Magnitude of peripheral sensory neuropathy and associated factors among HIV/AIDS clients receiving care at public health institutions, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: In the mid-1990s, the development of combination antiretroviral therapy converted HIV infection into a chronic condition, with newly diagnosed patients now living longer than the general population. HIV affects both the central and peripheral nerve systems, resulting in a variety of clinical problems, including peripheral neuropathy, which is a common neurological consequence. Despite this, there is a scarcity of data on the extent of peripheral sensory neuropathy and its underlying factors in Ethiopia, necessitating this study. OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of this study is to assess the degree of peripheral sensory neuropathy and its related factors among HIV/AIDS clients on follow up at public health institutions in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 1 to 30 December 2020 at selected south Gondar zone public health institutions ART clinic. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Standardized Questioner adapted from other study was used to collect the data. Moreover, Brief Peripheral Neuropathy Screening tool (BPNS) was used to assess peripheral sensory neuropathy. The data were entered with epi-data manager version 4.4 and analyzed using STATA version 16. RESULT: A total of 555 adult PLWHIV agreed to participate in the study, resulting in a response rate of 96.8%. The prevalence of Peripheral sensory neuropathy was 32.25, 95% CI (28.28, 36.26). The participant's age, DM comorbidity, viral load level, and disease clinical stage were all found to have a statistically significant association with peripheral sensory neuropathy. CONCLUSION: Peripheral sensory neuropathy was incredibly common. Accordingly, peripheral sensory neuropathy was found considerably associated with age, viral load level, stage of the disease, and DM comorbidity. It is vital to integrate routine peripheral sensory neuropathy screening strategies for clients who are on ART follow up for prevention and early identification of the problem.

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.

Half-life time prediction of developing first-line antiretroviral treatment failure and its risk factors among TB and HIV co-infected children in Northwest Ethiopia; multi setting historical follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Even though treatment failure is higher among TB and HIV infected children in a resource-limited setting, there is no prior evidence in general and in the study area in particular. Hence, this study was aimed at determining the half-life time prediction of developing first-line antiretroviral treatment failure and its risk factors among TB and HIV co-infected children. METHODS: A historical follow-up study was employed among 239 TB and HIV co-infected children from January 2010-December 2020. The data was entered into Epi data version 4.2.2 and exported to STATA 14.0 Software for analysis. The Kaplan-Meier plot was used to estimate the half-life time to develop treatment failure. The required assumption was fulfilled for each predictor variable. Additionally, those variables having a p-value ≤0.25 in the bivariable analysis were fitted into a multivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression model. P-value, < 0.05 was used to declare a significant association. RESULTS: A total of 239 TB and HIV co-infected children were involved in this study. The overall half-life time to develop first treatment failure was found to be 101 months, with a total of 1027.8 years' follow-up period. The incidence rate and proportion of developing first-line treatment failure were 5.5 per 100 PPY (Person-Year) [CI (confidence interval): 3.7, 6.9] 100 PPY and 23.8% (CI; 18.8, 29.7) respectively. Factors such as hemoglobin 10 mg/dl [AHR (Adjusted Hazard Ratio): 3.2 (95% CI: 1.30, 7.73), severe acute malnutrition [AHR: 3.8 (95% CI: 1.51, 79.65), World Health Organization stage IV [AHR: 2.4 (95% CI: 1.15, 4.93)], and cotrimoxazole prophylaxis non user [AHR: 2.3 (95% CI: 1.14, 4.47)] were found to be a risk factor to develop treatment failure. CONCLUSION: In this study, the half-life time to develop first-line treatment failure was found to be very low. In addition, the incidence was found to be very high. The presence of hemoglobin 10 mg/dl, severe acute malnutrition, World Health Organization stage, and non-use of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis were discovered to be risk factors for treatment failure. Further prospective cohort and qualitative studies should be conducted to improve the quality of care in paediatric ART clinics to reduce the incidence or burden of first line treatment failure among TB and HIV co-infected children.

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.

