Ambo University Referral Hospital Research Articles

Causes, management outcome, and associated factors in patients admitted with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction to Ambo University Referral Hospital: a 3-year retrospective chart review

Causes, management outcome, and associated factors in patients admitted with a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction to Ambo University Referral Hospital: a 3-year retrospective chart review

A cross-sectional study measuring the magnitude of depression and associated factors among patients attending orthopedic outpatient clinic at Ambo University Referral Hospital, Ambo Town, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023.

Depression is a leading cause of major public health problems globally, and its frequency has been increasing, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries. The prevalence of depression in sub-Saharan Africa ranges from 15 to 30%. In Ethiopia, depression is found to be the seventh leading cause of disease burden, yet no study was done in West Shewa, Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of depression and associated factors among adult orthopedic outpatients getting treatment at Ambo University Referral Hospital, West Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia, in 2023. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 391 adult orthopedic patients from January 1-30, 2023. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study subjects. The data were collected by using a structured questionnaire and checklist through face-to-face interviews and chart review techniques. The collected data were entered into Epi-data, version 4.6, and then exported to SPSS, version 26.0, for statistical analysis. The binary logistic regression model was fitted, and both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed. The magnitude of depression was found to be 38.9% (95% CI: 34.5%, 43.9%), being female [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.41; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45-4.00], chewing chat (AOR=2.39; 95% CI: 1.29-4.43), and no disorder on the lower limb (AOR=0.24; 95% CI: 0.07-0.85), had ligament injury (AOR=2.62; 95% CI: 1.23-5.59), had no complication (AOR=0.07; 95% CI: 0.01-0.52), and had amputation (AOR=3.83; 95% CI: 2.09-7.00) were significantly associated with depression. The study found that the prevalence of depression among orthopedic patients was considerable; nearly half of the participants developed depression at Ambo University Referral Hospital, and being female, chewing chat, having no disorder on the lower limb, having a ligament injury, having a complication, and being amputated were significantly associated with depression. Therefore, due attention is needed from concerned bodies in order to tackle this problem.

Burden and Predictors of Diabetic Nephropathy in an Adult With Diabetes Mellitus Patients on Follow up at Ambo University Referral Hospital Central, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing evidence of Diabetic Nephropathy in adult patients with long-standing diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa, data on its burden and correlates in adult African patients with diabetes are limited. We, therefore, undertook this study to determine the burden and predictors of Diabetic Nephropathy among adult population with diabetes in Hospital. OBJECTIVE: We, therefore, undertook this study to determine the burden and predictors of Diabetic Nephropathy among adult population with diabetes in Ambo University Referral Hospital Central, Ethiopia. METHODS: A Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August, 2023 and a systematic random sampling method used to recruit participants. A total of 4,300 were interviewed using structured questionnaires to gather data from the study subjects. For data entry and analysis, Epi Data version 3.1.1 and SPSS version 25 were used. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done after descriptive statistics. 95% confidence intervals (CI) and crude and adjusted odds ratios were presented. RESULTS: Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) was documented in population was 24.9% from the 369 participants (95%; CI 23.37– 26.43) participants among the study). Male sex [AOR = 2.215; 95% CI: 1.34, 3.45, p = 0.002], physically inactive [AOR = 1.983; 95% CI: 1.05, 3.70), P = 0.034], dyslipidaemia [AOR: 1.98, CI: 1.009, 3.5), P = 0.024] and poor controlled glycemia [AOR= 2.70; 1.40, 5.2), P = 0.003] were significant determinants for the development of Diabetic Nephropathy. CONCLUSION: Among DM patients, sex, physical inactivity, dyslipidaemia, and poor glycemic control were discovered to be the predictors of diabetic nephropathy. By enhancing programs for health information, education, and promotion, diabetes management should be better equipped to achieve glycaemic control and prevent diabetic nephropathy.

