Vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The study intended to assess the pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and its associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). DESIGN: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were employed to plan and conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct and the Worldwide Science database were searched from their inception to 31 January 2023. METHODS: Data were extracted using a standardised data extraction format prepared in Microsoft Excel. The inverse variance (I2) test was used to evaluate the presence of heterogeneity across the included studies. To identify the possible source of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis was carried out. Funnel plot symmetry, Begg's and Egger's tests were used to evaluate the existence of publication bias. In addition, factors associated with VDD among patients with T2DM were examined. All statistical analyses were carried out with STATA V.14 software. RESULTS: A total of 54 studies with 38 016 study participants were included in the study. The pooled prevalence of VDD among patients with T2DM was found to be 64.2% (95% CI 60.6% to 67.8%) with a substantial level of heterogeneity (I2=98.2%; p<0.001). Results of the subgroup analysis indicated that the pooled prevalence of VDD among patients with T2DM was highest (70.9%) in African nations and lowest (57.1%) in Middle East countries. Being female (pooled OR (POR) 1.60, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.97), having poor glycaemic control (POR 2.50; 95% CI 1.74 to 3.59), hypertension (POR 1.21; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.36), obesity (body mass index ≥25) (POR 1.68; 95% CI 1.16 to 2.44), dyslipidaemia (POR 2.54, 95% CI 1.37 to 4.73), albuminuria (POR 2.22, 95% CI 1.71 to 2.95), nephropathy (POR 1.58; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.31) and retinopathy (POR 1.48: 95% CI 1.17 to 1.89) were predictors of VDD among patients with T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of patients with T2DM were suffering from VDD. Being female, having poor glycaemic control, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia, albuminuria, nephropathy and retinopathy were the predictors of VDD among patients with T2DM.

Platelet count in preeclampsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Many studies have reported the association between platelets and preeclampsia. However, sample sizes were small, and their findings were inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association in pooled samples and in detail. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search was performed using Medline, Embase, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, NICHD-DASH, LILACS, and Scopus from inception to April 22, 2022. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Observational studies comparing platelet count between women with preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant women were included. METHODS: The mean differences with 95% confidence interval in platelet count were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 and ProMeta 3 software. RESULTS: A total of 56 studies comprising 4892 preeclamptic and 9947 normotensive pregnant women were included. Meta-analysis showed that platelet count was significantly lower in women with preeclampsia than in normotensive controls (overall: mean difference, -32.83; 95% confidence interval, -40.13 to -25.52; P<.00001; I2=92%; mild preeclampsia: mean difference, -18.65; 95% confidence interval, -27.17 to -10.14; P<.00001; I2=84%; severe preeclampsia: mean difference, -42.61; 95% confidence interval, -57.53 to -27.68; P<.00001; I2=94%). Significantly lower platelet count was also observed in the second trimester (mean difference, -28.84; 95% confidence interval, -44.59 to -13.08; P=.0003; I2=93%), third trimester (mean difference, -40.67; 95% confidence interval, -52.14 to -29.20; P<.00001; I2=92%), and before the diagnosis of preeclampsia (mean difference, -18.81; 95% confidence interval, -29.98 to -7.64; P=.009; I2=87%), but not in the first trimester (mean difference, -15.14; 95% confidence interval, -37.71 to 7.43; P=.19; I2=71%). Overall, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of platelet count were 0.71 and 0.77, respectively. The area under the curve was 0.80. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis confirmed that platelet count was significantly lower in preeclamptic women, irrespective of severity and presence or absence of associated complications, even before the onset of preeclampsia and in the second trimester of pregnancy. Our findings suggest that platelet count may be a potential marker to identify and predict preeclampsia.

Determining the Corticospinal Responses and Cross-Transfer of Ballistic Motor Performance in Young and Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Ballistic motor training induces plasticity changes and imparts a cross-transfer effect. However, whether there are age-related differences in these changes remain unclear. Thus, the purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to determine the corticospinal responses and cross-transfer of motor performance following ballistic motor training in young and older adults. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. A best evidence synthesis was performed for variables that had insufficient data for meta-analysis. There was strong evidence to suggest that young participants exhibited greater cross-transfer of ballistic motor performance than their older counterparts. This meta-analysis showed no significant age-related differences in motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) and surface electromyography (sEMG) for both hands following ballistic motor training.

