Data In Ethiopia Research Articles

Management of hospital-acquired infections among patients hospitalized at Zewditu memorial hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A prospective cross-sectional study.

BackgroundHospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) are acquired when the patient is hospitalized for more than 48 hours. In Ethiopia data are scarce in management appropriateness of HAIs. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence and management of HAIs among patients admitted at Zewditu Memorial Hospital.MethodA facility based prospective cross sectional study was conducted from March 1, 2017 to August 30, 2017. The sample was proportionally allocated among (medical, pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics and surgical) wards, based on patient flow. Data were collected using data abstraction format and supplemented by key informant interview. Interview was made on eight physicians and four microbiologists who have been working in the wards during study period. Management appropriateness was assessed using Infectious Disease Society of America guideline and experts opinion (Infectious disease specialist). A multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with HAIs.ResultThe prevalence of HAIs was 19.8%. Surgical Site Infection (SSI) and pneumonia accounted for 20 (24.7%) of the infections. Culture and sensitivity was done for 24 (29.6%) patients. Of the 81 patients who developed HAIs, 54 (66.67%) of them were treated inappropriately. Physicians’ response for this variation was information gap, forgetfulness, affordability and availability issue of first line medications. Younger age (AOR (Adjusted odds ratio) = 8.53, 95% CI: 2.67–27.30); male gender (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.01–4.22); longer hospital stay (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06–0.51); and previous hospital admission (AOR = 3.22, 95% CI: 1.76–5.89); were independent predictors of HAIs.ConclusionPrevalence of HAIs and inappropriate management were substantially high in this study. Pneumonia and SSI were the common types of HAIs. Locally conformable guidelines could help to correct such problems.

Cross Assessment of Twenty-One Different Methods for Missing Precipitation Data Estimation

The results of metrological, hydrological, and environmental data analyses are mainly dependent on the reliable estimation of missing data. In this study, 21 classical methods were evaluated to determine the best method for infilling the missing precipitation data in Ethiopia. The monthly data collected from 15 different stations over 34 years from 1980 to 2013 were considered. Homogeneity and trend tests were performed to check the data. The results of the different methods were compared using the mean absolute error (MAE), root-mean-square error (RMSE), coefficient of efficiency (CE), similarity index (S-index), skill score (SS), and Pearson correlation coefficient (rPearson). The results of this paper confirmed that the normal ratio (NR), multiple linear regression (MLR), inverse distance weighting (IDW), correlation coefficient weighting (CCW), and arithmetic average (AA) methods are the most reliable methods of those studied. The NR method provides the most accurate estimations with rPearson of 0.945, mean absolute error of 22.90 mm, RMSE of 33.695 mm, similarity index of 0.999, CE index of 0.998, and skill score of 0.998. When comparing the observed results and the estimated results from the NR, MLR, IDW, CCW, and AA methods, the MAE and RMSE were found to be low, and high values of CE, S-index, SS, and rPearson were achieved. On the other hand, using the closet station (CS), UK traditional, linear regression (LR), expectation maximization (EM), and multiple imputations (MI) methods gave the lowest accuracy, with MAE and RMSE values varying from 30.424 to 47.641 mm and from 49.564 to 58.765 mm, respectively. The results of this study suggest that the recommended methods are applicable for different types of climatic data in Ethiopia and arid regions in other countries around the world.

Rationale and study design: A randomized controlled trial of early palliative care in newly diagnosed cancer patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Patient-reported outcomes and economic aspects of Palliative Care (PC) provision in low-income countries (LIC) are under-studied. Demonstrating the economic value of PC is key to sustainability and guiding health care policy. Our preliminary data in Ethiopia demonstrated a widespread need for PC, poor access to it, and high out of pocket payments (OOP). We suspect that in this and other LIC, PC may function not only to reduce suffering but also as a poverty reduction strategy.We are conducting a randomized controlled trial of standard Oncology care versus standard Oncology care plus PC in newly diagnosed cancer patients in Addis Ababa. Ninety-seven adults presenting to Oncology Clinic will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio. Subjects receiving PC will meet with a PC provider at time of enrollment and at follow up visits in their homes. All subjects will be assessed via questionnaire at enrollment and follow-up Oncology visits at 8 ± 4 and 12 ± 4 weeks. A cost-consequence analysis will be performed, to include: patient-reported OOP and healthcare utilization, the latter to be assessed through chart adjudication. Outcomes will include change in African Palliative Care Association Palliative Outcome Score, changes in OOP and healthcare utilization.We hypothesize that the cost of home-based PC will be offset by improvements in patient-reported outcomes, decreased OOP and healthcare utilization, rendering PC cost-effective in this LIC. These findings may lead to widespread dissemination of an effective, sustainable and cost-saving public PC delivery strategy that would improve the quality of life and death for millions of people. Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT03712436.

