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.

Earning pocket money and girls' menstrual hygiene management in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many adolescent girls in Ethiopia and elsewhere missed school during their monthly cycles due to a lack of affordable menstrual absorbent materials or money to buy sanitary pads. So far, few studies have looked into the relationship between earning pocket money and maintaining good menstrual hygiene. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the best available evidence regarding the association between earning pocket money and menstrual hygiene management among adolescents in Ethiopia. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Hinari, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, POPLINE, African Journal Online, Direct of Open Access Journals, and Google Scholar for studies examining the association between earning pocket money and menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia, without restriction in a publication year. The Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool for the cross-sectional studies was used to assess the quality of included studies. A prefabricated checklist, including variables: first author, publication year, sample size, type of questionnaire, and the region was used to extract data from the selected articles. A random-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) of the association between earning pocket money and menstrual hygiene management. The heterogeneity and publication bias was assessed by using I2 test statistics and Egger's test, respectively. RESULTS: Data from nine studies involving 4783 adolescent girls were extracted. The meta-analysis revealed that adolescent girls who earned pocket money from their parents or relative had 1.64 times higher odds of having good menstrual hygiene management than their counterparts [pooled OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.16-2.34, I2:66.7%, n = 7 (number of studies)]. Similarly, the likelihood of having good menstrual hygiene management was lower by 49% among adolescent girls who did not receive any pocket money from their parents compared to their counterparts (pooled OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.35-0.74, I2:48.4%, n = 2). CONCLUSIONS: The findings revealed that adolescent girls who earned pocket money were more likely to practice good menstrual hygiene management. Progress toward better menstrual hygiene will necessitate consideration of this factor.

Diabetes-related distress and its associated factors among people with type 2 diabetes in Southeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes-related distress lowers the motivation for self-care, often leading to lowered physical and emotional well-being, poor diabetes control, poor medication adherence and increased mortality among individuals with diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To assess factors associated with diabetes-related distress among people living with type 2 diabetes in Southeast Ethiopia. DESIGN: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted. SETTING: Six diabetic follow-up care units at public hospitals in Southeast Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS: All adult people living with type 2 diabetes from the diabetic follow-up clinic. THE MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Diabetes Distress Scale-17 questionnaire was used to assess diabetes-related distress. RESULTS: Out of the total 871 study participants intended, 856 participated in the study with a response rate of 98.3%. The findings showed that about 53.9% (95% CI 50.4% to 57.2%) of the patients have diabetes-related distress. Physical activity (adjusted OR, AOR 2.22; 95% CI 1.36 to 3.63), social support (AOR 4.41; 95% CI 1.62 to 12.03), glycaemic control (AOR 2.36; 95% CI 1.35 to 4.12) and other comorbidities (AOR 3.94; 95% CI 2.01 to 7.73) were factors that significantly associated with diabetes-related distress at p<0.05. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that more than half of the participants had diabetes-related distress. Therefore, the identified factors of diabetes-related distress need to be a concern for health institutions and clinicians in the management of people living with type 2 diabetes.

Barbers' compliance with biological hazard preventive measures and predictors in selected towns, Southeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The barber's profession exposes their customers to several health risks. Negligence when using sharp instruments in barbershops can increase the risk of bloodborne infections, resulting in serious health problems for both the barber and the customer. Evidence for compliance with biological hazard preventive measures and predictors among barbers is critical and urgent. Thus, we aimed to assess compliance with biological hazard preventive measures and predictors among barbers in selected towns in Southeast Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 633 randomly selected barbers from 1 March to 30 March 2022. A multistage sampling followed by a systematic sampling and simple random sampling methods were used to select barbershops and barbers, respectively. We used a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist to collect data. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors. An adjusted OR (AOR), along with a 95% CI and p<0.05, was used to estimate the strength of the association. RESULTS: The good compliance level with biological hazard preventive measures was 47.10% (95% CI: 43.2%, 50.70%). Being married (AOR=3.04, 95% CI: 1.71, 8.56), aged from 25 to 34 years (AOR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.13, 8.06), served for ≤5 years (AOR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.24, 3.85), attending high school and above (AOR=4.32, 95% CI: 1.31, 12.73), being professional (AOR=6.34, 95% CI: 2.03, 11.36), having a positive attitude (AOR=2.95, 95% CI: 1.06, 8.22) and having good knowledge towards biological hazard preventive measures (AOR=3.14, 95% CI: 1.42, 9.25) were significant predictors of moderate and good compliance with biological hazard preventive measures. CONCLUSION: The study's findings revealed that almost half of the barbers were in good compliance with biological hazard preventive measures. As a result, improving barbers' attitudes and knowledge through on-the-job training is indispensable.

