Prevalence of depression and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in public hospitals of Southeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Depression is the most frequent mental health condition among human immune deficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients. It has been related to negative health outcomes. This could lead to hospitalization and an increase in medical expenses. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and associated factors among HIV/AIDS patients in public hospitals Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was randomly employed among 554 study participants. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study subjects. A structured Patients Health Questionnaires- 9 was used to measure the depression status of HIV/AIDS patients. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer administered structured questionnaire as well as review of patients medical charts or records. Descriptive statistics were computed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted identify factors associated with the prevalence of depression. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR), along with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was used to estimate the strength of the association. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression among the study participants was found to be 44.9% (95% CI: 40.79%, 49.1%). Perceived HIV related stigma is the single most dominant predictor of depression [(AOR = 8.2, 95% CI: (4.96, 13.68)], low income level [(AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: (1.59, 6.22)] Experiencing any form of a side effect of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) [(AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: (1.04, 2.56)], having normal BMI [(AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: (0.29, 0.8)] being HIV patients at WHO clinical stage II [(AOR = 0.44, 95% CI: (0.22, 0.9)], were significantly associated with prevalence of depression. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the prevalence of depression among people living with HIV in the study settings was high, almost two out of every five HIV patients were depressed. Low income level, side effect to HAART, and having HIV related stigma were more likely to suffer from depression.

Magnitude and determinants of neural tube defect in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of disorders that arise from the failure of the neural tube close between 21 and 28 days after conception. About 90% of neural tube defects and 95% of death due to these defects occurs in low-income countries. Since these NTDs cause considerable morbidity and mortality, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of NTDs in Africa. METHODS: The protocol of this study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO number: CRD42020149356). All major databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar search engine were systematically searched. A random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa, and Cochran's Q-statistics and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity between included studies. Publication bias was assessed using Begg 's tests, and the association between determinant factors and NTDs was estimated using a random-effect model. RESULTS: Of the total 2679 articles, 37 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa was 50.71 per 10,000 births (95% CI: 48.03, 53.44). Folic acid supplementation (AOR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.19-0.85), maternal exposure to pesticide (AOR: 3.29; 95% CI: 1.04-10.39), mothers with a previous history of stillbirth (AOR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.99-5.65) and maternal exposure to x-ray radiation (AOR 2.34; 95% CI: 1.27-4.31) were found to be determinants of NTDs. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled prevalence of NTDs in Africa was found to be high. Maternal exposure to pesticides and x-ray radiation were significantly associated with NTDs. Folic acid supplementation before and within the first month of pregnancy was found to be a protective factor for NTDs.

Predictors of suicidal ideation, attempts among adults living with HIV attending ART follow-ups at Tirunesh Beijing General Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the magnitude of suicidal ideation, attempts and associated factors among adults living with HIV attending antiretroviral therapy follow-ups at Tirunesh Beijing General Hospital, Addis Ababa. DESIGN: Hospital-based observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. SETTING: A study was conducted in Tirunesh Beijing General Hospital, Addis Ababa from 8 February 2022 to 10 July 2022. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and thirty-seven HIV-positive youth were recruited for interviews, using the systematic random sampling technique. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to assess suicide. Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Oslo social support and HIV perceived stigma scale instruments were used to assess the factors. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were computed to assess factors associated with suicidal ideation and attempt. Statistical significance was declared at p value <0.05. RESULTS: The finding of the study revealed magnitude of suicide ideation and suicide attempt was 22.8% and 13.5%, respectively. Disclosure status (adjusted odd ratio (AOR)=3.60, 95% CI 1.44 to 9.01), history of using substances (AOR)=2.86, 95% CI 1.07 to 7.61), living alone (AOR=6.47, 95% CI 2.31 to 18.10) and having comorbidity or other opportunistic infection (AOR=3.74, 95% CI 1.32 to 10.52) are factors associated with suicide ideation while disclosure status (AOR=5.02, 95% CI 1.95 to 12.94), living arrangement (AOR=3.82, 95% CI 1.29 to 11.31) and depression history is a factor associated with suicide attempts (AOR=3.37, 95% CI 1.09 to 10.40). CONCLUSION: The finding of the study indicated the magnitude of suicide ideation and attempt is high among the subjects included in this study. Disclosure status, history of using substances, living alone and having comorbidity or other opportunistic infection are factors associated with suicide ideation while disclosure status, living arrangement and depression history are factors associated with a suicide attempt.