Impact of early life famine exposure on adulthood anthropometry among survivors of the 1983-1985 Ethiopian Great famine: a historical cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional insult in early life brings adaptive changes in body structure and functioning that could remain throughout the affected individual's life course. The long term impact of early life famine exposure on adulthood anthropometric measurements has been recorded in previous studies. However, the results were contradictory. Hence, we extend this study to examine the impact of famine exposure during early life on adulthood's anthropometry among survivors of the 1983-85 Ethiopian great famine. METHODS: A total of 1384 adult men and women survived from 1983 to 85 Ethiopian great famine were included in the study. Famine exposure status was classified into five groups: early life-exposed, prenatal-exposed, postnatal-exposed, adolescence-exposed, and non-exposed based on self-reported age and birthdate of the participants. Prenatal, post-natal, and adolescence exposed groups were considered as early life exposed. Following a standard procedure, anthropometric measurements were taken. A linear regression analysis was used to analyze the impact of famine exposure on adult anthropometric measurements adjusted for all possible covariates. The effect of famine exposure on overweight, general obesity, and abdominal obesity was examined using multinomial and binary logistic regression analysis. RESULT: Compared to non-exposed groups, adult height was lower by 1.83 cm (ß = - 1.83; 95% CI: - 3.05, - 0.58), 1.35 cm (ß = - 1.35; 95% CI: - 2.56, - 0.14) and 2.07 cm (ß = - 2.07 cm; 95% CI: - 3.31, - 0.80) among early life, prenatal and post-natal exposed groups, respectively. Likewise, famine exposure during early life (ß = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.03), prenatal (ß = 0.03; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.03) and post-natal life (ß = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.03) was positively associated with increased waist to height ratio. However, none of the above exposures resulted in a significant association with body mass index (P > 0. 05). Additionally, exposure to famine during early stage of life was not associated with increased risk of overweight, general obesity and abdominal obesity in adults. CONCLUSION: Decreased adult height and increased waist-to-height ratio were associated with early life exposure to famine, particularly prenatal and post-natal exposure. These results therefore underscore the significance of avoiding undernutrition in early life, which tends to be important for achieving once potential adult height and to minimize the increased risk of anthropometric markers of abdominal obesity such as waist to height ratio in later life.

Survival and predictors of mortality among severe acute malnourished under-five children admitted at Felege-Hiwot comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest, Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is still a global public health problem contributing for under-five morbidity and mortality. The case is similar in Ethiopia in which severe acute malnutrition is the major contributor to mortality being an underlying cause for nearly 45% of under-five deaths. However, there is no recent evidence that shows the time to death and public health importance of oxygen saturation and chest in drawing in the study area. Therefore, estimated time to death and its predictors can provide an input for program planners and decision-makers. METHODS: A facility -based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 488 severe acute malnourished under-five children admitted from the 1st of January 2016 to the 30th of December 2019. The study participants were selected by using simple random sampling technique. Data were entered in to Epi-Data version 3.1 and exported to STATA version15 statistical software for further analysis. The Kaplan Meier was used to estimate cumulative survival probability and a log-rank test was used to compare the survival time between different categories of explanatory variables. The Cox-proportional hazard regression model was fitted to identify predictors of mortality. P-value< 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. RESULTS: Out of the total 488 randomly selected charts of children with severe acute malnutrition, 476 records were included in the final analysis. A total of 54(11.34%) children died with an incidence rate of 9.1death /1000 person- days. Failed appetite test (AHR: 2.4; 95%CI: 1.26, 4.67), altered consciousness level at admission (AHR: 2.4; 95%CI: 1.08, 4.67), oxygen saturation below 90% (AHR: 3.3; 95%CI: 1.40, 7.87), edema (AHR 2.9; 95%CI: 1.45, 5.66) and HIV infection (AHR: 2.8; 95%CI: 1.24, 6.36) were predictors of mortality for children diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition. CONCLUSION: The overall survival status of severe acute malnourished children was low as compared to national sphere standards and previous reports in the literature. The major predictors of mortality were oxygen saturation below 90%, altered consciousness, HIV infection, edema and failed appetite test. Therefore, early screening of complications, close follow up and regular monitoring of sever acute malnourished children might improve child survival rate.