Socioeconomic, sex and area related inequalities in childhood stunting in Mauritania: Evidence from the Mauritania Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (2007-2015).

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of stunting in under five children is high in Mauritania. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the extent and the overtime alteration of inequality in stunting. To this end, we did this study to investigate stunting inequality and the change with time using three rounds of Mauritania Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. The evidence is important to inform implementation of equitable nutrition interventions to help narrow inequality in stunting between population groups. METHODS: World Health Organization's (WHO) Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) was used in the analysis of stunting inequality. Following standard equity analysis methods recommended by the WHO, we performed disaggregated analysis of stunting across five equity stratfiers: Wealth, education, residence, sex and sub-national regions. Then, we summarized stunting inequality through four measures of inequality: Difference, Ratio, Population Attributable Fraction and Population Attributable Risk. The point estimates of stunting were accompanied by 95% confidence intervals to measure the statistical significance of the findings. RESULTS: The national average of childhood stunting in 2007, 2011 and 2015 was 31.3%, 29.7% and 28.2%, respectively. Glaring inequalities in stunting around the five equity stratifiers were observed in all the studied periods. In the most recent survey included in our study (2015), for instance, we recorded substantial wealth (PAF = -33.60; 95% CI: -39.79, -27.42) and education (PAF = -5.60; 95% CI: -9.68, -1.52) related stunting inequalities. Overall, no substantial improvement was documented in wealth and sex related inequality in stunting between 2007 and 2011 while region-based inequality worsened during the same time periods. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of stunting appeared to be heavily concentrated among children born to socioeconomically worse-off women, women who live in rural settings and certain subnational regions. Targeted nutrition interventions are required to address drivers of stunting embedded within geographic and socioeconomic contexts.

Platelet Indices and Its Association with Microvascular Complications Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Northeast Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Platelet indices have been shown to be associated with complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, the clinical relevance of platelet indices for assessing the risk of being microvascular complications among patients with DM is largely overlooked. Hence this study aimed to determine the association of platelet indices with microvascular complications among type 2 DM patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 352 type 2 DM patients from April 1 to May 30/2019 at Debre Berhan Referral Hospital. Data were collected by interview, physical measurements, document review, and laboratory tests. Then the data were entered into Epi-data manager-4.4.1.0 and exported into SPSS-25 for analysis. Platelet indices were compared between participants with and without microvascular complications using an independent t-test. A logistic regression model was used to assess the association between microvascular complications and platelet indices. All inferences were considered statistically significant at P<0.05. RESULTS: One hundred seventeen (33.2%) of participants were suffering from at least one microvascular complications. The mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR) were significantly increased in DM patients with complications as compared to without complications (13.57±2.17fl vs. 11.76±1.93fl), (16.57±2.49fl vs. 14.97±2.41fl) and (28.09±7.58% vs. 24.19±6.46%), respectively (all are P˂0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, MPV (AOR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.37-2.05), PDW (AOR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.15-1.63), P-LCR (AOR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.14), age (AOR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12), and duration of DM (AOR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.18-1.46) were significantly associated with the presence of microvascular complications. CONCLUSION: MPV, PDW, and P-LCR were significantly higher among type 2 DM patients with microvascular complications. This indicates that platelet indices can be used as prognostic markers of vascular complications and can be used as simple and cost-effective parameters to predict microvascular complications particularly in patients with old age and long duration of DM.

