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The food supply chain is characterised by its complexity and interconnectedness, involving various actors, from farmers to consumers. It emphasises the critical importance of maintaining product integrity, safety, and quality throughout the process to meet stringent regulatory standards and consumer expectations. However, food supply chain is plagued by challenges such as counterfeiting, quality issues, and safety concerns, prompting the adoption of product traceability as a remedy. Current traceability systems (e.g., systems based on centralised and EPCIS architectures) aim to capture traceability data from the initial link to the final link in the supply chain, allowing for tracing a product from the end consumer back to its origin. Nevertheless, trust issues persist in these systems, particularly concerning the integrity and reliability of traceability data. Blockchain has been proposed to address these trust issues by creating an immutable and transparent ledger distributed across all peers. Despite this innovation, different studies underscore the inadequacy of relying solely on blockchain to ensure the trustworthiness of traceability data. This paper addresses this gap by proposing an adaptable and extensible framework that combines blockchain with a multi-trust packages-based trust model. The framework seeks to strengthen trust relationships among supply chain actors by improving the accuracy of identifying specific areas within the supply chain where compromises in quality and safety have occurred.

Aychew Kassa Belete,1 Abebe Tarekegn Kassaw,2 Bantie Getnet Yirsaw,3 Birhan Ambachew Taye,3 Samueal Nigatie Ambaw,1 Biset Asrade Mekonnen,4 Ashenafi Kibret Sendekie5 1Department of Sport Science, Faculty of Natural and Computational Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia; 2Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia; 3Department of Statistics, Faculty of Natural and Computational Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia; 4Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; 5Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Ashenafi Kibret Sendekie, Email ashenafikib0960@gmail.comBackground: Unhealthy lifestyles and physical inactivity are among the contributing factors of hypercholesterolemia. This study assessed the prevalence, awareness of risk factors, and prevention and treatment of hypercholesterolemia among adults who visited Woldia referral hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults who visited Woldia referral hospital from May to August 2022. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire through a face-to-face interview and patient medical record review. Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the association between hypercholesterolemia and other variables. A p-value at a 95% confidence level was statistically significant.Results: A total of 1180 eligible adults were included in the study. The magnitude of hypercholesterolemia was 26.4%. The majority of the respondents were aware of some risk factors, such as higher fat intake (82.3%), obesity (67.2%), and lack of adequate exercise (56.1%). However, the majority of the respondents were not aware that smoking, alcohol consumption, and age (86.8% for all) had cardiovascular risk. The majority of the respondents were aware that eating a limited amount of saturated fat (56.5%), maintaining a healthy weight (67.2%), and taking prescribed medications properly (86.8%) can prevent the risk of hypercholesterolemia. However, a larger proportion of respondents were unaware that smoking cessation (86.8%), exercise (55.3%), alcohol restriction (86.8%), and stress avoidance (75.3%) can prevent cardiovascular risks. Age (p = 0.036), smoking (p = 0.007), alcohol use (p = 0.013), fruit consumption (p = 0.019), saturated oil use (p = 0.031), level of physical activity (p < 0.001), and body mass index (p = 0.03) were significantly associated with hypercholesterolemia.Conclusion: This study concluded that more than one-fourth of adults had hypercholesterolemia. The majority of the respondents did not have an awareness of common cardiovascular risk factors and prevention and treatment techniques regarding unhealthy lifestyles and physical inactivity.Keywords: hypercholesterolemia, cholesterol, dyslipidemia, awareness, prevention, risk factors

AbstractIntercropping of cereals and legumes is common in Ethiopia. However, intercropping of lupine with tef is a new practice in Northwestern Ethiopia’s tef-based cropping system. In the 2016 and 2017 main cropping seasons, a field experiment was conducted in Gozamin District, East Gojjam Zone, to assess the effect of plant density of lupine intercropping with tef on the productivity of tef fields. The two experimental factors were two inter-row spacings (20 and 40 cm) and three intra-row spacings (10, 15, and 20 cm) of lupine intercropped with tef, and their factorial combination was studied using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The highest tef grain yield (1.80 t ha−1) was recorded from 40 and 20 cm inter- and intra-row spacing of lupine intercropped with tef, respectively. The highest lupine yield (2.74 t ha−1) was recorded from sole cropping. A total of 40 and 15 cm inter- and intra-row spacing of lupine intercropped with tef improved tef equivalent yield (2.32 t ha−1), area time equivalent ratio (1.09), actual yield loss (0.87), monetary advantage index (396.2 USD), net benefit (2479.5 USD ha−1), and marginal rate of return (MRR) (682%). Among all planting densities, 40 and 15 cm inter- and intra-row spacing of lupine were the most profitable and had the highest yield advantage based on equivalent yield and other economic benefits. To maximize the productivity of tef fields, 40 cm of inter- and 15 cm of intra-row spacing of lupine intercropping with tef was recommended.

