Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Predictors of immediate postpartum anemia among singleton postpartum women, Dire Dawas, Ethiopia: hospital based cross sectional study

Background: Immediate postpartum anemia is a condition where hemoglobin concentrations are lower than normal, which complicates maternal lives, including death. But so far, studies across Ethiopia have been inconsistent and lacking in the study area. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the magnitude and predictors of immediate postpartum anemia among singleton postpartum women which could help in interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in May 2022 in the public hospitals in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and medical card review, entered into EPI DATA (version 3.1) and analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) (version 22). A p value of 0.05 or less at multivariate with 95% confidence intervals was considered statistically significant. Results: Of 476 participants, 26.9% had immediate postpartum anemia and significantly associated with lack of formal education (AOR=3.01, 95% CI: 1.12–8.08), unemployment (AOR=2.72, 95% CI: 1.02–7.21), number of ANC visits (AOR=2.40, 95% CI: 1.32–4.30), instrumental delivery (AOR=3.70, 95% CI: 1.952–6.86), pre-delivery anemia (AOR=2.96, 95% CI: 1.48–5.91), gastro-intestinal parasites (AOR=3.23, 95% CI: 1.37–7.59), low dietary diversity (AOR=3.10, 95% CI: 1.65–5.79), and no iron supplementation during pregnancy (AOR=2.69, 95% CI:1.10–6.58). Conclusions: Almost one in four singleton postpartum women had immediate postpartum anemia. Findings indicate a public health problem and interventions need on risk factors.

Eploring Determinants of Adherence to Medical Regimens in Patients with Chronic Conditions Beyond Hypertension and Diabetes

Chronic diseases are significantly increasing globally and increasing premature deaths among population. CDC has defined chronic diseases are the conditions that last 1 year or more and require ongoing medical support or limit the daily activities or both. Diabetes and hypertension are popular chronic diseases. But there are many others are also now increasing. The current study was conducted to find out the prevalence of noncompliance among chronic diseases like thyroid diseases, Asthma, COPD, Orthopedic problems and epilepsy. Also to understand the determinants factors among them. It was a hospital based cross sectional study. The sample size was calculated and it was 36 for each disease. Total 40 study participants of each disease were included. It was randomly selected the individuals diagnosed with the mentioned chronic diseases who have been diagnosed and on treatment for more than 3 years from hospital. Result: A total of 200 patients participated in the study. The study included 40 patients from each chronic disease that is thyroid disorders, COPD, Orthopedic problems, Asthma and Epilepsy. The rural population comprised 69% of the total study group. The prevalence of medical noncompliance was found in 56.5% of all the patients. People having the disease for longer period of time were more non-compliant. The study revealed that family support and regular follow up with doctor are two important determinates factors which has positive impact on compliance. Conclusion: Noncompliance to medication regimen among chronic disease patients is an important issue for public health consideration. This current study recorded an overall noncompliance level of 57.5%. The factors identified as contributing to medication noncompliance in this study were regular follow ups, family support, adequate knowledge regarding their disease and importance of taking medication with or without symptoms.

Burden and Factors Associated with Renal Dysfunction among People Living with HIV in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Renal diseases pose a significant burden of morbidity and mortality, particularly among People Living with HIV (PLHIV). The risks are further compounded by drug-induced renal toxicity, and the growing burden of hypertension, diabetes, and Hepatitis C infections. This study assessed the magnitude and factors associated with renal dysfunction among PLHIV attending clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2022 among 331 PLHIV recruited through a multistage sampling. Renal disease was determined through urine analysis and clinical, demographic, and disease-specific data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The analysis, performed in SPSS version 25, involved descriptive analysis, univariate, and multivariable logistic regression to determine the magnitude and predictors of renal dysfunction among PLHIV. Renal dysfunction was observed in 37 (11.1%) participants. Patients with advanced age were 3.89 times more likely to have renal dysfunction (95% CI: 1.56 – 9.72, p = 0.004) compared to lower age groups. No statistically significant association was found between renal dysfunction and sex, duration from diagnosis of HIV and on ART, ART-based regimen, HIV viral load, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus. More than one in ten PLHIV in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, presented with signs of renal dysfunctions, which was more significant among patients aged 55 and older. Routine screening for renal diseases among PLHIV, especially for patients with advanced age is essential to prevent and control for progression to renal failure.

