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Background : The safety of COVID vaccines should be continuously followed. This study reports adverse events of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Methods : A prospective single-cohort study design was conducted to assess adverse events following immunization and associated factors of the first dose of Oxford/AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine in Ayder Comprehensive specialized hospital. A structured questionnaire was administered consecutively to 423 participants. Follow-up data were collected 72 hours after vaccination via phone. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to find associations between adverse events and independent variables. Statistical significance was declared at P Results : Out of 423 health care workers approached, 395 responded. At least one adverse event (95% CI: 63.58, 72.77) was reported by 270 participants. Local and systemic symptoms occurred in 46.8% (95% CI: 41.94, 51.79) and 58.48% (95% CI: 53.53, 63.26)], respectively. Muscle ache, fatigue, headache and fever were the most common local symptoms. No reports of hospitalization, disability or death. Age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=0.97, P=0.048), female sex (AOR=1.84, P=0.028), and comorbidity (AOR=2.28, P=0.040) were independent predictors of adverse events. Conclusion and recommendation : Adverse events following immunization are commonly reported after the first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine; age, female sex and comorbidity are independent predictors.

Haileslassie Tesfay,1 Girum Sebsibe,2 Tewodros Tesfaye2 1College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Birhan University, Debre Birhan, Ethiopia; 2Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Tewodros TesfayeDepartment of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Addis Ababa University, PO Box 4412, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaTel +251 913 69 80 81Email teddykera@gmail.comBackground: Early childhood developmental assessment refers to the continual process of observing, gathering, recording, and interpreting information to make developmental and instructional decisions and measure young children’s performance over time. Significant changes in the physical and neuropsychomotor developmental milestones take place in the first 2 years of life. Children younger than 3 years of age (36 months) who are at risk of having developmental delays may be eligible for early intervention treatment services. The study aimed to assess practice in early childhood developmental assessment and its determinants among health professionals working in public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: This facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September to April 2018, with a total sample size of 268 health professionals from six public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The data were entered into EpiData software version 4.2, and analyzed by SPSS version 23 software for bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Significant associations were taken as p< 0.05 and the strength of associations was expressed using odds ratios.Results: The practice of early childhood developmental milestone assessment was found to be 27.8%. Being a general practitioner (AOR=23.826, 95% CI: 6.77– 83.9, p=0.000) or health officer (AOR=11.02, 95% CI: 2.1– 58.812, p=0.005), and work experience greater than 11 years (AOR=20.897, 95% CI: 1.5– 291.49, p=0.024) were significantly associated with good practice of early childhood developmental milestone assessment.Conclusion: Practice of early childhood developmental milestone assessment remains poor. Training and sharing experiences among different professions, and assigning professionals with the highest levels of work experience in the service could improve the practice levels.Keywords: early childhood, developmental milestone assessment, practice

Gebre Teklu,1 Mikias Negash,2 Tsegay Asefaw,1 Feven Tesfay,1 Gebreslassie Gebremariam,1 Gebreyohannes Teklehaimanot,1 Mistire Wolde,2 Aster Tsegaye2 1Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; 2Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Gebre Teklu Email gebreteklu30@gmail.comAster Tsegaye Email tsegayeaster@yahoo.comBackground: The adverse health effects of chronic gasoline exposure may be related to impairment of the hematopoietic system with bone marrow suppression, an increased risk of blood cell morphology abnormality and developing cancer.Objective: To assess the effect of gasoline exposure on hematological parameters among gas station workers in Mekelle City, Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia.Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 43 subjects (exposed group) and 77 subjects (unexposed group) with matched age and sex. Socio-demographic characteristics and duration of exposure data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observation checklist. Sysmex XP-300 was used for hematological analysis and stained peripheral blood smear was examined for any abnormality. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23.Results: Of exposed individuals, 28/43 (65.1%) and 49/77 (63.6%) of controls were males. The average exposure time was 5.19± 4.38 years, with an average working hour of 11.74± 1.89 hours/day. The mean RBC count (1012/L), HCT (%), HGB (g/dl) and platelets count (109/L) of the exposed group were significantly lower (4.88± 0.573, 43.29± 3.71, 15.04± 1.33 and 248.95± 58.19) compared with controls (5.35± 0.533, 44.95± 3.10, 15.59± 1.26 and 292.45± 62.17) at p< 0.05, respectively. The MCH (pg) (30.48± 2.06 vs 29.52± 1.66) and MCHC (g/dl) (34.83± 0.988 vs 34.32± 0.927) were significantly higher in the exposed group compared with controls (p< 0.05). HCT, RBC, HGB and platelet counts were significantly decreased with increased years of exposure (p< 0.05). The peripheral blood film examination revealed basophilic stippling and macrocytosis in 9.3% of the exposed group.Conclusion: Long-term exposure to gasoline at gas stations affected RBC parameters and platelet count. A significant negative correlation was noted between duration of exposure and HGB, HCT and platelet count, warranting implementation of protective measures at gas stations.Keywords: gas station, gasoline, hematological parameters, petroleum

Background Diabetic foot ulcer is among the commonest complications of diabetic mellitus attributed to a number of morbidity and mortality cases in diabetic patients. Nowadays, the incidence of diabetic foot ulcer is increasing due to the increased prevalence of diabetes. However, the risk factors of the problem are less studied in Ethiopia. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the determinants of diabetic foot ulcer among adult patients with diabetes attending a diabetic clinic in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2019. Patients and Methods An institution-based unmatched case–control study was conducted on 161 patients with diabetes (53 patients with diabetes with foot ulcer and 108 patients with diabetes without foot ulcer). Cases were selected from patients with diabetes with foot ulcer by consecutive sampling technique and controls from patients with diabetes without diabetic foot ulcer by systematic random sampling technique. A binary logistic regression model was used to assess the association between the dependent and independent variables. All variables with a P-value

Tesfay Gebreslassie Gebrehiwot,1 Haftea Hagos Mekonen,1 Tsegu Hailu Gebru,1 Kbrom Gmechu Kiros,1 Berhanu Gebresilassie,2 Guesh Teklu,1 Haileslassie Tesfay Tadese,1 Yared Haileslassie1 1Nursing Department, College of Medicine and Health Science, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia; 2Midwifery Department, College of Medicine and Health Science, Adigrat University, Adigrat, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Tesfay Gebreslassie Gebrehiwot Tel +251-945-807-481Email gtesfisha@gmail.comBackground: The care given for the first hours, days, and weeks after childbirth is life-threatening. So far, this period receives less attention from health-care providers than the care given to pregnancy and delivery. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of early postnatal care service use among mothers who had given birth in the last 12 months in Adigrat Town, Tigray, Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2018 among 481mothers who had given birth in the last 12 months. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data analysis was computed using SPSS version 20. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and p-value less than 0.05 was used to determine the level of significance.Results: The proportion of early postnatal care service utilization was 34.3% (95% CI: 29.9%– 38.5%). Mothers’ use of early postnatal care service was predicted by previous early postnatal care use (AOR=2.60, 95% CI: 1.41– 4.77), ANC visit (AOR=0.122, 95% CI:0.059– 0.251), delivery complication (AOR=5.57, 95% CI: 2.85– 10.89), distance (AOR =5.05, 95% CI: 2.45– 10.42), postnatal home visit (AOR=0.21, 95% CI: 0.11– 0.40), awareness on early postnatal care (AOR=16.38 95% CI: 6.23– 43.07), age (AOR=9.34, 95% CI: 1.73– 50.27), (AOR=6.50, 95% CI: 2.29– 18.41), (AOR= 6.23, 95% CI: 2.38– 16.33) and income (AOR=7.97 95% CI: 2.42– 26.26, AOR=3.30 95% CI:1.42– 7.67).Conclusion: Our study’s finding revealed that the prevalence of early postnatal care service use was low. Early postnatal care service use was significantly associated with previous early postnatal care use, delivery complication, distance, postnatal home visit, number of ANC visits, awareness on early postnatal care use, age, and income.Keywords: early postnatal care, factors, mothers, Adigrat, Ethiopia

Background In many resource-poor settings, nutritional counselling is one of the key components of nutrition support programmes aiming to improve nutritional and health outcomes amongst people living with HIV. Counselling methods, contents and recommendations that are culturally appropriate, locally tailored and economically affordable are essential to ensure desired health and nutritional outcomes are achieved. However, there is little evidence showing the effectiveness of counselling in nutritional programmes in HIV care, and the extent to which counselling policies and guidelines are translated into practice and utilised by people with HIV suffering from undernutrition. This study aimed to explore these gaps in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Methods and participants A qualitative study was conducted in Tigray region Ethiopia between May and August 2016. Forty-eight individual interviews were conducted with 20 undernourished adults living with HIV and 15 caregivers of children living with HIV enrolled in a nutritional programme in three hospitals, as well as 11 health providers, and 2 programme managers. Data analysis was undertaken using the Framework approach and guided by the socio-ecological model. Qualitative data analysis software (QSR NVivo 11) was used to assist data analysis. The study findings are presented using the consolidated criteria for the reporting of qualitative research (COREQ). Result The study highlighted that nutritional counselling as a key element of the nutritional programme in HIV care varied in scope, content, and length. Whilst the findings clearly demonstrated the acceptability of the nutritional counselling for participants, a range of challenges hindered the application of counselling recommendations in participants’ everyday lives. Identified challenges included the lack of comprehensiveness of the counselling in terms of providing advice about the nutritional support and dietary practice, participants’ poor understanding of multiple issues related to nutrition counselling and the nutrition programme, lack of consistency in the content, duration and mode of delivery of nutritional counselling, inadequate refresher training for providers and the absence of socioeconomic considerations in nutritional programme planning and implementation. Evidence from this study suggests that counselling in nutritional programmes in HIV care was not adequately structured and lacked a holistic and comprehensive approach. Conclusion Nutritional counselling provided to people living with HIV lacks comprehensiveness, consistency and varies in scope, content and duration. To achieve programme goal of improved nutritional status, counselling guidelines and practices should be structured in a way that takes a holistic view of patient’s life and considers cultural and socioeconomic situations. Additionally, capacity development of nutritional counsellors and health providers is highly recommended to ensure counselling provides assistance to improve the nutritional well-being of people living with HIV.

