Virological Suppression and its Predictors Among HIV/AIDS Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Achieving viral load suppression is crucial for the prevention of complications and deaths related to HIV infection. Ethiopia has embraced the worldwide 95-95-95 target, but there is no national representative information regarding virological suppression. Therefore, this review aims to determine the pooled virological suppression rate and identify the pooled effect of contributing factors of viral suppression for HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia. Methods: We systematically searched websites and databases, including online repositories, to obtain primary studies. Two reviewers assessed the quality of the included articles using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale appraisal checklist. Publication bias was checked using Egger's regression test, the heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using I2 statistics and Q statistics, and a sensitivity analysis was performed to identify any outlier results in the included studies. The Der Simonian Laird random-effects model was used to estimate the overall proportion of viral suppression, and STATA 17 statistical software was used for all types of analysis. Results: A total of 21 eligible articles primarily conducted in Ethiopia using HIV program data were used for this quantitative synthesis. The overall pooled virological suppression rate was 71% (95% CI, 64%-77%). The pooled effects of poor adherence to ART (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.33; 95% CI, 0.28-0.40), body mass index (18.5-24.9 kg/m2; AOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.37-2.36), disclosure (AOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.05-1.89), absence of opportunistic infection (AOR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.43-1.97), and high baseline viral load count (AOR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.52-0.81) were identified as significant predictors of viral suppression. Conclusions: The overall pooled percentage of virological suppression was low compared with the global target of viral suppression and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute report. Poor adherence, normal body mass index, disclosure, absence of opportunistic infection, and high baseline viral load count were factors contributing to viral suppression in Ethiopia. Responsible stakeholders should maximize their efforts to achieve the global target of virological suppression by addressing significant predictors.

Prevalence and associated factors of depression among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Even though breast cancer incidence is lower in Sub-Saharan Africa, its mortality is higher in these countries. However, the impact does not end with diagnosis and treatment; rather many patients struggle with depression which is very common among these patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis helps to provide valuable insights into the overall prevalence of depression and associated factors among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa. Method: We searched several databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Hinary, CINHAL and Google Scholar to retrieve relevant literatures from inception up to 15 June 2023. All observational studies, published in English at any time were included, while, letters to editor, review articles, commentaries, interventional and qualitative studies, and, abstracts presented in conferences or seminars were excluded. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis have been written based on the PRISMA 2020 checklist and the protocol have been registered in PROSPERO database (CRD42023428910). Result: We have included nine articles with 2226 study participants. The result showed that, the pooled prevalence of depression among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa was 45.6% (95% CI: 30%-61%) with significant heterogeneity I2 = 98.9%, (Cochrane) Q < 0.0001. There was no single study effect and publication bias but substantial heterogeneity was observed. In addition, there has been a publication bias with eggers test (p < 0.0033). However, there were no studies imputed after trim and fill analysis. From the factors, breast cancer patients who had poor financial support were 1.47 (95% CI: 1.02-2.13) times more at risk of developing depression than their counterparts. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa countries were higher than other regions. Thus, Emphasis should be given on developing financial assistance programs designed to cover the medical costs and improving the health care infrastructure.

Time to complementary feeding initiation and its predictors among children aged 9-23 months in Meket District, Northeast Ethiopia: a Cox Weibull regression.

