Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and associated factors among university graduating class female students in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a somatopsychic condition that develops about a week before the start of menstruation and is brought on by fluctuating sex steroid levels that follow an ovulatory menstrual cycle. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and associated factors among Haramaya University graduating class female students, in eastern Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 November 2022 among Haramaya University graduating class female students using a simple random sampling technique. The data were cleaned, coded, and entered into the Epi-data 3.01 before being exported and analyzed with Statistical Package of Social Science 20 versions. The premenstrual dysphoric disorder was assessed by the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision. To identify associated factors a bivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between each independent variable and the outcome variable. The multivariable logistic regression model includes all variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 in the bivariate logistic regression analysis. The adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed when the p-value was less than 0.05, which was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 282 samples, 274 study participants were involved providing a response rate of 97.2%. The prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorders was 64.6% (95% CI: 59.5-70.4). Participants with the irregular menstrual cycle (AOR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.26-4.34), heavy menstrual flow (AOR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.84-7.59), moderate menstrual flow (AOR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.02-5.26), severe menstrual pain (AOR = 5.69; 95% CI: 1.86-7.42) and those who have depressive symptoms (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.08-5.68) were variables associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorders. Conclusion: The prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder was relatively high. Severe menstrual pain, menstrual irregularity, heavy menstrual flow, and a history of depression had significant associations with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It will be better if higher institution administrators design and implement methods to screen and intervene premenstrual dysphoric disorder among female students.

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

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

Internet addiction and associated factors among undergraduate students of Jimma University; Jimma, South West Ethiopia, institutional based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Internet addiction affects cognitive function, has a harmful impact on students' academic performance, and increases their risk of experiencing psychological crises. OBJECTIVES: Examining the prevalence of internet addiction and its contributing factors among regular undergraduate students at Jimma University in south-west Ethiopia. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among study participants between August 1 and August 30, 2021. A total of 772 Participants were involved in the study using a multistage random sampling technique. Data was collected using pretested and structured questionnaires with self-administered techniques. The Young Internet Addiction Test (YIAT) was used to measure internet addiction. The data was entered into the computer using Epi Data version 4.6, and then it was exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. The association between each independent variable and the outcome variable was examined using bivariate analysis. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 in bivariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression model to determine how each independent variable affected the outcome variable. RESULT: The prevalence of internet addiction among study participants was 53.6% (95% Confidence Interval (CI)) (49.99%, 57.15%). Findings from multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested a variety of related factors had significant associations with internet addiction. Being dissatisfied with a major study, having a cumulative grade point average of a promoted grade report, using the internet for entertainment, using the internet for Facebook, using the internet for telegram, depression, social anxiety, and poor social support. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a comparatively high frequency of internet addiction among study participants. Internet addiction has been linked to psychosocial, academic, and purpose-related aspects of internet use. As a result, incorporating stakeholders' efforts to improve the identified variables would be a helpful start toward lowering this high incidence.

Khat chewing and associated factors among public secondary school students in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background: Khat is a huge, evergreen tree that grows at high altitudes throughout the Arabian Peninsula and in the region stretching from eastern to southern Africa. Cathinone, cathine, and norephedrine are psychoactive ingredients contained in khat. Ethiopian teenagers, especially those in secondary school, frequently use khat. This use of khat may lead to students frequently missing class and experiencing subpar academic performance. However, the study area lacks information regarding the prevalence of khat use and the factors associated with it. Objective: This study's primary goal is to determine the prevalence of khat chewing and related factors among secondary school students in public schools in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia, in 2022. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study design was employed from June 01-June 30, 2022, in three public secondary schools in Harar town in a sample of 485 students. Systematic random sampling was used to choose the study sample. Data were gathered using self-administered questionnaires, and the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) was used to assess khat chewing. Epidata version 4.6 was used to enter the data, while STATA version 14 was used to analyze them. To determine the factors related to khat chewing, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted, and statistical significance was determined at a 95% confidence level with a P-value under 0.05. Results: Out of 485 eligible participants, 455 responded to this survey, giving a response rate of 93.8%. Overall, 33.2% (95% CI: 29.2%-37.6%) of the sample's participants reported currently chewing khat. Age ranged from 20 to 25 years (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.19-3.48), male students (AOR = 7.03; 95% CI: 4.35-12.57), current alcohol user (AOR 6.48; 95% CI: 2.30-18.28), presence of chewer friends (AOR 3.86; 95% CI: 2.38-6.24), and depression (AOR 1.84, 95%CI: 1.02-3.30), were strongly associated with khat chewing at a p-value of < 0.05. Conclusion: Khat chewing was very common among students in Eastern Ethiopia's public secondary schools. Ages between 20 and 25 years, being a male, being current alcohol users, having chewer buddies, and depression are all significantly linked to khat use. Thus, schools should create and implement audience-specific behavioral change communication to deter and stop students from chewing khat. Additionally, it is important to ban the sale of khat to young adults and adolescents, promote medical care for khat users, and foster peer advocacy for support services.

