Onaedo Ilozumba
@bham.ac.uk
Scopus Publications
- Exploring Oral Health Challenges and Barriers to Dental Care Among Children in Cabo Verde: A Qualitative Study
Onaedo Ilozumba, Marijke W. Visser, J. J. (Hans) de Soet, Catherine M. C. Volgenant
Public Health Challenges, 2026
Objectives Global oral health is a crucial topic since this (largely preventable) burden affects 3.5 million people worldwide, disproportionately impacting disadvantaged groups and exacerbating in low‐ and middle‐income countries like Cabo Verde. Our aim in this exploratory study was to understand the oral health landscape for children in Sal, Cabo Verde. Methods Through a purposive sampling strategy and snowballing approach, we identified 38 stakeholders, including 20 schoolchildren and 8 parents. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews and focus groups. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Results Three main themes emerged from the data: oral health knowledge and practices, dietary habits, and dental service accessibility. Key challenges included time constraints limiting comprehensive oral health education in schools; parental struggles in managing children's habits; pervasive availability of sugar‐rich foods driven by affordability and social influence; provision of sweets by tourists reinforcing uncontrolled sugar intake; and limited access to professional oral health care. Community associations played a dual role, offering support but lacking structured oral health initiatives. Discussion This study highlights systemic barriers to oral health among Cabo Verdean children and reveals unique local dynamics. Tourism—while economically beneficial—unintentionally contributes to poor oral health through sweets distribution and shifting dietary habits, a factor rarely addressed in the literature. Limited access to affordable care and underutilized community associations further exacerbate challenges. These findings call for integrated strategies that strengthen community‐based programs and embed oral health considerations into tourism and education policies. - Sustaining community self-help groups beyond donor support: lessons from a qualitative study of self-help groups, including persons affected by leprosy and disability in rural India
Joydeepa Darlong, Mythily VS Charles, Onaedo Ilozumba, Karthikeyan Govindasamy, Anjali Shrivastva, et al.
BMJ Open, 2026
Introduction Leprosy remains a significant public health challenge in many low and middle-income countries, including India. People affected by leprosy face multifaceted challenges: physical, psychological, social and economic. In response, donors support self-help groups (SHGs) to improve health, social integration and economic circumstances for marginalised people, including those with leprosy. This study aims to assess the sustainability of SHGs in India after the withdrawal of donor support by examining whether they remain functional and exploring the key factors, barriers and facilitators that influence their long-term social and economic viability. Objectives To examine the functionality of SHGs after withdrawal of donor support, and to explore the factors, barriers and facilitators influencing their long-term social and economic sustainability. Methods Using qualitative methods, we conducted semistructured interviews with 40 key informants associated with five SHGs formed under the Self-Help Community Development Project implemented in an endemic state of India and funded by The Leprosy Mission Trust India. Study design It was an exploratory qualitative study using interviews with SHG members and key informants, situated within the self-help community-based project. Results While some SHGs demonstrated resilience and adaptability, others faced challenges such as internal discord, loss of members to migration and lack of access to government schemes. Thematic analysis revealed key drivers and barriers to sustainability and realising the benefits of SHGs, highlighting variations in leadership, governance, economic performance and social engagement across groups. Discussion and conclusion SHGs are often sustained after the funding and managerial donor support have been withdrawn. The findings emphasise the importance of strong leadership, community support and external facilitation in sustaining SHGs and enhancing their impact on marginalised populations. This study contributes to understanding the role of SHGs in addressing the socioeconomic challenges faced by individuals affected by leprosy and offers insights for improving their long-term viability. - A randomised controlled trial of raw honey for the healing of ulcers in leprosy in Nigeria
Paul Alumbugu Tsaku, Sunday Odihiri Udo, Pius Sunday, Anthony Meka, Linda Chinonso Ugwu, et al.
