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Systematic Reviews
Published in: Systematic Reviews 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Bronchial Asthma | Protocol

Protocol on a systematic review of qualitative studies on asthma treatment challenges experienced in Sub-Saharan Africa

Authors: Pisirai Ndarukwa, Moses John Chimbari, Elopy N. Sibanda

Published in: Systematic Reviews | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Asthma is a major worldwide public health problem affecting an estimated 334 million people with over 300,000 deaths annually. Twenty-two million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) are lost annually due to asthma. The condition may present many challenges if not managed well and effectively. This systematic review will provide a comprehensive synthesis of qualitative literature regarding the challenges experienced in the management of asthma and strategies adopted to counter these challenges. The review will answer the following questions: (i) what challenges have been experienced in the treatment of asthma in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)? and (ii) what strategies have been used to overcome asthma treatment challenges in SSA?

Methods

The reviewers will search for the following databases for relevant qualitative studies: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus/Embase (Elsevier), EbscoHost, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Google Scholar, using the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and controlled vocabulary. These articles must have been published in the English language between January 2008 and December 2018. The identified papers will then be assessed for meeting eligibility criteria. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts of articles and then review the full texts of the selected research articles. Standard data extraction forms will be utilised, and the quality of the included studies will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs checklist for qualitative research appraisal tool. Results from eligible articles will be qualitatively synthesised using the framework synthesis approach and reported according to the Enhancing transparency in reporting the synthesis of qualitative research (ENTREQ) statement.

Discussion

This systematic review will provide an overview of reported challenges in the treatment of asthma in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2008 to 2018. The review is expected to provide information that will help form the basis for future research, policy development and practice in treatment of asthma.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42018095802
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Protocol on a systematic review of qualitative studies on asthma treatment challenges experienced in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors
Pisirai Ndarukwa
Moses John Chimbari
Elopy N. Sibanda
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Systematic Reviews / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 2046-4053
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-019-1068-7

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