Gondar University Research Articles

Anesthesia students’ perception of the educational environment and academic achievement at Debre Tabor University and University of Gondar, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundExcellence in Anesthesia education has been advocated to meet the current and future needs of the society. Educational environment plays significant role in determining students’ learning and academic achievement. This study assessed the perception of Anesthesia students on their educational environment and it association with their academic achievement at Debre Tabor University and University of Gondar.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study design was employed on 3rd and 4th year students. Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) was used to assess students’ perception on their educational environment. Perceived performance, Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and 100 MCQ items were used to assess the academic achievement of the students. An independent t-test was used to assess the differences in the perception of educational environment and academic achievements. Bivariate and multivariable linear regressions were fitted to assess the relationship between perception on educational environment and academic achievement. A P-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare the statistical significance.ResultA total of 123 students (91 from University of Gondar and 32 from Debre Tabor University) were participated on this study. The study showed no statistically significant differences between the groups on the perception of students on the educational environment on DREEM total and subscale scores, and academic achievements. However, there were statistically significant differences in some items of the educational environment measures. On multivariable linear regression; entrance exam result, students’ perception of teachers, students’ academic self –perception and students’ social self-perception showed positive correlation with students’ academic achievement (ß = 0.003 & P = 0.04, ß = 0.009 & P = 0.9, ß = 0.06 & P = 0.42, ß = 0.06 & P = 0.39, ß = 0.14 & P = 0.015 and ß = 0.13 & P = 0.023) respectively.ConclusionThe perception of students on the educational environment was found to be more positive and there was no statistically significant differences in total and domains of DREEM scores and academic achievement of students between the two institutions. Entrance exam result and more positive perception of the educational environment were positively associated with academic achievement of students.

Willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among adult chronic patients. A cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia.

People with pre-existing chronic diseases are more likely to acquire COVID-19 infections, which can be fatal, and die from COVID-19 illness. COVID-19 vaccination will benefit those at a higher risk of developing complications and dying from the disease. This study aimed to determine chronic patients' willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and the factors that influence their willingness. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 adult chronic patients in the University of Gondar specialized hospital outpatient departments. The participants were chosen using systematic random sampling methods with an interval of 5. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from eligible respondents. Epi-data version 4.6 and SPSS version 25 were used for the data entry data analysis. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between the dependent and independent factors. An odds ratio with 95 percent confidence intervals and a P-value was used to determine the association's strength and statistical significance. Out of 401 respondents, 219 (54.6%) with [95% CI (49.7-59.5%)] of study participants were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Being a healthcare worker (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.24-6.96), Lost family members or friends due to COVID-19 (AOR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.21-5.00), good knowledge about COVID-19 vaccine (AOR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.37-4.33), favorable attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine (AOR = .8.56 95% CI: 4.76-15.38), perceived suitability of the COVID-19 infection (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.62-5.33) and perceived benefit of the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.08-3.31), were found to be a significant association with the willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among chronic patients. This study confirms that around 55% of adult chronic patients were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Providing health education for chronic patients to emphasize the knowledge and attitude of the COVID-19 vaccine and raise patients' perceived risk of COVID-19 and the benefit of the COVID-19 vaccine could be recommended to improve their willingness to COVID-19 vaccination.

Diabetic Macular Edema Among Diabetic Patients at The University of Gondar Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, North West Ethiopia