.Globally and nationally, only 64⋅5 and 49⋅2 % of infants received solid or semi-solid foods, respectively. The available evidence indicates that the time to initiate complementary feeding practices is still poor and varies by region. The aim of the present study was to assess the time to initiation of complementary feeding and its predictors among children aged 9-23 months in Meket District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. A community-based retrospective cohort study was conducted from June to July 2022 among 459 systematically selected mothers/caregivers with their children from 9 to 23 months of age. The result of descriptive statistics was reported by table, frequency, Kaplan-Meier curve and percent. The proportional hazard model assumption was checked, and a Weibull regression model was used to see the predictors of timely initiation of complementary feeding. An adjusted hazard ratio with a 95 % confidence interval and a P-value of 0⋅05 were used to declare the significant predictors. The median time of complementary feeding initiation was 6 months. Attending primary education (adjusted hazard ration (AHR) 1⋅8; 95 % CI 1⋅16, 2⋅78), occupation of the mother (AHR 1⋅43; 95 % CI 1⋅04, 1⋅95), home delivery (AHR 1⋅61; 95 % CI 1⋅09, 2⋅37) and birth preparedness (AHR 1⋅37; 95 % CI 1⋅03, 1⋅81) were the predictors of time to complementary feeding initiation. The median time to complementary feeding initiation was consistent with the WHO recommendation. Maternal education, maternal employment, place of delivery and birth preparedness were the predictors of time to initiation of complementary feeding. Therefore, working with the education sector, increasing the delivery rate in health facilities, strengthening counselling on birth preparation, increasing maternity leave until 6 months of age and initiating corner feeding should be part of the complementary feeding practices promotion agenda.

Dietary diversity practice and associated factors among adolescents in Ethiopia, systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence (10-19 years) is a critical life period for growth and health. An increase in dietary diversity in the food is related to improved nutrient adequacy of the diet. However, studies conducted on dietary diversity practice among adolescents showed non-conclusive and inconsistent findings on the magnitude of the problem. Likewise, there was no meta-analysis conducted in the study area. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of good dietary diversity practice and its associated factors among adolescents in Ethiopia. METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline was followed. All articles were systematically searched by Google Scholar, PubMed, Hinari, Cochrane Library, Global Health and CINAHL. Meta-analysis was conducted by using STATA 14 software. Forest plots were used to present the pooled prevalence of good dietary diversity practices. A random effect model was used to compute the pooled prevalence; while subgroup analysis was performed to identify the possible source of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by the begg's and egger's test. Moreover, the associated factor of dietary diversity practices was observed. RESULTS: This review involved 7 studies, and 3,950 participants. The pooled prevalence of good dietary diversity practice among adolescents in Ethiopia was 39.24% (95% CI: 30.82, 47.66). Mothers with formal education [AOR = 1.98, (95% CI: 1.65, 2.36)], fathers with formal education [AOR = 2.30, (95% CI: 1.81, 2.93)], Medium wealth index [AOR = 2.75, (95% CI: 1.96, 3.86)] and urban residence [AOR = 2.88, (95% CI: 1.59, 5.22)] were positively associated with good dietary diversity practice. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled prevalence of good dietary diversity practices among adolescents is low. Being urban residents, the medium wealth quintile, mothers' educational status and fathers' educational status were independent factors of good dietary diversity practice among adolescents. Therefore, focused nutritional interventions should be given to rural residents and adolescents from low economic status.

Individual and contextual-level factors associated with iron-folic acid supplement intake during pregnancy in Ethiopia: a multi-level analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is still one of the major public health problems in many developing countries including Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess individual and contextual-level factors associated with iron-folic acid supplement intake during pregnancy in Ethiopia. METHODS: A secondary analysis was done on the 2019 mini-Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) dataset. A total of 3,927 pregnant women who gave birth five years before the survey were included in the analysis. Multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression analysis was done by STATA/SE version 14.0 to identify individual and contextual-level factors. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to show the strength and direction of the association. The level of statistical significance was declared at a P value less than 0.05. RESULTS: Those primary educated [AOR = 1.83, 95% CI: (1.24, 2.74)], secondary educated [AOR = 2.75, 95% CI: (1.57, 4.824)], women who had greater than 5 living children [AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: (1.25, 3.27)], women who had ANC visit [AOR = 21.26, 95% CI: (13.56, 33.32)] and women who lived in a cluster with high proportion of women had ANC visit [AOR = 1.72, 95% CI: (1.17, 2.54)] and women who lived in Somali [AOR = 0.44 0.73, 95% CI: (0.22, 0.87)] were significantly associated with iron-folic acid intake during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Both individual and contextual-level factors were significantly associated with iron-folic acid intake during pregnancy. From individual-level factors: education status of women, the total numbers of living children, and ANC follow-up are significant and from contextual-level factors: region and living in a high proportion of women who had ANC follow-up were found to have a statistically significant association. Promoting women's education and maternal health services like ANC and intervention targeting the Somali region would be the recalled area of the government.