Serum magnesium and calcium were inversely associated with hemoglobin glycation index and triglyceride-glucose index in adults with coronary artery disease.

Little is known about the associations of magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) with hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) and triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) in adults. In this study, we examined the associations of serum Mg and Ca with HGI and TyG in adults with coronary artery disease (CAD). This hospital-based cross-sectional study included 10757 CAD patients with a mean age of 61.6 years. Serum concentrations of Mg and Ca were measured in clinical laboratory. Overall, serum Mg and Ca were inversely associated with HGI and TyG. In multivariable analyses, Mg and Ca were inversely associated with HGI (MgQ4 vs. Q3: -0.601 vs. -0.528; CaQ4 vs. Q1: -0.769 vs. -0.645). In terms of TyG, inverse associations of serum Mg and Ca with TyG were observed. The corresponding TyG values were 9.054 (vs. 9.099) for Mg and 9.068 (vs. 9.171) for Ca in the fourth quartile compared with the first quartile. Moreover, Mg, Ca or Mg/Ca ratio were also inversely associated with HbA1c and FBG. In path analysis, no mediating effects of obesity on "serum Mg (or Ca)- HGI (or TyG)" associations were observed. Generally, our study identified the inverse associations of the serum Mg and Ca levels with HGI and TyG in adults with CAD. Large sample longitudinal study, and particularly randomized controlled trials, are warranted to validate our findings and overcome the limitations of cross-sectional studies.

Comparison of bone health among pre-menopausal and post-menopausal females in rural Eastern India: A pilot study.

The aim of this study was to identify the at-risk female population (pre- and post-menopausal), identify the risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD) and assess the knowledge of the subjects regarding osteoporosis by Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT) in both the groups and to determine areas for early intervention in a predominantly rural and tribal area of Eastern India. This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted in a predominant tribal and rural area of Eastern India. Females who were pre- and post-menopausal without a prior diagnosis of osteoporosis were included in the study. Factors affecting osteoporosis and quantified knowledge regarding the disease. A total of 388 females were included in the study (pre-menopausal = 190 and post-menopausal = 198). Although no significant difference was noted in the age at menarche between both the groups, a gradual significant shift in the age at menarche was noted in the younger females (p = .031). The mean OKAT score in the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal group was 9.5 ± 3.4 and 9.2 ± 3.5, respectively. 80% of females in the pre-menopausal group had normal T-scores whereas only 25% of the females in the post-menopausal group had normal T-scores. Targeted educational programs which influence the preventive health behaviour in general and osteoporosis knowledge in particular would bridge this gap. Peer-led community intervention programs which focus on behaviour change with respect to lifestyle and diet modification in the younger population should be the step ahead to reduce the prevalence of the disease.

Prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome among pregnant Ethiopian women: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) poses a significant public health challenge globally, including in Ethiopia, with risks for both mothers and children. Unfortunately, there is limited data on MetS in pregnant Ethiopian women. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with MetS in this population. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization Steps Survey Tool for Non-communicable Diseases. About five ml of fasting peripheral blood samples were collected from each participant. The Beckman Coulter DXC 700 AU clinical chemistry analyzer was employed for lipid profile and glucose analysis. Subsequently, data were inputted into Epi Data and later exported to SPSS Version 20 for further analysis. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were carried out, with a predefined level of statistical significance at p < 0.05. A total of 318 pregnant women were included in this study. The prevalence of MetS was 13.2% (95% CI: 9.7, 17.0) based on the American Heart Association/National Heart Lung and Blood Institute definition. The most prevalent components of MetS were elevated triglyceride levels, reduced high-density lipoprotein levels, and elevated blood pressure. Unhealthy sleep duration (AOR = 5.6, 95% CI (2.4, 13.1), p < 0.001), high daily salt intake (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI (1.8, 9.5), p = 0.001), and alcohol consumption [AOR = 4.2, 95% CI (1.6, 10.9), p = 0.003] were significantly associated with MetS. The study reported a high prevalence of MetS in pregnant Ethiopian women. Factors including alcohol, high salt intake, and sleep disturbances were associated with MetS. Policymakers might utilize this data to create targeted interventions and public health policies for MetS among pregnant women, focusing on nutrition, sleep, and alcohol consumption during pregnancy to safeguard maternal and fetal health.

