Eye care utilization among older subjects with visual impairment in Northwest Ethiopia

Purpose: To find out the level of eye care service utilization and its determinants among the elderly visually impaired populations while visiting ophthalmic outreach locations in North Western Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: An ophthalmic outreach-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 852 visually impaired older people. Participants were selected by using a systematic random sampling method from January to July 2021. Data were collected by using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and an ocular examination. The collected data were entered into the Epi Info 7, and analyzed using SPSS 20. A binary logistic regression was fitted. Results: A total of 821 participants, with a response rate of 96.5%, were included in the study. The utilization of eye care services within the past two years prior to the study was 21.1% (95 % CI: 18.2­23.9). Having systemic disease (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.5­7.0), being a spectacle wearer (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI: 2.0­9.4), having visual impairment at distance (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.5­5.6), being blind (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.5­5.6), duration of visual impairment ≤1 year (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3­4.9) were all significantly associated. Conclusion: In this study, utilization of eye care services was low. Being visually impaired at distance, being blind, recent onset of visual impairment, being a spectacle wearer, and having systemic disease were all related to the use of eye care services. The commonest barriers to utilization of eye care services were financial scarcity and long distances between eye care facilities.

Psychotic symptoms and its association with substance use disorders among adult prisoners in correctional institution: a facility based cross-sectional study in Southwest Ethiopia

Introduction: The prevalence of psychotic symptoms among prisoners is increasing rapidly throughout the world. It imposes considerable personal and public health burden. In recent years psychotic symptoms among prisoners has been widely emphasized and the current study aimed to assess psychotic symptoms and its association with substance use disorders among adult prisoners in correctional institution in Southwest Ethiopia. Method: Facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Jimma Correctional Institution among 336 prisoners selected by systematic random sampling method in June 2017. Data was collected by face-to-face interview using structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Multivariable logistic regression was computed to identify independent associated factors. Results: The prevalence of psychotic symptoms among prisoners was found to be 43%. Poor social support (AOR: 4.12, 95%CI: 1.39-12.66), alcohol use disorder (AOR: 4.03, 95%CI: 1.58-10.27), stressful life events (AOR: 2.19, 95%CI: 1.14-4.21), and common mental disorders (AOR: 5.53, 95%CI: 2.56-11.91) were independently associated with single psychotic symptom. Conclusion: This study showed high prevalence of psychotic symptoms. Psychotic symptoms were significantly associated with poor social support, alcohol use disorder, stressful life events and common mental disorders. It is essential to have screening mechanism and management practice for psychotic symptoms.

Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional study

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the leading causes of liver diseases which occurs worldwide particularly in developing countries. It is often caused by prenatal transmission from mother to child or household transmission from a close contact during early childhood. It causes different complications like; jaundice, induces premature labor, and prematurity. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15th, 2016, to February 15th, 2017. Multistage sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Logistic regression analysis was applied and p-values < 0.05 was used to see the significant association between dependent and independent variables. Results: A total of 330 participants were included in this study yielding 98.8% response rate. The Sero-prevalence of hbsag among women of reproductive age was 28(8.5%). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 18.73, 95% CI = [3.65, 96.21) history of unprotected sex (AOR = 9.39, 95% CI = [1.64, 53.77) were found to be significantly associated with Sero-prevalence of HBV. Conclusions: The Sero-prevalence of HBV infection among women of reproductive age was highly endemic. Hence, behavioral education and communication programs focusing on reduction of risky sexual behaviors should be designed to reduce HBV infection

Sexual coercion at sexual debut and associated factors among young females in rural areas of Boset District, Eastern Ethiopia: a mixed method study

