The association of comorbidities with sleep quality among Australians with multiple sclerosis: Insights from the Australian Multiple Sclerosis Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Comorbidities and poor sleep quality are prevalent among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Our understanding of the effects of comorbidities on sleep quality in MS remains limited. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to investigate whether the number and presence of specific comorbidities have associations with sleep quality and to assess the relative contribution of comorbidity groups to sleep quality. METHODS: We collected data on sleep quality (using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)) and presence of comorbidities in people with MS (n = 1597). Associations between comorbidities and sleep quality were examined using linear regression and dominance analysis. RESULTS: Having more comorbidities was associated with poorer sleep quality (p for trend < 0.001). All 13 groups of comorbidities explained 12.9% of the variance in PSQI from which half of the variance was contributed by mental health disorders. In total, 16 of the 28 comorbidities were associated with significantly worse sleep quality, with the strongest associations seen for 'other autoimmune diseases' (ß = 1.98), depression (ß = 1.76), anxiety (ß = 1.72) and rheumatoid arthritis (ß = 1.62). CONCLUSIONS: Many individual comorbidities are associated with poorer sleep quality, with mental health disorders making the largest relative contribution. Optimal management of comorbidities that make the greatest contributions could have the largest benefit for improving sleep in MS.

Sleep Quality and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Unit at the Referral Hospitals in Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia, 2021: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Poor sleep quality during pregnancy leads to adverse neonatal outcomes such as low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm birth, and operative birth. Though it has many consequences, a limited study was conducted on the prevalence and associated factors of poor sleep quality among pregnant women in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed to determine poor sleep quality and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care units at the selected referral hospitals. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study was used from April 20 to June 10, 2021. A The data were collected through systematic random sampling. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the outcome variable based on interview. RESULTS: Out of 423, almost 414 participated in the study with a response rate of 97.9%. The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 54.6% (95% CI: 49.7%, 59%). Based on the trimester; about 44.8%, 36.8%, and 64.2% were observed poor sleep quality in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. Third trimester [AOR (Adjusted Odd Ratio) = 4.33; 95% CI (Confidence Interval) (1.43, 13.7)], primigravida [AOR = 4.03; 95% CI (2.59, 7.97)], para ≥2 [AOR = 1.95: 95% CI (1.09, 3.48)], depression [AOR = 4.59: 95% CI (2.31, 9.15)], and perceived stress [AOR = 1.15: 95% CI (1.1, 1.22)] were factors significantly associated. CONCLUSION: One in every two pregnant women has poor sleep quality. Depression, perceived stress, gestational age, gravida, and parity were identified as associated factors with poor sleep quality. Therefore, healthcare providers should work on screening and counseling for sleep problems during prenatal checkups.

Health professionals' practice to care cytotoxic drug handling and associated factors: The case of university of gondar specialized hospital.

BACKGROUND: Health care professionals are potential to be in contact with cytotoxic drugs during their daily work activ-ities. The study aimed to assess the practice of health professionals to care for cytotoxic drugs and associated factors in the University of Gondar Specialized Hospital. METHODS: Cross-sectional study design was employed. EPI Info 7 was used for data entry and then exported into SPSS 20 for statistical analysis. Frequencies and mean with standard deviation were computed. Logistic regression had been performed to find out associated factors. Crude' and adjusted Odds' ratio with 95% uncertainty interval was done. Variables with a p < 0.05 were declared as significant factors for practice of cytotoxic drug handling. RESULTS: The study used four-hundred and twelve health professionals took part in the study with 97.4% response rate. The mean age of study participants was 29.9 years ranging from 20-60 years and twenty (53.4%) participants were males. One hundred and fifty-five (37.6%) health professionals had good cytotoxic drug handling practice. Attending an average of 4-9 patients per day (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.05, 4.22), Medium work stress (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.90), availability of cytotoxic drug handling manual (AOR = 2.51: 95% CI: 1.22, 5.12), and good knowledge (AOR = 4.09, 95% CI: 2.35, 7.11) were significantly associated with cytotoxic drug handling practice. CONCLUSION: The practice of cytotoxic drug handling care was low. It demands the engagement of the health sector to avert such inadequate practice and has to focus on delivering knowledge and logistics for the practice of cytotoxic drug handling.

