Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice on substandard and counterfeit pharmaceutical products among pharmacy professionals in Gondar City, North-West Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: The circulation of substandard and counterfeit pharmaceutical products on the national and international markets has increased. Different studies revealed that there is limited information about pharmacy professionals' awareness of substandard and counterfeit pharmaceutical products. Therefore; the aim of the present study was to assess the pharmacy professionals' knowledge, attitude, and practice of substandard and counterfeit pharmaceutical products. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacy professionals about substandard and counterfeited pharmaceutical products in Gondar City, North-West Ethiopia. Data were collected through a self-administered, structured questionnaire using the Kobo tool. SPSS version 27 was used for the analysis. To assess the association of factors with pharmacy professionals' practice towards substandard and counterfeit medicines, we conducted univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 170 respondents participated in the study. The highest numbers of participants (71.8%) were in the age group of 18-30 years. Only 10.6% of them reported purchasing medicines regularly. Of total, 31 (18.24%) of respondents had a good knowledge and more than one-third 60 (35.29%) of the respondents had a good level of practice. Multivariate logistic regression analysis results revealed that some socio-demography and attitude (AOR = 0.473 (0.225-0.995) were associated with the practice of pharmacy professionals towards substandard and counterfeit medicines. CONCLUSION: In general, less than one-quarters of the respondents had a good knowledge and more than one-thirds of the respondents had a good level of practice. However, half of the respondents had a positive attitude.

Prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum and associated factors among pregnant women at comprehensive specialized hospitals in northwest Ethiopia: Multicenter cross-sectional study.

Background: Hyperemesis gravidarum is one of the problems encountered among pregnant women due to persistent and excessive vomiting starting before the end of the 22nd week of gestation. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum and associated factors among pregnant women at comprehensive specialized hospitals in northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A multi-facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at comprehensive specialized hospitals from 1st June 2022 to 30th July 2022. The data were entered using EPI Data Version 4.6 statistical software and analyzed using SPSS Version 26. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, and percentage were calculated. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the associated factors of hyperemesis gravidarum. Results: In all, 404 study participants were enrolled. About 16.8% of pregnant women were found to have hyperemesis gravidarum. Age < 20 year (AOR = 3.170; 95% CI: 1.119, 8.980), study participants who cannot read and write (AOR = 5.662; 95% CI: 2.036, 15.7470), grade 1-8 (AOR = 4.679; 95% CI: 1.778, 12.316), and grade 9-10 (AOR = 8.594; 95% CI: 3.017, 24.481), being housewife (AOR = 6.275; 95% CI: 1.052, 37.442), living in urban area (AOR = 2.185; 95% CI: 1.035, 4.609), having previous hyperemesis gravidarum (AOR = 2.463; 95% CI: 1.210, 5.012), having family history of hyperemesis gravidarum (AOR = 2.014; 95% CI: 1.002, 4.047), unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 2.934; 95% CI: 1.030, 8.351), having recent abortion (AOR = 2.750; 95% CI: 1.010, 7.483), and gravidity (AOR = 1.956; 95%CI: 1.023, 3.737) were factors associated with hyperemesis gravidarum. Conclusion: The prevalence of hyperemesis gravidarum is higher. Low maternal age, lower educational level, being a housewife, being an urban resident, having previous hyperemesis gravidarum, having a family history, having an unplanned pregnancy, and having a recent abortion were significantly associated with hyperemesis gravidarum.

Food adulteration: Causes, risks, and detection techniques-review.

