Featured Publications
C-Reactive Protein Testing for Active Tuberculosis among Inpatients without HIV in Uganda: a Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Meyer AJ, Ochom E, Turimumahoro P, Byanyima P, Sanyu I, Lalitha R, Kaswabuli S, Andama A, Walter ND, Katamba A, Cattamanchi A, Worodria W, Huang L, Yoon C, Davis JL. C-Reactive Protein Testing for Active Tuberculosis among Inpatients without HIV in Uganda: a Diagnostic Accuracy Study. Journal Of Clinical Microbiology 2020, 59: 10.1128/jcm.02162-20. PMID: 33087439, PMCID: PMC7771459, DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02162-20.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsC-reactive proteinEnzyme-linked immunosorbent assayTriage testUtility of CRPC-reactive protein testingCulture-positive pulmonary tuberculosisProspective cross-sectional studySerum C-reactive proteinDiagnostic performanceHIV-seronegative individualsTB triage testNational Referral HospitalCross-sectional studyNegative predictive valueNegative likelihood ratioDiagnostic accuracy studiesActive tuberculosisPulmonary tuberculosisTB screeningReferral hospitalIllness severityCRP testingSputum samplesManufacturer's thresholdPredictive valueImplementing mHealth Interventions in a Resource-Constrained Setting: Case Study From Uganda
Meyer AJ, Armstrong-Hough M, Babirye D, Mark D, Turimumahoro P, Ayakaka I, Haberer JE, Katamba A, Davis JL. Implementing mHealth Interventions in a Resource-Constrained Setting: Case Study From Uganda. JMIR MHealth And UHealth 2020, 8: e19552. PMID: 32673262, PMCID: PMC7385635, DOI: 10.2196/19552.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsEnd usersCommunity health workersComplex data structuresData management plansLack of adaptabilityDigital fingerprintingMHealth interventionsData managementData structureDigital servicesContact investigationHardware requirementsSMS messagesUse of technologyHealth interventionsComplex mHealth interventionExcessive complexityTB contact investigationTuberculosis contact investigationMobile health interventionsTechnology requirementsSurvey appPublic health interventionsResource-constrained settingsUsersText Messages Sent to Household Tuberculosis Contacts in Kampala, Uganda: Process Evaluation
Meyer AJ, Babirye D, Armstrong-Hough M, Mark D, Ayakaka I, Katamba A, Haberer JE, Davis JL. Text Messages Sent to Household Tuberculosis Contacts in Kampala, Uganda: Process Evaluation. JMIR MHealth And UHealth 2018, 6: e10239. PMID: 30459147, PMCID: PMC6280036, DOI: 10.2196/10239.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchTuberculosis contact investigationHousehold tuberculosis contactHousehold contactsTuberculosis contactsContact investigationProcess evaluationText Messaging InterventionHousehold tuberculosis contact investigationText message interventionDetailed process evaluationText message deliveryText messagesIntervention armIndex patientsMessage interventionHealth outcomesSeparate daysYoung womenInconsistent effectivenessYoung adultsTelephone surveyYoung menInterventionText messagingDemographic differencesSputum quality and diagnostic performance of GeneXpert MTB/RIF among smear-negative adults with presumed tuberculosis in Uganda
Meyer AJ, Atuheire C, Worodria W, Kizito S, Katamba A, Sanyu I, Andama A, Ayakaka I, Cattamanchi A, Bwanga F, Huang L, Davis JL. Sputum quality and diagnostic performance of GeneXpert MTB/RIF among smear-negative adults with presumed tuberculosis in Uganda. PLOS ONE 2017, 12: e0180572. PMID: 28686705, PMCID: PMC5501569, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180572.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGeneXpert MTB/RIFBlood-stained sputumSputum qualityMTB/RIFSalivary sputumXpert testingDiagnostic performanceMycobacterial cultureCross-sectional studyTB patientsPatient factorsSputum testTB diagnosisDiagnostic yieldMucoid sputumSputum samplesLED fluorescence microscopySputumXpertTuberculosis diagnosticsDemographic informationPatientsAdditional testingHigher proportionSample types
2022
“I can’t do it”: A qualitative study exploring case and contact experiences with COVID-19 contact tracing
Shelby T, Arechiga C, Gupta AJ, Hennein R, Schenck C, Weeks B, Bond M, Niccolai L, Davis JL, Grau LE. “I can’t do it”: A qualitative study exploring case and contact experiences with COVID-19 contact tracing. BMC Public Health 2022, 22: 1963. PMID: 36284292, PMCID: PMC9595089, DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14265-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsContact experiencesBehaviour Change Wheel frameworkEmotional needsShape behaviorSocial contactPhysical symptomsSocial factorsLow trustPotential interventionsMotivationEngagementConvenience sampleCandidate interventionsBehavior modelQualitative studyExperienceEmotionsTrustWheel frameworkInterventionSymptomsCentering Health Equity Within COVID-19 Contact Tracing: Connecticut's Community Outreach Specialist Program