Self-care behavior and associated factors among patients with heart failure in public hospitals of Southeast Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to assess self-care behavior and associated factors among patients with heart failure attending public hospitals in Southeast Ethiopia in 2021. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 patients with heart failure from 15 May to 30 June 2021 using a simple random sampling technique. A multivariable binary logistic model was used to identify factors associated with self-care behavior. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The magnitude of good self-care behavior among patients with heart failure was 53.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 48.9-58.3]. Factors associated with self-care behavior were treatment with a beta blocker [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.49; 95% CI, 0.27-0.89], treatment with digitalis (AOR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.05-0.24), the level of social support (AOR, 0.07; 95% CI, 0.03-0.15), and the presence of depressive symptoms (AOR, 0.21; 95% CI, 2.70-8.33). CONCLUSION: Slightly more than half of the respondents had good self-care behavior. Attention should be given to enhancing good self-care practice through integration of health education as routine care.

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.

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 of visual impairment due to refractive error among children and adolescents in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Globally, the prevalence of refractive error was 12%, and visual impairment due to refractive error was 2.1%. In sub-Saharan Africa, the prevalence of refractive error and visual impairment due to refractive error was 12.6% and 3.4%, respectively. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of visual impairment due to refractive error varies from 2.5% in the Gurage zone to 12.3% in Hawassa city. Hence, this Meta-analysis aimed to summarize the pooled prevalence of visual impairment due to refractive error in Ethiopia. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted by the authors to identify all relevant primary studies. All articles on the prevalence of visual impairment due to refractive error in Ethiopia were identified through a literature search. The databases used to search for studies were PubMed, Science Direct, POPLINE, HENARI, Google Scholar, and grey literature was searched on Google until December 15, 2021. In this meta-analysis, the presence of publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Begg's tests at a significance level of less than 0.05. The sensitivity analysis was conducted to check for a single study's effect on the overall prevalence of refractive error. RESULT: About 1664 studies were retrieved from initial electronic searches using international databases and google searches. A total number of 20,088 children and adolescents were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of visual impairment due to refractive error in Ethiopia using the random effects model was estimated to be 6% (95% CI, 5-7) with a significant level of heterogeneity (I2 = 94.4%; p < 0.001). The pooled prevalence of visual impairment due to refractive was analyzed by subtypes, and pooled prevalence was estimated to be 4%, 5.2%, and 1% for myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, respectively. CONCLUSION: The pooled prevalence of visual impairment due to refractive error was high in Ethiopia. About one in twenty-five Ethiopian children and adolescents are affected by visual impairment due to myopia.

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.