Prevalence and associated factors of premenstrual syndrome among women of the reproductive age group in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Premenstrual syndrome is a clinical condition characterised by the cyclic occurrence of physical and emotional symptoms, which can interfere with normal activity. It significantly affects the health-related quality of life and can result in decreased work productivity. The prevalence of premenstrual syndrome varies widely in different countries and different regions of the same country. Thus, this study was aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of premenstrual syndrome and its associated factors among women in Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Published studies searched from electronic databases such as PubMed/Medline, google scholars, HINARI, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE were used. All studies done among women of the reproductive age group in Ethiopia and reported in the English language were included. The current study was reported using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two authors extracted the data independently by using Microsoft excel extraction format and transported to STATA 14 software for analysis. I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity between the studies. A random-effect model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of premenstrual syndrome. The prevalence and odds ratio with 95% confidence interval (CI) were presented using a forest plot. RESULTS: After careful screening of 33 studies, nine studies were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of premenstrual syndrome in Ethiopia was found to be 53% (95% CI: 40.64, 65.36). Subgroup analysis by university versus high school showed a pooled prevalence of 53.87% (95% CI: 40.97, 67.60) and 56.19% (95% CI: 6.80, 105.58), respectively. The pooled odds ratio shows that age at menarche, menstrual pattern and hormonal contraceptive use had no statistically significant association with premenstrual syndrome. CONCLUSION: More than half of the women under reproductive age group were experiencing premenstrual syndrome in Ethiopia.

Determinants of low birth weight among live birth newborns delivered at public hospitals in Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia: Unmatched case control study.

BACKGROUND: Birth weight is one of the major determinants of perinatal survival, infant morbidity, and mortality. There are only few published reports on assessment of low birth weight in Ethiopia and the determinants of low birth weight have not been well characterized. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess determinants of low birth weight among live birth newborns delivered at public hospitals in Gamo Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution-based case control study was conducted from February 25 to April 25, 2018 and consecutively selected 60 cases and 240 controls were enrolled in this study. The data were collected using face-to-face interview and review of medical records. Moreover, we have measured the newborns' birth weight using a standard weight scale and mother's mid-upper arm circumference using a standard World Health Organization mid-upper arm circumference measuring tape. Statistical analysis of the data was done using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: A total of 300 newborns were included in the study. Late antenatal care booking (adjusted odds ratio = 1.87, confidence interval = [1.32-2.6]), birth interval <2 years (adjusted odds ratio = 0.385, confidence interval = [0.176-0.83]), anemia (adjusted odds ratio = 4.4, confidence interval = [1.84-10.5]), mid-upper arm circumference <23 cm (adjusted odds ratio = 7.99, confidence interval = [3.5-20.3]), nutritional counseling (adjusted odds ratio = 5.85, confidence interval = [2.14-14.8]), and husband smoking (adjusted odds ratio = 4.73; confidence interval = [1.42-15.7]) were found to be determinant factors of low birth weight. CONCLUSION: Most of the determining factors of low birth weight were preventable. Therefore, clinical and public health interventions should target on those determinant factors to prevent its adverse effects.

Chronic respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function status in Ethiopian agricultural workers: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Work-related respiratory disorders are major contributors to the global burden of respiratory diseases. Agricultural workers are exposed to a number of dusts, which may contribute to the development of respiratory disorders. However, the knowledge about the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function status in African farmers was limited. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function status of Ethiopian farmers exposed to farming activities. METHODS: A community based comparative cross sectional study was conducted among 288 agricultural workers (farmers) aged 18 to 65 years and 288 control subjects (non-agricultural workers). Data were collected by interviewer administered structured questionnaires adopted from British Medical Research Council respiratory questionnaire and American Thoracic Society Division of Lung Diseases questionnaire. Moreover, all study participants underwent spirometry. RESULTS: The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was higher in farmers than in controls, with significant difference for cough (20.5% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.001) and phlegm (19.1% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.001). Chronic respiratory symptoms among farmers were significantly associated with duration of agricultural exposure (p = 0.014). The mean values of all spirometric parameters were lower in farmers than in controls with significant difference for FVC, FEV1, FEF25%, FEF50%, FEF25-75% and PEFR. Moreover, the mean values of all spirometric parameters of farmers have found to be decreased with increased duration of workplace exposure. Lung function test results also showed a higher prevalence of obstructive (15.6% vs. 10.8%, p = 0.085) and restrictive type (12.8% vs. 3.1%, p <  0.001) of pulmonary function impairment in farmers than in controls. However, the difference was not significant for obstructive type of impairment. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that farmers are at high risk for the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and reduced pulmonary function indices. Hence, a comprehensive occupational safety practices are important to maintain the respiratory health of farmers.