Objectives: Assess the prevalence and associated factors of sexual coercion at sexual debut among young females in rural areas of Boset district, Oromia Region, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: Cross-sectional community-based study design was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. A sample of 632 young females aged 10-24 years was taken from six rural Kebeles by systematic random sampling for quantitative and data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Principally Binary Logistic regression model was fitted. Moreover, eight focus group discussions targeting different groups were held and analyzed thematically. Results: The prevalence of sexual coercion at sexual debut was 36.5% (95%CI: 34.6%- 38.4%) among sexually active respondents. Married young female (AOR, 0.71; 95%CI: 0.42, 0.81), living away from their parents (AOR, 5.07; 95%CI: 1.07,24.01), age group of 15- 19 years (AOR, 0.19; 95%CI: 0. 06, 0.54), alcohol consumption (AOR, 2.44; 95%CI: 1.17, 5.08) and Khat chewing (AOR, 8.30; 95%CI: 1.89, 36.38) were factors predicting the likelihood of having sexual coercion at sexual debut. Conclusion: Sexual coercion at sexual debut is a major public health problem among young females in the study community. The emerging program interventions need to take this problem into consideration

HIVAIDS services quality in health centers of East Shoa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Background: HIV/AIDS is a major public health, social and economic problem in Ethiopia. However, little has been done on assessment of the quality of the services given to patients in this country. Objective: To assess the quality of HIV/AIDS services in health centers of East Shoa Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia. Method: Cross sectional survey was undertaken in selected health centers of East Shoa Zone between February and May 2017. Data was collected using researcher administered structured questionnaire, logistics indicators assessment tool and observation check list. SPSS for windows version 20 was utilized in the analysis of the collected data. Results: The study facilities were providing various services to HIV/AIDS patients. All (100%) and 6(75%) facilities respectively had shortage of trained human power required to give ART and TB services. Regarding ARV medicines availability, majority of the study facilities, 5 (62.50%) reported that they had the stockout of AZT300/3TC150/NVP200 in six months prior to study while 4 (66.7%) of the facilities had the stockout of NVP 240ml (50mg/5ml) syrup on day of visit. Among anti-TB medicines, E100 was out of stock in three facilities (37.5%) on day of visit and INH100 had been out of stock in 4 (50%) of the facilities in six months prior to the study. From OIs medicines, Cotrimoxazole 960mg tablet stocked out in 4 (66.70%) on day of visit and in 5 (83.30%) health centers in six months prior to the study. Considerable number of study facilities, 4 (66.70%) had the stockout of tramadol 50mg tablet on day of visit and ibuprofen 400mg tablet in six months prior to the study, 5 (71.40%). Conclusion: The studied facilities were challenged by different factors including, scarcity of human power, stockout of various HIV/AIDS related medicines and inability to make patients adhere to the services given by the facilities. The consequences of these factors can be dangerous to the patients as well as to the wider public and hence making available the appropriate human resource and HIV/AIDS related commodities including medicines should be the priority for the health facilities and the region to improve the quality of HIV/AIDS services in the study area

Impact of COVID-19 on non-communicable disease management services at selected government health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: The global pandemic of COVID-19 forced the world to divert resources and asked the public to shelter-in-place, so the diagnosis surveillance system and management of non-communicable diseases has become more challenging. Objective: To identify the impact of COVID-19 on non-communicable diseases management services at government health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: Health facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2020. A total of 30 health centers were included in this study. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to assess association between the outcome and independent variables Results: The majority, 24 (80%), of the study participants perceived that the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the non-communicable disease management services. There was a statistically significant association between a decrease in outpatient volume at non communicable disease (NCD) management services (25 (83.3%), P-value: 0.006), closure of population level screening programs of NCDs (22 (73.3%), P-value: 0.007), and closure of disease specific NCD clinics and the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic (23 (76.7%), P-value: 0.013). Conclusion: The most critical health-care services for non-communicable diseases management were severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, during public health emergencies, policymakers should ensure continuation of critical clinical services and inform the public about proper service utilization