Urban-rural disparity in stunting among Ethiopian children aged 6-59 months old: A multivariate decomposition analysis of 2019 Mini-EDHS.

BACKGROUND: Childhood stunting is still a global public health challenge, including in Ethiopia. Over the past decade, in developing countries, stunting has been characterized by large rural and urban disparities. To design an effective intervention, it is necessary to understand the urban and rural disparities in stunting. OBJECTIVE: To assess the urban-rural disparities in stunting among Ethiopian children aged 6-59 months. METHODS: This study was done based on the data obtained from the 2019 mini-Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey, conducted by the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia and ICF international. The result of descriptive statistics was reported using the mean with standard deviation, frequency, percentages, graphs, and tables. A multivariate decomposition analysis was used to decompose the urban-rural disparity in stunting into two components: one that is explained by residence differences in the level of the determinants (covariate effects), and the other component is explained by differences in the effect of the covariates on the outcome (coefficient effects). The results were robust to the different decomposition weighting schemes. RESULT: The prevalence of stunting among Ethiopian children aged 6-59 months was 37.8% (95% CI: 36.8%, 39.6%). The difference in stunting prevalence between urban and rural residences was high (rural prevalence was 41.5%, while in urban areas it was 25.5%). Endowment and coefficient factors explained the urban-rural disparity in stunting with magnitudes of 35.26% and 64.74%, respectively. Maternal educational status, sex, and age of children were the determinants of the urban-rural disparity in stunting. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: There is a significant stunting disparity among urban and rural children in Ethiopia. A larger portion of the urban-rural stunting disparity was explained by coefficient effects (differences in behaviour). Maternal educational status, sex, and age of children were the determinants of the disparity. So, to narrow this disparity, emphasis should be given to both resource distribution and the appropriate utilization of available interventions, including improvement of maternal education and consideration of sex and age differences during child feeding practices.

Proportion of hyperemesis gravidarum and associated factors among pregnant women admitted into the obstetrics ward at Akesta general hospital, North East Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition of intractable vomiting during pregnancy that leads to fluid and electrolyte imbalance, nutrition deficiency and weight loss often requiring hospital admission. Approximately 0.3%-10.8% of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy. It has been associated with both maternal and fetal morbidity. There is limited evidence about the proportion of hyperemesis gravidarum and associated factors in the study area. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of hyperemesis gravidarum and associated factors among pregnant women admitted into the obstetric ward at Akesta General Hospital, South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. METHODS: This is hospital-based cross-sectional study of 355 pregnant mothers in Akesta general hospital in northeast Ethiopia from September 1/2018- to August 30 /2020. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the patient card from the whole admission of pregnant women cards during the study period. The diagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum include persistent vomiting not related to other causes, an objective measure of acute starvation, electrolyte abnormalities and acid-base disturbances, as well as weight loss. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was reported to show the strength of the association. Statistical significance was stated at P-value < 0.05. RESULTS: The proportion of hyperemesis gravidarum was 11.3%. Women with previous history of hyperemesis gravidarum AOR (95%CI) = 10.9[2.46, 48.44], previous history of urinary tract infection AOR (95%CI) = 4.32[1.58, 11.86], previous history of gastrointestinal disease AOR (95% CI) = 4.12[1.40, 12.65], history of abortion AOR (95% CI) = 6.23[2.24, 17.52] were factors significantly associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. CONCLUSION: In this study, the overall hospital proportion of hyperemesis gravidarum was high. History of gastrointestinal disease, previous history of urinary tract infection, history of hyperemesis gravidarum, and history of abortion were the major risk factors.

