Northeast Ethiopia Research Articles

Prevalence and Association of Malaria With the Blood Group on Febrile Patients at Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia

Background: Malaria is a disease transmitted by vectors and caused by unicellular Plasmodium parasites. Malaria pathogenesis is associated with the ABO phenotype. However, there is little information on the frequency of malaria disease and its relationship with the ABO blood group in the study area. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria infection and its association with the ABO blood group at Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.Method: An institutional‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted from December 3, 2022, to February 30, 2023. Convenient sampling was used for selecting the study participants. To identify malaria parasites, thick and thin blood films were made. Additionally, blood was drawn to identify the ABO blood group type. Before being analyzed with SPSS software Version 27, the data was coded and entered into EpiData Version 3.1. To ascertain the variable’s association, a logistic regression was done.Results: Out of 192 patients that attended Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, 16 (8.3%) were found to be infected with Plasmodium parasites using microscopy. Among them, 9 (4.7%), 5 (2.6%), and 2 (1.0%) had Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, or mixed infections, respectively. As a result, 30.7%, 25.5%, 24.5%, and 19.3% of the participants had blood types A, B, AB, and O, respectively (AOR = 2.359, 95% CI: 1.03–12.289, p = 0.03).Conclusion and Recommendation: The total number of microscopically confirmed malaria parasites was 8.3%. P. falciparum was dominant over P. vivax. Individuals with blood group O were less likely to get severe malaria than those with other blood groups. Based on the findings of this study, we recommend that additional studies investigate the probable relationship between the ABO blood group phenotype and malaria infection.

Uptake of cervical cancer screening and associated factors among human immune virus positive women attending antiretroviral therapy clinic in public health facilities, Northeast Ethiopia, 2022: A cross-sectional study.

Although cervical cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women and has a high morbidity, mortality, and low quality of life burden among human immune virus-positive women, there is little evidence of it in northeastern Ethiopia. Sought to determine the magnitude and associated factors of cervical cancer screening among human immune virus-positive women in public health facilities in northeastern Ethiopia. A multicentered, institution-based cross-sectional study with 401 participants using the systematic random sampling technique was employed. The data was gathered through personal interviews and chart reviews. The predictors were established via multivariate logistic regression analysis. The magnitude of cervical cancer screening was 19.2% (15.7%-22.9%). Multiparity, bad obstetric history, hearing about cervical cancer, recommendations from medical professionals, duration of antiretroviral therapy >10 years, a family record of cervical cancer, and knowing cervical cancer were revealed to be predictors of testing for cervical cancer. The magnitude of cervical cancer screening was 19.2% (15.7%-22.9%). Multiparity, bad obstetric history, hearing about cervical cancer, recommendations from medical professionals, duration of antiretroviral therapy >10 years, a family record of cervical cancer, and knowing cervical cancer were revealed to be predictors of testing for cervical cancer.

Seroprevalence and Co-Circulation of Rift Valley Fever Virus and West Nile Fever Virus in Livestock Population of Afar Region, Northeast Ethiopia.

The distribution, epidemiology, and socioeconomic impact of Rift Valley fever (RVF) and West Nile (WN) viruses are poorly known in areas of sub-Saharan countries like Ethiopian pastoral region. The human and livestock density in the area has increased greatly in recent years, but little work has been done on arboviral diseases and their potential impact on human and livestock health. The aim of this study was to detect the circulation of zoonotic arboviruses such as Rift Valley fever virus and West Nile viruses in the livestock population and to estimate seroprevalence in Afar pastoral area northeast Ethiopia. Cross-sectional serological survey was carried out in 736 serum samples from which cattle (224), camel (155), goats (121), sheep (144), and donkeys (92) were tested for the presence of anti-RVFV and anti-WNV IgG using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) in two purposively selected districts of the Afar region. The present study revealed a 9.1% (95% CI = 8.86-9.29) seroprevalence of co-circulation of RVF and WNV. High 32/155 (20.7%) seroprevalence of co-circulation was seen in camels, followed by goat 14/121 (11.6%), cattle 16/224 (7.14%), and sheep 5/144 (3.5%), respectively, and higher 41/421 (9.7%) seroprevalence of co-circulation was observed in Amibara district than Haruka district. Camels were seven times (OR: 7.016, 95% CI = 2.639-18.653) more likely to be seropositive for the co-circulation than sheep (p ≤ 0.001). Livestock herds found in Amibara district were 1.2 times (OR: 1.165, 95% CI = 0.680-1.996) more likely to be seropositive for RVFV infection than those in Haruka areas. Given the co-occurrence of RVFV and WNV circulations, along with often suboptimal human and animal health surveillance in many similar areas' attention should be given. Investigation of the potential socioeconomic and health impacts of zoonotic arbovirus infections in such areas is crucial. Since both RVFV and WNFV are transmitted through a mosquito vector, avoiding mosquito bites is the primary method of prevention.