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.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and its associated factors among children at South Wollo Zone Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy negatively affects the suppression of viral replication. It increases risks of drug resistance, treatment failure, Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-related morbidity and mortality among children. This study assessed the level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy and its associated factors among children at hospitals in South Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected children in April 2013. A total of 464 children who were taking Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in the hospitals were included. Data were collected using pretested and structured questionnaires using a face-to-face interview method. Descriptive and summary statistics were employed. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were computed. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were computed to determine the level of significance. RESULTS: Of the 464 study samples, 440 children with their caregivers were included in the final analysis. A total of 78.6% of the caregivers reported that their children were adherent to antiretroviral therapy in the month prior to the interview. Caregivers' knowledge about antiretroviral treatment [AOR = 2.72(95% CI: 1.82, 5.39)], no current substance use of the caregivers [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 2.21(95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.34, 7.13)], proximity to the health care facility [AOR = 2.31(95% CI: 1.94, 4.63)], if the child knows HIV-positive status [AOR = 3.47(95% CI: 2.10, 6.81)] and caregiver's educational status [AOR = 0.59(95% CI: 0.21, 0.82)] were significantly and independently associated with adherence of children to antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSION: Adherence of antiretroviral therapy in this study was comparable to other studies conducted in developing countries. Caregiver's knowledge about antiretroviral therapy, no current use of substances, close proximity to health facilities, and letting child's know his/her HIV status improves adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Health care providers should educate caregivers about antiretroviral therapy and encourage HIV positive status disclosure to the child.

Pregnant women's intentions to use maternity waiting homes and its associated factors in rural districts of Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: As part of a strategy to reduce maternal and perinatal mortality, Ethiopia's government has made a significant effort to expand the number of Maternity Waiting Homes (MWHs). However, worldwide there is a substantial regional variation in pregnant women's intention to use MWHs. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess pregnant women's intention to use maternity waiting home and its associated factors in the rural district of Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out on 385 pregnant women from March 1-28, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. SPSS software (version 24.0) was used to enter and analyze the data. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine an association between each independent and dependent variables. Odds ratio with their 95% confidence intervals was computed to ascertain the existence and strength of an association, and statistical significance was affirmed at a p-value of < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of pregnant women's intension to use MWHs was observed to be 55.6%. A poor wealth status (AOR = 2.52; 95% CI:1.05-6.05), having a previous history of institutional delivery (AOR = 4.78; 95% CI:1.16-9.64), attending four or more antenatal care visits (AOR = 3.34; 95%CI:1.35-8.29), having obstetric complications during previous pregnancy (AOR = 3.76; 95% CI:1.45-9.77), and having favourable attitude towards MWHs (AOR = 13.51; 95% CI: 5.85-9.54) had a significant association with an intention to use MWHs. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings of this study, more than half of pregnant women have been intended to use MWHs. Therefore, boosting the uptake of the antenatal care visit, raising awareness about the risk and consequences of obstetric complications, and strengthening behavioral modification strategies is very crucial to increase pregnant women's intention to use MWHs.

Effects of armed conflicts on childhood undernutrition in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Undernutrition is defined as not consuming enough nutrients and energy to meet one's needs for maintaining good health. It is exacerbated by armed conflict. Individuals cannot stick to jobs because of a lack of safety during conflicts, which has an impact on families' ability to purchase food. However, there is a paucity of evidence on pooled evidence on the impact of armed conflict on childhood undernutrition among children aged 6 to 59 months in Africa. Therefore, this review aimed to examine the effects of armed conflict on the magnitude of undernutrition, particularly stunting, underweight, and wasting among children in Africa. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases (PubMed, Hinari, and Google Scholar database) to locate potential studies. Heterogeneity between studies was checked using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test statistics. Small-study effects were checked using Egger's statistical test at a 5% significance level. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of undernutrition among children aged 6-59 months in Africa. RESULTS: Of a total of 585 articles retrieved from the databases, 12 studies met our inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of wasting, stunting, and being underweight among conflict-affected African countries was 20.25% (95%CI = 15.08-25.43), 34.18% (95% CI = 26.34-42.02), and 24.00% (95%CI = 16.35-31.65), respectively. The most consistent factors associated with childhood stunting, wasting, and being underweight in Africa were low mother's education, prolonged duration of armed conflict, and rural place of residence. CONCLUSION: The severity of malnutrition crises will be assisted by a better understanding of the variables associated with child malnutrition, which will improve the effectiveness of development and humanitarian responses. We urge that health planners, policymakers, and the general public prioritize children with acute malnutrition in Africa's conflict-affected areas. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022367487.