Sexual Satisfaction and Its Associated Factors among Married Women in Northern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Sexual satisfaction is an essential component of overall health related quality of life. However, the epidemiology of sexual satisfaction among Ethiopian women is largely unknown. Hence, the present study was undertaken to investigate the sexual satisfaction and its associated factors among married women. METHODS: Community-based cross-sectional study with mixed approach was conducted from March 1 to April 30, 2019 in Kewot District, Northern Ethiopia on a sample of 397 married women. Quantitative data was collected on a face-to-face interview using a pre-tested questionnaire while qualitative data was collected using in-depth interviews. The new sexual satisfaction scale was used to assess sexual satisfaction of the women. Descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS version 23. RESULTS: The findings showed that half of the participants (50.4%) expressed moderate sexual satisfaction, and only 39% of the participants reported greatest sexual satisfaction. Poor partner communication (AOR = 0.30, 95% CI; 0.11-0.79], poor sexual self-esteem (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI; 0.08 - 0.36), absence of social responsibility (AOR = 6.52, 95% CI; 3.32 - 12.80), poor sexual function (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI; 0.21 - 0.61), no previous information about sexuality (AOR = 0.06, 95% CI; 0.00 - 0.62) and perception of sexual talk as taboo (AOR = 7.15, 95% CI; 3.86 - 13.26) were significantly associated with sexual satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Several factors could affect sexual satisfaction of married women. Therefore, development of educational programs, pre-marriage counseling and continuous education should be conducted.

Anemia and Its Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending Debre Berhan Referral Hospital, North-East Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Anemia is one of the common complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), which has an adverse effect on the progression and development of other diabetes-related complications. In spite of this, relatively little information is available on the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Thus, this study assessed the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among T2DM patients at Debre Berhan Referral Hospital (DBRH), North-East, Ethiopia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to May 30, 2019, among 249 T2DM patients with follow up at DBRH, selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory tests; such as hemoglobin measurements, red blood indices, and serum creatinine analysis. The data were coded and entered into Epi-data manager version 4.4.1.0, and analysis by using SPSS version 22 was carried out. To identify the determinant factors of anemia, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The study showed 20.1% of the participants were anemic. Being age >60 years (AOR=3.06, 95% CI: 1.32-7.11), poor glycemic control (AOR=2.95, 95% CI: 1.22-7.15), eGFR 60-89.9 mL/min/1.73m2 (AOR=2.91, 95% CI: 1.15-7.37), eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m2 (AOR=6.58, 95% CI: 2.42-17.93), DM duration >10 years (AOR= AOR=2.75, 95% CI: 1.17-6.48), and having diabetic complications (AOR=3.81, 95% CI: 1.65-8.81) were significantly associated with anemia. CONCLUSION: One out of five T2DM patients had anemia. Poor glycemic control, decreased eGFR, presence of DM complications, duration of DM >10 years, and age >60 years were significantly associated with the occurrence of anemia among T2DM. Regular screening for anemia in all T2DM patients may help in the early detection and management of anemia.

Quality of Care Delivered to Tuberculosis Patients among Public Hospitals in Central Northeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate Tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment contributes to unfavorable health outcome among TB patients. Improving quality of healthcare service helps to avert TB related morbidity. Despite these facts, the level of quality of service is not known in the hospitals. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess the quality of care delivered to TB patients among public hospitals. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 15 to April 30, 2019 in North Shewa Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia. All TB patients who had follow-up in the hospitals were included. This resulted in the involvement of 82 TB patients. Data was collected by trained data collectors using facility audit, clinical observation checklists, structured questionnaire and in-depth interview. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to identify the predictors of patients' satisfaction. RESULTS: In this study, 82 respondents with a mean age of 36.48 (±13.27) years were participated. The mean quality score for structural dimension was 59.5%, and 53.7% of participants were found to be satisfied in outcome dimension. The mean score for process dimension of quality of service were 67.9%. Having TB symptoms were significantly associated with the level of patient satisfaction towards TB care [AOR = 0.217, p = 0.015]. CONCLUSION: Quality of TB services from structural and outcome dimension were low and higher in process dimension. Thus, careful attention on the quality of services will help to reduce the burden of TB.