Burden and Predictors of Diabetic Nephropathy in an Adult With Diabetes Mellitus Patients on Follow up at Ambo University Referral Hospital Central Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Despite the growing evidence of Diabetic Nephropathy in adult patients with long-standing diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa, data on its burden and correlates in adult African patients with diabetes are limited. We, therefore, undertook this study to determine the burden and predictors of Diabetic Nephropathy n an adult population with diabetes in Hospital. OBJECTIVE: We, therefore, undertook this study to determine the burden and predictors of Diabetic Nephropathy n an adult population with diabetes in Hospital. METHODS: A Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August, 2023 and a systematic random sampling method used to recruit participants. A total of 4,300 diabetics are under observation. The interviewer used structured questionnaires to gather data from the study subjects. For data entry and analysis, Epi Data version 3.1.1 and SPSS version 25 were used. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done after descriptive statistics. 95% confidence intervals (CI) and crude and adjusted odds ratios were presented. RESULTS: Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) was documented in population was 24.9% from the 369 participants (95%; CI 23.37– 26.43) participants among the study). Male sex [AOR = 2.215; 95% CI: 1.34, 3.45, p = 0.002], physically inactive [AOR = 1.983; 95% CI: 1.05, 3.70), P = 0.034], dyslipidaemia [AOR: 1.98, CI: 1.009, 3.5), P = 0.024] and poor controlled glycemia [AOR= 2.70; 1.40, 5.2), P = 0.003] were significant determinants for the development of Diabetic Nephropathy. Therefore, it is advised that healthcare professionals pay close attention to patients who have recognized related factors during follow-up in order to reduce the likelihood of DN. CONCLUSION: Among DM patients, sex, physical inactivity, dyslipidaemia, and poor glycemic control were discovered to be the predictors of diabetic nephropathy. By enhancing programs for health information, education, and promotion, diabetes management should be better equipped to achieve glycaemic control and prevent diabetic nephropathy. Male sex, sedentary lifestyles, dyslipidemia, and patients with poor glycemic control need to receive more attention.

Attitudes of Older Adult Patients and Caregivers Towards Deprescribing of Medications in Ethiopia.

Deprescribing is essential for reducing inappropriate medication use and polypharmacy. For a holistic approach, it is essential to know how older adult patients and their caregivers perceive deprescribing. To assess the attitude of older adult patients and caregivers towards deprescribing medication at Ambo University Referral Hospital. Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted using the revised Patients' Attitude Towards Deprescribing tool (rPATD). The data was analyzed using the SPSS-25 software. Backward linear regression and logistic regression were used to measure association between outcome and determinant variables. The two-sided P-value ≤0.05 with 95% confidence interval was utilized for reporting significant factors. One hundred fifty-six (81.3%) of the respondents (ie, 85.0% of older adult and 77.2% of caregivers) agreed to stop one or more of their regular medications if the physician said it was possible despite 98 (51.0%) of them (ie, 49.0% of older adult and 53.3% of caregivers) being satisfied with their/their care recipient's medications. On the overall aggregate mean score, the respondents had a neutral position (2.6-3.59) regarding the burden and concerns of stopping medications whereas the majority of them disagree (1.0-2.59) with the inappropriateness of the medication they were taking and agreed (3.6-5.0) with the need for their involvement in treatment decision making. Concerns about stopping medicine scores (AOR = 0.440, 95% CI = 0.262-0.741, P = 0.035) and perceived levels of medication inappropriateness (AOR = 0.653, 95% CI = 0.456-0.936, P = 0.020) was significantly associated with the willingness to discontinue and overall satisfaction with their medicine regimen respectively. The majority of older adult patients and caregivers would like to deprescribe if the physicians recommended it. The perceived concerns of stopping and inappropriateness of the medicines were associated with the willingness to deprescribe and overall satisfaction with their medicine respectively. Healthcare providers should prompt the deprescribing process with older adult patients and caregivers by addressing their concerns about stopping medications.