Undernutrition and associated factors among older adults in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Undernutrition contributes to decreased physical and cognitive functional status, higher healthcare consumption, premature institutionalisation and increased mortality. So, the objective of this study was to determine the pooled prevalence and factors associated with undernutrition among older adults in Ethiopia. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis was used. Articles that presented original data on undernutrition using body mass index (BMI) were included. We made an inclusive literature search from PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar. The I2 test was used to examine the heterogeneity of the studies considered in this meta-analysis. Stata software V.14 and METANDI command were used. SETTING: Studies conducted in Ethiopia were included. PARTICIPANTS: Eight independent studies were eligible and enrolled for final analysis. OUTCOME: Prevalence and determinants of undernutrition. A selection of publications, data extraction and reported results for the review was designed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS: A total of eight unique studies were enrolled for final analysis. The pooled prevalence of undernutrition was 20.53% (95% CI 17.39% to 23.67%). The study revealed that males had lesser odds of being undernutrition with AOR 0.17 (95% CI 0.15 to 0.20). Older adults in the age range of 65-74 years were less likely to be undernourished as compared with those whose age was above 85 years with Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 022 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.25). Older adults who were depressed had higher odds of undernutrition as compared with their counterparts with AOR 1.27 (95% CI 1.19 to 1.37). However, older adults from households with poor wealth indexes were two times more likely to be undernourished as compared with those who were from rich households. CONCLUSION: The burden of undernutrition in Ethiopia is significant. The limitation of the current study was that all included studies were observational, mainly cross-sectional.

Gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage in patients with chronic liver diseases attending university of Gondar Specialized comprehensive hospital in Ethiopia: Institutional based cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Rupture and bleeding from Gastroesophageal Varices (GEVs) are major complications among patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and are associated with a high mortality rate. Hence, identifying factors of Gastroesophageal Variceal Hemorrhage (GEVH) is essential for the management and prevention of this fatal outcome. Objective: To assess the prevalence of GEVH and its associated factors among patients with CLD in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed on a total of 262 patients. The data was entered into Epi-Data version 3.1, and then exported and analyzed using STATA version 14. The distribution of variables was checked using kolmogorov-smirnov test. Bivariable logistic regression model was fitted to select variables for multivariable analysis. In the final model, adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence level and P-value less than 0.05 were used to assess degree of association. Results: The mean age of the study subjects was found to be 37.76 years (SD ± 11.62). The prevalence of GEVH was found to be 52% (95% CI: 49.6-54.2). Patients with grade F2 and F3 varices have 3.41 times (AOR: 3.41, 95% CI: 2.33-4.74) and 3.33 times (AOR: 3.33, 95% CI: 2.55-4.12) higher odds of bleeding, respectively. Patients not taking beta blocker have 2.38 times (AOR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.82-3.90) increased odds of bleeding. Patients with more than three years of duration of illness have 2 times (AOR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.39-3.99) increased odds of bleeding. Patients with platelet number less than 50,000/µl have 3.46 times (AOR: 3.46, 95% CI: 2.55-4.17) higher odds of bleeding. Conclusion: GEVH is found to be high in patients with CLD seen at university of Gondar Hospital. Higher grade of varices, non-use of beta blockers, presence of infection, platelet number and age are associated with higher occurrence of bleeding, pointing the possibility of averting this fatal complication, for most of the identified factors are preventable.

The median time to stopover exclusive breastfeeding among employed and unemployed mothers of infants aged 6-12 months in Ethiopia, 2019.

