Feasibility of rapid ethical assessment for the Ethiopian health research ethics review system

One of the challenges in the process of ethical medical research in developing countries; including Ethiopia; is translating universal principles of medical ethics into appropriate informed consent documents and their implementation. Rapid Ethical Assessment (REA) has been suggested as a feasible approach to meet this application gap. In the past few years REA has been employed in few research project in Ethiopia and have been found to be a useful and practical approach. Feasibility assessment of REA for the Ethiopian research setting was conducted between 2012-2013 in order to inform the subsequent introduction of REA into research ethics review and governance system in the country. REA was found to be an appropriate; relevant and feasible venture. We argue that REA can be integrated as part of the ethics review and governance system in Ethiopia. REA tools and techniques are considered relevant and acceptable to the Ethiopian research community; with few practical challenges anticipated in their implementation. REA are considered feasible for integration in the Ethiopian ethics review system

Adherence to ART in PLWHA at Yirgalem Hospital; South Ethiopia

Background: Non-adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy is a major challenge to AIDS care; and the risks associated with it are extensive. Objective: To assess factors associated with non-adherence among AIDS patients receiving Antiretroviral Therapy at Yirgalem Hospital; Southern Ethiopia. Method: A comparative cross sectional survey was carried out at Yirgalem Hospital between July 10 and August 30; 2006. The two-proportion formula for unmatched case control study with 1:3 ratio was used to calculate the sample size. Systematic sampling was used to recruit patients. Using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire; data on drug adherence were collected through interview and pill count. Non-adherent patients were compared with adherent patients and associations with key risk factors were determined. Results: Two hundred and ninety one AIDS patients were involved in the survey. Prevalence of adherence in the week before interview was 74.2. Main reasons of non-adherence cited by the patients were; being busy or simply forgetting (51); change in daily routine (9.4); and being away from home (8.3). Non-adherence was commoner among patients reporting symptoms in the past four weeks (Adj. OR=6.41; 95CI: 2.41 to 17.08); who lived more than 47 km away (AOR= 2.48; 95CI: 1.24 to 4.98); or who had dependents (Adj. OR=1.95; 95CI: 1.06 to 3.57). Conclusions: Efforts must be made to make the service accessible by commencement of ART service in more Health Centers; to improve patients' awareness of ARV adverse effects; and to provide social support to all People Living with HIV; particularly those who have dependents.http://indexmedicus.afro.who.int/iah/fulltext/EJHD/vol 22 n2/Adherence to ART 174-179