Poor sleep and multiple sclerosis: associations with symptoms of multiple sclerosis and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Sleep difficulties are common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), but whether associations between poor sleep quality and quality of life are independent of MS symptoms, obesity and other MS-related factors remains unclear. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses of data from the Australian MS Longitudinal Study (n=1717). Sleep was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Rating Scale; health-related quality of life using the Assessment of Quality-of-Life 8-D. RESULTS: Poor sleep quality was common (67%), and more common than in community samples. Sleep measures clustered independently within MS symptoms. The clusters 'fatigue and cognitive', 'feelings of anxiety and depression', 'pain and sensory', were independently associated with poor sleep quality. Quality-of-Life utility scores were a clinically meaningful 0.19 units lower in those with poor sleep. Sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and restless leg syndrome were associated with reduced quality of life, independent of MS-related symptoms and body mass index. CONCLUSION: Poor sleep quality is common in MS and was strongly associated with worse health-related quality of life, independent of other MS symptoms and did not cluster with other common MS symptoms. Improving sleep quality may substantially improve quality of life in people with MS.

Patterns and associated factors of electrocardiographic abnormality among type 2 diabetic patients in Amhara National Regional State Referral Hospitals, Ethiopia: a multicenter institution-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the most causes of mortality and morbidity among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes are common in the early course of the disease. Little is known about the electrocardiographic abnormalities among type 2 DM patients in Ethiopia. This study determined the overall prevalence, its patterns, and the associated factors of ECG abnormalities among people living with T2DM in Amhara National Regional State referral hospitals, Ethiopia. METHODS: A multicenter institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 01 April to 30 May 2021. A simple random sampling and systematic sampling techniques were employed to select the referral hospitals and study participants, respectively. A digital electrocardiograph was used to measure the ECG parameters and the other data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Epi-data version-4.6 and Stata-14 were used for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively. The descriptive statistics were presented with tables and graphs. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify associated factors of ECG abnormality. In the final model, statistical significance was decided at p≤0.05, and the strength of association was indicated using an adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI. RESULTS: Two-hundred and fifty-eight participants (response rate = 99.6%) were included for the analysis. The prevalence of overall ECG abnormality was 45% (95% CI: 39, 51%). On the basis of the electrocardiographic patterns, 57 (21.1%; 95% CI: 14.6, 32.6%) were presented with T-wave abnormality, 36 (14%; 95% CI: 10.1, 18.8%) left axis deviation, and 24 (9.3% [6.3, 13.5%]) sinus tachycardia. Higher monthly income (> 90$) (AOR = 0.51 [0.31, 0.83]), over 10 years duration of DM (AOR = 4.5[1.05, 18.94]), hypertension (AOR = 3.9 [1.6, 9.40]), fasting blood sugar of ≥ 130 mg/dl (AOR = 5.01[2.13, 12.20]), and overweight (AOR = 2.65[1.17, 5.98]) were statistically significant factors of overall ECG abnormality. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly, half of the participants had at least one ECG abnormality. Higher-income, prolonged disease duration, hypertension, higher fasting blood sugar, and overweight were significantly associated with ECG abnormality. The findings of this study suggest the need to institute routine ECG screening for all T2DM patients to reduce ECG abnormalities and further complications.