Activity and participation experiences of people with disabilities in Ethiopia

Ethiopia, as a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), has committed to upholding the rights of people with disabilities in Ethiopia. There is little evidence, however, reflecting the impact of this commitment on the lived experiences of people with disabilities in Ethiopia. Objectives: This study sought to uncover how the experiences of participation and activity shape the enactment of rights for Ethiopians with disabilities as enshrined in the UNCRPD. Method: Analysis of 25 qualitative interviews with people with disabilities and family members living in Ethiopia used a reflexive thematic analysis approach to arrive at central themes. Results: People with disabilities in Ethiopia experience marginalization, distress and practical challenges in both routine daily activities and participation in broader social roles and opportunities. These experiences affect their ability to claim many of the rights afforded by the UNCRPD. Conclusion: Despite legislative efforts to bring about change in Ethiopia, people with disabilities continue to live on the social margins. A meaningful change will require substantial allocation of needed resources by the Ethiopian government to support national-level programs and policy change. It is critical that people with disabilities and their families are engaged in receiving relevant support and serve as change leaders. Contribution: This study illustrates how marginalization, distress and practical challenges in daily activities and social participation arise and are sustained for people with disabilities in Ethiopia. The findings can help to inform the country's efforts to enact the rights of Ethiopians with disabilities as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Knowledge and Practice about Glasgow Coma Scale Assessment among Nurses Working in Adult Intensive Care Units of Federal Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

The Glasgow Coma Scale is a dependable and objective neurological assessment instrument used for determining and recording a patient's level of consciousness. Therefore, the knowledge, practice, and factors affecting Glasgow coma scale evaluation among nurses working in adult intensive care units of federally administered hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, were investigated. METHODS: From April 4 to 24, 2020, 121 Adult Intensive Care Unit nurses at Ethiopian federal hospitals participated in an institutional-based cross-sectional survey with a standardized selfadministered questionnaire. The information was entered into Epidata version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the relationships between independent and dependent variables. RESULT: According to this study, nurses working in the Adult Intensive Care Unit of federal hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, had poor knowledge (51.2%) and poor practice (62%) of the Glasgow Coma Scale's basic theoretical notions and competencies. Furthermore, the education and gender of nurses were linked to their level of knowledge and clinical practice. Being a male and having a master's degree were both significantly linked with knowledge (AOR = 4.13, 95% CI: (1.87­9.1)), (AOR=7.4, 95% CI: (1.4-38)) and practice (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: (1.2­6)), (AOR = 10.4, 95% CI: (2.0­53)) respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study showed that nurses had poor knowledge and application of practice-related clinical scenarios on the Glasgow Coma Scale

Electroencephalographic Findings, Antiepileptic Drugs and Risk Factors of 433 Individuals Referred to a Tertiary Care Hospital in Ethiopia

Little is known about the characteristics of electroencephalogram (EEG) findings in epileptic patients in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to characterize the EEG patterns, indications, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and epilepsy risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective observational review of EEG test records of 433 patients referred to our electrophysiology unit between July 01, 2020, and December 31, 2021. Results: The age distribution in the study participants was right skewed unipolar age distribution for both sexes and the mean age of 33.8 (SD=15.7) years. Male accounted for 51.7%. Generalized tonic clonic seizure was the most common seizure type. The commonest indication for EEG was abnormal body movement with loss of consciousness (35.2%). Abnormal EEG findings were observed in 55.2%; more than half of them were Interictal epileptiform discharges, followed by focal/or generalized slowing. Phenobarbitone was the commonest AEDs. A quarter (20.1%) of the patients were getting a combination of two AEDs and 5.2% were on 3 different AEDs. Individuals taking the older AEDs and those on 2 or more AEDs tended to have abnormal EEG findings. A cerebrovascular disorder (27.4%) is the prevalent risk factor identified followed by brain tumor, HIV infection, and traumatic head injury respectively. CONCLUSION: High burden of abnormal EEG findings among epileptic patients referred to our unit. The proportion of abnormal EEG patterns was higher in patients taking older generation AEDs and in those on 2 or more AEDs. Stroke, brain tumor, HIV infection and traumatic head injury were the commonest identified epilepsy risk factors

Trends and Challenges in Access to Essential Medicines in Ethiopia and the Contributions of Local Pharmaceutical Production

Decades ago, the United Nations declared that access to essential medicines was a key element of universal human rights. Accordingly, member states have been striving to address this issue through strategic policies and programs. Strengthening local pharmaceutical production has been a pivotal strategy adopted by many developing countries including Ethiopia. The government of Ethiopia identified local pharmaceutical production as a key industrial sector and has been implementing a ten-years strategic plan to improve capabilities and attract investment. Such support is needed because local production could satisfy only 15 to 20% of the national demand, typically from a limited portfolio of medicines in conventional dosage forms. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases has accentuated the need for a more sustainable supply to reduce reliance on imports and increase access to essential medicines. A full understanding of the structure, constraints and complexities of the Ethiopian pharmaceutical market structure is vital to direct effective policies, target most impactful investments and exploit opportunities for leapfrogging. Hence, the purpose of this review was to assess the trends and challenges in access to essential medicines and local pharmaceutical production in Ethiopia. Literature search through major databases and review of policy documents and performance reports from relevant sector institutions were made to extract information for the review

