Investigators: Jonathan Carapetis, Joseph Kado
Fiji has one of the highest burdens of RHD is in the world and RHD is the second most common cause of death in young people in Fiji. Secondary prevention (SP) using benzathine penicillin G (BPG) is and has been the mainstay of RHD treatment since 1950. The widespread use of BPG has been limited because it is unacceptable to both provider and patients. BPG is needed every 3-4 weeks for at least 10 years, is difficult to administer and is quite painful. Despite being a cheap drug, the cost of delivery is bourgeoned by the staffing, infrastructure, missed-work and out-of-pocket travel costs.
This research plan includes:
- A head-to-head comparison of two formulations of BPG given by two routes to inform some drug parameters for longer-acting reformulations.
- Explore a combination of interventions to improve the patient experience of BPG injections
- Explore their preferences for SP and BPG reformulation.