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2025
Introduction Chronic neuropathic ulcers remain a debilitating complication of leprosy, with limited evidence for effective treatments. Honey has been recommended to promote wound healing in other chronic ulcers. However, its efficacy in ulcer healing has not been rigorously evaluated. Methods This dual-centre, prospective, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial compared raw honey dressings (n = 65) versus standard saline dressings (n = 65) for leprosy-associated foot ulcers in Nigeria. Participants with ulcers (2–20 cm 2 , ≥ 6 weeks duration) were randomised 1:1, stratified by ulcer size. Primary outcomes were complete healing by 84 days and healing rate, assessed through blinded digital planimetry. Secondary outcomes included ulcer recurrence and/or new ulcer development at 6 months. A total of 130 participants were randomised in the study. Results Complete healing occurred in 29.2% of honey-treated ulcers versus 24.6% with saline (adjusted HR 1.26, 95% CI 0.64-2.47). At 6 months, recurrence rates were similar (honey 13.5% vs saline 10.2%). The honey group showed a non-significant trend toward faster healing (p = 0.076). No treatment-related adverse events occurred. Conclusion While honey dressings showed a modest advantage in healing rate, the difference was not statistically significant. The results suggest honey may be a safe, culturally acceptable option in resource-limited settings. This study provides high-quality data for inclusion in future systematic reviews. Trial registration ISRCTN10093277. Registered on 22 December 2021. - A scoping review to evaluate the efficacy of combining traditional healing and modern psychiatry in global mental healthcare
Sagar Jilka, Catherine Winsper, Samantha A. Johnson, Onaedo Ilozumba, Ryan G Wagner, et al.
Global Mental Health, 2025
Traditional faith healers (TFHs) are often consulted for serious mental illness (SMIs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Involvement of TFHs in mental healthcare could provide an opportunity for early identification and intervention to reduce the mental health treatment gap in LMICs. The aim of this study was to identify models of collaboration between TFHs and biomedical professionals, determine the outcomes of these collaborative models and identify any mechanisms (i.e., explanatory processes) or contextual moderators (i.e., barriers and facilitators) of these outcomes. A systematic scoping review of five electronic databases was performed from inception to March 2023 guided by consultation with local experts in Nigeria and Bangladesh. Data were extracted using a predefined data charting form and synthesised narratively. Six independent studies (eight articles) satisfied the inclusion criteria. Study locations included Ghana (n = 1), Nigeria (n = 1), Nigeria and Ghana (n = 1), India (n = 1), Hong Kong (n = 1) and South Africa (n = 1). We identified two main intervention typologies: (1) Western-based educational interventions for TFHs and (2) shared collaborative models between TFHs and biomedical professionals. Converging evidence from both typologies indicated that education for TFHs can help reduce harmful practices. Shared collaborative models led to significant improvements in psychiatric symptoms (in comparison to care as usual) and increases in referrals to biomedical care from TFHs. Proposed mechanisms underpinning outcomes included trust building and empowering TFHs by increasing awareness and knowledge of mental illness and human rights. Barriers to implementation were observed at the individual (e.g., suspicions of TFHs), relationship (e.g., reluctance of biomedical practitioners to equalise their status with TFHs) and service (e.g., lack of formal referral systems) levels. Research on collaborative models for mental healthcare is in its infancy. Preliminary findings are encouraging. To ensure effective collaboration, future programmes should incorporate active participation from community stakeholders (e.g., patients, caregivers, faith healers) and target barriers to implementation on multiple levels. - Bridging the gap: challenges and opportunities of assistive technology loan library systems for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the United States
Peshawa Mahmood, Jeffrey Ruffing, Onaedo Ilozumba, Ikenna D. Ebuenyi
Disability and Rehabilitation Assistive Technology, 2025 - A randomised Trial of Autologous Blood products, leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), to promote ulcer healing in LEprosy: The TABLE trial
Indra B. Napit, Dilip Shrestha, Sopna Choudhury, Eleni Gkini, Onaedo Ilozumba, et al.
Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2024
Introduction Autologous blood products like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Leukocyte and Platelets Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) have been used for many years across many types of skin ulcers. However, the effectiveness of autologous blood products on wound healing is not well established. Methods We evaluated the ‘second generation’ autologous product- Leukocyte and Platelet- Rich Fibrin (L-PRF). Our trial was undertaken on patients suffering from neuropathic leprosy ulcers at the Anandaban hospital which serves the entire country of Nepal. We conducted a 1:1 (n = 130) individually randomised trial of L-PRF (intervention) vs. normal saline dressing (control) to compare rate of healing and time to complete healing. Rate of healing was estimated using blind assessments of ulcer areas based on three different measurement methods. Time to complete healing was measured by the local unblinded clinicians and by blind assessment of ulcer images. Results The point estimates for both outcomes were favourable to L-PRF but the effect sizes were small. Unadjusted mean differences (intervention vs control) in mean daily healing rates (cm2) were respectively 0.012 (95% confidence interval 0.001 to 0.023, p = 0.027); 0.016 (0.004 to 0.027, p = 0.008) and 0.005 (-0.005 to 0.016, p = 0.313) across the three measurement methods. Time to complete healing at 42 days yielded Hazard Ratios (unadjusted) of 1.3 (0.8 to 2.1, p = 0.300) assessed by unblinded local clinicians and 1.2 (0.7 to 2.0, p = 0.462) on blind assessment. Conclusion Any benefit from L-PRF appears insufficient to justify routine use in care of neuropathic ulcers in leprosy. Trial registration ISRCTN14933421. Date of trial registration: 16 June 2020. - Approaches to improve and adapt maternal mortality estimations in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review
Maya Tholandi, Siem Zethof, Young‐Mi Kim, Abera Kenay Tura, Johannes Ket, et al.
International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2024
BackgroundIn the absence of robust vital registration systems, many low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) rely on national surveys or routine surveillance systems to estimate the maternal mortality ratio (MMR). Although the importance of MMR estimates in ending preventable maternal deaths is acknowledged, there is limited research on how different approaches are used and adapted, and how these adaptations function.ObjectivesTo assess methods for estimating maternal mortality in LMICs and the rationale for these modifications.Search StrategyA literature search with the terms “maternal death”, “surveys” and “low‐ and middle‐income countries” was performed in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, ERIC, and IBSS from January 2013 to March 17, 2023.Selection CriteriaStudies were eligible if their main focus was to compare, adapt, or assess methods to estimate maternal mortality in LMICs.Data Collection and AnalysisTitles and abstracts were screened using Rayyan. Relevant articles were independently reviewed by two reviewers against inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on mortality measurement methods, their context, and results.Main ResultsNineteen studies were included, focusing on data completeness, subnational estimates, and community involvement. Routinely generated MMR estimates are more complete when multiple data sources are triangulated, including data from public and private health facilities, the community, and local authorities (e.g. vital registration, police reports). For subnational estimates, existing (e.g. the sisterhood method and reproductive‐age mortality surveys [RAMOS]) and adapted methods (e.g. RAMOS 4 + 2 and Pictorial Sisterhood Method) provided reliable confidence intervals. Community engagement in data collection increased community awareness of maternal deaths, provided local ownership, and was expected to reduce implementation costs. However, most studies did not include a cost‐effectiveness analysis.ConclusionHousehold surveys with community involvement and RAMOS can be used to increase data validity, improve local awareness of maternal mortality estimates, and reduce costs in LMICs. - Autologous blood products: Leucocyte and Platelets Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) and Platelets Rich Plasma (PRP) gel to promote cutaneous ulcer healing - a systematic review
Indra B Napit, Dilip Shrestha, Karuna Neupane, Anju Adhikari, Rolina Dhital, et al.
