Incidence and predictors of loss to follow-up among adult patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Central Ethiopia: a multi-center retrospective cohort study.

Background: Globally, loss to follow-up (LTFU) remains a significant public health concern despite the rapid expansion of antiretroviral medication programs. It is a significant cause of treatment failure and threatens the enhancement of HIV treatment outcomes among patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, there is a paucity of evidence on its incidence and predictors in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to examine the incidence and predictors of LTFU among adult HIV patients receiving ART at hospitals in Central Ethiopia. Methods: A multi-centered facility-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among 432 randomly selected adult patients who received antiretroviral therapy. Data were entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 14 for analysis. The Kaplan-Meier failure function was employed to determine the overall failure estimates, and the log-rank test was used to compare the probability of failure among the different categories of variables. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify independent predictors of LTFU. Results: Overall, 172 (39.8%) study participants were lost to follow-up over the 10-year follow-up period with an incidence rate of 8.12 (95% CI: 7.11, 9.09) per 1,000 person-months. Undisclosed HIV status (AHR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.36), not able to work (AHR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.22), opportunistic infections (AHR: 3.13, 95% CI: 2.17, 4.52), CD4 < 200 cell/mL (AHR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.18, 3.21), not receiving isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) (AHR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.62, 4.06), not participating in clubs (AHR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.22), side effects of drugs (AHR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.04), and high viral load (AHR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.81, 5.47) were identified as significant predictors of loss to follow-up. Conclusion: In this study, the incidence of LTFU was high. The focus should be on creating awareness and prevention programs that aim to reduce loss to follow-up by continuing counseling, especially on the negative effects of loss to follow-up and the benefits of ART care.

Magnitude of early postoperative hypoxemia and its associated factors among adult patients who undergo emergency surgery under general anesthesia at Jimma Medical Center, Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia, 2021: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: Emergency surgical procedures involve considerable risks. Among these, early postoperative hypoxemia (EPH) is a frequent anesthetic complication in the post-anesthetic care unit (PACU). There is a great concern for EPH among health professionals, specifically, those providing emergency surgery during the nighttime. This raised anesthesia-ended time-related risk of EPH question. Thus, this study aimed to determine the magnitude of EPH and its associated factors among adult patients who undergo emergency surgery under general anesthesia. METHODS: A prospective observational study through a consecutive sampling technique was conducted. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated risk factors. All variables that were found statistically significant on bivariable analysis were entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULT: Of 352 patients who had undergone emergency surgery, 149 (42.3%) patients developed EPH. Factors significantly associated with EPH were anesthesia ended during nighttime (AOR = 1.76, 95%CI [1.01, 3.05], p = 0.045), ASA III (AOR = 12.35, 95%CI: [4.5, 34.02], p ≤ 0.001), age greater than 55 (AOR = 3.2, 95%CI: [1.7, 5.91], p ≤ 0.001), surgery duration greater than 2 h (AOR = 2.012, 95%CI: [1.2, 3.51], p = 0.014), hypotension (AOR = 10.3, 95%CI: [2.4, 44.16], p = 0.002), muscular strength score zero (AOR = 2.944, 95%CI: [1.8, 4.82], p ≤ 0.001), and preoperative oxygen saturation less than 95% (AOR = 2.371, 95%CI: [1.35,4.16], p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The magnitude of EPH among patients who have undergone emergency surgery was high and thus recommended that oxygen should be provided timely to decrease it. Identified risk factors were night-time ended anesthesia, ASA III, age greater than 55, surgery duration greater than 2 h, hypotension, muscular strength score zero, and preoperative oxygen saturation less than 95%. This study found anesthesia ended during early morning favors early morning early postoperative hypoxemia (EMEPH). To avert EMEPH, the anesthetist should avoid factors that favor the circadian rhythm of the lung-based early morning anesthesia augmented EPH.

Attitudes toward safe abortion care and its associated factors among health care providers working in public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia.