Proportion of Streptococcus agalactiae vertical transmission and associated risk factors among Ethiopian mother-newborn dyads, Northwest Ethiopia

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) vertical transmission causes fetal and neonatal colonization and diseases. However, there is scarcity of data in low-income countries including Ethiopia. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 98 GBS positive mothers, and their newborns to find proportion of vertical transmission. GBS was identified from swabs by using recommended methods and vertical transmission at birth was confirmed by the culture of body surface swabs of newborns within 30 minutes following birth. GBS positivity among swabbed specimens collected for other purposes was 160/1540 (10.4%); 98 were from 385 recto-vaginal swabs of pregnant women, and 62 were from 1,155 swabs of the 385 births. Of the 98 GBS positive cases, 62 newborns were GBS colonized with vertical transmission proportion of 63.3%(95% CI: 54.1–72.4%). We identified that the proportion of vertical transmission in this study was within the range of other many global studies, but higher than recently published data in Ethiopia. Maternal educational level, employment and lower ANC visit were significantly associated risk factors to GBS vertical transmission. Efforts need to be made to screen pregnant women during antenatal care and to provide IAP to GBS positive cases to reduce mother to newborn vertical transmission.

Prevalence of Vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe emergence of Vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) poses a major public health problem since it was first reported. Although the rising rates of VRE infections are being reported elsewhere in the worldwide; there is limited national pooled data in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of VRE and antimicrobial resistance profiles of enterococci in Ethiopia.MethodsLiterature search was done at PubMed, EMBASE, Google scholar, African Journals online (AJOL) and Addis Ababa University repository following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Both published and unpublished studies reporting the prevalence of VRE until June 30, 2019 were included. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and copied to Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA 2.0) for analysis. Pooled estimate of VRE was computed using the random effects model and the 95% CIs. The level of heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q and I2 tests. Publication bias was checked by visual inspection of funnel plots and Begg’s and/or Egger’s test.ResultsTwenty studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and found with relevant data. A total of 831 enterococci and 71 VRE isolates were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of VRE was 14.8% (95% CI; 8.7–24.3; I2 = 74.05%; P < 0.001). Compared to vancomycin resistance, enterococci had higher rate of resistance to Penicillin (60.7%), Amoxicillin (56.5%), Doxycycline (55.1%) and Tetracycline (53.7%). Relatively low rate of resistance was found for Daptomycin and Linezolid with a pooled estimate of 3.2% (95% CI, 0.5–19.7%) and 9.9% (95% CI, 2.8–29.0%); respectively. The overall pooled multidrug resistance (MDR) rate of enterococci was 60.0% (95% CI, 42.9–75.0%).ConclusionThe prevalence of VRE and drug resistant enterococci are on the rise in Ethiopia. Enterococcal isolates showed resistance to one or more of the commonly prescribed drugs in different or the same drug lines. Multidrug resistant (MDR) enterococci were also found. Although the rates were low, the emergence of resistance to Daptomycin and Linezolid is an alarm for searching new ways for the treatment and control of VRE infections. Adherence to antimicrobial stewardship, comprehensive testing and ongoing monitoring of VRE infections in the health care settings are required.

Unhealthy weight control behaviors among Ethiopian female adolescents.