The efficacy of theory of planned behavior to predict breast self-examination among women: systematic review and meta-Analysis.

Background: Even though a few studies have been conducted, the result is inconsistent between studies. The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) is a widely used framework for predicting and understanding health behaviors. In the study area, the theory of planned behavior ability to predict breast self-examination among women was not done before. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the efficacy of the Theory of Planned Behavior to predict breast self-examination among women. Methods: This study used a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies conducted from 2008 to 2018 globally. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. PubMed, Semantic Scholar, Hinari, and Google Scholar electronic databases were searched. The analysis was performed using STATA 17 software. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using forest plots, I2, Cochran's Q statistics, Funnel plots, and the Egger test respectively. Pooled analysis was conducted using the random-effects model of the DerSimonian-Laird method. Results: A total of 5 articles were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall Pooled Proportion of variance of the Theory of Planned Behavior ability to predict breast self-examination among women was explained at 38% (95%CI: 26.9, 49.1). Conclusions: The overall Pooled Proportion of variance explained by the Theory of Planned Behavior ability to predict breast self-examination among women was low as compared to the original assumption of variance explained. While the Theory of Planned Behavior provides a useful framework for understanding health behaviors, it may not fully capture all the complex factors contributing to breast self-examination. Additionally, future studies should consider using alternative measures of variance explained to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the predictive power of the theory of planned behavior.

Comparing the validity of anthropometric measurements in identifying malnutrition status of older age people in Borena district, North Central Ethiopia: a cross_sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition among older age people is becoming significantly higher in spite of improvements in the health care system. Life expectancy of Ethiopian elders is increasing; but reliable and valid tools for screening and diagnosis of malnutrition in this subgroup are limited. This study aimed to assess the validity of anthropometric measurements: Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), Body Mass Index (BMI), and Calf Circumference (CC) in detecting malnutrition status of older age people in Ethiopia. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Borena District from January to March, 2020. A total of 421 participants aged were systematically included in the study. To test reliability and validity of the measurements,Cronbach's α coefficient and Pearson's correlations were used, respectively. The full Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool was used to diagnosis malnutrition. Overall accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of BMI, MUAC and CC were estimated using Receiver Operating Characteristic curves. The Youden Index was used to determine the best cut-off point. RESULTS: The reliability of BMI, MUAC and CC by Cronbach's alpha was found 0.847. Significant positive correlations between MNA, BMI(r = 0.56, p < 0.01); MNA, MUAC(r = 0.43, p < 0.01; and MNA, CC(r = 0.52, p < 0.01) revealed. The area under the curve (AUC) of BMI, MUAC and CC were found: 0.98(95% CI, 0.96-0.99, p < 0.001), 0.94(95% CI, 0.89-0.98, p < 0.001) and 0.96(95% CI, 0.94-0.98, p < 0.001) indicating the overall accuracy respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of BMI, MUAC and CC using established cut off points were found: 90%, 96%; 78%, 94% and 84%, 95% respectively. However, using the Youden index the best cut-off point, the sensitivity and specificity of MUAC and CC were 88%, 86%; 92% and 89% respectively and adjusted for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated that BMI was a reliable and valid method to identify the malnutrition status of older age people. A MUAC value of 19 cm and CC of 30 cm were simple and efficient cut-off points for the determination of malnutrition in the older age people. A future study is needed to validate the validity of BMI, MUAC and CC against biochemical tests as gold standard.