Prevalence of common mental disorders and associated factors among adults living in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study.

Background: Common mental disorders are highly prevalent in the population, affecting people across all regions of the world. In Ethiopia, mental disorders are the leading non-communicable disorders. World Health Organization (WHO) report shows that 4,480,113 (4.7%) and 3,139,003 (3.3%) people in Ethiopia are estimated to suffer from depression and anxiety, respectively. However, there are only limited studies conducted on common mental disorders in Africa including Ethiopia. Even if there was a previous study conducted among Harari regional state residents 7 years back, nowadays there are many possible factors that could increase the prevalence of common mental disorders in the community like the novel coronavirus pandemic, ethnic war, and current socio-economic crises in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the prevalence of common mental disorders and associated factors among adult residents of Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to March 30, 2022. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 1,192 study participants. Data were collected by interviewer-administered structured and semi-structured questionnaires. A common mental disorder was assessed by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire of 20-Item (SRQ-20) questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.2 and exported to Stata Version 16 for analysis. The multivariable binary logistic regression analysis with a 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05 was used to identify factors associated with common mental disorders. Result: From a total of 1,192 eligible participants, 1,168 responded to this survey, giving a response rate of 97.98%. The prevalence of common mental disorders among adults in the Harari Region of this study was 21.31% (95% CI, 18.8-23.60). Being female with Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR = 1.31, 95%CI, 1.09-2.09), single (AOR = 2.03, 95%CI, 1.37-3.01), divorced (AOR = 3.06, 95%CI, 1.97-4.76), widowed (AOR = 1.79, 95%CI, 1.23-3.26), unemployed (AOR = 1.97, 95%CI, 1.18-3.31), having family history of mental illness (AOR = 3.17, 95%CI, 1.54-6.96) and age greater or equal to 55 years (AOR = 105, 95%CI, 1.69-3.54) were statistically associated with common mental disorders. Conclusion: The prevalence of common mental disorder in the study area was sharply increased. Being female, single, divorced, widowed, family history of mental illness, being unemployed and age greater or equal to 55 years old were statistically positively associated with common mental disorder. Considering these determinants, screening, early identification, and providing appropriate intervention for common mental disorders in the community should be of great concern.