Burden of lower respiratory infections and associated risk factors across regions in Ethiopia: a subnational analysis of the Global Burden of Diseases 2019 study.

OBJECTIVE: This analysis is to present the burden and trends of morbidity and mortality due to lower respiratory infections (LRIs), their contributing risk factors, and the disparity across administrative regions and cities from 1990 to 2019. DESIGN: This analysis used Global Burden of Disease 2019 framework to estimate morbidity and mortality outcomes of LRI and its contributing risk factors. The Global Burden of Disease study uses all available data sources and Cause of Death Ensemble model to estimate deaths from LRI and a meta-regression disease modelling technique to estimate LRI non-fatal outcomes with 95% uncertainty intervals (UI). STUDY SETTING: The study includes nine region states and two chartered cities of Ethiopia. OUTCOME MEASURES: We calculated incidence, death and years of life lost (YLLs) due to LRIs and contributing risk factors using all accessible data sources. We calculated 95% UIs for the point estimates. RESULTS: In 2019, LRIs incidence, death and YLLs among all age groups were 8313.7 (95% UI 7757.6-8918), 59.4 (95% UI 49.8-71.4) and 2404.5 (95% UI 2059.4-2833.3) per 100 000 people, respectively. From 1990, the corresponding decline rates were 39%, 61% and 76%, respectively. Children under the age of 5 years account for 20% of episodes, 42% of mortalities and 70% of the YLL of the total burden of LRIs in 2019. The mortality rate was significantly higher in predominantly pastoralist regions-Benishangul-Gumuz 101.8 (95% UI 84.0-121.7) and Afar 103.7 (95% UI 86.6-122.6). The Somali region showed the least decline in mortality rates. More than three-fourths of under-5 child deaths due to LRIs were attributed to malnutrition. Household air pollution from solid fuel attributed to nearly half of the risk factors for all age mortalities due to LRIs in the country. CONCLUSION: In Ethiopia, LRIs have reduced significantly across the regions over the years (except in elders), however, are still the third-leading cause of mortality, disproportionately affecting children younger than 5 years old and predominantly pastoralist regions. Interventions need to consider leading risk factors, targeted age groups and pastoralist and cross-border communities.

The Elevation of Pancreatic Enzymes in Serum and Their Distribution at Different Stages of Renal Insufficiency Among Diabetic Patients Attending Goba Referral Hospital.

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis is auto-cell destruction that is manifested by increased leakage of amylase and lipase into circulation. During pancreatitis, the activity of serum amylase and lipase is elevated three times above the upper limit of the normal range. This elevation was observed in both prediabetic and diabetic patients. Severe acute pancreatitis can result in acute kidney injury and other multi-organ dysfunction, which is one of the reasons for death. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the elevation of serum amylase and lipase and their distribution at different stages of renal insufficiency among diabetic patients. Methods: This study included 286 diabetic patients (36 type 1 and 250 type 2), and data were collected from May 1 to June 30, 2019. The study design used was an institution-based cross-sectional study. A face-to-face interview was used to collect data, and serum creatinine, amylase, and lipase levels were measured using a chemistry analyzer. For data entry and statistical analysis, respectively, Epidata software version 3.02 and SPSS version 21 were used. Results: The mean serum amylase among diabetic patients suffering from G3b and G4 was 106.79 IU/L ± 118.18 IU/L and 104.85 ± 90.42 IU/L, respectively. Their mean serum lipase activity was 105.07 IU/L ± 127.54 IU/L and 106.98 IU/L ± 88.35 IU/L, respectively. Serum lipase activity was elevated above the normal range and three times above the upper limit of the normal range with a magnitude of 11.2% and 4.2%, respectively. Similarly, 9.1% and 0.7% of diabetic patients had increased serum amylase above the normal range and three-fold above the normal range, respectively. Conclusion: As glomerular filtration decreases, particularly in moderate-to-severe chronic kidney disease, serum amylase and lipase activity rise above the upper limit.