Unhealthy weight control behaviors are a serious concern, impairing the quality of life in adolescents. Although recent epidemiological studies indicate a high level of disordered eating in developing countries, such data in Ethiopia are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to determine the extent of unhealthy weight control behaviors (i.e., purging and nonpurging) and corresponding associated factors among urban Ethiopian adolescents. A cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires was applied to 690 randomly selected female high school adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2017. Measures included unhealthy weight control behaviors, body mass index, subjective perception of body weight, appearance satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and socio-demographic factors. Logistic regression was applied for data analyses, that is, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The level of unhealthy weight control behaviors (i.e., a score of at least once a week in the last 1 month) was 30.7% (N = 208). Specifically, the extent of purging and nonpurging weight control behaviors was 1.5% (N = 10) and 29.8% (N = 202), respectively. Factors that were significantly associated with unhealthy weight control behaviors were perception of being overweight [aOR = 3.01; 95%CI: 1.11-8.11], being overweight [aOR = 3.28; 95%CI: 1.54-7.01], severe depression [aOR = 4.09; 95%CI: 1.73-9.96], and high socio-economic status [aOR = 2.07; 95%CI: 1.30-2.80]. This study reveals a considerable level of unhealthy weight control behaviors among female adolescents in an urban setting in Ethiopia. Researchers and policy makers should focus their attention upon this emerging public health challenge and develop associated strategies.

Linear Regression Model for Predictions of COVID-19 New Cases and New Deaths Based on May/June Data in Ethiopia

Introduction: On the 15th of June 2020, we have 7,984,067 total COVID-19 cases, globally and 435,181 deaths. Ethiopia was ranked 2nd and 15th in the table by 176 new cases and by 3,521 total new cases from African countries. Then, this study aimed to predict COVID-19 new cases and new deaths based on May/June data in Ethiopia using a linear regression model.Methods: In this study, I used Pearson’s correlation analysis and the linear regression model to predict COVID-19 new cases and new deaths based on the available data from 12th May to 10th June 2020 in Ethiopia.Results: There was a significant positive correlation between COVID-19 new cases and new deaths with different related variables. In the multiple linear regression model, variables such as the number of days, the number of new laboratory tests, and the number of new cases from AA city significantly predicted the COVID-19 new cases. In this model, the number of days and new recoveries significantly predicted new deaths of COVID-19.Conclusions: The number of days, daily laboratory tests, and new cases from Addis Ababa city significantly predicted new COVID-19 cases, and the number of days and new recoveries significantly predicted new deaths from COVID-19. According to this analysis, if strong preventions and action are not taken in the country, the predicted values of COVID-19 new cases and new deaths will be 590 and 12 after two months (after 9th of August) from now, respectively. The researcher recommended that the Ethiopia government, Ministry of Health and Addis Ababa city administrative should give more awareness and protections for societies, and they should also open more COVID-19 laboratory testing centers. Generally, the obtained results of this study may help Ethiopian decision-makers put short-term future plans to face this epidemic.

Regression Models for Predictions of COVID-19 New Cases and New Deaths in Ethiopia

As the 15 of June 2020, we have 7,984,067 total COVID-19 cases, globally and 435,181 total deaths. Ethiopia was ranked 2^nd and 15^th in the table by 176 new cases and by 3,521 total new cases from African countries. Then, this study aimed to predict COVID-19 new cases and new deaths based on May/June data in Ethiopia using regression model. In this study, I used Pearson’s correlation analysis and the linear regression model to predict COVID-19 new cases and new deaths based on the available data from 12^th May to 10^th June 2020 in Ethiopia. There was a significant positive correlation between COVID-19 new cases and new deaths with different related variables. In the regression models, the simple linear regression model was a better fit the data of COVID-19 new cases and new deaths than as compared with quadratic and cubic regression models. In the multiple linear regression model, variables such as the number of days, the number of new laboratory tests, and the number of new cases from AA city significantly predicted the COVID-19 new cases. In this model, the number of days and new recoveries significantly predicted new deaths of COVID-19. The number of days, daily laboratory tests, and new cases from Addis Ababa city significantly predicted new COVID-19 cases, and the number of days and new recoveries significantly predicted new deaths from COVID-19. According to this analysis, if strong preventions and action are not taken in the country, the predicted values of COVID-19 new cases and new deaths will be 590 and 12 after two months (after 9^th of August) from now, respectively. The researcher recommended that the Ethiopia government, Ministry of Health and Addis Ababa city administrative should give more awareness and protections for societies, and they should also open more COVID-19 laboratory testing centers. Generally, the obtained results of this study may help Ethiopian decision-makers put short-term future plans to face this epidemic.

