Drug therapy problems among hospitalized patients with cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Optimal utilization of cardiovascular drugs is crucial in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases. However, the effectiveness of these drugs can be compromised by drug therapy problems. Hospitalized patients with cardiovascular diseases, particularly those with multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, and advanced age, are more susceptible to experiencing drug therapy problems. However, little is known about drug therapy problems and their contributing factors among patients with cardiovascular disease in our setting. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate drug therapy problems and their contributing factors in patients with cardiovascular diseases. METHOD: A prospective observational study was conducted among hospitalized patients with cardiovascular disease at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in the Tigray region of Northern Ethiopia from December 2020 to May 2021. We collected the data through patient interviews and review of patients' medical records. We employed Cipolle's method to identify and categorize drug therapy problems and sought consensus from a panel of experts through review. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Software Package SPSS version 22. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the contributing factors of drug therapy problems in patients with cardiovascular disease. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The study included a total of 222 patients, of whom 117 (52.7%) experienced one or more drug-related problems. We identified 177 drug therapy problems equating to 1.4 ± 0.7 drug therapy problems per patients. The most frequently identified DTP was the need for additional drug therapy (32.4%), followed by ineffective drug therapy (14%), and unnecessary drug therapy (13.1%). The predicting factors for drug therapy problems were old age (AOR: 3.97, 95%CI: 1.68-9.36) and number of medications ≥ 5 (AOR: 2.68, 95%CI: 1.47-5.11). CONCLUSION: More than half of the patients experienced drug therapy problems in our study. Old age and number of medications were the predicting factors of drug therapy problems. Therefore, greater attention and focus should be given to patients who are at risk of developing drug therapy problems.

Patterns and determinants of prescribed drug use among pregnant women in Adigrat general hospital, northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: A vigilant prescription of drugs during pregnancy can potentially safeguard the growing fetus from the deleterious effect of the drug while attempting to manage the mother's health problems. There is a paucity of information about the drug utilization pattern in the area of investigation. Hence, this study was implemented to investigate the pattern of drug utilization and its associated factors among pregnant women in Adigrat general hospital, Northern Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 314 pregnant women who attended obstetrics-gynecology and antenatal care units of the hospital. Relevant data were retrieved from the pregnant women's medical records and registration logbook. The drugs prescribed were categorized based on the United States Food and Drug Administration (US-FDA) fetal harm classification system. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to analyze the association of the explanatory variables with the medication use, and p < 0.05 was declared statistically significant. RESULTS: The overall prescribed drug use in this study was found to be 87.7%. A considerable percentage of the study participants (41.4%) were prescribed with supplemental drugs (iron folate being the most prescribed drug) followed by antibiotics (23.4%) and analgesics (9.2%). According to the US-FDA drug's risk classification, 42.5, 37, 13, and 7% of the drugs prescribed were from categories A, B, C, and D or X respectively. Prescribed drug use was more likely among pregnant women who completed primary [AOR = 5.34, 95% CI (1.53-18.6)] and secondary education [AOR = 4.1, 95% CI (1.16-14)], who had a history of chronic illness [AOR = 7.9, 95% CI (3.14-19.94)] and among multigravida women [AOR = 2.9, 95% CI (1.57 5.45)]. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of this study revealed that a substantial proportion of pregnant women received drugs with potential harm to the mother and fetus. Reasonably, notifying health practitioners to rely on up-to-date treatment guidelines strictly is highly demanded. Moreover, counseling and educating pregnant women on the safe and appropriate use of medications during pregnancy are crucial to mitigate the burden that the mother and the growing fetus could face.

