Select Study Subjects Research Articles

Schistosoma mansoni infection prevalence and associated risk factors among schoolchildren in Demba Girara, Damot Woide District of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

To establish the prevalence and associated risk factors of Schistosoma mansoni (S.mansoni) infection among schoolchildren at a village in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was carried out among primary schoolchildren. A total of 384 randomly selected study subjects provided stool samples for parasitological examination by Kato-Katz and Formalin-Ether concentration techniques. Secondary parasitological data were obtained from Health Center Laboratory to see the previous history of S.mansoni infection in the area. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 16. From the total children examined, 85.4% were found positive for at least one helminth infection. S.mansoni infection (81.3%) was the most prevalent and the prevalence of STH was 32%. Moderate and heavy infection intensities were only observed in S.mansoni infections. The overall heavy intensity of infection was 56.4%. Contact to Bisare stream was the most important factor for S.mansoni infection (OR 3.9) followed by herding cattle near the stream (OR 2.527). Males were twice more likely to get the infection than females (OR 1.923). Analysis of secondary parasitological data showed that S.mansoni infection was a leading helminthic infection over the past years. The present study found a higher intensity and prevalence of S.mansoni infection in a rural village of Wolaita Zone. Therefore, appropriate integrated control and prevention measures need to be implemented in the study area.

B-Type Natriuretic Peptide as Prognostic Marker in Newly Diagnosed Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients

Background: B-type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) a neurohormone synthesized in ventricular myocardium and released into the circulation in response to ventricular dilatation and pressure overload, is a current biomarker used for identifying patients at high risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). High level of BNP is associated with an increased risk of Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) including new or progressive heart failure and myocardial infarction. The objective of this study was to assess the prognosis of newly diagnosed ACS patients by using plasma BNP level. Methods: This study was conducted in the department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in collaboration with National Institute of Cardiovascular Disease (NICVD) from January 2013 to December 2013. Total 100 newly diagnosed ACS patients, aged 30 to 70 years, irrespective of sex who reported within 24 hours of onset of symptoms were enrolled in this study by purposive and convenient sampling. Plasma BNP level of selected study subjects was measured within 24 hours of onset of symptoms. Then subjects were grouped on the basis of their empirical cut-off value of plasma BNP concentration Group I having plasma BNP level <135 pg/mL and Group II having plasma BNP level 135 pg/mL. Results: Of 100 ACS patients, 86 were male and 14 were female with the mean age 49.61±10.28 years and the age range of 30 to 70 years. Among 26 patients in Group I, good recovery, morbidity and mortality were 22 (84.6%), 4 (15.4%) and zero and among 74 patients in Group II good recovery, morbidity and mortality were 18 (24.3%), 53 (71.6%) and 3 (3.0%) respectively. Differences in outcome between groups were statistically significant (P=0.001). Above the empirical cut-off value of BNP (135 pg/mL) good prognosis was for 18 (24.3%) and bad prognosis was for 56 (75.7 %) patients and relative risk 3.48 in 95% CI (2.25-5.36). Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that higher baseline plasma BNP concentration is associated with more adverse clinical outcomes in ACS patients. Since the baseline plasma BNP concentrations at the onset of event shows incremental prognostic value, so plasma BNP can be used clinically as a biomarker of prognosis in ACS patients.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cmoshmcj.v14i1.22870 Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.14 (1); Jan 2015; Page 1-5

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Nonexclusive Breastfeeding to Infants within the First 6 Months in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2014

Introduction. Nonexclusive breastfeeding (NEBF) is giving infants other foods or fluids in addition to the breast milk within the first six months of age. According to Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2011, prevalence of NEBF was found to be 48%; this has a great impact on the health and development of the child.Objectives. To assess the prevalence and associated factors of NEBF to infants within the first six months.Methods. Community based cross-sectional study design was employed from March 1 to 31, 2014, among 828 mothers with infants 6 to 12 months old. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study subjects. Logistic regression analysis with 95% CI was computed to identify predictor variables.Result. A total of 828 mothers with infants aged between 6 and 12 months were interviewed with 100% response rate. Prevalence of NEBF was 47.5%. Mothers who completed primary school (AOR=0.46[95% CI: 0.30, 0.71]) were less likely practicing NEBF compared to mothers with no formal education. Governmental employees (AOR=2.55[95% CI: 1.45, 4.46]) were more likely practicing NEBF.Conclusion. NEBF was practiced by 47% of mothers. Maternal educational status, occupation, and knowledge of initiation of complementary feeding were factors significantly associated with NEBF.