BACKGROUND Short and long interpregnancy intervals (IPI) are associated with increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, yet whether this association is modified by maternal age remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To examine if the association between IPI and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy varies by maternal age at birth prior to IPI. METHODS We conducted a population-based cohort study of all mothers who had their first two (n = 169 896) consecutive births in Western Australia (WA) between 1980 and 2015. We estimated the risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension for 6 to 60 months of IPI according to maternal age at birth prior to IPI (

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a public health priority in Latin America. While the burden of HIV is historically concentrated in urban areas and high-risk groups, subnational estimates that cover multiple countries and years are missing. This paucity is partially due to incomplete vital registration (VR) systems and statistical challenges related to estimating mortality rates in areas with low numbers of HIV deaths. In this analysis, we address this gap and provide novel estimates of the HIV mortality rate and the number of HIV deaths by age group, sex, and municipality in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico. Methods We performed an ecological study using VR data ranging from 2000 to 2017, dependent on individual country data availability. We modeled HIV mortality using a Bayesian spatially explicit mixed-effects regression model that incorporates prior information on VR completeness. We calibrated our results to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Results All countries displayed over a 40-fold difference in HIV mortality between municipalities with the highest and lowest age-standardized HIV mortality rate in the last year of study for men, and over a 20-fold difference for women. Despite decreases in national HIV mortality in all countries—apart from Ecuador—across the period of study, we found broad variation in relative changes in HIV mortality at the municipality level and increasing relative inequality over time in all countries. In all six countries included in this analysis, 50% or more HIV deaths were concentrated in fewer than 10% of municipalities in the latest year of study. In addition, national age patterns reflected shifts in mortality to older age groups—the median age group among decedents ranged from 30 to 45 years of age at the municipality level in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico in 2017. Conclusions Our subnational estimates of HIV mortality revealed significant spatial variation and diverging local trends in HIV mortality over time and by age. This analysis provides a framework for incorporating data and uncertainty from incomplete VR systems and can help guide more geographically precise public health intervention to support HIV-related care and reduce HIV-related deaths.

Teka Gezehy Amare,1 Tizita Tariku Tesfaye,2 Berhe Girmay,3 Teklehaimanot Tesfay Gebreagziabher1 1Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia; 2Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Mettu University, Metu, Ethiopia; 3School of Nursing, College of Health Science, Mekelle University, Mekelle, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Teka Gezehy Amare Tel +251 962618557Email tgzeaxum@gmail.comBackground: Health professionals are challenged with physical, chemical, and psychological hazards. The major areas in which nurses perform hazardous tasks were are injection, cleaning, patient care, bed making, cleaning and dressing of wounds, medication administration, and performing operations. During performing these activities, healthcare providers are exposed to many types of occupational hazards. So, there is a dearth of information on the prevalence of occupational hazards among nursing and midwifery students in this study area.Objective: This study aims to assess exposure to occupational health hazards among nursing and midwifery students during clinical practice at Mekelle University.Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from February to June 2017. The study participants were selected nursing and midwifery students of Mekelle University who had ever been attached for clinical practice. A sample of 151 students was recruited by a simple random sampling technique proportionate to their size. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were coded, entered, and cleaned by SPSS version 22 for analysis. Finally, the result was presented in the form of text, table, and figures.Results: A total of 151 students had participated with a response rate of 100%. The prevalence of psychosocial hazards, mechanical hazards, biological hazards, and physical hazards was 140 (92.7%), 128 (84.8%), 100 (66.2%), and 100 (66.2%), respectively. About 46 (29.8%) had good knowledge, and 57 (37.7%) of them had poor knowledge of the occupational hazard.Conclusion and Recommendation: Psychosocial hazard was the most common occupational hazard among nursing and midwifery students. The majority of the students have poor knowledge concerning occupational hazards. To build a skilled nurse and midwife, it is mandatory to train all students before clinical practice about safe work practices and proper use of personal protective equipment.Keywords: occupational hazard, nursing students, midwifery students, clinical practice

Malede Andargie,1 Kidanu Gebremariam,2 Tesfay Hailu,2 Alefech Addisu,2,3 Kidane Zereabruk4 1Department of Epidemiology, Tigray Regional Health Bureau, Kafta Humera Health Office, Humera, Tigray, Ethiopia; 2School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; 3Ethiopia Ministry of Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 4School of Nursing, College of Health Sciences and Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Aksum University, Aksum, Tigray, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Kidane ZereabrukSchool of Nursing, College of Health Sciences and Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Aksum University, Aksum, Tigray, 298, EthiopiaTel +251 914591272Email Zereabrukkidane@gmail.comBackground: Overweight and obesity emerged as one of the most serious public health concerns in adolescents. Overweight and obesity are problems of not only high income but also low-middle income countries. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of overweight and obesityamong public and private secondary school adolescents in Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2019.Materials and Methods: A school-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Mekelle city, from April to May 2019. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 858 participants. Chi-square test was checked before bivariate logistic regression analyses. All variables at a p-value < 0.25 in bivariate logistic regression were entered into a multivariable logistic regression to determine the association between a set of independent variables with the dependent variable. Finally, statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05.Results: The magnitude of overweight and obesity in private and public schools were 11.8%and 3.9%, respectively. Consuming dinner not daily [AOR=5.3:95% CI=1.93– 14.6] and working moderate-intensity sports at least 10 minutes/day continuously [AOR=0.19:95% CI=0.04– 0.9] were associated factors of overweight and obesity in public school adolescent students. Being female [AOR=2.03:95% CI=1.08– 3.8], time taken from home to public physical activities ≤ 15 minutes [AOR=3.6:95% CI=1.13– 11.51], using transport from school to home [AOR=2.2:95% CI=1.06– 4.18] and good knowledgeable adolescents [AOR=0.5:95% CI=0.27– 0.9] were associated factors of overweight and obesity in private schools.Conclusion: The magnitude of overweight and obesity was higher among private schools. Consuming dinner not daily and working moderate-intensity sports at least 10 minutes/day continuously were the associated factors for the occurrence of overweight and obesity in public school adolescent students. Being female, time taken from home to public physical activity facilities ≤ 15 minutes, using transport from school to home, and nutritional knowledge status of adolescents were associated factors for overweight and obesity in private school adolescent students.Keywords: overweight and obesity, Mekelle City, secondary school adolescents, magnitude, associated factors

Background: Patients medical records are used to document care processes for communication amongst healthcare workers for continued patient management. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can adversely affect the quality of patients’ care, leading to medication and treatment errors, increased morbidity, and mortality. Quality documentation in medical records is therefore an essential component of optimal healthcare and facilitates an individual’s continuity of care. This study aimed to assess the quality of documentation of clinical data through the review of the accuracy and completeness of clinical records among newly diagnosed HIV-positive persons. The study is a sub analysis of a prospective longitudinal study that followed a cohort of 12,413 persons who were newly diagnosed with HIV infection. Severe limitations in retrieving reliable information and data became an obstacle to our research and led the study team to conduct medical records documentation and data audit to verify the accuracy and completeness of the data for newly diagnosed HIV positive persons. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using routine data generated from 75 randomly selected newly diagnosed HIV positive persons aged 12-years-old and above between June 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015 in 36 purposively selected primary health care (PHC) clinics in South Africa. The facilities were selected from three high HIV-burden districts of South Africa (Gert Sibande, uThukela and City of Johannesburg). Results: Significant differences in the accuracy and completeness of clinical records were observed between data generated through the self-assessment by the facility managers and data primarily collected through review of the patients’ clinical stationery and facility registers. 80% of the newly diagnosed HIV positive persons were not documented as screened for tuberculosis (TB) on the clinical chart and 69% of newly diagnosed clients were not clinically staged (WHO staging). Furthermore, 80% of newly diagnosed HIV positive persons’ follow up visit dates were not documented in the patient’s clinical chart. Completeness of the data elements on the case record forms ranged from as low as 26% to a maximum of 66%. It was noteworthy that all the clients’ information documented in HIV counselling and testing registers, continuum of care registers and clinical charts were only partially completed. Conclusion: Each of the health care facilities under study had some significant gaps in medical records documentation of clinical data on newly diagnosed HIV positive persons. Data and information accuracy and completeness were a serious challenge in most facilities during the period under investigation. Of interest was the inconsistency of data recorded in the HCT registers, continuum of care and clinical charts of individual patients. This is a major impediment to HIV/AIDS comprehensive care.