An Analysis of Various Factors Underlying Covid-19 Prevention Practice and Strategy in Jigjiga Town, Northeast Ethiopia.

COVID-19, a severe respiratory illness, is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The pandemic has devastated public health, economies, and social structures worldwide. In Ethiopia, the government and health authorities have implemented various COVID-19 prevention strategies to contain the spread of the virus. This study aims to investigates the factors influencing the implementation and effectiveness of COVID-19 prevention strategies in Jigjiga Town, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2022 to December 2022, involving 593 participants in Jigjiga town. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, attitude, knowledge, prevention practices, misconceptions, and COVID-19 prevention strategies. A multivariate model was developed to control for confounding, using variables suitable for multivariate logistic regression analysis with p-values less than 0.25. A variable is considered significant in multivariable logistic regression analysis if its p-value is less than 0.05. The study found that only 12.2% of participants used COVID-19 prevention strategies. Those with a bachelor's degree or higher had a strong association with prevention strategies (AOR: 20.08, 95% CI: 2.13-188.85). Participants informed about COVID-19 prevention were 6.886 times more likely to use strategies (95% CI: 2.975-15.938). People who received the COVID-19 vaccine were 1.14 times more likely to engage in reasonable preventive measures compared to those who did not get vaccinated. The study reveals low COVID-19 prevention practices among participants, with only 12.2% utilizing preventive strategies. The covariate, the kinds of information received on COVID-19 prevention mechanisms, participants with a favorable attitude toward COVID-19, educational level, mask-wearing, social distancing, vaccination, hand hygiene, public health communication, and household income were significantly associated with COVID-19 prevention strategies. The COVID-19vaccination promotes preventive practices, reduces infection risk, protects against severe illness, and decreases community spread.

Post-traumatic stress disorder and its associated factors among war-affected residents in Woldia town, North East Ethiopia, 2022; community based cross-sectional study.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is marked by increased stress and anxiety following exposure to a traumatic or stressful event. Events of conflict and war-related traumas were commonly reported situations and people who have undergone through have a higher tendency to develop PTSD Woldia town had been under a serious military surge and a five-month encroachment, so the expected destruction in property, impact on physical, social and mental health of civilians was potentially high. More importantly, there is no study that investigated the significance of association between war-related traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder in the area. so this study aims to assess prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and its associated factors among war-affected residents in Woldia town, North East Ethiopia, 2022. A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed by using a multi-stage systematic random sampling technique from May-15 to June-15/2022. A total of 609 participants were enrolled. PTSD was measured by the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Data were entered by Epi data version 4.6.0.2 and analyzed using STATA version 14. Bivariable and Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify associated factors to PTSD and P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of PTSD was 56.28%. Destruction/looting of property (AOR = 1.6,95%CI,1.11-2.47), murder/injury of family member (AOR = 2.1,95% CI,1.37-3.22), witness of murder of family member/others (AOR = 1.6,95% CI,1.01-2.71), unlawful imprisonment (AOR = 1.7, 95%CI, 1.06-2.74), depression (AOR = 2, 95%CI, 1.37-2.93), anxiety (AOR = 3.3, 95%CI,2.26-4.97), experience trauma on themselves (AOR = 2.0,95%CI,1.22-3.58), poor (AOR = 3.1,95%CI,1.60-6.04) and moderate (AOR = 3.0, 95%CI, 1.56-5.87) social support were statistically associated with PTSD at a p-value < 0.05. The study reveals that the prevalence of PTSD was high in Woldia town following an armed conflict between Federal Government and Tigray forces. Destruction/looting of property, murder/injury of family, witness murder of family/others, unlawful imprisonment, depression, anxiety, experience on themselves, poor and moderate social support were statistically associated with PTSD. Hence, encourage organization working on mental health, routine patient assessment with a history of trauma, facilitating means to support affected residents is recommended.