Neonatal mortality and associated factors among newborns in Mogadishu, Somalia: a multicenter hospital-based cross-sectional study

IntroductionNeonatal mortality is a significant public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Somalia, where limited data exists about this. Mogadishu, the densely populated capital, faces a high rate of neonatal mortality, but this has not been widely studied on a national level. Healthcare providers and policymakers are working to reduce newborn deaths, but a comprehensive understanding of the contributing factors is crucial for effective strategies. Therefore, this study aims to determine the magnitude of neonatal death and identify factors associated with it in Mogadishu, Somalia.MethodA multicenter hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from participants at 5 purposively selected hospitals in Mogadishu, Somalia. A well-structured, reliable, self-developed, validated questionnaire containing socio-demographic, maternal, and neonatal characteristics was used as a research tool. Descriptive statistics were used for categorical and continuous variables presented. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to identify factors associated with neonatal mortality at a significant level of α = 0.05.ResultsA total of 513 participants were recruited for the study. The prevalence of neonatal mortality was 26.5% [95%CI = 22.6–30.2]. In a multivariable model, 9 variables were found: female newborns (AOR = 1.98, 95%CI = 1.22–3.19), those their mothers who did not attend ANC visits (AOR = 2.59, 95%CI = 1.05–6.45), those their mothers who did not take tetanus toxoid vaccination (AOR = 1.82, 95%CI = 1.01–3.28), those their mothers who delivered in instrumental assistant mode (AOR = 3.01, 95%CI = 1.38–6.56), those who had neonatal sepsis (AOR = 2.24, (95%CI = 1.26–3.98), neonatal tetanus (AOR = 16.03, 95%CI = 3.69–69.49), and pneumonia (AOR = 4.06, 95%CI = 1.60–10.31) diseases during hospitalization, premature (AOR = 1.99, 95%CI = 1.00–3.94) and postmature (AOR = 4.82, 95%CI = 1.64–14.16) neonates, those with a birth weight of less than 2500 gr (AOR = 4.82, 95%CI = 2.34–9.95), those who needed resuscitation after delivery (AOR = 2.78, 95%CI = 1.51–5.13), and those who did not initiate early breastfeeding (AOR = 2.28, 95%CI = 1.12–4.66), were significantly associated with neonatal mortality compared to their counterparts.ConclusionIn this study, neonatal mortality was high prevalence. Therefore, the intervention efforts should focus on strategies to reduce maternal and neonatal factors related to neonatal mortality. Healthcare workers and health institutions should provide appropriate antenatal, postnatal, and newborn care.

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.

Seroprevalence of HIV, HCV, and HBV: The Associated Psychiatric Co-morbidities Among Injection Drug Users in Kashmir— A Hospital-Based Cross-sectional Study