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to assess health care providers' attitudes toward safe abortion services and its associated factors in public health facilities of Harar city, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 411 health care providers who were working at public health facilities in Harari regional state, in eastern Ethiopia. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires, and collected data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and then exported to SPSS version 26 for cleaning and analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analysis were carried out to compute the prevalence of the outcome variables and to identify factors associated with the outcome variable, respectively. Adjusted odds ratio at 95% confidence interval and p-value < 0.05 was used to declare a significant association. Results: More than half (58.4%, 95% confidence interval: 53.8-63.2) of the health care providers had a favorable attitude toward safe abortion care. Being male (adjusted odds ratio = 2.90; 95% confidence interval: 1.80-4.65), ever trained on safe abortion (adjusted odds ratio = 2.55; 95% confidence interval: 1.39-4.66), familiarity with the current abortion law of Ethiopia (adjusted odds ratio = 2.38; 95% confidence interval: 1.40-4.05), preference of unrestricted abortion law (adjusted odds ratio = 1.86; 95% confidence interval: 1.15-3.02), and being medical doctors or health officers (adjusted odds ratio = 1.90; 95% confidence interval: 1.06-3.41) were the factors significantly associated with health care providers' favorable attitude toward safe abortion care. Conclusion: Approximately three in five of the health care providers working at public health facilities had a favorable attitude toward safe abortion care in eastern Ethiopia. We suggest giving pre-service or in-service training on safe abortion care and supporting health care providers to be familiar with the country's abortion laws are crucial to improve health care providers' attitudes toward safe abortion service in Ethiopia.

Incomplete Vaccination and Its Predictors among Children in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background. Vaccination is an effective public health intervention that has contributed to a substantial reduction in the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. Abridged evidence on incomplete vaccination is not well established in Ethiopia. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of incomplete vaccination and its predictors among children aged 12 to 23 months. Methods. Primary studies conducted in Ethiopia were searched. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. The analysis was conducted using STATA 14 and RevMan. The presence of statistical heterogeneity was checked using the Cochran Q test, and its level was quantified using I2 statistics. Pooled prevalence and odds ratio (OR) were computed at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. The pooled prevalence of incomplete vaccination was 30% (95% CI: 25-35). Maternal illiteracy (OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.40, 2.74) and home delivery (OR = 2.78; 95% CI: 2.28, 3.38) were associated factors that increased incomplete vaccination. However, maternal autonomy (OR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.89), maternal knowledge (OR = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.47), husband employment (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.67), urban residence (OR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.86), ANC visits (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.39), postnatal care (OR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.52), and tetanus toxoid vaccine (3+) (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.69) were factors that reduced incomplete vaccination. Conclusion. In Ethiopia, 3 out of 10 children have incomplete vaccination. Policies should focus on strengthening and improving women's education, maternal health knowledge, empowering women, and the utilization of prenatal care can overcome some of the barriers.

Determinants of birth asphyxia among newborns in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled magnitude of birth asphyxia and its determinants in Ethiopia. METHODS: The databases, including PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, and other relevant sources, were used to search relevant articles. Both published and unpublished studies, written in English and carried out in Ethiopia, were included in the study. Quality of evidence was assessed by the relevant of the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. RevMan v5.3 statistical software was used to undertake the meta-analysis using a Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochran Q test, and I2 statistics was considered to assess its level. The outcome was measured using a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of birth asphyxia was 22.8% (95% CI: 13-36.8%]. Illiterate mothers (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]; 1.96, 95% CI: 1.44-2.67), antepartum hemorrhage (APH) (AOR; 3.43, 95% CI: 1.74-6.77), cesarean section (AOR; 3.66, 95% CI: 1.35-9.91), instrumental delivery (AOR; 2.74, 95% CI: 1.48-5.08), duration of labor (AOR; 3.09, 95% CI: 1.60-5.99), pregnancy induced hypertension (AOR; 4.35, 95% CI: 2.98-6.36), induction of labor (AOR; 3.69, 95% CI: 2.26-6.01), parity (AOR; 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03-1.62), low birth weight (LBW) (AOR; 5.17, 95% CI: 2.62-10.22), preterm (AOR; 3.98, 95% CI: 3.00-5.29), non-cephalic presentation (AOR; 4.33, 95% CI: 1.97-9.51), and meconium staining (AOR; 4.59, 95% CI: 1.40-15.08) were significantly associated with birth asphyxia. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of birth asphyxia was very high. Maternal education, APH, mode of delivery, prolonged labor, induction, LBW, preterm, meconium-staining, and non-cephalic presentation were determinants of birth asphyxia. Hence, to reduce birth asphyxia and associated neonatal mortality, attention should be directed to improve the quality of intrapartum service and timely communication between the delivery team. In addition, intervention strategies aimed at reducing birth asphyxia should target the identified determinants.