Assessing livelihood resilience in drought-affected areas: Lessons from Raya Kobo district, northeast Ethiopia

In comparison to other types of resilience, livelihood resilience in the context of climate-related extremes like droughts is grounded in actual-life scenarios with the purpose of carefully assessing and improving the resiliency of individuals, households, communities, and nations. This study assesses households' livelihood resilience to droughts in Raya Kobo District. A mixed approach with a concurrent research design was used to achieve this goal. The quantitative data were collected from 354 randomly selected survey respondents, while the qualitative data were collected from purposefully chosen FGD and KI participants. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) models were employed to analyse the quantitative data, whereas thematic data analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data through the creation of major and sub-themes. To determine households’ livelihood resilience, the livelihood resilience index (LRI) was measured using thirty-eight indicators of resilience based on the five livelihood assets. The study identified fifteen latent dimensions, such as infrastructure, technology, water harvesting scheme, land quality, cropping season, household working capacity, farm experience, educational status, social trust, risk response, social security, support service, income, crop diversity, and assets. The average score of these latent dimensions is 0.3999, suggesting that households in the study area are less resilient. The MLR results show a positive association between the latent dimensions and LRI and the relative importance of the latent dimensions for LRI. These findings provide significant policy implications regarding mitigating vulnerability, strengthening resilience, and establishing pathways out of livelihood insecurity. Education, healthcare, road construction, agricultural inputs (pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, and improved seeds), irrigation technologies (small-scale drip irrigation systems and human-powered pedals), income diversification, social trust, risk response, social security, support services, and asset building should be the focus of policymakers.

Antibiogram of uropathogens and associated risk factors among asymptomatic female college students in Dessie town, Northeast Ethiopia.

Asymptomatic urinary tract infection (asymptomatic bacteriuria and asymptomatic candiduria) may not be routinely detected in sexually active non-pregnant female population at the initial and reversible stages. This is mainly due to the fact that most women may not feel compelled to seek medical attention. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, and factors associated with urinary tract infection (UTI), and antibiogram of the uropathogen isolates among asymptomatic female college students. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at selected colleges in Dessie from January 2021-March 2021. A total of 422 reproductive age (15 to 49 years) non-pregnant female students were included. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics data were collected using structured questionnaires. Ten mLs of freshly voided mid-stream urine specimen was collected, transported and processed according to the standard operating procedures. Data were coded and entered for statistical analysis using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed and p-values <0.05 with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of UTI was 24.6%. The prevalence of asymptomatic UTI bacteriuria and candiduria was 57 (13.5%) and 47 (11.1%), respectively. The predominant uropathogens were Staphylococcus saprophyticus 24 (23.1%), followed by Candida tropicalis 23 (22.1%), Candida albican 10 (9.6%), Candida krusei 9 (8.7%) and Escherichia coli 8 (7.7%). Gram negative bacterial isolates showed a higher level of resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid 24 (92.3%). Gram positive bacterial uropathogens showed high level of resistance to penicillin 28 (96.6%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 23 (79.3%). Gram positive bacterial isolates were sensitive to norfloxacin, clindamycin, and ciprofloxacin, accounting for 24 (82.7%), 20 (69.0%), and 19 (65.5%), respectively. Multidrug resistance was seen in 50 (87.7%) of bacterial uropathogens. Factors identified for acquisition of UTI were frequency of sexual intercourse (≥3 per week) (AOR = 7.91, 95% CI: (2.92, 21.42), and genital area washing habit (during defecation (AOR = 5.91, 95%CI: (1.86, 18.81) and every morning (AOR = 6.13, 95%CI: (1.60, 23.45)). A significant prevalence of uropathogens, and high resistance of bacterial isolates to the commonly prescribed drugs were detected. Therefore, routine UTI screening, regular health education on the risk of asymptomatic infectious diseases for reproductive age group females, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be practiced to avoid the progression of an asymptomatic infection into a symptomatic UTI.

Awareness and willingness to use oral HIV self-test and associated factor among Wollo University Health Science student in North East Ethiopia, 2023

Awareness and willingness to use oral HIV self-test and associated factor among Wollo University Health Science student in North East Ethiopia, 2023

Anxiety and Depression Disorder among Adult People Living with HIV/AIDS on Follow-up at Dessie Public Health Facilities Antiretroviral Therapy Clinics, Northeast Ethiopia: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study