Modeling the Effects of Vaccination and Treatment on Tuberculosis Transmission Dynamics

In this study, we develop and analyze a deterministic mathematical model for tuberculosis (TB) transmission dynamics. The model includes vaccination for newborns and treatment for both high-risk latent and active TB patients. The stability of disease-free equilibrium point is discussed in detail. In the numerical simulation, the model parameters are estimated using reported TB incidence data in Ethiopia from the years 2003 to 2017, and R0 is calculated as R0≈2.13. Finally, the sensitivity indices of R0 with respect to the model parameters are performed, and their corresponding graphical results are presented. Our results quantify the positive influence of vaccination and the treatment for high-risk latent and active TB patients on the control of tuberculosis.

Understanding climate and land surface changes impact on water resources using Budyko framework and remote sensing data in Ethiopia

Climate change and land degradation are the two drivers playing a significant role in changing freshwater availability. Targeted intervention requires understanding the role of each driver and their spatial dominance. However, detangling the effects of these factors and identifying where each plays the most important role is still unclear. In this study, we used Budyko-like framework and remote sensing data to evaluate the spatial effects of climate and land surface changes on water availability in Ethiopia. At national level, the mean long-term annual runoff change after 20 years is positive (about 80 mm/year), and is equally accountable to climate change (50%) and landscape surface changes (50%). However, both the change and contribution of the two factors vary spatially. In northern (Tigray region) and southeastern (Somali region) Ethiopia, the contribution of climate change is larger than the land surface changes on water resources. Particularly in the southeastern part of the country (Somali region), 70% of the changes in water resources is attributed to climate change. In most areas of the country, the change in water resources due to land surface change is positive. The detail percentage contribution of the two factors on the water resource change for each administrative zone is provided.

Shocks in food availability and intra-household resources allocation: evidence on children nutrition outcomes in Ethiopia

This paper examines the intra-gender nutrition outcome both with and without the presence of household level shock using Living Standards Measurement Study-Integrated Survey (LSMS) panel data in Ethiopia. We used a mixed-effect estimation strategy to analyze how parents’ gender preference affects resource allocation between boys and girls, and nutrition outcomes. We used a gender dummy and found that child gender dummy interaction with household level shock index variables does not have a significant effect on child nutrition. The results indicate that nutrition equality could be due to (1) the girls’ biological bodily development that causes differences in trouble tolerance such that the girls’ nutrition remains the same as that of boys and (2) the boys’ physical exercises which cause weight loss such that it brings their nutrition down making it equal to that of the girls’. The results suggest the need for energy food supplementation for boys and a need for equal care for both girls and boys.

Crop model and weather data generation evaluation for conservation agriculture in Ethiopia

Crop simulation models offer possibilities to evaluate and target agricultural information for sustainable intensification in countries like Ethiopia with inadequate resources for field research. The objectives of this research were to calibrate and evaluate the CERES-Maize, CROPGRO-Dry bean and CROPGRO-Soybean models for practices associated with conservation agriculture and fertilizer N, and to evaluate five generated weather datasets for Ethiopia. Data from multi-year field experiments and additional data obtained from previously conducted national variety trials were used for model evaluation. Generated weather datasets for six agroecologies were evaluated by comparison with observed data and by use of data in the models. Genetic coefficients used in the models for maize, dry bean and soybean were determined by model parametrization and calibration of phenology and yield. The models acceptably simulated the effects of N rate, maize-legume rotation, and crop residue retention plus tillage with average normalized deviation closer to zero, RMSE less or similar to standard deviation of observed data, and with normalized RMSE (nRMSE) < 15%. Both NASA and Global Yield Gap Atlas (GYGA) daily rainfall showed good agreement with observed weather data (RMSE < 9 mm). Daily maximum and minimum temperature of GYGA and WeatherMan datasets had the lowest RMSE of 1.99 and 3.06, and 2.5 and 3.1 °C, respectively. Between 85–100% of simulated grain yields of maize, dry bean and soybean with GYGA and WeatherMan datasets fell within ±10% deviation of mean simulated grain yields with observed weather data, and with the lowest inter-annual variability. It was concluded that model calibrations were satisfactory, and either GYGA or WeatherMan datasets alone or combined could be used to run the crop models in sites which lack observed daily weather data in Ethiopia.

