Perceived compassionate care and associated factors among patients with mental illness at Tibebe Ghion specialized and Felege Hiwot comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Compassion is the first ethical principle of health care to provide high- quality care that influences patient satisfaction and treatment outcome. However, there is limited data on the level of compassionate mental health care practice in low-resource countries like Ethiopia. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the level of perceived compassionate care and associated factors among patients with mental illness at Tibebe Ghion specialized and Felege Hiwot comprehensive specialized hospital, North West, Ethiopia, 2022. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from June 18 to July 16, 2022, at Tibebe Ghion Specialized and Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was used. The level of perceived compassionate care was assessed by the validated 12-item Schwartz Center Compassionate Care Scale among 423 patients with mental illness. Epicollect-5 was used to collect data, which was then exported to the Statistical Product and Service solution version 25 for analysis. Variables with a P-value < 0.05, and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to declare significant variables at the multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULT: The level of perceived good compassionate care was 47.5% (95% CI 42.6%-52.4%). Factors including urban residence (AOR = 1.90; 95%CI 1.08-3.36), duration of illness < 24 months (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI 1.27-5.65), strong social support (AOR = 4.43; 95%CI 2.16-9.10), shared decision making (AOR = 3.93; 95% CI 2.27-6.81), low perceived stigma(AOR = 2.97; 95% CI 1.54-5.72) and low patient anticipated stigma (AOR = 2.92; 95% CI 1.56-5.48) were positively associated with good compassionate care. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Less than half of the patients had received good compassionate care. Compassionate mental health care needs public health attention. Policymakers should emphasize on compassionate care continuity by including it in the health care curriculum and design appropriate policies to strengthen compassionate care.

Mental health service utilization in a low resource setting: A qualitative study on perspectives of health professionals in Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Mental health services are advocated to move from specialized care to more integrated and accessible primary care settings. The integration of mental health into primary health services is expanding in Ethiopia. However, there is a lack of research on the perspectives of health professionals on mental health services in Ethiopia. This study aimed to explore the perspectives, views, and experiences of health professionals regarding mental health services and the help-seeking behavior of people with mental illness in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: This qualitative study included sixteen health professionals. The participants were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were conducted in Amharic and translated into English. We analyzed the data using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five key themes were generated from the interview data: (1) Avoidance of mental healthcare; (2) Low literacy about mental illness; (3) Stigma as a hindrance to accessing mental health services; (4) The role of culture and religion in mental health services; and (5) Lack of government concern about mental health services. CONCLUSION: This study identified important factors related to mental health services in Northwest Ethiopia, from the perspectives of health professionals. Our findings highlighted that the government health agenda needs to prioritize mental health services. The role of religious and cultural healing places in the help-seeking pathway should be given due consideration to ensure success in mental health services provision and utilization.

Triple Burden of Neurocognitive Impairment and Co-occurring Depression and Anxiety Among People Living With HIV in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A Multicenter Study.

Background: Neurocognitive impairment is associated with psychological morbidities, such as depression and anxiety, among people living with HIV. The presence of these comorbidities affects viral load suppression, treatment adherence, quality of life, treatment outcomes, and functionality. Despite this fact, there is a dearth of studies that examined the triple burden of neurocognitive impairment and co-occurring depression and anxiety among antiretroviral therapy attendees in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment and co-occurring depression and anxiety at the same time among people living with HIV/AIDS. Method: We conducted an institution-based multicenter cross-sectional study in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 410 study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Neurocognitive impairment was assessed using the International HIV Dementia Scale. Co-occurring depression and anxiety were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to collect data on sociodemographic and clinical-related characteristics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Two-thirds (66.8%) of the people living with HIV had neurocognitive impairment. The prevalence of co-occurring depression and anxiety was found in 39.8%. Women with HIV, people with comorbid chronic medical illness, and those under a second-line treatment regimen were factors associated with neurocognitive impairment. Furthermore, pill burden, second-line treatment regimen, HIV clinical stages, social support, HIV-perceived stigma, and neurocognitive impairment were associated factors with co-occurring depression and anxiety. Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of neurocognitive impairment and co-occurring depression and anxiety among people living with HIV/AIDs. Further research is needed to assess the clinical course of neurocognitive impairment and co-occurring depression and anxiety.

Erectile dysfunction among testicular cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction is one of the common complications of testicular cancer with a prevalence of 11.3%-84%. It has devastating effects on men and their partner's quality of life, sexual satisfaction, and sexual experience. The findings of the previous studies on this matter were uneven and inconsistent. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis is conducted to acquire a more recent and comprehensive result. METHODS AND MATERIALS: PubMed, Scopus, Goggle scholar, Science Direct, African Index Medicus, African Journal online, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. All necessary data were extracted using a standardized data extraction format. Data were analyzed using STATA 14 statistical software. A heterogeneity of studies was assessed using the I2 statistics. Publication bias was checked by using a funnel plot and Egger's regression test. A random-effects model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence of erectile dysfunction. RESULT: Fourteen full-text studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of erectile dysfunction among testicular cancer survivors was found to be 34.60% (95% CI: 25.89, 43.30 [I2 = 95.9% p = 0.000]). Study design subgroup analysis indicated that the pooled prevalence of erectile dysfunction was 50.02% (95% CI: 22.78, 77.28% [I2 = 96.1 p = 0.000]), and 27.36% (95% CI: 19.23, 34.48% [I2 = 91.6, P = 0.000]) in the case-control and cohort studies, respectively. Likewise, the level of erectile dysfunction was varied based on ED erectile dysfunction measuring tools and testicular cancer treatment modalities. CONCLUSION: In this study erectile dysfunction was found to be a highly prevalent complication in testicular cancer survivors. It had also causes of heterogeneity in terms of treatment modalities, study designs, and measuring tools. Therefore prevention of this complication should be the concern of the responsible bodies.