Dyslipidemia and its associated factors among adult cardiac patients at Ambo university referral hospital, Oromia region, west Ethiopia

BackgroundCardiovascular disease is a cluster of illnesses that affect the heart and blood vessels. Dyslipidemia is the most common risk factor for cardiovascular disease, causing more than 4 million deaths each year worldwide. However, there is very little evidence concerning the prevalence and pattern of dyslipidemia among cardiac patients in Ethiopia.MethodsHospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2022 at Ambo University referral hospital. Data on socio-demographic, clinical and anthropometric features were collected from adults with cardiac diseases using a convenient sampling technique. Lipid profiles and uric acid were measured from overnight fasting blood. The national cholesterol education program adult treatment panel (NCEP-ATP) III criteria was used to define dyslipidemia.ResultsA total of 269 participants were enrolled and the overall 76.6% [95% confidence interval (CI):72.1–81] of patients had at least one dyslipidemia. The prevalence of total cholesterol (TC) ⩾200 mg/dl, triglyceride (TG), LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol < 40 mg/dl were 38.9%, 44.6%, 29.4%, and 53.5%, respectively. Age > 54 was associated with TC and TG dyslipidemia, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and (95% CI) were 2.6(1.4–4.8) and 2.4(1.2–4.7), respectively. While, a family history of heart disease, sedentary lifestyle and obesity were associated with TC dyslipidemia, aOR (95%CI) were 1.9(1.1–3.5), 1.4 (1.4–14.6) and 6.7 (1.4–32.5), respectively. In addition, diabetetes mellitus and abdominal obesity were significantly associated with TG dyslipidemia, aOR (95%CI) were 1.9(1.0–3.6) and 2.6(1.16–5.8), respectively. Moreover, uric acid was positively correlated with TC and TG level.ConclusionsThe results indicate that more than 75% of the cardiac patients had at least one dyslipidemia. This reflects the need for regular monitoring of lipid profiles and intensive counseling in this population to mitigate further cardio-metabolic complications.

Jaundice and its associated factors among neonates admitted to selected referral hospitals in southwest oromia, Ethiopia: Multi-center cross-sectional study

BackgroundJaundice is a common clinical problem during the first month of birth throughout the world. Mainly, it is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. ObjectivesThe aimed of this studied was to assess predictors of jaundice among neonates admitted to selected referral hospitals in southwest Oromia, Ethiopia, 2021. MethodsAn Institutional based cross-sectional study was implemented among 205 admitted neonates at selected referral hospitals in southwest Oromia, Ethiopia from October 05 to November 5, 2021. Jimma medical center (JMC), Wollega University referral hospital (WURH), and Ambo University Referral hospital (AURH) were selected by simple random sampling technique. A pretested structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and medical record review was used to collect data. Both binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with neonatal jaundice. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with neonatal jaundice. Statistical Significance was declared at P-value less than 0.05 in the final model, and if the confidence interval does not include the null hypothesis value. ResultsThe prevalence of neonatal jaundice was 20.5% (95%CI: 1.74–1.85). The mean age of neonates was 8.6 ± 7.8 days. Traditional medicine use during current pregnancy (AOR: 5.62, 95%CI: 1.07, 9.52), Rh incompatibility (AOR: 0.045, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.21), gestational age (AOR: 4.61, 95%CI: 1.05, 10.3), premature rupture of membrane (AOR: 3.76, 95%CI: 1.58, 8.93) and hypertension (mother) (AOR: 3.99, 95%CI: 1.13, 14.02) were factors significantly associated with neonatal jaundice. ConclusionNeonatal jaundice was relatively higher in the current study. Traditional medicine use, Rh incompatibility, premature ruptures of membrane, hypertension, and preterm gestational age were factors associated with neonatal jaundice.

Prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer and its associated factors among diabetes patients on follow up at public hospitals in West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia”

ObjectivesDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a growing health problem today. Diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) is the devastating complication. There is very limited information currently available in this regard at study area. Hence, in this study, we aimed to assess Prevalence and Associated Factors with diabetes foot ulcer among Diabetes Patients on Follow-up at Public Hospitals in West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2021 and a systematic random sampling method used to recruit study participants. A total of 4,807 diabetics are under observation. Among these proportionally allocated sample hospitals, Ambo University Referral Hospital, Ambo General Hospital, Guder Hospital and Gedo General Hospital were 1700, 1507, 600 and 1000 respectively. Data were collected by the interviewer using structured questionnaires from the study participants. Epi data version 3.1.1 and SPSS version 25 were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Descriptive statistics followed by multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed. Both crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals CIs were reported. ResultsThe Prevalence of diabetes foot ulcers in this study was 18.7% (95%; CI 14.1 23.3). Marital status {AOR: 3.46; 95% CI:(1.41, 8.48), P = 0.007}, Diabetes peripheral neuropathy {AOR: 4.30, 95% CI:(1.67, 11.10), P = 0.002} and deformity {AOR: 17.546, 95% CI: (6.95, 44.3), P = 0.000} were significant determinants for the development of diabetes foot ulcer. Thus, health care providers are recommended to thoroughly give emphasis during follow-up of patients with identified factors to decrease the occurrence of diabetes foot ulcers.

Opportunities, associations, and impact of early intravenous to oral antimicrobial switch for hospitalized patients in Ethiopia.

Short intravenous antimicrobial therapy for 2-3 days followed by its per oral comparable antimicrobial course is a crucial part of the antimicrobial stewardship program. However, nothing is known about this practice in Ethiopian hospitals. Therefore, this study assessed the proportion, associations, and outcomes of early intravenous to per oral antimicrobial switch for patients who were admitted to the three wards of Ambo University Referral Hospital. A hospital-based prospective cohort pilot study was conducted. During the 3-month period, 117 patients met initial inclusion criteria and were followed until Day 3 of intravenous antimicrobial. Of these, 92 (78.6%) subsequently met criteria for early intravenous to per oral switch and are the cohort investigated in this study. Written informed consent was sought from participants and/or parents or guardian for ages 15-17 years. Logistic regression models and independent t-tests were done with a significance of p ⩽ 0.05. Out of 92 study participants, early intravenous to per oral antimicrobial switch was done only for 36 (39.1%). The only independent predictors for lack of early intravenous to per oral antimicrobials switch were poly-pharmacy (adjusted odds ratio = 3.4 at 95% confidence interval, 1.036-11.16; p = 0.044). There was a significant difference in terms of mean length of hospital stay (8.80 ± 3.57 versus 3.17 ± 0.74; p < 0.0001), in-hospital complication rate (95% versus 5%; p < 0.0001), and the mean cost of healthcare in Ethiopian Birrs (652.29 ± 403.29 versus 126.67 ± 29.47; p < 0.0001) between the comparator/early intravenous to per oral not switched and early switched group, respectively. The proportion of early intravenous to per oral antimicrobial switch was unsatisfactory. There was a significant difference between the intervention and comparator groups in terms of length of hospital stay, in-hospital complications, and extra cost. Therefore, implementation of interventions that improve the practice of early intravenous to per oral switch is needed urgently.

Evaluation of serum lipid profiles, uric acid, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels between pregnancy-induced hypertension and normotensive pregnant women attending Ambo University Referral Hospital, Ambo, Ethiopia, 2020: A case-control study.

Background and AimsPregnancy‐induced hypertension is one of the top three ranked diseases during pregnancy that cause maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. To provide adequate information to clinicians and researchers who are striving for potential interventions, biochemical profiling of such patients is required.MethodsA hospital‐based case‐control study design was conducted from August 2020 to May 2021 to evaluate serum lipid profile, uric acid, and high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) among women with pregnancy‐induced hypertension compared to normotensive pregnant women. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Independent t‐test and χ 2 were used to compare the relationship of variables between the two groups. A p‐value less than 0.05 was used to test statistical significance.ResultsThe result of this study showed that while the levels (mean ± SD) of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), TC/high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C), TG/HDL‐C, LDL‐C/HDL‐C were significantly elevated, HDL‐C was decreased among women with pregnancy‐induced hypertension than normotensive pregnant women (p < 0.0001). The levels (mean ± SD) of uric acid and hs‐CRP were significantly higher among women with pregnancy‐induced hypertension compared to normotensive pregnant women (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThis study indicated that pregnancy‐induced hypertension women have lipid abnormalities, increased systemic inflammatory markers, and hyperuricemia compared to normotensive pregnant women. Thus, women with PIH showing high dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, and inflammation are likely to develop hypertension. Therefore, evaluation of these potential biomarkers during early antenatal care services may help seek interventions in PIH.