Haftom Gebregergs Hailu,1 Mengistie Yirsaw Gobezie,2 Abdu Tuha,2 Ruth Mulugeta,2 Solomon Ahmed Mohammed2 1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; 2Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Solomon Ahmed Mohammed Email ahmedsolomon21@gmail.comBackground: Doping includes tampering, possession; trafficking; administration, assisting, encouraging, aiding, conspiring a prohibited substance, and an anti-doping rule violation. Doping in sports is increasing and diversifying involving physiological, mechanical, and pharmacological techniques and becoming a serious public health problem. Pharmacy professionals have a vital role in the fight against doping. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacists on the use of doping agents by sportsmen and women.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional descriptive study was done targeting community pharmacists of Dessie city, Northeast Ethiopia. Structured questionnaires were distributed and collected between April and March of 2018. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Linear regression was used and the level of statistical significance was set at a p-value < 0.05.Results: Of the 61 pharmacy professionals who participated in the study, 46 (75.4%) were males and 15 (24.6%) were females. Only 25 (41.0%) and 13 (21.3%) of the respondents said they watch and play sport regularly, respectively. The majority of the participants, 50 (82%), supported the prohibition of performance-enhancing drugs in sport. The majority of the respondents, 55.7%, agree that pharmacists are a potential source of doping agents. Only 27.9% of them mentioned World Anti-doping Agency (WADA) as the source of information about doping agents. Regarding identifying the WADA status of 13 agents, the average score out of 13 was 4.95, while 80.3% of them scored less than or equal to seven. Factors associated with knowledge of participants were being male (β = 4.48, p= 0.02) and regularly watching sport (β = 2.64, p= 0.01).Conclusion: Even though the pharmacists’ low knowledge score revealed that they need further specialized training on doping and anti-doping, majority of them support banning doping substances from sport. Pharmacy curriculum developers should consider incorporating specific topics or courses about doping agents.Keywords: doping, WADA, pharmacists, Ethiopia

Agronomic strategies such as choosing the optimal row ratio and planting legume crops at the right time are crucial for enhancing crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted in 2016 and 2017 to assess the influence of plant density and lupine intercropping time on tef field productivity. The treatments were as follows: tef was planted at a 20 cm inter-row spacing, lupine was sown at 20 and 40 cm inter-row spacing (row ratio of 1 tef: 1 lupine and 2 tef: 1 lupine) and lupine intercropped three times (1, 2, and 3 weeks after tef planting). Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications were used. Two sole tef and lupine were planted. The results revealed 40 cm inter-row spacing and delayed lupine intercropping (3 weeks after tef planting) provided the maximum tef grain yield of 1.80 t ha−1. The sole cropping of lupine produced the highest lupine grain yield (2.63 t ha−1). Lupine intercropping at 40 cm inter-row spacing and two weeks after tef planting resulted in the highest land equivalent ratio (1.54), tef equivalent yield (2.45 t ha−1), area time equivalent ratio (1.11), system productivity index (2.5), monetary advantage index (15206 birr ha−1), net benefit (65109 birr ha−1), and marginal rate of return (602%). Therefore, farmers in the northwest Ethiopian highlands should consider intercropping lupine two weeks after tef planting in-between two rows of tef as an effective intercropping system.