Background: Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the most common cause of visual impairment in patients with diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of DME globally is around 6.8 % and in Ethiopia range from 5.7% to 11%. Different factors are associated with DME including poor glycemic control, longer duration, hypertension, dyslipidemia. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of diabetic macular edema among diabetic patients attending University of Gondar (UOG) hospital, tertiary eye care and training center, NW Ethiopia Methods:A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to October 2021. Socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory data of patients was gathered. The collected data was entered into epi-data 4.6 version, exported to SPSS version 20 and analyzed. Results: A total of 165 diabetic patients were enrolled with mean age of 54.71 ±13.66 years, 50.9% male, 85.5% urban dwellers, 79.9% type 2 DM,49.7% on oral hypoglycemic agents and the mean duration of diabetes was 7.93 years. Cataract was the commonest ocular morbidity and 42% of patients had at least mild vision impairment. The overall prevalence of DME was 17% and 5.5% of patients had clinically significant macular edema (CSME). The presence of proteinuria was 8.04 times more likely to have DME. Conclusion: The prevalence of DME among our patients was high. The presence of proteinuria was significantly associated with DME. Screening of diabetic patients for sight threatening retinopathy early and appropriate treatment is recommended.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram for the Prediction of Unfavorable Treatment Outcome Among Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis Patients in North West Ethiopia: An Application of Prediction Modelling.

BackgroundMultidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a global problem and a health security threat, which makes “Ending the global TB epidemic in 2035” unachievable. Globally, the unfavourable treatment outcome remains unacceptably high. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a risk prediction model for unfavorable treatment outcomes in MDR-TB patients, which can be used by clinicians as a simple clinical tool in their decision-making.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to develop and validate a risk prediction model for the prediction of unfavorable treatment outcomes among MDR-TB patients in North-West Ethiopia.MethodsWe used MDR-TB data collected from the University of Gondar and Debre Markos referral hospitals. A retrospective follow-up study was conducted and a total of 517 patients were included in the study. STATA version 16 statistical software and R version 4.0.5 were used for the analysis. Descriptive statistics were carried out. A multivariable model was fitted using all potent predictors selected by the lasso regression method. A simplified risk prediction model (nomogram) was developed based on the binomial logit-based model, and its performance was described by assessing its discriminatory power and calibration. Finally, decision curve analysis (DCA) was done to evaluate the clinical and public health impact of the developed model.ResultsThe developed nomogram comprised six predictors: baseline anemia, major adverse event, comorbidity, age, marital status, and treatment supporter. The model has a discriminatory power of 0.753 (95% CI: 0.708, 0.798) and calibration test of (P-value = 0.695). It was internally validated by bootstrapping method, and it has a relatively corrected discrimination performance (AUC = 0.744, 95CI: 0.699, 0.788). The optimism coefficient was found to be 0.009. The decision curve analysis showed the net benefit of the model as threshold probabilities varied.ConclusionThe developed nomogram can be used for individualized prediction of unfavorable treatment outcomes in MDR-TB patients for it has a satisfactory level of accuracy and good calibration. The model is clinically interpretable and was found to have added benefits in clinical practice.

Factors Affecting Knowledge and Attitude Towards Hybrid Problem-Based Learning Curriculum Among Academicians of the University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.

BackgroundAdapting a tutor role in a hybrid problem-based learning (h-PBL) model is a challenge to novices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the factors associated with the academicians’ knowledge and attitude toward the h-PBL curriculum.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 1st to 30th, 2021. A Simple random sampling was employed. Data were entered and analyzed with EpiData 4.6 and SPSS® version 25. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was fitted and adjusted odds ratio at a p-value of ≤0.05 and 95% confidence interval were used to declare significant association.ResultsThe study included 415 academicians with a response rate of 97.8%. Four-sixths (66.3%) of them have good knowledge (95% CI = 61.7–70.8). Being age 30–34 (AOR = 2.97; 95% = CI: 1.69–5.23), being age over 34 (AOR = 3.36; 95% CI = 1.6–6.66), currently teaching (AOR=1.84; 95 CI = 1.1–3.07) and having received PBL training (AOR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.01–2.7) were significantly associated with good knowledge. More than half (51.1%) had a favorable attitude (95% CI = 46.3–55.9). Being age over 34 (AOR = 3.69; 95% CI: 1.98–6.89), having 5–9 (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.85–2.34) and above 9 years of experience (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.03–2.11), having received PBL training (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.17–2.8), ever-constructing PBL cases (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.08–2.68), and presence of rooms set aside for PBL sessions (AOR = 2.26; 95% CI = 1.2–4.16) were significantly associated with academicians’ favorable attitude.ConclusionAcademicians’ knowledge and attitude towards the h-PBL curriculum can be improved with training, participation in PBL case construction, and setting rooms aside for PBL sessions.

