Diarrheal disease and associated factors among children aged 6 to 59 months in Oda Bultum District, Eastern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea is a serious health problem in children under the age of five that is both preventable and treatable. In low-income countries like Ethiopia, children under the age five years frequently experience diarrhea. However, the burden and associated factors of these diarrheal diseases are understudied in Eastern Ethiopia, Thus, this study aimed to determine the factors associated with the prevalence of diarrheal diseases in Eastern Ethiopia from September 1-30, 2022. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the total of 602 children aged 6 to 59 months in Oda Bultum district in eastern Ethiopia. A multistage sampling method was used. Three kebeles were selected from nine kebeles by the lottery method. Data was entered into Epi data 4.0.2 and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Descriptive analysis was used for frequency, mean, and standard deviations. In addition, bivariable, and multivariable Poisson regression model was used to identify predictors of diarrhea along with a 95% confidence interval. Finally, statistical significance was declared at a p-value of 0.05. RESULT: A total of 602 children were included in this study. The prevalence of diarrhea 7.4% (47/602), 95% CI; 5.5-9.7%) among the children. Factors such as being unvaccinated for any vaccine (AOR = 10.82, 95%CI; 4.58-25.48) and born from a mother who had medium level of empowerment (AOR = 0.34, 95%CI; 0.11-0.88) in the household had statistically significant association with diarrhea among the children compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSION: The study found that nearly one out of thirteen children aged 6 to 59 months had any form of diarrheal diseases in Oda Bultum District, Eastern Ethiopia. In addition, the study revealed that children who were vaccinated for their age developed diarrhea less likely compared to those who did not receive any form of vaccine for their age. Moreover, children with mothers who had a medium level of empowerment were less likely to get diarrhea than children with mothers who had a low level of empowerment.

Antipsychotic medication non-adherence and factors associated among patients with schizophrenia in eastern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Given that antipsychotic medication is a cornerstone for treating and preventing relapse in people with schizophrenia, non-adherence has been indicated as a big challenge. This study aimed to assess antipsychotic medication non-adherence and factors associated among patients with schizophrenia in eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: We conducted an institution-based cross-sectional study in two public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia from December 1, 2022, to January 31, 2023. Antipsychotic medication adherence was assessed using MOrisky medication adherence rating scale questionnaire, and insight was measured using the self-report insight scale for Psychosis (ISP). Multiple stepwise logistic regression models with Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to identify the factors. Statistical significance was considered at p-value ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: We found that 44.57% of patients with schizophrenia experienced non-adherence to their antipsychotic medication. Being single (AOR = 2.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.71, 3.58), alcohol users (AOR = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.46, 2.72), Khat chewers (AOR = 2.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 2.06, 3.90) and having no insight to their illness (AOR = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.52, 2.90) were more likely to be non-adherent to their antipsychotic medications. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that antipsychotic medication non-adherence was high among individuals suffering from schizophrenia and that it was influenced by various factors such as single marital status, alcohol usage, Khat chewing, and having no understanding of their condition. As a result, comprehensive intervention methods should be developed to address the factors associated with psychotropic medication non-adherence among patients. Healthcare professionals should pay attention to these aspects and consider developing specific strategies to promote adherence to medications while treating individuals with schizophrenia.

Patterns of basic pneumococcal conjugated vaccine coverage in Ethiopia from 2015 to 2018; further analysis of Ethiopian DHS (2016-2019).

Background: Geographic variation is crucial in spotting performance gaps in immunization programs, including the Pneumococcal Conjugated Vaccine (PCV). This will help speed up targeted vaccination and disease elimination programs in resource-limited countries. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the geographic variation and determinants of PCV vaccination coverage among children aged under five years old in Ethiopia. Methods: This analysis was carried out based on the 2016 and 2019 nationally representative Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). We included two surveys of 10,640 children aged 12-23 months. The spatial analysis also covered 645 and 305 clusters with geographical information for both 2016 and 2019, respectively. We explored the spatial distribution, global spatial autocorrelation, spatial interpolation, and Stats Can windows of children with PCV-3 vaccination. P-values were generated using 999 Monte Carlo simulations to identify statistically significant clusters. To understand the coverage of PCV-3 in all areas of the country, we employed the ordinary Kriging interpolation method to estimate the coverage in unsampled areas. We also used hierarchical multivariate logistic regression to identify the factors associated with the utilization of the PCV vaccine (full vaccination). Results: Except for Addis Ababa, children in all regions have lower odds of receiving all three PCV vaccines compared to the Tigray region. Residence, sex of a child, mother's literacy status, household wealth index, and place of delivery were significant factors associated with receiving the third dose of PCV. Spatial analysis also showed the Somali and Afar regions had the lowest coverage, while the Addis Ababa and Tigray regions had higher coverage in both surveys. Conclusion: Even though the coverage of the full PCV vaccine improved from 2016 to 2019, variation was observed among regions and between rural and urban areas. The wealth index and educational status of mothers were the most important determinants of PCV vaccine utilization. Hence, the mass campaign might boost coverage in nomadic and semi-nomadic regions and rural areas. Similarly, programs that narrow the gap due to low socioeconomic differences should be formulated and implemented to increase uptake and general coverage.

