Mortality of acute poisoning and its predictors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Poison is defined as any chemical that has the potential to affect or harm human physiology due to its chemical activity. Poisoning is becoming a major preventable public health issue in many countries, including Ethiopia. There is a variation in acute poisoning mortality among the existing evidence in Ethiopia. This study aims to determine the pooled mortality rate from acute poisoning and its predictors in Ethiopia. Methods: We searched available evidence of acute poisoning mortality in databases such as PubMed, Hinari, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and other search engines. Using the Microsoft Excel data extraction form, three authors independently extracted all relevant data. The Higgins I2 test statistics were used to examine heterogeneity among included studies A random-effects model was used to analyze the pooled estimates and predictors in Stata MP version 17. Results: We retrieved 2685 relevant records from different database sources, and after screening, 21 studies (17 published and 4 unpublished) were included. The pooled mortality rate for acute poisoning was 4.69(95 % CI: 3.69, 5.69 I2 = 94.7 %). The most common poisoning agents are organophosphate (29.9 %), household cleansing agents (17.5 %), and pharmaceuticals/medications (9.3 %). The majority of poisoning cases were intentional poisoning committed suicide. Poisoning cases in rural areas [RR: 3.98(95 % CI: 1.41, 11.25)] and delayed arrival times [RR: 2.90(95 % CI: 1.45, 5.84)] were identified predictors of mortality. Conclusions: In this study, the pooled mortality from acute poisoning was 4.69 %. Poisoned cases from rural areas and delayed arrival times to the hospital were predictors of mortality. To prevent mortality, healthcare professionals should give special attention to rural residents and delayed arrival of poison cases. To control this avoidable death, poison control centers should be strengthened, and other preventive measures implemented at the national level.

Prevalence and associated factors of foot deformity among adult diabetic patients on follow-up at Debre Markos comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022, cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes foot deformity is among the major causes of diabetic foot ulceration, resulting in lower limb amputation. However, the study on the distribution of foot deformity and its risk factor among diabetic patients in Ethiopia is limited. This study determined the overall prevalence and associated factors of foot deformity among adult diabetic patients on follow-up at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 diabetic patients using a systematic random sampling technique at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Data were collected by pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaires and diabetic foot assessment format. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the strength of the association, and a variable with a p-value < 0.05 was statistically significant factors of diabetes foot deformity. RESULT: The overall prevalence of foot deformity was 33.4% [95% CI: 28.9-38.3]. In the final logistic regression analysis, rural residency [AOR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.31, 5.31], poor glycemic control [AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.34, 4.33], diabetes duration ≥ 10 years [AOR = 2.74; 95% CI: 1.50, 5.02], inadequate footwear [AOR = 2.11; 95% CI: 1.17, 3.82] and presence of peripheral neuropathy [AOR = 8.21; 95% CI: 4.54, 14.84] were statistically significant associated factors with diabetes foot deformity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of foot deformity among adult diabetic patients was high. It is recommended to incorporate foot deformity screening in routine diabetic patient follow-ups especially for those with poor glycaemic control, rural residency, long diabetes duration, inadequate footwear, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Carpal tunnel syndrome and its associated factors among computer user bankers in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: a cross sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The use of information devices like computers is skyrocketed in recent years, leading injuries. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a leading cause of upper extremity MSDs specially to banking workers. Hence, this paper was intended to highlight its magnitude associated factors in the study area. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 13, 2021 to October 09, 2021. A total of 422 private and government owned computer user bankers were participated. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using Durkan's compression test, flexion and compression test, Phalen's test, and Tinel's test. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate the relationship between predictors and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. P-value less than 0.05 was considered to declare as a significant and Adjusted Odds Ration for strength association between risk factors and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. RESULT: Among 422 participants, the annual prevalence of CTS was 11.7%. Being smoker [AOR: 4.2; 95% CI: 1.76-10.26], having > 5-year work experience [AOR: 7.98; 95% CI: 3.7-17.33], movement repetition [AOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.66-9.4] and lack of ergonomics training [AOR: 5.2; 95% CI: 2.8-9.5] were independently associated risk factors to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. CONCLUSION: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was high (11.7%) among bankers in this study area. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was predicted by smoking, length of employment, movement repetition, and not received ergonomics training. Therefore, fore the banking industry, it would be better to maintain strict follow-up and provision of ergonomics training.

Spatial exploration of non-resilience to food insecurity, its association with COVID-19 and household coping strategies in East Gojjam districts, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020.