Activity and participation experiences of people with disabilities in Ethiopia

Ethiopia, as a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), has committed to upholding the rights of people with disabilities in Ethiopia. There is little evidence, however, reflecting the impact of this commitment on the lived experiences of people with disabilities in Ethiopia. Objectives: This study sought to uncover how the experiences of participation and activity shape the enactment of rights for Ethiopians with disabilities as enshrined in the UNCRPD. Method: Analysis of 25 qualitative interviews with people with disabilities and family members living in Ethiopia used a reflexive thematic analysis approach to arrive at central themes. Results: People with disabilities in Ethiopia experience marginalisation, distress and practical challenges in both routine daily activities and participation in broader social roles and opportunities. These experiences affect their ability to claim many of the rights afforded by the UNCRPD. Conclusion: Despite legislative efforts to bring about change in Ethiopia, people with disabilities continue to live on the social margins. A meaningful change will require substantial allocation of needed resources by the Ethiopian government to support national-level programmes and policy change. It is critical that people with disabilities and their families are engaged in receiving relevant support and serve as change leaders. Contribution: This study illustrates how marginalisation, distress and practical challenges in daily activities and social participation arise and are sustained for people with disabilities in Ethiopia. The findings can help to inform the country's efforts to enact the rights of Ethiopians with disabilities as enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 among government employees in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Background:Knowledge and perceptions of the public about the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) play a critical role in the prevention of the disease through adopting effective preventive measures. The aim of this study wasto assess the knowledge and perceptions of COVID-19 as well as the source of information about the disease among government employees.Methods:A cross-sectional survey of 1,573 government employees from 46 public institutions located in Addis Ababawas undertaken from 8thto 19thJune 2020.Systematicrandom sampling or consecutive sampling techniques were used to select the study participants. Paper-based self-administeredquestionnaires were used for data collection.ANOVA test and t-test wereused to assess the difference between the groups. Results:The respondents demonstrated very high knowledge of the cause of COVID-19 (93%), its main clinical symptoms (>90%), modes of transmission (89%), and the main preventive measures (>90%).Almost all respondents reportedthat people with travel history (86.8%) or people with closecontact with COVID-19 patients (93.5%) were at higher risk to coronavirusinfection. About 51% of the participants reported that people without travel history or people who had no contact with confirmed cases werealso at risk of infection. About 84% of the respondents perceived those older adults above 60 years were most at risk to die from COVID-19. Themajority of the respondents reported that adults with other underlying health problems (95.4%), cigarette smokers (88.1%) and substanceusers (87.5%) were more likely to die from the disease.Television (32.2%) and health workers (30.5%) constituted the most trusted sources of information related to COVID-19.Conclusions:This study has found higherlevelsof knowledge and perceptionsamong respondents about COVID-19. Efforts should be focused on improving the knowledge, perceived susceptibility, severity, and benefits of preventive measuresby providing timely and adequate informationthrough trusted sources of information.

Changing hygiene behaviours: a cluster-randomized trial, Ethiopia

Objective To investigate vaccine hesitancy leading to underimmunization and a measles outbreak in Rwanda and to develop a conceptual, community-level model of behavioural factors. Methods Local immunization systems in two Rwandan communities (one recently experienced a measles outbreak) were explored using systems thinking, human-centred design and behavioural frameworks. Data were collected between 2018 and 2020 from: discussions with 11 vaccination service providers (i.e. hospital and health centre staff); interviews with 161 children's caregivers at health centres; and nine validation interviews with health centre staff. Factors influencing vaccine hesitancy were categorized using the 3Cs framework: confidence, complacency and convenience. A conceptual model of vaccine hesitancy mechanisms with feedback loops was developed. Findings: A comparison of service providers' and caregivers' perspectives in both rural and peri-urban settings showed that similar factors strengthened vaccine uptake: (i) high trust in vaccines and service providers based on personal relationships with health centre staff; (ii) the connecting role of community health workers; and (iii) a strong sense of community. Factors identified as increasing vaccine hesitancy (e.g. service accessibility and inadequate follow-up) differed between service providers and caregivers and between settings. The conceptual model could be used to explain drivers of the recent measles outbreak and to guide interventions designed to increase vaccine uptake. Conclusion :The application of behavioural frameworks and systems thinking revealed vaccine hesitancy mechanisms in Rwandan communities that demonstrate the interrelationship between immunization services and caregivers' vaccination behaviour. Confidence-building social structures and context-dependent challenges that affect vaccine uptake were also identified.