Prevalence and predictors of thrombocytopenia among HAART naive HIV positive patients at Ambo University Referral Hospital

BackgroundDeranged hematological parameters, including thrombocytopenia, are features of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Thrombocytopenia is the second most frequent complication of HIV infection. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of thrombocytopenia among HAART naive people living with HIV at Ambo University referral hospital. MethodsHospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Ambo university referral hospital from June 2021 to September 2021. The data were gathered retrospectively from the patients' medical cards. The collected data was processed and analyzed using SPSS version 24 and presented as a table and figure, then interpreted based on the findings. Logistic regression was drawn with a p-value of less than 0.05 accepted as statistically significant. ResultsMost of the study participants were females 68(60.7%). The mean ± SD age of the patients was 36.46 ± 9.6 years, ranging from 19 to 67 years. The overall prevalence of thrombocytopenia was 13(11.6%). In terms of CD4 count, study participants with a CD4 count less than 350 were nearly 14 times more likely to have thrombocytopenia than those with a CD4 count greater than 500 (AOR = 13.76, 95% CI) (1.368–138.49). Participants in the study who were treated with AZT containing HAART were 9 times more likely to develop thrombocytopenia than their counterparts (AOR = 9.49, 95% CI (1.732–5202). ConclusionA decreased CD4 number and the presence of other medical co-morbidity showed to have increased risks towards the presence of thrombocytopenia. Therefore, to decrease thrombocytopenic-related mortality and morbidity, there should be continuous screening for HIV-infected patients.

Outcomes and Associated Factors Among Adult Patients Admitted to Adult Intensive Care Unit, Retrospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Background: Intensive care unit represent a multidisciplinary and inter-professional specialty dedicated to the total management of patients with acute life threatening condition. Now a day the care is advancing; however, in resource limited country like Ethiopia the care is very poor if any and mortality still high because of numerous reasons. Objective: To determine outcome with its associated factors of adult patient admitted to adult intensive care unit (AICU), Ambo University Referral Hospital, and Ambo. Ethiopia. Method: After obtaining ethical clearance, a retrospective institution-based cohort study was used. Data were retrieved from all intensive care unit (ICU) admitted patients (from September 2019 to December 2021) using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and the collected data was entered into Epi info and transported to SPSS for analysis. Risk factors and their associations were assessed by logistic regression, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used, P value 0.05 on multivariate logistic regression was considered statistically significant. Result: Five hundred and fifty patients have been admitted to the intensive care unit. However; only 390 patients had completed data and were analyzed. Majority 203 (52.1%) of participants were men and 155 patients were supplied by the medical service. The overall mortality rate was 46.9%, and significantly associated with Glasgow coma scale &lt; 9 (AOR = 3.7, P value &lt; 0.001), patient with coexisting disease (AOR = 2.2, P value 0.001). AOR = 1.9, P-value 0.011). mechanical ventilation requirements (AOR = 2.6, P-value 0.001) and patients who stayed less than four days in intensive care are more likely to die than patients who stayed longer than four days (AOR = 2.4, P value &lt; 0.001). Conclusion and recommendation: The overall death rate in the intensive care unit is high and patient with low Glasgow coma scale, coexisting disease, need of mechanical ventilation short duration of stay are associated with mortality in intensive care unit. Therefore; we recommend the improvement of acute intensive care through the expansion of care, the provision of emergency equipment, drugs and human resources from different disciplines. Highlights

Adherence to Guidelines for Assessment and Empiric Antibiotics Recommendations for Community-Acquired Pneumonia at Ambo University Referral Hospital: Prospective Observational Study.

