Impact of COVID -19 on population health and economic wellbeing in Ethiopia: A national pilot survey

Introduction: The COVD-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented global health and economic crisis, particu-larly in countries struggling with poverty. We conducted a national survey to understand the economic and health impacts of COVID-19 in Ethiopia. Methods: A pilot, population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults randomly selected from the Ethio Telecom list of mobile phone numbers. Participants underwent a comprehensive phone interview about the impact of COVID-19 on their economic well-being and the health-related risks associated with COVID-19. Results: Of 4,180 calls attempted, 1194 were answered, of which a successful interview was made with 614 par-ticipants. COVID-19 affected the family income of 343 [55.9%] participants, 56 [9.1%] lost their job, 105 [17.1%] perceived high stress in their household, and 7 [1.14%] reported death in their family in the past month. The odds of having a decreased income due to COVID-19 were 2.4 times higher among self-employed [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.4, 95% CI (1.58-3.77)] and 2.8 times higher among unemployed [AOR 2.8, 95% CI (1.35-5.85)] participants. Two-hundred twenty-one [36%] participants had comorbidity in their household with hypertension, 72 [11.7%], diabetes,50 [8.1%], asthma, 48 [7.8%], and other chronic diseases, 51 [8.4%]. Forty-six [7.5%] participants had COVID-like symptoms in the previous month, where cough, headache, and fatigue were the most com-mon.

Psychological Distress and its Predictors in AIDS Orphan Adolescents in Addis Ababa City: A Comparative Survey

Back ground: In developing countries the number of children orphaned by AIDS is growing rapidly. Consequently; the psychological well-being of these children has become a serious concern. Objectives: To assess the psychological distress of AIDS orphans as compared to non-AIDS orphan adolescents and factors related to it; in Addis Ababa. Methods: Comparative cross-sectional design combining both quantitative and qualitative methods was used. An equal number of 438 subjects were included in this study with each group of AIDS and non-AIDS orphan adolescents between 11-18 age groups. Structured interviewer administered questionnaire and scales including HAD; Rosenberg's and MPSS scales were used to measure the orphans' level of depression; anxiety; self-esteem and their perceived social support. Result: Among the study participants; 279 (34.7) orphan adolescents where 157 (39.1) of AIDS and 122 (30.3) of non-AIDS orphan adolescents were depressed in the week before the survey. Moreover; 301(37.4) orphan adolescents where 164 (40.8) of AIDS and 137 (34.1) of non-AID once were anxious. However; the difference observed in depression and anxiety [OR (95CI) =1.164(0.733; 1.754) et 0.88(0.57; 1.33)] was not statistically significant. The main predicator variables of depression and anxiety in both study groups were their perceived social support and self-esteem. Factors such as discrimination; school enrollment; physical abuse; child labor were also identified as predicators. Conclusion : A large proportion of orphan adolescents are having psychological problems that can affect their present and future life. Thus; a more focused and concerted effort is needed to improve their mental health