Background: Anxiety and depression are the most prevalent mental disorders among people living with HIV/AIDS compared to people without HIV/AIDS. In addition, mental health problems are associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS due to adverse effects, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, quality of life, and all health-related parameters. There is no additional study on multiple sites as an integrated way to address the proposed issue. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders and their associated factors among adult HIV-/AIDS patients on follow-up at antiretroviral therapy clinics in the Dessie town public health facility, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods: A multicenter institutional-based descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Anxiety and depression disorders were assessed by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). EPI-Data software version 7.2 for data entry and SPSS version 23 for statistical analysis were used. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value of &lt;0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) in the final model. Results: In this study, 404 adult HIV/-AIDS patients presenting for a follow-up at antiretroviral therapy clinics at Dessie town public health facilities participated; the prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders was found to be 31.7% (CI: 27%, 36.6%) and 38% (CI: 33.7%, 42.7%), respectively. Being female (AOR=3.5 95% CI: 1.86 –6.65), viral loads ≥ 1000 copies/ml (AOR =2.2, 95% CI: 1.2-3.95), and CD4 cells &lt;200 cells/mm3 were associated with depressive disorder and HAART containing efavirenz (2.3 95% CI: 1-4.58), consumption of coffee and tea (AOR =2.5, 95% CI; 1.45 -4.37) and female gender (AOR= 3.5 95% CI; 1.9-6.6), which were found to be predictors for anxiety disorders. Conclusion and Recommendations: The magnitude of depression in people living with HIV/AIDS on follow-up with antiretroviral therapy was found to be higher than the pooled estimated prevalence found in Ethiopia. Being female, viral load ≥ 1000 copies/ml, and CD4 cells &lt;200 cells/mm3 were associated with the occurrence of depressive disorders, and a HAART regimen containing efavirenz, taking coffee and tea, and female sex were found to be predictors for anxiety disorder.

Determinants of neonatal near miss among neonates admitted in Dessie comprehensive and specialized hospitals Northeast Ethiopia: A case – control study

IntroductionA neonate nearly died but survived severe condition happened within 28 days of life by chance or therapy called neonatal near miss. Identifying determinants of neonatal near miss is helping to develop prevention for neonatal mortality; however, this evidence is limited in Northeast of Ethiopia. Therefore, study aimed to identify determinants of neonatal near miss among neonates admitted in Dessie Comprehensive and Specialized Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia. MethodUnmatched case-control study was conducted among neonates in admitted in Dessie comprehensive and specialized hospitals Northeast Ethiopia for two months in 2022. Data were collected using interviewer administered questioner and document review. After complete check in Epi data version 3.1, data exported to STATA version 14 software for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were computed and AOR with 95 %CI was used to declare statiscally significant variable with neonatal near miss. ResultAfter keeping other factors remains constant, maternal age >35[AOR,3.14,95 % CI(1.28–7.7)], unemployed mothers [AOR,1.92,95 %,CI(1.03–2.87)], rural [AOR,1.95,95 %,CI(1.01–3.75)], hypertension [AOR, 2.17, 95 %,CI (1.07–4.5)], maternal anemia [AOR,2.6, 95 %,CI (1.11–6.27)], dystocia [AOR, 3.8 95 %,CI (1.9–7.4)], and poor newborn care practices [AOR,2.4, 95 %,CI (1.04–5.67)] were significantly related with neonatal near miss. ConclusionMaternal age, occupational status, place of residence, hypertension, anemia, dystocia, and poor newborn care practices were determinant of neonatal near miss. Therefore, proper and timely delivery, providing essential newborn care help to prevent neonatal near miss.

Determinants of inappropriate complementary feeding among children 6–23 months of age in Dessie City Northeast Ethiopia: a case-control study

BackgroundInappropriate complementary feeding is one of the leading causes of malnutrition among children 6–23 months old and delays children’s growth milestone. The determinants of inappropriate complementary feeding practice have diverse natures, so that many of the previous studies fail to generate adequate evidence on it. This study aim to address the determinants of in appropriate complementary feedings at community level.MethodsA community-based unmatched case-control study design was carried out among children 6–23 months of age in Dessie City from April 13, 2021 to May 13, 2021. Nine kebeles were selected by simple random sampling method. One month prior to the data collection time survey was conducted and 482 samples were taken from the preliminary survey data; 241 cases and 241 controls by computer generated random numbers. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to investigate potential determinants of inappropriate complementary feeding practice. Binary logistics regression was used to identify independent determinants.ResultsPart working situation of mother [AOR = 0.21 CI: 0.08, 0.52] was negatively associated with inappropriate complementary feeding. Having no post-natal care visit [AOR = 4.062 CI:2.35,7.02], poor wealth status [AOR = 2.7 CI:1.09,6.68], food in-security [AOR = 4.49 CI:1.94,10.37], home delivery [AOR = 4.33 CI:1.43,13.15], having poor knowledge on infant and young child feeding [AOR = 5.94 CI:2.8,12.6], having no health education on complementary feeding [AOR = 2.54 CI:1.28,5.06] and father’s job [AOR = 2.2 CI:1.17,4.1] were found to be positively associated with inappropriate complementary feeding.ConclusionMothers’ work situation, fathers’ job, wealth index, food security, mothers’ knowledge on infant feeding, post-natal care, health education on infant feeding and place of delivery were independent determinants for inappropriate complementary feeding. Thus, interventions shall effectively address those factors to alleviate the problem.