Medical complications and mortality of hospitalized stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: Stroke medical complications and mortality are not precisely known in northern Ethiopia. Hence, the main purpose of the study was to assess stroke medical complications, mortality and factors associated with mortality amongst stroke patients. METHODS: A cross sectional study design was used to conduct the study. Patients medical chart was reviewed to collect patient information. Patients medical registries who were diagnosed with stroke and treated in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Sample size was estimated using single population formula. Medical charts assigned a number and patients were selected using systematic random sampling technique. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Using logistic regression analysis method, factors associated with mortality in the hospital were identified. A p value less than 0.05 were deemed to be significant in all types of analyses. RESULTS: About 216 stroke patients were studied and 126(58.3%) patients were women. A total of 48(22.2%) patients died in the hospital with median time to death of 3 days, ranged 1-48 days and average time to death of 6.2±8.7 days. One hundred thirty-six (62.9%) patients had at least one medical complication. The total frequency of complication was 234 in number and aspiration pneumonia (n=92, 39.4%) was the frequent complication. Patients with severe (1-8) (Adjusted Odds Ratio=26.48, 95%CI: 7.11-98.58, P<0.001) and moderate (9-12) (Adjusted Odds Ratio=3.88, 95%CI: 1.05-14.39), P=0.043) record of Glasgow Coma Scale at admission were 26 times and four times more likely to die than patients with mild Glasgow Coma Scale, respectively. CONCLUSION: Substantially higher number of patients died at the hospital. Majority of the patients admitted to the hospital developed complication, aspiration pneumonia being the most frequently affirmed complication during their stay in the wards. Patients with severe and moderate Glasgow Coma Scale during admission were more likely to die at the hospital than patients with mild Glasgow Coma Scale. To precisely determine the mortality prevalence, medical complications frequency and to generalize the findings to the general population a multicenter prospective cohort study should be conducted.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii among pregnant women in Adwa district, northern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasma gondii infection is a great health concern to pregnant women and the developing fetus. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and its associated factors in Adwa district. METHODS: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2018 in Adwa district. Structured, a pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect the demographic and risk factor related data. Serum sample, collected from each of the study subjects was tested for IgG and IgM anti T.godii specific antibodies using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was applied to show association between the dependent and independent variables considering P < 0.05 and the 95% confidence interval. RESULT: Out of the 360, 128 (35.6%) pregnant women were found to be positive for antibodies specific to T. gondii. Furthermore, 117 (32.5%) women were positive only for IgG, and 11 (3.1%) were positive both for IgM and IgG antibodies. Age, educational level, habit of hand washing after contact with garden soil or domestic animals, presence of domestic cat, history of contact with domestic dog and consumption of raw vegetables were significantly associated with T. gondii. CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of T. gondii among pregnant women in the study area is low compared to the other regions of Ethiopia, and within the range of the seroprevalences in the central and East Africa region. However, efforts should be done to create awareness on the potential risk factors of the parasite in the community.

Tuberculosis-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Tuberculosis (TB) are the double burden diseases of the world. The African continent takes a great share of TB-HIV cases worldwide. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of TB-HIV co-infection in Ethiopia, using a meta-analysis based on a systematic review of published articles. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, HINARI, EMBASE, Cochrane library and Google Scholar to extract the articles. Articles published between 1995 and November 2017 had been searched for using different keywords. The analysis was performed using MetaXL software and R statistical software (version 3.2.3). RESULT: Our searches returned a total of (n = 26,746) records from 30 articles of which 21 were cross-sectional, 7 were retrospectives and 2 were prospective studies. The range of prevalence of TB-HIV co-infection was found to be from 6 to 52.1% with random effects pooled prevalence of 22% (95% CI 19-24%) and with substantial heterogeneity chi-square (X2) = 746.0, p < 0.001, (I2 = 95.84%). CONCLUSION: Our analysis indicated that the prevalence of TB-HIV co-infection is high in Ethiopia with substantial regional variation. An integrated, facility-based and community-based effort towards the prevention, early detection and management of cases should be further strengthened throughout the country to mitigate the double burden disease.

Bacterial profile of ocular infections: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Bacteria are the major contributor of ocular infections worldwide. Ocular infections, if left untreated, can damage the structures of the eye with possible blindness and visual impairments. This work was aimed to review the bacterial profile of ocular infections. METHODS: Literature search was made in different electronic databases; the review was systematically made to get concrete findings. RESULTS: As far as this review, Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphylococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the leading isolates in ocular infections. Frequent pathogens of the respective clinical diagnose include Staphylococci, Streptococcus pyogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in blepharitis; Staphylococci, Streptococus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in Conjunctivitis; Staphylococci, P. aeruginosa and E. coli in dacryocystitis; Coagulase negative Staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in keratitis; Streptococcus viridians, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Coagulase negative Staphylococci in endophthalmitis diagnoses. Endogenous endophthalmitis is associated with Klebsiella pneumoniae whereas Coagulase negative Staphylococci and Bacillus spp. are common causes of post-operative and post-traumatic endophthalmitis. However, the predominant pathogens may not be exactly same in all areas of the world, in the United States for instance, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are the major causes of conjunctivitis. CONCLUSION: Gram positive bacteria are the major contributor of bacterial ocular infections. The distribution and proportion of bacterial isolates among clinical diagnoses varied but without exclusive anatomical restriction. To mitigate the burden of bacterial ocular infections, physicians should regard on risk reduction and comply with etiologic approach of diagnosis.

