Magnitude and associated factors of VIA positive test results for cervical cancer screening among refugee women aged 25-49 years in North Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide cervical cancer is the third most common malignancy in women. It usually arises from the cervical area which is susceptible to Human Papilloma virus induced malignancy changes. In low-resource setting visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) is an alternative sensitive cervical screening method. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and associated factors of VIA positive test results for Cervical Cancer screening among Eritrean refugee women aged 25-49 years in northern Ethiopia refugee camps. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 412 Eritrean refugee women aged 25-49 years from august 10 to September 25, 2018. Study subjects were selected by simple random sampling method. Data were collected using pretested structured questioner through Face-to-face interview and cervical examination. Data were coded and entered to Epi info software version 7 and then exported to Statistical package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was made to test the association between the independent variables and the outcome variable. P-value of less than 0.05 with 95% CI was considered to declare statistical significance. RESULT: In this study the magnitude of VIA positive precancerous cervical lesions was 9% (95% CI: 6.3-11.8%). Previous history of sexually transmitted infections (STI) [AOR (95%CI) = 2.84(1.07-7.53)] and presence of STI during cervical examination [AOR (95%CI) =3.97(1.75-9.00)] were found significantly associated with VIA positive precancerous cervical lesions. CONCLUSIONS: In this study the magnitude of VIA positive precancerous cervical lesions was high. Previous history of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and presence of STI during cervical examination were found associated with VIA positive precancerous cervical lesions. Efforts such as early screening for sexually transmitted disease shall be done to prevent precancerous cervical lesions.

The social health impact of Eritrean refugees on the host communities: the case of May-ayni refugee camp, Northern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: Migration is a contemporary global issue and the exodus of refugees may potentially posit new social health challenges in the host communities. Ethiopia is a host to the second largest refugee population in Africa. The aim of this study was to explore the health impacts by the Eritrean refugees in May-ayni camp, North West Tigrai on the host community. The research used a qualitative exploratory approach. Participants were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. The primary sources of the data were in-depth interviews of 20 key informants, and focus group discussions with 30 refugees and 30 members of the host community. Transcription and translation was done verbatim and finally thematic analysis was done using an inductive approach. RESULTS: The findings of this research indicated that the refugees in the May-ayni camp created actual social and health threats to the members of the host communities. The socio-cultural norms of the host peoples were disrupted in terms of their social insecurity and introduction of health related challenges such as the spread of sexually transmitted infections and other reproductive health problems.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and its associated factors among children age 6-24 months in Burao district, Somaliland.

BACKGROUND: Adequate nutrition during early childhood ensures growth and development of children and breast milk is better than any other products given to a child. However, studies on exclusive breastfeeding practice are limited in Somaliland. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and its associated factors among children 6-24 months of age in Burao district, Somaliland. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 26 August to 10 October 2018, in Burao district among randomly, selected 464 mothers with children 6-24 months of age. Data were collected through face-to-face interview using pretested structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding was 20.47% (95% CI 18.84, 23.63%). Exclusive breastfeeding practice was associated with: having female child (AOR 0.48; 95% CI 0.29, 0.80)), lack of formal education (AOR 0.32; 95% CI 0.19, 0.53), household monthly income 100$-200$ (AOR 0.35;95% CI 0.18, 0.68), lack of husband's support (AOR 0.32; 95% CI 0.19, 0.53), and mothers who were not counselled on breastfeeding during antenatal care (AOR = 0.33; 95% CI 0.16, 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: Exclusive breastfeeding practice was very low as compared to recommendations of infant and young child practice (IYCF) which recommends children to exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months of life. Exclusive breastfeeding practice was associated with a mother's lack of formal education, monthly income less than 100$, being a female child, lack of advice on exclusive breastfeeding during antenatal care and lack of husband support. The promotion of education for women, husband's engagement, encouraging antenatal care follow-up and counseling of exclusive breastfeeding during antenatal care was recommended to improve exclusive breastfeeding practice.