BMJ Open, 2023
Objective To summarise evidence on the effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) gel and Leucocyte and Platelet Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) gel as agents promoting ulcer healing compared with the standard wound dressing techniques alone. Design Systematic review. Eligibility criteria Individual patient randomised controlled trials on skin ulcers of all types excluding traumatic lesions. Intervention group: treatment with topical application of L-PRF gel or PRP gel to the wound surface. Control group: treatment with standard skin ulcer care using normal saline, normgel or hydrogel dressings. Information sources Medline (Ovid), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and Web of Science and manual search of studies from previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The papers published from 1946 to 2022 with no restriction on geography and language were included. The last date of the search was performed on 29 August 2022. Data extraction and synthesis Independent reviewers identified eligible studies, extracted data, assessed risk of bias using V.2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials tool and assessed certainty of evidence by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Main outcome measures Time to complete healing, proportion healed at a given time and rate of healing. Results Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, five using PRP gel and two using L-PRF gel. One study showed a better proportion of complete healing, three reported reduced meantime to complete healing and five showed improved rate of healing per unit of time in the intervention group. The risk of bias was high across all studies with one exception and the GRADE showed very low certainty of evidence. Conclusion The findings show potential for better outcomes in the intervention; however, the evidence remains inconclusive highlighting a large research gap in ulcer treatment and warrant better-designed clinical trials. PROSPERO registration number CRD42022352418. - Male engagement in family planning: The role of faith leaders in urban West Africa
Renske Hylkema, Onaedo Ilozumba
Journal of Public Health United Kingdom, 2023
Sustainable Development Goal 3 aims to improve access to modern contraceptives and inform and educate people on family planning (FP). However, contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in West Africa is low at approximately 20%. One related factor is the limited engagement of males in FP decision-making. Addressing this issue requires a multiplicity of approaches, including the engagement of faith leaders. Faith leaders are often trusted by their congregants and could be an avenue to promoting male involvement in FP. In this report, we discuss the role of faith leaders in two West African countries, Nigeria and Ghana. We conducted 11 in-depth interviews with faith leaders in Nigeria and Ghana. Our exploratory findings indicate that faith leaders seem to have adequate knowledge and a positive perspective on male engagement and FP. In addition, the relationship of trust faith leaders maintain with their congregants is valuable in educating or counselling congregants on male engagement and FP. - An evaluation protocol of ‘Replicability Model’ project for detection and treatment of leprosy and related disability in Chhattisgarh, India
Joydeepa Darlong, Karthikeyan Govindasamy, Onaedo Ilozumba, Sopna Choudhury, Anjali Shrivastva, et al.
Plos One, 2023
Introduction People affected by leprosy are at increased risk of impairments and deformities from peripheral nerve damage. This mostly occurs if diagnosis and treatment is delayed and contributes to continued transmission within the community. Champa district of Chhattisgarh state in India is an endemic area with the highest national annual case detection and disability rates for leprosy. The Replicability Model is a system strengthening intervention implemented by the Leprosy Mission Trust India in Champa that aims to promote early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy, improve on-going management of the effects of leprosy and improve welfare for the people affected by leprosy. This protocol presents a plan to describe the overall implementation of the Replicability Model and describe the barriers and facilitators encountered in the process. We will also quantify the effect of the program on one of its key aims- early leprosy diagnosis. Methods The replicability model will be implemented over four years, and the work described in this protocol will be conducted in the same timeframe. We have two Work Packages (WPs). In WP1, we will conduct a process evaluation. This will include three methods i) observations of replicability model implementation teams’ monthly meetings ii) key informant interviews (n = 10) and interviews with stakeholders (n = 30) iii) observations of key actors (n = 15). Our purpose is to describe the implementation process and identify barriers and facilitators to successful implementation. WP2 will be a quantitative study to track existing and new cases of leprosy using routinely collected data. If the intervention is successful, we expect to see an increase in cases (with a higher proportion detected at an early clinical stage) followed by a decrease in total cases. Conclusion This study will enable us to improve and disseminate the Replicability Model by identifying factors that promote success. It will also identify its effectiveness in fulfilling one of its aims: reducing the incidence of leprosy by finding and tracking cases at an earlier stage in the disease. - Investigating the sustainability of self-help programmes in the context of leprosy and the work of leprosy missions in Nigeria, Nepal and India: A qualitative study protocol
Sopna Choudhury, Onaedo Ilozumba, Joydeepa Darlong, Karthikeyan Govindasamy, Paul A Tsaku, et al.
BMJ Open, 2023 - Minimal added value of wetting hair before scalp cooling to prevent chemotherapy-induced alopecia in cancer patients — results from the Dutch Scalp Cooling Registry
Robin E. Heibloem, Manon M. C. Komen, Onaedo U.C. Ilozumba, Corina J.G. van den Hurk
Supportive Care in Cancer, 2023 - Risk factor-based screening compared to universal screening for gestational diabetes mellitus in marginalized Burman and Karen populations on the Thailand-Myanmar border: An observational cohort
Janna T. Prüst, Tobias Brummaier, Mu Wah, Htay Htay Yee, Nyo Nyo Win, et al.