Kefale Getie,1 Gebreslassie Kahsay,1 Alemu Kassaw,1 Gidey Gomera,1 Abayneh Alamer,1 Tesfay Hailu2 1Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; 2School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Kefale GetieMekelle University, PO Box 1871, Mekelle, EthiopiaTel +251 962543230Email kefegete@gmail.comBackground: Ankle–foot pain is a significant public health problem in nurse professionals and has great burdens to the individuals, healthcare systems, and community at large. However, there is limited evidence on the prevalence of ankle–foot pain and its associated factors among nurses in Ethiopia. Thus, the finding of this study will help to address health problems resulting from ankle–foot pain among nurses.Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of ankle–s–foot pain among nurse working in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia.Patients and Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 366 nurses, and a simple random sampling technique was used to recruit study participants. Data were collected by using a self-administered adapted standardized Nordic questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and a bivariate logistic regression model were done to identify factors associated with ankle–foot pain. Those variables with a P-value less than 0.05 with 95% CI in multivariate model were taken as statistically significant. Finally, AOR with 95% confidence interval at a P-value of < 0.05 was reported.Results: The prevalence of self-reported ankle–foot pain among nurses was 43.7% (95% CI=38.5– 49.1). Older age (AOR=7.669, 95% CI=2.316− 25.390), low shoe comfort (AOR=4.215, 95% CI=2.031– 8.745), multiple foot conditions (AOR=6.102 95% CI=1.959– 19.008), working night shifts (AOR=2.047, 95% CI=1.098− 3.816), high physical demand (AOR=3.487, 95% CI=1.988– 6.116), and nurses working in the intensive care unit (AOR=2.402, 95% CI=1.219– 4.732) showed a statistically significant association with ankle–foot pain.Conclusion: This study indicated that the prevalence of ankle–foot pain is commonly reported among nurses working in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Therefore, awareness and prevention of ankle and foot pain in nurses should be prioritized to reducing risk factors. Nurses should give attention to comfortable footwear, and further longitudinal research is recommended.Keywords: prevalence, ankle and foot pain, nurses, associated factors, Ethiopia

Background Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic to Ethiopia. However, the prevention and control efforts of leishmaniasis remain unfocused with clear knowledge and practice gaps within the country. Thus, a house to house survey has been carried out to assess the knowledge, practice and treatment-seeking behavior of households towards cutaneous leishmaniasis in the rural communities of Tigrai region, northern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional house-to-house survey was conducted in two selected rural villages of Ganta-afeshum district, Tigrai, northern Ethiopia in 2019. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select the participants. Household heads were interviewed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Epi info version 7.0 was used for data entry and the data were imported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Chi-square test (χ2) was used to test the association between the independent variables and the knowledge and practice status of the study participants. P-value Results In our study, most of the participants (78%) stated that cutaneous leishmaniasis is a health problem in the area. Three hundred eighty (99.5%) participants responded that the most common clinical presentation of cutaneous leishmaniasis is a lesion on the face. All of the study participants did not know the mode of cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission, and had never heard of the sand fly. A majority of the participants were unaware of the main prevention methods for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Lastly, traditional medicine was used in 90% of the study households with a previous history for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Conclusion There is a lack of awareness regarding the transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ganta-afeshum, Ethiopia, where the majority of individuals are unfamiliar with the sand fly vector. Prevention methods for cutaneous leishmaniasis were unavailable among the community. Therefore, health education programs concerning cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission, prevention, and treatment in the area should be rigorously implemented.

Importance: Cancer and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are now widely recognized as a threat to global development. The latest United Nations high-level meeting on NCDs reaffirmed this observation and also highlighted the slow progress in meeting the 2011 Political Declaration on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases and the third Sustainable Development Goal. Lack of situational analyses, priority setting, and budgeting have been identified as major obstacles in achieving these goals. All of these have in common that they require information on the local cancer epidemiology. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study is uniquely poised to provide these crucial data. Objective: To describe cancer burden for 29 cancer groups in 195 countries from 1990 through 2017 to provide data needed for cancer control planning. Evidence Review: We used the GBD study estimation methods to describe cancer incidence, mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, and disability-Adjusted life-years (DALYs). Results are presented at the national level as well as by Socio-demographic Index (SDI), a composite indicator of income, educational attainment, and total fertility rate. We also analyzed the influence of the epidemiological vs the demographic transition on cancer incidence. Findings: In 2017, there were 24.5 million incident cancer cases worldwide (16.8 million without nonmelanoma skin cancer [NMSC]) and 9.6 million cancer deaths. The majority of cancer DALYs came from years of life lost (97%), and only 3% came from years lived with disability. The odds of developing cancer were the lowest in the low SDI quintile (1 in 7) and the highest in the high SDI quintile (1 in 2) for both sexes. In 2017, the most common incident cancers in men were NMSC (4.3 million incident cases); tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer (1.5 million incident cases); and prostate cancer (1.3 million incident cases). The most common causes of cancer deaths and DALYs for men were TBL cancer (1.3 million deaths and 28.4 million DALYs), liver cancer (572000 deaths and 15.2 million DALYs), and stomach cancer (542000 deaths and 12.2 million DALYs). For women in 2017, the most common incident cancers were NMSC (3.3 million incident cases), breast cancer (1.9 million incident cases), and colorectal cancer (819000 incident cases). The leading causes of cancer deaths and DALYs for women were breast cancer (601000 deaths and 17.4 million DALYs), TBL cancer (596000 deaths and 12.6 million DALYs), and colorectal cancer (414000 deaths and 8.3 million DALYs). Conclusions and Relevance: The national epidemiological profiles of cancer burden in the GBD study show large heterogeneities, which are a reflection of different exposures to risk factors, economic settings, lifestyles, and access to care and screening. The GBD study can be used by policy makers and other stakeholders to develop and improve national and local cancer control in order to achieve the global targets and improve equity in cancer care. © 2019 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Background: The World Health Organization has claimed that morbidity and disability of the global population due to child malnutrition has internationally become the chief cause of disability. However, in our country, its association with a young child’s nutritional outcomes is rarely studied. Objectives: To assess the effect of maternal common mental disorder and substance abuse on young child acute malnutrition. Methods: An institution's based case-control study was conducted among 192 women; 64 cases and 128 control in Mekelle public health facilities. Two hospitals and three health centers were included in this study. Self-Reporting Questionnaire 20-Item (SRQ-20) was used to assess the presence of maternal common mental disorder. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed. The strength of association was measured through odds ratio at their 95% CI. The statistical significance was set at p Results: The result of this study revealed that young children who have a mother with a common mental disorder are 6.1 times [AOR= 6.11, 95%CI (1.18, 31.71)] more likely to develop acute malnutrition than children who have mothers with no common mental disorder. Mothers of acutely malnourished children should be evaluated early for the detection of maternal common mental disorder for appropriate referral and support. Conclusion: Maternal common mental disorder was an independent determinant of young children’s acute malnutrition. Mothers of acutely malnourished children should be evaluated early for the detection of maternal common mental disorder for appropriate referral and support.

Background With the onset of any novel condition, it is the "first" case identified that brings attention and sets into motion the machinery to respond - so it began with a first novel pneumonia case of unknown origin in Wuhan, China. Currently, the World Health Organization has declared SARS-CoV-2 (more commonly known as COVID-19) a public health emergency of international concern. It is projected that the path of COVID-19 could kill 50-80 million people and impacts the world's economy in its devastating global sweep. The surge is increasing on global and national levels, causing rapid loss of life, joblessness, deterioration of the healthcare systems, and both national and global economies. In Ethiopia, the first COVID-19 case was reported in March. Since then, the government has been taking different measures to prevent its spread. Locking down all schools, declared social distancing and hand hygiene, and restricting large gatherings were some of the Ethiopian government's actions. Objective To determine knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 pandemic among quarantined adults in Tigrai region, Ethiopia. Methods A total of 331 participants selected using a systematic random sampling method were included in the study. We used an interviewer-administered questionnaire. After describing the variables using frequencies, means, and standard deviations, multivariable logistic regression determined factors associated with knowledge and chi-squared tests for attitudes and practices towards COVID-19. Results The study participants were primarily males (70%) and mean age 30.5 (SD=11) years. The mean knowledge score was 8.73 (SD=2.64), with less than half 42.9% (95% CI: 37.5-48%) of the study participants were knowledgeable. Regarding the attitude questions, three-fourths of the participants believed that Ethiopia will control and win the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly one-third of the participants replied that the Ethiopian government is handling this pandemic health crisis well. About half of the study participants reported that they had gone to crowded places in recent days, did not wear face mask when leaving home, and practiced preventive measures given by local health authorities. Knowledge score was statistically significantly associated with gender, age, and educational status of the study participants, whereas attitude and practices were significantly associated with educational status and knowledge of participants.

Highlights • In the hepatobiliary system anatomical variations can happen. • Though type II choledochal cyst has great outcome after surgery, it has differentials to think about before exploration. • The anatomic variation in choledochal cyst will cause diagnostic and management challenges., Introduction Choledochal cyst (CC) is an uncommon congenital disease of the biliary tract. There are five main types of CC with several recognized sub-types. However, occasional variants with a difficulty in diagnosis and management do occur. Presentation of the case We report a case of a nine years old female child diagnosed with CC who presented with right quadrant abdominal pain with unremarkable physical findings. Investigation using abdominal CT scan suggested type II choledochal cyst. The intraoperative finding revealed an unusual site of the cyst that is at the confluence of common hepatic duct (CHD) posteriorly. The cyst was successfully excised and the child is doing well on her follow ups. Discussion In the management of choledochal cyst the anatomy should be clearly defined with detailed investigations like Abdominal CT Scan or cholangiography before surgical excision as abnormal variants which usually do not fit into the known classification types and subtypes. This might confuse with other differentials like gall bladder duplication. Surgical excision is the gold standard management option. Conclusion This case report will alert surgeons that there are different anatomic variant of choledochal cysts out of the known classifications and with meticulous dissection will help proper excision and avoid unnecessary complications.

