Differential effect of prenatal exposure to the Great Ethiopian Famine (1983-85) on the risk of adulthood hypertension based on sex: a historical cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The consequence of the Great Ethiopian Famine (1983-1985) on mortality had been well documented. However, the long term assaults of the famine on adulthood health, particularly on the risk of hypertension, has never been documented. The aim of this study was twofold: to examine the association of prenatal-exposure to the Great Ethiopian Famine and hypertension in adulthood and investigate if there existed sex difference in the risk estimate. METHODS: Participants were recruited using multistage stratified random sampling and grouped as prenatal famine exposed and non-exposed cohorts based on their reported date of birth and current age. Independent sample T test was employed to compare continuous outcomes between the groups. A multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between prenatal famine exposure and risk of hypertension in adults. RESULTS: Compared to the non-exposed groups, prenatal famine exposed cohorts had higher systolic blood pressure by 1.05 mmHg, (95% CI 0.29, 4.42) and diastolic by 2.47 mmHg (95% CI 1.01, 3.95). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, both unadjusted (COR = 2.50; 1.575, 3.989) and adjusted model for covariates (OR: 2.306 95% CI (1.426, 3.72) indicated a positive association between prenatal famine exposure and the risk of adult hypertension. However, in sex disaggregated analysis, the positive association was only significant in females (AOR = 3.95 95% CI 1.76, 8.85) indicating nearly four folds of odds of hypertension among females, while the corresponding figure for males was not significant (AOR = 1.201 (0.69, 2.07). CONCLUSIONS: Famine exposure during prenatal period could have differential impact on the development of hypertension based on sex, where adult exposed females had higher risk of hypertension as compared to males. Contextualized primary prevention programs with special focus on gender is critical undertaking in hunger spots and regions with historical famine.

Consequences of exposure to prenatal famine on estimated glomerular filtration rate and risk of chronic kidney disease among survivors of the great Ethiopian famine (1983-85): a historical cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of an adverse prenatal environment such as famine exposure on the development of adulthood non-communicable chronic illnesses, including diabetes and hypertension has been well articulated in the recent past and supported by evidence. However, there exist few longitudinal studies conducted on the long term consequences of prenatal famine exposure on adulthood kidney function. Hence, we set out to examine whether prenatal exposure to the Ethiopian Great Famine (1983-1985) was associated with changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) later in adult life. METHODS: The study was conducted in 219 famine exposed and 222 non exposed cohorts in Raya Kobo district, North Wollo Zone, Northern Ethiopia. Estimated GFR was computed from standardized serum creatinine using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. The definition of CKD includes those with an eGFR of less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 on at least in two occasions of 90 days apart (with or without markers of kidney damage). Linear and logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the independent effect of prenatal famine exposure on eGFR and CKD respectively. RESULTS: The mean (SD) serum creatinine of exposed and non-exposed groups were 0.78 (0.2) and 0.75 (0.2) respectively. The mean (SD) eGFR of exposed groups was 107.95 (27.49) while the non-exposed 114.48 (24.81) ml/min. In linear regression, the unadjusted model to examine the association between famine exposure and eGFR resulted in a significant negative beta coefficient (ß = - 0.124: 95% CI: - 11.43, - 1.64). Adjusting the exposure for outstanding covariates of kidney health, including systolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar and blood glucose did not alter the inverse relationship (ß = -.114 95% CI: - 10.84, - 1.17). In the unadjusted bivariate logistic regression model, famine exposure resulted in nearly 2.7 times higher odds of developing CKD (OR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.16, 6.2). The odds remained equivalent after adjusting for systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and body mass index (OR = 2.61: 95% CI: 1.120, 6.09). CONCLUSION: In the study setting, prenatal exposure to the Great Ethiopian Famine was associated with decreased eGFR and higher risk of developing CKD among survivors. These findings may imply that famine in early life may play a significant role in the development of kidney dysfunction in adulthood.

Effects of prenatal exposure to the 1983-1985 Ethiopian great famine on the metabolic syndrome in adults: a historical cohort study.