Predictors of mortality and loss to follow-up among drug resistant tuberculosis patients in Oromia Hospitals, Ethiopia: A retrospective follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Drug resistance tuberculosis (DR-TB) patients' mortality and loss to follow-up (LTF) from treatment and care is a growing worry in Ethiopia. However, little is known about predictors of mortality and LTF among drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in Oromia region, Ethiopia. The current study aimed to identify predictors of mortality and loss to follow-up among drug resistance tuberculosis patients in Oromia Hospitals, Ethiopia. METHODS: A retrospective follow up study was carried out from 01 November 2012 to 31 December 2017 among DR-TB patients after calculating sample size using single proportion population formula. Mean, median, Frequency tables and bar charts were used to describe patients' characteristics in the cohort. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to estimate the probability of death and LTF after the treatment was initiated. The log-rank test was used to compare time to death and time to LTF. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine predictors of mortality and LTF after DR-TB diagnosis. The Crude and adjusted Cox proportional hazard ratio was used to measure the strength of association whereas p-value less than 0.05 were used to declare statistically significant predictors. RESULT: A total of 406 DR-TB patients were followed for 7084 person-months observations. Among the patients, 71 (17.5%) died and 32 (7.9%) were lost to follow up (LTF). The incidence density of death and LTF in the cohort was 9.8 and 4.5 per 1000 person-months, respectively. The median age of the study participants was 28 years (IQR: 27.1, 29.1). The overall cumulative survival probability of patients at the end of 24 months was 77.5% and 84.5% for the mortality and LTF, respectively. The independent predictors of death was chest radiographic findings (AHR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17-0.79) and HIV serostatus 2.98 (95% CI: 1.72-5.19). Drug adverse effect (AHR = 6.1; 95% CI: 2.5, 14.34) and culture test result (AHR = 0.1; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.3) were independent predictors of LTF. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that drug-resistant tuberculosis mortality and LTF remains high in the study area. Continual support of the integration of TB/HIV service with emphasis and work to identified predictors may help in reducing drug-resistant tuberculosis mortality and LTF.

Compliance towards infection prevention measures among health professionals in public hospitals, southeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study with implications of COVID-19 prevention.

INTRODUCTION: The new coronavirus disease 2019 is an emerging respiratory disease caused by the highly contagious novel coronavirus which has currently overwhelmed the world. Realizing a comprehensive set of infection prevention measures is a key to minimize the spread of this virus and its impacts in all healthcare settings. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the compliance towards COVID-19 preventive measures and associated factors among health professionals in selected public hospitals, southeast Ethiopia. METHODS: A descriptive hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 660 health professionals in public hospitals of southeast Ethiopia from October 1 to 31, 2020. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected by interview using structured and pretested questionnaires. Ordinary logistic regression modeling was used to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratio. To declare the statistical significance of factors associated with the outcome variable, P-value < 0.05 and 95% confidence interval were used. RESULTS: A total of 654 health professionals were involved in the study; of whom, 313 participants were nurses. The overall good compliance and knowledge of health professionals regarding COVID-19 preventive measures were 21.6 and 25.5%, respectively. Working in the general hospital (AOR = 0.55; 95% CI 0.38, 0.79), service year (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI 1.35, 3.21), knowledge (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI 1.14, 2.89), and water availability (AOR = 3.26; 95% CI 2.25, 4.72) were some of the factors found to have a statistically significant association to compliance of health professionals regarding COVID-19 preventive measures. CONCLUSION: In this study, nearly one fifth of health professionals had good compliance towards COVID-19 prevention practices. Thus, a consistent supply of COVID-19 prevention materials, facilities, and improving the knowledge of health professionals through on and off-job training are crucial.

Nutritional Status and Associated Factors among Adult Psychiatric Patients in Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric illnesses involve alterations in the brain or nervous system function and result in altered perception, responses to the environment, and daily functioning, which ultimately diminish the capacity to cope with the regular demands of life, including nutritional intake. Little is known about nutritional status in psychiatric patients in our setup, particularly in northeast Ethiopia. Thus, this study is aimed at assessing the nutritional status and associated factors among adult psychiatric patients in Dessie referral hospital, northeast Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was employed among 530 psychiatric patients using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements were taken from April 10 to June 20, 2018. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify the associated factors with the nutritional status of adult psychiatric patients. RESULTS: The study revealed that the proportion of undernutrition and overnutrition was 20.0% (95% CI: 16.80-23.60) and 23.4% (95% CI: 19.80-27.00), respectively. Being male (AOR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.28-4.47), private employed (AOR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.02-0.31), and not consuming alcohol (AOR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.56-0.74) were factors associated with undernutrition. Whereas not involved in physical activity (AOR: 2.98, 95% CI: 1.37-6.49), being newly diagnosed patient (AOR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.01-3.42), and not chewing Khat (AOR: 3.92, 95% CI: 1.63-9.42) were factors associated with overnutrition of adult psychiatric patients. CONCLUSION: The proportion of both undernutrition and overnutrition was above the national average. Notably, nutrition significantly affects the production and use of neurotransmitters, and this may result in significant effects on physical, mental, or emotional processes. This undoubtedly affects the stabilization processes of neuropsychiatric patients. Therefore, healthcare managers, supervisors, and policymakers identify those vulnerable groups early and thereby design effective nutritional strategies to intervene in malnutrition among adult patients with a psychiatric disorder.