Early discontinuation of breastfeeding is known to be associated with avoidable childhood morbidity and mortality. The effect of maternal employment on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and its determinants has not been addressed adequately in in Ethiopia in general and in the stud area in particular. Hence, this study was aimed to compare the time to stop exclusive breastfeeding and its determinants among employed and unemployed mothers of infants 6-12 months of age. A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to 30, 2019. A total of 426 mothers were recruited using a simple random sampling technique. The Kaplan-Meier curve with log-rank test was used to compare the difference in cessation of exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months. Bivariate and Cox proportional hazards model were computed. Hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were computed to determine the level of significance. Four hundred twenty-six (213 employed and 213 un-employed) mothers were included in the final analysis. The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 4 months and 6 months for infants of employed and unemployed mothers, respectively. The likelihood of ceasing of exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months of age was significantly associated with family support of exclusive breastfeeding [AHR = 3.99, 95% CI (1.9, 8.3)], and lack of exclusive breastfeeding counseling during postnatal care [AHR = 7.76, 95% CI (2.99, 20.1)], primipara mothers [AHR = 1.5, 95% CI (1.14, 2.04)], maternity leave of 4 months [AHR = 7, 95% CI 2.2, 22.2)] and employed mothers [AHR = 3.77, 95% CI (2.4, 5.9)]. The median duration of exclusive breastfeeding was shorter among employed mothers than un-employed mothers. It is clear from this study that cessation of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with the duration of paid maternity leave for employed mothers. Family support and perceived adequacy of breast milk were associated with cessation of exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months among unemployed mothers.

Pooled prevalence and its determinants of stunting among children during their critical period in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Stunting is a major public health concern, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Globally, nearly 149 million under-five children are suffering from stunting. Despite it can occur in all age groups, the impact is more severe among children age less than 24 months as this period is critical time of very rapid growth and development. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and determinants of stunting among children during this critical period in Ethiopia. METHODS: The literature search was conducted using international electronic data bases (pumed, Google scholar, CINHAL, Hinari, open Google) and the hand search of reference lists of eligible articles. The presence of heterogeneity between studies was evaluated using Cochrane Q-test and I2 test statistics and sensitivity analysis was also checked. Small study effect was checked through graphical and statistical test. Sub-group analysis was performed to handle heterogeneity. RESULTS: This study included 14 studies with a total sample size of 8,056 children. The overall pooled estimate of stunting was 35.01(95% CI: 24.73-45.28, I2 = 98.98%) in the country with the highest prevalence in Amhara region. Increased Child's age (OR = 3.83; 95% CI: 2.47-5.18, I2 = 97.76%), no maternal education (OR = 2.90; 95%CI: 1.59-4.20, I2 = 89.73%), no maternal postnatal follow up (OR = 1.81; 95% CI:1.51-2.10) less than four food diversity of the child (OR = 2.24;95%CI; 1.94-2.55,I2 = 21.55%), low maternal body mass index, failure to colostrum and exclusive breast feeding, two and more under five children in the household and poor wealth index of the family were significant factors of stunting. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The pooled prevalence of stunting among children during their critical time is high. Increased Child's age, no maternal education and no maternal postnatal follow up, less than four food diversity of the child, low maternal body mass index, failure to colostrum and exclusive breast feeding, two and more under five children in the household and poor wealth index of the family were determinants of stunting. Therefore, providing continuous maternal postnatal follow up, increase awareness of mothers on importance of colostrum and exclusive breast feeding, feeding of children the recommended variety of foods and at large to improve the wealth status of the households are crucial interventions to meet national and international targets of zero stunting in children less than 2 years.

Neonatal outcomes of preterm neonates and its predictors in Ethiopian public hospitals: Multicenter prospective follow-up study.