ObjectiveThe high incidence and substantial morbidity and mortality associated with community-acquired pneumonia necessitate an accurate assessment and appropriate management of patients. This observational prospective study aimed to evaluate the physicians’ adherence to the Ethiopian Standard Treatment Guideline for assessment and an empiric antibiotic selection for Community-acquired pneumonia.ResultsThe study indicated that the pneumonia severity assessment tool, CURB-65 score, was never used. Of 141 patients referred to an admitting diagnosis of severe community-acquired pneumonia, only 50 were subsequently found to satisfy the guideline criteria, over-diagnosis of 41.9%. Large proportions of the participants (130, 60%) were prescribed antibiotics in the last three months. The most commonly prescribed single antibiotic was Ceftriaxone (47, 21.7%), while ceftriaxone plus azithromycin was the most common combination, 110 (50.7%). In general, the extent of non-adherence to the national guideline for the use of antibiotics was 36.4%. In conclusion, the use of CRB65 scores was uncommon in the study setting. Poor adherence to Ethiopian Standard Treatment Guideline regarding the decision of hospital admission (41.9%) and the antimicrobial selection (36.4%) was determined.

Clinical Characteristics, Treatment Outcomes, and its Predictors Among Hospitalized Stroke Patients in Ambo University Referral Hospital, West Ethiopia: A Retrospective Hospital-Based Study.

BackgroundStroke is becoming a leading cause of death and adult disability in the developing world.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to assess the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and its predictors among stroke patients admitted to Ambo University Referral Hospital (AURH), West Ethiopia.MethodsAll 111 stroke patients hospitalized from April 2016 to May 2019 were included using a hospital-based retrospective study. Socio-demographic profile, past medication history, clinical presentation, drugs prescribed for comorbid condition and stroke treatment, and outcomes data were collected using data abstraction formats and results were summarized using both descriptive and inferential statistics.Key FindingsAccording to WHO clinical criteria, 89 (80.2%) were diagnosed with ischemic stroke, and 20 (18.0%) were diagnosed with hemorrhagic stroke. The majority of the patients 94 (84.7%) had at least one antecedent risk factor in which hypertension accounted for 44.1%. More than half, 69 (62.2%), of hospitalized stroke patients had good treatment outcomes while 42 (37.8%) had a poor outcome. The overall case-fatality rate was 18 (16.2%), 12 (13.5%) from ischemic stroke, and 6 (30.0%) from hemorrhagic stroke. Acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) with atorvastatin/simvastatin, 67 (73.5%) in ischemic stroke and 12 (60.0%) in hemorrhagic stroke, was the most frequent medications prescribed for stroke during admission while it was frequently prescribed for 48 (53.6%) of ischemic stroke and 10 (50.0%) of the hemorrhagic stroke on discharge. Overall, ceftriaxone + metronidazole 32 (28.8%) was frequently prescribed concomitant medications during admission. The major predictors identified for poor stroke outcomes were substance abuse (AOR=2.839, P=0.024) and have had not received any medication for stroke treatment during admission (AOR=12.503, P≤0.001).ConclusionA significant number of the admitted stroke patients had poor treatment outcome in which the case-fatality rate was relatively high. Substance abuse and having not received medication for stroke were the significant predictors for poor treatment outcome. Hence, a well-established stroke unit setup at AURH is required for accurate diagnosis and management of stroke to overcome stroke-related mortality and/or poor treatment outcome.

EIA: Art of construction management for different materials

Abstract “Excellent EIA leaders are the superior communicators”. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) at its heart is a practical tool for evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse. The main objective of this EIA report is to indicate the positive & negative impacts of the civil engineering project during its construction and to identify whether the projects are developing under the normal path as per the work schedule or not and also to suggest the mitigate measures to overcome any of the adverse impacts to the environment. The likely impacts of any proposed / on-going construction projects can be examined by compiling and assessing the multi-disciplinary information under EIA. In the current EIA study, an on– going building construction activity is undertaken to assess all the necessary information for the insight judgment and prediction on how effectively the project is proceeding, and to highlight all the major positive and negative impacts upon the on-going project; and finally to conclude the mitigative measures to overcome the negative impacts, in general. Keeping this as a keen view in mind, the study was conducted at On-going project in Ambo University Referral Hospital site, Ambo, Ethiopia. The data were collected through the structured questionnaire and all the major factors were analyzed, compiled and screened out.