Visual impairment and associated factors among primary school children in Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Visual impairment is one of the major public health problems worldwide, especially in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of visual impairment and its associated factors among school children in Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in eight primary schools of Gurage Zone. A total of 1064 pupils, of whom589 boys and 475 girls were selected using multistage sampling technique. Socio-demographic characteristics of the participants were collected using structured questionnaires and visual acuity was measured using Snellen's chart. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the associated factors of visual impairment. RESULTS: The prevalence of visual impairment was 5.2%. Factors significantly associated with visual impairment were age group of 13-18 years (AOR = 9.44, 95% CI = 3.83 - 23.25), school grade level of 5- 8 (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.23 - 7.17), rural residents (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.22 - 5.54), family's monthly income of less than 2000 Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.08 - 7.61) and visually impaired parents (AOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.06 - 4.39). CONCLUSION: This study found that the prevalence of visual impairment was 5.2%.

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its associated factors among adults in Abeshge District, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the major public health problems worldwide. Despite an increasing burden of COPD in the world, it is often a neglected disease in low income countries and COPD prevalence studies are rare in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of COPD and its associated factors among adults in Ethiopia. METHODS: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from February 5 to May 20, 2019 in Abeshge district, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 734 adults aged at least 30 years were selected using multistage cluster sampling technique and included in the study. All participants were interviewed about socio-demographic characteristics, respiratory symptoms, smoking status and clinical characteristics. Moreover, all participants underwent spirometry. We defined COPD as a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC of less than 70%. Data were entered into Epi-data manager 4.4 and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were used and p-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: Of the 779 adults invited to participate, 734 adults (421 men and 313 women) were participated in this study. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 39.15 (± 9.36) years, within the age range of 30-75 years. The prevalence of COPD was 17.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 15.1-20.6). Factors significantly associated with COPD were age above 50 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.91, 95% CI [1.10, 3.30]), being smoker (AOR = 4.54, 95% CI [2.69, 7.66]), Exposed to biomass smoke (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI [1.06, 3.95]) and poor ventilated kitchen (AOR = 4.12, 95% CI [2.67, 6.34]). CONCLUSION: It is evident from this study that the prevalence of COPD in Ethiopia is high. Factors such as old age, cigarette smoking, exposure to biomass smoke and poor kitchen ventilation plays a role in the development of COPD.

Magnitude of enteropathogens and associated factors among apparently healthy food handlers at Wolkite University Student's Cafeteria, Southern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess enteropathogens carriage rate and risk factors among apparently healthy food handlers at Wolkite University cafeteria, Southern Ethiopia. RESULTS: Cross-sectional study was conducted among 170 food handlers to collect socio-demographic and related data by using structured questionnaires. Stool samples were collected and subjected to microscopic examination and cultured to determine intestinal parasites. Among the total study participants, 66% of them were found to be carriers of enteropathogens: bacteria (Salmonella typhi, Shigella species), and intestinal parasites (Ascaris lumbricoides,Taenia species, Giardia lamblia, Entameoba histolytica/dispar, Enterobius vermicularis, Hook worm and Trichuris trichiura). All Salmonella and Shigella isolates were sensitive to ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin. A significant association was found between hand washing practice before food preparation and isolated pathogens [p = 0.013]. A significant proportion of food handlers were found to be carriers of pathogens which require a periodic screening and antibiotic therapy monitoring.