The burdens, associated factors, and reasons for traditional uvulectomy in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Traditional uvulectomy is a harmful procedure in which the entire or a portion of the uvula is removed by traditional practitioners. It causes complications like septicemia, transmission of infectious diseases, anemia, excessive bleeding, infection, tetanus, meningitis, and death. A summary of national data was lacking, thus, the study aimed to determine the pooled national burden and determinants of traditional uvulectomy in Ethiopia. METHODS: Studies were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, CINHAL (EBSCO), Google Scholar, Web of Sciences, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, and Google databases. Finally, 19 studies were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the JBI checklist. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were conducted using STATA Version 17 software. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Forest plots were used to present the pooled and summarized with random-effects meta-analysis models. RESULTS: Totally 19 articles with 23,559 study participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of uvulectomy in Ethiopia was 44 % (95 % CI: 31%-57 %). The highest prevalence was observed among studies conducted in the Tigray region (63 % (95 % CI: 34%-94 %), between the year 2011-2014 (58 % (95 % CI: 29%-87 %)) and, community setting (57 % (95 % CI: 36%-78 %). Mothers' educational status (AOR: 1.66, 95 % CI: 1.31-2.01) and residence (AOR: 1.70, 95 % CI: 1.16-2.23) were found to be significantly associated with traditional uvulectomy in Ethiopia. Frequently cited reasons for traditional uvulectomy were to prevent swelling, pus, and rupture of the uvula, for better care, prevention of sore throats and coughs, religion, and culture. CONCLUSION: The pooled result revealed that almost half of children are still subjected to traditional uvulectomy in Ethiopia. There is a need to intensify awareness creation campaigns against the practice by giving special attention to rural residents and uneducated ones.

Depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and associated factors among adults, in the Eastern part of Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Depressive disorder is one of the severe and common mental illnesses in the general population. Bipolar disorder is a severe, persistent mental illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder in our study area. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among adults in Kersa, Haramaya, and Harar Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites in Eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,416 participants. A multi-stage sampling was employed to select the participants. DSM-5 diagnostic criteria was used to assess depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Data was collected using a standard questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done. Those with a p-value < 0.05 in the final model were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among our study participants was 6.7% (95% CI: 5.40, 8.20) and 2.1% (95% CI: (1.40, 3.00), respectively. The independent predictors of depressive disorder included a family history of mental illness, chronic medical illnesses, unemployment, low educational status, divorced or widowed, poor social support, and current alcohol use or khat chewing. Single, males, divorced or widowed, and current consumers of alcohol were independent predictors for bipolar disorder. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION: The results of our investigation showed that bipolar illness and depression were significant public health issues. It was shown that although bipolar disorder is highly prevalent in the society, depression is a widespread concern. As a result, it is imperative that the relevant body grow and enhance the provision of mental health services. Furthermore, research on the effects and burdens of bipolar disorder in the community is required.

Patient satisfaction and associated factors among insured and uninsured patients in Deder General Hospital, eastern Ethiopia: a facility-based comparative cross-sectional study.