Psychological distress and associated factors among healthcare professionals in Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to assess psychological distress (depression, anxiety and stress) and associated factors among healthcare professionals working at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.DesignInstitution-based...

Prevalence of palmar crease patterns and associated factors among students at University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.

Palmar creases are unique, permanent, and genetically controlled morphological variables. Recognizing palmar crease types are important for personal identification, criminal investigations, and diagnosis of congenital diseases. This study aimed to reveal the anthropological characteristics as well as contribute to the diagnosing of congenital disease of Ethiopian people. In this study, a cross-sectional study design with a multistage sampling technique were used. Chi-square test, bivariable, and multivariable multinomial logistic regression models were employed. At bivariable analysis variables with a P-value of ≤0.2 were selected for multivariable analysis and at multivariable analysis variables with a P-value of ≤0.05 were considered as statistically significant factors. Most of study participants had normal palmar crease patterns (90.8%), followed by simian crease patterns (5.0%), whereas sydney crease patterns was the least (1.92%). Being male was more likely to have simian crease and sydney crease than normal crease. Right-handed subjects were less likely to have simian crease and suwon crease than normal crease. The simian crease was more common among students whose fathers were from Gurage ethnicity than normal creases. Students who have one point of origin of the primary palmar creases were more likely to have simian crease, sydney crease, and suwon crease than normal crease. In this study, the normal type of palmar crease patterns was the most prevalent. Whereas the simian crease pattern was the commonest type among the variant palmar creases. Palmar crease patterns are affected by sex, ethnicity, handedness, and points of origin of the primary palmar crease.

Myopia: An Increasing Problem for Medical Students at the University of Gondar.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of myopia among medical students at the University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Northwest Ethiopia.Patients and MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health Sciences from June 20 to August 15, 2021. A simple random sampling technique with proportional allocation was used to select 492 students. Interviewer-administered questionnaire, Snellen acuity chart, pinhole, retinoscope and direct ophthalmoscope were used to collect the data. The data were entered to EpiData version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were summarized by measures of central tendency. Variables with p-value ≤0.2 in bivariable regression were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used and variables with p-values <0.05 were considered as statistically significant.ResultsA total of 492 respondents participated giving a response rate of 98.3%. The prevalence of myopia was found to be 16.7% (95% CI = 12.8–19.4%). Urban residents (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.28–6.21), family history of myopia (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.33–4.54), near-work activity of 5–7 hours (AOR = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.31–5.76) and ≥8 hours (AOR = 4.35; 95% CI: 1.96–9.66), outdoor activity for <3 hours (AOR = 1.65 95% CI: (1.14–4.53), were significantly associated with myopia.ConclusionThe prevalence of myopia among medical students at the University of Gondar College of Medicine and Health Sciences was high. Urban residency, positive family history, longer time spent on near-work activities and less outdoor activity were positively associated with myopia.

Basic Medical Sciences Knowledge Retention for Clinical Practice.