Associations between increased intervention coverage for mothers and newborns and the number and quality of contacts between families and health workers: An analysis of cluster level repeat cross sectional survey data in Ethiopia.

BackgroundSurvival of mothers and newborns depends on life-saving interventions reaching those in need. Recent evidence suggests that indicators of contact with health services are poor proxies for measures of coverage of life saving care and attention has shifted towards the quality of care provided during contacts.Methods and findingsRegression analysis using data from representative cluster-based household surveys and surveys of the frontline health workers and primary health facilities in four regions of Ethiopia in 2012 and 2015 was used to explore associations between increased numbers of contacts or improvements in quality and any change in the coverage of interventions (intervention coverage). In pregnancy, in multiple regression, an increase in the quality indicator ‘focused ANC behaviours’ was associated with a change in both the coverage of iron supplementation and syphilis prevention ((regression coefficients (95% CI)) 0·06 (0·01, 0·11); 0·07 (0·04, 0·10)). This equates to a 0.6% increase in the proportion of women taking iron supplementation and a 0.7% in women receiving syphilis prevention for a 10% increase in the quality indicator ‘focused ANC behaviours’. At delivery, in multiple regression the quality indicator ‘availability of uterotonic supplies amongst birth attendants’ was associated with improved coverage of prophylactic uterotonics (0·72 (0·50, 0·94)). No evidence of any relationships between contacts, quality and intervention coverage were observed within the early postnatal period.ConclusionsIncreases in both contacts and in quality of care are needed to increase the coverage of life saving interventions. For interventions that need to be delivered at multiple visits, such as antenatal vaccination, increasing the number of contacts had the strongest association with coverage. For those relying on a single point of contact, such as those delivered at birth, we found strong evidence to support current commitments to invest in both input and process quality.

Household survey evidence on domestic workers in Ethiopia

ABSTRACTWhilst much scholarly attention of this nascent field of domestic service work focuses on protecting the rights and security of foreign/migrant domestic workers, the nature of domestic service work undertaken within national borders has escaped the attention of both researchers and public policy makers. Outlining the findings from a large household survey data in Ethiopia collected from seven major urban areas covering the period from 1994 to 2004, this paper departs from the usual focus on rights-based perspective and foreign migrant domestic service workers. Instead, the paper attempts to contribute to our understanding of the profile of domestic service providers, the significant drivers of participation in the provision of domestic services and the welfare of unpaid and paid domestic service workers in Ethiopia. In doing so, the paper contributes to the development of a greater evidence base, relevant for both researchers and public policy practitioners alike.

Asymptomatic Malaria Infection and Associated Factors among Blood Donors Attending Arba Minch Blood Bank, Southwest Ethiopia.

It is well known that malaria can be transmitted via blood transfusion. However, it is not documented in the national donor screening protocol. Magnitude of asymptomatic malaria among donors would be the key to decide on the need of donor screening. Despite this, there is lack of such data in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was thus to estimate the prevalence of asymptomatic malaria and associated factors among blood donors. An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted in Arba Minch blood bank from February to June, 2015. Data was collected from donors who passed the clinical donor selection criteria and recruited by systematic random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to capture data on socio-demographic characteristics. Giemsa stained blood films were examined for plasmodium parasites. Magnitude of asymptomatic malaria was calculated and association of factors with malaria was assessed by multivariable logistic regressions using SPSS version 20.0. A total of 416 donors participated in the study. The proportion of infected donors was 4.1% (17/416). Eight donors were infected with Plasmodium falciparum while 9 donors were infected with Plasmodium vivax. Most positive blood films (13/17) were with parasite loads ranging from 100 - 500 parasites/µl. Donors with blood group O were more susceptible to malaria parasitemia compared to all other ABO blood groups together (AOR=6.899, 95%CI=1.951-24.391, p=0.003). Magnitude of malaria parasitemia in the present study was high as compared to the national malaria prevalence. Hence, in malaria endemic areas of Ethiopia, blood should be screened before donation.