Desilu Mahari Desta,1 Welday Gebremikeal Gebrehiwet,2 Gebremicheal Gebreslassie Kasahun,3 Solomon Weldegebreal Asgedom,1 Tesfay Mehari Atey,1 Dawit Zewdu Wondafrash,4 Afewerki Gebremeskel Tsadik1 1Clinical Pharmacy Unit, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; 2School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia; 3Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Aksum University, Aksum, Tigray, Ethiopia; 4Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Desilu Mahari DestaClinical Pharmacy Unit, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O. Box: 1871, Mekelle, Tigray, EthiopiaTel +251-914681245Email desiluma45@gmail.comBackground: Optimizing exit-knowledge of ambulatory patients is a major professional responsibility of pharmacists to reassure safe and cost-effective medicines use. The study assessed the exit-knowledge of ambulatory patients on their dispensed medications and associated factors.Patients and Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among ambulatory patients who visited the outpatient pharmacy of Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (ACSH) from December 2019 to February 2020. Data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Binary logistic regression was employed to determine factors associated with exit-knowledge on their dispensed medications. At a 95% confidence interval (CI), p≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The study analyzed 400 patients; more than half of the participants were males (55.5%). The mean age of the participants was 41.3 years (mean ± standard deviation (SD), ± 13). Less than half of the patients did not recall the name (44.5%) and major side effects (31.2%) of each medication. Furthermore, the overall sufficient knowledge was found to be 81%. Patients with single marital status were 4.454 times to have sufficient exit-knowledge of their dispensed medications than widowed (p=0.050) participants. Besides, patients who responded neutral clarity of pharmacist instruction had 4.745 times sufficient exit-knowledge than those who responded not clear (p=0.049). On the other hand, participants who got “enough” (p< 0.0001) and “not enough” (p=0.006) information from the pharmacist were found to have a positive association with sufficient exit-knowledge than those who responded “I do not know”.Conclusion: The majority of patients had sufficient exit-knowledge of their dispensed medications. Martially single, neutral clarity of pharmacist’s instructions and adequacy of the information delivered by the pharmacist were positively associated with participants’ exit-knowledge of their dispensed medications. Hence, conducting a multicenter study, we recommend pharmacists to counsel their patients to underpin patients’ knowledge of their dispensed medications.Keywords: exit-knowledge, dispensing, ambulatory, patients

BACKGROUND Interpregnancy interval (IPI)

Background. The overall well-being, sense of stigmatization, and treatment outcome of persons with vitiligo are largely dependent on their social acceptance and this is linked with perception and attitude of this disease in a given population. Therefore, this study assessed the knowledge and attitude of the public towards vitiligo.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a self-reported questionnaire distributed to adults living in Mekelle city, Northern Ethiopia from August to November 2019. Individuals who were 18 to 65 years of age and not suffering from vitiligo were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire that contains a demographic, knowledge, and attitudes parts was used to collect data. Data were entered using Epi Data® version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS® version 21.Results. Of the total 368 subjects, 300 completed the questionnaires giving 81.5% response rate. The mean age was 30 ± 8.3 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1.14 : 1. Friends or families were reported as the most common source of information (70%) about vitiligo. The overall vitiligo knowledge was sufficient in 68.3% of the participants. Higher vitiligo-related knowledge scores were recorded by people older than 30 and below 50, those of secondary school graduated or more, urban-dwellers, persons who had heard about vitiligo, and persons having families or friends affected by vitiligo. Attitudes towards vitiligo were positive in 43.3% of participants. This was more prevalent among employed persons, those of secondary school graduated or more, and persons having families or friends affected by vitiligo. Moreover, sufficient knowledge was significantly related to positive attitudes towards the disease (p<0.0001).Conclusion. Even though the majority of the respondents had sufficient knowledge, we still found misconceptions and negative attitudes towards vitiligo. Therefore, it is still crucial to educate the public about vitiligo to ultimately improve the well-being of patients with vitiligo.

BACKGROUND Despite extensive research on risk factors and mechanisms, the extent to which interpregnancy interval (IPI) affects hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in high-income countries remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To examine the association between IPI and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in a high-income country setting using both within-mother and between-mother comparisons. METHODS A retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted among 103 909 women who delivered three or more consecutive singleton births (n = 358 046) between 1980 and 2015 in Western Australia. We used conditional Poisson regression with robust variance, matching intervals of the same mother and adjusted for factors that vary within-mother across pregnancies, to investigate the association between IPI categories (reference 18-23 months), and the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. For comparison with previous studies, we also applied unmatched Poisson regression (between-mother analysis). RESULTS The incidence of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension during the study period was 4%, and 2%, respectively. For the between-mother comparison, mothers with intervals of 6-11 months had lower risk of preeclampsia with adjusted relative risk (RR) 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85, 0.98) compared to reference category of 18-23 months. With the within-mother matched design, we estimated a larger effect of long IPI on risk of preeclampsia (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.18, 1.42 for 60-119 months; and RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.10, 1.53 for intervals ≥120 months) compared to 18-23 months. Short IPIs were not associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS In our cohort, longer IPIs were associated with increased risk of preeclampsia. However, there was insufficient evidence to suggest that short IPIs (

Summary Background Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is a common chronic ailment that causes uncomfortable symptoms and increases the risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma. We aimed to report the burden of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in 195 countries and territories between 1990 and 2017, using data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017. Methods We did a systematic review to identify measurements of the prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in geographically defined populations worldwide between 1990 and 2017. These estimates were analysed with DisMod-MR, a Bayesian mixed-effects meta-regression tool that incorporates predictive covariates and adjustments for differences in study design in a geographical cascade of models. Fitted values for broader geographical units inform prior distributions for finer geographical units. Prevalence was estimated for 195 countries and territories. Reports of the frequency and severity of symptoms among individuals with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease were used to estimate the prevalence of cases with no, mild to moderate, or severe to very severe symptoms at a given time; these estimates were multiplied by disability weights to estimate years lived with disability (YLD). Findings Data to estimate gastro-oesophageal reflux disease burden were scant, totalling 144 location-years (unique measurements from a year and location, regardless of whether a study reported them alongside measurements for other locations or years) of prevalence data. These came from six (86%) of seven GBD super-regions, 11 (52%) of 21 GBD regions, and 39 (20%) of 195 countries and territories. Mean estimates of age-standardised prevalence for all locations in 2017 ranged from 4408 cases per 100 000 population to 14 035 cases per 100 000 population. Age-standardised prevalence was highest (>11 000 cases per 100 000 population) in the USA, Italy, Greece, New Zealand, and several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, north Africa and the Middle East, and eastern Europe; it was lowest (

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are synucleinopathies characterized by aggregation of α‐synuclein in brain cells. Recent studies have shown that morphological changes in terms of cerebral nerve cell loss and increase in glia cell numbers, the degree of brain atrophy and molecular and epidemiological findings are more severe in MSA than PD. In the present study, we performed a stereological comparison of cerebellar volumes, granule and Purkinje cells in 13 patients diagnosed with MSA [8 MSA‐P (striatonigral subtype) and 5 MSA‐C (olivopontocerebellar subtype)], 12 PD patients, and 15 age‐matched control subjects. Only brains from MSA‐C patients showed a reduction in the total number of Purkinje cells (anterior lobe) whereas both MSA‐P and MSA‐C patients had reduced Purkinje cell volumes (perikaryons and nuclei volume). The cerebellum of both diseases showed a reduction in the white matter volume compared to controls. The number of granule cells was unaffected in both diseases. Analyses of cell type‐specific mRNA expression supported our structural data. This study of the cerebellum is in line with previous findings in the cerebrum and demonstrates that the degree of morphological changes is more pronounced in MSA‐C than MSA‐P and PD. Further, our results support an explicit involvement of cerebellar Purkinje cells and white matter connectivity in MSA‐C > MSA‐P and points to the potential importance of white matter alterations in PD pathology.

Background: South Africa is experiencing the worst HIV-driven tuberculosis (TB) epidemic in the world. More than 300,000 new cases of active TB are reported in the country each year with 60% co-infected with HIV. Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is a key public health intervention for the prevention of TB among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and is recommended as part of a comprehensive HIV and AIDS care strategy. However, program data suggests that coverage of IPT service to be very low. This study aims to assess IPT initiation rate among newly diagnosed HIV-positive persons in three high HIV-burden districts of South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using routine data generated from pre-ART and ART programs in 35 purposively selected primary health care (PHC) clinics in South Africa. The facilities were selected from three high HIV-burden districts with a mix of urban and rural settings. TB screening and IPT initiation status was assessed within a window period of one-year post HIV diagnosis. Initiation rate of IPT services among newly diagnosed HIV-positive persons was assessed. The chi-squared test was used to determine whether there was a significant difference in the proportion of newly diagnosed HIV-positive persons who were initiated on IPT by sex, age group, pregnancy status, health facility, district and location of facility. Results: We identified 12,413 newly diagnosed HIV patients aged 12-years-old and above between June 1, 2014 and March 31, 2015. TB screening was not conducted among 33% of newly diagnosed HIV-positive persons to rule out or confirm the presence of active TB. IPT was initiated in 42.2% of known IPT-eligible HIV-positive persons. Initiation of IPT services was lower in younger patients aged 12 to 20-years-old compared to older patients. The proportion of pregnant women who were initiated on IPT was higher compared to the proportion in non-pregnant women (51.0% and 40.1% respectively; P Conclusion: This analysis shows that initiation rate of IPT services among newly diagnosed HIV positive persons was low in the 35 participating facilities during the period under investigation. There was variability in IPT initiation rates across the facilities included in this study and among different sub-groups of the study sample. This study has identified specific population groups and geographic settings that should be targeted by programs to improve IPT services. There is a need to identify factors that contributed to the low initiation rate of IPT services among young HIV positive persons, women with unrecorded pregnancy status and in facilities located in inner city of Johannesburg. Customized interventions tailored to the specific needs of facilities and population groups should be instituted to strengthen uptake of IPT services.

Highlights • Pediatric bronchiectasis causes early decline in lung function. • Treatment of paediatric bronchiectasis should be multidisciplinary. • Surgical resection should be the last option to treat bronchiectasis in children. • Neglected paediatric bronchiectasis is fatal., Introduction Bronchiectasis is chronic infectious and inflammatory disease that results in irreversible thickening and dilatation of bronchi, and significant lung function decline in children. Prompt early diagnosis and multidisciplinary intervention is crucial to control recurrent exacerbation and preserve lung function. Presentation of case We present a case of pediatric bronchiectasis in a 10-year-old female who presented with a complaint of intermittent wet cough of 5 weeks’ duration associated with low grade intermittent fever, shortness of breath, easy fatigability and loss of appetite. Left pneumonectomy was done through left posterolateral thoracotomy and she was discharged home in good condition. Discussion Recurrent lower tract air way infections are the most common causes of pediatric bronchiectasis followed by primary immune deficiency, primary ciliary dyskinesia, foreign body aspiration and airway structural abnormalities. It is crucial to equip health care professionals with adequate knowledge about the disease as most pediatric patients may not have productive cough like adults leading to misdiagnosis or significant delay in diagnosis. High Resolution Computerized Tomography (HRCT) is the gold standard modality to diagnose and stratify severity of bronchiectasis. Conclusion Neglected pediatric bronchiectasis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. So, it should be considered as differential diagnosis in children with recurrent respiratory symptoms as timely and prompt diagnosis is crucial for early intervention. Surgical resection is the last option of treatment for patients with bronchiectasis mainly reserved for those with recurrent infection despite adequate medical therapy.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common metabolic disorder which is characterized by a persistent increment of blood glucose. Globally, DM affects millions of people and the prevalence is increasing alarmingly. The critical step in the pathophysiology of DM is the loss of β-cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for the secretion of insulin. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) is among the factors that control the production and loss of the pancreatic β-cells. TXNIP is an α-arrestin that can bind and inhibit thioredoxin (the antioxidant protein) which is produced in the pancreatic islet after glucose intake. Numerous studies illustrated that elevated TXNIP levels were found to induce β-cell apoptosis; whereas TXNIP deficiency protects against type I and type II diabetes by promoting β-cell survival. Nowadays, TXNIP depletion is becoming a key factor in pancreatic β-cell survival enhancement. In the present review, targeting TXNIP is found to be relevant as a unique therapeutic opportunity, not only to improve insulin secretion and sensitivity, but also ameliorating the long term microvascular and macrovascular complications of the disease. Thus, TXNIP inhibitors that could reduce the expression and/or activity of TXNIP to non-diabetic levels are promising agents to halt the alarming rate of diabetes and its related complications.