Prevalence of child marriage and associated factors among reproductive age women in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia, 2022: a community-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Child marriage is a union before the age of 18 and a violation of human right. Around 21% of young women in the world married before reaching the age of 18. Every year, 10 million girls under the age of 18 are married. Child marriage causes lifetime suffering, and its abolition was one component of the Sustainable Development Goal to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls. However; abolition of child marriage by 2030 will not happen because its prevalence in the community has remained stable. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of child marriage and its associated factors among reproductive-age women from March 7 to April 5, 2022 in Harari Regional State, eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 7 to April 5, 2022 among the reproductive age group in the Harari Region state, Eastern Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was used to find study participants. Data were obtained by face-to-face interview using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, input into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using Stata version 16. The proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) and the summery measure were used to report the prevalence. A multivariable logistic regression analysis model was used to examine associated factors, and the results were provided as an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval. RESULT: In this study 986 were responded to the interview, making response rate of 99.6%. The median age of study participants was 22 years. The prevalence of child marriage was 33.7% [95% CI: 30.8-36.7] in this study. Being a Muslim (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.26, 4.19), diploma or higher level of education (AOR = 0.26, 95%CI = .10, 0.70), rural residence (AOR = 5.39, 95% CI = 3.71, 7.82), a marriage arranged by others (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.49, 4.82) and not knowing legal age of marriage (AOR = 4.49, 95% CI = 2.57, 7.85) were significantly associated with child marriage. CONCLUSION: According to this report, nearly one out of every three women engages in child marriage. The practice was more common among those with lower educational attainment, those who lived in rural areas, people who were unaware of the legal age of marriage, and those whose engagement was decided by others. Focusing on strategies that allow for intervention in these factors is beneficial in ending child marriage, which has a direct and indirect impact on women's health and educational achievement.

Current alcohol, tobacco, and khat use and associated factors among adults living in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Background: Psychoactive substance use becomes a major public health and socioeconomic problem worldwide. Despite its burden and consequences, there is no community-based study conducted on psychoactive substance use and associated factors in eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and determinants of current alcohol, tobacco, and khat among adults living in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 955 adults living in Harari regional state. Participants were randomly recruited using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected by interviewer-administered structured and semi-structured questionnaires. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 14.0 for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the outcome and independent variables, and the statistical significance was declared at a p < 0.5. Results: Of 955 eligible participants, 95.29% participated in the study. The overall prevalence of current alcohol use, tobacco use, and khat use in this study was 8.24, 14.5, and 63.30%, respectively. The availability of alcohol, being unemployed, and being a current khat user were significantly associated with current alcohol use. Being male, having a low level of education, having peer pressure, having a common mental disorder, being a current alcohol user, and being a khat user were identified as significant predictors for current tobacco use. The age between 31 and 40 years, being a Muslim religion follower, being a farmer, being a current tobacco user, and availability of khat were significantly associated with current khat use. Conclusion and recommendations: The prevalence of psychoactive substance use in the study area was relatively high compared with that of previous studies. By considering these determinants, screening, early identification, and developing appropriate intervention strategies to prevent and tackle current alcohol, tobacco, and khat use in the community should be of great concern.

Food handler's level of COVID-19 prevention practice and preparedness of food and drinking establishments to combat the pandemic in Eastern Ethiopia.

Background: Food and drinking establishments are potential hotspots for the spread of coronavirus. Food handler's have a higher risk of contracting the disease and transmitting it to others. The aim of this study was to assess the food handler's level of preventive practices toward COVID-19 and the preparedness of food and drinking establishments to tackle the pandemic in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: The cross-sectional study design was conducted from September 1 to 30, 2020. A stratified sampling technique was used to select 276 licensed public food and drinking establishments and a simple random sampling technique was employed to select 422 food handlers from the selected establishments. A face-to-face interview and checklist-based observation were used to collect data. The collected data were entered into Epidata 3.1 and exported to STATA version 16 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with COVID-19 preventive practice. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Results: About 406 food handler's participated in this study, making the response rate 96.2%. The study showed that 38.4% of study participants (95% CI: 33.5, 43.1) had good preventive practices for COVID-19. Only 10.5% of food and drinking establishments fulfilled all requirements to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Being male [AOR = 0.61, 95% CI(0.61, (0.39, 0.93)], attending secondary education [AOR = 2.20, (95% CI: 1.37, 3.53)], having a favorable attitude toward COVID-19 [AOR = 1.89, (95% CI: 1.22, 2.95)], and having good knowledge about COVID-19 [AOR = 1.78, (95% CI: 1.13, 2.81)] were significantly associated with the level of COVID-19 preventive practices. Conclusion: The level of good COVID-19 preventive practice was found to be low among the food handler's. Only one in ten food and drink establishments fulfilled the national guideline for preventing COVID-19 transmission. Being male, attending secondary education, having knowledge about COVID-19, and having a favorable attitude toward COVID-19 were significantly associated with good COVID-19 preventive practices. A vibrant guideline on prevention practices should be in place at all establishments, and compliance should be monitored. Local health office experts should take comprehensive measures to make all food and drinking establishments accountable for practicing all preventive measures.