Visual impairment and its predictors among people living with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Dessie town hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia: institution-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Visual impairment is a functional limitation of the eye(s) that results in reduced visual acuity, visual field loss, visual distortion, perceptual difficulties, or any combination of the above. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the common causes of visual impairment. Since there is no study conducted in Ethiopia so far in this regard, the current study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of visual impairment among people living with diabetes at Dessie town Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution based cross-sectional study was carried out from 15 February to 15 March 2020 using simple random sampling to recruit study participants among type 2 diabetes. Visual impairment was measured using visual acuity test. We used Epi Data 3.1 and SPSS version 22 for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively. Bi-variable binary logistic regression was performed to check independent association of each factor with visual impairment. After selecting candidate variables at p < 0.25, we computed multivariable binary logistic regression to identify statistically associated factors of visual impairment. The degree of association was determined using adjusted odds ratio with 95%CI. In the final model, statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-two people living with T2DM participated in this study with 97% response rate. The prevalence of visual impairment was 37.58% (95% CI: 32.3, 42.9). Age (AOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.09, p < or = 0.001), poor regular exercise (AOR = 2.91, 95%CI: 1.47-5.76, p < or = 0.001), duration of DM above 5 years (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.25-4.73, p < or = 0.01), insulin treatment (AOR = 14.05, 95% CI: 2.72, 72.35, p < or = 0.01), and poor glycemic control (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.13-4.14, p < 0.05) were statistically associated with visual impairment. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of visual impairment in Dessie town hospitals accounted for more than a third of patients living with T2DM. Visual impairment is associated with increased age, poor regular exercise, longer duration of DM, and insulin treatment. Thus, early detection of VI through screening and regular follow-up is recommended to reduce the risk of VI and vision loss.

Health professionals' attitude and associated factors toward cytotoxic drug handling in University of Gondar specialized hospital: Institution-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that cytotoxic drugs are dangerous to health care workers. Health care professionals' attitude to cytotoxic drugs is vital to apply safety protocols in the prevention of cytotoxicity. The current study aimed to assess health professionals' desirable attitude and associated factors toward cytotoxic drugs handling in the University of Gondar Specialized Hospital. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 412 health professionals from June to August 2019. Simple random sampling was used to select participants and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Epi Info and SPSS 20 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Variables with a p value < 0.05 were declared as determinants. RESULTS: The number of health professionals included was approximately 412. The mean age of participants was 29.9 ± 5.4 years. The proportion of participants with desirable attitude toward cytotoxic drugs handling was 224 (54.4%) (95% confidence interval: 51.95-56.85). Male (adjusted odds ratio = 1.69, 95% confidence interval:[1.08-2.65]), work experience of 5-8 years (adjusted odds ratio = 1.92, 95% confidence interval: [1.10-3.34]), weekly working hours of 44-55 (adjusted odds ratio = 2.25, 95% confidence interval: [1.02-4.96]), medium work stress (adjusted odds ratio = 1.67, 95% confidence interval: [1.01-2.69]), and good practice of cytotoxic drug handling (adjusted odds ratio = 1.67, 95% confidence interval: [1.04-2.67]) were significantly associated with the attitude of health professionals. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of health care workers did not have desirable attitude to handle cytotoxic drugs. Thus, strategies are suggested to improve the positive attitude of health professionals to cytotoxic drug handling. Female health professionals, those who had work experience of less than 2 years and those with higher work stress demand special attention.

Visual impairment and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care units at health institutions in Gondar City Administration, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Visual impairment is a major public health concern among women of reproductive age groups in Ethiopia, which is getting worse during pregnancy. Though visual impairment has lots of serious consequences across the life course of pregnant women, there is no previous study on this topic in Ethiopia. Thus, this study determined the prevalence of visual impairment and identified associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care units at the governmental health institutions in Gondar City Administration, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising of socio-demographic, clinical and pregnancy-related variables to collect the required data. Snellen's illiterate "E" chart was used to determine visual impairment. EpiData 3 and Stata 14 were used for data entry and statistical analysis, respectively. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were executed to identify associated factors of visual impairment. Variables with a p-value ≤0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression analysis were declared as statistically significant with visual impairment. RESULTS: A total of 417 (response rate = 98.6%) participants were involved in this study, with a median age of 27 years. The overall prevalence of visual impairment was 22.5% (95% CI: 18.5-26.6). Thirty (7.2%) and thirty-two (7.7%) of the study participants had moderate to severe visual impairments in their right and left eyes, respectively. Participants aged from 31 to 49 years (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1-4.0), being 3rd trimester (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.3-4.5), multi & grand multipara (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2-4.6), and history of contraceptive use (AOR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2-6.3) had higher chance of visual impairment. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of visual impairment among pregnant women was high in the study area. Therefore, routine screening and evaluation of pregnant women for visual condition during antenatal care visits is recommended. Further investigations of visual changes, particularly as a result of pregnancy, are warranted.