Hypertension and Its Associated Factors Among Long-Distance Truck Drivers in Ethiopia.

Introduction: Hypertension is rising globally and is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. It affects people of different groups; however, owing to a rise in a sedentary lifestyle it is more prevalent among long-distance truck drivers. However, the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among truck drivers in Ethiopia is not known. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among long-distance truck drivers in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 long-distance truck drivers selected by systematic random sampling technique at Modjo dry port from May 15 to 30, 2021. The data were collected and entered into Epi-data 4.6 then it was exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were executed. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed. In the final model, a variable with a p ≤ 0.05 was declared as a predictor of hypertension. Results: The prevalence of hypertension among long-distance truck drivers in Ethiopia was 34.7%. The odds of hypertension was higher among drivers who were ≥45 years old [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.32; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 2.16, 8.62], obese [AOR= 5.12; 95% CI: 1.33, 19.8], alcohol drinkers [AOR=3.05; 95% CI: 1.27, 7.31], and cigarette smokers [AOR= 3.74; 95% CI: 1.64, 8.51]. Drivers who had regular physical exercise were less likely [AOR=0.33; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.63] to have hypertension than drivers with no physical activity. Conclusion: More than a third of the participants in Ethiopia had hypertension. Higher age, obesity, absence of rest between driving, short sleep duration, smoking, alcohol drinking, and physical inactivity were significantly associated with hypertension. Therefore, health education on lifestyle modifications, sleep habits, and the importance of rest breaks between driving should be considered to prevent hypertension and further complications.

Level of physical activity and its associated factors among adults in southeast Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Insufficient levels of physical activity are a well-known modifiable risk factor for a number of chronic conditions including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain malignancies. Little is known about the status of physical activity and its associated factors among adults in low-income countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of physical activity and its associated factors among adults in southeast Ethiopia. DESIGN: Analytical cross-sectional study. SETTING: Community setting in southeast Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS: 641 adults aged 18-64 years. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Level of physical activity assessed via the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of insufficient physical activity in this study was 29.48% (95% CI: 25.78 to 33.18). Women were more likely to report insufficient physical activity compared with men (39.0% for women and 12.3% for men, p<0.001). Being: a women (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.99, 95% CI: 2.15 to 7.40)), overweight/obese (AOR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.23 to 3.09), ever-married (AOR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.01 to 4.47), a person with no formal education (AOR=1.94, 95% CI: 1.05 to 3.56), a housewife (AOR=3.04, 95% CI: 1.75 to 5.29) and unemployed (AOR=3.30, 95% CI: 1.55 to 7.02) were significantly associated with insufficient physical activity. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that three in 10 adults did not achieve the recommended level of physical activity. For chronic disease prevention in Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health and other stakeholders should pay special attention to strategies to improve the population's physical activity especially among women, housewives, people with no formal education, and married, unemployed and overweight/obese adults.