Johnson K, Diallo K, Hennein R, Shelby T, Zhou X, Gupta AJ, Ludomirsky A, Weiss JM, Nunez-Smith M, Soto K, Davis JL. Centering Health Equity Within COVID-19 Contact Tracing: Connecticut's Community Outreach Specialist Program. Journal Of Public Health Management And Practice 2022, 28: 728-738. PMID: 36194817, PMCID: PMC9560910, DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001608.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNon-English speaking populationsRelevant language skillsLanguage skillsCultural barriersCompetent careField notesContact tracingLanguageCommunication effortsTarget communityCOVID-19-related stigmaMaterial supportSpecialist programLocal health departmentsQualitative analysisLow socioeconomic statusCross-sectional analysisCommunity-engaged strategiesProportion of residentsSpeakingCOVID-19 contactHealth departmentsCommunityHealth equityCOVID-19 educationAssessing a norming intervention to promote acceptance of HIV testing and reduce stigma during household tuberculosis contact investigation: protocol for a cluster-randomised trial
Armstrong-Hough M, Ggita J, Gupta AJ, Shelby T, Nangendo J, Ayen DO, Davis JL, Katamba A. Assessing a norming intervention to promote acceptance of HIV testing and reduce stigma during household tuberculosis contact investigation: protocol for a cluster-randomised trial. BMJ Open 2022, 12: e061508. PMID: 35613785, PMCID: PMC9134160, DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061508.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCommunity health workersHIV testingHIV test uptakeHIV status awarenessHome HIV testingHousehold contactsContact investigationTB stigmaTest uptakeHIV stigmaPublic Health Institutional Review BoardHealth Institutional Review BoardTB contact investigationTuberculosis contact investigationCluster-randomised trialHousehold tuberculosis contact investigationPublic health facilitiesVerbal informed consentHuman Investigation CommitteeMakerere University SchoolInstitutional review boardUganda National CouncilProportion of contactsHome HIVStatus awarenessA cost analysis of implementing mobile health facilitated tuberculosis contact investigation in a low-income setting
Turimumahoro P, Tucker A, Gupta AJ, Tampi RP, Babirye D, Ochom E, Ggita JM, Ayakaka I, Sohn H, Katamba A, Dowdy D, Davis JL. A cost analysis of implementing mobile health facilitated tuberculosis contact investigation in a low-income setting. PLOS ONE 2022, 17: e0265033. PMID: 35363783, PMCID: PMC8975098, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265033.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCommunity health workersTuberculosis contact investigationHousehold contactsContact investigationHome-based HIV testingContact investigation strategyHIV testing servicesPatient-provider communicationHome-based strategiesResource-limited settingsLow-income settingsUgandan health systemTB evaluationActive TBHIV testingSputum collectionSputum samplesHealth workersProgram implementationHealth servicesMHealth strategiesHealth systemProgram reachMobile health applicationsRoutine implementationCost-effectiveness analysis of human-centred design for global health interventions: a quantitative framework
Liu C, Lee J, Gupta A, Tucker A, Larkin C, Turimumahoro P, Katamba A, Davis J, Dowdy D. Cost-effectiveness analysis of human-centred design for global health interventions: a quantitative framework. BMJ Global Health 2022, 7: e007912. PMID: 35346954, PMCID: PMC8961136, DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007912.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCost-effectiveness analysisLong-term costsUp-front costsQuantitative frameworkCost scenariosIntervention costsLarge initial costGlobal health interventionsHealth interventionsCostContact investigationInitial costHealth benefitsTB contact investigationTuberculosis contact investigationPayWillingnessHealth systemFrameworkNumber of clientsDALYsBenefitsUgandaInterventionGlobal healthTheory-Informed Design of a Tailored Strategy for Implementing Household TB Contact Investigation in Uganda