Formula-feeding practice and associated factors among urban and rural mothers with infants 0-6 months of age: a comparative study in Jimma zone Western Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Infants are in a state of rapid development and maturation; the growth rate is most rapid during the first 4 to 6 months of life. Few studies indicated that in developing countries including Ethiopia the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding is declining and being replaced by formula milk. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the formula-feeding practice and its associated factors among urban and rural mothers with infants 0-6 months of age in the Jimma Zone, Western Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 7, 2015, to January 10, 2016, in the Jimma Zone. The quantitative data were collected from a sample of 714 respondents using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and the multivariate logistic regression model was used to show predictors of the formula-feeding practice among mothers with infants 0-6 months of age. RESULT: The proportion of mothers who feed their baby formula-based was 47.2%, of which 34.5% were living in rural areas and 65.5% were living in urban areas. Among the mothers living in urban areas, the likelihood of formula-feeding was significantly associated with maternal educational status and attitude towards formula-feeding. On the other hand, being attended by relatives/friends and the traditional birth attendant was significantly associated with the formula-feeding practice among mothers who live in rural areas. CONCLUSION: Nearly half of the mothers in the study area practice formula-feeding for their infant. Therefore, sustained community based nutritional health education is recommended for pregnant and lactating mothers to reduce the practice of formula-feeding for infants.

Assessment of needle stick and sharp injuries among health care workers in central zone of Tigray, northern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: Accidental occupational injuries to health care workers (HCWs) continue to have a significant problem in the healthcare system. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess prevalence of needle sticks and sharp injury and associated factors among health care workers working in Central Zone Tigray northern Ethiopia. RESULT: The prevalence of needle stick and sharp injury in the past 12 months preceding the study and entire job were 25.9% and 38.5% respectively. Nearly one-third (31%) of the injuries occurred in emergency unit and 122 (71.3%) of the materials caused injury were used on patients. Practice of needle recap, ever used cigarette in last 12 months, training, work hours > 40 per week, job dissatisfaction and work experience less than 5 years were found factors significantly associated with needle stick and sharp injury for health care workers. The magnitude of Needle stick and sharp injury is high in the study area. Policy makers should formulate strategies to improve the working condition for healthcare workers and increase their adherence to universal precautions.

Premarital sexual practice and associated factors among adolescents in the refugee camps in Tigray, northern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: Premarital sexual practice during adolescence time may lead to different sexual and reproductive health problems including HIV/AIDS. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of premarital sexual practice and associated factors among adolescents living in the refugee camps in Tigray, northern Ethiopia. RESULT: The prevalence of premarital sexual practice was 47.6% [95% CI (43.3%, 51.9%)]. The age (mean ± SD) of the study participants was 17.4 ± 2.71 (15-24 years) and 68.8% of them were males. Being in the age group 14-19 years [AOR = 4.50, 95% CI (2.29-8.84)] or 20-24 years [AOR = 9.76, CI (4.58-20.82)], living with friends [AOR = 5.24, 95% CI (2.28-12.05)] or alone [AOR = 5.72, 95% CI (2.69-12.19)], being in primary school [AOR = 6.93, 95% CI (3.08-15.57)] or college [AOR = 4.33, CI (1.44-13.02)], getting pocket money [AOR = 4.14, 95% CI (2.31-7.41)], parents being either divorced [AOR = 5.11, 95% CI (2.42-10.80)] or widowed [AOR = 3.52, 95% CI (1.69-7.33)], alcohol consumption [AOR = 1.99, 95% CI (1.20-3.38)] were independent predictors of premarital sexual practice among the adolescents.