The Ethiopian great famine was one of the severe forms of global famines ever documented in Africa as well as in the recent history of the world. Earlier famine studies, as natural experiments, had tested the association between prenatal famine exposure and the metabolic syndrome and reported heterogeneous findings. Hence, this study aimed at evaluating the effects of prenatal exposure to the 1983-1985 Ethiopian great famine on the metabolic syndrome in adults. Self-reported birth date and age of the study subjects were used to classify the status of famine exposure. The International Diabetes Federation criterion was used to assess the metabolic syndrome. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to examine relationship between prenatal famine exposure and the metabolic syndrome. The findings showed that, adjusted for covariates, adults who had prenatal exposure to famine were 2·94 times more likely to develop the metabolic syndrome compared with non-exposed groups (adjusted OR (AOR) 2·94, 95 % CI 1·66, 5·27). More specifically, famine exposure during prenatal life was associated with increased waist circumference (AOR 2·27 cm, 95 % CI 0·28, 4·26), diastolic blood pressure (AOR 2·47 mmHg, 95 % CI 0·84, 4·11), TAG (AOR 0·20 mmol/l, 95 % CI 0·10, 0·28) and fasting blood glucose (AOR 0·24 mmol/l, 95 % CI 0·04, 0·43) compared with the control groups. Higher proportion of the metabolic syndrome, risky anthropometric and dyslipidaemic parameters were observed among exposed groups. This finding adds further evidence on fetal origin of adult diseases hypothesis. The finding may imply that one potential means of preventing adulthood metabolic syndrome is to optimise maternal nutrition during pregnancy.

Nexus between postpartum depression and exclusive breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers in Assosa Town, West Ethiopia.

Background: Across the globe, breastfeeding stands out as a highly effective strategy for reducing infant and child morbidity and mortality. Concurrently, postpartum depression (PPD) emerges as a notable public health issue, adversely affecting both exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices for infants and the fulfillment of parenting roles. Despite the lack of substantial evidence in Ethiopia and the specific study areas, indicating the association between PPD and EBF practices, this study endeavors to fill this gap. The primary objective is to examine the correlation between PPD and EBF practices, along with exploring other pertinent factors, in Assosa Town, West Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from 7 March to 5 April 2019. The study involved the recruitment of 462 participants through a systematic random sampling method. Data collection was facilitated by conducting a structured and pre-tested questionnaire. To screen for PPD, we used the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) tool. This tool, EPDS, was used solely as a screening tool and not for diagnostic purposes. The collected data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and subsequently exported to SPSS version 24 for comprehensive statistical analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between independent variables and dependent variables. Odds ratios, along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated to ascertain the presence and strength of any associations. Statistical significance was acknowledged at a p-value of <0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of EBF practices was found to be 58.2% (95% CI: 51.4-65.7), while the prevalence of PPD was 18.7% (95% CI: 15.94-26.7). Among mothers without PPD, the prevalence of EBF practices was notably higher at 62.4% (95% CI: 55.9-65.2%) compared to mothers experiencing PPD, where the prevalence was 31.3% (95% CI: 24.7-32.5%). Mothers who experienced PPD exhibited 51% reduced odds of practicing EBF compared to their counterparts (AOR = 0.49. 95% CI: 0.25-0.8). Furthermore, factors such as having a higher family monthly income (AOR = 8.7, 95% CI: 4.2-17.2), being multiparous (AOR = 5.8, 95% CI 4.9-10.8), attending antenatal care (ANC) visits (AOR = 4.9, 95% CI: 3.4-14.1), opting for vaginal delivery (AOR = 9.8, 95% CI: 5.6-17.4), and receiving husband's support (AOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 4.6-12.7) demonstrated a statistically significant positive association with EBF practices. Conclusion: In this study, a substantial number of mothers demonstrated suboptimal EBF practices during the first 6 months of their infants' lives. Consequently, the findings underscore a clear association between PPD and EBF. Thus, it is imperative to intensify efforts in the early detection and treatment of PPD, enhance household income, advocate for ANC, and encourage active husband involvement to bolster EBF practices.

Time to non-adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation and associated factors among pregnant women in Hosanna town, South Ethiopia: Cox-proportional hazard model.