Prevalence and predictors of poor self-care behaviors in patients with chronic heart failure.

Despite the indispensable role of self-care behavior in managing heart failure, the practice of self-care behavior remains poor, especially in developing countries. There is a scarcity of research focusing on poor self-care behavior and its determinants within our specific context. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of poor self-care behavior among ambulatory heart failure patients. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia, involving patients with heart failure. We utilized the European Heart Failure Self-Care Behavior Scale (EHFScBS-9) to evaluate adherence to self-care behaviors. Data were gathered through patient interviews and a review of medical records. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of poor self-care behavior in heart failure patients. We included a total of 343 participants in the final analysis of this study. The findings revealed that a majority of the patients (73.8%) demonstrated poor overall self-care behavior. Specifically, the majority of patients did not engage in regular exercise (76.1%), failed to consult doctors in case of rapid weight gain (75.6%), did not monitor weight daily (71.5%), did not restrict fluid intake (69.9%), and did not contact doctors in case of experiencing fatigue (68.6%). Additionally, 32.4% of patients did not reach out to doctors when experiencing shortness of breath, 30% did not restrict salt intake, 29% did not adhere to prescribed medication, and only 7% did not consult doctors if edema occurred. Our findings indicated that rural residence (AOR: 5.76, 95% CI: 2.47-13.43), illiteracy (AOR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.52-6.31), prior hospitalization (AOR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.21-3.61), and taking five or more medications (AOR: 1.83, 1.01-3.33) were significant predictors of poor self-care behavior. In conclusion, a majority of the participants in our study demonstrated poor self-care behavior. Risk factors for this behavior included rural residence, illiteracy, prior hospitalization, and taking five or more medications. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize these high-risk patients and implement interventional programs aimed at improving self-care behaviors and overall treatment outcomes in heart failure patients.

Antimicrobial Use-Related Problems Among Hospitalized Pediatric Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.

Introduction: Antimicrobials are among the most commonly misused medications, leading to antimicrobial resistance, and therefore demand more attention. There are limited studies documenting "antimicrobial use-related problems" in developing countries, especially in pediatric patients. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of antimicrobial use-related problems and risk factors among hospitalized pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted in Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital (ACSH) in the Tigray region, Ethiopia. The participants of the study were pediatric patients aged ≤15 years who were admitted with a diagnosis of infectious disease between September 2019 and November 2019. Results: A total of 232 pediatric patients were included in the study. Of these, 59.5% of the patients were male and the mean age (SD) of the patients was 5.8 (5.2) years. Of the 232 patients surveyed, a total of 177 antimicrobial use-related problems were identified. One or more antimicrobial use-related problems have occurred in more than half of the patients (53.9%). The commonest antimicrobial use problems were unnecessary antimicrobial therapy (22.8%) followed by need additional antimicrobial therapy (16.4%). In a multivariate logistic regression model, patients with comorbidities (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-3.27) and hospital stays exceeding one week (AOR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.08-3.26) were predictors of antimicrobial use-related problems. Conclusion: Antimicrobial use-related problems were found in a significant proportion of pediatric patients. Addressing these issues necessitates collaborative efforts, emphasizing targeted education, strengthened antimicrobial stewardship, ensuring responsible antimicrobial use and enhancing pediatric care.

Second-Line Antiretroviral Treatment Outcomes and Predictors in Tigray Region, Ethiopia.