Practice of Traditional Medicine and Associated Factors Among Residents in Eastern Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Although the Practice of traditional medicine is accorded great importance worldwide, it seems to face a notable challenge. A notable challenge is the lack of a reference standard for determining the appropriate utilization of traditional medicine for patients. There is little evidence about the usual utilized traditional medicine in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess practice of traditional medicine and associated factors among residents in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 20, 2022 to February 20, 2022. About 818 study participants were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 computer software. The association between an outcome variable and independent variables was assessed using binary logistic regression and the strength of association was presented using Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence intervals (CI). Result: A total of 803 participants were included in the final analysis with a 98.2 % response rate. From the total study participants, 563 (70.1%) [95%CI: 66.8-73.3] had used traditional medicine in the past 6 months. Factors such as being farmer [AOR = 1.06; 95%CI: (1.03-3.7)], having a diploma degree or higher [AOR = 3.2, 95% CI (1.4-7.3)] and having no history of chronic disease [AOR = 0.21; 95% CI: (0.1-0.5)] were significantly associated traditional medicine practice. Conclusion: The proportion of traditional medicine practice was high. The most commonly utilized traditional medicines were Damakase, Tenadam, Zingibil and Erate. A national health policy should give a great emphasize on rational utilization of traditional medicine.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Gender-Based Violence Among Female Students Attending Private Colleges in Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia.

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of gender-based violence (GBV) among second- and third-year female students of private colleges in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia. We conducted an institution-based cross-sectional study among 302 randomly selected second- and third-year female students attending private colleges in Harar town. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence interval and a P value < .05 were used to interpret associations and to declare a significance of association, respectively. A total of 298 (98.7%) participants completed the questionnaire, and the overall prevalence of GBV was 57.7% (n = 172). Specifically, 36.2% of the students experienced physical violence; 46.6%, sexual violence; and 56.4%, emotional/verbal violence. The prevalence of attempted and completed rape was 36.7 and 28.8%, respectively. The following were significant predictors of GBV: age ≤ 19 years (AOR = 3.4; 95% CI, 1.4-5.3), monthly pocket money ≤ 240 Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI, 1.7-5.9), Orthodox religion (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI, 1.9-14.4), Amhara ethnicity (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI, 1.65-4.2), living alone in a rented house (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI, 1.79-6.25), having a partner (husband or boyfriend; AOR = 4.42; 95% CI, 2.4-8.05), having a roommate with a boyfriend (AOR = 4; 95% CI, 2.8-7.6), and studying in the pharmacy department (AOR = 3.0; 95% CI, 1.1-7.6). This study found that a considerable number of female students were survivors of GBV while at college. The college authorities and other stakeholders need to combat GBV with interventions, such as GBV awareness programs, and legal protections.

