Transforming Parkinson’s Care in Africa (TraPCAf): protocol for a multimethodology National Institute for Health and Care Research Global Health Research Group project
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC Neurology
Abstract
Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and, according
to the Global Burden of Disease estimates in 2015, was the fastest growing neurological disorder globally with respect
to associated prevalence, disability, and deaths. Information regarding the awareness, diagnosis, phenotypic charac‑
teristics, epidemiology, prevalence, risk factors, treatment, economic impact and lived experiences of people with PD
from the African perspective is relatively sparse in contrast to the developed world, and much remains to be learned
from, and about, the continent.
Methods Transforming Parkinson’s Care in Africa (TraPCAf ) is a multi-faceted, mixed-methods, multi-national
research grant. The study design includes multiple sub-studies, combining observational (qualitative and quantitative)
approaches for the epidemiological, clinical, risk factor and lived experience components, as appropriate, and inter‑
ventional methods (clinical trial component). The aim of TraPCAf is to describe and gain a better understanding
of the current situation of PD in Africa. The countries included in this National Institute for Health and Care Research
(NIHR) Global Health Research Group (Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Tanzania) represent
diverse African geographies and genetic profles, with difering resources, healthcare systems, health and social
protection schemes, and policies. The research team is composed of experts in the feld with vast experience in PD,
jointly led by a UK-based and Africa-based investigator.
Discussion Despite the increasing prevalence of PD globally, robust data on the disease from Africa are lacking. Exist‑
ing data point towards the poor awareness of PD and other neurological disorders on the continent and subsequent
challenges with stigma, and limited access to afordable services and medication. This multi-site study will be the frst
of its kind in Africa. The data collected across the proposed sub-studies will provide novel and conclusive insights
into the situation of PD. The selected country sites will allow for useful comparisons and make results relevant to other
low- and middle-income countries. This grant is timely, as global recognition of PD and the public health challenge it poses builds. The work will contribute to broader initiatives, including the World Health Organization’s Intersectoral
global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Parkinson’s disease, Africa, Diagnosis, Treatment