Introduction: Preterm birth remains the most significant clinical and public health encounter. Preterm infant outcomes pose key evidence for clinicians and policymakers and are extensively used to set clinical and policy verdicts to improve services. It is necessary to conduct the outcomes of neonates frequently, as it varies from place to place and even from time to time in a similar place. There is limited literature in Ethiopia about preterm neonates' outcomes and their predictors. Objective: This study aimed to assess the neonatal outcomes of preterm neonates and their predictors in South Gondar zone public hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: A prospective observational study was employed on 462 preterm neonates in South Gondar Zone Public Hospitals. The data were entered into Epidata 4.6 and analyzed using STATA version 16/MP software. A parametric log-normal survival model was used to identify possible predictors for preterm neonate death. Statistical significance was declared at a P-value less than 0.05. Result: The overall preterm survival rate was 71.1% (95% CI: 66.7, 75.1). Thirty-six percent of preterm neonates were diagnosed with sepsis. One-fourth of the neonates had respiratory distress syndrome. Gestational age greater than 34 weeks (ß = 1.04; 95% CI: 0.53, 1.56), respiratory distress syndrome (ß = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.49, 1.22), body mass index (ß = -1.34; 95% CI: -1.87, -0.80), non-union marital status (ß = -0.71; 95% CI: -1.34, -0.09), multiple pregnancies (ß = -0.66; 95% CI: -0.99-0.32), multiparous (ß = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.69), hypothermia (ß = -1.19; 95% CI: -1.76, -0.62), Kangaroo Mother Care (ß = -1.9; 95% CI: -2.34, -1.41) and non-cephalic presentation (ß = -1.23; 95% CI: -1.99,-0.46) were significant predictors. Conclusion: In this study, the preterm survival rate was low. Gestational age greater than 34 weeks, no respiratory distress syndrome, and multiparous mothers were positively associated with the survival of preterm neonates. Though, high pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index, non-union marital status of mothers, multiple pregnancies, hypothermia, Kangaroo mother care is not given, and non-cephalic presentation were negatively associated. A significant focus should be given to implementing WHO recommendations on preventing and caring for preterm births.

Early life famine exposure and anthropometric profile in adulthood: a systematic review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Previous famine studies reported the association between early life famine exposure and adulthood anthropometric profile. However, the findings were variable. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to clarify the association of famine exposure in early life with the anthropometric profiles in adults. METHODS: Potentially relevant studies were searched through Scopus, Medline, Google Scholar and Google for gray literature and reference lists of previous studies. The random effects model (REM) and I2 test was used to adapt the pooling method and assess heterogeneity, respectively. RESULTS: Prenatal famine exposure was associated with increased risk of body mass index [SMD = 0.10 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.18)], waist circumference [SMD = 0.21 (95% CI: 0.11, 0.31)] in adults. Likewise, famine exposure during prenatal life was associated with decreased adult height [SMD) = - 0.26 (95% CI: - 0.44, - 0.09)]. Moreover, famine exposure during early childhood was associated with increased risk of waist circumference [SMD = 0.09 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.16)] and decreased adult height [SMD = - 0.16 (95% CI: - 0.27, - 0.04)]. CONCLUSION: Our finding indicates that exposure to famine during early life was associated with the anthropometric profile of adults. In terms of public health significance, the results of the study further underscore the importance of improving the nutritional status of mothers and children to prevent adulthood diseases in the long run. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42020168424.