Burden and Determinants of Anemia among Under-Five Children in Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Globally, anemia among under-five children is a serious public health problem. Even if there are pocket studies here and there, there is limited evidence on the pooled prevalence of anemia among under-five children in Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the pooled prevalence and determinants of anemia. Methods and Analysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis was done following the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search was made in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, HINARI, and Ethiopian Journal of Health Development for studies published since 2009. It was supplemented with Google Scholar search. Study selection, data extraction, and quality of studies were assessed by eight reviewers. The Cochrane Q test and I 2 test statistic were used to test the heterogeneity of studies. A random-effects model of DerSimonian-Laird method was used. Result: A total of 37 articles were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of anemia among under-five children in Africa was 59% (95% CI: 55, 63). Being female (AOR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.87), maternal education (AOR = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.31, 1.66), residence (AOR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.67, 0.95), and family size (AOR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.89, 0.98) were the determinants of anemia among African under-five children. Conclusion and Recommendation. This pooled study revealed that anemia was a severe public health problem. Sex, maternal education, residence, and family size were the determinants of anemia. Therefore, anemia prevention strategy should include sex consideration, educating mothers through youth education, area specific intervention, and encouraging birth spacing.

Impact of malnutrition on the academic performance of school children in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: This study aimed to identify the impact of malnutrition on the academic performance of children in Ethiopia. Method: The protocol of this study is registered in PROSPERO with a registration number CRD42021242269. A comprehensive search of studies from HINARY, MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Google was conducted. All published and unpublished studies conducted about the effect of any forms of malnutrition on academic performance of elementary school children in Ethiopia using the English language were included. Quality of the articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. The pooled log odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was determined to identify the effect of malnutrition on academic performance. I-square statistics was applied to check the degree of heterogeneity between studies. The presence of publication or small study bias had been assessed by Funnel plots, Egger's weighted regression test, and Begg's rank correlation test. Result: A total of 10 studies were included in this study. The pooled prevalence of good academic performance among elementary school students in Ethiopia was 58% (95% confidence interval: 48%, 69%). Stunting (odds ratio = 0.48; 95% confidence interval: 0.30, 0.79), underweight (odds ratio = 0.38; 95% confidence interval: 0.27, 0.53), and iodine deficiency (odds ratio = 0.49; 95% confidence interval: 0.31, 0.78) had a significant association with the academic performance. Rural residence (odds ratio = 0.61; 95% confidence interval: 0.44, 0.83), being female (odds ratio = 0.53; 95% confidence interval: 0.37, 0.77), and uneducated parent (odds ratio = 0.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.44, 0.58) were also factors associated with good academic performance of primary school children in Ethiopia. Conclusion: This study concluded that malnutrition in the form of stunting, underweight, and iodine deficiency affected the academic performance of elementary school children in Ethiopia. So, the Ministry of Health worked better to strengthen the nutrition intervention at the critical periods of brain development.

Effectiveness of intralesional sodium stibogluconate for the treatment of localized cutaneous leishmaniasis at Boru Meda general hospital, Amhara, Ethiopia: Pragmatic trial.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is generally caused by Leishmania aethiopica in Ethiopia, and is relatively hard to treat. Sodium stibogluconate (SSG) is the only routinely and widely available antileishmanial treatment, and can be used systemically for severe lesions and locally for smaller lesions. There is limited data on the effectiveness of intralesional (IL) SSG for localized CL in Ethiopia and therefore good data is necessary to improve our understanding of the effectiveness of the treatment. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A pragmatic (before and after Quazi experimental) study was done to assess the effectiveness of intralesional SSG among localized CL patients at Boru Meda general hospital, Northeast Ethiopia. Patients who were assigned to intralesional SSG by the treating physician were eligible for this study. Study subjects were recruited between January and August 2021. Infiltration of intralesional SSG was given weekly to a maximum of six doses. However, when a patient's lesions were already cured before getting 6 doses, treatment was not conintued, and patient were only asked to come for lesion assessment. Skin slit smears (SSS) were taken each week until they became negative. Outcomes were assessed at day 90, with patients who had 100% reepithelization (for ulcerative lesions) and/or flattening (for indurated lesions) defined as cured. Multi-level logistic regression was done to assess factors associated with cure. A total of 83 patients were enrolled, and final outcomes were available for 72 (86.75%). From these 72, 43 (59.7%, 95% confidence interval 0.44-0.69) were cured at day 90. Adverse effects were common with 69/72 patients (95.8%) reporting injection site pain. Factors associated with cure were age (OR 1.07 95% CI: 1.07-1.27), being male (OR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.10-2.25), size of the lesion (OR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.078-0.94) and skin slit smear (SSS) result +1 grading (OR 1.53, 95% CI: 1.24-1.73) and +2 grading (OR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.41-3.89) compared to the SSS grade +6. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that intralesional sodium stibogluconate resulted in a cure rate of around 60%, with almost all patients experiencing injection site pain. This emphasizes the need for local treatment options which are more patient-friendly and have better cure rates.