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a significant multifaceted threat to the global community. Ethiopia, as a Sub-Saharan African country, is suffering from chronic food insecurity, and the emergence of such a pandemic will exacerbate the situation. As a result, this study investigated the spatial variation of non-resilience to food insecurity, its relationship with COVID-19, and household coping strategies to become resilient in the long run among households in the East Gojjam Zone of Northwest Ethiopia. From September 22 to December 24, 2020, an agro-ecological-based cross-sectional study of 3532 households was conducted to assess the spatial distribution and associated factors of non-resilience to household food insecurity. The enumeration areas (EAs) and households were chosen using a multistage sampling technique. Data were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire and checklist using an Android device loaded with an Open Data Kit (ODK) template. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the specific factors associated with household non-resilience to food insecurity. A thematic analysis was conducted to investigate the opportunities and challenges of resilience for household food insecurity. Nearly two-thirds (62.5%) of the households were farmers, 67.9% lived in rural areas, and nearly three-quarters (73.8%) earned less than or equal to ETB 2100 per month. Males headed more than four-fifths of the households (81.7%). We found that nearly two-thirds of the households (60.02%), 95% CI 58.40, 61.64) were food insecure. After bivariate logistic regression, we found that households who were divorced (AOR = 2.54 (1.65, 3.87)), daily laborers (AOR = 2.37 (1.15, 4.87)), government employees (AOR = 2.06 (1.05, 4.05)), residents of highland and hot areas (AOR = 11.5 (5.37, 16.77)) and lowland areas (AOR = 1.35 (1.02, 3.15)) were frustrated by COVID-19 (AOR = 1.23 (1.02, 1.50)) and price inflation (1.89 (AOR = 1.42, 2.56))) were at higher odds of being non-resilient to household food insecurity at a 95% confidence level. Geospatial hot spot analysis revealed that Kurar kebele (the lowest government administrative unit) in Dejen District and Debre Markos town were the red-hotspot areas of household non-resilience to food insecurity. Less than a quarter of the households attempted to cope with food insecurity by adjusting their food consumption, while more than 60% of the households chose none of the coping strategies tested. According to the thematic analysis, the degree of poverty (lack of asset ownership), the COVID-19 pandemic, farm decreased variety, and low crop productivity were identified as challenges to coping with the hardship of resilience to food insecurity. During the COVID-19 pandemic and public emergency, the proportion of households that were unprepared for food insecurity reached its peak. It was recognized that a segment of the population with low economic capacity was more vulnerable to food insecurity and less resilient. Tough developmental gains will be undermined in this case. As a result, each responsible body and stakeholder should develop and implement solid corrective plans for the local context.

Early onset, delayed diagnosis and laterality of breast carcinoma: Evidence from a tertiary care hospital.

Objectives: To assess age at onset, delayed diagnosis and laterality of breast carcinoma among women at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North West Ethiopia. Methods: Hospital-based descriptive study was conducted on 120 breast carcinoma cases at pathology department of Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, from October 2019 to December 2021. The women aware of symptoms until first medical consultation time was asked. The height and weight of the women were measured using the height and weight scale. The attending physician examined both breasts and regional lymph nodes. Pathological features of breast carcinomas were recorded when biopsy results arrived at the pathology department. Data were entered in Epi data version 3.1. Then, it was exported to SPSS version 25.0 statistical software for analysis. Results: Mean age of women was 39.9 ± 11.6 years, and median age was 38 years. Most women, 87 (72.5%) were aged less than 46 years. One hundred three (85.8%) women had complained breast lump pain for greater than 3 months before diagnosis. About 61 (50.8%) women had left breast carcinomas; 44 (36.7%) had right breast carcinomas and 15 (12.5%) had bilateral breast carcinomas. Of total, 53 (44.2%) cases were invasive ductal carcinomas; 41 (34.2%) had ductal carcinoma in situ; 14 (11.7%) were invasive lobular carcinomas; 8 (6.7%) were lobular carcinoma in situ and only 4 (3.3%) cases were mixed carcinomas. Conclusion: In this study, about two-third of the cases had early onset breast carcinoma. Most of the cases had delayed diagnosis of breast carcinoma. More than half of the cases had left breast carcinoma.

Medical Students' Attitude and Perception Towards Embryology Course at Debre Markos University, Ethiopia.

Introduction: Medical students' attitudes and perceptions are crucial for designing an anatomy curriculum that meets the standards for safe medical practice. Objective: To assess the attitude and perception of medical students towards the clinical relevance of embryology at Debre Markos University. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Debre Markos University from March 10 to April 20, 2022. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire includes students' attitudes, career choices, and perceptions of integration of embryology and teratology courses. All viewpoints were rated using a positive Likert scale ranging from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree". Data were entered using EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Results: A total of 246 medical students participated in the study. About 159 (64.63%) medical students perceived that embryology requires understanding in the clinics. More than half of the respondents, 169 (68.70%) perceived that embryology is most clinically relevant for all basic sciences. About two-thirds of medical students, 189 (76.83%) agreed that integration of embryology and teratology courses in the first and second years was better than teaching each discipline alone. More than half of medical students, 145 (58.94%) also preferred problem-based learning that combines embryology and teratology. About 201 (81.71%) medical students perceived that virtual reality is more effective than images in the textbook for teaching embryology. Conclusion: In this study, most of the medical students have a positive attitude toward the embryology course. The first-year curricular integration of embryology and teratology must be maintained, and great effort is required to improve students' passion for developmental anatomy/embryology. These findings might be utilized as an additional motivation for the improvement of the embryology course, with a focus on the practical application of knowledge in a clinical context.

Musculoskeletal disorders among the population in Northwest Ethiopia.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the magnitude and patterns of chronic musculoskeletal disorders among the population in East Gojjam zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study with 846 recruited study participants was done using a multistage sampling technique in conjunction with a simple and systematic random sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews, physical examinations, a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases, and other literature were used to collect data. EpiData 3.1 was used to enter the data, which were then exported to STATA 14.0 for analysis. Result: The study had a response rate of 98.8%, with about 836 people out of a total of 846 expected to take part. The magnitude of musculoskeletal disorders was found to be 40.1%. Back pain was the most common musculoskeletal condition (16%) of the population, followed by osteoarthritis (10%) and other forms of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis (8%), gout arthritis (6%)). The most common comorbidity (multimorbidity) patterns were hypertension (9.8%), diabetes (5.6%), obesity (3.9%), and others (2.2%). Conclusion: Almost one in four participants have at least one musculoskeletal disorder in Northwest Ethiopia. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, low back pain, and gout arthritis were the most common musculoskeletal disorders. The most common comorbidity patterns were hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and others. An in-depth investigation of the musculoskeletal burden at the national level will be critical for implementing evidence-based strategies, as well as early detection and screening, linking to health institutions, and direct interventions.