Website Update: Email Subscriptions Discontinued

Posted by
  Website Update: Email Subscriptions Discontinued I want to share an important update regarding email subscriptions and newsletters on Arácnido Taxonomy. Effective immediately, I have discontinued using Mailchimp for email newsletter subscriptions. Over the past several days, the subscription system and associated website functions have been subjected to persistent automated bot activity and attempted exploitation. In addition to generating unwanted subscription activity, these requests have contributed to periods of reduced website performance. To help protect the website, its content, and legitimate visitors, the Mailchimp subscription and registration functions have been removed. Following Arácnido Taxonomy via RSS For the foreseeable future, RSS will be the primary way to subscribe to and follow new posts and updates from Arácnido Taxonomy. RSS provides a simple, direct way to receive new content without submitting an email address or creating an account. Once the Arácnido Ta...

A best-worst scaling statistical design of experiment study to model healthcare workers' prioritization of snake antivenoms available in sub-Saharan Africa for treating snakebite envenoming: Perspectives from Ghana

Posted by

 


A best-worst scaling statistical design of experiment study to model healthcare workers' prioritization of snake antivenoms available in sub-Saharan Africa for treating snakebite envenoming: Perspectives from Ghana

Abstract

Introduction

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with tropical or subtropical climates and a high poverty rate, the risk of snakebite envenoming (SBE) is high. Healthcare workers, together with patients, are the end-users of antivenom. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers' antivenom prioritization by providing quantitative evidence to guide policymakers to make better decisions to improve the procurement and supply of antivenoms, enhance the effectiveness of snakebite treatment, and improve patient care quality in Ghana.

Method

We gathered data through an interview-based survey, selecting a random sample of 203 healthcare workers from two districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana in August 2023. We employed the best-worst scaling method to evaluate how healthcare workers prioritize antivenoms.

Result

Participants highly prioritized Inoserp Pan-Africa polyvalent antivenom. Snake Venom Antiserum -PanAfrica is also commonly prioritized, followed by EchiTabPlus, ASNA antivenom D, ASNA antivenom C, Snake Venom Antiserum African, Anti Snake Venom Serum Pan Africa, and Fav-Afrique. However, some antivenoms are least commonly prioritized, such as SAIMR Echis, Combipack of Snake Venom Antiserum, Anti Snake Venom Serum Central Africa, Anti-Snake Venom Serum Central Africa, Snake Venom Antiserum Echiven Plus, Antivipmyn-Africa, Menaven, Snake Venom Antitoxin, Echiven, Anti Snake Venom Serum Monovalent Echis ocellatus, EchiTAbG, and VINS-Echis. In comparison to other antivenoms, Inoserp Pan-Africa is more frequently prioritized. At the same time, Snake Venom Antiserum - PanAfrica is less frequently prioritized but is still more likely than other options. EchiTabPlus is more likely to be prioritized than other antivenom options.

Conclusion

Our findings provide valuable insights to inform policy discussions on the use of available antivenoms in treating SBE. There is an urgent need to implement regulations on antivenom products, improve procurement and supply, and provide training to healthcare workers to combat SBE.
Nyarko, E., & Ameho, E. K. (2025). A best-worst scaling statistical design of experiment study to model healthcare workers' prioritization of snake antivenoms available in sub-Saharan Africa for treating snakebite envenoming: Perspectives from Ghana. Toxicon, 266, 108544. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2025.108544