Browsing by Author "Irusen, H."
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Item Effective Project Management of a Pan-African Cancer Research Network: Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP)(Journal of Global Oncology, 2018-09) Odiaka, E.; Lounsbury, D.W.; Jalloh, M.; Adusei, B.; Diallo, T.A.; Kane, P.M.S.; Rockson, I.; Okyne, V.; Irusen, H.; Pentz, A.; Makinde, I.et.al.Purpose Health research in low- and middle-income countries can generate novel scientific knowledge and improve clinical care, fostering population health improvements to prevent premature death. Project management is a critical part of the success of this research, applying knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to accomplish required goals. Here, we describe the development and implementation of tools to support a multifaceted study of prostate cancer in Africa, focusing on building strategic and operational capacity. Methods Applying a learning organizational framework, we developed and implemented a project management toolkit (PMT) that includes a management process flowchart, a cyclical center-specific schedule of activities, periodic reporting and communication, and center-specific monitoring and evaluation metrics. Results The PMT was successfully deployed during year one of the project with effective component implementation occurring through periodic cycles of dissemination and feedback to local center project managers. A specific evaluation was conducted 1 year after study initiation to obtain enrollment data, evaluate individual quality control management plans, and undertake risk log assessments and follow-up. Pilot data obtained identified areas in which centers required mentoring, strengthening, and capacity development. Strategies were implemented to improve project goals and operational capacity through local problem solving, conducting quality control checks and following compliancy with study aims. Moving forward, centers will perform quarterly evaluations and initiate strengthening measures as required. Conclusion The PMT has fostered the development of both strategic and operational capacity across project centers. Investment in project management resources is essential to ensuring high-quality, impactful health research in low- and middle-income countries.Item Overall and central obesity and prostate cancer risk in African men(Springer, 2021) Agalliu, I.; Lin, W.J.; Zhang, J.S.; Jacobson, J.S.; Rohan, T.E.; Adusei, B.; Snyper, N.Y.F.; Andrews, C.; Sidahmed, E.; Mensah, J.E.; Biritwum, R.; Adjei, A.A.; Okyne, V.; Ainuson‑Quampah, J.; Fernandez, P.; Irusen, H.; Odiaka, E.; Folasire, O.F.; Ifeoluwa, M.G.; Aisuodionoe‑Shadrach, O.I.; Nwegbu, M.M.; Pentz, A.; Chen, W.C.; Jofe, M.; Neugut, A.I.; Diallo, T.A.; Jalloh, M.; Rebbeck, T.R.; Adebiyi, A.O.; Hsing, A.W.Purpose African men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer (PCa). Given the increasing prevalence of obesity in Africa, and its association with aggressive PCa in other populations, we examined the relationship of overall and central obesity with risks of total and aggressive PCa among African men. Methods Between 2016 and 2020, we recruited 2,200 PCa cases and 1,985 age-matched controls into a multi-center, hospital-based case–control study in Senegal, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. Participants completed an epidemiologic questionnaire, and anthropometric factors were measured at clinic visit. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations of overall and central obesity with PCa risk, measured by body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), respectively. Results Among controls 16.4% were obese (BMI≥30 kg/m2 ), 26% and 90% had WC>97 cm and WHR>0.9, respectively. Cases with aggressive PCa had lower BMI/obesity in comparison to both controls and cases with less aggressive PCa, suggesting weight loss related to cancer. Overall obesity (odds ratio: OR = 1.38, 95% CI 0.99–1.93), and central obesity (WC>97 cm: OR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.10–2.33; and WHtR>0.59: OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.24–2.29) were positively associated with D’Amico intermediate-risk PCa, but not with risks of total or high-risk PCa. Associations were more pronounced in West versus South Africa, but these differences were not statistically significant. Discussion The high prevalence of overall and central obesity in African men and their association with intermediate-risk PCa represent an emerging public health concern in Africa. Large cohort studies are needed to better clarify the role of obesity and PCa in various African populations.