Common Mental Disorders Among Informal Primary Caregivers of Adults With Mental Illness During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Epidemic in Eastern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Coronaviruses (CoVs) are emerging respiratory viruses and cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Informal primary caregivers of individuals with mental illness were special populations suffering from both the burden of caring for mentally ill individuals and the danger of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) epidemic. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of common mental disorders (CMDs) among the informal primary caregivers of adults with mental illness during the Covid-19 epidemic. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from July 1 to 30, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to get samples of informal primary caregivers. Data were analyzed by bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. In the final model, variables having a p-value < 0.05 were declared as associated with CMDs. Result: Out of a total of 218 informal primary caregivers, 215 responded to this study. The prevalence of CMDs was 40.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 36.66, 44.3%] among informal primary caregivers. Being female informal primary caregivers [adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 1.98, 95% CI = 1.05, 3.76], being student informal primary caregivers (AOR 5.8, 95% CI: 1.2, 28.4), caring patients with psychosis (AOR 3.33, 95% CI: 1.12, 9.92) and caring patients with bipolar disorder (AOR 3.12, 95% CI: 1.35, 7.23) were significantly associated with CMDs. Conclusion: Our study cannot show the causal relationship due to its cross-sectional study design nature. However, this study showed relatively higher prevalence of CMDs among informal primary caregivers of adults with any mental illness during the Covid-19 epidemics relative to pre-Covid-19 times. Being a female caregiver, being a student caregiver, and caring for adults with psychosis and bipolar disorder were factors associated with CMDs. Attention should be given, and essential psychosocial care should be provided, to maintain the mental health of informal primary caregivers of individuals with mental illness especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Depression, anxiety and associated factors among people with epilepsy and attending outpatient treatment at primary public hospitals in northwest Ethiopia: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the magnitude and factors associated with depression and anxiety among people with epilepsy and attending out-patient treatment at central Gondar zone primary public hospitals, northwest, Ethiopia. METHOD: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from May-June, 2020 at central Gondar zone primary public hospitals. A total of 589 participants were chosen by systematic sampling technique. Data was collected by utilizing Amharic version interviewer-administered structured and semi-structured questioners. Depression and anxiety were assessed by using hospital anxiety and depression scale. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to recognize variables related to both depression and anxiety. Association was described by using "adjusted odds ratio" (AOR) along with 95% full Confidence interval (CI). Finally, P-values < 0.05 in adjusted analysis were taken as a cut off for significant association. RESULT: Out of 556 participants included in the study, 30.9%, 33.1% had depression and anxiety respectively. Being divorced/widowed (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI, 1.18-4.99), using two and above number of antiepileptic medications (AOR = 1.77,95% CI,1.02-3.09), very frequent seizure frequency (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI,1.30-5.51), current substance use (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI, 1.03-3.22), perceived stigma (AOR = 5.67,95% CI,3.14-8.18), and hazardous alcohol use (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI,1.32-6.09) were statistically associated with depression. While, being a single (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI, 1.04-2.63), using two and above number of antiepileptic medications (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI, 1.42-3.62), duration of illness ≥16 years (AOR = 2.82, 95% CI, 1.26-6.31), and perceived stigma (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI, 1.63-3.82) were statistically associated with anxiety at a p-value < 0.05. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the magnitude of depression and anxiety were relatively high among people with epilepsy. Using two and above number of antiepileptic medications and perceived stigma were statistically associated with both depression and anxiety. Screening, early identification and providing appropriate intervention of depression and anxiety among people with epilepsy should be great concern for the health care providers.

Tobacco Use Among Reproductive Age Women in Ethiopia: Evidence from the National Health Survey.

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence and determinants of current tobacco use among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted by utilizing secondary data taken from the Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey of 2016. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was considered to interpret associations and a significant association was stated at a p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: The overall magnitude of current tobacco use was 1.4% (n= 217). Majority of them 59.91% (n= 130) smoke cigarettes and followed by smoking gaya 43.32% (n= 94). Higher prevalence was found among participants from Gambella 44.24% (n= 96), Benishangul.59% (n= 36) and afar regions 13.36% (n= 29). Age group of 25-34 years [AOR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.69, 4.57)], age group of ≥ 35 years [AOR = 4.24; 95% CI: 2.54, 7.07)], followers of protestant religion [AOR = 2.36; 95% CI: 4.17, 9.42], Islamic religion [AOR = 3.92; 95% CI: 2.16, 7.11], and traditional religion [AOR = 16.23; 95% CI: 8.33, 31.61], being in poorest wealth index [AOR = 15.78; 95% CI: 7.38, 33.70], poorer wealth index [AOR = 5.85; 95% CI: 2.64, 12.97], middle wealth index [AOR = 3.61; 95% CI: 1.57, 8.29], and richer wealth index [AOR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.10, 5.85], who were never in union [AOR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.67], ever drinking alcohol [AOR = 5.44; 95% CI: 3.71, 7.95] and ever chewing khat [AOR = 7.59; 95% CI: 4.99, 11.55] were factors associated with current tobacco use. CONCLUSION: Women used tobacco in different forms, and its distribution varies across Ethiopian regional states. The concerned body needs to give attention to the identified associated factors and regions with higher tobacco use.

