Incidence and predictors of mortality among neonates with congenital heart disease in Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal mortality poses a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with congenital heart disease emerging as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates, especially in countries like Ethiopia. Despite efforts to reduce neonatal mortality rates, Ethiopia continues to experience an increased mortality rate, particularly among neonates with congenital heart disease. This study aims to investigate the incidence and predictors of mortality in this vulnerable population within Ethiopia. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at an institution, involving 583 randomly selected neonates diagnosed with congenital heart disease. In the current study, the dependent variable was survival status. Data entry utilized EpiData data version 4.6, and analysis was performed using STATA version 16. Probability of death was compared using the log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier failure curve. Significant predictors were identified using bivariable and multivariate Cox regression. Model fitness and proportional hazard assumptions were evaluated using the Cox-Snell graph and Global test, respectively. Associations were assessed by adjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The study participants were followed for 4844 days. The mortality rate was 9.9%. The incidence density was 11.9 per 1000 person-days of observation. Neonatal sepsis (AHR: 2.24; 95% CI [1.18-4.23]), cyanotic congenital heart disease (AHR: 3.49; 95% CI [1.93-6.28]), home delivery (AHR: 1.9; 95% CI [1.06-3.6]), maternal history of gestational diabetes mellitus (AHR: 1.94; 95% CI [1.04-3.61]), and having additional congenital malformations (AHR: 2.49; 95% CI [1.33-4.67]) were significant predictors for neonatal mortality. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The incidence density of mortality was high compared to studies conducted in developed countries. Neonatal sepsis, type of congenital heart disease, place of delivery, maternal history of gestational diabetes mellitus, and having an additional congenital malformation were significant predictors of mortality among neonates with congenital heart disease. Therefore, healthcare providers should pay special attention to patients with identified predictors. Furthermore, the Federal Ministry of Health, stakeholders, and policymakers should collaborate to address this issue.

Effect of nutritional promotion intervention on dietary adherence among type II diabetes patients in North Shoa Zone Amhara Region: quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a major global public health problem that requires self-management behavior. However, this is difficult to implement in practice and requires new approaches. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nutritional promotion interventions for dietary adherence and lessons learned to improve self-management. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from January 2020 to February 2021 in North Shoa Zone public hospital. The study enrolled 216 type II diabetic patients from four public hospitals. Study participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups at an individual level. Data were measured twice (baseline and end line survey after six months using interviewer-administered questionnaires). Data were entered into Epi Data V.3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Data were presented as means of standard deviations for continuous variables and percentages for categorical variables. Intervention and control groups were compared before and after intervention using independent t tests. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant for all statistical tests. RESULTS: A total of 216 type II diabetics participated in this study. Nutritional promotion intervention programs increased adherence to the mean number of days adhering to a healthy diet (p < 0.0001). Specifically, the nutrition promotion program improved daily intake of fruits and vegetables, low glycemic index foods, high fiber foods, healthy fish oils, low sugar foods, and healthy eating plans (p ≤ 0.050). Mean fasting blood glucose levels were significantly decreased after the educational intervention (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that a nutrition-promoting intervention can significantly change patients' adherence to healthy eating behaviors and effectively improve their glycemic control. Health care providers should integrate programs that promote nutrition education into existing health systems service. Primary care platforms such as health posts and health centers can play a key role in integrating health promotion programs to improve self-management behaviors.

Immunization coverage and its determinant factors among children aged 12-23 months in Ethiopia: a systematic review, and Meta- analysis of cross-sectional studies.

BACKGROUND: Immunization is the process by which a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of vaccine. Vaccination coverage for other single vaccines ranged from 49.1% for PCV to 69.2% for BCG vaccine. The vaccination coverage for basic vaccinations was 39.7% in Ethiopia. There have been epidemiological studies available on immunization in Ethiopia. Yet, these studies revealed a wide variation over time and across geographical areas. This systematic review and Meta-analysis aim to estimate the overall immunization coverage among 12-23 months children in Ethiopia. METHODS: Cross-sectional studies that reported on immunization coverage from 2003 to August 2019 were systematically searched. Searches were conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, and gray literature. Information was extracted using a standardized form of Joanna Briggs Institute. The search was updated 20 Jan 2020 to decrease time-lag bias. The quality of studies assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute cross-sectional study quality assessment criteria. I-squared statistics applied to check the heterogeneity of studies. A funnel plot, Begg's test, and Egger's regression test was used to check for publication bias. RESULTS: Out of 206 studies, 30 studies with 21,672 children with mothers were included in the Meta-analysis. The pooled full immunization coverage using the random-effect model in Ethiopia was 58.92% (95% CI: 51.26-66.58%). The trend of immunization coverage was improved from time to time, but there were great disparities among different regions. Amhara region had the highest pooled fully immunized coverage, 72.48 (95%CI: 62.81-82.16). The I2 statistics was I2 = 99.4% (p = 0.0001). A subgroup meta-analysis showed that region and study years were not the sources of heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: This review showed that full immunization coverage in Ethiopia was 58.92% (95% CI: 51.26-66.58%). The study suggests that the child routine immunization program needs to discuss this low immunization coverage and the current practice needs revision.

Adolescent-Parent Communication on Sexual and Reproductive Health issues in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Adolescent-parent sexual communication is an effective strategy to make healthy decisions, delay and protect from risky behavior. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize and estimate the level of adolescent- parent communication on sexual and reproductive health issues in Ethiopia. METHODS: Cross-sectional studies were systematically searched using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and gray literature. Information was extracted using a standardized form of JBI. Data were analyzed using the 'meta' packages of the Stata software (version 11.0). I-squared statistic was applied to check the heterogeneity of studies. Funnel plot and Egger's test were used to check for publication bias. P-value <0.05 on the Egger test was considered indicative of statistically significant publication bias. RESULTS: A total of 359 articles were identified, of which 19 were eligible for meta-analysis. Adolescent-parent communications on SRH issues were significantly reported within the range of 25.3% to 36.9% and more preferred to discuss with their friends. The overall pooled level of adolescent parent communication was 40.70 (95%CI: 34.26-47.15). Adolescents who lived in urban areas, having good knowledge of SRH issues, adolescents who agreed on the importance of discussion and adolescents who ever had sexual intercourse were more likely to discuss SRH issues with their parents. CONCLUSION: The overall pooled level of adolescent-parent communication was 40.70%, and also adolescent-parent communications were dominantly reported with the ranges of 25.3% to 36.9%. Being urban dweller, being knowledgeable, and being agreed on the importance of discussion were significantly associated with adolescent-parent communication. Cultural taboo, shame and lack of communication skills were reasons that hindered communication between parents and adolescents. Therefore, program implementers should work to increase adolescent-parent communication.