Filling a dietary data gap? Validation of the adult male equivalent method of estimating individual nutrient intakes from household-level data in Ethiopia and Bangladesh

Many researchers use data from Household Consumption and Expenditure Surveys (HCES) to estimate individual food and nutrient intake when individual dietary data are not available. They assume that food is allocated within households according to members’ proportional energy requirements relative to an adult male (called an adult male equivalent, or AME). This study sought to validate AME-based estimates of individual consumption of calories, protein, iron, and animal source protein (ASP) across 10 age-sex categories, using data from Bangladesh and Ethiopia containing both household and individual-level consumption data. The study also assessed the accuracy of adjusting for meal partakers and physical activity levels (PAL), and compared energy-weighted AMEs to nutrient-specific AME predictions.Energy AME-based predictions of nutrient intake were generally accurate within ten percentage points of individually reported intakes, but were less accurate for infants 6–23months and children in Bangladesh than for other demographic groups. AME predictions were more accurate: (1) in Ethiopia than in Bangladesh, (2) for predicting intake of the three nutrients rather than ASP, (3) for estimating nutrient intake rather than adequacy, (4) using energy-weighted AMEs rather than nutrient specific weights, and (5) using moderate PAL for youth and adults rather than high PAL. Adjusting for meal partakers did not consistently improve the AME-based predictions. Energy based AME estimates from household data can produce a useful proxy of average intake for certain population subgroups, however individually measured dietary assessment remains the best approach to identify groups at risk of nutrient inadequacy.

Occupational exposure to sharps injury among healthcare providers in Ethiopia regional hospitals

BackgroundSharps injury is a penetrating stab wound from a needle, scalpel, or another sharp object that may result in exposure to blood or other body fluids. According to World Health Organization pooled estimate, the annual incidence of sharps injury in Africa was ranged from 2.10 to 4.68 per person per year, but research data in Ethiopia is limited. The aim of the study was to investigate sharps injury prevalence and associated risk factors.MethodsInstitution based cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 healthcare providers (HCP) in Northeast Ethiopia. Proportionate stratified sampling was used to select HCP. Sharps injury during the last 12 months was an outcome variable whereas demographic characteristics, behavioral attributes, and job environment characteristics were independent variables. Data was collected from April to May 2016 using self-administered questionnaire; which was adapted from World Health Organization best practices for injections and related procedures toolkit. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify sharps injury associated risk factors. Epi Info version 3.5.1 software package was used for data coding and entry whereas Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 software package was used for analysis.ResultsIn total, 195 HCP participated with a response rate of 97.5%. The prevalence of sharps injury was 32.8%. Following adjustment for covariates, lack of in-service job training and previous exposure to sharps injury were statistically significant risk factors for sharps injury. HCP who had no in-service job training were 4.7 times more likely sustained sharps injury compared with those who had in-service job training (p < 0.001, OR = 4.7, 95% CI = 2.05–10.56). HCP who had previous exposure to sharps injury were 3.7 times more likely sustained sharps injury compared with those who were not exposed (p-value = 0.002, OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.62–8.27).ConclusionsThis study revealed 32.8% or at least three out of ten HCP exposed to sharps injury. This was found statistically significant among HCP who had no in-service job training and who had previous exposure to sharps injury. Thus, training HCP perhaps increase their skill and curiosity to reduce exposure to sharps injury.