Background Protozoan infections remain a major public health concern in Ethiopia, which causes malnutrition, protein and iron deficiencies, increment of health costs, hospitalization and long-term deleterious effects. In Tigrai, particularly, in the study area, there are limited literatures on the prevalence of protozoa and associated factors among diarrheic outpatients. Thus, aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of protozoan infections among diarrheic outpatients in Eastern Tigrai. Methods Health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Eastern Tigrai, Ethiopia from April to October 2019 among diarrheic outpatient in health facilities of Adigrat. Four hundred one eighteen study participants were included consecutively. The stool samples were examined via direct wet mount following formal-ether concentration technique. Both interviewer based and self-administrated questionnaires were used to collect demographic data and factors associated with protozoan infections. Data were analyzed and computed using BM SPSS statistics version 22.0. P-value=0.05 at 95% confidence interval declared statistically significant. Results Out of 418 diarrheic outpatients, the overall prevalence of protozoan infection was 59.3% (248/418). A higher percentage of intestinal protozoan infection was recorded for females 130 (31.1%). Using well water as a source of drinking, poor hand washing habits before eating, not home latrine, dirty and untrimmed fingernails were the most important risk factors identified. E. histolytica complex and Giardia duodenalis were the most predominant protozoan infections detected among diarrheic outpatients. Conclusion The present study showed that diarrheic outpatients in the study area were heavily infected with protozoan parasitic infection. E. histolytica complex and Giardia duodenalis were the most predominant protozoans detected among diarrheic outpatients. Using well water as a source of drinking, poor handwashing habit before eating, not having home latrine, dirty and untrimmed fingernails were most important risk factors identified. So, cooperative action and health education on preventive measure are needed to reduce protozoan infections in Tigrai, particularly in the study area. The present study showed that diarrheic outpatients in the study area were heavily infected with protozoan parasitic infection.

ObjectiveTo examine if the association between interpregnancy interval (IPI) and pregnancy complications varies by the presence or absence of previous complications.Design and settingPopulation-based longitudinally linked cohort study in Western Australia (WA).ParticipantsMothers who had their first two (n=252 368) and three (n=96 315) consecutive singleton births in WA between 1980 and 2015.Outcome measuresWe estimated absolute risks (AR) of preeclampsia (PE) and gestational diabetes (GDM) for 3–60 months of IPI according to history of each outcome. We modelled IPI using restricted cubic splines and reported adjusted relative risk (RRs) with 95% CI at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months, with 18 months as reference.ResultsRisks of PE and GDM were 9.5%, 2.6% in first pregnancies, with recurrence rates of 19.3% and 41.5% in second pregnancy for PE and GDM, respectively. The AR of GDM ranged from 30% to 43% across the IPI range for mothers with previous GDM compared with 2%–8% for mothers without previous GDM. For mothers with no previous PE, greater risks were observed for IPIs at 3 months (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.43) and 60 months (RR 1.40, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.53) compared with 18 months. There was insufficient evidence for increased risk of PE at shorter IPIs of ConclusionsThe associations between IPIs and risk of PE or GDM on subsequent pregnancies are modified by previous experience with these conditions. Mothers with previous complications had higher absolute, but lower RRs than mothers with no previous complications. However, IPI remains a potentially modifiable risk factor for mothers with previous complicated pregnancies.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive evidence on risk factors for transmission, disease severity and COVID-19 related deaths in Africa.DesignA systematic review has been conducted to synthesise existing evidence on risk factors affecting COVID-19 outcomes across Africa.Data sourcesData were systematically searched from MEDLINE, Scopus, MedRxiv and BioRxiv.Eligibility criteriaStudies for review were included if they were published in English and reported at least one risk factor and/or one health outcome. We included all relevant literature published up until 11 August 2020.Data extraction and synthesisWe performed a systematic narrative synthesis to describe the available studies for each outcome. Data were extracted using a standardised Joanna Briggs Institute data extraction form.ResultsFifteen articles met the inclusion criteria of which four were exclusively on Africa and the remaining 11 papers had a global focus with some data from Africa. Higher rates of infection in Africa are associated with high population density, urbanisation, transport connectivity, high volume of tourism and international trade, and high level of economic and political openness. Limited or poor access to healthcare are also associated with higher COVID-19 infection rates. Older people and individuals with chronic conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis and anaemia experience severe forms COVID-19 leading to hospitalisation and death. Similarly, high burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, high prevalence of tobacco consumption and low levels of expenditure on health and low levels of global health security score contribute to COVID-19 related deaths.ConclusionsDemographic, institutional, ecological, health system and politico-economic factors influenced the spectrum of COVID-19 infection, severity and death. We recommend multidisciplinary and integrated approaches to mitigate the identified factors and strengthen effective prevention strategies.

Background Knowledge about oral anticoagulant treatment can impact treatment outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, evidence is scarce regarding the knowledge of oral anticoagulants among Saudi patients with atrial fibrillation. Hence, this study aimed to assess the level of anticoagulation knowledge among patients with atrial fibrillation taking oral anticoagulants. Methodology A survey using a cross-sectional study design was conducted among patients with a confirmed diagnosis of atrial fibrillation in a tertiary care setting. The Oral Anticoagulation Knowledge Tool (AKT), a 33-item, self-administered questionnaire, was used to assess the knowledge of anticoagulation. Results A total of 290 patients with a median age of 67 years participated in the survey. More than half of those surveyed (56.2%) were females. Overall, 195 (67.2%) patients had an overall adequate anticoagulation knowledge. The median knowledge score of participants on warfarin was significantly higher than those on direct-acting oral anticoagulants (p < 0.001). Only age was found to be a predictor of AKT. Increasing age was associated with fewer odds of adequate AKT. For every one-year increase in age, the knowledge score decreased by 0.08 (95% confidence interval: -0.13 to -0.04). Conclusions This study found significant knowledge gaps among Saudi patients with atrial fibrillation taking oral anticoagulants. Advancing age was inversely associated with oral anticoagulation knowledge.

Background Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing global health challenge disproportionately impacting low- and middle-income settings, including Ethiopia. Currently, the body of evidence describing the burden of NCDs is fragmented, inconsistent, health facility- or institution-based, and out-dated in Ethiopia. We conducted a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of the prevalence of NCDs in community settings in Ethiopia. Review methodology Community-based quantitative studies published in English between 2012 and July 2020 that reported the prevalence of NCDs in Ethiopia were included. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINHAL, and Global Health using pretested search terms related to NCDs was conducted, and data were extracted using a piloted data extraction proforma adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 16. We measured the overall NCD prevalence using pooled odds ratios with 95% CIs. Pooled NCD prevalence was also computed and presented using forest plots. I2 was used to assess heterogeneity. Studies that did not fulfil the criteria for meta-analysis were narratively synthesised. Results Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Four studies measured the prevalence of NCDs (all NCDs together), ranging from 29% to 35% (prevalence estimates not pooled). The pooled prevalence of Diabetes Mellites (DM) across ten studies was 5% (95% CI:4%−7%). Three studies each reported on the prevalence of undiagnosed DM (pooled prevalence 8%, 95% CI: 2%−14%) and pre-DM (pooled prevalence 12%, 95% CI:3%−21%). In a narrative analysis the prevalence of cardiovascular conditions ranged from 13.4% to 32.2% (n = 3 studies), cancer mortality ranged from 4% to 18% (n = 3 studies) and respiratory conditions ranged from 1% to 18% (n = 3 studies). Conclusion and recommendations Our analysis found that approximately one-third of Ethiopians have an NCD, with cardiovascular diseases the most common of all NCDs. The prevalence of respiratory conditions also appears high, but there are insufficient data for a pooled estimate. Whilst the prevalence of DM appears relatively low, there is evidence that the magnitude is increasing. Public health actions to address the high burden of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as the increasing magnitude of DM in Ethiopia, must be prioritised. Keywords: NCD, noncommunicable diseases, Ethiopia.