Quality of life and its association with current substance use, medication non-adherence and clinical factors of people with schizophrenia in Southwest Ethiopia: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia was ranked as one of the top ten illnesses contributing to the global burden of disease. But little is known about the quality of life among people with schizophrenia, in particular in low-income countries. This study was aimed to examine the association of quality of life with current substance use, medication non-adherence and clinical factors of people with schizophrenia at Jimma University Medical Center, psychiatry clinic, Southwest Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution based cross-sectional study design was employed. Study participants were recruited using a systematic random sampling method and a sample fraction of two was used after the first person was identified by the lottery method. we used the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief version (WHOQoL-BREF) and 4-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-4) to assess the quality of life and medication non-adherence respectively. Data about current substance use was assessed by yes/no questions. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency, mean and standard deviations were computed to describe the characteristics of the study population. Data entry was done using EpiData version 3.1 then exported to SPSS statistics version 25 for analysis and analyzed using multiple linear regression. The assumption for linear regression analysis including the presence of a linear relationship between the outcome and predictor variable, the test of normality, collinearity statistics, auto-correlation and homoscedasticity were checked. Un-standardized Beta (ß) coefficients with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P-value < 0.05 were computed to assess the level of association and statistical significance in the final multiple linear regression analysis. RESULT: In this study 31.65% of participants were medication non-adherent and total mean scores of quality of life showed a lower level of satisfaction in social relationship domain (10.14 ± 3.12). Our study showed 152(43.3%), 248(70.7%) and 97(27.6%) of respondents had used tobacco, Khat and alcohol atleast once during the past 3 months respectively. Final adjusted multiple regression model showed medication non-adherence has significant negative association with physical domain (beta = - 4.42, p < 0.001), psychological (beta = - 4.49, p < 0.001), social relationships (beta = - 2.29, p < 0.001) and environmental domains (beta = - 4.95, p < 0.001). Treatment duration has significant negative association with psychological domain (beta = - 0.17, p < 0.04), social relationship (beta = - 0.14, p < 0.005), environmental domain (beta = - 0.24, p < 0.02) and overall quality of life (beta = - 0.67, p < 0.02). Having comorbid physical illness has significant negative association with physical domain (beta = - 2.74, p < 0.001), psychological (beta = - 2.13, p < 0.004), social relationships (beta = - 1.25, p < 0.007), environmental domain (beta = - 3.39, p < 0.001) and overall quality of life (beta = - 9.9, p < 0.001). Current tobacco use has significant negative association with physical domain (beta = - 1.16, p < 0.004), psychological (beta = - 1.23, p < 0.001), social relationships (beta = - 0.88, p < 0.001), environmental domains (beta = - 1.98, p < 0.001) and overall quality of life (beta = - 5.73, p < 0.001). Also, current chewing khat has significant negative association with physical domain (beta = - 1.15, p < 0.003), psychological (beta = - 1.58, p < 0.001), environmental domains (beta = - 2.63, p < 0.001) and overall quality of life (beta = - 6.22, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The social relationship domain of quality of life has the lowest mean score. Medication non-adherence, treatment duration, having a comorbid physical illness, current tobacco use and current chewing khat were found to have a statistically significant association with the overall quality of life. Therefore, treatments aimed to improve social deficits, medication non-adherence, comorbid physical illness and decrease substance abuse is imperative.