Davis JL, Ayakaka I, Ggita JM, Ochom E, Babirye D, Turimumahoro P, Gupta AJ, Mugabe FR, Armstrong-Hough M, Cattamanchi A, Katamba A. Theory-Informed Design of a Tailored Strategy for Implementing Household TB Contact Investigation in Uganda. Frontiers In Public Health 2022, 10: 837211. PMID: 35400072, PMCID: PMC8987305, DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.837211.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsContact investigationBehaviour Change Wheel frameworkMulti-component implementation strategyHousehold contact investigationTB contact investigationCommon infectious causeMultiple behavior change techniquesCluster-randomized trialEvidence-based interventionsWheel frameworkWorld Health OrganizationBehaviour change techniquesUsual careActive tuberculosisInfectious causesMiddle-income countriesHistorical controlsImplementation strategiesParallel mixed-methods studyMicro-randomized trialCOM-B modelBCW frameworkHealth OrganizationTuberculosisMixed-methods studyCore components of a Community of Practice to improve community health worker performance: a qualitative study
Hennein R, Ggita J, Turimumahoro P, Ochom E, Gupta A, Katamba A, Armstrong-Hough M, Davis J. Core components of a Community of Practice to improve community health worker performance: a qualitative study. Implementation Science Communications 2022, 3: 27. PMID: 35272705, PMCID: PMC8908651, DOI: 10.1186/s43058-022-00279-1.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCommunity health workersContact investigationDidactic education sessionsTB contact investigationHealth worker performanceCommunity health worker performanceBehaviour Change Wheel frameworkQuality of careBehaviour change technique taxonomyTuberculosis clinicInterventional studyHealthcare workersHealth workersCHW performanceQualitative studyEducation sessionsFeedback reportsInductive codesWheel frameworkSocial supportBehavior changeIndividual reviewsFuture studiesIntervention functionsProgram effectiveness
2021
Implementation of a volunteer contact tracing program for COVID-19 in the United States: A qualitative focus group study
Shelby T, Hennein R, Schenck C, Clark K, Meyer AJ, Goodwin J, Weeks B, Bond M, Niccolai L, Davis JL, Grau LE. Implementation of a volunteer contact tracing program for COVID-19 in the United States: A qualitative focus group study. PLOS ONE 2021, 16: e0251033. PMID: 33951107, PMCID: PMC8099418, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251033.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchEvaluating the Quality of Tuberculosis Contact Investigation in Cali, Colombia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
Diaz G, Victoria AM, Meyer AJ, Niño Y, Luna L, Ferro BE, Davis J. Evaluating the Quality of Tuberculosis Contact Investigation in Cali, Colombia: A Retrospective Cohort Study. American Journal Of Tropical Medicine And Hygiene 2021, 104: 1309-1316. PMID: 33617470, PMCID: PMC8045602, DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0809.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsRetrospective cohort studyTuberculosis contact investigationContact investigationTB patientsHousehold visitsTB evaluationClinic visitsCohort studyEarly TB diagnosisIndex TB patientsTB contact investigationActive TB patientsTherapy initiationPreventive therapyTB diagnosisSymptomatic contactsMultivariable modelClinic referralsIndex patientsPatientsContact tracingVisitsCumulative probabilityLittle dataReferral
2020
Predictors of evaluation in child contacts of TB patients
Lee G, Meyer AJ, Kizito S, Katamba A, Davis JL, Armstrong-Hough M. Predictors of evaluation in child contacts of TB patients. The International Journal Of Tuberculosis And Lung Disease 2020, 24: 847-849. PMID: 32912391, PMCID: PMC7724585, DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.20.0108.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchExperiences and intentions of Ugandan household tuberculosis contacts receiving test results via text message: an exploratory study
Ggita JM, Katahoire A, Meyer AJ, Nansubuga E, Nalugwa T, Turimumahoro P, Ochom E, Ayakaka I, Haberer JE, Katamba A, Armstrong-Hough M, Davis JL. Experiences and intentions of Ugandan household tuberculosis contacts receiving test results via text message: an exploratory study. BMC Public Health 2020, 20: 310. PMID: 32164612, PMCID: PMC7068887, DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8427-0.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLay health workersHousehold contactsWorld Health OrganizationContact investigationBackgroundThe World Health OrganizationHousehold contact investigationTB-positive resultHigh-burden countriesHousehold tuberculosis contactTuberculosis contactsSputum collectionTB statusHealth workersShort message serviceFurther evaluationTuberculosisThematic saturationHealth OrganizationTB resultsNegative resultsStatus awarenessReliefSemi-structured interviewsText messagesDelivery
2019
Home-based tuberculosis contact investigation in Uganda: a household randomised trial