Background Lymphatic filariasis is a neglected tropical disease that can cause permanent disability through disruption of the lymphatic system. This disease is caused by parasitic filarial worms that are transmitted by mosquitos. Mass drug administration (MDA) of antihelmintics is recommended by WHO to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. This study aims to produce the first geospatial estimates of the global prevalence of lymphatic filariasis infection over time, to quantify progress towards elimination, and to identify geographical variation in distribution of infection. Methods A global dataset of georeferenced surveyed locations was used to model annual 2000–18 lymphatic filariasis prevalence for 73 current or previously endemic countries. We applied Bayesian model-based geostatistics and time series methods to generate spatially continuous estimates of global all-age 2000–18 prevalence of lymphatic filariasis infection mapped at a resolution of 5 km2 and aggregated to estimate total number of individuals infected. Findings We used 14 927 datapoints to fit the geospatial models. An estimated 199 million total individuals (95% uncertainty interval 174–234 million) worldwide were infected with lymphatic filariasis in 2000, with totals for WHO regions ranging from 3·1 million (1·6–5·7 million) in the region of the Americas to 107 million (91–134 million) in the South-East Asia region. By 2018, an estimated 51 million individuals (43–63 million) were infected. Broad declines in prevalence are observed globally, but focal areas in Africa and southeast Asia remain less likely to have attained infection prevalence thresholds proposed to achieve local elimination. Interpretation Although the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis infection has declined since 2000, MDA is still necessary across large populations in Africa and Asia. Our mapped estimates can be used to identify areas where the probability of meeting infection thresholds is low, and when coupled with large uncertainty in the predictions, indicate additional data collection or intervention might be warranted before MDA programmes cease. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Background: Universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities is an essential human right, recognised in the Sustainable Development Goals as crucial for preventing disease and improving human wellbeing. Comprehensive, high-resolution estimates are important to inform progress towards achieving this goal. We aimed to produce highresolution geospatial estimates of access to drinking water and sanitation facilities. Methods: We used a Bayesian geostatistical model and data from 600 sources across more than 88 low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) to estimate access to drinking water and sanitation facilities on continuous continent-wide surfaces from 2000 to 2017, and aggregated results to policy-relevant administrative units. We estimated mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive subcategories of facilities for drinking water (piped water on or off premises, other improved facilities, unimproved, and surface water) and sanitation facilities (septic or sewer sanitation, other improved, unimproved, and open defecation) with use of ordinal regression. We also estimated the number of diarrhoeal deaths in children younger than 5 years attributed to unsafe facilities and estimated deaths that were averted by increased access to safe facilities in 2017, and analysed geographical inequality in access within LMICs. Findings: Across LMICs, access to both piped water and improved water overall increased between 2000 and 2017, with progress varying spatially. For piped water, the safest water facility type, access increased from 40·0% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 39·4–40·7) to 50·3% (50·0–50·5), but was lowest in sub-Saharan Africa, where access to piped water was mostly concentrated in urban centres. Access to both sewer or septic sanitation and improved sanitation overall also increased across all LMICs during the study period. For sewer or septic sanitation, access was 46·3% (95% UI 46·1–46·5) in 2017, compared with 28·7% (28·5–29·0) in 2000. Although some units improved access to the safest drinking water or sanitation facilities since 2000, a large absolute number of people continued to not have access in several units with high access to such facilities (>80%) in 2017. More than 253 000 people did not have access to sewer or septic sanitation facilities in the city of Harare, Zimbabwe, despite 88·6% (95% UI 87·2–89·7) access overall. Many units were able to transition from the least safe facilities in 2000 to safe facilities by 2017; for units in which populations primarily practised open defecation in 2000, 686 (95% UI 664–711) of the 1830 (1797–1863) units transitioned to the use of improved sanitation. Geographical disparities in access to improved water across units decreased in 76·1% (95% UI 71·6–80·7) of countries from 2000 to 2017, and in 53·9% (50·6–59·6) of countries for access to improved sanitation, but remained evident subnationally in most countries in 2017. Interpretation: Our estimates, combined with geospatial trends in diarrhoeal burden, identify where efforts to increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities are most needed. By highlighting areas with successful approaches or in need of targeted interventions, our estimates can enable precision public health to effectively progress towards universal access to safe water and sanitation. This work was primarily supported by a grant from the Gates Foundation (OPP1132415). LGA has received support from Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Finance Code 001), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais. OOA acknowledges the Department of Science and Innovation, National Research Foundation, and DSI/NRF Centre of Excellence for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, Stellenbosch, South Africa. SMAl acknowledges the Department of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Public Health, Kuwait University and International Centre for Casemix and Clinical Coding, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia for the approval and support to participate in this research project. HTA acknowledges Aksum University. MAu and CH are partly supported by a grant from the Romanian National Authority for Scientific Research and Innovation, CNDS-UEFISCDI, project number PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0084. AAz acknowledges funding from the Gates Foundation (OPP1171700). ABad is supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada. TWB was supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation through the Alexander von Humboldt Professor award, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research; the EU; the Wellcome Trust; and from National Institute of Child Health and Human Development of National Institutes of Health (NIH; R01-HD084233), National Institute on Aging of NIH (P01AG041710), National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of NIH (R01-AI124389 and R01-AI112339), as well as Fogarty International Center of NIH (D43-TW009775). DABen was supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the National Health Service, the NIHR, or the UK Department of Health and Social Care. GBB is supported by Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI) de la Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENACYT) of Panamá. FCar acknowledges UID/ MULTI/04378/2019 and UID/QUI/50006/2019 support with funding from FCT/Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior through national funds. VMC acknowledges her grant (SFRH/BHD/110001/2015), received by Portuguese national funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT), IP, under the Norma Transitória DL57/2016/CP1334/CT0006. JDN acknowledges support from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. DBD acknowledges support from the Gates Foundation. KD is supported by a Wellcome Trust grant (number 201900/Z/16/Z) as part of his International Intermediate Fellowship. AGo acknowledges Sistema Nacional de Investigadores de Panamá (SNI), Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación (SENACYT). CH is partly supported by a grant co-funded by European Fund for Regional Development through the Operational Program for Competitiveness (project ID P_40_382). SMSI is funded by a Fellowship from National Heart Foundation of Australia and Deakin University. MJ and the Serbian part of this GBD contribution was co-funded through grant OI175014 of the Ministry of Education Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia. JK is a recipient of the 2020 Benjamin V Cohen Peace Fellowship from Ball State University Center for Peace and Conflict Studies. YJK’s work was supported by the Research Management Centre, Xiamen University Malaysia, grants number XMUMRF/2018-C2/ ITCM/0001. KKr is supported by a DST PURSE grant and UGC Center of Advanced Study awarded to the Department of Anthropology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. BL acknowledges support from the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre and the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Oxford. PTNM acknowledges the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa. ANA acknowledges Debre Markos University for its support in-terms of office and internet access while reviewing this paper. AMSam received a fellowship from the Egyptian Fulbright Mission programme. MMS-M acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia (contract number 175087). AShi acknowledges the support of Health Data Research UK. MRS acknowledges the Clinical Research Development Center of Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah university of Medical sciences for their wise advice. JBS is part of Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain. RT-S was supported in part by grant PI17/00719 from Instituto de Salud Carlos III–FEDER. BU acknowledges Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal. TWij acknowledges the Migraine Foundation Australia and the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rajarata, Saliyapura, Anuradhapuraya, Sri Lanka. CSW was supported by the South African Medical Research Council. SBZ received a scholarship from the Australian Government research training program in support of his academic career.

Background. Trachoma is a neglected tropical disease which is the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. Trachoma is one of the major health problems in Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia. However, knowledge, attitudes, and practices about trachoma are not yet studied in depth. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices on trachoma and its associated factors among rural communities in two districts of Tigay Region, Northern Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two districts of Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia, from May 7–24, 2017. Data were collected on paper based, were entered into Epi Info version 3.5.1, and then exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Results. In this study, a total of 194 respondents were included. The overall level of good knowledge, attitudes, and practices on trachoma was 51%, 49.5%, and 35.6%, respectively. Having ever received health education was significantly associated with good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.10; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.91–8.79) and attitudes (AOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.02–4.25). Moreover, good knowledge was associated with good practices on trachoma prevention and control (AOR = 2.86; 95% CI: 1.46–5.62). Conclusion. Our study implies that areas with high burden of trachoma need to improve communities’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards trachoma prevention and control in order to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. Therefore, health education focused on SAFE strategy should be provided to increase knowledge and changing attitudes that contribute for good practices towards trachoma prevention and control among communities.