Background Research integrity, essential for ethical scientific research, has been inadequately addressed in Ethiopia, resulting in gaps in addressing misconduct like plagiarism, falsification and fabrication. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and factors associated with research misconduct at a public university in Ethiopia. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of researchers. Data were collected via a self-administered, structured questionnaire, which was adapted from a similar study. The collected data were analysed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression. Result A total of 244 researchers participated in the study, resulting in an 82% response rate. In our study, 37.7% of participants reported engaging in at least one form of misconduct, 95% CI [31.6%, 44.1%]. Authorship misconduct was the most common form of self-reported misconduct (47.5%), 95% CI [41.1%, 54.0%], followed by fabrication and falsification (40.6%), 95% CI [34.4%, 47.0%]. Publication pressure was significantly associated with research misconduct (AOR = 3.18; 95% CI: [1.02, 9.95]). Conclusion This study highlights the prevalence of research misconduct and questionable research practices among academic researchers, with authorship misconduct, fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism being the most commonly reported types. Attitudes toward research misconduct and self-reported involvement were influenced by academic position, research experience, and publication pressure, with junior researchers being more likely to report engaging in misbehavior. While ethics training has occasionally been associated with reduced rates of research misconduct, its effectiveness remains uncertain, as institutional culture, supervision, and mentorship may play a more significant role. Addressing research misconduct requires a comprehensive approach that extends beyond ethical instruction, incorporating targeted support for early-career researchers, open dialogue, and institutional policy reforms.

Background Research integrity, essential for ethical scientific research, has been inadequately addressed in Ethiopia, resulting in gaps in addressing misconduct like plagiarism, falsification and fabrication. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of researchers. Data were collected via a self-administered, structured questionnaire, which was adapted from a similar study. The collected data were analysed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression. Result A total of 244 researchers participated in the study, resulting in an 82% response rate. In our study, 37.7% of participants reported engaging in at least one form of misconduct, 95% CI [31.6%, 44.1%]. Authorship misconduct was the most common form of self-reported misconduct (47.5%), 95% CI [41.1%, 54.0%], followed by fabrication and falsification (40.6%), 95% CI [34.4%, 47.0%]. Publication pressure was significantly associated with research misconduct (AOR = 3.18; 95% CI: [1.02, 9.95]). Conclusion Research misconduct has profound implications, compromising the validity of scientific findings and eroding public trust in research. Implementing comprehensive education initiatives on responsible research practices, as well as building an all-encompassing institutional policy, can help to reduce the occurrence of misconduct.

Abstract Background Salmonella are the major pathogenic bacteria in humans as well as in animals. Salmonella species are leading causes of acute gastroenteritis in several countries and salmonellosis remains an important public health problem worldwide, particularly in the developing countries. The situation is more aggravated by the ever increasing rate of antimicrobial resistance strains. Cattle have been implicated as a source of human infection with antimicrobial resistant Salmonella through direct contact with livestock and through the isolation of antimicrobial resistant Salmonella from raw milk, cheddar cheese, and hamburger meat traced to dairy farms. Despiite the presence of many studies on the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Salmonella in Ethiopia, nothing has been said on the degree of the situation among apparently healthy lactating cows and in contact humans. Hence this study was conducted to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance pattern of Salmonella isolates from lactating cows and in contact humans in dairy farms of Addis Ababa. Methods a cross sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa by collecting milk and faecal samples from lactating cows and stool samples from humans working in dairy farms. Samples were pre-enriched in buffered peptone water followed by selective enrichment using selenite cysteine and Rapaport-Vassilidis broths. Isolation and identification was made by inoculating the selectively enriched sample on to Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar followed by confirmation of presumptive colonies using different biochemical tests. The Kibry Bauer disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial sensitivity testing. Results 10.7% (21/195) of cows and 13.6% (3/22) of the human subjects sheded Salmonella. 83% resistance to two or more antimicrobials and 100% resistance to ampicillin were observed. Most of the isolates were relatively sensitive to ciprofloxacin, cotrimoxazole, and chloramphenicol. Conclusion High proportion of Salmonella isolates developed resistance to the commonly prescribed antimicrobials and this may be a considerable risk in the treatment of clinical cases. So, wise use of antimicrobials must be practiced to combat the ever increasing situation of antimicrobial resistance.