Excessive daytime sleepiness and its predictors among medical and health science students of University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: institution-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a condition of sleepiness when a person would not be expected to sleep. University students are prone to EDS due to the competitive learning environment and fragmented night sleep. No study was conducted in Ethiopia on EDS. Therefore, this study aimed to determine EDS and its predictors among University of Gondar (UoG) Medical and Health Science students. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 383 Medical and Health Science students of UoG who were recruited using a computer-generated simple random sampling technique. We used a validated Epworth daytime sleepiness tool to collect data. Epi-Info™ 7 and Stata 14 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to find out predictors. Odds ratio with 95% uncertainty interval were computed. In the final model, a variable with a p < 0.05 was declared as a predictor of EDS. RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-three students completed the questionnaire. Males were 69.97% and the mean age of participants was 20.79 (±1.83) years. In the current study, the prevalence of EDS was 31.07% (95% UI: 26.62-35.91). The odds of getting EDS was 1.83 (AOR = 1.83, 95% UI: 1.14-2.96) and 1.84 (AOR = 1.84, 95% UI: 1.13-3.00) higher among students who reported night sleep behaviour disorders and depression, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that EDS is high and predicted by depression and night sleep behaviour disorders. These findings suggest the need to set preventive strategies such as counselling of students to reduce depression and night sleep behaviour disorders. Further studies particularly qualitative studies are required to find out more factors affecting EDS.

The burden of unintentional drowning: global, regional and national estimates of mortality from the Global Burden of Disease 2017 Study.

BACKGROUND: Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related mortality globally. Unintentional drowning (International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 codes W65-74 and ICD9 E910) is one of the 30 mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive causes of injury-related mortality in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study. This study's objective is to describe unintentional drowning using GBD estimates from 1990 to 2017. METHODS: Unintentional drowning from GBD 2017 was estimated for cause-specific mortality and years of life lost (YLLs), age, sex, country, region, Socio-demographic Index (SDI) quintile, and trends from 1990 to 2017. GBD 2017 used standard GBD methods for estimating mortality from drowning. RESULTS: Globally, unintentional drowning mortality decreased by 44.5% between 1990 and 2017, from 531 956 (uncertainty interval (UI): 484 107 to 572 854) to 295 210 (284 493 to 306 187) deaths. Global age-standardised mortality rates decreased 57.4%, from 9.3 (8.5 to 10.0) in 1990 to 4.0 (3.8 to 4.1) per 100 000 per annum in 2017. Unintentional drowning-associated mortality was generally higher in children, males and in low-SDI to middle-SDI countries. China, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh accounted for 51.2% of all drowning deaths in 2017. Oceania was the region with the highest rate of age-standardised YLLs in 2017, with 45 434 (40 850 to 50 539) YLLs per 100 000 across both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a decline in global drowning rates. This study shows that the decline was not consistent across countries. The results reinforce the need for continued and improved policy, prevention and research efforts, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries.