BackgroundThe basis for studying the clinical sciences is the recall and comprehension of basic medical science facts. Do not, however, directly alter clinical information and as studies revealed that there are basic sciences knowledge retention of medical students gaps in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to assess medical students’ basic medical sciences knowledge retention and a relevance of basic sciences knowledge for clinical for practice.MethodsAn institutional-based descriptive cross-section epidemiological study design was carried out in the University of Gondar from April to May of 2021. A total of 15 basic and clinical sets of questions were used for data collection. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 to analyze data.ResultsA total of 191 medical students participated with response rate of 100%. Of these, 48.6% were male. Of all participant students, 69 (36.1%) have had the academic status of excellent with a commutative grade point average greater that 3.6 out of 4.0. Students who correctly responded for all categories of questions for basic and clinical sciences were 8.6±2.7 and 5±2.8 of second years, 5.5±2.3 and 7.1±1.2 of fourth years, 6.5±1.4 and 6.7±1.0 of fifth years, 5.3±0.8 and 8.4±2.5 of sixth years, respectively. As a representative year, the score of second year students’ performance for the basic sciences is a statistically significant with overall impact of the basic sciences (6.49±2.5, F=12.51, P≤0.001) and clinical sciences (4.0±1.9, F=14.73, P≤0.001).ConclusionIt is proposed that basic sciences knowledge should be aligned with clinical sciences preparation so that students may grasp disease diagnosis and treatment concepts in an integrated manner.

COVID-19-Related Perceived Threat Following a Second Dose Vaccination in Adults with Chronic Illness: A Mixed-Method Study.

BackgroundIn patients with comorbidities such as chronic illness, the severity and mortality risk of the disease (COVID-19) are high. Even if they are fully vaccinated, they should follow all precautions for unvaccinated people because the vaccine may not provide them complete protection. As a result, understanding their response to a threat is essential because knowing their threat level can be a good predictor of behavioral changes and health-protective behaviors.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional mixed-method study design was used at the University of Gondar specialized hospital from May 1 to June 30, 2021. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for the quantitative, and tape recorders, field notes, and memos were properly taken during the in-depth interviews for the qualitative data. Multivariable logistic regression with consideration of adjusted odds ratio of 95% confidence interval and p-value of 0.05% was used for statistical significance.ResultsThe study enrolled 239 people, with a 96% response rate, ranging from 24 to 67 years, with the majority (57.9%) male. Even after receiving the second dose of AstraZeneca, nearly half (46.5%) of participants with a chronic illness perceived a threat to COVID-19. The participant’s age ranges from 24 to 34 years [3.24 (AOR= 3.24 (95% CI: 1.08, 9.68))], patients who are student [2.38 (AOR= 2.38 (95% CI: 1.12, 5.06))], participants applying the recommended behavioral response [2.36 (AOR=2.36 (95% CI: 1.16, 4.81))] and duration of illness ranged from four to six-year [3.17 (AOR=3.17 (95% CI (1.05, 9.58))] were statistically associated with perceived threat.ConclusionMost people with chronic illnesses do not see the disease as a threat. Particular emphasis should be placed on creating awareness programs and disseminating information through media on prevention, and ongoing health education is strongly advisable.

Health professionals' practice to care cytotoxic drug handling and associated factors: The case of university of gondar specialized hospital.

Health care professionals are potential to be in contact with cytotoxic drugs during their daily work activ-ities. The study aimed to assess the practice of health professionals to care for cytotoxic drugs and associated factors in the University of Gondar Specialized Hospital. Cross-sectional study design was employed. EPI Info 7 was used for data entry and then exported into SPSS 20 for statistical analysis. Frequencies and mean with standard deviation were computed. Logistic regression had been performed to find out associated factors. Crude' and adjusted Odds' ratio with 95% uncertainty interval was done. Variables with a p < 0.05 were declared as significant factors for practice of cytotoxic drug handling. The study used four-hundred and twelve health professionals took part in the study with 97.4% response rate. The mean age of study participants was 29.9 years ranging from 20-60 years and twenty (53.4%) participants were males. One hundred and fifty-five (37.6%) health professionals had good cytotoxic drug handling practice. Attending an average of 4-9 patients per day (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.05, 4.22), Medium work stress (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.04, 3.90), availability of cytotoxic drug handling manual (AOR = 2.51: 95% CI: 1.22, 5.12), and good knowledge (AOR = 4.09, 95% CI: 2.35, 7.11) were significantly associated with cytotoxic drug handling practice. The practice of cytotoxic drug handling care was low. It demands the engagement of the health sector to avert such inadequate practice and has to focus on delivering knowledge and logistics for the practice of cytotoxic drug handling.