Depressive Symptoms among Haramaya University Students in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of mental health problems including depression is increasing in severity and number among higher institution students, and it has a lot of negative consequences like poor academic performance and committing suicide. Identifying the prevalence and associated factors of mental illness among higher institution students is important in order to administer appropriate preventions and interventions. In Ethiopia, only a few studies tried to report associated factors of depression among university students. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms among Haramaya University students, Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution-based, cross-sectional study design was conducted among 1040 students. A standard, self-administered questionnaire was used to get data from a sample of randomly selected 1040 undergraduate university students using a multistage systematic random sampling technique. The questionnaire used was the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale which is a self-report 21-item scale that is used to assess the presence of depressive symptoms. All 21 items are rated on a three-point scale (0 to 3). Each question is scored on a 0 to 3 scale, and total scores range from 0 to 63, with higher scores reflecting greater levels of depressive symptoms. The questionnaire has been well validated as a measure of depressive symptomatology with scores 1-13 indicating minimal depressive symptoms, 14-19 showing mild depressive symptoms, 20-28 showing moderate depressive symptoms, and 29-63 indicating severe depressive symptoms. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables independently associated with depressive symptoms after we dichotomized the depressive symptoms screening tool to "yes/no" depressive symptoms. This means students who did not report any depressive symptoms were given "no" depressive symptoms and who reported at least one (≥1) depressive symptoms were given "yes" (depressive symptoms). RESULTS: A total of 1022 (98.3%) out of 1040 students participated in this study. The mean age of participants was 20.9 years (SD ± 2.17), and the majority of them (76.0%) were male students. Prevalence of depressive symptoms among undergraduate students was 26.8% (95% CI: 24.84, 28.76). Among those who had reported depressive symptoms: 10%, 12%, 4%, and 1% of students reported minimal, mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis in the final model revealed that being a first-year student (AOR 6.99, 95% CI: 2.31, 21.15, p value < 0.001), being a second-year student (AOR 6.25, 95% CI: 2.05, 19.07, p value < 0.001), being a second-year student (AOR 6.25, 95% CI: 2.05, 19.07, p value < 0.001), being a second-year student (AOR 6.25, 95% CI: 2.05, 19.07, p value < 0.001), being a second-year student (AOR 6.25, 95% CI: 2.05, 19.07, p value < 0.001), being a second-year student (AOR 6.25, 95% CI: 2.05, 19.07, p value < 0.001), being a second-year student (AOR 6.25, 95% CI: 2.05, 19.07, p value < 0.001), being a second-year student (AOR 6.25, 95% CI: 2.05, 19.07. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms among university students in this study is high relative to the general population. Sociodemographic factors year of study and current substance use were identified as associated factors of depressive symptoms. Recommendations. This finding suggests the need for the provision of mental health services at the university, including screening, counseling, and effective treatment. Families need to closely follow their students' health status by having good communication with the universities, and they have to play their great role in preventing depression and providing appropriate treatment as needed. The governments and policy-makers should stand with universities by supporting and establishing matured policies which helps universities to have mental health service centers. Generally, the university and other stakeholders should consider these identified associated factors for prevention and control of mental health problems of university students.

Quality of life and its association with psychiatric symptoms and socio-demographic characteristics among people with schizophrenia: A hospital-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify sociodemographic and illness-related factors associated with quality of life among people with Schizophrenia. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 351 people with schizophrenia and attending the followup service at Jimma University Medical Center, psychiatric clinic during the study period. Participants were recruited using a systematic random sampling method and a sample fraction of two was used after the first person was identified by a lottery method. Data entry was done using EpiData version 3.1 and then exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 for analysis. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the statistically significant association between quality of life and independent variables. RESULTS: Among the four domains of quality of life, respondents scored the lowest mean in the social relationships domain (10.14 ± 3.12). Final adjusted multiple regression model revealed, being divorced was negatively associated with the physical domain (ß = -0.72, p = 0.02), having no formal education was negatively associated with physical health domain (ß = -0.69, p = 0.001) and age was positively associated with the psychological domain (ß = 0.371, p = 0.071). Being rural resident was negatively associated with physical domain (ß = -0.48, p = 0.01), with environmental domain (ß = -0.64, p = 0.03), with social relationships domain (ß = -0.45, p = 0.04), and with overall quality of life (ß = -1.93, p = 0.006). Positive symptoms (ß = -0.22, p = 0.001), negative symptoms (ß = -0.36, p = 0.001), and general psychopathology (ß = -0.098, p = 0.006) were inversely associated with overall quality of life. CONCLUSION: In this study, the social relationship domain of quality of life among people with schizophrenia has the lowest mean score. Some socio-demographic variables and psychiatric symptoms were found to be key significant associated factors of quality of life. Priority interventions to improve the social deficits and addressing psychiatric symptoms of people with schizophrenia is essential to improve their quality of life.