Acute respiratory infection and its associated factors among children under-five years attending pediatrics ward at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: institution-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infection is manifested by cough accompanied by short rapid breathing which may be associated with death especially when there are other co-morbidities. From an estimated 5.4 million children under -five years that died in 2017-roughly half of those deaths occurred in sub-Saharan Africa and acute respiratory infection contributed to the highest number of deaths. The current study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, acute respiratory infection hospitalization in under-five years children hospitalized at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. METHOD: An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out from May 01/2019 to July 10/2019. After the selection of participants using simple random sampling, face to face interview was performed using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data were also extracted from medical registration charts. We used EPI Info 7 for data entry and exported into SPSS 21 for analysis. Results were presented by simple frequency, percentage and mean for descriptive variables. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to test the association of covariates and outcome variable. Variables with a p < 0.2 during the bivariable binary logistic regression analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression analysis. Variables with p < 0.05 were considered as significantly associated with acute respiratory infection. This study is reported following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guideline. RESULTS: Four hundred and twenty-two under-five years' children attending the Pediatrics ward were included in this study. The prevalence of acute respiratory infection among under-five years' children in this study was 27.3%. Children aged below 12 months (AOR:3.39, 95% CI: 1.19, 9.65), maternal age of 16 to 27 years (AOR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.03, 3.70), maternal age of 28 to 33 years (AOR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.40, 5.34), lack of maternal awareness of handwashing (AOR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.15, 6.76), rural residence (AOR:2.27, 95% CI: 1.18, 4.39), and lack of meningitis (AOR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.55), were significantly associated with acute respiratory infection. CONCLUSION: Acute respiratory infection was common among children under-five years. Child and maternal age, residence and maternal hand hygiene information were significant factors identified to be associated with an acute respiratory infection.

Knowledge and associated factors towards cytotoxic drug handling among University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital health professionals, institutional-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, cancer is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Exposure to CDs may occur during drug preparation and mixing, during drug administration, during transport, and cleaning spills and waste disposal. Healthcare workers who prepare or administer antineoplastic drugs, or who work in areas where these drugs are used, can be exposed to these agents. This also affects the public around the exposed area if appropriate disposal system is not known. Several studies reported increased risks of leukemia and breast cancer among nurses handling CDs and not following safety guidelines. Because of the absence of studies in Ethiopia, the current study was conducted to determine the knowledge level of cytotoxic drug handling and associated factors among health professionals in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. METHODS: The institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2019. Epi info 7.1 was used for data entry and then exported into SPSS version 20 for computing, recording, and statistical analysis. Logistic regression was used to explain the relationship with independent variables. RESULTS: Four hundred and twelve health professionals participated in the study with 53.4% males. The participants' mean age was 29.9 (± 5.43) years ranging from 20-60. Two hundred and twenty-three (54.1%) health professionals heard about cytotoxic drugs, and 52.7% (95% UI 47.8-57.8%) had good knowledge of cytotoxic drug handling. Being male sex (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI (1.13-3.00)), age of 29-31 (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI (1.03-3.84)), hearing information about cytotoxic drug handling (AOR = 2.53, 95% CI (1.43-4.47)), ever attended training on cytotoxic drug handling (AOR = 3.15, 95% CI (1.13-8.79)), ever taking courses related to cytotoxic drugs (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI (1.15-3.59)), and good practice (AOR = 3.24, 95% CI (1.95-5.37)) were significantly associated with knowledge towards cytotoxic drug handling. It is therefore imperative to train health professionals and to incorporate CDs handling related course contents while revising curricula to raise the knowledge of health professionals about proper cytotoxic drug handling. CONCLUSION: Above half of the study participants scored higher than the median of the cytotoxic drug handling knowledge questions. Sex, age, information about cytotoxic drug handling, training, taking courses related to cytotoxic drugs, and good practice were significantly associated with knowledge towards cytotoxic drugs handling.

Poor sleep quality and associated factors among healthcare professionals at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Poor sleep quality is linked to physiological dysfunction, which increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and other medical conditions. Despite the known health risks of sleep disturbances, literature is still scant regarding sleep quality and its associated factors among healthcare professionals in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of poor sleep quality and its associated factors among healthcare professionals at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 418 healthcare professionals participated in the study. The study participants were chosen using the stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the sleep quality of participants. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were used. p ≤ 0.05 was used to declare statistically significant variables. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 30.7 years (SD ± 6.3). The overall prevalence of poor sleep quality was 58.9% [95% CI (54.2, 63.6%)]. Being female [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.9, 95% CI (1.2, 2.9)], being a shift worker [AOR = 5.7, 95% CI (2.3, 14.3), not performing regular exercise [AOR = 2.08 (1.2-3.6)], being a khat chewer [AOR = 3.1, 95% CI (1.2, 7.6)], and having depressive symptoms [AOR = 2.6, 95% CI (1.3, 6.8)] were significantly associated with higher odds of having poor sleep quality. Conclusion: The prevalence of poor sleep quality among healthcare professionals was found to be high. As a result, we recommend that healthcare providers at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital focus on early regular screening for sleep disturbances and pay special attention to shift work schedules and behaviors such as khat chewing, exercise, and depressive symptoms.