Lived Experience of People with Type 1 Diabetes in North East Ethiopia; Psycho-Social and Economical Perspective, a Phenomenological Study.

To explore lived experience of people with type 1 diabetes in North East Ethiopia; psycho-social and economical perspective. A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted to explore the lived experience of people with type 1 diabetes in North East Ethiopia; psycho-social and economical perspective from March 02 to March 25, 2020. A heterogeneous purposive sample method was used to choose the participants. The lead investigator used an in-depth interview to collect data, using an audio recorder and an interview guide. The data were analysed using the thematic analysis method. Atlas. ti software version 7 was used to facilitate the data analysis process. A total of 13 participants were enrolled in this study. The participants age range were 14 to 70 years and their duration of diabetes since diagnosis were from 8 months to 16 years. The three interconnected themes that emerged from the analysis are: (1) psychological experience with two sub-themes (psychological problems due to diabetes including fear and coping strategies for psychological problems), (2) social experience, which has five categories (influence on intimate relationships, influence on social participation, disclosure status, social isolation and stigma, social support, and influence on education); and (3) economic experience. Fear was one of the psychological experiences felt by people with type 1 diabetes. Although type 1 diabetes is a biomedical problem, it is also accompanied by other psychological and socio-economic issues, that require a holistic approach to address it. So, health professionals should strengthen health information dissemination programs.

Reference Intervals of Haematological Parameters for Apparently Healthy Adults in Northeast Ethiopia.

Clinical laboratory reference intervals play a vital role in evaluating overall well-being, tracking the progression of diseases, and detecting potential harmful effects and complications. Despite evidence revealing disparities, many African nations currently rely on reference intervals for blood analysis obtained mainly from Western populations. This practice increases the risk of misidentifying and misdiagnosing healthy individuals. The aim of this study was to establish common hematological parameters reference intervals for healthy adults in Northeast Ethiopia. This community-based cross-sectional study consisted of 328 individuals who were presumed to be in good health. To assess their blood-related characteristics, blood samples were collected and analyzed using the advanced Dirui BF-6500 analyzer, along with serological testing. In accordance with guidelines provided by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, the study employed a non-parametric approach to calculate the medians and 95% confidence intervals. To explore potential variations between males and females, a statistical test known as the Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the reference intervals. The established reference intervals were: white blood cells 3.5-11.3×109/L; red blood cells 4.0-6.1×1012/L; hemoglobin 11.2-17.5g/dL; hematocrit 35.4-52.0%; MCV 77.9-93.8fl; MCH 24.7-32.0pg; MCHC 306-349g/L; RDW-CV 12.1-13.8% and platelet 131-391×109/L. The reference values of monocytes, eosinophils, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and RDW-CV in males were higher than females, while females had significantly higher platelet counts compared to males. The reference intervals discovered differed from the reference intervals now in use, those mentioned in earlier research in Ethiopia or other African nations, as well as those conducted on Western populations. In the adult demographic of Northeast Ethiopia, specific reference intervals for commonly observed hematological parameters were established, tailored to the local community. Consequently, these reference intervals hold the potential to enhance informed decision-making within this population, by providing valuable guidance when interpreting laboratory test outcomes.

Appropriate Use of Primary Statin Preventive Therapy Among Patients with High Atherosclerosis-Related Cardiovascular Disease Risks: Cross-Sectional Study, Northeast Ethiopia

Appropriate Use of Primary Statin Preventive Therapy Among Patients with High Atherosclerosis-Related Cardiovascular Disease Risks: Cross-Sectional Study, Northeast Ethiopia

School Feeding and Nutritional Status of Students in Dubti District, Afar, Northeast Ethiopia: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study [Letter

School Feeding and Nutritional Status of Students in Dubti District, Afar, Northeast Ethiopia: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study [Letter

Magnitude of Neonatal Admission Diagnosis and Associated Factors at Selected Hospitals in Wollo, Northeast Ethiopia

Magnitude of Neonatal Admission Diagnosis and Associated Factors at Selected Hospitals in Wollo, Northeast Ethiopia

Determinants of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Among Adults Patients Attending Debre Berhan University Hakim Gizaw Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study.