Introduction: Ethiopia has one of the highest HIV burdens in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the fact that second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been available for more than ten years, studies on its effectiveness are scarce. Objective: To assess treatment outcomes and predictors of unfavorable outcomes in HIV patients receiving second-line ART at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Mekelle Hospital. Materials and Methods: An institution-based retrospective cohort study was conducted in two hospitals in Tigray Region, Ethiopia. We evaluated 192 patients aged ≥15 years who were switched to second-line from November 2009 to May 2020 after failure of first-line ART. The primary outcome was the time from the initiation of second-line ART to the occurrence of unfavorable treatment outcomes (treatment failure, death, and loss to follow-up). We performed Kaplan-Meier survival estimates to calculate the cumulative incidence rates of unfavorable outcomes. Results: The mean age (SD) at the initiation of second-line ART was 39 (10.03) years, and the median CD4 cell count was 121 cells/microL. During a median follow-up of 4.6 years, 24 (12.5%) patients had died, 11 (5.7%) patients were lost to follow up, and 47 (24,4%) patients were experienced treatment failure. The incidence rates for unfavorable outcomes were 7.8 per 100 patients/years. Predictors for unfavorable outcomes were body mass index (BMI) <18.5 (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-4.95) and CD4 counts ≤100 cells/microL (aHR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.09-2.79). Despite the failure of second-line ART, none of the patients received third-line ART. Conclusion: The incidence rate of unfavorable treatment outcomes for second-line ART was found to be high. A low BMI and a low baseline CD4 count were significant predictors of unfavourable outcomes and should be given special consideration in HIV care. A third-line ART regimen should also be considered for people who have failed second-line ART.

Patients' satisfaction with post-operative pain management in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: surgical patients often suffer from inadequate treatment of post-operative pain which potentially results in numerous adverse medical consequences and is a recurring source of patients' dissatisfaction. Thus, this study aimed to investigate patient's satisfaction with their post-operative pain management and its determinants among surgically treated patients in a specialized hospital within Ethiopia. Methods: an institutional-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the surgical ward of Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, which was an adoption of the 2010 version of the American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire, and by reviewing the medical charts of the patients. A stepwise linear regression model was used to analyze the data. Results: among the 144 patients approached in this study, 112 (77.8%) of them categorized their postoperative pain as moderate to severe. The mean patient satisfaction with their pain management was 7±2.3 on 0-10 numerical rating scale. Despite high levels of pain, the majority of patients (90.3%, n=131) were moderately or completely satisfied with their pain management. Stepwise linear regression analysis found that the determinants of patients' satisfaction were prior chronic pain, prior surgical history, and substance use (F (3,140) = 5.364, adjusted R2= 0.084, P=0.02). Conclusion: the patients were moderately and completely satisfied with their pain management in spite of expressing moderate and severe level of pain intensity. Pain still remains a concern among surgical patients, and effective pain management strategies should be practiced to manage pain and its functional interferences more effectively.

Magnitude and predictors of first-line antiretroviral therapy regimen change among HIV infected adults: A retrospective cross sectional study.

Background: Regimen change remains a significant challenge towards the achievement of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment success. In developing countries where limited treatment options are available, strategies are required to ensure the sustainability and durability of the starting regimens. Nevertheless, information regarding the rate and predictors of regimen change is limited in these settings. Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and predictors of changes in ART regimens among patients initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) at XX. Materials and methods: An institutional based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among adult naïve HIV patients who had initiated HAART at XX between 2010. Data were extracted by reviewing their medical charts using a pretested structured check-list. The Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to describe the probability of ARV regimen changes while Cox proportional hazard regression models were employed to identify the predictors of ARV regimen modifications. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software, and statistical significant was deemed at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 770 patients were enrolled in this study of these 165 (21.43%) had their ART regimen modified at least once. Drug toxicity was the main reason for regimen change followed by TB comorbidity, and treatment failure. Positive baseline TB symptoms (aHR = 1.63, p = 0.037), and Zidovudine based regimen (aHR = 1.76, p = 0.011) as compared to Stavudine based regimen were at higher risk of ART modification. Conversely, urban residence, baseline World Health organization (WHO) stage 2 as compared to WHO stage 1, baseline CD4 count ≥301 as compared to CD4 count ≤200 were at lower risk of ART modification. Conclusion: The rate of initial HAART regimen change was found to be high. Thus, less toxic and better tolerated HIV treatment options should be available and used more frequently. Moreover, early detection and initiation of ART by the government is highly demanded to maximize the benefit and reduce risk of ART modifications.