Visual Impairment and Its Associated Factors Among Hypertensive Patients in Amhara Region Referral Hospitals, Ethiopia.

Background: Visual impairment is one of the most common long-term effects of high blood pressure. It affects one's quality of life, independence, and mobility. There is a paucity of information regarding the prevalence of visual impairment due to hypertension in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of visual impairment and its associated factors among hypertensive patients in referral hospitals of the Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 study participants, which were selected by systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and physical measurements. The collected data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6. Then, exported into SPSS Version 26 for analysis. The crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% Confidence intervals were calculated. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. Variables with a p-value of ≤0.05 were stated as significantly associated with visual impairment. Results: The overall prevalence of visual impairment among hypertensive patients was 32.4% (95% CI: 27.9-37.9). Duration of hypertension ≥ 5 years (AOR =3.06, 95% CI: 1.86-4.95), history of ocular trauma (AOR =2.50, 95% CI: 1.3-4.73), and ever alcohol drinking (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.32-5.62) were significantly associated with visual impairment. Conclusion: Nearly one-third of hypertensive patients were visually impaired from the study participants. Duration of hypertension ≥5 years, history of ocular trauma, and ever alcohol drinking was significantly associated with visual impairment among hypertensive patients. Therefore, in addition to providing medical care and follow-up services for hypertension patients, health education is needed for early and proper management of visual impairment, and to decrease their level of alcohol consumption. Furthermore, better to do this study by prospective cohort study design to identify cause-and-effect relationships.

Knowledge of Antimicrobial Resistance and Associated Factors Among Health Professionals at the University of Gondar Specialized Hospital: Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is one of the many health challenges worldwide, particularly in resource-limited countries like Ethiopia. Increasing knowledge of health professionals can reduce the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we determined the antimicrobial resistance knowledge and examined the associated factors among the University of Gondar Hospital health professionals. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional survey was carried out. The samples were randomly recruited. Statistical analysis was performed by using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 after entering the data using Epidemiological information (Epi-Info). To identify associated factors, the authors executed binary logistic regression and multivariate analysis wherein the statistical significance was decided at p < 0.05. Results: Four hundred and twelve health professionals with ages ranging from 20-60 years and mean age of 29.9 years took part in the study. Fifty-three-point-four percent of participants were males. The majority of the total respondents (84.7%, 95% CI: 80.08-88.30) had good knowledge of antimicrobial resistance. It was found that being male (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.10, 3.52), a work experience of 6-10 years (AOR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.28, 4.68), having 30-38working hours per week (AOR = 3.93, 95% CI: 1.38, 5.11), and antibiotic intake (AOR = 3.71, 95% CI: 1.75, 7.87) were significant factors of antimicrobial resistance knowledge. Conclusion: In the current study, about 84.5% of health professionals had good knowledge of antimicrobial resistance. Reducing working hours per week and increasing the experience of workers are recommended to increase the knowledge on AMR.