Prevalence of malnutrition and its associated factors among adult people living with HIV/AIDS receiving anti-retroviral therapy at Butajira Hospital, southern Ethiopia

Malnutrition and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) are highly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa, and they are linked in a vicious cycle. Intestinal parasite co-infection worsens the effect of malnutrition among HIV patients. However, the magnitude of malnutrition and its determinant factors among people living with HIV/AIDS are not well understood in Butajira in particular and Ethiopia in general. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition and its associated factors among adult people living with HIV/AIDS and receiving anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted, and systematic random sampling technique was used to select study subjects. A total of 305 study subjects were enrolled in the study. Structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect demographic data. From each sampled patient, anthropometric and laboratory data were also collected. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the effect of the various factors on the level of malnutrition. A P value ≤0.05 at 95% CI was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of malnutrition was 25.2% of which 49, 19, and 9 patients were mildly, moderately, and severely malnourished, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that living in rural area, anemia, and intestinal parasitic co-infection were significantly associated with malnutrition (AOR = 1.98, 1.9, 2.85, respectively). The prevalence of malnutrition among HIV/AIDS patients receiving ART in Butajira was high and intestinal parasite co-infection was found as an important risk factor associated with malnutrition.

Preliminary Results of ‘Liver-First' Reverse Management for Advanced and Aggressive Synchronous Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

Background: Although a ‘liver-first' approach recently has been advocated in treating synchronous colorectal metastases, little is known about how results compare with those of the classical approach among patients with similar grades of liver metastases. Methods: Propensity-score matching was used to select study subjects. Oncologic outcomes were compared between 10 consecutive patients with unresectable advanced and aggressive synchronous colorectal liver metastases treated with the reverse strategy and 30 comparable classically treated patients. Results: Numbers of recurrence sites and recurrent tumors irrespective of recurrence sites were greater in the reverse group then the classic group (p = 0.003 and p = 0.015, respectively). Rates of freedom from recurrence in the remaining liver and of freedom from disease also were poorer in the reverse group than in the classical group (p = 0.009 and p = 0.043, respectively). Among patients treated with 2-stage hepatectomy, frequency of microvascular invasion surrounding macroscopic metastases at second resection was higher in the reverse group than in the classical group (p = 0.011). Conclusions: Reverse approaches may be feasible in treating synchronous liver metastases, but that strategy should be limited to patients with less liver tumor burden.

Magnitude of Psychoactive Substance Abuse among University Students, Adigrat, North Ethiopia: Cross Sectional Study

Background: Substance abuse is a serious problem that interferes with an individual's physical and mental health, on the individual social situation and responsibilities. Of the young segment of the Ethiopian population, college and university students are the most at risk of using psychoactive substances. Its use among adolescents can be harmful, leading to decreased academic performance, increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS including sexually transmitted diseases, and psychiatric disorders. Hence a need to conduct studies in this issue is fundamental and with the aim of determining the magnitude of psychoactive substance use among University students at Adigrat, this investigation was conducted. Methodology: An institution based cross sectional study design using quantitative method was employed on 161 students; and after stratifying for department and batch, systematic random sampling was used to select study subjects. The study period was from April 1 to June 20, 2014. Data was gathered by anonymous self-administer questionnaire using ASSIST and CAGE tools; also abuse was determined at a score of ≥ 2 on CAGE. Result: The magnitude of substance abuse was 16.7%. The commonly abused substances were alcohol (8.7%) followed by Khat (6.7%); and cigarettes were abused by 6% of the participants. Comparably 3.33% and 2% were cannabis and cocaine abusers respectively. Peer pressure 29 (34.52%), family pressure 25 (29.76%), availability of the substances 17 (20.24%), including religious purpose 3 (3.57%) were common reasons to initiate extracting substances. In addition nearly half of them started using substances at the primary school level. Recommendation: It is important to design suitable policies, culturally and psychologically appropriate intervention packages so as to tackle multiple effects of psychoactive substance abuse among University students.