Insufficient Supply, Diagnostic Services, and Lack of Trained Personnel in Primary Hospitals in North-West Ethiopia Worsened Trauma Care: A Mixed-Method Study.

Although there has been a massive expansion of hospitals in Ethiopia in the last 2 decades, most are primary-level hospitals. Assessing the capability of the hospitals in managing trauma victims is essential to strengthening the hospitals. We employed a mixed-method approach using quantitative descriptive design triangulated with qualitative research. We audited 10 hospitals using WHO essential trauma care checklist. We interviewed 37 health care professionals, 9 hospital managers, and 12 decision-makers using a semi-structured interview guide. We used the COREQ checklist to report the qualitative finding. The physical structures of the hospitals were good in all cases. Airway, breathing and circulation management were partially available, with a score ranging from 0 - 3. The extent of injury, lack of radiology service, and scarcity of drugs and supplies were common causes for the referral of trauma victims to Gondar University hospital. Unavailability of drugs and supplies, lack of diagnostic services, inability to recruit specialist professionals, lack of training, and inconvenient working and living environment were stated as the main barriers to providing trauma care. In the study area, the gaps in trauma care in the primary hospitals can be improved by further commitment of the hospitals, the district, zonal administrators, and the regional health bureau.

High prevalence of fecal carriage of Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae among food handlers at the University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.

Fecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae is a potential risk for the transmission of infection with resistant strains. Understanding the burden of these resistant strains in asymptomatic people is essential to reduce the chain of infection transmission. However, data on the fecal carriage of Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase and Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae among food handlers were limited in developing countries especially in Ethiopia. The aim of the present study is, therefore, to assess fecal carriage rate, associated factors, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase and Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae among food handlers at the University of Gondar Cafeterias, Northwest Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2021 at the University of Gondar cafeterias. A total of 290 stool samples were collected, transported using Cary Blair transport medium, and processed. All isolates were cultured and identified by using MacConkey agar, and routine biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done to each isolate following the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method. If the zone of inhibition was ≤ 22 mm for ceftazidime, ≤25 mm for ceftriaxone, and ≤27 for cefotaxime they were considered as potential ESBL strain and selected for a further phenotypic confirmatory. Moreover, the double-disc diffusion test and the modified carbapenem inactivation method were used for confirmations of Extended-spectrum β-lactamase and Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae respectively. If a ≥5mm difference in zone diameter for either antimicrobial agent in combination with clavulanic acid versus the zone diameter of the agent when tested alone (without B-lactamase inhibitor), was confirmed as ESBL-PE and if the zone of inhibition diameter between 6-15mm and 16- 18mm with a pinpoint colony, it was considered as carbapenem resistance Enterobacteriaceae. Data were entered using Epi-data version 4.6 and then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Potential risk factors were assessed using multivariable logistic regression and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Out of 290 stool samples, 63 (21.7%) and 7 (2.4%) were confirmed as Extended-spectrum β-lactamase and Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The most predominant ESBL-PE was E. coli 43 (14.8%) followed by K. pneumoniae 17 (5.9%). Most of the Extended-spectrum β-lactamase and Carbapenemase-producing isolates were resistant to tetracycline, cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and ceftriaxone (100% each). In contrast, a low resistance level was recorded for Meropenem and cefoxitin. The overall Multi-drug resistant Enterobacteriaceae (MDR) was 147 (42.3%). Antibiotics usage in the last 3 months and drinking unpasteurized milk were associated with the carriage of the Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae. The high fecal carriage rate of Multi-drug resistance isolate, Extended-spectrum β-lactamase, and Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae were recorded among food handlers. Therefore, this study gives signals in the spread of drug-resistant bacteria easily to the community. Hence, the need for adjusting and promotion of infection prevention measures to prevent the spread of drug-resistant bacteria should not be underestimated.

