METHODOLOGY: Using the newly developed PID Life Index software, the index of implementation of principles of care in the management of PIDs patients involving the six participating SEA countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Philippines) were extracted. For each of the six separate principles, the index from the six countries will be compared and presented based on the calculated index.
RESULTS: Comparative analysis of the six principles of care of PID in the SEA countries showed low diagnostic rate with minimal availability of diagnostic tests options. Generally, almost all SEA countries provide curative treatments, vaccines, and anti-infectious therapies although the reimbursement scheme varied in relieving patients' financial burden. We also highlighted the active involvement of patient organizations in SEA, with main areas of work focused on advocacy and increasing awareness among public and healthcare professionals.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: It is applaudable that the SEA continent is gradually strengthening its work in management of PID, especially in Thailand and Vietnam. However, more emphasis must be placed among stakeholders in SEA countries towards successful implementation of the PoC for a holistic management of PID patients.
METHODS: We adopted a cross-sectional study design through an online survey platform to enquire opinions of transition practices from expert representatives in 7 SEA countries.
RESULTS: Regionally, 3 out 7 countries reported having no practice of transition care. Among cited challenges were reluctant adaptation by patients and caregivers to unfamiliarized adult healthcare systems, inadequate ratio of adult immunologists to patients and lack of facilities for transfer.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence to advocate policy makers on the importance of standardized integration of transition practice towards betterment of transiting PID patients into adulthood.
METHOD: This qualitative cross-sectional study utilised online open-ended, semi-structured focus group interviews to explore the perceptions and experiences of parents of children with Primary Immunodeficiency (PID). Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from the Malaysian Patient Organisation for Primary Immunodeficiencies (MyPOPI), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to providing support and raising awareness about PID. The study spanned from May 2023 to July 2023 and included participants from diverse regions of Malaysia who had undergone different diagnostic journeys in various hospitals.
RESULT: The focus group discussions yielded 11 sub-themes that highlighted the experiences, understanding and challenges of the participants regarding genetic testing based on the semi-structured questions. These sub-themes were then grouped into four main themes that are awareness and understanding of genetic testing, the journey towards diagnosis and treatment, emotional impact and psychological factors, and the importance of medical experts in diagnosing and managing PID, as well as public perception and awareness.
CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study highlights the diverse knowledge, awareness, and perception surrounding genetic testing for PID. Factors such as access to services, family history, and personal circumstances shape individuals' understanding of genetic testing. The importance of healthcare professionals, along with the need for improved accessibility and targeted communication strategies, is underscored to enhance understanding and reduce stigma surrounding genetic testing for rare diseases like PID.