Healthcare providers' knowledge, attitude, and practice towards cervical cancer screening in Sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a prevalent cancer among women in low and middle-income countries, but it can be largely prevented through screening programs and HPV vaccination. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among healthcare providers in Sub-Saharan African countries. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Relevant databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, AJOL, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases were used to retrieve and search articles. The study included published and unpublished research written in English between January 2013 and May 16, 2024 for studies reporting knowledge, attitude, and practice towards cervical cancer screening among healthcare providers in Sub-Saharan Africa. This review has been registered on PROSPERO. The heterogeneity of the data was evaluated using the I2 statistic. A meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 17 software, with a 95% confidence interval. The researchers also conducted publication bias and sensitivity analysis. Results: The review included 30 studies involving 7542 healthcare providers. The pooled magnitude of good knowledge status towards cervical cancer was 67.93% (95% CI: 53.36-82.50) whereas the pooled magnitude of positive attitude towards cervical cancer was 55.26% (95% CI: 34.28- 76.23). The results also showed that about 49.68% (95% CI: 33.18-66.17) of healthcare providers had good knowledge status about cervical cancer screening, 66.63%(95% CI: 50.36- 82.89) had a positive attitude towards it, and only 17.23% (95% CI; 6.08-28.37) had ever screened for cervical cancer. Conclusion: The overall magnitude of knowledge and attitude of healthcare providers in Sub-Saharan Africa towards cervical cancer and its screening was suboptimal. Furthermore, a low percentage of female healthcare providers in the region had undergone screening for cervical cancer. As a result, policymakers and program administrators should focus on improving the knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthcare providers to meet the global health goal of cervical cancer screening and effectively eliminating cervical cancer. Healthcare providers must serve as role models for other women who should also undergo screening. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023495241.

Advanced-stage breast cancer diagnosis and its determinants in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, breast cancer is the primary cause of illness and death. Unless early detected and treated breast cancer is a life-threatening tumor. Advanced-stage presentation is greatly linked with short survival time and increased mortality rates. In Ethiopia nationally summarized evidence on the level of advanced-stage breast cancer diagnosis is scarce. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of advanced-stage breast cancer diagnosis and its determinants in Ethiopia. METHOD: By following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out. To include relevant publications, a broad literature search was conducted in the African Online Journal, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase which are published until last search date; June 15, 2023. To prevent further duplication this review was registered in PROSPERO database with ID no of CRD42023435096. To determine the pooled prevalence, a weighted inverse variance random effect model was applied. I2 statistics and the Cochrane Q-test were computed to determine heterogeneity. To evaluate publication bias, a funnel plot, and Egger's regression test were used. RESULT: A total of 924 articles were sought and finally 20 articles were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of advanced-stage breast cancer diagnosis in Ethiopia was 72.56% (95%CI; 68.46-76.65%). Use of traditional medicine as first choice (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI: (1.13-1.55)), delay of > 3 months in seeking care (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI: (1.09-1.41)), diagnosis or health system delay of > 2 months (AOR = 1.27, 95% CI: (1.11-1.46)), rural residence (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI: (1.42 - 2.92)), and chief complaint of a painless breast lump (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI: (1.76-4.06)) were significantly associated to advanced-stage diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In Ethiopia, more than two-thirds of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Use of traditional medicine before diagnostic confirmation, delay in seeking care, health system delay, rural residence, and chief complaint of painless breast lump were positively associated with an advanced-stage diagnosis. Policymakers and program designers give great focus to those delays so as to seek and access modern diagnosis and treatment as early as possible specifically focusing on those who are rurally residing.

Determinants of late-stage cervical cancer presentation in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Behind breast, colorectal, and lung cancers, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting females. Despite, it is a preventable form of cancer both the incidence and mortality figures reflect it as a major reproductive health problem. Late-stage cervical cancer diagnosis is associated with complicated clinical presentation which can result in short survival time and increased mortality. Several factors contribute to the late-stage presentation of cervical cancer patients. In Ethiopia nationally summarized evidence on the level and the factors contributing to late-stage cervical cancer diagnosis is scarce. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of late-stage cervical cancer diagnosis and its determinants in Ethiopia. METHOD: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive literature was searched in PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and African Online Journal to retrieve eligible articles. A weighted inverse variance random effect model was used to estimate pooled prevalence. Cochrane Q-test and I2 statistics were computed to assess heterogeneity among studies. Funnel plot and Egger's regression test were done to assess publication bias. RESULT: Overall, 726 articles were retrieved and finally 10 articles were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of late-stage cervical cancer diagnosis in Ethiopia was 60.45% (95%CI; 53.04%-67.85%). Poor awareness about cervical cancer and its treatment (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI: (1.03 - 2.33, longer delay to seek care (AOR = 1.02, 95% CI: (1.01 - 1.03)) and rural residence (AOR = 2.07, 95% CI:( 1.56 - 2.75)) were significantly associated to late-stage diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In Ethiopia, six in every ten cervical cancer cases are diagnosed at the late stage of the disease. Poor awareness about cervical cancer and its treatment, long patient delay to seek care, and rural residence were positively associated with late-stage diagnosis. Therefore intervention efforts should be made to improve public awareness about cervical cancer, minimize patient delay to seek care, and expand screening services specifically in the rural residing segment of the population to detect the disease early and improve survival.