BACKGROUNDS: Micronutrient deficits in women of reproductive age have been linked to poor pregnancy outcomes. The most common micronutrient deficits in women are iron and folate. The World Health Organization recommends daily oral iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) as part of routine antenatal care to lower the risk of maternal anemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the effectiveness of the supplementation relies on client's strict adherence. The aim of this study was to determine time- to- non-adherence to IFAS and associated factors among pregnant women in Hosanna Town, South Ethiopia. METHODS: A community based cross sectional study design was employed from May 15-June11, 2021. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. The Cox regression hazard model was applied. The threshold of statistical significance was declared at a p-value <0.05 and adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were used to report. RESULT: The median time-to-non-adherence was 74 days (95 percent CI: 65.33-82.67). After adjusting for the confounders, age (AHR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.09), education status (AHR = 2.43 95%CI 1.34-4.40, AHR 3.00, 95% CI: 2.09-4.31, AHR 1.91, 95% CI: 1.32-2.77), household's wealth index (AHR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.19-2.51, AHR = 1.64, 95% CI:1.15-2.35), and counseling at service delivery (AHR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.88-3.41) were independent predictors of time to non-adherence to IFAS among pregnant women. CONCLUSION: The median time to non-adherence was short and women became non-adherent before the recommended duration. Improving women's education and counseling pregnant women on IFAS during pregnancy would make a change.

Impact of prenatal famine exposure on adulthood fasting blood glucose level.

In the past decade, in low-income countries, there have been a rapid rise in prevalence of diabetes among adult population. Hence, understanding the context specific drivers of this change including the impacts of childhood nutrition adversaries on adult metabolic conditions is critical undertaking. This study investigates the potential effects of prenatal famine exposure to the Ethiopian great famine (1983-1985) on adulthood blood glucose level of survivors. A total of 441 adults (222 exposed and 219 controls) were included in the study. Self-reported place of birth and, date of birth and/or age were used to identify participants. A multivariable linear regression analysis was used to analyze the impact of prenatal famine exposure on the level of fasting blood glucose. In linear regression, unadjusted model (Model 1), fasting blood glucose level was increased by 4.13 (ß = 4.13; 95% CI .41, 7.42) points in prenatal famine exposed groups, compared with non-exposed. Similarly, the positive association of prenatal famine exposure and fasting blood glucose level was maintained after adjusted for sex (Model 2) (ß = . 4.08 95% CI .056, 7.50). Further adjusted for age, residence, educational status, wealth index and family size (Model 3) resulted in 4.10 (ß = . 4.10 95% CI .45, 7.56) points increases in fasting blood glucose level. In model 4 adjusting for dietary pattern, physical activity level and family history of diabetes, alcohol and cigarette smoking resulted in 3.90 (ß = 3.90, 95% CI 039, 7.52) points increase in fasting glucose level. In the he full adjusted model (Model 5) prenatal exposure to famine was resulted in 3.78 (ß = 3.78, 95% CI .22, 7.34) increases in fasting blood glucose level after adjusted for BMI and waist to height ratio. There existed a positive association of prenatal famine exposure and adulthood blood glucose levels. In this population, establishing effective overweight/obesity prevention programs to minimize the co-impact of early famine exposure on blood glucose control are important.

Determinants of dietary diversity practice among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Wachemo University Nigist Eleni Mohammed memorial referral hospital, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Dietary diversity has continued to receive a global attention among pregnant women as they have been considered susceptible to malnutrition because of their increased nutrient demands. Thus, a variety of foodstuffs in their diet are necessary for ensuring the appropriateness of their nutrient consumptions. This study, therefore assessed the dietary diversity practice and its determinants among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Wachemo University Nigist Eleni Mohammed memorial referral hospital, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 303 participants from May 1 to June 15, 2019 using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS (version24.0). Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to decide the association of each explanatory variable with the outcome variable. Odds ratio with their 95% confidence intervals was calculated to identify the presence and strength of association, and statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of adequate dietary diversity practices was observed to be 42.6%. The determinants of dietary diversity practice included earning of a monthly income ≥2000 Ethiopian birr (AOR = 1.62; 95%CI:1.19-2.85), maternal educational level (AOR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.05-6.12), educational status of partner (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI:1.20, 9.57), having a partner who was a government employee (AOR = 4; 95% CI:2.18-7.21), and the receiving of nutritional information (AOR = 1.35; 95% CI: 3.39-6.94). CONCLUSIONS: The study indicated that the overall consumption of adequate dietary diversity practice was found to be low. Therefore, increasing household income, enhancing nutritional related information, advancing the academic level of both wife and her partner is essential to improve women's dietary diversity practice.