Shift-work sleep disorder among health care workers at public hospitals, the case of Sidama national regional state, Ethiopia: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Shift-work disrupts circadian rhythm, resulting in disturbed sleep time and excessive sleepiness during the work shift. Little is known about shift-work sleep disorder among health care workers in Ethiopia. This study examined the magnitude and associated factors of shift-work sleep disorder among health care workers in Public Hospitals in Sidama National Regional State, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 398 health care workers selected using a systematic random sampling technique. A self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of insomnia, sleepiness scales and international classification of sleep disorder criteria items was employed. Epi data version 4.6 and Stata 14 were used for data entry and statistical analysis respectively. Binary logistic regression was fitted to determine associated factors and decision for the statistical significance was made at p<0.05 in the multivariable binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety-eight health care workers (female = 53%) were included in the analysis with a response rate of 94.8%. The prevalence of shift-work sleep disorder was 33.67% (95% CI: 29.17%-38.45%). Being married (AOR = 1.88 (1.01-3.28)), three-shift (AOR = 1.078 (1.00-3.16)), ≥11 night shifts per month (AOR = 2.44 (1.36-4.38)), missing nap (AOR = 1.85 (1.04-3.30)), daily sleep time < 7hours (AOR = 1.88 (1.05-3.38)), khat chewing (AOR = 2.98 (1.27-8.09)), alcohol drinking (AOR = 2.6(1.45-4.92)), and cigarette smoking (AOR = 3.32 (1.35-8.14)) were significantly associated with shift-work sleep disorder. CONCLUSION: This study showed a high prevalence of shift-work sleep disorder. Two shift schedule, napping, and reduction of substance use might reduce shift-work sleep disorder.

Cognitive impairment and associated factors among mature and older adults living in the community of Gondar town, Ethiopia, 2020.

Cognitive impairment and dementia are age-related major public health concerns in the elderly population. It is a major cause of disability, dependency, and poor quality of life. However, in Ethiopia, the magnitude of this cognitive impairment among the elderly community was not investigated. Hence, this study sought to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment and associated factors among mature and older adults living in the community of Gondar town, Ethiopia, in 2020. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Gondar town, from February 20 to April 30, 2020. Using a single-stage cluster sampling technique, 403 study participants were recruited. Data was collected by a pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire which consisting of sociodemographic variables, the Oslo Social Support Scale, and a Standardized Mini-mental State Examination (SMMSE) tool. Epi data version 3.0 was used to enter coded data and then exported into STATA 14 for analysis. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in the bi-variable logistic regression were included in the multivariable regression. From multivariable logistic regression, variables having a p-value ≤ 0.05 were declared as statistically significant variables. In this study, a total of 403 study participants were involved, and 393 (97.5%) of them completed the survey. Among older participants screened for cognitive impairment, 43.8% was positive for cognitive impairment with a 95% CI (38.8-48.7%). The majority of the participants were (57.5%) male and (44.8%) aged over 60 years. After adjustment, the variables associated with cognitive impairment were age ≥ 75 years [odds ratio (OR) = 7.03, 95% CI 2.78-17.77] and between 61 and 74 years [OR = 3.18, 95% CI 1.81-5.59], and unable to read and write [OR = 5.05, 95% CI 2.04-12.50], low income level [OR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.26-5.20], being female [OR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.50-4.26], poor social support [OR = 2.50, 95% CI 1.30-4.81], and rural residence [OR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.26-4.51]. The prevalence of older participants who screened positively for cognitive impairment was high at Gondar town. The independent predictors of cognitive impairment among older individuals were older age, being unable to read and write, being female, low income, poor social support, and rural dwelling. Therefore, routine screening and social support, as well as free healthcare services for the mature and older community, are needed. Moreover, we strongly recommend the next researcher to use a diagnosis tool to estimate the actual prevalence of the problems among older people.

Hypertension and Its Associated Factors Among Long-Distance Truck Drivers in Ethiopia.

Introduction: Hypertension is rising globally and is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease. It affects people of different groups; however, owing to a rise in a sedentary lifestyle it is more prevalent among long-distance truck drivers. However, the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among truck drivers in Ethiopia is not known. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among long-distance truck drivers in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 long-distance truck drivers selected by systematic random sampling technique at Modjo dry port from May 15 to 30, 2021. The data were collected and entered into Epi-data 4.6 then it was exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were executed. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed. In the final model, a variable with a p ≤ 0.05 was declared as a predictor of hypertension. Results: The prevalence of hypertension among long-distance truck drivers in Ethiopia was 34.7%. The odds of hypertension was higher among drivers who were ≥45 years old [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.32; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 2.16, 8.62], obese [AOR= 5.12; 95% CI: 1.33, 19.8], alcohol drinkers [AOR=3.05; 95% CI: 1.27, 7.31], and cigarette smokers [AOR= 3.74; 95% CI: 1.64, 8.51]. Drivers who had regular physical exercise were less likely [AOR=0.33; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.63] to have hypertension than drivers with no physical activity. Conclusion: More than a third of the participants in Ethiopia had hypertension. Higher age, obesity, absence of rest between driving, short sleep duration, smoking, alcohol drinking, and physical inactivity were significantly associated with hypertension. Therefore, health education on lifestyle modifications, sleep habits, and the importance of rest breaks between driving should be considered to prevent hypertension and further complications.