Self-medication practice and contributing factors among pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: The practice of self-medication during pregnancy is a global challenge that necessitates high attention as it poses a potential threat to the pregnant mother and fetus. However, little is known regarding self-medication practice and its contributors among pregnant women in our setting. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to investigate the practice of self-medication and its contributing factors among pregnant women. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study was conducted among pregnant women at antenatal care follow-up of Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia. Written informed consent was obtained from each participant before interview. Simple random sampling technique was employed to recruit participants in to the study. Data were collected by interviewing participants using the structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regressions analysis was performed to determine the contributing factors of self-medication practice during pregnancy. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: A total of 250 pregnant women were included in the study. Of the total, 40.8% practiced self-medication during the current pregnancy. Morning sickness (39.2%), headache (34.3%), and upper respiratory tract infections (29.4%) were the leading indications for self-medication. According to participant report, ease of access to medicines (25.5%), feelings that the disease is minor (21.6%) and timesaving (19.6%) were the most commonly reported reasons for self-medication practice. Absence of health insurance (AOR: 2.75, 95%CI: 1.29-5.89) and being on first trimester of pregnancy (AOR: 2.44, 95%CI: 1.02-5.86) were significant contributors of self-medication practice among pregnant women. CONCLUSION: In our study, high prevalence of self-medication was reported among pregnant women. Self-medication practice during pregnancy was higher among pregnant women on first trimester and those who were not having health insurance. Therefore, intervention programs should be designed to minimize the practice of self-medication during pregnancy.

Correction: Treatment outcome of acute coronary syndrome patients admitted to Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia; A retrospective cross-sectional study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228953.].

Treatment optimization of beta-blockers in chronic heart failure therapy.

Although evidence based guidelines recommend optimal use of beta blockers in all patients with chronic heart failure unless contraindicated, they are often underutilized and/or prescribed below the recommended dosage in the majority of patients with heart failure. To our knowledge, however, the optimal use of beta-blockers in chronic heart failure is not investigated in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the utilization and optimization of beta blockers in the management of patients with chronic heart failure in Ethiopia. A prospective observational study was conducted among ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure in Ethiopia. We included adult patients with a diagnosis of heart failure with a baseline left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% who had been on follow-up for at least 6 months. Patients were recruited into the study during their appointment for medication refilling using simple random sampling technique. All patients were followed for at least 6 months to determine the optimal use of beta blockers. The optimal use of beta blockers was determined according to evidence based guidelines. After explaining the purpose of the study, we obtained written informed consent from all participants. Data were collected through patient interview and review of patients' medical records. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with utilization of beta blockers. A total of 288 patients were included in the study. Out of the total, 67% of the patients were receiving beta blockers. Among the patients who received beta blockers, 34.2% were taking guideline recommended beta blockers while 65.8% were taking atenolol, which is not guideline recommended beta blocker. Among the patients who received guideline recommended beta blockers, only 3% were taking optimal dose. Prior hospitalization [Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR) 0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19-0.76], dose of furosemide > 40 mg (AOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.20-0.76), ischemic heart disease (AOR 3.27, 95% CI 1.66-6.45), atrial fibrillation (AOR 4.41, 95% CI 1.38-14.13) were significantly associated with the utilization of beta-blockers. Despite proven benefit, beta blockers were not optimally used in most of the participants in this study. The presence of ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation were positively associated with the utilization of beta blockers while hospitalization and higher diuretic dose were negatively associated with the utilization of beta blockers. Clinicians should attempt to use evidence based beta blockers at guideline recommended target doses that have been shown to have morbidity and mortality benefit in chronic heart failure. Moreover, more effort needs to be done to minimize the potentially modifiable risk factors for underutilization of beta blocker in chronic heart failure therapy.

Healthcare professionals knowledge, attitude and practice of adverse drug reactions reporting in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reporting and identify factors associated with ADRs reporting among healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in Tigray region, Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March of 2019 in a tertiary care hospital in Tigray region, Ethiopia. A self-administered, pretested questionnaire was administered to HCPs. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with poor ADRs reporting practices. RESULTS: In total, 362 questionnaires were distributed, and the response rate was 84.8% (n=307). Of all respondents, 190 (61.9%) were nurses, 63 (20.5%) were pharmacist and 54 (17.6%) were physicians. About 58.3% of HCPs had poor knowledge of ADRs reporting. The majority of the respondents had a positive attitude (59.9%), and only a few (32.1%) respondents have good ADRs reporting practices. Poor knowledge (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.63, 95% CI: 1.26 to 5.45) and lack of training on ADRs reporting (AOR=7.31, 95% CI: 3.42 to 15.62) were both negatively associated with ADRs reporting practice, whereas higher work experience (≥10 years) (AOR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.97) was positively associated with ADRs reporting practice. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of HCPs had poor knowledge and practice, but a positive attitude towards ADRs reporting. Poor knowledge, less work experience and lack of training were associated with poor ADRs reporting practice. Hence, strategies to improve the knowledge and practice of ADRs reporting should be implemented, particularly for untrained and less experienced HCPs.