Experiences of homeless women on maternity health service utilization and associated challenge in Aksum town, Northern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Homeless women are a highly vulnerable group for risks of pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. They may also face multiple challenges to access and utilize maternity healthcare services. This study was aimed to explore the experience of homeless women on maternity healthcare service utilization and associated challenges in Aksum Town, Northern Ethiopia. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative study was employed using in-depth interviews among 22 study participants from February to March 2016. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 12 homeless mothers who gave birth when being homeless in the last 12 months and 10 healthcare providers as key informants. Data were captured using audio recorders and field notes and transcribed, translated verbatim and thematic analysis approach was facilitated using ATLAS.ti7 software. RESULTS: The finding reveals that homeless women did not use any of the basic maternity health care services, namely antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care. Lack of permanent place and awareness, and fear of stigma and discrimination were some reasons hindering homeless women from using the services. CONCLUSIONS: Even though maternity health service utilization is the most crucial intervention to reduce maternal and newborn deaths, this finding shows that maternity health service utilization among homeless women was limited. Socio-cultural, socioeconomic and healthcare-related factors contributed to the non-use of these services. Efforts should be made to address the challenges faced by homeless women to utilize maternity health services.

Birth preparedness as a precursor to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality among pregnant mothers in Medebay Zana District, Northern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: Most maternal and newborn deaths occur during labour and delivery. Birth preparedness and complication readiness practice getting early services when problems may arise is the most achievable components of safe motherhood strategies. However, there is limited evidence found particularly in the study area. Thus, a community based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 17 to June 30, 2017, to assess birth preparedness practice and associated factors among pregnant women in Medebay Zana district in Northern Ethiopia. RESULT: The finding showed that about 176 (32%) of the respondents were prepared for birth based on the criteria set in this study. Preparation for birth was higher among married women (AOR = 4.14, 95% CI (1.47-11.64)), among governmental employed women (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI (1.19-6.05)), those who attend antenatal care service (AOR, 0.11, 95% CI (0.05-0.22)), planned pregnancy (AOR = 0.06, 95% CI (0.03-0.15), those who had saving habit (AOR = 15.81, 95% CI (7.20-34.72), duration of pregnancy near to 9 month (AOR = 5.86, 95% CI (3.25-10.58). Preparation for birth was lower among illiterate mothers (AOR = 0.15, 95% CI (0.07-0.30), among mothers who attended primary education (AOR = 0.01, 95% CI (0.01-0.04)). The prevalence of birth preparedness practice in the study area was low. Community-based health education about preparation for birth is important.

Intestinal parasitosis in relation to CD4 count and anemia among ART initiated patients in St. Mary Aksum general hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The geographical distribution of intestinal parasites with conditions of poverty in most countries of sub-Saharan Africa coincides with that of HIV/AIDS. However, there is paucity of studies investigating the relationship between intestinal parasitic infections with CD4 counts and anemia in HIV/AIDS patients starting Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in this region particularly and in Ethiopia in general. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in relation to CD4 count and anemia among ART-initiated patients in St. Mary Aksum General Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 242 ART-initiated participants during February to April 2017 in St. Mary Aksum General hospital. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and laboratory examination. Logistic regression was applied to assess any association between explanatory factors and outcome variables (P values < 0.05). RESULT: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 26.4% and among the six types of parasitic genera identified Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (18.6%) and Giardia lamblia (2.1%) were the leading. According to the multivariate analysis, lack of hand washing before meal, eating uncooked vegetables, history of taking anti-parasite medication, stool consistency, and anemia were strongly associated with intestinal parasitosis. CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of intestinal parasites among HIV positive individuals. Intervention measures such as deworming, improving hygiene and sanitation practices should be strengthened to reduce the burden of intestinal parasites among people living with HIV.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women in Adwa district, northern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii infection is a great health concern to pregnant women and the developing fetus. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and its associated factors in Adwa district. METHODS: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2018 in Adwa district. Structured, a pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the demographic and risk factor related data. Serum sample, collected from each of the study subjects was tested for IgG and IgM anti T.godii specific antibodies using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was applied to show association between the dependent and independent variables considering P < 0.05 and the 95% confidence interval. RESULT: Out of the 360, 128 (35.6%) pregnant women were found to be positive for antibodies specific to T. gondii. Furthermore, 117 (32.5%) women were positive only for IgG, and 11 (3.1%) were positive both for IgM and IgG antibodies. Age, educational level, habit of hand washing after contact with garden soil or domestic animals, presence of domestic cat, history of contact with domestic dog and consumption of raw vegetables were significantly associated with T. gondii. CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of T. gondii among pregnant women in the study area is low compared to the other regions of Ethiopia, and within the range of the seroprevalences in the central and East Africa region. However, efforts should be done to create awareness on the potential risk factors of the parasite in the community.