Effect of health extension workers led home-based intervention on hypertension management in Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial

IntroductionAlthough hypertension is highly prevalent in Ethiopia, it is poorly diagnosed, treated and controlled. Poor access to care and a shortage of healthcare providers are major barriers. This study aims...

Barriers and opportunities of establishing an integrated prehospital emergency response system in North West Ethiopia: a qualitative study

BackgroundPrehospital emergency care helps to reduce mortality and morbidity from time-sensitive conditions. In this study, we summarised the perspectives of various stakeholders on the establishment of a prehospital integrated emergency...

English

Traditional use of herbal medicines implies substantial historical use, and this is certainly true for many products that are available as &lsquo;traditional herbal medicines. The experimental study was conducted between February and May, 2016 at University of Gondar on antibacterial effect of leaf extract of Pterolobium stellatum. The purpose of the present study was to test the antimicrobial effect of P. stellatum extracted leaves against some standard pathogenic bacteria. The collected plant leave sample was extracted with the solvent ethanol, methanol, chloroform and distilled water. Finally, the antibacterial effect of the extract was tested with some bacteria species (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, Salmonella species, Shigella species, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes) then the inhibition zone; the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. The extract of ethanol and methanol solvents showed high anti-bacterial activity on both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. The higher and statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) inhibition was seen in ethanol extract for all bacteria and the highest inhibition was shown against Shigella spp. (21.33&plusmn;1.52) whilst the lower inhibition was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) with chloroform extract. Both the MIC and MBC of the test extract were effective at the lowest concentration. Key words: Antibacterial, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), Pterolobium stellatum, sensitivity test.

Information-seeking behavior on sexually transmitted infections and its associated factors among university students in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are infections commonly spread through sexual contact and transmitted by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. In today’s world, STI-related information-seeking behavior is often vital for the advancement of knowledge, behavioral changes, health decisions, and the sharing of sexual health information among youths. However, paucity of evidence on information-seeking behavior among students in higher education institutions. This study aimed to assess STI-related information-seeking behavior and its associated factors among students at the University of Gondar.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among students at the University of Gondar from January 15 to February 15, 2021. A total of 832 participants were selected using a stratified two-stage sampling method. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the required data. STI information-seeking behavior questionnaire was adapted from health information national survey tool (HINTS). Descriptive statistics, bi-variable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied using SPSS version 26.ResultThe proportion of STI related information-seeking among university students was 462 (55.5%) with 95% CI (52.3, 58.9). About 263 (56.9%) of students preferred internet as a primary source for STI related information. Year of study being 4th (AOR = 4.77, 95% CI = 2.75, 8.29) and 5th year (AOR = 5.45, 95% CI = 2.48, 12.01), field of study being health (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.16, 4.11), sexual experiences (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.56, 3.48), ever had STI symptoms (AOR = 4.19, 95% CI = 2.14, 8.18), perceived susceptibility (AOR = 5.05, 95% CI = 3.29, 7.75), and perceived severity (AOR = 2.16,95% CI = 1.45, 3.22) were significant factors for good STI information-seeking.Conclusionthe proportion of STI information-seeking among university students was low. Students' STI information-seeking behavior could be improved by increasing digital literacy and enhancing computer and internet access across the campus.

Detection and classification of COVID-19 disease from X-ray images using convolutional neural networks and histogram of oriented gradients