Objectif Déterminer si une intervention au niveau de l'eau, de l'assainissement et de l'hygiène pourrait avoir une influence sur les comportements en la matière, considérés comme importants dans la lutte contre le trachome. Méthodes Nous avons mené un essai randomisé par grappes dans les régions rurales d'Éthiopie entre le 9 novembre 2015 et le 5 mars 2019. Nous avons réparti aléatoirement 20 échantillons où l'intervention consistait à développer les infrastructures d'assainissement et d'approvisionnement en eau et à promouvoir l'hygiène, et 20 échantillons n'ayant fait l'objet d'aucune intervention. Tous les échantillons du groupe d'intervention ont suivi une formation sur l'hygiène à l'école primaire, disposaient d'un point d'eau communautaire, d'un poste de lavage par ménage, de savon à domicile, et recevaient des visites de la part de travailleurs chargés d'enseigner les bonnes pratiques en matière d'hygiène. Nous avons évalué le niveau d'observance des mesures en effectuant des enquêtes annuelles au sein des foyers. Résultats En l'espace de 3 ans, le nombre de postes de lavage, de savons et de latrines dans les ménages a davantage augmenté dans le groupe d'intervention que dans le groupe de contrôle: la différence de risque s'élevait à 47 points de pourcentage (intervalle de confiance de 95%, IC: 41­53) pour les postes de lavage, à 18 points de pourcentage (IC de 95%: 12­24) pour le savon et à 12 points de pourcentage (IC de 95%: 5­19) pour les latrines. La proportion de gens déclarant se laver le visage au savon était plus grande dans le groupe d'intervention (différence de risque de 21 points de pourcentage; IC de 95%: 15­27 pour les enfants de 0 à 5 ans), tout comme celle mentionnant l'usage de latrines (différence de risque de 9 points de pourcentage; IC de 95%: 2­15 pour les enfants de 6 à 9 ans). Pour de multiples indicateurs, il a fallu attendre minimum un an après l'instauration du programme pour que les variations observées entre les groupes d'intervention et de contrôle deviennent statistiquement significatives; ces variations se sont ensuite maintenues lors des visites ultérieures. Conclusion Intervenir à l'école et au sein de la communauté a permis d'améliorer l'accès à l'hygiène et les comportements en la matière. Néanmoins, cette évolution prend du temps et plusieurs années d'intervention sont nécessaires.

Predictors of incident heart failure in a cohort of patients with ischemic heart disease

Introduction: heart failure (HF) is a major complication following ischemic heart disease (IHD) and it adversely affects the outcome. The objective of this study was to identify predictors of HF in patients with IHD. Methods: this is a 24-month longitudinal retrospective study of all consecutive patients diagnosed with IHD. Endpoints were incident HF and time to incident HF. Patients with a previous history of HF were excluded. Results: a total of 306 patients with IHD were included in the analysis. The 6-month, 12-month and 18-month cumulative risk of developing incident HF were 18.8%, 28.4%, and 53.5% respectively. Increasing age, female gender, diabetes mellitus (DM), lower hemoglobin, and dilated left atrium were strong predictors of incident HF. Predictors of shorter time to incident HF were coexisting DM and hypertension, and the presence of dilated left atrium in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction < 40%. The strongest predictor of incident HF in patients with DM was a higher level of LDL cholesterol.Conclusion: patients with IHD have a higher risk of incident HF. Strong predictors of incident HF in these patients were increasing age, female gender, DM, lower hemoglobin and dilated left atrium. Such patients need close follow-up and more intensive treatment