Prevalence of anemia and associated factors among adult diabetic patients attending Bale zone hospitals, South-East Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Anemia found in diabetes patients is often unrecognized like many other chronic diseases. The occurrence of anemia is also an additional burden to the micro vascular complications of patients with diabetes. In the selected study structure no published data were found on the prevalence of anemia and associated factors in diabetic patients. Hence, the findings of this study are very fruitful as an input for further studies and after the repetition of similar studies in different frameworks. It is helpful as input for the development of guidelines at diabetes clinics to request the laboratory assessment of hemoglobin as a routine activity. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among diabetic patients who attended Bale zone hospitals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was conducted from September 2020-to January 2021 GC among adult diabetic patients who had follow-up at Bale zone hospitals. A total of 238 study participants were determined by single population proportion sample size calculation formula taking prevalence of anemia among adult diabetic patients 19.0%. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Information on demographic and associated factors of anemia in diabetic patients was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Blood sample collection was performed under aseptic conditions by a licensed medical laboratory professional. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1, cleaned and exported to statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 25 software tools. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with anemia in diabetic patients. P-value less than 0.05 and 95% CI were considered as statistically significant. The odds ratios were reported to indicate the strength of associations. Frequencies, percentages, charts and tables were used to summarize the characteristics of study participants. RESULTS: In this study anemia among adult diabetic patients is 18.1% (95% CI (13.2, 23.0%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the sex of the study participants and the type of diabetes mellitus were found to be statistically significant to associate with anemia. The odds of having anemia among females are nearly three times higher when compared with males (AOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.40-5.52). In addition, the odds of having anemia among adult diabetic patients who had type II diabetes mellitus (AOR 2.18, 95%CI 1.04-4.54) were 2.18 times higher than those who had type I diabetes mellitus patients. CONCLUSION: Nearly one out of five adult diabetic patients had anemia. Sex of the patients and the type of diabetes are associated with anemia among adult diabetic patients.

Virological and Immunological Antiretroviral Treatment Failure and Predictors Among HIV Positive Adult and Adolescent Clients in Southeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen failure is linked to an increased risk of disease progression and death, while early detection of ART failure can help to prevent the development of resistance. This study aimed to evaluate virological and immunological ART failure and predictors among HIV-positive adult and adolescent clients in southeast Ethiopia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was implemented from January 2016 to November 30, 2020; all HIV-positive nave patients on follow-up during the study period from four hospitals were included. Virological and immunological treatment failure was the primary outcome of the study. Cox proportional hazards regression models were employed for analysis. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were reported and variables with p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant predictors of treatment failure. RESULTS: A total of 641 HIV patients' charts were reviewed, 62.6% of the study participants were females. Of the total study participants, 18.4% and 15% developed virological and immunological ART regimen treatment failure respectively. The median time to virological failure was 40 months. WHO stage IV [AHR = 4.616; 95% CI: (2.136-9.974)], WHO stage III [AHR = 2.323; 95% CI: (1.317-4.098)], poor adherence to HAART regimen [AHR = 3.097; 95% CI: (1.349-7.108)], and fair adherence [AHR = 2.058; 95% CI: (1.234-3.432)] were significantly associated with virological treatment failure among adolescent and adult study participants in southeast Ethiopia. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of virological treatment failure was 18.4% (95% CI: 15.4 -21.4) and the prevalence of immunological treatment failure was 15% (95% CI: 11.8-18.4). WHO clinical stage III/IV and non-adherence were independent predictors of virological ART treatment failure. Early management of clinical WHO stages and improving patients' ART regimen adherence are important to decrease the prevalence of ART regimen treatment failure.