Determinants of asthma disease control in Ambo University Referral Hospital: Observational cross-sectional study

Over a decade, different stakeholders have engaged concerted efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality related to asthma. Despite all these efforts, substantial proportions of asthmatic patients do not achieve proper asthma control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of asthma control and to assess the factors that might influence control of the disease. The study was conducted at the Ambo University Referral Hospital which is allied with College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University and serve for a training center for postgraduates and undergraduate medical and health sciences students. The study was conducted from February to March 2019 on a sample of 82 asthmatic patients. The dependent variable was asthma disease control, according to the Global Initiative for Asthma criteria. Accordingly, patients were classified into three classes; controlled, partially controlled and uncontrolled asthma. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with the poor asthma control. The results were represented as percentages in valid results. Continuous variables were represented as a mean and standard deviation (SD). The level of asthma disease control and analysis of factors associated with poor asthma control was the main outcome measure. Results revealed that a total of 82 asthmatic patients with a mean age (standard deviation [SD]) of 44.9 ± 8.9 of years were participating in the study. Only 23.2% of patients were controlled, 2.4% had partial control and 74.4% were poorly controlled. Large proportions of patients (89.02%) recruited were treated with short acting beta agonists (SABA) plus medium/high daily doses of corticosteroids.In multivariate analysis, patients having concomitant allergic rhinitis (Adjusted odds ratio= AOR: 7.87; 95% CI [1.13 - 11.75]) and chronic sinus (AOR: 13.31; 95% CI [1.57-17.40]), not used ICS (AOR: 4.45; 95% CI [1.17-9.94]) and female sex (AOR: 3.26; 95% CI [0.87-6.20]) had increased odds of uncontrolled asthma with p-value of <0.05. Thus, large proportions of patients had poorly controlled asthma. Female sex, unused inhalational corticosteroids, co-morbidities like allergic rhinitis and sinusitis significantly increased the odds of having uncontrolled asthma. Key words: Asthma, level of asthma control, determinants, Ambo University Referral Hospital.

COVID-19 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Prevention Practices Among People with Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus Attending Public Health Facilities in Ambo, Ethiopia.

BackgroundTo confirm effective preventive practice and reduce the risk of COVID-19 data on knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices (KAP) are essential. Therefore, the current study was designed to evaluate the KAP of COVID-19 among people with hypertension (HTN) and/or diabetes mellitus (DM) attending public health facilities in Ambo town.Patients and MethodsInstitutional-based cross-sectional study design was done among patients with HTN and/or DM from June 2020 to September 2020 at Ambo University Referral Hospital (AURH) and Ambo General Hospital (AGH). To identify the associated factors with poor practice and knowledge, logistic regression analyses were used.ResultsThe mean age of the study respondents was 44.6 years (± 9.84) of which the majority were male 235 (55.6%) and 159 (37.59%) of the participants had good knowledge. Concerning attitude, 335 (79.2%) have strongly believed that DM and HTN patients were more at risk of death because of COVID-19. Only 44 (10.4%) of them had a good level of COVID-19 prevention practice measures. Patients who use the source of information daily were 54.4% less likely to have poor knowledge about COVID-19 than those who use it weekly. Participants with no formal education were 3 times more likely to have poor COVID-19 prevention practice than those who were with formal education, and participants who have poor knowledge about COVID-19 were 2 times more likely to have poor COVID-19 prevention practice than those who have knowledge.ConclusionThe prevalence of poor knowledge about COVID-19 was low, and only less than ¾ of the participants strongly believed COVID-19 as a serious disease. A small percentage of participants had a good level of COVID-19 prevention practice. Good knowledge had an association with a good level of prevention practice. So, health sectors should work to increase accessibility of COVID-19 information.