Background: Antepartum hemorrhage (APH) is a significant obstetric complication characterized by bleeding from the genital tract before the onset of labor. It poses serious risks to both maternal and fetal health, with potential outcomes including preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased perinatal mortality. In Ethiopia, where access to comprehensive prenatal care and emergency obstetric services may be limited, the impact of APH on fetal outcomes is a pressing concern. Despite the gravity of this condition, there is a lack of synthesized evidence on its prevalence and the associated risk factors specific to the Ethiopian context. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to consolidate existing research on the fetal outcomes of APH and identify the key factors contributing to its incidence and severity in Ethiopia. Methods: Following the PRISMA checklist guidelines, this study concentrated on research undertaken in Ethiopia. Comprehensive searches across multiple databases Google Scholar, Google, Web of Science, and PubMed yielded six pertinent studies. Data were systematically gathered using a structured checklist and analyzed with STATA version 14. The Cochrane Q test and the I² statistic were utilized to assess heterogeneity. Additionally, publication bias was examined using Egger's weighted regression, a funnel plot, and Begg's test. Results: This study reviewed 525 research articles that included a total of 22,914 participants. Our meta-analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence of perinatal mortality due to antepartum hemorrhage in Ethiopia is 21.79% (95% CI: 12.32–31.25). Key factors influencing perinatal mortality associated with antepartum hemorrhage included living in rural areas (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.33–1.98), delays in seeking medical care for over 12 hours (OR = 5.43, 95% CI: 1.01–29.14), prematurity (OR = 9.00, 95% CI: 5.39–15.03), and experiencing severe vaginal bleeding prior to arrival at a medical facility (OR = 7.04, 95% CI: 2.14–23.13). Conclusion: The study reveals a high perinatal mortality rate of 21.79% associated with antepartum hemorrhage in Ethiopia. Contributing factors include rural residence, delays in seeking care, prematurity, and severe vaginal bleeding. To reduce mortality, improve rural healthcare, strengthen emergency systems, and enhance prenatal care. Public education on early intervention and specialized care for premature infants are also essential. Collaboration among healthcare providers, government, and NGOs is crucial for effective, sustainable solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Preference of mode of delivery refers to the expectant mother's personal choice or preference for the method by which she would like to have her baby delivered. Although there are many fragmented primary studies on the preference of mode of delivery among women in East Africa, the pooled preference rate is unknown. In addition, those studies disagreed on reporting the associated factors. Therefore, this study was intended to determine the pooled preference for mode of delivery and its associated factors among women in East Africa. Method: We searched studies using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, and Google Scholar that were published between March 01/2014 and March 31/2024. This study used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The quality of studies was evaluated using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment tool. The data were extracted by two authors independently using Microsoft Excel and analyzed by Stata version 17. A random effects model was applied to calculate the pooled preference for mode of delivery and its associated factors. The PROSPERO registration number for the review was CRD42024541921. Results: A total of 14 studies comprising 47,561 participants were involved in this meta-analysis. The pooled preference of vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery were 75% ((95% C.I = 67 − 83%) and 25% (95% C.I = 17 − 34%), respectively. This study showed that ANC-follow (OR= 1.11; 95% CI=0.67–1.82), previous intrapartum satisfaction (OR= 2.69; 95% CI = 0.53–13.64), place of residence (OR= 1.10; 95% CI = 0.86–1.42), occupation (P=0.000; OR= 0.97; 95% CI=0.67–1.42), planned pregnancy (OR= 1.89; 95% CI=1.26–2.82), previous history of spontaneous abortion (OR= 2.30; 95% CI=0.71–7.44), current pregnancy related problem (OR= 3.86; 95% CI=1.37–10.84), discussion with a partner (OR= 0.67; 95% CI=0.35–1.27), types of the hospital (OR= 1.13; 95% CI = 0.65–1.94) were significant factors associated with preference of mode of delivery. Conclusion: The preference for vaginal delivery was higher than for cesarean delivery. Factors such as antenatal care follow-up, previous intrapartum satisfaction, place of residence, occupation, planned pregnancy, prior history of spontaneous abortion, maternal education, current pregnancy-related problems, discussion with partner, and types of hospital were significantly associated. The findings of this study imply a multifaceted approach is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most significant public health problems. Globally, one in ten adults has diabetes, and it results in macro- or microvascular complications, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR). It is one of the most prevalent eye complications associated with DM, and it is the main cause of vision loss. Even though East African countries face a growing burden of diabetes and DR, no study depicts the regional prevalence and its associated factors. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of DR and its associated factors among adults in East African countries. Methods: We extensively searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Google for relevant studies. A forest plot was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of diabetic retinopathy using DerSimonian and Laird's random-effects model. We checked publication bias using funnel plots and Egger's regression test. Potential heterogeneity was tested using the I-squared statistic. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression analysis were also performed. Furthermore, the pooled odds ratios for the associated factors were estimated. The research protocol was registered in PROSPER. Results: Among the 29 included studies, the estimated pooled prevalence of DR in East African countries was 28% (95% CI 23.0, 33.0). Besides, age ≥60 (OR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.55, 5.32), body mass index ≥ 25 (AOR = 2.85; 95% CI: 1.69, 4.81; I2 = 85.4%, p < 0.001), and hemoglobin A1c levels ≥7 (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.46, 4.23) were significantly associated with the prevalence of DR. Conclusions: The prevalence of DR in East Africa was high, with more than one in four individuals with diabetes developing DR. Besides, advanced age, higher body mass index, and elevated hemoglobin A1c levels were significant factors associated with increased DR prevalence. Therefore, comprehensive diabetes management focusing on optimal glycemic control and healthy weight maintenance is essential to mitigate the problems. Also, the Ministries of Health and policymakers should prioritize and implement targeted strategies to address the identified modifiable risk factors, aiming to reduce the prevalence of DR in the region. Trial registration: Systematic review registration: PROSPERO (2024: ID = CRD42024511437). https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024511437. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ethiopian healthcare relies heavily on Health Extension Workers (HEWs), who deliver essential services to communities nationwide. By analyzing existing research, the authors explore how prevalent job satisfaction is and what factors affect it. This comprehensive analysis aims to improve HEW satisfaction through targeted interventions, ultimately leading to a more effective healthcare workforce and better health outcomes in Ethiopia. Specifically, this study estimates the pooled level of job satisfaction and associated factors among HEWs in Ethiopia using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Method: Studies were searched through the search engine of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar. Data from included studies was extracted, organized in Excel, and then analyzed using STATA 17. The overall effect across all studies was calculated using a random-effect model. Potential publication bias and heterogeneity in the results between studies were assessed using Egger's test, forest plot, and I2 statistic, respectively. Results: The pooled level of job satisfaction among health extension workers in Ethiopia was 46% (95%CI: 32%–60%). Supportive supervision (AOR = 4.42; 95% CI: 2.23, 8.23), training opportunities (AOR = 4.69; 95% CI: 2.72, 6.61), and support from management (AOR = 4.90; 95% CI: 3.03, 6.77) were statistically associated with the level of job satisfaction among HEW in Ethiopia. Conclusion: The pooled level of job satisfaction was low. Getting supportive supervision from higher health experts, having favorable training opportunities, and having managerial support from kebele were found to be the statistically significant variables associated with job satisfaction among health extension workers in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence-based beta-blockers are essential in managing heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and are known to improve cardiovascular outcomes. Despite robust nascent guideline recommendations, studies indicate that beta-blockers are often underutilized or administered below target doses. This shivery issue is particularly relevant in Ethiopia, where comprehensive evaluations of beta-blocker utilization and dosing practices are limited. The Northeast region, specifically Dessie, remains underexplored in this context. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the appropriate usage trend and dose optimization of beta-blockers among HFrEF patients attending ambulatory clinics of Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (DCSH) and Boru Meda General Hospital (BMH), Dessie, Ethiopia, 2024 G.C. Methods: A cross-sectional, multi-center study was conducted from February 1 to July 30, 2024, involving 200 randomly selected adult patients with confirmed HFrEF (120 from DCSH and 80 from BMH), who had at least 6-month regular follow-up visits at their respective ambulatory clinics. The study rigorously followed the latest (2022) American Heart Association (AHA) guideline recommendation. Patient's medical records was reviewed to gather the necessary data. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with beta-blocker use. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05. Results: Among the 200 patients, 88% were prescribed beta-blockers. About 15% of the patients were not receiving beta-blockers whereas they are indicated. Out of the total, 96.5% received guideline-recommended beta-blockers, with bisoprolol being the most common (65%), followed by metoprolol (29%) and carvedilol (3%). Only 13% of beta-blocker users were on optimal doses, with average daily doses of 27.9 mg for metoprolol succinate, 10.0 mg for carvedilol, and 4.8 mg for bisoprolol. Factors positively associated with beta-blocker use included Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor use (AOR: 15.48, 95% CI: 2.11-113.54, p = 0.007), and taking multiple medications (AOR: 7.12, 95% CI: 1.54–33.02, p = 0.012), while ingestion of secondary prevention agents (AOR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01–0.98, p = 0.048) and male gender (AOR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01–0.47, p = 0.005) were negatively associated. Baseline ejection fraction of 25–40% (AOR: 5.44, 95% CI: 1.09–27.12, P = 0.039) was a sole predictor for sub-optimal beta-blocker use. Conclusion: Although most patients with HFrEF were prescribed evidence-based beta-blockers, only a limited number reached the optimal dosing levels. It is crucial to align clinical practice with the latest guidelines, prioritize ongoing research, and enhance educational efforts for both healthcare providers and patients. By doing so, it is possible to significantly improve the effective utilization of beta-blockers, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), remains a global health crisis, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where high human immune virus (HIV) prevalence exacerbates the problem. The co-infection of TB and HIV creates a deadly combination, increasing susceptibility and complicating disease progression and treatment. Ethiopia, classified as a high-burden country, faces significant challenges despite efforts to reduce co-infection rates. The rise of multidrug-resistant TB further complicates diagnosis and management, highlighting the urgent need for intensified efforts to combat this dual epidemic. Methods: Studies searched through the search engine of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar. Data from included studies was extracted, organized in Excel, and then analyzed using STATA 17. The overall effect across all studies was calculated using a random-effect model. Potential publication bias and heterogeneity in the results between studies were assessed using Egger's test, forest plot, and I² statistic, respectively. Results: According to this systematic review and meta-analysis, the overall prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB) among adults living with human immune virus /aquered immune deficieciency syndrome(HIV/AIDS) in Ethiopia was 15% (95% CI: 8-23%). Several factors were independently associated with pulmonary tuberculosis, including CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³ (OR = 4.491, 95% CI: 1.0001–8.132), WHO clinical stage III (OR = 4.487, 95% CI: 2.264–6.710)), WHO clinical stage IV (OR = 6.905, 95% CI: 5.239–8.571), smokers (AOR = 3.749, 95% CI: 2.626–5.271), ambulatory adults (AOR = 1.887, 95% CI: 1.439–2.335). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant 15% pooled prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among adults living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia. The prevalence was notably higher in individuals with lower CD4 counts, advanced HIV stages (III and IV), and in smokers. These findings underscore the need for early detection, targeted interventions, and integrated TB control programs with HIV care to mitigate the burden of PTB in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children living with HIV in low-income settings, such as in Eastern and Southern Africa, are at a high risk for poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy. However, various primary studies presented inconsistent and inconclusive estimates of adherence and its associated factors among children living with HIV in Eastern and Southern Africa. Therefore, we were aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of adherence and its associated factors, and to guide interventions efforts to support adherence, this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. Methods: We have comprehensively searched PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Scopus, and Hinari databases for all primary studies. Unpublished studies were also searched manually and accessed from university repositories. Additional searches were conducted by examining the references in the included articles to further identify relevant studies. Data were extracted and analyzed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and STATA version 17 software, respectively. A random-effects DerSimonian-Laird model was used to compute the pooled prevalence of adherence to antiretroviral therapy among children living in Eastern and Southern Africa. We have used Cochran's Q test (χ2) and Higgins I2 statistics to identify heterogeneity. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were conducted to investigate the potential sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by the funnel plot and Egger's test. An association was expressed through the pooled adjusted odds ratio and statistical significance was considered at a p-value < 0.05. Results: This meta-analysis combined the effect estimates of 29 primary studies with 7414 study participants. The pooled prevalence of adherence to antiretroviral therapy among children living in Eastern and Southern Africa was 76.2% (95% CI: 71.4, 81.1) [I2 = 97.06%, P < 0.001 and Q test (χ2) = 953.83, p-value < 0.001]. Being a biological caregiver [AOR = 1.93 (95% CI: 1.34, 2.73)], receiving first-line antiretroviral treatment [AOR = 2.7 (95% CI: 1.39, 5.25)], and having social support [AOR = 1.88 (95% CI: 1.33, 2.66)] were significantly associated with adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Conclusion: The pooled prevalence of adherence to antiretroviral therapy among children living with HIV is low. Biological caregiver, first-line antiretroviral treatment, and social support were factors associated with adherence to ART among children living with HIV. Therefore, healthcare providers, adherence counselors, supporters, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations, should emphasize a multi-component intervention approach to address the multifaceted challenges associated with adherence to ART, thereby improving counseling efforts to enhance adherence. Moreover, clinicians should prioritize the selection and utilization of regimens for individuals in this age group on robust first-line options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Complementary feeding is crucial for infant growth, but poor hygiene during this period increases the risk of malnutrition and illness. In Ethiopia, national data on hygiene practices during complementary feeding, particularly among mothers of children aged 6–24 months, is limited. This study aims to synthesize existing data through a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the status of hygiene practices and identify key influencing factors, informing public health strategies to improve child health outcomes. Methods: The systematic review methods were defined following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search strategy was implemented using electronic databases (Medline, Global Health, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and Psyc INFO) as well as grey literature. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using STATA 17 software to compute pooled prevalence and odds ratios (OR) for the determinant factors, with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The systematic review and meta-analysis included six studies with 2,565 mothers. The overall pooled prevalence of hygienic practices during complementary feeding was 42% (95% CI: 35%–48%). Subgroup analysis showed a prevalence of 41% in southern Ethiopia and 39% in northern Ethiopia. Significant factors associated with better hygiene practices included having hand washing facilities near toilets (AOR: 4.6, 95% CI: 1.04–8.31, p = 0.01) and a positive attitude towards hygiene (AOR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.07–4.69, p < 0.05). Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis found a low proportion of hygienic practices during complementary feeding in Ethiopia, with maternal attitude and access to hand washing facilities identified as key predictors. Training and counseling for mothers on safe food processing are recommended, along with further research on community interventions and the impact of socio-economic factors on hygiene practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]