Psychotropic medication non-adherence and its associated factors among patients with major psychiatric disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Major psychiatric disorders are growing public health concern that attributed 14% of the global burden of diseases. The management of major psychiatric disorders is challenging mainly due to medication non-adherence. However, there is a paucity of summarized evidence on the prevalence of psychotropic medication non-adherence and associated factors. Therefore, we aimed to summarize existing primary studies' finding to determine the pooled prevalence and factors associated with psychotropic medication non-adherence. METHODS: A total of 4504 studies written in English until December 31, 2017, were searched from the main databases (n = 3125) (PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) and other relevant sources (mainly from Google Scholar, n = 1379). Study selection, screening, and data extraction were carried out independently by two authors. Observational studies that had been conducted among adult patients (18 years and older) with major psychiatric disorders were eligible for the selection process. Critical appraisal of the included studies was carried out using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Systematic synthesis of the studies was carried out to summarize factors associated with psychotropic medication non-adherence. Meta-analysis was carried using Stata 14. Random effects model was used to compute the pooled prevalence, and sub-group analysis at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Forty-six studies were included in the systematic review. Of these, 35 studies (schizophrenia (n = 9), depressive (n = 16), and bipolar (n = 10) disorders) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, 49% of major psychiatric disorder patients were non-adherent to their psychotropic medication. Of these, psychotropic medication non-adherence for schizophrenia, major depressive disorders, and bipolar disorders were 56%, 50%, and 44%, respectively. Individual patient's behaviors, lack of social support, clinical or treatment and illness-related, and health system factors influenced psychotropic medication non-adherence. CONCLUSION: Psychotropic medication non-adherence was high. It was influenced by various factors operating at different levels. Therefore, comprehensive intervention strategies should be designed to address factors associated with psychotropic medication non-adherence. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42017067436.

Delaying factors for maternal health service utilization in eastern Ethiopia: A qualitative exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, maternal health service utilization is still unacceptably low. The societal and cultural factors that constrain women from attending these services have not yet been sufficiently explored. Using qualitative methods, we aimed to explore the factors that delay maternal health service utilization in eastern Ethiopia. METHOD: A total of 13 audio-recorded focus group discussions were conducted comprising 88 participants. We conducted separate group discussions with reproductive aged women, mothers-in-law, traditional birth attendants, husbands, and Health Extension Workers to capture their knowledge, practices, feelings, thoughts and attitudes towards maternal health service utilization. The recorded sessions were transcribed into the local language and then translated into English for analysis. RESULT: The study identified a number of factors that may delay maternal health service utilization. Factors were grouped using the Three Delays model as a framework. Low level of awareness regarding need, poor involvement of husband, perceived absence of health problems, social power, community misperceptions and cultural restrictions, negative attitudes towards male midwives, acceptance of traditional birth attendants and poor social networking were Delay One factors. Lack of physical accessibility and high transportation costs were categorised as Delay Two factors for skilled birth care attendance. Perceived or experienced poor quality of care were categorised as Delay Three factors for both skilled birth and postnatal care utilization. CONCLUSION: Despite the ongoing government measures to improve maternal health service utilization in Ethiopia, numerous factors continue to contribute to delays in service use, which in turn contribute to high maternal mortality.

HIV/AIDS awareness and testing practices among adolescents in eastern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine HIV/AIDS awareness, HIV testing practices and associated factors among adolescents in two eastern Ethiopian communities. METHODS: Community-based, cross-sectional study among 2010 adolescents aged 10-19 years. Participants were asked about their awareness of HIV/AIDS and HIV testing practices, and whether they had ever been tested for HIV. Regression models were applied to identify the factors of statistical significance at P-value < 0.05. RESULTS: Of 90% were aware of HIV/AIDS, but only a quarter had ever been tested for HIV. Rural adolescents were less aware of HIV than urban adolescents (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.58), and in-school adolescents had more knowledge about HIV/AIDS than that out-of-school adolescents (AOR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.88, 4.15). Factors associated with lower uptake of HIV testing were male sex (AOR = 0.74; 95% CI; 0.58, 0.91) and being from a rural area (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.36). Factors associated with higher uptake of HIV testing were being in school (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.38), using the Internet (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.28), and ever visiting a health facility (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.96). CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of HIV/AIDS was high, whereas HIV testing was rare. HIV awareness programs for adolescents should target rural and out-of-school adolescents. Programmes to increase HIV testing implemented in these and similar communities should focus on male and rural adolescents.