Background: Injection drug use remains a significant public health concern globally, with injection drug users (IDUs) facing elevated risks of contracting blood-borne infections such as hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), and acquired immune deficiency syndrome caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This study delves into the seroprevalence of these disorders among IDUs in Kashmir and extends further to explore the relationship between injection drug use and psychiatric co-morbidities. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among IDUs recruited from tertiary care drug addiction centers. Those who agreed to participate underwent serological testing for HCV, HBV, and HIV. The presence of psychiatric disorders was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, a standardized instrument for diagnosing mental health conditions. Results: The results showed that the prevalence rate of HCV, HBV, and HIV was 73%, 12%, and 1%, respectively. Genotype 3a was the predominant genotype in 71 (51.5%) participants with detectable HCV-RNA. A total of 151 (50.3%) participants had a comorbid psychiatric illness with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and major depressive disorder in 63 (21%) and 36 (12%), respectively. Sharing of paraphernalia was the most common high-risk behavior in 234 (78%). Early initiation of opioid use, a history of sharing of paraphernalia, and the presence of comorbid psychiatric illness were found to be significantly associated with positive serology results, indicating a higher risk of contracting infection (χ2 = 24.55, p &lt; .01; χ2 = 121.56, p &lt; .01; and χ2 = 4.534, p &lt;.01, respectively). Conclusion: IDUs have an elevated prevalence of HCV, substantial rates of infection with HBV and HIV, and a considerable burden of psychiatric morbidities. Considering the high seroprevalence of hepatitis infections and alarming rates of psychiatric morbidity in IDUs, this calls for a comprehensive and integrated approach to address the interconnected challenges faced by IDUs in Kashmir.

Correlates of mother-to child-transmission of HIV infection in a tertiary hospital in Ebonyi state, Nigeria.

Nigeria has the largest global burden of HIV new infections in children despite global and national concerted efforts at the reduction of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The goal of this study was to determine the associations between maternal characteristics, practices and mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection among mothers living with HIV. This is a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study. Information was obtained using interviewer-administered questionnaire from the 240 participants. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 26, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of the 240 mothers recruited, 129 (53.8%) were within 25-35years of age, with a mean age of 31.08±5.65. A total of 35 (14.6%) of the participants had at least a child with HIV infection. Maternal ART status before childbirth (AOR=0.02, 95%CI=0.01-0.05, P=< 0 .001) was the singular determinant of having a child with HIV infection. Mothers who delivered outside the health facility were about four-fold at risk of having an infected child (AOR=3.89, 95%CI=1.82-8.50, P=0.070). The prevalence rate of mother-to-child transmission of HIV is high. Routine HIV testing services and the provision of accessible and affordable reproductive health services are recommended for all women of childbearing age.

Prevalence of Refractive Errors Among Children at a Tertiary Care Center in Karnataka: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Refractive errors (REs) are the major cause of blindness and impaired vision with considerable morbidity. Finding the prevalence with early detection of REs with appropriate corrective measures can bring down eye morbidity in children. The aim of the study was to find the prevalence of REs among children attending Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital in Karnataka State of South India. This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 420 study subjects. Examination of the eyes for REs was carried out using a refractometer. The REs were noted in myopia < -0.5 dioptres (D), hypermetropia > + 0.5 D, and astigmatism > 0.5 cylinder D. The data were statistically subjected to a statistics test. Categorical measurement was presented as frequency (percentage). The association between the parameters was done using the chi-square test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 420 examined, REs were present among 147 (35%) study subjects, and myopia 67 (16%) was the highest prevalent in comparison to hypermetropia 42 (10%) and astigmatism 38 (9%). The male subjects had 77 (34.4%) REs, and the female subjects had 70 (35.7%) REs. In both genders, myopia was the highest prevalent, followed by hypermetropia and astigmatism. The prevalence of REs among children is alarming, and it should be corrected at an early age to prevent further complications in adulthood. Ophthalmologists should generate regional data about the prevalence of REs, create awareness about the prevention of REs among the risk population, and utilize government-sponsored blind eradication programs for comprehensive eye care in the larger interest of the affected population and risk population.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Vitiligo Patients and its Relation to Vitiligo Severity - A Cross-Sectional Study.