Background: Patient satisfaction is a crucial measure of healthcare quality, as dissatisfied patients are more likely to miss appointments, disregard treatment plans, and leave hospitals, leading to poor treatment outcomes. Therefore, the study aimed to compare levels of satisfaction with health services and associated factors among insured and uninsured patients in Deder General Hospital, eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study with 532 participants was conducted from December 1-30, 2021. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire, analyzed using SPSS, and predictors assessed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Overall, patient satisfaction with health services was 65.6% (95% CI: 61.5-69.5), and the level of patient satisfaction with health services among insured and noninsured patients was 68.8% (95% CI: 62.8-74.4) and 62.4% (95% CI: 56.8-68.0), respectively. In the final model of multivariable analysis, factors such as educational status of secondary school (AOR = 4.90; 95% CI: 2.05-11.76), and a higher level (AOR = 3.08; 95% CI: 1.05-9.03), getting the entire prescribed drugs (AOR = 3.49; 95% CI: 1.43-8.54), getting some of the ordered drugs (AOR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.61-6.94), paying less than 100 Ethiopian birrs (AOR = 4.85; 1.35-17.40) were significantly associated with patient satisfaction among insured patients. Whereas getting the entire and some prescribed drugs were (AOR = 6.28; 95% CI: 3.26-12.05), and (AOR = 3.40; 95% CI: 1.70-6.78) times more likely to be satisfied with the service among noninsured patients as compared to their counterparts, respectively. Conclusion: The study found that about six in 10 patients in the study area were satisfied with healthcare services, with insurance patients reporting higher satisfaction. Factors such as receiving prescribed drugs, paying less than 100 Ethiopian birr, having a secondary school education, and having a higher education were associated with satisfaction.

Profiles and factors associated with schizophrenia in eastern Ethiopia: A matched case-control study.

Background: Despite its strong hereditary and genetic connections, there are other factors reported to be linked to schizophrenia, but not well studied in eastern Ethiopia. Objective: This study was aimed to investigating the potential profiles and factors associated with schizophrenia in eastern Ethiopia. Materials and methods: A matched case-control study was conducted in two public hospitals from December 1, 2021, to January 30, 2022. Cases were patients with schizophrenia who visited the hospitals, and controls were healthy individuals without any mental illness who visited the same hospitals. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. Cases and controls were matched using age and sex. STATA-14 was used for analysis. A conditional logistic regression with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied to identify the determinants. P-values of <0.05 were used to build the final model as a measure of statistical significance. Results: The mean age of the study participants group was 28.6 (±8.44) years, mean age for cases was 28.7(±8.5) ranging from 18 to 56 years and the mean age for the controls was 28.4 (±8.5), ranging from 18 to 60 years. About 181 (83.03%) of the participants were male. The odds of having schizophrenia was about 12.2 times higher among participants with family history of mental illness (AOR: 12.21; 95% CI: 4.83-30.00). The odds of having schizophrenia was 4.5 times higher among polysubstance users (AOR: 4.45; 95% CI: 1.28-5.45) and 2.8 times higher among khat consumers (AOR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.23-6.45) compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: Our findings show that genetic risk factors as well as some modifiable behaviors are associated to schizophrenia in eastern Ethiopia. At all levels, special attention should be given to those who are at risk.

Exploring the trend of Schizophrenia at Hiwot Fana specialized university referral hospital, Eastern, Ethiopia (2016-2020): A 5-year retrospective analysis.

Schizophrenia is one of the most troublesome psychiatric problems requiring long-term antipsychotic treatments. There is a scarcity of data regarding its overtime trend in Ethiopia. Objective: To explore the 5-year trend of schizophrenia at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Referral Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based retrospective record review was conducted at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Referral Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia. Data were obtained from medical records of all registered psychiatric patients in the psychiatric follow-up clinic over 5 years from 2016 to 2020. An Extended Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test for the linear trend was used to examine the trend over the 5-year period. Results: Over the 5-year period stated (2016-2020), a total of 29,184 psychiatric patients were registered at the Hospital from which 18,598 (63.73 % (95% confidence interval: 0.63-0.64) were schizophrenia confirmed cases. Of the 18,598 patients, 15,362 (82.60%) were males and 7,625 (41%) were in 25-34 years of age category. It was revealed that the trend of newly diagnosed patients with schizophrenia increased from (0.44 (95% CI (0.39-0.47) in 2016 to 0.47(95% confidence interval: (0.44-0.49) in 2020 (χ2 = 3.87; p = 0.049). Those chewing Khat were disproportionately affected accounting for about half of the schizophrenia total cases reported. Conclusion: The magnitude of patients with schizophrenia being treated at the hospital increased over the 5 years studied. Tailored preventive and treatment interventions are needed to mitigate the problem. Community and institution-based customized interventions can be designed using the existing health system platforms.