[Comparison between various methods of pregnancy screening during a large-scale ivermectin treatment in Cameroon]

Bull Soc Pathol Exot. 1995;88(3):129-33.
[Article in French]

Abstract

During a mass treatment with ivermectin which is contraindicated to pregnant women, authors made a screening for pregnancy by questioning 2,580 women from 15 to 45 years old. 1,409 of these women were also interrogated by a female physician assisted by a native matron to detect pregnant women. In 1,798 women, at least one immunological pregnancy test has been used in the field. A nine months follow-up was made to check answers. Women's knowledge led to a good appreciation of pregnancy as they correctly appreciated their pregnancy from the second month: specificity was good (98%) but sensitivity was moderate (71%). Conclusions made by gynecological team after detailed questionnaire were more sensitive (80%), but specificity decrease dramatically to 59%. Combinations of several items in the questionnaire showed no benefit. Sensitivity of the various immunological pregnancy tests tried was included in 70 to 90% and specificity was varying from 87 to 97%. Simple questioning of women was the most efficient method (efficiency value was 94% against 63% for interview and 92% for pregnancy tests). However, the use of this method induced the risk that about 29% of women have been treated although they were pregnant.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cameroon
  • Contraindications
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Ivermectin / therapeutic use*
  • Mass Screening
  • Middle Aged
  • Onchocerciasis / prevention & control
  • Population Surveillance
  • Pregnancy Tests*
  • Pregnancy*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Ivermectin