Prevalence of vitamin B 12 deficiency and associated factors among primary school children: North East Ethiopia: multicenter cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency is common and is more frequent in low- and middle-income countries with a poor or inadequate diet of animal foods. In Ethiopia, researches related to the status of micronutrients in children are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and associated factors among primary school children. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was conducted from January 10-February 30/2023. A total of 514 students were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, document review, anthropometric measurement, and laboratory studies were implemented to collect data. Data was analyzed by STATA version 14 and summarized by using frequency tables and graphs. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with vitamin B12 Deficiency. RESULTS: About 34% of the students were found to have vitamin B12 deficiency. Not Consuming animal products (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI:1.20-2.79) and low body mass index (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI:1.05-2.47) were associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed a notable high deficiency of vitamin B12 in primary school students. Consumption of animal products and BMI were identified as statically significant associated factors with serum concentration of vitamin B12.

Barriers to implementing problem-based learning at the school of medicine of Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Implementing PBL in teaching and learning can be challenging due to a variety of complex barriers. Studies on barriers to the implementation of problem-based learning in Ethiopia are scarce. This study aimed to explore the barriers to the implementation of problem-based learning at the Debre Berhan University Medical School. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted among faculty and medical students at the medical school. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with tutors and academic leaders, including the problem-based learning coordinator, the biomedical sciences coordinator, and the school dean. Data was also collected from students through focus group discussions. All interviews and discussions were recorded. The four steps of data analysis of Spradley, including domain analysis, taxonomic analysis, componential analysis, and theme analysis, were employed. RESULTS: The study identified student-related, tutor-related, case scenario-related, and assessment-related barriers as the most significant obstacles to implementing problem-based learning. These barriers included work overload for both students and tutors, lack of training and experience among tutors, student reluctance, absence of standardized case scenarios, subjectivity of assessment methods, and on-the-spot assessment of students. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Lack of both tutor and student commitment, lack of standardized cases, absence of a recognition of staff input, gap in communication skills, work overload, lack of continuous training, and at-spot evaluation of students were identified as the main barriers to the implementation of PBL.

Determinants of Mortality of Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: The provision of intensive care services is advancing globally. However, in resource-limited settings, it is lagging far behind and intensive care unit mortality is still higher due to various reasons. This study aimed to assess determinants of mortality among medical patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Methods: A five-year facility-based retrospective Cohort Study was conducted. A total of 546 medical patients admitted to the intensive care unit from March 2017 to February 2022 were included. Document review using a structured questionnaire was implemented to collect data. Data entered into Epi Data were analyzed by STATA and summarized using frequency tables and graphs. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify determinants of mortality. Results: The overall mortality was 35.9%. Approximately half of the deaths were attributed to septic shock, congestive heart failure, severe community-acquired pneumonia, and stroke. The most common immediate cause of death was cardio-respiratory arrest. Source of admission, GCS level at admission, duration of ICU stay, treatment with inotropes, septic shock, and retroviral infection status were found to have a statistically significant association with ICU mortality. Conclusion and Recommendations: This study revealed a significantly higher mortality rate among patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Early identification and admission of patients to the intensive care unit are important factors that could decrease mortality. Patient selection is essential since some patients with a high likelihood of mortality might not benefit from intensive care unit admission in an area with high resource limitations.

Appropriate Use of Primary Statin Preventive Therapy Among Patients with High Atherosclerosis-Related Cardiovascular Disease Risks: Cross-Sectional Study, Northeast Ethiopia.

Background: Atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart diseases, ischemic stroke, and peripheral vascular diseases) account for the majority of deaths in diabetic and other high-risk patients. Statin therapy reduces major vascular events, coronary death or nonfatal myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, and ischemic stroke. However, a gap exists between guideline recommendations and the clinical practice of primary statin preventive therapy. This was a cross-sectional study that aimed to determine the prevalence and some associated risk factors of. Purpose: This study was intended to assess the magnitude of primary statin preventive therapy and associated factors among patients with high atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease risks. Patients and Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted by a consecutive sampling technique from February 1, 2023, to May 30, 2023. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, document review, and laboratory measurements were implemented to collect data. Data entered into Epi Data were analysed by STATA version 14 and summarized by using frequency tables and graphs. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed and checked for association at a p value of <0.05. Results: A total of 389 patients were included in this study. Diabetes mellitus (43.75%), hypertension (47.3%), and chronic kidney disease (9.25%) were commonly identified diseases. One hundred sixty-seven (42.93%, CI: 38.07-47.92) patients with high atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risks were on primary statin preventive therapy. Duration of diabetes mellitus (AOR=1.33, CI: 1.1569-1.528), treating physician (AOR=3.875, CI: 1.368-10.969), follow-up regularity (AOR=3.113, CI: 1.029-9.417) and ten-year atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease risk score (AOR=1.126, CI: 1.021-1.243) were found to be significantly associated with the use of primary statin preventive therapy. Conclusion and Recommendations: The magnitude of patients who were on primary statin preventive therapy was relatively low (42.93%). Improving the regular follow-up and making senior physicians (internists) attend patients at medical follow-up clinics would likely improve the number of patients who are on primary statin preventive therapy.