Food adulteration is the intentional addition of foreign or inferior substances to original food products for a variety of reasons. It takes place in a variety of forms, like mixing, substitution, hiding poor quality in packaging material, putting decomposed food for sale, misbranding or giving false labels, and adding toxicants. Several analytical methods (such as chromatography, spectroscopy, electronic sensors) are used to detect the quality of foodstuffs. This review provides concise but detailed information to understand the scope and scale of food adulteration as a way to further detect, combat, and prevent future adulterations. The objective of this review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the causes, risks, and detection techniques associated with food adulteration. It also aimed to highlight the potential health risks posed by consuming adulterated food products and the importance of detecting and preventing such practices. During the review, books, regulatory guidelines, articles, and reports on food adulteration were analyzed critically. Furthermore, the review assessed key findings to present a well-rounded analysis of the challenges and opportunities associated with combating food adulteration. This review included different causes and health impacts of food adulteration. The analytical techniques for food adulteration detection have also been documented in brief. In addition, the review emphasized the urgency of addressing food adulteration through a combination of regulatory measures, technological advancements, and consumer awareness. In conclusion, food adulteration causes many diseases such as cancer, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and nervous system-related diseases. So, ensuring food safety is the backbone of health and customer satisfaction. Strengthening regulations, taking legal enforcement action, enhancing testing, and quality control can prevent and mitigate the adulteration of food products. Moreover, proper law enforcement and regular inspection of food quality can bring about drastic changes.

Poor sleep quality and associated factors among adult chronic kidney disease patients.

Background: Poor sleep quality is a common concern in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, which can accelerate the progression of chronic renal disease and negatively impact their health-related quality of life, potentially leading to greater morbidity and mortality rates. It can also have an effect on the immune system, cognitive function, and emotional well-being of CKD patients. Furthermore, poor sleep quality may contribute to drug noncompliance and decreased participation in the entire treatment plan. Nonetheless, no research has been undertaken in Ethiopia on the prevalence of poor sleep quality and its associated factors among CKD patients. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of poor quality of sleep and associated factors among chronic kidney disease patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized and Felege Hiwot Referral Hospitals in 2020. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was implemented at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized and Felege Hiwot Referral Hospitals between February and April 2020. The study participants were chosen through systematic random sampling techniques. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a validated assessment tool, was utilized to measure sleep quality. A PSQI total score > 5 was used as an indicator of poor sleep quality. Subsequently, the data obtained were entered into Epi Data version 3.0 and then transferred to STATA 14 for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to recognize factors associated with poor sleep quality. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, variables demonstrating a p-value of ≤0.05 were considered statistically associated to poor sleep quality. Results: In this study, 424 CKD patients were included. Among screened CKD patients, 42.9% tested positive for poor sleep quality with a 95% CI (38 to 47%). Independent predictors of poor sleep quality among CKD patients were common mental disorder [AOR = 1.8, 95% CI (1.19-2.89)], anemia [AOR = 2.7, 95% CI (1.71-4.36)], declined eGFR between 60 and 89.9 [AOR = 1.6; 95% CI (2.28-5.54)], 30-59.9 [AOR = 2.6, 95% CI (1.53-4.43)], and ≤ 30 [AOR = 3.8, 95% CI (1.17-12.61)], age > 50 years [AOR = 1.7(1.11-2.69)] and duration of disease 2.9 [AOR = 2.9, 95% CI (1.77-4.90)]. Conclusion: In our study, almost 1 out of 2 CKD patients assessed for poor sleep quality tested positive. It was noted that poor sleep quality was more frequent among CKD patients with common mental disorders, anemia, decreased eGFR levels, individuals aged over 50 years, and those with a longer duration of the disease. Consequently, it's advised to regularly screen these CKD patients for poor sleep quality.

Tuberculosis treatment outcomes and associated factors among tuberculosis patients treated at healthcare facilities of Motta Town, Northwest Ethiopia: a five-year retrospective study.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern, particularly in low-resource settings. The treatment outcome is a crucial indicator of the effectiveness of TB treatment programs. Assessing the current treatment outcome and its associated factors is essential for improving patient care and reducing the spread of TB. Therefore, this study aimed to assess TB treatment outcomes and their associated factors among TB patients who received treatment at public healthcare facilities in Motta Town, Northwest Ethiopia. A facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study design was employed in two TB treatment centers in Motta town from January 2017 to December 2021. The study participants were all patients diagnosed with TB who received treatment. A p-value of 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine statistical significance. A total of 362 TB patients were included in the study. The overall treatment success rate was 88.4% (95% CI 85.1, 91.7). Male gender (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.16, 4.98), normal nutritional status (AOR = 3.11, 95% CI 1.33, 7.25), HIV negative status (AOR = 3.35, 95% CI 1.31, 8.60), and non-presumptive drug resistance to TB (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI 1.74, 7.98) were significantly associated with successful TB treatment outcomes (p < 0.05). In the current study, nine out of ten study participants had successful TB treatment outcome rates. Male gender, normal nutritional status, non-presumed drug resistance to TB, and HIV-negative status were significantly associated with successful TB treatment outcomes. By taking risk factors associated with poor treatment outcomes like those found in this study into account, patient management and treatment can be optimized. Sufficient TB control measures for populations are imperative and could significantly reduce the nation's total TB burden.