Community-acquired pneumonia among adults remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in both industrialized and developing countries, including Ethiopia. Moreover, despite the availability of the best clinical standards, morbidity and mortality from community-acquired pneumonia have not improved over the last few decades. Therefore, prompt assessment and correction of modifiable risk factors are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality. However, there are limited data on the determinants of community-acquired pneumonia among adults in the current study area. This study aimed to identify the determinants of community-acquired pneumonia among adult patients visiting Debre Berhan University Hospital, Ethiopia, May 2023. A hospital-based unmatched case-control study design was conducted to select 113 cases and 113 controls using a consecutive sampling technique. Using the SPSS version 25 software bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the determinants of community-acquired pneumonia. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and p-values < 0.05 were used to assess the level of significance. In this study, recent history of common cold [AOR: 4.35, 95% CI: (2.22, 8.51)], recent history of toothache [AOR: 2.51, 95% CI: (1.18, 5.33)], and not brushing teeth regularly [AOR, 2.79; 95% CI: (1.32, 5.88)] were significantly associated with community-acquired pneumonia. In this study, common cold, recent history of toothache, and lack of regular oral hygiene were significantly associated with community acquired pneumonia in adults. Therefore, health promotion of oral hygiene and the common cold is recommended to decrease the risk of pneumonia.

Exploring the health consequences of armed conflict: the perspective of Northeast Ethiopia, 2022: a qualitative study

BackgroundConflict is a complicated topic with a multidimensional consequences for community health. Its effects have a broad pattern, starting from direct war-related morbidity and mortality caused by bullets and bombs to indirect consequences due to the interruption of the delivery of preventive and curative health services. This study aimed to explore the health consequences of the northern Ethiopian conflict in the North Wollo zone, northeast Ethiopia, in 2022.MethodsThis descriptive qualitative study was conducted from May to June 2022 on six conflict-affected Woredas in the north Wollo zone. A total of 100 purposively selected participants, which included patients, pregnant women, elders, community and religious leaders, and health professionals, were interviewed using IDI and FGD. The data was entered, coded, and analyzed using Open Code version 4.03. Thematic analysis approach employed to conduct the interpretation. Data was presented using descriptive statistics in the form of texts and tables.ResultsThe findings indicate that the conflict has caused a profound consequence on population health. It has resulted in a wide range of direct and indirect consequences, ranging from war-related casualties, famine, and disruptions of supply chains and forced displacement to instances of violence and rape associated with insecurity. The conflict also caused a breakdown in the health system by causing distraction of health infrastructure, fleeing of health workers and shortage of medication, together with insecurity and lack of transportation, which greatly affected the provision and utilization of health services. Additionally, the conflict has resulted in long-term consequences, such as the destruction of health facilities, interruption of immunization services, posttraumatic stress disorders, and lifelong disabilities. The coping strategies utilized were using available traditional medicines and home remedies, obtaining medications from conflict-unaffected areas, and implementing home-to-home healthcare services using available supplies.ConclusionThe Northern Ethiopian conflict has an impact on community health both directly and indirectly through conflict-related causalities and the breakdown of the health system and health-supporting structures. Therefore, this study recommends immediate rehabilitation interventions for damaged health infrastructure and affected individuals.

Withdrawal: "Surgical site infection and antimicrobial prophylaxis prescribing pattern, and its determinants among hospitalized patients in northeast Ethiopia: a hospital based cross-sectional study" by Habteweld HA, Yimam M, Tsige AW, Teshome Y, Endalifer BL, Dires K.

The above article from Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, published online on 1 September 2023 in Wiley Online Library (http://wileyonlinelibrary.com) has been withdrawn by agreement among the authors, the Journal Editor-in-Chief Joseph S. Bertino Jr. and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology. The withdrawal has been agreed because a dispute over authorship.

Prevalence of Acute Malnutrition and Associated Factors among Children aged 6–59 months in South Wollo Zone, East Amhara, Northeast Ethiopia: a Community-based cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of acute malnutrition and associated factors in South Wollo zone, East Amhara, Northeast Ethiopia.DesignA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among...