Prevalences of diabetic foot ulcer and foot self-care practice, and associated factors in adult patients with diabetes in south-east Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the prevalences of foot ulcer and foot self-care practices, and identify associated factors in adult patients with diabetes attending a referral hospital in south-east Ethiopia. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of 267 diabetic patients. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with diabetic foot ulcer and foot self-care practice. RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer was 11.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.42-15.05). One hundred and forty-four (53.9%; 47.9, 59.9) patients demonstrated good foot self-care. Living rurally (adjusted odds ratio 2.27; 95% CI: 1.86-6.97), lack of regular exercise (3.91; 1.51-10.10), peripheral neuropathy (2.77; 1.05-7.33) and foot calluses (5.69; 1.74-18.59) were associated with diabetic foot ulcer. Urban inhabitants (2.01; 1.09-3.69), patients with diabetes for >10 years (2.92; 1.48-5.77), women (2.95; 1.66-5.22), and patients with a glucometer at home (2.05; 1.09-3.85) were more likely to have good foot self-care practice. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer was 11.2%. This prevalence is lower than those identified in other Ethiopian studies. However, patient awareness regarding foot self-care practice and risk reduction should be improved.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy among Adult Diabetes Patients in Southeast Ethiopia: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most prevalent microvascular consequence of diabetes mellitus, and it can result in blindness that is irreversible. Due to delayed diagnosis and limited access to diabetic care, the situation is even worse in developing countries. Scientific evidence on the prevalence of DR and its associated factors among diabetes patients in low-income countries, such as Ethiopia, is limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DR and associated factors among adult diabetes patients in southeast Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetes patients who visited Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital. Fundus and slit-lamp examination were performed for screening of DR. Multivariate binary logistic regression was computed to identify factors associated with DR. Results: A total of 256 patients (144 men, 56.2%) aged 50.15±15.71 years were included in the study. The prevalence of any DR was 19.9% (95% CI 15.4%-25.3%), mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) 10.9% (95% CI 7.6%-15.4%), moderate NPDR 5.9% (95% CI 3.5%-9.5%), severe NPDR 0.9% (95% CI 0.2%-3.9%), and proliferative DR 2.3% (95% CI 1.0%-5.1%). Duration of diabetes ≥10 years (AOR 10.22, 95% CI 1.70-61.44), central obesity (AOR 5.42, 95% CI 1.38-21.19), overweight/obese (AOR 2.65, 95% CI 1.02-6.92), lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (AOR 5.82, 95% CI 1.86-18.24), moderate triglyceride:HDL cholesterol ratio (AOR 4.13, 95% CI 1.13-15.15), and urban dwelling (AOR 2.84, 95% CI 1.04-7.78) were significantly associated with DR. Conclusion: One in every five DM patients had DR. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and blood lipids were independently associated with DR. To reduce the burden of diabetes, strategies that focus on lifestyle modifications targeted at identified modifiable risk factors are essential.

Incidence and risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus in Goba town, Southeast Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is becoming a public health concern in low/middle-income countries, and is known to cause severe morbidity and mortality for mothers and newborns. However, evidence reported for the incidence and risk factors of GDM is scant in Ethiopia. We aimed to assess the incidence of, and risk factors for, GDM in Goba town, Southeast Ethiopia. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Goba town, Southeast Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred eighty pregnant women on antenatal care follow-up from 30 April to 30 September 2021. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES: Incidence and risk factors of GDM using fasting capillary blood glucose. Log-binomial model was used to identify the risk factors of GDM. Adjusted relative risk (aRR), along with 95% CIs, were calculated to estimate the strength of associations. RESULTS: The cumulative incidence rate of GDM in this study was 15.7% (95% CI: 12.3% to 19.2%). Being unemployed (aRR=2.73; 95% CI: 1.36 to 5.47), having a family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) (3.01; 2.09 to 4.35), low physical activity (2.43; 1.11 to 5.32), inadequate dietary diversity (1.48; 1.29 to 1.92), anaemia (2.51; 1.32 to 3.54) and antenatal depression (4.95; 3.35 to 7.31) were significantly associated with GDM. CONCLUSION: The cumulative incidence of GDM was relatively high among the study participants. Having antenatal depression symptoms, low physical activity, inadequate dietary diversity, being unemployed, anaemia and a family history of DM were significant risk factors for GDM.

Prevalence of central obesity and its associated risk factors among adults in Southeast Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and overweight are known public health problems that affect populations across the world. These conditions have been associated with a wide range of chronic diseases including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and cancers. In Ethiopia, the literature regarding the burden of central (abdominal) obesity is scarce. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing the prevalence and risk factors associated with central obesity among adults in Ethiopia. METHODS: From May to July 2021, a community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on a sample of 694 adults aged ≥18 years in administrative towns of Bale zone, Southeast Ethiopia. Multi-stage sampling followed by systematic random sampling was employed to identify study participants. Waist and hip circumferences were measured using standard protocols. The World Health Organization STEPS wise tool was used to assess risk factors associated with central obesity. Bi-variable and multi-variable binary logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with central obesity. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) have been reported to estimate the strength of associations. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of central obesity using waist circumference was 39.01% [(95% CI: 35.36-42.76; 15.44% for men and 53.12% for women)]. Multi-variable binary logistic regression analysis revealed that female sex (AOR = 12.93, 95% CI: 6.74-24.79), Age groups: 30-39 years old (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.59-4.94), 40-49 years (AOR = 7.66, 95% CI: 3.87-15.15), 50-59 years (AOR = 4.65, 95% CI: 2.19-9.89), ≥60 years (AOR = 12.67, 95% CI: 5.46-29.39), occupational status like: housewives (AOR = 5.21, 95% CI: 1.85-14.62), self-employed workers (AOR = 4.63, 95% CI: 1.62-13.24), government/private/non-government employees (AOR = 4.68, 95% CI: 1.47-14.88), and skipping breakfast (AOR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23-0.9) were significantly associated with central obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal obesity has become an epidemic in Bale Zone's towns in Southeastern Ethiopia. Female sex, age, being employed were positively associated with central obesity, while skipping breakfast was a protective factor.