Fertility desire and associated factors among women on the reproductive age group of Antiretroviral treatment users in Jimma Town, South West Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: HIV remained the major cause of death in women of reproductive age worldwide. There is limited evidence regarding the fertility desire of HIV positive women receiving HIV care in the study area. Therefore, facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2017 to assess fertility desire of HIV positive women and associated factors among mothers in receiving HIV care Jimma town, Southwest Ethiopia. Simple random sampling technique was taken to draw the sample after stratification. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and statistical significance was declared at P value less than 0.05. RESULTS: This finding showed that, 175 (46.8%) of the Antiretroviral therapy users had fertility desire with those significantly associated factors; women in the age 18-29 years [AOR = 4.05, 95% CI 1.24-13.33], being married [AOR = 0.32, 95% CI (0.13-0.78)], having diploma educational level [AOR = 5.34, 95% CI 1.10, 15.60], having only boys or girls children [AOR = 2.79, 95% CI (1.24-6.25)], having 18-36$ monthly income [AOR = 1.27, 95% CI (1.56-10.67)], Partner's HIV status [AOR = 3.56, 95% CI (3.02-9.33)] and non use of contraceptives [AOR = 2.57, 95% CI (1.08-6.13)]. Fertility desire in the study area was high. Strengthening PMTCT service should consider fertility desire of mothers living with HIV.

Determinants of reproductive health services utilization among rural female adolescents in Asgede-Tsimbla district Northern Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents especially females in rural area are vulnerable to a wide range of reproductive health problems including sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe abortion. They have limited access to reproductive health services that focus on the special needs of female adolescents. This study was aimed to assess the determinants of reproductive health service utilization among rural female adolescents of Asgede-Tsimbla district. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from February to April 2018, in eight randomly selected sub-districts of Asgede-Tsimbla. A total of 844 female adolescents aged 15-19 were interviewed using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-info Version 3.5.3 and then exported to SPSS Version 21 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess the association. Statistical significance was declared by 95% confidence interval of the odds ratio. RESULT: From 844 participants, 95.5% of female adolescents heard about reproductive services from different sources and 69.7% of them utilized the reproductive health services within the last 12 months. Factors like, age of 16-20 years (AOR = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.17-2.92), mother's educational status (being illiterate (AOR = .33, 95%CI:.14-.77)), discussion about reproductive health services with their family (AOR = 8.02, 9%CI:5.52-11.66), being Merchant (AOR = 2.7995%CI:1.11-6.96), unemployed (AOR = 2.90, 95%CI:1.19-7.06) or student (AOR:2.38, 95%CI:1.04-5.42) in occupation, high perceived severity (AOR = 4.05, 95%CI:2.68-6.11), high perceived barriers (AOR = .44, 95%CI:.30-64) were independent predictors of reproductive health services utilization among female adolescents the study area. CONCLUSION: About 69.7% of the adolescent females were utilizing reproductive health services in the study area though it was very low as compared with the national plan. Introducing messages that increase the perceived threat and decreasing perceived barriers to utilize reproductive health services as well as increasing self-efficacy of adolescent females would help further increase reproductive health services utilization by adolescent females.