Does Isoniazid Preventive Therapy Provide Better Treatment Outcomes in HIV-Infected Individuals in Northern Ethiopia? A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Early antiretroviral therapy (ART), isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT), and isoniazid-rifapentine (3HP) are effective strategies for preventing tuberculosis (TB) among people living with HIV (PLHIV). The study aimed to determine the effect of IPT on the TB incidence, follow-up CD4+ T cells, and all-cause mortality rate. Participants. Eligible patients on ART (n = 1, 863) were categorized into one-to-two ratios of exposed groups to IPT (n = 621) and nonexposed groups to IPT (n = 1, 242). Exposed groups entered the cohort at their first prescription of IPT, and unexposed groups entered into the study at the first prescription of ART and then followed until the occurrence of the outcome or date of administrative censoring (June 30, 2017). The outcome endpoints were TB incidence, follow-up CD4+ T cells, and all-cause mortality rate. RESULTS: The follow-up CD4+ T cells for the exposed and nonexposed groups were 405.74 and 366.95 cells/mm (World Health Organization (WHO), 2017), respectively, a statistically significant finding (t 1861 = -3.770, p < 0.0001; Cohen's d = 0.186). Nine percent of the exposed patients (620 incidence of TB per 100,000 person-years (PYs)) and 21.9% of the nonexposed patients (3160 incidence of TB per 100,000 PYs) developed TB. Mortality rate (per 100,000 PYs) was 440 for the exposed and 1490 for the unexposed patients. Statistically significant determinants of the all-cause mortality were unscheduled follow-up (AHR = 1.601; 95% CI: 1.154-2.222) and unable to work properly (AHR = 2.324; 95% CI: 1.643-3.288). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the effect of IPT in reducing incidence of TB and all-cause mortality rate and improving follow-up CD4+ T cells. Promoting IPT use can help to achieve the TB eradicating national agenda in Ethiopia.

Prevalence of Hypertensive Emergency and Associated Factors Among Hospitalized Patients with Hypertensive Crisis: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive emergency (HE) is an acute stage of uncontrolled blood pressure which poses a substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in developing countries. In our setting, the prevalence of HE and the characteristics of patients with a hypertensive crisis are not certainly known yet. OBJECTIVE: The study assessed the prevalence of hypertensive emergency and associated factors among hospitalized patients with hypertensive crisis. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing records of patients having a diagnosis of hypertensive crisis with systolic/diastolic blood pressure raised to more than 180/120 mmHg admitted to Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (ACSH) from September 2018 to August 2019. Patients' medical records with complete information were enrolled consecutively. Socio-demographic, clinical characteristics, and other related variables were collected using a structured data collection tool from patient medical records. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression was employed to determine factors associated with HE. RESULTS: A total of 141 patients' records with a diagnosis of a hypertensive crisis were enrolled in the study; the majority were females 77 (54.6%) and residing in the urban setting 104 (73.8%). The mean age of the participants was 58.8 years. HE was found in 42 (29.8%) of patients. Intravenous Hydralazine 39 (27.7%) and oral calcium channel blocker 102 (72.3%) were the prescribed drugs for acute blood pressure reduction in the emergency setting. Surprisingly, patients who had no history of hypertension (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.469; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.176‒0.933) and female sex (AOR=2.494; 95% CI: 1.111‒5.596) were found to be independently associated factors with HE. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HE was found to account a significant proportion of patients. Hence, hypertensive patients should be strictly managed accordingly, and promoting screening programs could reduce the risk of target organ damage.