COVID-19-related anxiety and knowledge toward its preventive measures among patients with chronic medical illness on follow-up in public hospitals of Bale, East Bale, and West Arsi zones, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019, also known as 2019-nCoV cluster of acute respiratory illness with unknown causes, which occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province, in China, was first reported to World Health Organization country office as of December 30, 2019. People with medical illness are at a higher risk for coronavirus disease, and the pandemic influences mental health and causes psychological problems, particularly in those with chronic medical illness. Hence, this study aimed to assess coronavirus disease 2019-related anxiety and the knowledge on its preventive measures among patients with medical illness on follow-up in public hospitals of Bale, East Bale, and Arsi zones. OBJECTIVE: To assess coronavirus disease 2019-related anxiety and knowledge toward coronavirus disease 2019 preventive measures among patients with chronic medical illness on follow-up in public hospitals of Bale, East Bale, and West Arsi zones. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in selected hospitals of Bale and West Arsi zones, Southeast Ethiopia. A total of 633 study participants were included in this study, and data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. A descriptive summary was computed. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the associated factors. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of anxiety among chronic patients in this study was 6.3% (95% confidence interval: 4.6%-8.5%) and 420 (66.35%) had good knowledge on the preventive measures of coronavirus disease 2019. Factors significantly associated with anxiety among chronic patients were being educated (95% confidence interval: adjusted odds ratio = 0.26 (0.09-0.74)), being male (95% confidence interval: 2.69 (1.11-6.53)), and use of mask (95% confidence interval: 0.11 (0.05-0.26)). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019-related anxiety among chronic patients was high and being males, uneducated, and not using face mask was significantly associated with coronavirus disease 2019-related anxiety.

Extensor Indicis Brevis Muscle: A Case Report.

Even though anatomical variations in the hand, involving muscles and their tendons are common, the majority of anomalous variations are asymptomatic throughout a lifetime. Such variations are commonly appreciated during surgical procedures involving the hand or during routine cadaver dissection. The index finger has two independent extensor tendons, and in some cases, has lower incidence of anomalous variations than other extensor tendons. We found muscular variant of extensor indicis proprius (EIP) during a cadaver dissection while teaching medical anatomy students at Addis Ababa University Black lion Specialized and Teaching Hospital, 2018. While dissecting of right hand of unknown age male cadaver, proper tendons attaching to the indicis finger are present and anomalous muscle, the so named extensor indicis brevis, was observed. The muscle originates from ulnar styloid process and inserted as a single tendon to the base of proximal phalanx of index finger. Attention is needed during surgical procedures like tendon reconstruction because anatomical variation of EIB may affect a surgical procedure.