Davis JL, Turimumahoro P, Meyer AJ, Ayakaka I, Ochom E, Ggita J, Mark D, Babirye D, Okello DA, Mugabe F, Fair E, Vittinghoff E, Armstrong-Hough M, Dowdy D, Cattamanchi A, Haberer JE, Katamba A. Home-based tuberculosis contact investigation in Uganda: a household randomised trial. ERJ Open Research 2019, 5: 00112-2019. PMID: 31367636, PMCID: PMC6661318, DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00112-2019.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCommunity health workersTB contact investigationTuberculosis contact investigationContact investigationTB evaluationIndex patientsWorld Health OrganizationIntervention armHousehold tuberculosis contact investigationCare armHousehold contactsPulmonary TBSputum testingCare contactsHIV diagnosisSecondary outcomesHIV testingPrimary outcomeSymptomatic contactsHealth workersMicrobiologic testingHome evaluationIntervention componentsSputumPatients
2018
Feasibility, Acceptability, and Adoption of Digital Fingerprinting During Contact Investigation for Tuberculosis in Kampala, Uganda: A Parallel-Convergent Mixed-Methods Analysis
White EB, Meyer AJ, Ggita JM, Babirye D, Mark D, Ayakaka I, Haberer JE, Katamba A, Armstrong-Hough M, Davis JL. Feasibility, Acceptability, and Adoption of Digital Fingerprinting During Contact Investigation for Tuberculosis in Kampala, Uganda: A Parallel-Convergent Mixed-Methods Analysis. Journal Of Medical Internet Research 2018, 20: e11541. PMID: 30442637, PMCID: PMC6265600, DOI: 10.2196/11541.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTechnology Acceptance Model 2Digital fingerprintingDigital fingerprintUnique patient identificationData integrityFingerprint captureSoftware leadFingerprint scannerPatient identificationHardware failureDigital technologiesBiometricsModest clusteringClusteringSocial imageTechnologyHousehold tuberculosis contact investigationRobust covariance estimatorPotential solutionsActual useGuide improvementFrameworkHardwareIndividual identificationTemporal characteristics‘Something so hard': a mixed-methods study of home sputum collection for tuberculosis contact investigation in Uganda
Armstrong-Hough M, Ggita J, Turimumahoro P, Meyer AJ, Ochom E, Dowdy D, Cattamanchi A, Katamba A, Davis JL. ‘Something so hard': a mixed-methods study of home sputum collection for tuberculosis contact investigation in Uganda. The International Journal Of Tuberculosis And Lung Disease 2018, 22: 1152-1159. PMID: 30236182, PMCID: PMC6496950, DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.18.0129.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLay health workersSputum collectionContact investigationHome-based collectionTB contact investigationContacts of patientsTuberculosis contact investigationDiagnosis of tuberculosisActive tuberculosisPrompt evaluationRisk factorsEnhanced interventionsIndex patientsConvergent mixed-methods studyHealth workersHome visitsSputumClinical settingTuberculosisMixed-methods studyMixed-method studyPatientsContact interviewsFocus group discussionsInterventionSocial determinants of tuberculosis evaluation among household contacts: a secondary analysis
Shelby T, Meyer AJ, Ochom E, Turimumahoro P, Babirye D, Katamba A, Davis JL, Armstrong-Hough M. Social determinants of tuberculosis evaluation among household contacts: a secondary analysis. Public Health Action 2018, 8: 118-123. PMID: 30271727, PMCID: PMC6147061, DOI: 10.5588/pha.18.0025.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchTB evaluationHousehold contactsContact investigationSocial determinantsHousehold contact investigationCross-sectional studyTuberculosis evaluationTB patientsPrimary level educationTuberculosis unitSputum collectionControl armIndividual symptomsSecondary analysisLow incomeSpecific mechanismsSocio-economic determinantsMedian incomeHead of householdFurther researchSocio-economic factorsPatientsDeterminantsClinicEvaluationIntegrating home HIV counselling and testing into household TB contact investigation: a mixed-methods study
Ochom E, Meyer AJ, Armstrong-Hough M, Kizito S, Ayakaka I, Turimumahoro P, Ggita JM, Katamba A, Davis JL. Integrating home HIV counselling and testing into household TB contact investigation: a mixed-methods study. Public Health Action 2018, 8: 72-78. PMID: 29946523, PMCID: PMC6012957, DOI: 10.5588/pha.18.0014.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCommunity health workersHome-based HCTHousehold contactsHIV testingContact investigationHuman immunodeficiency virus counsellingHousehold TB contactTB contact investigationTuberculosis contact investigationHousehold tuberculosis contact investigationFocus group discussionsProspective mixed-methods studyEnzyme-linked immunosorbentTB contactTB patientsHIV counsellingHealth workersHealth facilitiesIndeterminate resultsPanel testingHctMixed-methods studyAdequate volumeLaboratory techniciansMixed-method study