Predictors of dream enactment behavior among medical students: The case of the University of Gondar, Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Dream enactment behavior is one of the features of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. It might be a manifestation of neurodegenerative diseases and can lead to fall associated injuries. There is no evidence of dream enactment behavior and its associated factors in Ethiopia. Hence, this study targeted to pinpoint the predictors of dream enactment behavior among Medical students at the University of Gondar. METHODS: The cross-sectional survey was carried out at the University of Gondar among Medical students selected by simple random sampling technique from Dec 2020 to Feb 2021. We used a structured pretested questionnaire to collect the data and dream enactment behavior was evaluated using rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder single question. Descriptive statistics were computed, and determinant factors were identified using binary logistic regression model. In the final model, explanatory variables with a p<0.05 were considered as predictors (statistically significant) of the dream enactment behavior. The strength of association was determined using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% CI. RESULTS: Four-hundred and twelve students took part in the study with 97.4% response rate. The mean age of participants was 20.82(±1.88) years and 291(70.63%) were males. The prevalence of dream enactment was 34.47% (95% CI: 30.02-39.20). Daytime sleepiness score (AOR = 1.104; 95% CI: 1.053-1.160), age (AOR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.019-1.290), monthly pocket money (AOR = 0.9991; 95% CI: 0.9985-0.9997), alcohol drink (AOR = 2.71; 95% CI: 1.076-6.846), and perceived stress (AOR = 3.854; 95% CI: 1.802-8.242) were statistically significant factors of dream enactment behavior. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the magnitude of dream enactment behavior was high which was significantly associated with daytime sleepiness score, age, monthly pocket money, alcohol drink, and perceived stress all of which are modifiable except age. The University of Gondar has to plan a strategy to avert the condition via the prevention of the determinant factors. Students need to reduce stress and avoid alcohol drink. We strongly urge forthcoming scholars to ascertain association of dream enactment and academic performance of university students.

Suboptimal blood pressure control and its associated factors among people living with diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Suboptimal blood pressure control among people living with diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the primary causes of cardiovascular complications and death in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there is a paucity of evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of suboptimal blood pressure control in SSA. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate its pooled prevalence and associated factors among people living with DM in SSA.  METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, African Journals OnLine, HINARI, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and direct Google to access observational studies conducted in SSA. Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was used to extract the data, which was exported into STATA/MP version 16.0 for further analyses. Heterogeneity across studies was checked using Cochran's Q test statistics and I2 test, and small study effect was checked using Funnel plot symmetry and Egger's statistical test at a 5% significant level. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of suboptimal blood pressure control at a 95% confidence interval (CI) and significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 7329 articles retrieved, 21 articles were eligible for the meta-analysis. After performing random-effects model, the pooled prevalence of suboptimal blood pressure control was 69.8% (95% CI: 63.43, 76.25%). Poor adherence to antihypertensive treatment (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.03-2.80, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.531) and overweight (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.57-3.68, I2 = 0.00%, p = 0.47) were significantly associated with suboptimal blood pressure control. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of suboptimal blood pressure control among diabetic patients in SSA was high, and poor adherence to antihypertensive treatment and overweight were significantly associated with suboptimal blood pressure control. Hence, there is an urgent need for initiatives to improve and control hypertension, and preventive measures should concentrate on modifiable risk factors. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020187901.