Early life exposure to famine and risk of dyslipidemia in adults: a systematic review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Dyslipidemia is the major contributor to the global disease burden. Earlier epidemiologic research has linked early-life famine exposure to dyslipidemia and altered lipid profiles in adulthood, but a uniform perspective has yet to be established. In response, this systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed to investigate the association of early life famine exposure and dyslipidemia in adults. Methods: Scopus, Medline and Google scholar databases were searched for articles published until October 2020. Studies of famine exposure during prenatal and early postnatal life and their association with dyslipidemia and lipid profiles in adults were included. Random effect model in the Meta-analysis and Mantel- Haenszel model was used to calculate odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the strength of association between famine exposure and dyslipidemia. The lipid profiles of the exposed and non-exposed groups were compared using the standardized mean difference (SMD). Heterogeneity between studies were assessed using I2 values. Results: We identified 17 studies for assessing the association between early life famine exposure and risk of dyslipidemia in adults. About 11 studies were included for meta-analysis. Prenatal exposure to famine was associated with increased risk of dyslipidemia [OR = 1.74 (95% CI: 1.31, 2.31)], total cholesterol [SMD = 2.07 (95% CI: 1.40, 2.74)], LDL-cholesterol [SMD = 1.16 (95% CI: 0.25, 0.26)] and decreased HDL-cholesterol [SMD = -0.05 (95% CI: -0.10, -0.01)]. Likewise, famine exposure during early postnatal period was associated with increased risk of total cholesterol [SMD = 0.18 (95% CI: 0.11, 0.25), I 2 = 29%] and LDL-cholesterol [SMD = 0.15 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.23), I 2 = 61%]. Conclusions: Famine exposure in early life was found to have an association with increased risk of dyslipidemia and altered lipide profile during adulthood. Our findings highlight the need for promoting better nutrition during pregnancy and infancy to prevent dyslipidemia during adulthood. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40200-022-01062-8.

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.

Iodine concentration level of iodized dietary salt and its associated factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Iodine deficiency disorder (IDD) is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. The availability of adequate iodized dietary salt at the household level is immensely important. Hence, this review aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of adequate iodine concentration level of iodized dietary salt at the household level and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Methods: We searched the literature using electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Embase) and gray literature from January 9, 2022, to February 25, 2022. The rapid test kit was used to measure the adequacy of iodine level of dietary salt. The quality of studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Heterogeneity between studies was checked using I2 test statistics and publication bias was checked using funnel plot and Egger's statistical test at a 5% significance level. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of the outcome variable and its determinants in Ethiopia. Results: The search identified 149 studies of which 18 studies were included with a total of 10,556 participants. The pooled prevalence of adequate iodine levels of iodized salt in Ethiopia was 44.37% (95% CI: 35.85-52.88). Women who had formal education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.99 (95% CI: 1.47-2.48)), good knowledge of women (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.36-3.36), packed iodized salt (AOR = 3.85 (95% CI: 1.88-7.87)) and storage of iodized salt at home for less than 2 months (AOR = 2.66 (95% CI: 2.11-3.35) were the significant factors. Conclusion: This review suggests that the pooled prevalence of adequate iodine levels was low. Our finding highlights the need for considering the educational status, knowledge, and duration of salt storage to enhance the prevalence of adequate levels of iodized salt at the national level.

Determinants of undernutrition among older adults in South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia: a community-based study.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and determinants of undernutrition among older adults aged 65 years in the south Gondar Zone, Ethiopia, in 2020. DESIGN: A community-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: The study was conducted from 1 October to 15 December 2020, in the South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. Study participants were selected by systematic random sampling. A pretested and structured questionnaire adapted from different literature was used to collect data. Anthropometric measurements were taken following the standard procedure. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 290 older adults aged greater than or equal to 65 years of age were included in the study. DATA ANALYSIS: Descriptive and summary statistics were employed. Multiple logistic regression was fitted to identify determinants of undernutrition. ORs and their 95% CIs were computed to determine the level of significance. OUTCOME MEASURES: Undernutrition was assessed by using Body Mass Index and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool. RESULTS: The prevalence of undernutrition was 27.6% (95% CI 22.4 to 32.8), and 2.1% (95% CI 0.7 to 3.8) of the study participants were overweight. Based on the MNA tool, 29.7% (95% CI 24.5 to 35.2) of the study participants were undernourished and 61.7% (95% CI 55.5 to 67.2) were at risk of undernourishment. Rural residence adjusted OR (aOR)=10.3 (95% CI 3.6 to 29.4), inability to read and write aOR=3.5 (95% CI 1.6 to 7.6), decrease in food intake aOR=13.5 (95% CI 6.1 to 29.5) and household monthly income of less than US$35.6 aOR=4.3 (95% CI 1.9 to 9.4) were significantly and independently associated with undernutrition. CONCLUSION: The level of undernutrition among older adults in the study area was high, making it an important public health burden. The determinants of undernutrition were a place of residence, educational status, food intake and monthly income.