Wellcome Open Research, 2023 - Ethnic minority experiences of mental health services in the Netherlands: an exploratory study
Onaedo Ilozumba, Tirsah S Koster, Elena V Syurina, Ikenna Ebuenyi
BMC Research Notes, 2022 - Correction: Ethnic minority experiences of mental health services in the Netherlands: an exploratory study (BMC Research Notes, (2022), 15, 1, (266), 10.1186/s13104-022-06159-0)
Onaedo Ilozumba, Tirsah S. Koster, Elena V. Syurina, Ikenna Ebuenyi
BMC Research Notes, 2022 - Cancer as a death sentence: developing an initial program theory for an IVR intervention
Onaedo Ilozumba, Johnblack Kabukye, Nicolet de Keizer, Ronald Cornet, Jacqueline E W Broerse
Health Promotion International, 2022 - Reasons for using telemedicine medical abortion in Mexico and Chile
Moné Vasquez Ladron de Guevara, Onaedo Ilozumba, Karin Rebecka Brandell, Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson, Rebecca Gomperts
BMJ Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2022 - 10-year evaluation of the use of medical abortion through telemedicine: a retrospective cohort study
Hanna Nortén, Onaedo Ilozumba, J Wilkinson, K Gemzell‐Danielsson, R Gomperts
BJOG an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2022 - Self-care programmes for people living with leprosy: A scoping review
Onaedo Ilozumba, Richard J. Lilford
Leprosy Review, 2021 - Can mHealth interventions contribute to increased HPV vaccination uptake? A systematic review
Onaedo Ilozumba, Paula Schmidt, Johannes C.F. Ket, Monique Jaspers
Preventive Medicine Reports, 2021 - Implementation of an interactive voice response system for cancer awareness in Uganda: Mixed methods study
Johnblack K Kabukye, Onaedo Ilozumba, Jacqueline E W Broerse, Nicolette de Keizer, Ronald Cornet
Jmir Mhealth and Uhealth, 2021 - Mobile health and the performance of maternal health care workers in low- and middle-income countries: A realist review
Ibukun-Oluwa Omolade Abejirinde, Onaedo Ilozumba, Bruno Marchal, Marjolein Zweekhorst, Marjolein Dieleman
International Journal of Care Coordination, 2018 - The Effect of a Community Health Worker Utilized Mobile Health Application on Maternal Health Knowledge and Behavior: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Onaedo Ilozumba, Sara Van Belle, Marjolein Dieleman, Loan Liem, Murari Choudhury, et al.
Frontiers in Public Health, 2018 - Multistakeholder perspectives on maternal text messaging intervention in uganda: Qualitative study
Onaedo Ilozumba, Marjolein Dieleman, Sara Van Belle, Moses Mukuru, Azucena Bardají, et al.
Jmir Mhealth and Uhealth, 2018 - "I am not telling. the mobile is telling": Factors influencing the outcomes of a community health worker mHealth intervention in India
Onaedo Ilozumba, Marjolein Dieleman, Nadine Kraamwinkel, Sara Van Belle, Murari Chaudoury, et al.
Plos One, 2018 - Targeting strategies of mHealth interventions for maternal health in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review protocol
Onaedo Ilozumba, Ibukun-Oluwa Omolade Abejirinde, Marjolein Dieleman, Azucena Bardají, Jacqueline E W Broerse, et al.
BMJ Open, 2018 - Opinion of women on emergency obstetric care provided in public facilities in Lagos, Nigeria: A qualitative study
Kikelomo Wright, Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas, Olatunji Sonoiki, Babatunde Ajayi, Onaedo Ilozumba, et al.
Health Care for Women International, 2017 - Multi-stakeholder perspectives on access, availability and utilization of emergency obstetric care services in Lagos, Nigeria: A mixed-methods study
Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas, Kikelomo Wright, Olatunji Sonoiki, Onaedo Ilozumba, Babatunde Ajayi, et al.
Journal of Public Health in Africa, 2017 - Assessing emergency obstetric care provision in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review of the application of global guidelines
Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas, Kikelomo Wright, Olatunji Sonoiki, Oluwasola Banke-Thomas, Babatunde Ajayi, et al.
Global Health Action, 2016 - Systematic review of the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory-Short Form
Kristine A. Donovan, Kevin D. Stein, Morgan Lee, Corinne R. Leach, Onaedo Ilozumba, et al.
Supportive Care in Cancer, 2015