Prevalence and predictors of chronic kidney disease among type 2 diabetic patients worldwide, systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a complicated, chronic condition that requires ongoing medical attention as well as multiple risk-reduction measures beyond glucose control. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly variable in different parts of the world due to various environmental, ethnic, socioeconomic, and rural-urban differences. Diabetes is the leading cause of CKD. This study aimed to estimate the global prevalence of CKD and its associated factors among type 2 diabetes(T2DM) patients, provide scientific evidence for a better understanding of the burden of CKD among diabetes mellitus type 2 patients, and design interventional strategies. METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist guideline was followed for this review and meta-analysis. The electronic databases (Pub Med, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and grey literature) were searched to retrieve articles by using keywords. Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was used to assess the quality of studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 17 software. The Meta logistic regression was computed to present the pooled prevalence and Odds ratio (OR) of the determinate factors with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis 20 studies were done in 13 different countries. The pooled magnitude of chronic kidney disease among type 2 DM patients was 27% (95% CI 21%, 33%). The prevalence of chronic kidney disease differs across countries, with the maximum in the USA and the lowest in the United Arab Emirates. Patients with CKD have an elevated risk of severe renal and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, and, more recently, non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are among the medications that have been demonstrated to slow the progression of CKD. In this systematic review and meta-analysis increased age, obesity, having a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus, smoking history, presence of hypertension, and cardiac heart disease were factors significantly associated with the presence of chronic kidney disease among type 2 diabetic patients. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients was high based on the included 20 articles. The review reported that old age, hypertension, cardiac disease, smoking, obesity, and duration of diabetes mellitus was predictor variable for chronic kidney disease among type 2 diabetic patients. Therefore, in order to lower the morbidity and mortality from chronic kidney disease among type 2 diabetic patients, it is advised to develop both preventive and curative intervention strategies, such as raising awareness, creating a supportive environment, and prescribing appropriate medication at an early stage.

Knowledge of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among reproductive age women in high HIV/AIDS prevalent countries: A multilevel analysis of recent Demographic and Health Surveys.

BACKGROUND: A lack of enough knowledge about the mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among reproductive-age women is thought to be a key contributor to new pediatric HIV infections worldwide, and rising HIV-related infant mortality, particularly in resource-limited countries. Knowledge of MTCT of HIV is key to halt the progression of HIV/AIDS. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge of MTCT of HIV and its associated factors among reproductive-age women in high HIV/AIDS prevalent countries. METHODS: A secondary data analysis was performed using 8 HIV/AIDS prevalent countries' Demographic and Health Surveys. A total weighted sample of 97,130 respondents was included in this study. Stata 17 was used for data extraction, coding, and analysis. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted. The odds ratios along with the 95% confidence interval were generated to determine the factors of good knowledge of MTCT of HIV among reproductive-age women. A 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. RESULTS: The prevalence of good knowledge of MTCT HIV was 57.89% (95% CI: 57.67,58.29). Mothers aged 25-34 (AOR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.32, 1.42), 35 and above(AOR = 2.46,95% CI = 1.41, 1.52), mothers' primary education (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.26, 1.38),), secondary education (AOR = 1.65,95% CI = 1.56, 1.74), higher education (AOR = 1.72,95% CI = 1.58,1.86), exposed to mass media (AOR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.08,1.16) rich wealth status (AOR = 1.11 (95% CI = 1.06,1.15), talked about MTCT (AOR = 1.70,95% CI = 1.64, 1.76), visited by field worker (AOR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.03,1.14), health facility visit (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.11, 1.18), urban dwellers (AOR = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.04,1.14), ever tested for HIV(AOR = 2.18 (95% CI = 2.10,2.27), currently working status (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.12,1.19) were factors associated with good knowledge of MTCT of HIV/AIDS among reproductive age women. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the prevalence of good knowledge of MTCT was low in high HIV/AIDS prevalent countries. Maternal age, primary education and above, exposed to media, having higher wealth status, talked about MTCT during ANC visits, being visited by a field worker, visited a health facility, currently working, living in the urban area, and ever been tested for HIV were positively associated with knowledge of MTCT. Health policy and programs should focus on educating mothers, encouraging women to contact health facilities and a well-targeted communications program is required to enhance knowledge of MTCT of HIV.

Prevalence of anemia and associated factors among adult hypertensive patients in Referral Hospitals, Amhara Regional State.