OBJECTIF: Examiner la sensibilisation au VIH/SIDA, les pratiques de dépistage du VIH et les facteurs associés chez les adolescents de deux communautés dans l'est de l'Ethiopie. MÉTHODES: Etude transversale, à base communautaire auprès de 2.010 adolescents âgés de 10 à 19 ans. Les participants ont été interrogés sur leurs connaissances sur le VIH/SIDA et sur les pratiques de dépistage du VIH, et s'ils avaient déjà subi un test de dépistage du VIH. Des modèles de régression ont été appliqués pour identifier les facteurs ayant une signification statistique à une valeur P < 0,05. RÉSULTATS: 90% des participants étaient au courant du VIH/SIDA, mais seulement un quart avait déjà subi un test de dépistage du VIH. Les adolescents ruraux étaient moins au courant du VIH que les adolescents urbains (AOR = 0,16; IC95%: 0,05-0,58), et les adolescents scolarisés avaient plus de connaissances sur le VIH/SIDA que les adolescents non scolarisés (AOR = 2,79; IC95%: 1,88-4,15). Les facteurs associés à une moindre adoption du test de dépistage du VIH étaient le sexe masculin (AOR = 0,74; IC95%: 0,58-0,91) et provenir d'une zone rurale (AOR = 0,16; IC95%: 0,07-0,36). Les facteurs associés à une plus grande adoption du test de dépistage du VIH étaient le fait d'être scolarisé (AOR = 1,66; IC95%: 1,16-2,38), l'utilisation d'Internet (AOR = 1,52; IC95%: 1,01, 2,28) et avoir déjà visité un établissement de santé (AOR = 1,54; IC95%: 1,21-1,96). CONCLUSIONS: La sensibilisation au VIH/SIDA était élevée alors que le dépistage du VIH était rare. Les programmes de sensibilisation au VIH devraient cibler les adolescents des zones rurales et ceux non scolarisés. Les programmes pour augmenter le dépistage du VIH, mis en œuvre dans ces communautés et dans des communautés similaires, devraient se concentrer sur les adolescents masculins et ceux vivant en milieu rural.

Predisposing, enabling and need factors associated with skilled delivery care utilization among reproductive-aged women in Kersa district, eastern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Skilled delivery care utilization in Ethiopia is still very low compared with the goal set by the global community for countries with the highest maternal mortality. As a result, the country is overburdened with high maternal morbidity and mortality. We aimed to explore the predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with skilled delivery care utilization among reproductive-aged women in Kersa district, eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 1294 women. The participants were selected using systematic sampling techniques. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire aided by an electronic survey tool was used to collect data. Univariate analyses were conducted to describe the study sample. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to elicit the association of predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with skilled delivery care utilization. Separate multivariate models were fitted for primiparous and multiparous women categories. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess statistical significance. RESULTS: More than a quarter (30.8%) of the women surveyed used skilled delivery care for their most recent birth. Significant predisposing factors were as follows: presence of educated family member; receiving education on maternal health; previous use of skilled delivery care; and best friend's use of maternal care. Place of residence was the enabling factor that predicted skilled delivery care use. Antenatal care attendance and pregnancy intention were significant need factors associated with skilled delivery care utilization. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study highlight the need for a concerted effort to establish community-based peer education programs; improve access to family planning services (to reduce unintended pregnancies); increase antenatal care uptake; and facilitate access to skilled delivery care in rural areas.

Correction to: Monitoring changes in malaria epidemiology and effectiveness of interventions in Ethiopia and Uganda: Beyond Garki Project baseline survey.

Please be advised that one of the author names is incorrectly spelled in the published article: 'Irene Kyomuhagi' should be 'Irene Kyomuhangi'.

