Glycemic control and diabetes complications among adult type 2 diabetic patients at public hospitals in Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is one of the biggest worldwide health emergencies of the 21st century. A major goal in the management of diabetes is to prevent diabetic complications that occur as a result of poor glycemic control. Identification of factors contributing to poor glycemic control is key to institute suitable interventions for glycemic control and prevention of chronic complications. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 adult type 2 diabetic patients at public hospitals in Hadiya zone from March 1-30, 2019. The study participants were selected by systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and patient chart review; anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with poor glycemic control. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with respective 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and p < 0.05 were used to set statistically significant variables. RESULTS: Out of 305 diabetic patients, 222 (72.8%) were found to have poor glycemic control. Longer duration of diabetes (5-10 years) [AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.17-4.27], lack of regular follow-up [AOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.08-7.71], low treatment adherence [AOR = 4.12, 95% CI: 1.20-8.70], use of other alternative treatments [AOR = 3.58, 95% CI: 1.24-10.36], unsatisfactory patient physician relationship [AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.27-4.04], and insufficient physical activity [AOR = 4.14, 95% CI: 2.07-8.28] were found to be independent predictors of poor glycemic control. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) complications were slightly higher among participants with poor glycemic control (39.2%), duration of DM 10 and above years (41.9%), low medication adherence (48.5%), taking oral anti-diabetics (54.3%), and DM patients having unsatisfactory patient provider relationship (72.4%). CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of diabetic patients had poor glycemic control and DM complications. Therefore, appropriate interventions are required to maintain optimal glycemic control and prevent the development of life-threatening complications among DM patients.

Household Readiness to Care for Mild and Asymptomatic COVID-19 Cases at Home, Southwest Ethiopia: A Community-based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Corona virus disease (COVID-19) continued with its notorious effects overwhelming health institutions. Thus, home-based identification and care for asymptomatic and mild cases of COVID-19 has been recommended. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the level of household readiness for caring asymptomatic and mild cases of COVID-19 at home. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March-June 2021 on randomly selected 778 households. Data entry and analysis were carried out using EpiData and SPSS version 25, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was modeled to identify independent predictors of community readiness. Results: Overall readiness of the community was very low (43.8%). Factors positively affecting household readiness were male household heads (AOR = 1.6; 95%CI: 1.05, 2.45), primary (AOR=2.0; CI:.62, 1.59) and higher (AOR = 1.90; 95%CI: 1.04, 3.45) educational level of the respondents, number of rooms within household (AOR = 1.22; CI: 1.03, 1.46), having additionally house (AOR = 2.61; CI: 1.35, 5.03), availability of single use eating utensils (AOR = 2.76; 95%CI: 1.66, 4.56), availability of community water supply (AOR = 8.21; 95% CI: 5.02, 13.43), and community participation and engagement (AOR = 2.81; 95% CI: 1.93, 4.08) in accessing transport, water and sanitation. Conclusions: The community was less prepared in terms of housing, infection prevention, water and sanitation. Considering alternative options including universal coverage of vaccine is important; designed behavioral change communications can enhance community participation and engagement in improving access to transport, water and sanitation to reduce risk of infections.