Anemia is a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular disease outcomes in hypertensive patients. Chronic anemia increases preload, reduces afterload, and leads to increased cardiac output in hypertension patients. In the long term, this may result in maladaptive left ventricular hypertrophy, which in turn is a well-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease outcomes and all-cause mortality in hypertension. Low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels might be strongly indicate hypertensive end-organ damage, specifically kidney failure. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among hypertensive patients in Referral Hospitals, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, in 2020. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Amhara Regional Referral Hospitals from February 20 to April 30, 2020. Random and systemic sampling techniques were used to select 428 study participants. Data were entered and coded in to Epi data version 3.0 and then exported into STATA 14 for analysis. In bivariable logistic regression, variables with a p-value of < 0.25 were included in multivariable logistic regression. Using a 95% confidence interval, variables having a p-value ≤ 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression were declared as statistically significant variables. In this study, a total of 428 study participants were involved with 99.5% response rate. The prevalence of anemia among hypertensive patients was 17.6%, with a 95% CI (14.3-21.5%). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 90 ml/min (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI 1.56- 4.92)], duration of hypertension (HTN) ≥ 5 years (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI 1.36-4.15), uncontrolled blood pressure (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.08-3.35), and higher pulse pressure (AOR = 1.05 (95% CI 1.02-1.08) were significantly associated with anemia. Nearly one out of five hypertensive patients had anemia. Impaired estimated glomerular filtration rate, duration of HTN, blood pressure status, and pulse pressure were the independent predictors of anemia among hypertensive patients. Screening hemoglobin level at a regular interval is recommended for the hypertensive patients to take an appropriate intervention.

Individual and community-level factors associated with iron-rich food consumption among children aged 6-23 months in Rwanda: A multilevel analysis of Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Iron-rich food consumption has an invaluable effect for neonatal and fetal brain development as well as metabolic activities. Despite the public health importance of the consumption of iron-rich foods, there was no study, that assessed iron-rich food consumption in Rwanda. Therefore this study aimed to assess iron-rich food consumption and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months using Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS). METHODS: Secondary data analysis was done using RDHS-2019/20. Total weighted samples of 2455 children aged 6-23 months were included. Data coding, cleaning, and analysis were performed using Stata 16. Multilevel binary logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with iron-rich food consumption. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% CI, and p-value <0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. RESULTS: The prevalence of good iron-rich food consumption was 23.56%(95% CI: 21.92,25.28). Northern province of Rwanda (AOR = 0.26,95%CI: 0.15,0.46), mothers secondary education and above (AOR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.41, 4.01), married mothers (AOR:1.31, 95% CI: 1.01,1.71), rich wealth status (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.48, 2.86), having post-natal visit (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10,1.91), mothers media exposure (AOR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.52) and drugs given for intestinal parasite (AOR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.80) were associated with iron-rich food consumption. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that overall iron-rich foods consumption was low in Rwanda. The residing in the North province, mother's secondary and higher educational status, married marital status, rich and middle wealth status, having media exposure, drugs given for intestinal parasites, and having child's post-natal checkup were variables significantly associated with iron-rich food consumption. The region-based intervention will improve the consumption of iron-rich food. In addition, health policies and programs should target educating mothers/caregivers, encouraging parents to live together, improving their wealth status, working on mass media access by the women, and encouraging mothers post-natal checkups to improve iron-rich food consumption.

Predictors of intention to receive cervical cancer screening among commercial sex workers in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia: application of the theory of planned behavior.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is a global public health problem & is the fourth leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality. Abnormal cervical lesion is common in commercial sex workers and is at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer due to multiple sexual partners besides other factors. Intention is an important predictor of behavior and is an initiative to transform their desire into action. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the predictors of intention to receive cervical cancer screening among commercial sex workers in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 27 to May 25, 2021, in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia. A total of 425 commercial sex workers selected using convenience sampling techniques were included in the study. Linear regression with robust standard errors was carried out to identify predictors of intention to receive cervical cancer screening. A 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 393 commercial sex workers participated in the study with a response rate of 92.4%. The mean age of the participants was 27.68 ± 6.62. The median (interquartile range) of intention was 4 (3-4.25). The theory of planned behaviour variables explained 38.51% of the variance in intention to receive cervical cancer screening. Direct subjective norm (ß = 0.09), 95% CI (0.05, 0.13)), direct Attitude (ß = 0.09, 95% CI (0.04, 0.13)), past behaviour (ß = 0.27; 95% CI (0.09, 0.46), and positive HIV status (ß = 0.26; 95% CI (0.06, 0.46) were significant predictors of intention. CONCLUSIONS: Commercial sex workers' intention to undergo cervical cancer screening was high. The theory of planned behavior showed adequate utility in predicting commercial sex workers' intention to receive cervical cancer screening. Participant's attitudes, subjective norm, past behavior, and positive HIV status were important factors affecting their intention to receive cervical cancer screening. Thus, interventions aimed at enhancing commercial sex workers' cervical cancer screening behavior should target creating positive social pressure and attitudinal change towards cervical cancer screening.