Predictors of Time to Sputum Culture Conversion Among Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in Oromia Region Hospitals, Ethiopia.

PURPOSE: Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis occurs when the tuberculosis bacteria develop resistance to at least the two most effective first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs, isoniazid and rifampicin. Sputum culture conversion is one of the indicators to monitor patients' prognosis throughout the treatment. Hence, this study aimed to assess time to culture conversion and its determinants among drug-resistant tuberculosis patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 228 drug-resistant tuberculosis patients in selected hospitals in Oromia region, Ethiopia, were included in this study. Descriptive statistics like median time to sputum smear and culture conversion were computed. Bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify the independent predictors of time to culture conversion. The adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to report the strength of association. Statistical significance was declared at p <0.05. RESULTS: The median age of the study participants was 28 years with inter-quartile range of (IQR) of 22-32 years, and 60% of the patients were male. The median time to culture conversion was 61 days (IQR: 34-92 days). The proportion of sputum culture conversion at 2nd, 4th, and 6th months of treatment initiation was 47%, 82.5%, and 89%, respectively. The final adjusted multivariate Cox proportional hazard model revealed that patients with massive effusion on chest radiographic finding had a 60%-decreased culture conversion time (AHR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.1-0.9). Patients with abnormalities without cavitations (AHR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.2-0.9) and those with uninterpreted findings (AHR: 0.3 95% CI: 0.1-0.5) had delayed culture conversion time. CONCLUSION: Chest radiographic findings such as massive effusion, abnormalities without cavitations, and uninterpreted findings were found to be predictors of time to sputum culture conversion. Patients with such characteristics have prolonged culture conversion time. Hence, they may need special attention during the treatment.

Anemia and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Madda Walabu University Goba Referral Hospital, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Globally, anemia is a public health problem, particularly in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Pregnant women are at a higher risk for anemia and anemic pregnant women often develop complications. Early diagnosis of pregnant women for anemia saves both the life of the newborn and hers. Therefore, the present study intended to assess anemia and its associated factors among pregnant women attending at Madda Walabu University Goba referral hospital. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 3 to May 3, 2019, among pregnant women attending Madda Walabu University Goba referral hospital. A total of 353 respondents were included in the study by using systematic random sampling techniques. Data were collected using both face-to-face interview and hemoglobin measurement. The collected data were entered into SPSS and analyzed using both bi-variable and multiple logistic regressions. Finally, statistical significance was declared at a p-value of less than 0.05 in the multiple logistic regressions. RESULTS: In this study, the prevalence of anemia was 46.2% (95%CI: 40.9%, 51.5%). Factors significantly associated with anemia were positive stool examination for parasites (AOR=2.9, 95%CI 1.255-6.856), lower consumption of fruits and vegetables (AOR=2.7, 95%CI 1.47-4.86), no iron supplementation (AOR=2.2, 95%CI 1.07-4.45), large family size (AOR=2.1, 95%CI 1.13-3.77), and absence of abortion history (AOR=0.4, 95%CI 0.24-0.77). CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION: Prevalence of anemia among pregnant women was high. Pregnant women with a previous history of abortion, positive stool for parasite, lower consumption of fruits and vegetables, no iron supplementation and large family size above five were risk factors for anemia. Therefore, encouraging pregnant women to take iron supplementation and to eat fruits and vegetables are important.