Urban-rural disparities in institutional delivery among women in East Africa: A decomposition analysis.

BACKGROUND: Though institutional delivery plays a significant role in maternal and child health, there is substantial evidence that the majority of rural women have lower health facility delivery than urban women. So, identifying the drivers of these disparities will help policy-makers and programmers with the reduction of maternal and child death. METHODS: The study used the data on a nationwide representative sample from the most recent rounds of the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of four East African countries. A Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition analysis and its extensions was conducted to see the urban-rural differences in institutional delivery into two components: one that is explained by residence difference in the level of the determinants (covariate effects), and the other components was explained by differences in the effect of the covariates on the outcome (coefficient effects). RESULTS: The findings showed that institutional delivery rates were 21.00% in Ethiopia, 62.61% in Kenya, 65.29% in Tanzania and 74.64% in Uganda. The urban-rural difference in institutional delivery was higher in the case of Ethiopia (61%), Kenya (32%) and Tanzania (30.3%), while the gap was relatively lower in the case of Uganda (19.2%). Findings of the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition and its extension showed that the covariate effect was dominant in all study countries. The results were robust to the different decomposition weighting schemes. The frequency of antenatal care, wealth and parity inequality between urban and rural households explains most of the institutional delivery gap. CONCLUSIONS: The urban-rural institutional delivery disparities were high in study countries. By identifying the underlying factors behind the urban-rural institutional birth disparities, the findings of this study help in designing effective intervention measures targeted at reducing residential inequalities and improving population health outcomes. Future interventions to encourage institutional deliveries to rural women of these countries should therefore emphasize increasing rural women's income, access to health care facilities to increase the frequency of antenatal care utilization.

Health Centers' Preparedness for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic in South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia, 2020.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus two (SARS-CoV-2). Preparedness of health facilities to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is an immediate priority to safeguard patients and healthcare workers and to reduce the spread of the pandemic. However, the preparedness of health centers in south Wollo zone is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess the preparedness of Health Centers for COVID-19 in South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia, 2020. METHODS: Health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among forty-six Health Centers in South Wollo zone in August 2020. The sampled health centers were selected by lottery method. The data was collected from the manager of the health centers using a pretested interviewer-administered and observational checklist. The ReadyScore criteria was used to classify the level of preparedness, in which health centers with a score of >80%, 40-80%, and <40% were considered as better prepared, work to do, and not ready, respectively. RESULTS: In this study, the median score of health centers preparedness for COVID-19 was 70.3 ± 21.6 interquartile ranges with a minimum score of 40.5 and the maximum score of 83.8. Only 12 (26.1%) of the health centers were prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority (73.9%) of the health centers were found within the group of "work to do". Conversely, none of the health centers were found within the "not ready" or below group. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that the preparedness status of the majority of health centers in South Wollo Zone was within the "work to do" group. Therefore, the local government and other concerned bodies should monitor and support health centers to increase their preparedness and to build their capacity.