Are interventions focused on gender-norms effective in preventing domestic violence against women in low and lower-middle income countries? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: One in three women experience intimate partner violence worldwide, according to many primary studies. However, systematic review and meta-analysis of intimate partner violence is very limited. Therefore, we set to summarize the findings of existing primary studies to generate evidence for informed decisions to tackle domestic violence against women in low and lower-middle income countries. METHODS: Studies were searched from main databases (Medline via PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PopLine and Web of Science), Google scholar and other relevant sources using electronic and manual techniques. Published and unpublished studies written in English and conducted among women aged (15-49 years) from 1994 to 2017 were eligible. Data were extracted independently by two authors, and recorded in Microsoft Excel sheet. Heterogeneity between included studies was assessed using I2, and publication bias was explored using visual inspection of funnel plot. Statistical analysis was carried out to determine the pooled prevalence using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. In addition, sub-group analysis was carried out by study-setting and types of intimate partner violence. RESULTS: Fifty two studies were included in the systematic review. Of these, 33 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of lifetime intimate partner violence was 55% (95% CI: 52, 59%). Of these, main categories were lifetime physical violence [39% (95% CI: 33, 45%); psychological violence [45% (95% CI: 40, 52%)] and sexual violence [20% (95% CI: 17, 23%)]. Furthermore, the pooled prevalence of current intimate partner violence was 38% (95% CI: 34, 43%). Of these, physical violence [25% (95% CI: 21, 28%)]; psychological violence [30% (95% CI: 24, 36%)] and sexual violence [7.0% (95% CI: 6.6, 7.5%)] were the pooled prevalence for the major types of intimate partner violence. In addition, concurrent intimate partner violence was 13% (95% CI: 12, 15%). Individual, relationship, community and societal level factors were associated with intimate partner violence. Traditional community gender-norm transformation, stakeholders' engagement, women's empowerment, intervention integration and policy/legal framework were highly recommended interventions to prevent intimate partner violence. CONCLUSION: Lifetime and current intimate partner violence is common and unacceptably high. Therefore, concerned bodies will need to design and implement strategies to transform traditional gender norms, engage stakeholders, empower women and integrate service to prevent violence against women. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: 2017: CRD42017079977 .

Magnitude and correlates of postnatal care utilization among reproductive aged women in a rural district in eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Postnatal care is critical to detect and manage postpartum complications in the early stages as well as to prevent potentially life-threatening health conditions that lead to maternal death. However, postnatal care utilization is persistently low in Ethiopia. The aim of this study is to assess the magnitude and correlates of postnatal care utilization among reproductive aged women in Kersa district, in eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in ten randomly selected sub-districts in Kersa district. Respondents were recruited using systematic random sampling techniques. Data were collected by an interviewer-administered questionnaire using iPads. A total of 1206 respondents' data were considered in the analysis. Frequency and percentage distributions of the variables were performed. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were undertaken to identify the predisposing, enabling and need factors associated with postnatal care utilization. An Odds Ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to ascertain the direction and strength of the association. RESULTS: Less than one in thirteen women attended postnatal care after their last delivery in the study community. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that postnatal care utilization is associated with receiving education on maternal health, best friend's use of maternal care, head of the household, and experience of postpartum complications. Receiving education on maternal health (AOR, 2.32; 95% CI: 1.38, 3.89) and best friend's use of maternal care (AOR, 2.41; 95% CI: 1.39, 4.19) were significant predisposing factors that independently predicted postnatal care utilization. Furthermore, head of the household was a significantly associated enabling factor for postnatal care utilization (AOR, 0.24; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.81). The experience of postpartum complications (AOR, 0.10; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.20) was the only need factor that was associated with postnatal care utilization. CONCLUSION: Postnatal care utilization is extremely low in the study district. Strengthening health education and promotion activities on maternal health, peer education programs within the women's social networks, strengthening women empowerment programs, and women's mobilization to seek postnatal care before the occurrence of complications are essential actions that can improve postnatal care utilization.