Status of metered dose inhaler technique among patients with asthma and its effect on asthma control in Northwest Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: In Asthma management, poor handling of inhalation devices and wrong inhalation technique are associated with decreased medication delivery and poor disease control. The aim of this study was to assess the status of Metered dose inhaler technique, associated factors and its impact on Asthma control among adult patients with Asthma. RESULTS: The mean duration of Asthma was 15 ± 13 years. Asthma was uncontrolled in 70.4% of the participants and the poor technique of Asthma inhaler device was observed in 71.4% of the patients. Lack of health education on Metered dose inhaler technique [AOR =4.96; 95% CI (1.08-22.89)], and uncontrolled Asthma [AOR =3.67; 95% CI (1.85-7.23)], was independently associated with poor Metered dose inhaler technique.

Hepatitis C virus infections and associated risk factors in patients with diabetes mellitus; case control study in North West Tigray, Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus among patients with Diabetes mellitus and healthy control groups in North West Tigray. Blood samples from each study subject was tested for Hepatitis C virus by using anti Hepatitis C virus antibody rapid test kits and confirmed using enzyme linked immuno sorbent assy. RESULT: The overall seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus, Hepatitis C virus among diabetic and non diabetic study subjects were found (16.7, 28, and 6) % respectively. Multi varate logistic regression analysis result shows that study subject with uvulotomy, previous history of immunosuppressive disease, and study subjects with fast blood glucose (≥ 126 mg/dl) showed statistically significant association with anti Hepatitis C virus antibody sero status [AOR (12.4 (3.5-18.3); 0.1 (0.03-0.5); and 8.6 (1.7-13)] respectively.

Tuberculosis-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) are the double burden diseases of the world. The African continent takes a great share of TB-HIV cases worldwide. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of TB-HIV co-infection in Ethiopia, using a meta-analysis based on a systematic review of published articles. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, HINARI, EMBASE, Cochrane library and Google Scholar to extract the articles. Articles published between 1995 and November 2017 had been searched for using different keywords. The analysis was performed using MetaXL software and R statistical software (version 3.2.3). RESULT: Our searches returned a total of (n = 26,746) records from 30 articles of which 21 were cross-sectional, 7 were retrospectives and 2 were prospective studies. The range of prevalence of TB-HIV co-infection was found to be from 6 to 52.1% with random effects pooled prevalence of 22% (95% CI 19-24%) and with substantial heterogeneity chi-square (X2) = 746.0, p < 0.001, (I2 = 95.84%). CONCLUSION: Our analysis indicated that the prevalence of TB-HIV co-infection is high in Ethiopia with substantial regional variation. An integrated, facility-based and community-based effort towards the prevention, early detection and management of cases should be further strengthened throughout the country to mitigate the double burden disease.

Prevalence of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis and Associated Factors in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has continued to be a challenge for tuberculosis (TB) control globally. Ethiopia is one of the countries with high MDR-TB burden. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of MDR-TB and associated factors in Ethiopia. METHODS: A systematic review of the literatures on prevalence of MDR-TB and associated factors was conducted in the country. RESULTS: In our electronic search, 546 citations were depicted. Among the total 546 citations described, a total of 22 articles met eligibility criteria and were included in the review article. According to our review, the prevalence of MDR-TB ranged from 0 to 46.3%. The average mean rate of MDR-TB in Ethiopia was found to be 12.6 ± 15.9%. The overall prevalence of MDR-TB in all TB cases was estimated to be 1.4%. From a total of 3849 patients studied, 527 had MDR-TB. Previous exposure to antituberculosis treatment was the most commonly identified risk factor of MDR-TB in Ethiopia. CONCLUSION: Despite relative decline in incidence of MDR-TB, the distribution and prevalence of MDR-TB continued to be a serious challenge for TB control in Ethiopia. Previous exposure to antituberculosis treatment was also the most common risk factor for MDR-TB. Therefore, strong TB and MDR-TB treatment along with tight introduction of follow-up strategies should be applied for better TB control.