Utilization of Routine Health Information from Health Management Information System and Associated Factors Among Health Workers at Health Centers in Oromia Special Zone, Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Health management information system is a building block for the health system. Even if using health facility data at all levels is critical, it is poorly practiced in developing countries. There is limited evidence about the utilization of routine health information from the health management information system in the study area. This study aimed to assess the utilization of routine health information from health management information system and associated factors among health professionals at health centers in Oromia special zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2019. A total of 369 health professionals who were the focal person for each service delivery point were taken from the selected health centers. The data analysis was done using STATA version 14. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model was carried out to identify factors associated with utilization of routine health information from the health management information system. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI was reported to show the strength of association. A P-value of <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. RESULTS: The magnitude of good routine health information utilization among health care professionals was 52.8%. Training (AOR=2.40, 95% CI=1.35, 4.26), availability of standard indicator definition (AOR=2.01, 95% CI=1.13, 3.57), data analysis skills (AOR=2.59, 95% CI=1.45, 4.62), regular feedback (AOR=2.29, 95% CI=1.29, 4.05), performance evaluation (AOR=2.60, 95% CI=1.19, 5.68) and timely reporting (AOR=2.89, 95% CI=1.54, 5.42) were significantly associated with routine health information utilization. CONCLUSION: The overall utilization of routine health information from the health management information system was low. Therefore, the Zone health department and woreda health offices need to give training on HMIS data use, and avail standard indicator definition for all health care workers at all service delivery points.

Water, sanitation, and hygiene conditions and prevalence of intestinal parasitosis among primary school children in Dessie City, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasitosis is a major public health problem that affects the health of primary school children in low- and middle-income countries where water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions are deficient. Since there is a paucity of information on the prevalence and associated factors of this problem among primary school children in Dessie City in Ethiopia, this study was designed to address these gaps. METHODS: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 stratified-sampled primary school children in five primary schools at Dessie City from April to June 2018. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire, an observation checklist and laboratory analysis of stool samples. Stool specimen from each study participant was collected using clean, properly labeled and leak-proof stool cup. A portion of stool from each study participant collected sample was processed using saline wet mount technique and examined by microscope. The remaining specimens were preserved with 10% formalin and transported to Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital laboratory to be processed by using formol-ether concentration technique. Then, slide smears were prepared from each processed stool specimen and finally, it was microscopically examined with 10x as well as 40x objectives for the presence or absence of intestinal parasites. Factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis were determined using binary logistic regression model at 95% CI (confidence interval). Thus, bivariate (COR [crude odds ratio]) and multivariable (AOR [adjusted odds ratio]) logistic regression analyses were carried out. From the multivariable analysis, variables having a p-value of less than 0.05 were declared as factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis among primary school children. MAIN FINDINGS: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was found to be 16.0% (95% CI: 12.5-19.4%), of these, 50.8% were positive for protozoa, 32.2% for helminth infections and 16.9% for double co-infections. Entamoeba histolytica was the most prevalent parasite (29.2%), followed by Giardia lamblia (21.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides (18.5%), Hymenolepis nana (9.2%) and Enterobius vermicularis (4.6%). Prevalence rates were similar among government (16.3%) and private (15.7%) school children. Water consumption was less than 5 liters per capita per day in 4 of the 5 schools. Thirty-eight (9.3%) of primary school students reported that they practiced open defecation. About two-thirds (285, 70.0%) said they always washed their hands after defecation. Mother's education (illiterate) (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.20-9.37), father's education (illiterate) (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.40-10.82), fathers who could read and write (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI: 1.25-7.86), handwashing before meal (sometimes) (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.11-4.17) and poor knowledge of WASH (AOR = 9.3; 95% CI: 2.17-16.70) were statistically associated with presence of intestinal parasitic infections. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in the study area among Grades 4-8 primary school children had public health significance. Factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitosis among primary school children's were illiterate mothers and fathers, irregular handwashing of children before meals, and poor knowledge of WASH. Health education to improve students' WASH knowledge and mass deworming for parasites are recommended as preventive measures; and improvements to the quality of WASH facilities in primary schools are strongly recommended to support these measures.