Determinants of Incomplete Vaccination Among Children Aged 12 to 23 Months in Gindhir District, Southeastern Ethiopia: Unmatched Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Incomplete vaccination can put children at greater risk of acquiring vaccine-preventable diseases. In Ethiopia, vaccination coverage against vaccine-preventable diseases is still a significant and persistent public health challenge. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the determinants of incomplete childhood vaccination among children aged 12-23 months in Gindhir District, Southeast Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based unmatched case-control design was employed among children aged 12-23 months from 1 to 28 February 2020. A total of 254 cases and 508 controls were included using the stratified random sampling technique. Cases included children aged 12-23 months who missed at least one dose of the routine vaccination, and controls were the children with complete vaccination with all required doses. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent factors for children's incomplete vaccination status. RESULTS: Of all assessed determinants, maternal knowledge about vaccination (AOR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.80), educational status (AOR=2.61, 95% CI: 1.19, 5.67), average monthly income (AOR=0.33, 95% CI: 0.15, 0.77), model family (AOR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.51, 4.14), taking TT vaccine (AOR= 0.45 95% CI: 0.29, 0.78), number of under five children (AOR= 4.90 95% CI: 1.72, 13.93) and birth order (AOR= 6.33, 95% CI: 1.89, 14.87) were found to have statistically significant association with childhood incomplete vaccination. CONCLUSION: In this study, the mother's education, model family, birth order, average monthly income, and knowledge were some of the independent determinants of incomplete childhood vaccination. Improving maternal knowledge, income, and educational status should be the expectable measure to reduce incomplete vaccination.

Knowledge, attitude, and utilization of drugs toward COVID-19 pandemic among Bale Zone residents, Southeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease is a highly transmittable and pathogenic viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which poses therapeutic dilemmas. Some suggestions for drug treatment seem problematic. Beliefs about the causes of health problems are determinants of treatment seeking decisions. Hence, one of the alternatives for the solution of health problems is employing traditional medicine to prevent coronavirus disease 19. OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and utilization of drugs toward the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic among Bale zone residents. METHODS: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the Bale Zone population from May 30 to June 30, 2020. Eight hundred fifty-four participants were selected using a single population formula, and a multistage sampling technique was employed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive and binary logistic regression was used to analyze the outcomes. A p value ⩽ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of the total 854 respondents, about 534 (62.5%) got information about coronavirus disease 19 from TV/radio. More than two-thirds (71.9%) of the respondents have known that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has no curative drugs, and 65.4% had a more appropriate attitude toward overall drug use in coronavirus disease 19. Level of education and, attitude towards drug use were singnificantly associated with knowledge of drugs, source of information about coronavirus disease 19 and having good practice were significantly associated with atittude toward drug utilization. CONCLUSION: One out of two study participants have good knowledge regarding drugs to the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic. Illiterate people in the community were identified to have poor knowledge about drugs, hence community educuation program is important to improve the knowledge about drugs towards the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic.

Treatment Outcomes and Predictors Among Tuberculosis Patients at Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Southeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a main public health threat worldwide. Over 90% of tuberculosis cases occur in low- and middle-income countries that have fragile health infrastructures and constrained resources available. Ethiopia ranks third in Africa and eighth of 22 from TB burdened countries globally. Case detection as early as possible and ensuring a successful treatment rate should be the main focus points to decrease the burden of TB. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate tuberculosis treatment outcomes and predictors among tuberculosis treatment follow-up patients at Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital. METHODS: Retrospective document review was conducted among TB patients in the tuberculosis clinic at Goba Referral Hospital from January 1, 2015 to December 30, 2019. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive and logistic regressions analyses were performed to identify the rate and predictors of tuberculosis treatment outcomes. The odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated to check the association between variables. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 33.8 ± 17.3 years, and more than half of them (58.4%, 218) were males. From the total 373 participants, 65 (17.4%) registered TB patients were diagnosed HIV-positive. The overall success rate was 320 (91.2%) with [95% CI, 88-94.3]. Among these, 91 (25.9%) were cured and 229 (65.2%) completed treatment whereas 8.8% with [95% CI, 5.7-12] were unsuccessful treatment outcomes. Among them, the majority 18 (5.1%) died, 6 (1.7%) were moved to MDR-TB center, 4 (1.1%) were lost to follow-up and 3 (0.9%) were documented as treatment failed. CONCLUSION: The treatment failure rate was 8.8% with [95% CI, 5.7-12]. The proportion of TB patents who died was relatively higher. HIV-positive patients and old age people were predictors of unsuccessful treatment outcomes. Thus, the health facility should strengthen the evaluation of HIV-positive patients and old age patients to minimize mortality.