma registries for quality improvement in LMIC
2. Identify gaps in the implementation of similar programs in Cuba