Predictors of time to unfavorable treatment outcomes among patients with multidrug resistant tuberculosis in Oromia region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a man-made problem when bacteria are resistant to at least two anti TB drugs (Rifampicin and Isoniazid). Currently from tuberculosis infected patients, two out of ten are developing MDR-TB and it is an emerging public health problem in Ethiopia. Despite high burden of MDR-TB in Ethiopia, the treatment outcomes and predictors related to incidence among MDR-TB patients is not studied in Oromia region, Ethiopia. Therefore, the present study assessed the predictors of time to unfavorable treatment outcomes among patients with multidrug resistant tuberculosis in Oromia region, Ethiopia. METHOD: Facility based retrospective cohort study was conducted at hospitals in Oromia Region. All registered MDR-TB patient charts from 2015 to 2017 were considered for the study. Data entry was done by using EPI data version 3.1 Statistical Software and data analysis was done by SPSS version 20. The descriptive statistics, frequency, median and range were employed. Bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to identify predictors of time to unfavorable treatment outcomes of multidrug resistant tuberculosis. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, the variables with P- value less than and equal to 0.05 were considered as predictor variables for time to unfavorable treatment outcome of MDR-TB. RESULT: From the total of 415 (92.84%) complete MDR-TB charts, the overall cumulative probability of unfavorable treatment outcome at the end of the treatment (two years) was 21.21%. In multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis initial culture result [AHR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.96], HIV test result [AHR = 3.76; 95% CI: 2.45, 5.78] and culture at the end of continuation phases [AHR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.08, 0.20] were the predictors of unfavorable treatment outcome. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of unfavorable treatment outcome at Oromia hospitals was lower than WHO regional report of 2018. This finding demonstrated that low unfavorable treatment outcomes for MDR-TB patients can be achieved in a resource-constrained and high TB-burden setting. Whereas, Initial culture result, HIV test result and culture at the end of continuation phases were determined as predictor factors with associated unfavorable treatment outcomes. Culture positive and HIV positive MDR-TB patients need special attention at the time of treatment.

Acceptability and factors associated with post-partum IUCD use among women who gave birth at bale zone health facilities, Southeast-Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices (PPIUCD) is the only family planning method for couples requesting highly effective, reliable, inexpensive, non-hormonal, immediately reversible, and long-acting contraceptive that can be initiated during the immediate postpartum period and it has no a negative effect on lactation. Despite these benefit, the acceptance and utilization of immediate PPIUCD were very low and the reasons for rejecting immediate PPIUCD usage have not been characterized in Southeast Ethiopia. Therefore, this study determined the level of acceptability and factors associated with immediate PPIUCD use among women who gave birth at Bale zone health facilities, Southeast Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2017 in Bale zone health facilities. Four hundred twenty-nine women were successfully interviewed using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Health facilities were selected by lottery method. Study participants were selected systematically. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported into SPSS version 21 for analysis. Logistic regression analyses were done. A significant association was declared at a p-value less than 0.05. RESULTS: The acceptance of immediate PPIUCD usage was 12.4%. Non-acceptors reported their reasons for rejecting PPIUCD use; concern and fears of complications (24.8%), religious beliefs (19.8%), and husband refusal (17.7%). Respondents who had completed secondary education were more likely to accept PPIUCD usage than those who had no formal education (AOR = 3, CI = 11.81, 53.91). In addition, the odds of accepting PPIUCD insertion was higher among women who attended 3 antenatal care visits than those who did not attend antenatal care visits for the current birth (AOR = 1.81, CI = 0.34, 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: The acceptance of immediate PPIUCD usage was still low. This might be attributed to the low achievement of education, perceived concern and fears of complications towards IUCD insertion. The male partner's refusal and religious beliefs also have a role in the usage of postpartum IUCD. Due attention should be given to enhancing educational level of women and effective IUCDs counseling should be given during antenatal care visits to correct misconceptions and fears of complication about PPIUCD insertion.