Profile and opinion of people with disability with respect to adapted physical activity participation in Ethiopia

Background: Physical activity provides long-term health benefits for everyone and it is considered to play an important role in the deterioration of health predictors, such as overweight and the associated increase in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Objective: To explore the profile and opinion of people with disability in Ethiopia, with respect to physical activity participation. Method: The study comprised a questionnaire survey among male and female participants (N = 334) with visual and limb impairment, aged 15­50 years, living in urban and sub-urban areas of Ethiopia. The analyses entailed descriptive frequencies and percentages, with the chi-square statistic to test for significance between subsets of data at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The profile showed participants were mostly male (n = 221, 66.2%; p ≤ 0.05), had completed secondary school (n = 204, 61.1%; p ≤ 0.05), were not formally employed with some being day-labourers (n = 92, 27.5%) and petty traders (n = 71, 21.3%). The majority (p ≤ 0.05) had limb disabilities (n = 190, 57%) as opposed to vision impairment. Only 10% (n = 34; p ≤ 0.0001) confirmed participation in physical activity. More than half (n = 175, 52.7%; p ≤ 0.0001) were unsure whether exercise improves health but the majority (n = 175, 52.4%; p ≤ 0.0001) did agree that participation in adapted physical activity requires better facilities. Conclusion: Ethiopian persons with disabilities are physically inactive. There is need to raise awareness on the benefits of physical activity amongst people with disabilities and for disability friendly facilities to encourage physical activity

An investigation on the status of resilience amongst adults with blindness in Addis Ababa

Background: Living with blindness for anyone, whether educated or uneducated, rich or poor, with adequate support or without it is seriously limiting. The quality of life of people with blindness is significantly influenced by the level of resilience they possess. The status of resilience of adults with blindness living in Addis Ababa is not known. Objectives: Against this backdrop, this study was designed to explore the level of resilience of Adults living with blindness. The influence of some demographics on resilience was also examined. Method: Survey design was employed to carry out the intended objectives of this stud. Data was collected from a random sample of 220 adults with blindness living in Addis Ababa using Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-test and one way ANOVA followed by Scheffe post hoc comparisons were used to analyse the data. Results: The results revealed that the level of resilience of adults with blindness was found below the average score with a mean score of 46.11. Participants' gender, time of onset of blindness, marital status and education seemed to influence resilience of blind adults. Conclusion: Adults having blindness currently living in Addis Ababa are less resilient than needed. Resilience of adults with blindness is differentiated by their demographic characteristics. These people need an integrated effort to enhance their resilience capacity by reducing the barriers and challenges they encounter and promoting protective resources through the different wings of disability related services

Factors influencing women's choice for place of child birth in rural Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth complications are foremost cause of deaths and incapacity among women of the reproductive age in developing countries. In Ethiopia, nearly a third to a fourth of births occur without the help of a trained birth assistant. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of institutional delivery and the determinants for choice of place of delivery. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed from June to August 2018 and systematic sampling method used to select eligible respondents. From a total number of 5,398 pregnant women of whom 85% had visted ANC facilities, thestudy recruited 402 mothers aged 25-34 years. These mothers had given birth one year prior to data collection in the Wondo Genet District of Ethiopia. Data was cleansed, coded, entered into Epi Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression was used to identify statistically significant variables for the choice of place for delivery. Results: More than half 216 (53.7%) of the respondents were rural residents and more than onethird 147 (36.6%) were not able to read nor write. From every 10 women, 4 were housewives thus 249 (61.9%). More than 75% of them had access to the media (majorly television and radio) Factors that were statistically significant for the choice place of delivery were primary and above educational status of women, (AOR=0.14, CI, 0.03-0.68), income greater than 3000 ETB (AOR=8.35 CI, 3.6-19.4), four or more ANC frequency (AOR=4.14 CI, 2.0-8.6) and previous planned pregnancy (AOR=4.14 CI, 2.0- 8.6). Conclusion: Prevalence of institutional delivery was 61.2%. This calls for the District Health Committee to work on myth and misconception surrounding institutional delivery. Appropriate information, education, and communication will be a vital strategy in helping women to take the initiative of visiting health facilities. Educational status and monthly income were statistically important factors in disseminating health information to enhance knowledge of the women