Perinatal Outcomes and Associated Factors among women with hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Delivered in Jimma Zone Hospitals, Southwest Ethiopia.

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are multisystem diseases that increase the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes worldwide. It Led to early and late serious health consequence on the baby, with a significant proportion occurring in low-income countries. Hence the objective of this study was to determine perinatal outcomes and associated factors among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy delivered in Jimma zone hospitals. Method: A Facility based cross-sectional study design was employed from March to May 2020 on 211 hypertensive women delivered in the four randomly selected hospitals. The data were collected by reviewing medical record and face to face interview using consecutive sampling technique. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify association. Result: Ninety-one (43.1%) of fetuses developed unfavorable perinatal outcome. Inability to read and write (AOR=2.5; 95% CI:1.03-6.17), being primipara (AOR=4.6; 95% CI:1.6-13.2) and multi-para (AOR=3.1; 95% CI:1.09-9.17), Lack of antenatal care visit (AOR=4.2; 95% CI:1.2-15.01), having preeclampsia (AOR=4.2; 95% CI:1.1-16.6) and eclampsia (AOR=5.8; 95% CI:1.2-26.2) and late provision of drug (AOR=3.9;95% CI:1.9-7.9) were independent factors. Conclusion: Pregnancy complicated with hypertensive disorders was associated with increased unfavorable perinatal outcomes. Preeclampsia and eclampsia, inability to read and write, primipara and multipara, lack of antenatal care and late provision of drug were factors associated with unfavorable perinatal outcomes.

Education can modify the long term impact of early childhood famine exposure on adulthood economic achievement: a historical cohort study among the survivors of the great Ethiopian famine 1983-85.

BACKGROUND: Previous famine studies reported the inverse link between early life nutritional deprivation and adulthood optimal health outcomes. However, there remain sparse data on the impact of early life famine exposure in later life economic achievement. Hence, we set out to examine the association of early life famine exposure on economic achievement among survivors of the 1983-85 great Ethiopian famine. METHOD: A historical cohort study design was employed among 968 adult men and women in the Raya Kobo district, Northern Ethiopia. Participants were categorized into in utero exposed, postnatal exposed and unexposed groups based on self-reported age and birthdate. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and individual assets. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine wealth index as proxy for economic achievement. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the independent effect of early life famine exposure on the outcome. RESULTS: In unadjusted model, compared to unexposed cohorts, in utero and postnatal famine exposed cohorts were nearly twice more likely to fall in the lowest wealth category (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.40, 2.64) and (OR: 2.12, 95%CI: 1.45, 3.08), respectively. However, these associations became non-significant when adjusted for biologic and demographic variables (P > 0.05). Instead, educational status appeared to have significant association with wealth; those who can't read or write among in utero and postnatal exposed group were three times more likely to fall in low wealth index category than those who achieved secondary and above level of education (OR = 3.00 95% CI: 1.74, 5.18) and (OR = 2.92, 95% CI: 1.48, 5.76), respectively. Similarly, those with primary education among in uero and postnatal famine exposed cohorts were twice more likely to fall in the low wealth index than compared to those secondary and above level of education (OR = 2.04 95% CI: (1.18, 3.54) and (OR = 2.17 95% CI: 1.12, 4.22), respectively. CONCLUSION: Education appears to be a significant independent factor to determine one's economic achievement in the studied famine cohort. This may imply, the possible impact of early life famine exposure on economic achievement later in adult life could be modified through better education. Our findings justify the need of expanding education in hunger spots in general and in famine settings in particular.