In vitiligo, there is a significant decrease in melanocytes and melanin. The decrease in melanin causes oxidative stress, with a chance of causing metabolic syndrome. Hence, there is a need to look for metabolic syndrome in vitiligo. To estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in vitiligo patients and to evaluate the relationship between the severity and progression of vitiligo and metabolic syndrome. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 178 vitiligo cases and 178 controls who were age- and sex-matched. The type of vitiligo, stability by vitiligo disease activity score (VIDA), and severity by vitiligo area severity index (VASI) were noted. The waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting lipid profile, and fasting blood sugar were measured for cases and controls. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on Harmonization Asian criteria. The mean age in cases was 34.38 years, and in controls, it was 35.67 years. The majority were females in both cases (52.2%) and controls (55.6%). Most have a VIDA score of 2+ (41.6%). The mean VASI score was 2.54. The percentage of metabolic syndrome was higher in cases (36%) compared to controls (24.2%) (P = 0.015). The mean age was lower in vitiligo cases with metabolic syndrome (38.83 years) compared to controls with metabolic syndrome (43.14 years). Metabolic syndrome was more frequent in the vitiligo vulgaris type (48.9%) than in acral and segmental vitiligo. Metabolic syndrome was more common in patients with high VIDA (45%) and VASI (52.3%) scores compared to patients with low VIDA (25%) and VASI (27.3%) scores. It is a hospital-based study, so controls were not from the general population. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher in vitiligo patients compared to controls, and it was higher in patients with active and severe disease. Screening and close monitoring of vitiligo patients help in the early diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Correlation of anthropometric measurements with body mass index and estimation of the proportion of metabolic syndrome among overweight and obese children: a hospital-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundEarly identification of overweight and obesity with the help of simple anthropometric tests can prevent from development of metabolic complications in these children. Body mass index (BMI) is the most...

Knowledge and attitude toward geriatric nursing care and associated factors among nurses working at hospitals in Hawassa City, Ethiopia, 2022.

Globally, the fastest growth in the number of older people combined with chronic and age-related medical conditions experienced by the older adult placed great demand on geriatric care. Thus, nurses are required to be knowledgeable and have a desirable attitude toward geriatric nursing care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude toward geriatric nursing care and associated factors among nurses working at hospitals in Hawassa City, Ethiopia. Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 30 to July 30, 2022, among 365 nurses. The hospitals and study participants were selected by using purposive and simple random sampling methods, respectively. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were computed to generate descriptive results. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify predictors at p-value <0.05. About 39.2% of nurses had good knowledge and 49.3% of the nurses showed a positive attitude toward geriatric nursing care. Nurses with BSc degree or above [AOR 2.5, 95% CI, (1.2-5.6)], having lived with older people [AOR 2.2, 95% CI, (1.4-3.6)], nurses with 6-10 years [AOR, 2.8, 95% CI, (1.4-5.57)] and >10 years of work experience [AOR 4.2, 95% CI, (1.6-10.8)] were more likely to have knowledge about geriatric nursing care. Having BSc degree or above [AOR 2.7, 95% C.I, (1.2-6)], 6-10 years [AOR 3, 95% CI, (1.48-6.3)], and >10 years [AOR 3.9, 95% CI, (1.4-10.99)] of work experience, living experience with older people [AOR 1.7, 95% C.I:1.05-2.7], knowledge about geriatric care [AOR 3, 95% CI,(1.85-4.92)], and having worked at adequate space [AOR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.009-2.8] increased odds of good attitude toward geriatric nursing care. Less than half of nurses demonstrated good knowledge and positive attitude toward geriatric nursing care. Higher level of education, higher work experience, living with older people were significantly associated with knowledge and attitude toward geriatric nursing care. Additionally, working in an adequate space and having knowledge about geriatric care positively influenced attitude toward geriatric nursing care. Therefore, nursing schools and hospitals should conduct training and consider incorporating more content about geriatric care into nursing education to enhance nurses' knowledge and attitude.