COVID-19 is now regarded as the most lethal disease caused by the novel coronavirus disease of humans. The COVID-19 pandemic has spread to every country on the planet and has wreaked havoc on these countries by increasing the number of human deaths, and in addition, caused intense hunger, and lowered economic productivity. Due to a lack of sufficient radiologist, a restricted amount of COVID-19 test kits is available in hospitals, and this is also accompanied by a shortage of equipment due to the daily increase in cases, as a result of increase in the number of persons infected with COVID-19 . Even for experienced radiologists, examining chest X-rays is a difficult task. Many people have died as a result of inaccurate COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, as well as ineffective detection measures. This paper, therefore presents a unique detection and classification approach (DCCNet) for quick diagnosis of COVID-19 using chest X-ray images of patients. To achieve quick diagnosis, a convolutional neural network (CNN) and histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) method is proposed in this paper to help medical experts diagnose COVID-19 disease. The diagnostic performance of the hybrid CNN model and HOG-based method was then evaluated using chest X-ray images collected from University of Gondar and online databases. The experiment was performed using Keras (with TensorFlow as a backend) and Python. After the DCCNet model was evaluated, a 99.9% training accuracy and 98.3% test accuracy was achieved, while a 100% training accuracy and 98.5% test accuracy was achieved using HOG. After the evaluation, the hybrid model achieved 99.97% and 99.67% training and testing accuracy for detection and classification of COVID-19 which was better by 1.37% compared to when features were extracted using CNN and 1.17% when HOG was used. The DCCNet achieved a result that outperformed state-of-the-art models by 6.7%.

Physicians and nurses documentation practice at the University of Gondar Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Introductionquality medical documentation helps to explain the services provided to a particular person and enhance the exchange of information between health care providers. The objective of this study was to assess the documentation practice of physicians and nurses in a teaching hospital, University of Gondar, Ethiopia. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with a total of 284 respondents who were selected with a stratified simple random sampling from January 8 to January 23, 2020. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaire. Data were entered using epi info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics was performed and then presented using tables. Respondent characteristics were summarized using frequency and percentages. A Chi-square test was used to investigate associations between the independent and outcome variables. ResultLess than half of the respondents (46.8%, n = 133) had a good medical documentation practice. Chi-squared test of association revealed no significant association on documentation practice with gender (χ2 = 1.48, df = 2 and p = 0.477) and respondent's profession (χ2 = 3.50, df = 1 and p = 0.065). Attitude (χ2 = 6.12, df = 1 and p = 0.013) and knowledge (χ2 = 57.6, df = 1 and p = 0.000) had association with documentation practice. Conclusionand recommendation: As a conclusion, documentation practice of the respondents was inadequate. The working setting, supervision and feedback, standardized documentation sheets, in-service training, educational status, attitude, and knowledge of respondents to medical documentation had an association. It is advisable to perform trainings regarding standardized documentation sheets to enhance better documentation practice by health professions.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Computer Vision Syndrome Among Academic Staff in the University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction:Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is the leading occupational hazard of the 21st century, which causes the critical public health issues in the present era. In developing countries, including Ethiopia, data on the proportion and the causes of CVS are scarce among academic staff for policy conclusions. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and factors associated with CVS among academic staff at the University of Gondar.Methods:Institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March to April, 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 525 study participants. Data were collected using a pre-tested self-administered structured questionnaire. The collected data were then entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA version 14 software. The association between dependent and independent variables was computed with a binary logistic regression.Results:The prevalence of CVS was found to be 78.8% out of a total of 500 participants [95% CI (74.95, 82.30)], of which the majority (71.60%) of them were males. Using a computer for more than 9 years [AOR = 1.65, 95% CI (1.01, 2.71)], using visual display terminals [AOR = 2.63, 95% CI (1.60, 4.32)], and working in improper illumination levels (300 and >500 lux) [AOR = 2.47, 95% CI (1.47, 4.33)] increased the risk of CVS, whereas, Using eye droplets [AOR = 0.30, 95% CI (0.15, 0.58)] and taking rest breaks [AOR = 0.55, 95% CI (0.34-0.92)] were protective factors.Conclusion:This study disclosed that CVS was common among academicians. In the current study, the manifestation of CVS was affected by years of computer use, visual display terminals use, workplace illumination level, rest breaks, and eye droplets. Taking rest breaks in between the work, reducing exposure to display screens, use of eye drops, and optimizing workplace illumination levels are recommended to reduce the problem.