Patterns of injury at an Ethiopian referral hospital: Using an institutional trauma registry to inform injury prevention and systems strengthening

Background: Data about injury patterns and clinical outcomes are essential to address the burden of injury in low- and middle-income countries. Institutional trauma registries (ITRs) are a key tool for collecting epidemiologic data about injury. This study uses ITR data to describe the demographics and patterns of injury of trauma patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in order to identify opportunities for injury prevention, systems strengthening and further research. Methods: This is an analysis of prospectively collected data from a sustainable ITR at Menelik II Specialized Hospital, a public teaching hospital with trauma expertise. All patients presenting to the hospital with serious injuries requiring intervention or admission over a 13 month period were included. Univariable and bivariable analyses were performed for patient demographics and injury characteristics. Results: A total of 854 patients with serious injuries were treated during the study period. Median age was 33 years and 74% were male. The most common mechanisms of injury were road traffic injuries (RTI) (37%), falls (30%) and blunt assault (17%). Over half of RTI victims were pedestrians. Median delay in presentation was 2 h; 17% of patients presented over 6 h after injury. 58% of patients were referred from another hospital or a clinic, and referrals accounted for 84% of patients arriving by ambulance. Median emergency center length of stay was 2 h and 62% of patients were discharged from the emergency center. Conclusion: This study highlights the utility of institutional trauma registries in collecting crucial injury surveillance data. In Addis Ababa, road safety is an important target for injury prevention. Our findings suggest that the most severely injured patients may not be making it to the referral centers with the capacity to treat their injuries, thus efforts to improve prehospital care and triage are needed. African relevance: Injury is a public health priority in Africa. Institutional trauma registries play a crucial role in efforts to improve trauma care by describing injury epidemiology to identify targets for injury prevention and systems strengthening efforts. In our context, pedestrian safety is a key target for injury prevention. Improving prehospital care and developing referral networks are goals for systems strengthening

COVID-19 response in Ethiopia: challenges and opportunities

Ethiopia implemented public health measures to curve COVID pandemics earlier than many countries. Airport screening, followed by partial closure of international flights and quarantine of all international travelers have slowed the trajectory of COVID-19 pandemics in its early phase. Early adoption of Public health measures including hand hygiene and use of facemask have also contributed to the slow trajectory seen in the early days of the pandemics. Unfortunately, early gains have been beset by slow scale-up of public health measures, recent lifting of the state of emergency and public fatigue. Hospitals are already at capacity and not equipped to handle even the lowest estimate the country expects at the peak of the pandemic. To mitigate the impact of the pandemics, Ethiopia must return to the basics of public health measures: increase testing, upscale contact tracing, social distancing and universal use of face mask quickly and across the country

Clinical and socio-demographic profile of the first 33 COVID-19 cases treated at dedicated treatment center in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND:Severe respiratory tract infection caused by family of Corona viruses has become world pandemic. The purpose of this study was to describe the first few COVID 19 cases in Ethiopia. METHOD: Descriptive study was conducted on the first 33 consecutive RT-PCR confirmed COVID 19 cases diagnosed and managed at Ekka-Kotebe COVID Treatment Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. RESULT: The median age of the cases was 36 years. Cough, headache and fever were the most frequent symptoms. Diarrhea, sore throats, loss of taste and/or smell sensation were among the rare symptoms. Most (84.8%) had mild to moderate disease, and 15.2%(n=5) were critical at the time of admission. Among the five ICU admissions, four patients required invasive mechanical ventilation. Thirty cases were discharged after two pairs of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples turned negative for SARS CoV2. Three cases from the ICU died while on mechanical ventilator. The age of the two deaths was 65 years, and one was 60 years. With the exception of three, all cases were either imported from abroad or had contact with confirmed cases. CONCLUSION: Most of our patients were in the younger age group with male predominance and few with comorbidities. Cough was the commonest symptom followed by headache and fever. As it was in the early stage of the pandemic, observation of more cases in the future will reveal further clinical and demographic profiles of COVID-19 cases in Ethiopia