Survival analysis of adult visceral leishmaniasis patients admitted to Metema Hospital, Metema, Ethiopia: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease that mostly affects the working class and impoverished segments of society, having a significant negative effect on the economic development of the affected nation. While anti-leishmanial medications lower mortality among VL patients, patients may still die or require more time to recover while receiving treatment. In this regard, there are limited studies in Ethiopia. This study aims to determine the time to recovery and its associated predictors among adult VL patients at Metema Hospital, Metema, Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was employed and the data were collected from patient's charts from September 2017 to September 2021. Data were entered and analysed using EpiData version 3.1, Stata version 14.2 and R version 3.4.0 statistical software. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and logrank tests were used to compare the survival time. The Cox proportional hazards model assumption and model fitness were checked and used to identify statistical association predictors in VL patients. The Cox proportional hazards model was fitted. The overall medium recovery time was 7d (minimum 4, maximum 14). The variables of nasal bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.44 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.19 to 0.89]), no comorbidity (aHR 2.29 [95% CI 1.27 to 4.11]), relapse of VL (aHR 0.33 [95% CI 0.15 to 0.75]), low parasite load (aHR 2.58 [95% CI 1.48 to 4.51]) and ambulatory (aHR 3.26 [95% CI 2.45 to 6.53]) were significantly associated with time to recovery in VL patients. Patients with comorbidities, nasal bleeding, relapse of VL, bedridden and high parasite load should be treated and monitored carefully to recover quickly from their illness.

The potential inflammatory biomarker of bipolar disorder: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio – A hospital-based cross-sectional study

Objectives: Inflammation has been hypothesized as one of the pathophysiological factor for mood disorders. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proposed as a potential peripheral biomarker of mood episodes, as this is an economical and accessible marker of inflammation. This study aims to determine the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) and the potential of NLR as a marker for differentiating mood disorders. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 195 patients who met the inclusion criteria, of whom 80 were diagnosed with BD (mania), 47 with BD (depression), and 68 with major depressive disorder (MDD). Sociodemographic details and a blood sample were taken for hemogram measures. The NLR and MLR were calculated using the following formula: NLR = neutrophil count/lymphocyte count and MLR = monocyte count/lymphocyte count, and statistical analysis was done. Results: The mean age (±standard deviation) of patients with mania, bipolar depression, and MDD were 35.97 (±13.14), 39.27 (±14.28), and 33.41 (±13.21) years, respectively, with an almost equal representation of male and female gender. The NLR ratio of 2.41 ± 0.84 was highest in BD (mania), followed by 1.75 ± 0.41 in bipolar depression and 1.67 ± 0.45 in MDD, which was significant (P &lt; 0.001), while MLR ratio in BD (mania) was highest, followed by MDD and bipolar depression. Conclusion: Our result indicates NLR as a marker of differentiation and, thus, strengthens the pathophysiological importance of inflammation in mood disorders.

Post-COVID Neurocognitive Disorder and Its Relation with Interleukin: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study

Post-COVID Neurocognitive Disorder and Its Relation with Interleukin: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study

Psychosocial and clinical factors associated with depression among diabetic patients in Amhara region comprehensive specialized hospitals, Ethiopia, 2022; a multicenter prevalence study.

Depression commonly coexists with diabetes leads to complications and worsens the outcome. Even though the problem affects low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia, only a few studies have been done to show the magnitude of the problem and factors associated with it. So, the study was conducted to fill those gaps. The main objective of this study was to assess psychosocial and clinical factors associated with depression among diabetic patients in Amhara region comprehensive specialized hospitals, Ethiopia, 2022. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly selected hospitals of Amhara region from January 7 to February 10, 2022. A total of 426 diabetic patients who were on outpatient follow-up were selected using a multistage sampling technique. A p-value of ≤0.25 in the bivariable analysis was used to select variables for the multivariable analysis. A p-value < 0.05 within a 95% confidence interval was considered to be significantly associated factors. Out of 426 interviewed diabetes patients 203 (47.7%) had depression. Moderate physical activity (AOR = 0.50, 95% CI (0.29, 0.86)). low medication adherence (AOR = 2.10, 95% CI (1.22, 3.62)), medium medication adherence (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI (1.04, 3.06)), and high social support (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI (0.33, 0.91)) were significantly associated with depression among diabetic patients. The overall prevalence of depression among diabetic patients was higher than in other developing countries. Hence, special attention to preventing depression and maintaining mental illness among patients with chronic illnesses, especially diabetes should be given.