Awareness, Utilization and Barriers to Family Planning Services among Female Students at Asella Preparatory School, Ethiopia

Background: Currently contraceptive use is lower among young women in Ethiopia. According to EDHS2011 report out of sexually active 5% of all women age 15-19 and 7% of age 20-24 reported current use of any contraceptive method. As evidences showing that teen age girls who get pregnant are likely to drop out of school and if become teen age parents they likely to face social and economic problems. Objective: To assess the level of awareness, attitude of contraceptives and utilization of family planning services among female youth students and barriers that hinders effective use of the services. Method: Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted in Oromia regional state Arsi zone Assella town, Assella preparatory school. Systematic random sampling was used to select study subjects for survey while purposive sampling was used to select study subjects for in depth interview. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and interviewer topic guide was used for qualitative. Result: Majority (97.3%) of the respondents have heard about family planning methods. The first common source of information for family planning was mass-media (62.5%) and the least source of information (8.3%) was internet. Out of sexually active respondents, (61%) of them currently using contraceptive methods. Females from urban (AOR=4.60, 95%CI =1.06-19.96) and those who satisfied with family planning service (AOR=9.75, 95%CI=1.62- 58.71) were utilized family planning than their counter parts. Conclusion: The level of awareness about family planning, source of information for services are encouraging. However, the role of family and school teachers as the source of information for the female youth seems to be low. This should be improved using integrated Reproductive Health services for female youth by participating families and school teachers who have a vital role to ensure adequate knowledge for utilization of Reproductive Health services.

Mean Difference of Age at Menarche and Body Mass Index among Government and Private High-School Students of Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia

Background: The mean age at menarche varies from one setting to another. Individual differences in timing of menarche are associated with age differences in the onset of sexual activity and first pregnancy. The study was conducted to determine the mean difference of age at menarche and body mass index (BMI) among government and private high-school students of Mekelle city. Method: A cross sectional study design was conducted in selected 6 governmental and private schools of Mekelle city. A total of 290 study subjects were interviewed. Systematic random sampling method was used to select study subjects. An independent sample t-test was done for two independent groups to compare age at menarche among governmental and private school girls in relation to various variables. One-way ANOVA and Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted on the combined analysis for the relationship between age at menarche and independent variables. Result: The mean age at menarche was 14.24 year ±1.42 SD. The mean age at menarche was one year younger for private school girls compared with government school girls (t=6.2, P<0.001). Time spending sitting in a day (r= −0.25, p<0.001) duration of sleeping (r= -0.13, p=0.03), living in their own house (t= -2.42, P<0.05) were negatively correlated with age at menarche. There was significant difference of age at menarche among the participants maternal education (F=6.0, P<0.001), Father’s education (F=8.45, P<0.001), and father’s job (F=9.55, P<0.001). The mean BMI of the participants was 20.22 ± 2.66 SD. More than quarters of the participants were underweight (26.3%). Conclusion: The mean age of menarche found in this study was higher than the report from other African countries. The mean age at menarche was statically different among the government and private school girls. Time spending sitting, duration of sleeping, living in their own house were negatively correlated with age at menarche.

Examination and hygienic assessment of health risk depending on heavy metals content in foods

Aim. To determine total daily intake and absorbed doses of some heavy metals with subsequent hygienic assessment of health risks associated with exposure to them. Methods. To determine the levels of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, copper and zinc) in food products included in the daily diet, actual nutritional status of 57 individuals was studied using questionnaire survey method in accordance with the existing guidelines. Samples of 18 food items were chemically analysed. Bio-materials (blood and hair) taken from randomly selected study subjects were analysed to determine the levels of heavy metals. The heavy metal levels in food products and biological media were determined by atomic absorption spectrometer («Shimadzu», Japan). Actual intake and absorbed daily doses of heavy metals were calculated using the quantitative data on the daily diet and metal levels in individual products according to the existing guidelines. Health risk values were estimated based on the gained results. Results. Various levels of heavy metals in food products were revealed. Their ranking order by levels present in basic food products (in bakery and meat products) is as follows: Zn Cr Ni Cu Pb Cd. High levels of heavy metals intake with daily diet (compared with the reference values) were revealed. Furthermore, high absorbed doses of heavy metals, particularly chromium and nickel, were accompanied by increased concentrations in blood and hair. The dose risk ratios for chromium and nickel were assessed as 1.31 and 3.77 respectively (for other metals - 0.15-0.58). Conclusion. The daily dietary intake and absorbed doses of chromium and nickel represent respectively low and increased risk to human health among the studied heavy metals.