Knowledge of obstetric danger signs and its associated factors among pregnant women in Angolela Tera District, Northern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of danger signs of obstetric complications is the first essential step in accepting appropriate and timely referral to maternal and newborn care units. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of obstetric danger signs and associated factors among pregnant women in Angolela Tera district, Northern Ethiopia. A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 563 pregnant women who were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested and interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analysis were performed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23. RESULTS: A total of 563 pregnant women were included in the study. About 211 (37.5%) women were knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs. Attending formal education, urban residence, time taken less than 20 min to reach health facility on foot, two or more history of pregnancies and receiving health education were found to be significantly associated with being knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs. A significant proportion of pregnant women in the study area were not knowledgeable about obstetric danger signs. Hence, continuous health education and appropriate counseling to pregnant mothers should be performed.

Effect of nutritional status of pregnant women on birth weight of newborns at Butajira Referral Hospital, Butajira, Ethiopia.

BACK GROUND: Maternal nutritional status influences the developmental environment of the fetus which consequently affects the birth weight of the newborn. However, the association between maternal nutritional factors and birth weight is complex and is not well characterized in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of maternal anthropometry and biochemical profile on birth weight of babies at Butajira Referral Hospital, Butajira, Ethiopia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 337 pregnant women at the hospital. Socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics were collected using pre-tested questionnaires. Blood sample was collected from each pregnant women for determination of total serum protein, total serum cholesterol and hemoglobin level. However, maternal dietary habits were not assessed in this study. RESULTS: A total of 337 pregnant women were involved in the study. The mean (standard deviation) birth weight of the newborns was 3.14 ± 0.46 kg. After adjusting for different maternal factors, parity (p = 0.013), hemoglobin level (p = 0.046), pre-pregnancy body mass index (p < 0.001) and weight gain during pregnancy (p < 0.001) were positively associated with birth weight of the newborns, while the associations with total protein (p = 0.822) and total cholesterol (p = 0.423) were not significant. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that nutritional status of pregnant women as indicated by maternal anthropometry and hemoglobin level was associated with birth weight of the baby. Therefore, nutritional status of the pregnant women should be improved to reduce the risk of low birth weight.

Impact of chronic khat (Catha edulis Forsk) chewing on pulmonary function test and oxygen saturation in humans: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic consumption of khat affects many organ systems and leads to various health disturbances in the chewers. Few studies examined the acute effects of khat ingestion on lung function parameters. However, studies which assessed the long-term effects of khat chewing on pulmonary function parameters and oxygen saturation are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of chronic Khat chewing on pulmonary function parameters and oxygen saturation among chronic Khat chewers in Wolkite, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Wolkite, Ethiopia from 1 June 2018 to 15 August 2018. A total of 324 participants, 162 khat chewers and 162 non-chewers were included in the study. The data were collected through face-to-face interview by trained data collectors. British Medical Research Council respiratory questionnaire was used to assess respiratory symptoms. A spirometer was used to assess various lung function parameters. Moreover, oxygen saturation of hemoglobin was measured using pulse oximeter. Data were entered into CSPro version 6.2 and analyzed using SPSS version 23. RESULTS: This study showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the mean values of forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in first second and maximum ventilation volume among khat chewers as compared to non-chewers. There was no significant difference in the mean values of other lung function parameters between the two groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference (p = 0.642) in mean oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SaO2) across the two groups. CONCLUSION: It is evident from this study that long-term khat consumption is associated with decreased mean forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in first second and maximum ventilation volume. Hence, there is a need for further study to strengthen the current findings and to explore the mechanisms of khat chewing effect on lung function parameters.