Efficacy of cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) in comparison with line probe assay and liquid culture in the evaluation of tubercular lymph node abscess.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the number one cause of adult deaths by a curable infectious disease. Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli (MTB) is the most common causative organism isolated from mycobacterial lymphadenitis. Accurate and speedy diagnosis is required, especially in paucibacillary extrapulmonary TB. In this study, we compared the efficacy of CBNAAT with line probe assay and liquid culture in the evaluation of tubercular lymph node abscesses. This is a hospital-based observational cross-sectional study conducted at Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Secunderabad, TS, in patients who presented with lymph node abscesses over a period of 18 months after obtaining clearance from the ethics committee and obtaining informed consent. Each sample was evaluated and analyzed in association with the clinical findings, AFB staining, CBNAAT, LPA, and AFB culture, and the results were compared. Fifty patients with TB lymph node abscess diagnosed through FNAC were included in the present study. AFB smear was positive in 29 samples, CBNAAT was positive in 43 samples, LPA was positive in 44 samples, and liquid culture was positive in 39 samples. CBNAAT could detect TB in 16 smear-negative cases, 10 liquid culture-negative cases, and one LPA-negative case. In our study, CBNAAT was more effective in diagnosing TB lymph node abscess than AFB smear. No significant results were obtained when comparing CBNAAT with LPA and liquid culture. This study demonstrates excellent diagnostic accuracy of the Xpert MTB/RIF test in patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis, with a sensitivity of 86%, specificity of 83.33%, negative predictive value of 95.56%, and positive predictive value of 58.82%. Thus, it can be a rule in testing for lymph node TB. These efforts will contribute to the attainment of the TB elimination goal.

Evaluation of Myocardial Injury Using Serum Cardiac Troponin-I in Asphyxiated Neonates at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Enugu, South-East Nigeria.

The burden of perinatal asphyxia remains high in our environment and when asphyxia is severe, vital organs are affected, with resultant multiorgan hypoxic-iscahemic injury to the heart, the brain, adrenals and other organs. To evaluate for myocardial injury in asphyxiated term neonates with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy using serum cardiac troponin-I (cTnI). The study was a hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study involving sixty term asphyxiated neonates and sixty gestational age-and sex-matched controls. The subjects were term neonates with five-minute Apgar score ≤ 6 and HIE while the controls were healthy term neonates with five-minute Apgar score > 6. Five-minute Apgar score was utilized to classify asphyxia into mild, moderate and severe asphyxia. The degree of encephalopathy was determined by modified Sarnat and Sarnat criteria. The serum cTnI was measured in subjects and controls at 12-24 hours of life using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The serum bilirubin levels were also measured in participants to exclude hyperbilirubinemia. The median serum cTnI levels was significantly higher in the subjects (0.56ng/mL; 0.25-0.94ng/mL) than in the controls (0.50ng/mL; 0.00-0.67ng/mL), respectively; p=0.001. Similarly, the median serum cTnI level in HIE stage II (0.56ng/mL; 0.38-0.72ng/mL) or III (0.56ng/ml; 0.50-0.94ng/mL) was also significantly higher than the median value in HIE stage I (0.38ng/mL;0.25-0.72ng/mL) or in controls (0.50ng/mL; 0.00-0.67ng/mL); p<0.001. There was significant positive correlation between serum cTnI levels and severity of HIE in asphyxiated neonates (rs = 0.505, p < 0.001). serum cTnI levels were elevated in severely asphyxiated neonates with HIE. The concentration of serum cTnI demonstrated significant positive correlation with HIE severity. Hence, the presence of HIE in asphyxiated neonates should prompt an evaluation for myocardial injury using serum cTnI. Any derangement noted should warrant instituting cardiovascular support in order to improve outcome and reduce asphyxia-related mortality.