Abstract 2201: Long-term risk of colorectal cancer in patients with sessile serrated adenomas, traditional serrated adenomas, and hyperplastic polyps

Abstract Evidence for the recently recognized serrated pathway to colorectal cancer (CRCa) is based largely on the similarity of genetic changes in CpG island methylator phenotype positive (CIMP+) cancers and serrated lesions such as the sessile serrated adenoma (SSA). There is limited evidence regarding the future cancer risks in patients diagnosed with these lesions. Methods: We used Danish medical databases to select subjects for a population-based case-control study of CRCa within the population of 272,342 individuals who underwent colonoscopy during 1977 - 2009. 2,045 CRCa cases were diagnosed during 1977-2006. We used risk set sampling to select 8,105 controls matched by gender and year of birth to the cases. After accessing records of colorectal polyps identified in the subjects, we requested histopathological blocks for the first lesions diagnosed as hyperplastic polyps (HPs) at or after the first colonoscopy during the study period, and obtained them for 895 (97%) of the affected subjects. Four expert pathologists used current criteria to review these lesions and reclassify them as SSAs, traditional serrated adenomas (TSAs) or hyperplastic polyps (HPs). Lesions initially diagnosed as conventional adenomas (CADs) were not reviewed, nor were later polyps. We used conditional logistic regression to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence limits (CIs) for CRCa associated with polyp types at the first examination recorded with HPs, using patients with no polyp history during the study period as the referent group and adjusting for age and year at first colonoscopy. Results: After review, 48 (2.3%) cases and 81 (1.0%) controls had SSAs but no CADs or TSAs (OR for CRCa = 3.34, 95% CI: 2.31-4.83). TSAs conferred a similarly high CRCa risk (OR = 3.35, 95%CI: 1.39-8.07), but HPs did not (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.96-1.77). The OR for CADs without SSA or TSA was 2.49 (95% CI: 2.23-2.79); subjects with both SSAs and CADs had an OR intermediate between those for CADs alone and SSAs alone. Women with SSAs and no CADs had a higher OR (4.92; 95% CI: 2.96-8.18) than men (OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.24-3.82). Proximal SSAs were associated with a particularly high OR (12.39, 95% CI: 4.87-31.51). Consideration of reported metachronous lesions changed most of these ORs only modestly. Conclusions: We found that SSAs and TSAs are associated with a substantial increase in the risk of CRCa. These data provide further evidence for the serrated pathway to CRCa, with SSAs and TSAs as cancer precursors. Citation Format: John A. Baron, Rune Erichsen, Stephen J. Hamilton-Dutoit, Dale C. Snover, Emina E. Torlakovic, Trine Frøslev, Lars Pedersen, Mogens Vyberg, Stanley R. Hamilton, Henrik T. Sørensen. Long-term risk of colorectal cancer in patients with sessile serrated adenomas, traditional serrated adenomas, and hyperplastic polyps. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2201. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2201

Intention to use long acting and permanent contraceptive methods and factors affecting it among married women in Adigrat town, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

BackgroundDespite the increase in contraceptive use worldwide over the last decade, there is still discrepancy in the need to limit birth and utilization of modern contraceptives specifically long acting and permanent contraceptive methods in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. Intention to use long acting and permanent methods of contraception is an important indicator of the potential demand for family planning services.ObjectiveTo assess intention to use long acting and permanent contraceptive methods (LAPMs) and identifying associated factors among currently married women in Adigrat town.MethodsA community based cross sectional study design complemented with a qualitative method was conducted in three selected Kebeles of Adigrat town. A total of 594 study subjects were interviewed. Systematic random sampling method was used to select study subjects. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Open code software version 3.6.2.0 was used to facilitate coding of the qualitative data. Factors associated with intention were identified using logistic regression model and content analysis was done on the qualitative data.ResultsIntention to use LAPMs was 48.4%. Intention to use LAPMs was higher among women who knew at least one of LAPMs (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI = 1.58, 14.01) and women who do not want to have birth within the next 2 years (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.22, 3.13). Intention to use LAMPs was less among women who perceive poor support from their husbands (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.09, 0.45) and those who perceive LAPMs are harmful for the womb (AOR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.41). Similarly, participants in the focus group discussion have expressed their concern on the return of fertility after using implants or IUCD as well as insertion and removal procedures.ConclusionsThe magnitude of intention to use LAPMs in the study area was low. The main limiting factors were fear of side effect, infertility after LAPMs use, knowledge on LAPMs and perception on partner’s support of LAPMs use. To further promote the use of LAPMs addressing associated misconceptions through effective communication strategies and involving spouses in family planning programs is essential.