Timely Initiation of Breast Feeding and Associated Factors among Caesarian Section Delivered Mothers in Health Facilities of Dessie City Administration, North Eastern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the magnitude and associated factors of timely initiation of breastfeeding among cesarean section delivered mothers. METHODS: A health facility-based cross-sectional study was employed among 421 systematically selected mothers from February to June, 2017. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Data entry and analysis was done using Epi Data and SPSS version 24. Binary logistic regression was computed to identify factors. Adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to declare statistical significance. RESULT: The magnitude of timely initiation of breast feeding (among mothers who gave birth by cesarean section was 57%. Counseling during antenatal care (AOR = 3.32; 95% CI: 1.80, 6.13), facility where cesarean section (CS) was performed (AOR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.57, 4.14), and post-CS counseling (AOR = 6.93; 95% CI: 3.99, 12.02) were factors that contributed for the practice of timely initiation among cesarean section delivered mothers. CONCLUSIONS: The magnitude of TIBF was good. Counseling during ANC, the facility where CS was performed and post-natal advice were factors associated with TIBF. Implementation of baby-friendly hospital initiatives should be strengthened in order to promote timely initiation of breast feeding.

Metabolic syndrome and lifestyle factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Dessie Referral Hospital, Amhara region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is rising at an alarming rate and more common among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients in the world. The risk for cardiovascular disease is greater among individuals who have a combination of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and metabolic syndrome compared to those who have either alone. OBJECTIVE: To assess the proportion of metabolic syndrome and lifestyle factors among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Dessie Referral Hospital, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2017 among 343 randomly selected Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. Three definitions of Metabolic syndrome were considered. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported to show the strength of association. Statistical significance was declared at P-value < 0.05. RESULT: The proportion of metabolic syndrome was 50.3%, 59.4% and 64.5% according to 2005 International Diabetes Federation, revised ATP III and 2009 harmonized criteria, respectively. Being female (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.40, 4.21), consumption of red meat (AOR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.28, 5.33), sedentary leisure time activity (AOR = 2.65; 95% CI = 1.47, 4.78), coffee intake (AOR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.21, 0.86), BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (AOR = 9.59; 95% CI = 4.98, 18.47), 40-49 years of age (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI = (1.02, 7.37), 50-59 years of age (AOR = 4.22; 95% CI = 1.60, 11.11) and ≥70 years of age (AOR = 4.51, 95% CI = 1.44, 14.15) were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The proportion of metabolic syndrome was high among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. Overweight and obesity, being female, age of respondent, intake of coffee, regular red meat consumption, and sedentary leisure-time activity were factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Counseling of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients on the need for spending leisure time with activities, intake of coffee, control of body weight, and avoidance of regular red meat consumption is recommended.

Obesity Indices for Identifying Metabolic Syndrome Among Type Two Diabetes Patients Attending Their Follow-Up in Dessie Referral Hospital, North east Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, metabolic syndrome is a common problem among T2DM patients. Even though the International Diabetes Federation recommended waist circumference as a diagnostic tool for metabolic syndrome, the appropriate indices and cut-off point remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: To assess obesity indices in identifying metabolic syndrome among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Dessie Referral Hospital, North east Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 363 consecutively selected T2DM in Dessie Referral Hospital from February to March 2017. Data were collected by interviewer-administered questionnaire. Height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, lipid profile, blood glucose levels and blood pressure were taken. Descriptive statistics were computed. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis with a 95% confidence interval and p-value <0.05 was used to identify the discriminate ability of each index, while the optimal cut point of each index was determined by Youden's index. RESULTS: A total of 330 study participants were included in the study. Based on ATP III definition, the magnitude of metabolic syndrome among T2DM patients was 59.4% (53.6-64.5%). Waist to height ratio (optimal cut point=0.54, AUC=0.85) and waist circumference (optimal cut point= 83 cm, AUC=0.75) were the best predictor of metabolic syndrome for women and men, respectively. For the entire study participant, waist to height ratio (optimal cut point=0.51, AUC=0.79) was the best predictor of metabolic syndrome among type 2 diabetes patients. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Waist to height ratio and waist circumference was the best predictor of metabolic syndrome for women and men, respectively. So, appropriate indices optimal cut-off point should be included to diagnose metabolic syndrome among T2DM.