Magnitude, trends and causes of maternal mortality among reproductive aged women in Kersa health and demographic surveillance system, eastern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Despite efforts at curbing maternal morbidity and mortality, developing countries are still burdened with high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. Ethiopia is not an exception and has one of the world's highest rates of maternal deaths. Reducing the huge burden of maternal mortality remains the single most serious challenge in Ethiopia. There is a paucity of information with regards to the local level magnitude and causes of maternal mortality. We assessed the magnitude, trends and causes of maternal mortality using surveillance data from the Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), in Eastern Ethiopia. METHOD: The analysis used surveillance data extracted from the Kersa HDSS database for the duration of 2008 to 2014. Data on maternal deaths and live births during the seven year period were used to determine the maternal mortality ratio in the study. The data were mainly extracted from a verbal autopsy database. The sample was comprised of all reproductive aged women who died during pregnancy, childbirth or 42 days after delivery. Chi-squared test for linear trend was used to examine the significance of change in rates over time. RESULTS: Out of the total 311 deaths of reproductive aged women during the study period, 72 (23.2%) died during pregnancy or within 42 days of delivery. The overall estimated maternal mortality ratio was 324 per 100,000 live births (95% CI: 256, 384). The observed maternal mortality ratio has shown a declining trend over the seven years period though there is no statistical significance for the reduction (χ2 = 0.56, P = 0.57). The estimated pregnancy related mortality ratio was 543 per 100,000 live births (95% CI: 437, 663). Out of those who died due to pregnancy and related causes, only 26% attended at least one antenatal care service. The most common cause of maternal death was postpartum haemorrhage (46.5%) followed by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (16.3%). CONCLUSION: The magnitude of maternal mortality is considerably high but has shown a decreasing trend. Community-based initiatives that aim to improve maternal health should be strengthened further to reduce the prevailing maternal mortality. Targeted information education and communication should be provided.

Application of the Andersen-Newman model of health care utilization to understand antenatal care use in Kersa District, Eastern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, the uptake of antenatal care services has been low. Moreover, there is less frequent and late attendance of antenatal care among women who attend. Using the Anderson-Newman model of health care utilization, this study identified factors that either facilitate or impede antenatal care utilization in Kersa district, Eastern Ethiopia. METHOD: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 1294 eligible women participated in the study. Data were collected using face to face interviews with a pre-tested structured questionnaire administered with a digital survey tool. Data were collected in a house to house survey of eligible women in the community. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to examine the predisposing, enabling and need factors associated with antenatal care utilization. RESULT: Out of the 1294 respondents, 53.6% (95% CI: 50.8%, 56.3%) attended antenatal care at least once during their last pregnancy. Only 15.3% attended four or more antenatal care visits and just 32.6% attended prior to the 12th week of gestation. Educational status, previous use of antenatal care and best friend's use of maternal care were significant predisposing factors associated with at least one antenatal care visit. Type of kebele, wealth index and husband's attitude towards antenatal care were significant enabling factors associated with at least one antenatal care consultation. Health Extension Workers providing home visits, perceived importance of ANC and awareness of pregnancy complications were significant need factor associated with at least one antenatal care consultation. Husband's attitude towards ANC, head of the household, awareness of pregnancy complications, and history of abortion were predictors of attending four or more antenatal care visits. CONCLUSION: More than half of the women attended at least one antenatal care visit. A sizable proportion of women had infrequent and delayed antenatal care. Intervention efforts to improve antenatal care utilization should involve the following: improving women's educational achievement, peer education programs to mobilize and support women, programs to change husbands' attitudes, ameliorate the quality of antenatal care, increasing the Health Extension Worker's home visits program, and increasing the awareness of pregnancy complications.

Malaria epidemiology and interventions in Ethiopia from 2001 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia is one of the African countries where Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax co-exist. Monitoring and evaluation of current malaria transmission status is an important component of malaria control as it is a measure of the success of ongoing interventions and guides the planning of future control and elimination efforts. MAIN TEXT: We evaluated changes in malaria control policy in Ethiopia, and reviewed dynamics of country-wide confirmed and clinical malaria cases by Plasmodium species and reported deaths for all ages and less than five years from 2001 to 2016. Districts level annual parasite incidence was analysed to characterize the malaria transmission stratification as implemented by the Ministry of Health. We found that Ethiopia has experienced major changes from 2003 to 2005 and subsequent adjustment in malaria diagnosis, treatment and vector control policy. Malaria interventions have been intensified represented by the increased insecticide treated net (ITN) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) coverage, improved health services and improved malaria diagnosis. However, countrywide ITN and IRS coverages were low, with 64% ITN coverage in 2016 and IRS coverage of 92.5% in 2016 and only implemented in epidemic-prone areas of > 2500 m elevation. Clinical malaria incidence rate dropped from an average of 43.1 cases per 1000 population annually between 2001 and 2010 to 29.0 cases per 1000 population annually between 2011 and 2016. Malaria deaths decreased from 2.1 deaths per 100 000 people annually between 2001 and 2010 to 1.1 deaths per 100 000 people annually between 2011 to 2016. There was shrinkage in the malaria transmission map and high transmission is limited mainly to the western international border area. Proportion of P. falciparum malaria remained nearly unchanged from 2000 to 2016 indicating further efforts are needed to suppress transmission. CONCLUSIONS: Malaria morbidity and mortality have been significantly reduced in Ethiopia since 2001, however, malaria case incidence is still high, and there were major gaps between ITN ownership and compliance in malarious areas. Additional efforts are needed to target the high transmission area of western Ethiopia to sustain the achievements made to date.