Assessment of Factors Associated with Malnutrition among Under Five Years Age Children at Machakel Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia: A Case Control Study

Introduction; malnutrition continues to be a significant public health and development concern not only in developing country but also in the world. It is a serious problem because it is causing the deaths of 3.5 million children under 5 years old per- year. Its magnitude is still highest in Ethiopia as well as in Amhara Region that remains a major public health problem. Objective: The main aim of this study is to assess associated factors of malnutrition on under five years children in Machakel Woreda. Methods: Unmatched Case control study was conducted. Cases were children of aged 6-59 months who have malnutrition (weight for height 12 cm, there is no edema). A consecutive sampling technique was employ to select study subjects for this study. Logistic regression was used to analyze data by using backward variable selection technique. Result: A total of 102 cases and 201 controls were included in the study with overall response rate of 94.4%. Sixty five (63.20%) of cases and 49 (24.40%) controls had fathers that cannot read and write. Thirty nine (38.23%) of cases and 44(21.89%) of controls had history of diarrheal episode. Those children whose family use drinking water from unprotected source were 3 times more likely to have malnutrition as compared to those children whose family use drinking water from protected source with [AOR=3.04, 95%CI (1.01, 9.17)]. Conclusion: The fining of this study revealed that inappropriate child carrying and feeding practice were strongly associated with under five malnutrition. Therefore, the responsible body should implement on nutritional intervention activities at all level of the community.

Modern Contraceptive Method Mix and Factors Affecting Utilization of Modern Contraceptives among Married Women in Adigrat Town, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Background: In Ethiopia the prevalence of contraceptive use among currently married women has increased nearly six fold in the last 20 years, from 5 percent in the 1990 to 29 percent in the 2011 Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey. The contraceptive method mix is dominated by short term methods like pills and injectables. This study was conducted to assess the contraceptive method mix and factors associated with modern contraceptive use among currently married women in Adigrat town. Methods: A community based cross sectional study design was conducted in three selected Kebeles of Adigrat town. A total of 594 study subjects were interviewed. Systematic random sampling method was used to select study subjects. Factors associated with modern contraceptive use were identified using logistic regression. Results: The current modern contraceptive prevalence was 51.3% (95%CI= 47.2, 55.4). The most preferred method was Depo-Provera, 207(68.3%), followed by pills, 35(11.6%). Thirty one (10.2%), 16 (5.3%), 12 (4%) of participants have found with implants, intra uterine device (IUD), and tubal ligation, respectively. None of the participants had reported vasectomy. The main source of the current method was government health centers (71.3%) and hospital (20.8%). Various reasons were given for not using modern contraception. The main reasons stated were desire to be pregnant (38.9%) and exclusive breastfeeding (25%). The result of multiple logistic regression revealed that couples’ education status, desire to have child within two years or soon, discussion on family planning with partner and ever use of modern contraceptives were found significantly associated with modern contraceptive use. Conclusions: The magnitude of modern contraceptive use in the town is almost comparable with the national demographic health survey 2011 and other urban based studies. But the contraceptive method mix is poor, dominated by short term contraceptives. Therefore, couples discussion on family planning and husbands’ involvement in family planning programs should be encouraged.

Assessment of Violence and Associated Factors among Rural High School Female Students, in Hadiya Zone, Southern Nation and Nationalities Peoples’ Region, Ethiopia, 2013

The objective of this study is to assess violence and associated factors among rural high school female students in Hadiya zone, Ethiopia. A school based cross-sectional quantitative study was employed. Multistage sampling technique was used to select study subjects. Self administered questionnaires were used to collect the data and study was conducted on 801 rural high school female students in Hadiya Zone from March 25 to April 25/2013. The overall percentage of physical, sexual or psychological violence was found to be 62.20% during their high school education. Using alcohol by students and their parents, mother education was the risk factors for the occurrence of physical violence. Alcohol used by students and parents father education and marital status highly attributes to sexual violence. Alcohol used by student and mother occupation was variables associated to psychological violence. This finding concludes that violence is highly prevalent among rural high school female students in Hadiya zone and use of alcohol, marital status, parental education and occupation were the main contributing factors. School officials and other concerned organizations should strengthen the communication with students, parents and community leaders about the physical, sexual and psychological violence.