Bacterial profile of ocular infections: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Bacteria are the major contributor of ocular infections worldwide. Ocular infections, if left untreated, can damage the structures of the eye with possible blindness and visual impairments. This work was aimed to review the bacterial profile of ocular infections. METHODS: Literature search was made in different electronic databases; the review was systematically made to get concrete findings. RESULTS: As far as this review, Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphylococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the leading isolates in ocular infections. Frequent pathogens of the respective clinical diagnose include Staphylococci, Streptococcus pyogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in blepharitis; Staphylococci, Streptococus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in Conjunctivitis; Staphylococci, P. aeruginosa and E. coli in dacryocystitis; Coagulase negative Staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in keratitis; Streptococcus viridians, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Coagulase negative Staphylococci in endophthalmitis diagnoses. Endogenous endophthalmitis is associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae whereas Coagulase negative Staphylococci and Bacillus spp. are common causes of post-operative and post-traumatic endophthalmitis. However, the predominant pathogens may not be exactly same in all areas of the world, in the United States for instance, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are the major causes of conjunctivitis. CONCLUSION: Gram positive bacteria are the major contributor of bacterial ocular infections. The distribution and proportion of bacterial isolates among clinical diagnoses varied but without exclusive anatomical restriction. To mitigate the burden of bacterial ocular infections, physicians should regard on risk reduction and comply with etiologic approach of diagnosis.

Ocular bacterial infections at Quiha Ophthalmic Hospital, Northern Ethiopia: an evaluation according to the risk factors and the antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial isolates.

BACKGROUND: External and intraocular infections can lead to visual impairments, which is a major public health problem. Bacteria are the most frequent pathogens affecting ocular structures; the increasing rate of antimicrobial drug resistance is a worldwide concern. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of bacteria in ocular infections, their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and risk factors in bacterial ocular infection. METHODS: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2015 to December 2015 at Quiha Ophthalmic Hospital, Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Ocular specimens from blepharitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, endophthalmitis, periorbital cellulitis and dacrocystitis were collected from 270 individuals with suspected ocular infection. Data on sociodemographic and risk factors were also collected using a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21 and 0.05 with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among 270 study subjects, 180 (66.7%) were culture positive for different bacterial isolates. The predominant bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (40, 22.2%), coagulase negative staphylococci (31, 17.2%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21, 11.7%). Ocular surface disease, ocular trauma, hospitalization and cosmetic application practices were significantly associated with the occurrence of bacterial infection. Concerning antimicrobial susceptibility, most isolates were susceptible to amikacin (137, 93.2%), gentamicin (131, 89.1%) and ciprofloxacin (141, 89.2%). Overall, 40 (22.5%), 34 (19.1%) and 62 (34.8%) isolates were resistant to one, two, and three or more antimicrobials, respectively. CONCLUSION: Bacteria were isolated from the majority of the study subjects. More than half of the bacterial isolates were resistant at least to one drug and a significant rate of multidrug resistance was detected. Therefore, identification of the etiologic agent and antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be practiced to select the appropriate antimicrobial agent to treat eye infections and prevent the emergence of drug resistant bacteria.

Prevalence of intravenous medication administration errors: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Intravenous medication administration errors (MAEs) may be accompanied by avoidable undesirable effects, which might result in clinical complications. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of MAEs and to identify the factors associated with such errors. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2015. Data were collected by direct observation using a pretested data collection tool. Simple random sampling was used, and bivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with MAEs. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 134 patients were found to be eligible for the study. More than half of the study participants were males (76 [56.7%]). The rate of MAE was 46.1%, with the missed dose (n=162, 95.8%) being reported as the most common error. The age groups of 60-79 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.166, confidence interval = 1.532-8.799) and 80-101 years (adjusted odds ratio = 1.52, confidence interval = 1.198-5.584) were the determinants of MAEs. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of MAEs was found. Enhancing the knowledge and practical skills of clinical nurses might minimize such errors.