Prevalence and associated factors of common mental disorders among adult patients attending HIV follow up service in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In developed countries, there are well documented mental health impacts of HIV/AIDS and patients' quality of life. Acquiring HIV/AIDS can be a serious psychological trauma and can predispose a person to different mental disorders. Co-occurring mental illness complicates diagnosis, help-seeking, quality of care provided, treatment outcomes and adherence. However, in Ethiopia, studies about mental health problems in HIV/AIDS treatment settings are limited. The purpose of the current study is to determine the prevalence and associated factors of common mental disorders among adult HIV/AIDS patients undergoing HIV service in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia. Conducting this study is important as baseline information for the concerned stakeholders including health professionals and policymakers and in general to improve the quality of care for HIV/AID patients. METHODS: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted. We collected data from 420 adult patients through a face to face interviewing technique using a standardized questionnaire and review of medical records. Bivariable and multivariable (binary logistic regression) analyses were used to check the association between common mental disorders (CMDs) and independent variables. Variables which have a p-value < 0.05 during bivariable regression were entered into multivariable (binary logistic regression) and finally which have a p-value of < 0.05 under multivariable (binary logistic regression) were identified as statistically significant association at 95% of confidence interval. RESULTS: All 420 patients were interviewed providing response rate 100%. The result revealed that (28.1%; 95% CI; 26.14, 30.06) of HIV/AIDS patients had CMD. In the final model, stage 4 HIV/AIDS (Adjusted Odds Ratio 3.37, 95% CI: 1.45, 7.83), family history of mental illness (AOR 2.65, 95% CI: 1.26, 5.54) and current drinking alcohol (AOR 5.1, 95% CI: 2.04, 12.79) were found having statistically significant association with CMD. CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of CMD among adults living with HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS stage, having family history of mental illness and current drinking alcohol were the main identified associated factors of CMD. These factors are important for the hospitals and other concerned bodies for providing prevention and appropriate intervention of common mental disorders among HIV/AIDS patients.

Prevalence, withdrawal symptoms and associated factors of khat chewing among students at Jimma University in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Recently, khat chewing has become a common practice among high school, college, and university students. Regular khat chewing is thought to be a predisposing factor for different physical and mental health problems. It can lead to absenteeism from work and classes. In Ethiopia, to our knowledge no published study has investigated khat withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence, withdrawal symptoms, and associated factors of khat chewing among regular undergraduate students on the main campus of Jimma University in Ethiopia. METHODS: The institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2016. Data were collected from 651 main campus regular undergraduate students with a structured, self-administered questionnaire, entered into Epidata 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for Windows. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to explore associations and identify variables independently associated with khat chewing. RESULTS: The study found that the lifetime and current prevalence of khat chewing among students were 26.3% (95% CI: 24.3, 28.3) and 23.9% (95% CI: 21.94, 25.86), respectively. About 25.7% of students started chewing after joining university, and 60.5% of these students started during their first year. The main reason given for starting khat chewing was for study purposes (54.6%), followed by socialization purposes (42.3%). Among current khat chewers, 72.9% reported that they had chewed khat for 1 year or more and 68.2% reported that they had experienced various withdrawal symptoms. The most frequently reported withdrawal symptoms were feeling depressed, craving, and feeling fatigued. Being male, attending a place of worship daily/2-3 times per week, cannabis use, smoking cigarettes, and having family members currently chewing khat were independently associated with khat chewing. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that large numbers of university students were currently chewing khat. In this study withdrawal symptoms and factors that significantly affect khat chewing were identified. Besides it gave new ideas regarding khat withdrawal symptoms in Ethiopia. It serves as a critical role of providing information to form rational foundation for public health policy, prevention and planning to bring change in contributing factors for Khat chewing. The finding will be serving as base line information for further study.