Determinants of neonatal near miss among neonates admitted to Ambo University Referral Hospital and Ambo General Hospital, Ethiopia, 2019

Determinants of neonatal near miss among neonates admitted to Ambo University Referral Hospital and Ambo General Hospital, Ethiopia, 2019

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Among Type II Diabetic Patients in Ambo University Referral Hospital, Oromia, Ethiopia

Background: Diabetes is a chronic illness significantly affecting health of population throughout the world. In Africa, about 19.8 million adults are affected by diabetes and of these, more than 50% are from Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia and Tanzania. Knowledge is the greatest weapon in the fight against diabetes mellitus (DM). Self-management of patients with type two DM largely depends on the knowledge, attitude and practices of such people regarding the condition. Objective : The main objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of type II diabetes (T2DM) patients attending Ambo University referral hospital, Oromia, Ethiopia. Method : An institutional based cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 248 T2DM patients aged ≥30 years old from Ambo University Referral Hospital. Data regarding KAP of diabetic patients were collected using interview techniques. In addition, anthropometric data (body mass index and waist hip ratio) of the participants were collected and assessed. The tool for data collection contains socio demographic characteristics and medical factors. Descriptive statistics was used to set the KAP level among the respondents while logistic regression model was applied to test the association of KAP with various independent variables. Results: The mean of age among the respondents was 44(±7.2) years. Of 248 respondents, 105 (42.3%) were from rural. Among the total 248 respondents, about 111(44.8%), 117(47.2%) and 121(48.8%) were differentiated as not knowledgeable, having poor attitude and poor practice towards diabetes mellitus, respectively. Age, place of residence, level of education, average monthly income, history of diabetes and duration of living with DM were identified as factors affecting KAP towards diabetes. Both sex and occupational status were also factors affecting the knowledge level of T2DM patients, but not attitude and practice. Furthermore, knowledge level was affecting booth attitude and practice level of participants in the study area. Conclusion and Recommendation: This study found that there was a gap in knowledge, attitude and practice towards diabetes among T2DM patients in the study area. Therefore, a structured nutrition and health education should be given for T2DM patients through community based behavioral change communication to assist and improve the level of KAP towards DM in the study area. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Adults DOI: 10.7176/JMPB/66-01 Publication date: June 30th 2020

Associated Factors with Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Type II Diabetic Patients in Ambo University Referral Hospital, Ethiopia

Diabetes is a chronic illness significantly affecting health of population throughout the world. In Africa, about 19.8 million adults are affected by diabetes. Of these, more than 50% are from Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia and Tanzania. Knowledge is the greatest weapon in the fight against diabetes mellitus. Self-management of patients with type two diabetic mellitus (T2DM) largely depends on the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of such people regarding the condition. The main objective of this study was to assess factors associated with KAP of type II diabetes (T2DM) patients attending Ambo University referral hospital, Oromia, Ethiopia. An institutional based cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 248 T2DM patients aged ≥30 years old from Ambo University Referral Hospital. Data regarding KAP of diabetic patients were collected using interview techniques. In addition, anthropometric data of the participants were collected and assessed using WHO guidelines. Descriptive statistics was used to set the KAP level among the respondents while logistic regression model was applied to test the association of type two diabetic patients’ KAP with various independent variables. The mean of age among the respondents was 44 (±7.2) years. Of 248 respondents, 105 (42.3%) were from rural. Among the total 248 respondents, about 111 (44.8%), 117 (47.2%) and 121 (48.8%) were differentiated as not knowledgeable, having poor attitude and poor practice towards diabetes mellitus, respectively. Age, place of residence, level of education, average monthly income, history of diabetes and duration of living with diabetic mellitus were identified as factors affecting KAP towards diabetes. Both sex and occupational status were also factors affecting the knowledge level of T2DM patients. Furthermore, knowledge level was affecting both attitude and practice level of participants in the study area. This study found that there was a gap in KAP towards diabetes among T2DM patients in the study area. Therefore, a structured nutrition and health education should be given for T2DM patients through community based behavioral change communication (BCC) to improve the level of KAP towards diabetic mellitus in the study area.