Exit-Knowledge About Dispensed Medications and Associated Factors Among Ambulatory Patients Attending Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Optimizing exit-knowledge of ambulatory patients is a major professional responsibility of pharmacists to reassure safe and cost-effective medicines use. The study assessed the exit-knowledge of ambulatory patients on their dispensed medications and associated factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among ambulatory patients who visited the outpatient pharmacy of Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (ACSH) from December 2019 to February 2020. Data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Binary logistic regression was employed to determine factors associated with exit-knowledge on their dispensed medications. At a 95% confidence interval (CI), p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study analyzed 400 patients; more than half of the participants were males (55.5%). The mean age of the participants was 41.3 years (mean ± standard deviation (SD), ±13). Less than half of the patients did not recall the name (44.5%) and major side effects (31.2%) of each medication. Furthermore, the overall sufficient knowledge was found to be 81%. Patients with single marital status were 4.454 times to have sufficient exit-knowledge of their dispensed medications than widowed (p=0.050) participants. Besides, patients who responded neutral clarity of pharmacist instruction had 4.745 times sufficient exit-knowledge than those who responded not clear (p=0.049). On the other hand, participants who got "enough" (p<0.0001) and "not enough" (p=0.006) information from the pharmacist were found to have a positive association with sufficient exit-knowledge than those who responded "I do not know". CONCLUSION: The majority of patients had sufficient exit-knowledge of their dispensed medications. Martially single, neutral clarity of pharmacist's instructions and adequacy of the information delivered by the pharmacist were positively associated with participants' exit-knowledge of their dispensed medications. Hence, conducting a multicenter study, we recommend pharmacists to counsel their patients to underpin patients' knowledge of their dispensed medications.

Treatment resistant hypertension among ambulatory hypertensive patients: A cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment resistant hypertension(TRH) is detrimental risk of cardiovascular and premature deaths. Globally, the prevalence of resistant hypertension is inclining from time to time and it is yet to be determined in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of apparent TRH and its predictors among ambulatory hypertensive patients on follow up in hypertension clinic of Mekelle Hospital, Northern Ethiopia. METHOD: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted from Nov 25, 2018 to July 20, 2019, among 338 adult ambulatory hypertensive patients on follow up in Mekelle Hospital hypertension clinic. Hypertensive patient aged ≥18 years who were on regular follow up and taking antihypertensive medications for at least 6 months were included in the study. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit the study patients. RESULTS: A total of 338 adult ambulatory hypertensive patients were analysed. More than half, 182 (53.8%) patients were females and the average age of the patients was 58.9 ±11.5. Three hundred thirty-three (98.5%) patients had no family history of hypertension. Majority, 66.8% of the patients were on monotherapy. The prevalence of apparent TRH was calculated to be 8.6% [Confidence Interval = 0.056-0.116]. Patients with Body Mass Index(BMI) greater than 30[Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR) = 12.1, 95%CI:2.00-73.19, p = 0.007] and longer duration of hypertension were the predictors of resistant hypertension. CONCLUSION: Even if escalation of antihypertensive medications was not aggressive, apparent TRH was common in the study setting. Obesity (BMI greater than 30) and longer duration of hypertension since diagnosis were the predictors of TRH. Meticulous emphasis should be placed on to detect the prevalence of true hypertension resistance and future studies should discover the impact of aggressive antihypertensive medications scale up on the risks of TRH.

Immunologic and Clinical Failure of Antiretroviral Therapy in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus within Two Years of Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Early initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) decreases human immunodeficiency virus- (HIV-) related complications, restores patients' immunity, decreases viral load, and substantially improves quality of life. However, antiretroviral treatment failure considerably impedes the merits of HAART. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of immunologic and clinical antiretroviral treatment failure. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design using clinical and immunologic treatment failure definition was used to conduct the study. Sociodemographic characteristics and clinical features of patients were retrieved from patients' medical registry between the years 2009 and 2015. All patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria in the study period were studied. Predictors of treatment failure were identified using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox regression analysis. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 21 software, and the level of statistical significance was declared at a p value < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 770 were studied. The prevalence of treatment failure was 4.5%. The AZT-based regimen (AHR = 16.95, 95% CI: 3.02-95.1, p = 0.001), baseline CD4 count ≥ 301 (AHR = 0.199, 95% CI: 0.05-0.76, p = 0.018), and bedridden during HAART initiation (AHR = 0.131, 95% CI: 0.029-0.596, p = 0.009) were the predictors of treatment failure. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of treatment failure was lower with the risk being higher among patients on the AZT-based regimen. On the other hand, the risk of treatment failure was lower among patients who started HAART at baseline CD4 count ≥ 301 and patients who were bedridden during HAART initiation. We recommend further prospective, multicenter cohort studies to be conducted to precisely detect the prevalence of treatment failure using viral load determination in the whole country.