Filling a dietary data gap? Estimating individual nutrient intakes from household‐level data in Ethiopia and Bangladesh

Dietary intake data are needed for a wide variety of food policy purposes but are not consistently collected in many low‐income countries. Many countries collect household level data in Household Consumption and Expenditure Surveys (HCES), and efforts have been made to use these data to estimate individual food and nutrient intake, often based on the assumption that food is allocated to individual members according to their proportional energy requirements relative to an adult male (called an adult male equivalent, or AME). This study sought to validate the AME‐based method of estimating individual information from household‐level data using data sets from Bangladesh and Ethiopia that measured both household consumption and individual intakes. The study compared the allocation of nutrients (energy, protein, animal protein (ASP), and iron) predicted using the AME assumption with individual intakes across ten age‐sex groups. The study compared the accuracy of using AMEs based on energy with AME based on the relevant nutrient (protein, iron) and assessed the effect of further adjusting the data for meal partakers. Judged against the intakes reported by the food preparer, the energy‐weighted AME predictions resulted in more accurate intake estimates than the nutrient‐specific AME predictions. AME‐based predictions were accurate within ten percentage points of individually reported intakes in most cases, but were inaccurate among certain groups, notably infants 6–23 mo and (for some nutrients) children in Bangladesh. The AME was less accurate in predicting ASP than other nutrients. AME predictions were more accurate in Ethiopia than in Bangladesh. Adjusting for meal partakers did not consistently improve the AME‐based predictions. The authors conclude use of the energy AME can produce useful results for food and nutrition policy analysis but should be complemented with a subsample of individual intake data for further validation.Support or Funding InformationThis research work is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under Agreement No. AID‐663‐A‐11‐00017. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the researcher &amp; do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

Aerobic bacteria in post surgical wound infections and pattern of their antimicrobial susceptibility in Ayder Teaching and Referral Hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia.

BackgroundPost surgical wound infections are global problem in the field of surgery associated with long hospital stay, higher treatment expenditure, morbidity and mortality. Hence to address the limited data in Ethiopia on post surgical wound infections, we conducted this research to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of aerobic bacteria in post-surgical wound infected patients in Ayder teaching and referral hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia.MethodsHospital based prospective cross sectional study was carried-out in 128 patients who had undergone surgery in general surgery and orthopaedic wards, and showed symptoms of infection clinically from January to June 2012. Standard bacteriological methods were used for bacterial isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern.ResultsA total of 128 patients (98 male and 30 female) with clinical signs of post surgical wound infections were enrolled. The age of the patients ranged from 15–79 years (with mean 35.95 ± 19.01 years). Out of the 128 wound swabs taken, 96/128 (75%) were culture positive aerobically, yielding 123 bacterial isolates. Out of these the predominant bacterial isolates were Staphylococcus aureus 44 (35.77%), Klebsiella species 29 (22.76%) and Coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) 18 (14.63%). No bacterial isolates was found to be sensitive to all antibiotics tested. Isolated bacteria showed 102/123 (82.92%) multi drug resistance to the commonly used antibiotics in the hospital. However, 54/ 65 (83.1%) of Gram negative and 58/58 (100%) of Gram positive isolates were sensitive to Gentamicin and Vancomycin, respectively.ConclusionPrevalence of was Post-operative wound infections rate in this current study was 75% and multi drug resistance was seen in 102/123(82.92%) of the isolates leaving clinicians with few choices of drugs for the treatment of post surgical wound infected patients. This underscores for periodic surveillance of etiologic agent and antibiotic susceptibility to prevent further emergence and spread of resistant bacteria pathogens.

Communities and community genetics in Ethiopia.

The rates of congenital and genetic disorders in low and middle income countries are similar or might be higher than in high income countries due to a multitude of risk factors and the dearth of community genetic services. To direct effective preventive, diagnostic and counseling services, collecting data on the incidence and prevalence of various congenital and genetic disorders and their risk factors is a pre-requisite for establishing genetic services at the community level and mainly at the primary health care setting. This brief review is meant to assess the available epidemiological data in Ethiopia pertaining to congenital and genetic disorders on which the future community genetic services could be built. Existing epidemiological data on congenital and genetic disorders in Ethiopia is limited, and the few studies conducted revealed that folate and iodine deficiencies are prevalent among women in the reproductive age. Pregnant women's infection with syphilis and rubella is prevailing. Based on available data, cleft lip and palate, congenital heart diseases, club-foot, and gastro-intestinalmalformations are the most common birth defects in Ethiopia. Community based studies to accurately demonstrate the incidence and prevalence levels of these disorders are almost unavailable. To plan for organization and implementation of community genetic services at the primary health care level in Ethiopia, conducting standardized epidemiological studies is currently highly recommended.