Association of Chronic Khat Chewing with Blood Pressure and Predictors of Hypertension Among Adults in Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: The leaves of the Khat plant contain amphetamine-like compounds which are implicated in the development of hypertension. The increase in blood pressure coincides with the plasma cathinone level. Other factors associated with hypertension are being overweight, obesity, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and stress. Thus, this study assessed the association of chronic khat chewing with hypertension and other factors associated with hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Acommunity based comparative cross-sectional study was undertaken from October 5, 2018 to February 15, 2019 in Gurage zone, southern Ethiopia. A total of 1200 adults (600 chewers and 600 non-chewers) aged 18 - 65 years were selected using a convenience sampling method. The data was collected by an interviewer-administered questionnaire plus physical measurements and were carried out at a fixed time of the day in the morning (7: 00 am-10:00 am). Linear regression and binary logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the determinant factors of blood pressure. The test of statistically significant association was declared by using 95% CI and p-value less than 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 1198 adults participated in the study giving a response rate of 99.8%. The mean age of Khat chewers were 34 (± 11.27) and non-chewers were 34.73 (± 11.48) years. The mean values of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were higher in chewers than in non-chewers (p < 0.001). The prevalence of diastolic blood pressure > 80mmHg was significantly higher among Khat chewers than in non-chewers (17.4% versus 8.7%, p < 0.001). The duration of Khat chewing was significantly associated with systolic blood pressure (Beta coefficient = 0.83, p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (Beta coefficient = 0.51, p < 0.001). The sex, age, BMI and alcohol were significantly associated with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Chronic Khat chewing, male sex, BMI and alcohol were associated with increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure. To assess the cause and effect relationship between chronic Khat chewing and hypertension further studies with better defined cohorts and basic science studies need to be undertaken.

Prevalence of color vision deficiency among school children in Wolkite, Southern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: Colour vision deficiency is the commonest disorders of vision and undiagnosed colour vision defect could pose a handicap to the performance of an affected student. The prevalence of colour blindness varies in different geographical area and ethnicity. Hence, a cross sectional study was conducted among school children in Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia from April 15 to June 20, 2018. Socio-demographic data was collected on a face to face interview using structured questionnaire. All study participants underwent color vision evaluation using Ishihara's pseudo isochromatic test 38 plate editions. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 23. RESULTS: A total of 844 (471 boys and 373 girls) school children were screened for colour vision. The overall prevalence of colour vision deficiency was 4.1%, comprised of 3.6% in boys and 0.6% in girls. Out of 35 color blind subjects, 15 (42.9%) and 20 (57.1%) were the victims of protan and deutan defects respectively. Majority of the colour blind subjects were not aware of their colour vision status. Hence, the study concluded that the prevalence of colour vision deficiency in our study is significant and colour vision screening among school should be performed.

Prevalence of thrombocytopenia before and after initiation of HAART among HIV infected patients at black lion specialized hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Hematological abnormalities are common in HIV positive patients. Of these, thrombocytopenia is a known complication which has been associated with a variety of bleeding disorders. However, its magnitude and related factors have not been well-characterized in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of thrombocytopenia before and after initiation of HAART among HIV positive patients attending Black Lion Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted from February to April 2017 in Black Lion Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 176 patients on HAART were selected using simple random sampling techniques. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the study patients were collected using structured questionnaire. Measurements of platelet counts and CD4 + T cell counts were made using Sysmex XT 2000i hematology analyzer and BD FACS Count CD4 analyzer, respectively. Statistical analysis of the data (Paired T- test and binary logistic regression) was done using SPSS version 20. P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 176 patients (Age > 18 years old) were enrolled in this study and had a mean age of 40.08 ± 9.38 years. There was significant increase in the mean values of platelet counts (218.44 ± 106.6 × 103/µl vs 273.65 ± 83.8 × 103/µl, p < 0.001) after six months of HAART initiation compared to the baseline. Prevalence of thrombocytopenia before and after HAART initiation was 25 and 5.7% respectively. HIV patients whose CD4 counts < 200 Cells/µl were more likely to have thrombocytopenia than HIV patients whose CD4 count ≥350 Cells/µl. However, it was not statistically associated with prevalence of thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that the prevalence of thrombocytopenia after HAART initiation was decreased significantly. Based on our results, a number of study participants still had thrombocytopenia after initiation of HAART. Therefore, continuous screening for thrombocytopenia among HIV infected patients should be performed to decrease the risk of morbidity and mortality.