Background: Across low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), one in ten deaths in children younger than 5 years is attributable to diarrhoea. The substantial between-country variation in both diarrhoea incidence and mortality is attributable to interventions that protect children, prevent infection, and treat disease. Identifying subnational regions with the highest burden and mapping associated risk factors can aid in reducing preventable childhood diarrhoea. Methods: We used Bayesian model-based geostatistics and a geolocated dataset comprising 15 072 746 children younger than 5 years from 466 surveys in 94 LMICs, in combination with findings of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2017, to estimate posterior distributions of diarrhoea prevalence, incidence, and mortality from 2000 to 2017. From these data, we estimated the burden of diarrhoea at varying subnational levels (termed units) by spatially aggregating draws, and we investigated the drivers of subnational patterns by creating aggregated risk factor estimates. Findings: The greatest declines in diarrhoeal mortality were seen in south and southeast Asia and South America, where 54·0% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 38·1-65·8), 17·4% (7·7-28·4), and 59·5% (34·2-86·9) of units, respectively, recorded decreases in deaths from diarrhoea greater than 10%. Although children in much of Africa remain at high risk of death due to diarrhoea, regions with the most deaths were outside Africa, with the highest mortality units located in Pakistan. Indonesia showed the greatest within-country geographical inequality; some regions had mortality rates nearly four times the average country rate. Reductions in mortality were correlated to improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) or reductions in child growth failure (CGF). Similarly, most high-risk areas had poor WASH, high CGF, or low oral rehydration therapy coverage. Interpretation: By co-analysing geospatial trends in diarrhoeal burden and its key risk factors, we could assess candidate drivers of subnational death reduction. Further, by doing a counterfactual analysis of the remaining disease burden using key risk factors, we identified potential intervention strategies for vulnerable populations. In view of the demands for limited resources in LMICs, accurately quantifying the burden of diarrhoea and its drivers is important for precision public health. This work was primarily supported by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1132415). S Aljunid reports additional funding from the International Centre for Casemix and Clinical Coding, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia and Department of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Public Health, Kuwait University for the approval and support to participate in this research project outside of the study. A Awasthi is supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi, through the INSPIRE Faculty Program outside of the study. A Badawi reports additional funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada outside of the study. A Barac reports additional funding from the Project of Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of the Republic of Serbia (no III45005) outside of the study. T Bärnighausen reports additional funding by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation through the Alexander von Humboldt Professor award, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research outside of the study. F Carvalho and E Fernandez report additional funding from the Portuguese national funds (UID/MULTI/04378/2019 and UID/QUI/50006/2019) outside of the study. V M Costa reports additional funding from Fundação da Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) for her grant (SFRH/BPD/110001/2015), which was funded by national funds through FCT – Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, IP, under the Norma Transitória – DL57/2016/CP1334/CT0006 outside of the study. J De Neve reports additional funding from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation outside of the study. K Deribe reports additional funding from the Wellcome Trust (grant number 201900) as part of his International Intermediate Fellowship outside of the study. D Endalew and M Moradi report additional funding from Wolkite University. M Ausloos, C Herteliu, and A Pana report additional funding from the Romanian National Authority for Scientific Research and Innovation, CNDS-UEFISCDI (project number PN-III-P4-ID-PCCF-2016-0084) outside of the study. C Herteliu reports additional funding from the European Fund for Regional Development through Operational Program for Competitiveness (Project ID P_40_382) and the European Fund for Regional Development, through InterReg Romania-Hungary (project code EMS ROHU 217) outside of the study. P Hoogar reports additional funding from the Centre for Holistic Development and Research (CHDR), Kalaghatagi and The Department of Studies in Anthropology, Karnatak University, D S Islam reports additional funding from the National Heart Foundation of Australia and the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University outside of the study. A Khatony reports additional funding from the Clinical Research Development Center of Imam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah outside of the study. J Khubchandani reports additional funding from Merck Research Laboratories outside of the study. K Krishan reports additional funding from the UGC Center of Advanced Study (CAS II) awarded to the Department of Anthropology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India outside of the study. M Kumar reports additional funding from the Fogarty Foundation/NIH through a K43 award (TW010716-01A1) outside of the study. B Lacey reports additional funding from the National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre and the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence (Oxford, UK) outside of the study. A M Samy reports additional funding from the Egyptian Fulbright Mission Program (EFMP) outside of the study. S Seyedmousavi reports additional funding from the Intramural Program of National Institute of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA outside of the study. M Shey reports additional funding from the Wellcome Trust Kenji Shibuya reports additional funding from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science and Technology outside of the study. M Sobhiyeh reports additional funding from the Clinical Research Development Center of Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences outside of the study. J Soriano reports additional funding from Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain outside of the study. N Taveira reports additional funding from the LIFE study (RIA2016MC-1615) of the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) program supported by the European Union outside of the study. B Unnikrishnan reports additional funding from the Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India outside of the study. T Wijeratne reports additional funding from the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rajarata, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka outside of the study. C S Wiysonge reports additional funding from the South African Medical Research Council and the National Research Foundation of South Africa outside of the study.

The war in Tigray region of Ethiopia that started in November 2020 and is still ongoing has brought enormous damage to the health system. This analysis provides an assessment of the health system before and during the war. Evidence of damage was compiled from November 2020 to June 2021 from various reports by the interim government of Tigray, and also by international non-governmental organisations. Comparison was made with data from the prewar calendar year. Six months into the war, only 30% of hospitals, 17% of health centres, 11.5% of ambulances and none of the 712 health posts were functional. As of June 2021, the population in need of emergency food assistance in Tigray increased from less than one million to over 5.2 million. While the prewar performance of antenatal care, supervised delivery, postnatal care and children vaccination was 64%, 73%, 63% and 73%, respectively, but none of the services were likely to be delivered in the first 90 days of the war. A conservative estimate places the number of girls and women raped in the first 5 months of the war to be 10 000. These data indicate a widespread destruction of livelihoods and a collapse of the healthcare system. The use of hunger and rape as a weapon of war and the targeting of healthcare facilities are key components of the war. To avert worsening conditions, an immediate intervention is needed to deliver food and supplies and rehabilitate the healthcare delivery system and infrastructure.

BackgroundThyrotoxicosis is the state of thyroid hormone excess. But, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), specifically Northern Ethiopia, scientific evidence about thyrotoxicosis and its cardiac complications like dilated cardiomyopathy is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the thyrotoxicosis presentation and management and identify factors associated with dilated cardiomyopathy in a tertiary hospital in Northern Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from 2017 to 2018. Data from 200 thyrotoxicosis cases were collected using a structured questionnaire. After describing variables, logistic regression was conducted to identify independent predictors of dilated cardiomyopathy. Statistical significance was declared atp ResultsMean age at presentation of thyrotoxicosis was 45 years and females accounted for 89 % of the cases. The most frequent etiology was multinodular toxic goiter (51.5 %). As well, the most common symptoms and signs were palpitation and goiter respectively. Thyroid storm occurred in 6 % of the cases. Out of 89 patients subjected to echocardiography, 35 (39.3 %) of them had dilated cardiomyopathy. And, the odds of dilated cardiomyopathy were higher in patients who had atrial fibrillation (AOR = 15.95, 95 % CI:5.89–38.16,p = 0.001) and tachycardia (AOR = 2.73, 95 % CI:1.04–7.15,p = 0.040). All patients took propylthiouracil and 13.0 % of them experienced its side effects. Concerning β-blockers, propranolol was the most commonly (78.5 % of the cases) used drug followed by atenolol (15.0 %). Six patients underwent surgery.ConclusionsIn developing countries like Ethiopia, patients with thyrotoxicosis have no access to methimazole which is the first-line anti-thyroid drug. Besides, they greatly suffer from dilated cardiomyopathy (due to late presentation) and side effects of propylthiouracil. Therefore, we recommend that patients should get adequate health information about thyrotoxicosis and anti-thyroid drugs including their side effects. Additionally, hospitals and other concerned bodies should also avail of TSH tests and methimazole at an affordable cost. Furthermore, community awareness about iodized salt and iodine-rich foods should be enhanced.

Background Although, the clinical and socioeconomic condition of Tigray Regional State mothers has been improved along with the decline in the child death rate. However, children’s death rate is still one of the main community serious challenging issues of public health concern. Thus, the main objective of this current investigation was to identify the major predictor factors for short time-to-death in Children in the Tigray Regional State. Methods The study used a secondary data with cross-sectional study design. The information gathered was from 1018 childbirths 5 years prior to the survey. Independent variables such as mother’s demographic variables, child demographic variables, healthiness and environmental factors were considered major hazard predictors of children’s short time-to-death rate. This current investigation used bivariable and multivariable Cox regression model analysis to identify the major statistically significant associations with children’s time-to-death rate. Results One thousand eighteen children under 5 years of age were included in the study. Of them, 50% of the children were males, and the median survival time-to-death of children was 26 months. Overall, the prevalence of experiencing child’s death rate in the Tigray Regional State was 4.2%. The multivariable Cox regression model analysis showed that living rural place of residence (AHR = 19.8; 95% CI: (7.25–54.049)), being unvaccinated child (no) (AHR = 2.76; 95% CI: (1.071–7.11)), and poor wealth index (AHR = 15.4; 95% CI: (2.83–84)) were statistically significant predictors of time-to-death rate of children’s. Conclusion The study recognized that being a rural place of residence, unvaccinated child status (no) and poor wealth index were statistically significant predictors of children’s short time-to-death rate.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a pandemic affecting over 106 million and killing over 2.3 million people. Inadequate knowledge of the disease coupled with scarce or improper use of infection prevention and control (IPC) measures by healthcare workers (HCWs) and support staff may be contributing to the rapid spread of infection. This survey aims to assess knowledge, risk perception, and precaution practices of HCWs and support staff toward COVID-19 under resource-constrained circumstances at a major referral hospital in Ethiopia. An institution-based survey was conducted in April 2020 using 422 subjects selected by stratified random sampling. A five-section survey instrument was distributed, and the collected responses were cleaned and entered into Epi data (v3.1) and exported to SPSS (v.26) for further statistical analysis. The survey found that about 58% of the HCWs and support staff in the hospital appear to have adequate awareness and perceive COVID-19 to be a high-risk disease. Seven out of 10 subjects practice some form of IPC measures. However, the knowledge among allied HCWs and support staff appears to be inadequate. Gender, occupation, and years in service correlated with the level of awareness. Of those surveyed, 78% were concerned about the lack of personal protective equipment and perceived public transportation to be a high-risk factor for the transmission of infection. Additional campaigns may be necessary to reinforce existing knowledge of HCWs, but more emphasis should be geared toward educating allied HCWs and support staff.

Background. In developing countries, most maternal deaths are related to the lack of accessibility and availability of reproductive health services. In those nations, emergency contraceptive pills are the most commonly used family planning methods to prevent unintended pregnancy. However, women do not use this family planning method for different reasons. Consequently, women expose to unsafe abortion which results in maternal morbidity and mortality. Objective. To assess the knowledge of and utilization of emergency contraceptive and its associated factors among women seeking induced abortion in public hospitals, Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia, 2017. Methods. Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 380 women, who came for safe termination of pregnancy from April to July 2017. Systematic random sampling technique was used. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data through interview. Data were entered using Epi Info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Data were presented using descriptive statistics. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was carried out to see if there was significant association between variables at P<0.05 and 95% confidence interval (CI). Result. Out of the total 369 respondents, 149 (40.4%) had the knowledge about emergency contraceptive pills. The magnitude of utilization of emergency contraceptive among respondents was found to be 45 (12.2%). Protestant in religion (AOR = 60.85, CI (5.34–693.29)), previous utilization of any contraceptive method (AOR = 0.13, CI (0.05–0.36)), and women who were not knowledgeable about emergency contraceptive (AOR = 0.030, CI (0.006–0.14)) were significantly associated with the utilization of emergency contraceptive. Conclusion. Most of the women were not knowledgeable about emergency contraceptive and utilization of emergency contraceptive was also very low. In conclusion, religion, knowledge, and previous utilization of emergency contraceptive were associated with the utilization of emergency contraceptive.