Symptoms of posttraumatic stress, anxiety, and depression, along with their associated factors, among Eritrean refugees in Dabat town, northwest Ethiopia, 2023.

BACKGROUND: Refugee populations are forcibly displaced from their homes as a consequence of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Eritreans, initially displaced to the Maiayni camp within the Tigray region, have faced further relocation to Dabat town due to the conflict between the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) and Ethiopian government forces. Subsequently, another conflict has arisen between the Amhara Popular Force (Fano) and Ethiopian government forces in Dabat town, disrupting its stability. These collective challenges in the new environment may contribute to the development of symptoms such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Currently, there is a lack of available data on these symptoms and their associated variables in Dabat Town. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms, along with associated factors, among Eritrean refugees in Dabat town, northwest Ethiopia. This will provide significant evidence for developing and implementing mental health intervention strategies that specifically address the particular difficulties faced by refugees. METHOD: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from July 25 to September 30, 2023, in the Eritrean refugee camp in Dabat town. A systematic random sampling method was employed to select a total of 399 Eritrean refugees with 100 response rate. Data were collected using the standard validated Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaire, which included socio-demographic characteristics. Summary statistics such as frequency and proportion were utilized to present the data in tables and figures. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify associated factors, and variables with a p-value (p ≤ 0.05) were considered statistically significant factors. RESULT: The findings of this study indicated that 45% (95% CI: 35.6-48.23), 33.6% (95% CI: 31.66-37.45), and 37.3% (95% CI: 35.56-40.34) of the participants had symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD, respectively. Sex, age, employment status, lack of food or water, experience of torture or beating, and imprisonment emerged as statistically significant predictors of depression. Employment status, murder of family or friends, rape or sexual abuse, torture or beating, and lack of housing or shelter were statistically significantly associated with anxiety. PTSD was found to be significantly associated with sex, length of stay at the refugee camp, lack of housing, shelter, food, or water, experience of rape or sexual abuse, abduction, employment status, and murder of family or friends. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION: The results of this study revealed that more than one-third of Eritreans living in the refugee camp in Dabat town had symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This prevalence is higher than the previously reported studies. Various factors, including age, gender, monthly income, unemployment, experiences of rape or sexual abuse, witnessing the murder of family or friends, being torched or beaten, imprisonment, and deprivation of basic needs such as food, shelter, and water, were identified as contributors to the development of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. This research underscores the need for both governmental and non-governmental organizations to secure the provision of essential necessities such as food, clean water, shelter, clothing, and education. This study also suggested that Eritrean refugees be legally protected from rape, sexual abuse, arson, detention without cause, and kidnapping. Moreover, the study calls for health service providers to develop a mental health intervention plan and implement strategies to deliver mental health services at healthcare facilities for Eritrean refugees in the Dabat town Eritrean refugee camp.

Indole: The After Next Scaffold of Antiplasmodial Agents?

Malaria remains a global public health problem due to the uphill fight against the causative Plasmodium parasites that are relentless in developing resistance. Indole-based antiplasmodial compounds are endowed with multiple modes of action, of which inhibition of hemozoin formation is the major mechanism of action reported for compounds such as cryptolepine, flinderoles, and isosungucine. Indole-based compounds exert their potent activity against chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium strains by inhibiting hemozoin formation in a mode of action different from that of chloroquine or through a novel mechanism of action. For example, dysregulating the sodium and osmotic homeostasis of Plasmodium through inhibition of PfATP4 is the novel mechanism of cipargamin. The potential of developing multi-targeted compounds through molecular hybridization ensures the existence of indole-based compounds in the antimalarial pipeline.