Determinants of tobacco use and perception, attitude about an antitobacco act in rural Haryana, North India

Background: Tobacco use is one of the most important preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in India. It is essential to study perception, practices and factors determining tobacco use to formulate the intervention for addressing this problem in the community. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 28 villages in Ballabgarh block of Faridabad, Haryana. This study aimed to understand factors determining tobacco use and to assess knowledge, attitude, practices about tobacco use and antitobacco act. Systematic random sampling was done to select study subjects. Total calculated sample size was 880. One eligible male and one female were selected randomly from household. Knowledge was assessed using semi-structured interview schedule while attitude using five-point likert scale. In addition, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted among various stakeholders and opinion leaders to get insight about practices and factors determining tobacco use in the community. Results: Total 892 subjects were enrolled in the study, of which 51% were male. The mean age of the study subjects was 49.5 years (standard deviation: 17.5). Though awareness about harmful effects of tobacco use was reported, awareness about legislations under an antitobacco act was poor. Early initiation and continued use of all forms of tobacco were reported. Prevalent practice of tobacco use was attributed to pressure from peer groups, social customs and lack of de-addiction services at the community level by study subjects. Conclusion: Tobacco use in this rural community was mainly attributed to social and cultural factors. A multi-pronged public health approach is needed for addressing this complex problem the community.

Incidence of Road Traffic Injury and Associated Factors among Patients Visiting the Emergency Department of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Teaching Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background. Road traffic injuries are a major public health issue. The problem is increasing in Africa. Objective. To assess the incidence of road traffic injury and associated factors among patients visiting the emergency department of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Teaching Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods. Institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted. A total of 356 systematically selected study subjects were included in the study. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify associated factors with road traffic injury. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were computed to determine the level of significance. Results. The incidence of road traffic injury in the emergency department of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Teaching Hospital was 36.8%. Being a farmer (AOR = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.06–10.13), conflict with family members (AOR = 7.7; 95% CI = 3.49–8.84), financial problem (AOR = 9.91; 95% CI = 4.79–6.48), psychological problem (AOR = 17.58; 95% CI = 7.70–12.14), and alcohol use (AOR = 2.98; 95% CI = 1.61–5.27) were independently associated with road traffic injury. Conclusion and Recommendation. In this study the incidence of road traffic injury was high. Alcohol is one of the most significant factors associated with Road Traffic Injury. Thus urgent education on the effect of alcohol is recommended.

주거내 알레르기성 질환 발생현황 및 거주자 의식 조사연구

The purpose of this study is to examine the current status of allergic diseases associated with the housing environment and the psychological attitude of residents towards relevant risk factors. This study surveyed 1,200 people. In the first round, 200 participants were questioned through direct survey methods, while 1,000 participants filled out an online survey in the second round. Selected study subjects consisted of allergic diseases known to be closely related to housing environment factors. With advice from medical experts, the analysis included the examination of the prevalence status regarding five types of allergy-related diseases-allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, allergic dermatitis, asthma and headache-with the range of disease incidence set within the past ten years. The survey was conducted on all age groups except those nine years old and younger, and the findings are as follows. Allergic diseases were found to be more prevalent among women than men. Residents identified effective methods for the alleviation and treatment of allergic diseases as ventilation, use of environmentally-friendly finishing materials, maintenance of a clean living space through cleaning or washing, and sunlight exposure. Residents` understanding of allergic diseases varied depending on their experience with such diseases and residential characteristics.