Background Women’s decision-making power regarding reproductive health and rights (RHR) was the central component to achieve reproductive well-being. Literatures agree that a women having higher domestic decision-making power regarding their health care were more likely to utilize health services. More than 80% of women in Ethiopia reside in rural areas where they considered as the subordinates of their husbands. This would restrict women to fully exercise their RHR. Thus, this study aims to determine the factors influencing the women’s decision-making power regarding RHR in Mettu rural district, South West Ethiopia. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was done among 415 by using randomly selected married women of reproductive age from March to April 2017. Data was entered by using Epi-data manger 1.4 and analyzed by SPSS version 21. Descriptive and multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out. Result One hundred sixty-eight (41.5%) of the women had greater decision-making power regarding RHR. Woman’s primary education AOR 2.62[95% C. I 1.15, 5.97], secondary (9+) education AOR 3.18[95% C. I 1.16, 8.73] and husband’s primary education AOR 4.0[95% C. I 1.53, 10.42], secondary (9+) education AOR 3.95 [95% C. I 1.38, 11.26], being knowledgeable about RHR AOR 3.57 [95% C. I 1.58, 8.09], marriage duration of more than 10 years AOR 2.95 [95% C. I 1.19, 7.26], access to micro-credit enterprises AOR 4.26[95% C. I 2.06, 8.80], having gender equitable attitude AOR 6.38 [95% C. I 2.52, 12.45] and good qualities of spousal relation AOR 2.95 [95% C. I 1.30, 6.64] were positively influencing women’s decision-making power regarding RHR. Conclusion More than four in ten rural women had greater decision-making power regarding RHR. External pressures (qualities of spousal relation, gender equitable attitude) and knowledge about RHR were found to influence women’s decision-making power. Public health interventions targeting women’s RHR should take into account strengthening rural micro-credit enterprises, qualities of spousal relations and priority should be given to women with no formal education of husband or herself and marriage duration of

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of preterm births among mothers who gave birth in Axum and Adwa public hospitals, Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2018.ResultThis study showed that 13.3% from the total 472 mothers gave a preterm birth. Being a rural resident (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI (1.07,4.22), short inter pregnancy interval (AOR = 5.4, 95% CI (1.32, 22.05), previous preterm birth (AOR = 3.74, 95% CI (1.03, 16.34), Premature rupture of membrane (AOR = 4.14, 95% CI (1.92, 8.89), induced onset of labor (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI (1.06, 5.85) multiple pregnancy (AOR = 5.69, 95% CI (2.27, 14.28), malaria during pregnancy (AOR = 4.71, 95% CI (1.98, 11.23), Presence of chronic illness (AOR = 4.55, 95% CI (1.83, 11.26) were significantly associated with preterm birth.

Objectives This study aimed to determine the unfavorable outcomes and to assess factors contribute to the unfavorable management outcomes after cesarean deliveries in Ayder Specialized Comprehensive Hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2017. Results The unfavorable maternal management outcomes were Adhesion 28 (8.3%), excessive blood loss and blood transfusion 19 (5.6%), cesarean hysterectomy 10 (3%), relaparotomy 5 (1.5%), wound infection and wound dehiscence 23 (6.8%). Unfavorable fetal outcomes were were stillbirth 9 (2.6%), early neonatal death 8 (2.4%), low birth weight 58 (17.2%). women who did not book for Antenatal Care and having a history of previous cesarean delivery were found to be associated with unfavorable maternal outcomes and indications of cesarean delivery as obstructed labor was associated with unfavorable fetal outcomes.

Objectives Anemia remains a major public health problem in Ethiopia, which causes maternal and fetal severe consequences. In Tigrai, there are limited literatures on prevalence of anemia and associated factors among pregnant women. Thus, a hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of anemia in Adigrat General Hospital. Data was analyzed and computed using SPSS version 22. p value = 0.05 at 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results Overall prevalence of Anemia among the pregnant women attending Adigrat General Hospital was 7.9%. About 62.5% and 37.5% of the anemic women were with mild (Hgb: 10.0–10.9 g/d1) and moderate (Hgb: 7–9.9 g/dl) type respectively. Factors like, residing in rural areas increases risk of anemia by 6 times (AOR = 6, 95% CI 1.34, 27.6, p = 0.019), participants having current blood loss (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.16, 10.2, p = 0.026), having history of recent abortion (AOR = 7.9, 95% CI 2.23, 28.1, p = 0.001) and gestational age in the third trimester (AOR = 4.9, 95% CI 1.39, 17.6, p = 0.013) were statistically associated with anemia. Generally, prevalence of anemia is found to be low in the study area. However, it should be given due attention. Therefore, strong endeavor is needed to control anemia among pregnant women by assessing different micronutrient deficiencies for further prevention.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are global public health problems. TB and HIV diagnostic services linkage is imperative for the fight against the two diseases. Objective: To assess the diagnostic service linkage and testing of TB-HIV diagnostic services and identify predictors in Public hospitals of Northern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five hospitals of Northern Ethiopia. Study subjects’ socio-demographic, household and clinical variables were assessed.Data was analyzed using SPSS. Logistic regressions were used to determine the predictors of uptake of TB and HIV testing among HIV and TB patients, respectively. Result: The level of HIV testing among TB patients was 94.4% and of TB screening among HIV patients was 90.5%. Factors that independently predict HIV testing among TB patients were Residence AOR=0.187(95% CI 0.05-0.76), being 9 grade and above AOR=13.17 (95%CI 2.67-65.03) and drinking alcohol AOR=0.03(95% CI 0.002-0.475). Likewise, being grade 9 and above AOR=6.92 (95% CI 1.75- 27.4) and having chronic cough AOR=0.23 (95% CI 0.06- 0.92) were predictor variables for having TB screening among HIV patients. Conclusion: The levels of TB-HIV linkages and testing are high. Moreover, educational status is a strong predictor of TB screening among HIV patients and HIV testing among TB cases. The regional health bureau has to continue supporting its TB and HIV case teams in every health facility. Keywords: TB-HIV Diagnostic service linkage, testing in government hospitals, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.

Aims/hypothesisThere is inconsistent evidence for the causal role of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentration in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Here, we investigated the association between IGF-1 and type 2 diabetes using a combination of multivariable-adjusted and (clustered) Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses in the UK Biobank.MethodsWe conducted Cox proportional hazard analyses in 451,232 European-ancestry individuals of the UK Biobank (55.3% women, mean age at recruitment 56.6 years), among which 13,247 individuals developed type 2 diabetes during up to 12 years of follow-up. In addition, we conducted two-sample MR analyses based on independent SNPs associated with IGF-1. Given the heterogeneity between the causal estimates of individual instruments (P-value for Q statistic=4.03e-145), we also conducted clustered MR analyses. Biological pathway analyses of the identified clusters were performed by overrepresentation analyses.ResultsIn the Cox proportional hazard models, with IGF-1 concentrations stratified in quintiles, we observed that participants in the lowest quintile had the highest relative risk of type 2 diabetes (HR: 1.31; CI: 1.23-1.39). In contrast, in the two-sample MR analyses, higher genetically-influenced IGF-1 was associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. Based on the heterogeneous distribution of causal effect estimates, six clusters associated either with a lower or a higher risk of type 2 diabetes were identified. The main clusters in which a higher IGF-1 was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes consisted of instruments mapping to genes in the growth-hormone signaling pathway, whereas the main clusters in which a higher IGF-1 was associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes consisted of instruments mapping to genes in pathways related to amino acid metabolism and genomic integrity.ConclusionThe IGF-1 associated SNPs used as genetic instruments in MR analyses showed a heterogeneous distribution of causal effect estimates on the risk of type 2 diabetes. This was likely explained by differences in the underlying molecular pathways that increase IGF-1 concentration and differentially mediate the effects of IGF-1 on type 2 diabetes.

Background: Thyrotoxicosis is the state of thyroid hormone excess with a spectrum of disease ranging from mild to life-threatening complications like thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy and thyroid storm. This study aims to explore the pattern, clinical manifestation, complication, management, and drug adherence of patients with thyrotoxicosis in a tertiary hospital of Northern Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from 2017 to 2018. Data from a 200 thyrotoxicosis cases was collected using a structured questionnaire that includes Morisky Medication Adherence Scale questions. After describing variables, a logistic regression was conducted to identify independent predictors of dilated cardiomyopathy and drug adherence. Statistical significance was declared at p

Background Anemia is a common complication of HIV/AIDS in children. There is lack of evidence on anemia prevalence among children living with HIV/AIDS on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Tigray regional state, which the current study aimed to generate. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 241 children living with HIV/AIDS on HAART attending the antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic of Mekelle hospital from November 2018-January 2019. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured pretested questionnaire. Participants’ hemoglobin level was utilized to determine the prevalence of anemia. WHO cut-off values for Hgb were used to categorise the severity of anemia. Microscopic examination was performed for morphological classification of anemia. Results Among the participants, 7 % (n = 16) were anemic in this study. Of these, 56 %, 19 %, and 25 % had mild, moderate, and severe anemia, respectively. Morphologically, normocytic-normochromic anemia was found the most common type of anemia in this study. Conclusions The prevalence of anemia among participants was low in this study. However, a considerable proportion of participants had severe anemia, requiring regular monitoring of anemia status in these patients for better clinical outcomes and quality of life improvements.

Breast cancer is a foremost cause of death worldwide, ranks fifth among causes of death from all types of cancers; this is the most common cause of cancer death in women among both developing and developed countries. Breast cancer ranks first among the most frequent cancers in women of Ethiopia. In spite of the high incidence, mortality rate, and survival status among breast cancer patients was not determined in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting the time to death among breast cancer patients attending anti-cancer treatment from September 2015 till December 2018 at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Methods: Hospital-based retrospective cohort study was conducted among breast cancer patients. Kaplan-Meier survival curve together with log-rank test was deployed to test for variations in the survival among predictor variables. Cox regression was used at a 5% level of significance to determine the net effect of each independent variable on the time to death of breast cancer clients. Results: From the Cox proportional model, patients with age, educational status, residence, Baseline Tumor size &Pathology type (LIC) were found to be a statistically significant effect (p