Unsafe abortion and associated factors among reproductive aged women in Sub-Saharan Africa: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Unsafe abortion is a neglected public health problem contributing for 13% of maternal death worldwide. In Africa, 99% of abortions are unsafe resulting in one maternal death per 150 cases. The prevalence of unsafe abortion is associated with restricted abortion law, poor quality of health service, and low community awareness. Hence, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to identify and summarize the available evidence to generate an abridged evidence on the prevalence of unsafe abortion and its associated factors in Sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: The development of the systematic review methodology has followed the procedural guideline depicted in the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocol statement. Observational studies that have been conducted from January 1, 1994, up to December 31, 2017, in Sub-Saharan African countries will be included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, CINAHL, and PopLine will be searched to retrieve available studies. Relevant studies will be retrieved using the search strings applied to different sources. The Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tool will be used to critically appraise the methodological robustness and validity of the finding to avoid erroneous data due to confounded or biased statistics. Data extraction template will be prepared to record abstracted information from selected studies. The selection of relevant studies, data extraction, and quality assessment of studies will be carried out by two authors. Meta-analysis using Mantel-Haenszel random effects model will be carried out. The presence of heterogeneity between studies will be checked using the I2 value. DISCUSSION: Unsafe abortion is not yet reduced significantly in Sub-Saharan Africa, and maternal death rate due to unsafe abortion remains high. Currently, there is a gap in availability of abridged evidence on unsafe abortion and this negatively influenced the current service delivery. This finding will help stakeholders to design appropriate strategy. The finding of this systematic review and meta-analysis will be helpful to inform policy-makers, programmers, planners, clinician's decision making, researchers, and women clients at large. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO 2017: CRD42017081437 .

Psychotropic medication non-adherence and associated factors among adult patients with major psychiatric disorders: a protocol for a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Evidence from the global burden of diseases show that psychiatric disorders are a growing public health concern. Maintaining adherence to medication is the most essential, but challenging course in the pharmacological treatment modality for major psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of abridged evidence on the level of psychotropic medication non-adherence and associated factors. Therefore, we aim to systematically summarize existing primary studies finding to estimate the level and identify associated factors of psychotropic medication non-adherence among adult patients with major psychiatric disorders. METHODS: We will search studies using computerized search engines, main electronic databases and other relevant sources. PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, WHO Global Health Library, and direct Google search will be searched to retrieve studies written in English language before December 2017. Observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control, cohort or longitudinal, survey and surveillance reports) on major psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, major depressive and bipolar disorders) among adult patients will be eligible. Data will be extracted independently by two authors. Data synthesis and statistical analysis will be carried out. Pooled estimate will be done to quantify the level of psychotropic medication non-adherence using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. DISCUSSION: Psychiatric disorders remain a public health, social and economic concern worldwide. Management of major psychiatric disorders is highly affected by medication non-adherence. Thus, undertaking an integrated and multifaceted approach is necessary to reduce the burden of medication non-adherence, and enhance the quality of patients' life. Evidence is required to design appropriate intervention to prevent psychotropic medication non-adherence. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: 2017: CRD42017067436 .