Assessment of the Level and Associated Factors with Knowledge and Practice of Diabetes Mellitus among Diabetic Patients Attending at FelegeHiwot Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus was perceived as the problem of the developed world but currently developing countries like Ethiopia are suffering chronic diseases of which diabetes is the major one.Objective: The aim of this study wasto assess of the level and associated factors with knowledge and practice of diabetes mellitus among diabetic patients attending at FelegeHiwot hospital. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted using interviewer administered questionnaire among 410 diabetic patients. Systematic sampling technique was used to select study subjects. Data was entered to EPI info 3.5.1 and then transferred to SPSS for analysis. Descriptive and analytical statistics including bivariate and multivariate analysis were applied. Result: Among 410 respondents, Half (49.8%) of them had good knowledge and one hundred fifty four (36.8%) participants had good practice on diabetes. Lower age was significantly associated with good knowledge and practice. Age group 18-32 yrs, 33-41 yrs and 42-50 yrs were 6.2 times, 3.3 times and 3.1 times respectively more likely to had good knowledge compared to individuals who were at the age of 50 yrsand above. Similarly, age group between 18-32 yrs was 6 times more likely to have good practice. Higher educational status was also associated with good knowledge and practice. Participants in grade 1-8, grade 9-12 and higher education and above were 3.4 times, 4.7 times and 7.2 timesrespectively more likely to had good knowledge compared to those who were unable to read and write.Likewise, those in grade 1-8, grade 9-12 and higher education and above were 3.5, 4.3 and5.4 times respectivelyto have good practice.Increased duration of diabetic therapy was positively associated with good knowledge and practice. Increased level of income was positively associated with good practice.Conclusion: This study demonstrated low level of knowledge and practice among DM patients. Age, educational status and duration of DM therapy were associated with good knowledge and practice of participants. Monthly income was also associated with good practice. Improving knowledge and practice of diabetic patient through active education is advisable. Involvement of both governmental and non-governmental organizations is also crucial to help patients receive maximum benefit from the health care service.

Prevalence of Anemia among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Background: Anemia impairs cognitive development, reduces physical work capacity and in severe cases increases risk of mortality particularly during prenatal period. There are no previous studies done on anemia in pregnancy in the study area. Objective: To assess the prevalence and determinant factors of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care follow up at Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital. Methods: Health institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted from November 23, 2013 - March8, 2013 among 395 pregnant mothers who had been attending antenatal care. Blood sample was taken to determine the hemoglobin concentration and haematocrit value. Interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to assess different socio-demographic characteristics, obstetrics and dietary factors related to anaemia. Simple random sampling technique was used to select study subjects. Data were entered with EPI info version 3.5.1 Cleaning and analysis was done using SPSS version 17 and statistical tests were performed at the level of significance of 5%. Result: The overall prevalence of anemia in this study using a cut off level of hemoglobin <11 g/dl (<33% haematocrit) was 21.3% (84/395). Out of 84 anemic pregnant mothers, 80.95% (68/84) were mildly anemic, 17.86% (15/84) were moderately anemic and 1.19% (1/84) were severely anemic. The following variables were significantly associated with anemia: Age (39-45 yrs (AOR=1.21)), education status (illiterate (AOR=2.12)), family size (greater than four (AOR=2.04), gestational age (third trimester (AOR=2.04)), birth intervals (less than two years (AOR=1.21)), history of blood loss (AOR=1.67)), antenatal care (no ANC (AOR=1.11)), contraception (no contraception (AOR=2.31)), gravidity (multigravid (AOR=1.22)), parity (multiparous (AOR=2.19)). Conclusion: The present study showed high prevalence of anemia and the majority of them were of the mild type (hemoglobin: 10-10.9 g/dl).

Assessment of water, sanitation, and hygiene practice and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS home based care services in Gondar city, Ethiopia

BackgroundPeople living with HIV/AIDS have substantially greater need for water, sanitation, and hygiene. Encouraging hygiene education for People Living with HIV/AIDS in home based care services and additional support for the provision of water, sanitation, and hygiene services is recommended.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried during 2009 to assess water, sanitation status and hygiene practices and associated factors among People Living with HIV/AIDS in home based care services in Gondar city of Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling was used to select study subjects from 900 Home Based Care clients of People Living HIV/AIDS in Gondar city. Data was collected from 296 People Living with HIV/AIDS from two NGO’s in the city. For in-depth interview, four different categories were participated. Logistic regression and thematic framework analysis were performed for quantitative and qualitative part respectively.ResultsTwo hundred ninety four subjects (72.8% (214) females and 27.2% (80) males) were studied. The mean age was 35.8 ± 8.7 years. In the study, 42.9% (126) of the households have unimproved water status, 67% (197) of the households have unimproved sanitation status, and 51.7% (152) of the households have poor hygienic practice. Diarrhoea with water status; educational status and latrine availability with sanitation status; and hand washing device availability and economical reasons for the affordability of soap with hygienic practice were significantly associated. Economical reasons and hygiene education were factors that affect water, sanitation, and hygienic practice. Stigma and discrimination were minimized as a factor in the study area.ConclusionsThere is high burden of water, sanitation and hygiene in people living HIV/AIDS in home based care services. Encouraging hygiene education for people living HIVAIDS in home based care services and additional support for the provision of water, sanitation, and hygiene services is recommended.