Delayed initiation of antenatal care and associated factors in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal care uptake is among the key indicators for monitoring the progress of maternal outcomes. Early initiation of antenatal care facilitates the timely management and treatment of pregnancy complications to reduce maternal deaths. In Ethiopia, antenatal care utilization is generally low, and delayed initiation of care is very common. We aimed to systematically identify and synthesize available evidence on delayed initiation of antenatal care and the associated factors in Ethiopia. METHODS: Studies published in English from 1 January 2002 to 30 April 2017 were systematically searched from PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and other relevant sources. Two authors independently reviewed the identified studies against the eligibility criteria. The included studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs-MAStARI instrument for observational studies. Meta-analysis was conducted in RevMan v5.3 for Windows using a Mantel-Haenszel random effects model. The presence of statistical heterogeneity was checked using the Cochran Q test, and its level was quantified using the I2 statistics. Pooled estimate of the proportion of the outcome variable was calculated. Pooled Odd Ratios with 95% CI were calculated to measure the effect sizes. RESULT: The pooled magnitude of delayed antenatal care in Ethiopia was 64% (95% CI: 57%, 70%). Maternal age (OR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.53, 0.93), place of residence (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.50), maternal education (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.38, 0.63), husband's education (OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.85), maternal occupation (OR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.93), monthly income (OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.23, 3.45), pregnancy intention (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.60), parity (OR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.58), knowledge of antenatal care (OR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.51), women's autonomy (OR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.94), partner involvement (OR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.75), pregnancy complications (OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.95), and means of identifying pregnancy (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.69) were significantly associated with delayed antenatal care. CONCLUSION: Improving female education and women's empowerment through economic reforms, strengthening family planning programs to reduce unintended pregnancy and promoting partner involvement in pregnancy care could reduce the very high magnitude of delayed antenatal care in Ethiopia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42017064585 .

Rehabilitation for cancer patients at Black Lion hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, there were greater than 2000 adult and 200 pediatric cancer patients annually in 2010, but the estimated number of cancer patients were increasing. Oncologic rehabilitation treatment may result in improved physical and mental impairment. There is a paucity of information about rehabilitation service utilization among cancer patients in Ethiopia. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the rehabilitation service for cancer patient and associated factors at Black Lion hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted from March to April 2014. Convenient sampling method was employed to recruit the study participants. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered into EPI data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS (16.0) software for analysis. Descriptive analysis, binary and multiple logistic regression were carried out. Significance association was interpreted using adjusted odds ratio at 95% confidence interval and p-value less than 0.05. RESULT: A sample of 423 patients aged 18 years and older were involved in the study. Breast cancer (25%), colorectal cancer (20.6%), cervical cancer (14.7%), lymphoma (7.7%), lung (7.2%), leukemia (5.4%), kidney (3.6%) and prostate cancer (2.6%) were the common forms of cancer diagnosed at cancer unit of the Black Lion Hospital. Twenty six percent of cancer patients received rehabilitation service at least once. The main rehabilitation services given were nutritional and psychological support. Unavailability of supplies, lack of professionals and cost of service were among the barriers to receiving rehabilitation services. CONCLUSION: Only a few cancer patients received cancer rehabilitation services. Increasing the knowledge of the professionals, stocking cancer units with necessary supplies, and other comprehensive programs are needed.

The usefulness of school-based syndromic surveillance for detecting malaria epidemics: experiences from a pilot project in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Syndromic surveillance is a supplementary approach to routine surveillance, using pre-diagnostic and non-clinical surrogate data to identify possible infectious disease outbreaks. To date, syndromic surveillance has primarily been used in high-income countries for diseases such as influenza--however, the approach may also be relevant to resource-poor settings. This study investigated the potential for monitoring school absenteeism and febrile illness, as part of a school-based surveillance system to identify localised malaria epidemics in Ethiopia. METHODS: Repeated cross-sectional school- and community-based surveys were conducted in six epidemic-prone districts in southern Ethiopia during the 2012 minor malaria transmission season to characterise prospective surrogate and syndromic indicators of malaria burden. Changes in these indicators over the transmission season were compared to standard indicators of malaria (clinical and confirmed cases) at proximal health facilities. Subsequently, two pilot surveillance systems were implemented, each at ten sites throughout the peak transmission season. Indicators piloted were school attendance recorded by teachers, or child-reported recent absenteeism from school and reported febrile illness. RESULTS: Lack of seasonal increase in malaria burden limited the ability to evaluate sensitivity of the piloted syndromic surveillance systems compared to existing surveillance at health facilities. Weekly absenteeism was easily calculated by school staff using existing attendance registers, while syndromic indicators were more challenging to collect weekly from schoolchildren. In this setting, enrolment of school-aged children was found to be low, at 54%. Non-enrolment was associated with low household wealth, lack of parental education, household size, and distance from school. CONCLUSIONS: School absenteeism is a plausible simple indicator of unusual health events within a community, such as malaria epidemics, but the sensitivity of an absenteeism-based surveillance system to detect epidemics could not be rigorously evaluated in this study. Further piloting during a demonstrated increase in malaria transmission within a community is recommended.