Lifetime relapse and its associated factors among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who are on follow up at Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals in Amhara region, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Relapse in psychiatric disorders is highly distressing that posed a huge burden to the patients, family, and society. It interrupts the process of recovery and may increase the risk of resistance to treatment. Relapse detection and taking preventive measures against its possible factors are crucial for a better prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To assess lifetime relapse and its associated factors among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who are on follow-up at Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals in Amhara region, Ethiopia. METHOD: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 13-August 13, at Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals in Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2020. Data were collected from 415 randomly selected participants using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Relapse was determined using participants' medical records and a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify the explanatory variables of relapse. Variables with P-value < 0.05 were considered significantly associated with relapse. RESULT: The magnitude of lifetime relapse was 57.4% (95% CI = 53-62%). Relapse was significantly associated with comorbidity of another mental illness (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.06, 3.18), non-adherence to medication (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.22, 4.07), shorter duration on treatment (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.81), and experiencing stressful life events (AOR = 2.42, CI = 1.2, 4.66). CONCLUSION: In the current study, more than half of the participants had lifetime relapses. Comorbid mental illnesses, non-adherence, duration of treatment ≤ 5 years, and experiencing stressful life events were factors associated with relapse. This requires each stakeholder to give concern and work collaboratively on the respective factors that lead to relapse.

Suicidal behavior among people with epilepsy in Northwest Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Premature mortality is common in people with epilepsy, but the causes vary where suicide is considered as one of the commonest. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare suicidal behavior between people with epilepsy and the general population and identify associated factors in Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: We have conducted a comparative cross-sectional study in Northwest Ethiopia. We have selected people with epilepsy from outpatient departments and the comparisons from the general population. Suicidal behavior was assessed by the revised version of Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire (SBQ-R). Logistic regression was implemented to look for associations between factors and the dependent variable. RESULTS: The prevalence of suicidal behavior in people with epilepsy was 18.2%, significantly higher than the community sample, which was 9.8% (p-value = .001). This difference persists in the multivariable logistic regression model by which the odds of suicidal behavior in people with epilepsy was two times more as compared to the community sample. Other variables positively associated with suicidal behavior for the overall sample were depressive symptoms, no formal education, divorced/widowed marital status, and higher perceived criticism. Better social support was protective factor for suicidal behavior. CONCLUSION: The proportion of suicidal behavior is twofold higher in people with epilepsy than the general population. Routine screening for suicide risk should be an integral part of epilepsy treatment.

Community's Perception and Attitude towards People with Epilepsy in Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Most people with epilepsy suffer from a dual burden. In one hand, they struggle with the symptoms and disabilities on the other hand from misconceptions and stigma associated with it. But there are no recent studies which assess the community's perception and attitude. OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception and attitude of the community towards people with epilepsy and identify associated factors. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in South Ethiopia from a total of 701 participants. Data were collected with face to face interview using a structured questionnaire developed based on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Data were presented with frequencies, tables, and figures. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was done to identify significantly important variables. The presence of association was presented by odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Ethical clearance was obtained from Wolaita Sodo University. RESULTS: The most frequently mentioned perceived causes for epilepsy were stress (91%), substance use (61.8%), and bad spirit (49.8%) while loss of consciousness and falling (80.7%) and sleep problems (78%) were considered symptoms of epilepsy. Only 13.1% of the participants think that they may be susceptible for epilepsy. Six hundred sixty (94.2%) participants will not employ a person with epilepsy while only 47 (6.7%) of the participants will allow a family member to marry a person with epilepsy. In multivariable analysis, understanding the illness as a medical problem was associated with perceived susceptibility and perceived benefit of modern treatment was significantly associated with having a current medical problem. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge about the cause, possible susceptibility, better treatment options, and attitude of the participants were similar to other low-income settings. The negative attitude was high and multidimensional. All stakeholders must work to increase awareness about the cause, symptoms, and treatment options for epilepsy and to decrease the negative attitude of the community.

Insomnia among Town Residents in Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is one of the most common sleep problems throughout the world and a major public health concern among adults in the general population. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of insomnia and its associated factors among town adult residents in Ethiopia. METHODS: Community-based cross-sectional study was done among 840 randomly selected adult participants by using standardized and pretested Athens insomnia scale (AIS) to assess insomnia. Systematic random sampling technique was used to get samples of the study participants. Data were entered into Epi-Info and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression models were used for analysis. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to show the odds, and P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of insomnia was found to be 42.9%. Sleep problems were associated with female sex [AOR =2.74, 95% CI; (1.77, 4.24)], age above 48 years [AOR=4.67, 95% CI: (2.32, 9.40)], being single [AOR=2.81, 95% CI (1.59, 4.95)] and widowed [AOR=4.20, 95% CI; (1.60, 11.01)], khat chewing [AOR=1.76,95% CI; (1.19, 2.60)], current tobacco smoking [AOR=3.13, 95% CI; (1.64, 5.95)], caffeinated beverage use [AOR=1.67, 95% CI; (1.12, 2.49)], comorbid medical-surgical disorders [AOR=2.03, 95% CI; (1.18, 3.48)], common mental disorders [AOR=8.92, 95% CI; (5.93,13.44)], and noise at bed time [AOR=2.13 95% CI; (1.20, 3.78)]. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of insomnia has to be found high and associated with many area related factors. It is important to pay attention in urban settings and large scale studies recommended.

Metabolic syndrome among residents of Mizan-Aman town, South West Ethiopia, 2017: A cross sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Globally, it is estimated that around 20-25% adult population has metabolic syndrome. Individuals who have metabolic syndrome are up to five times more susceptible for chronic diseases than those who have no metabolic syndrome. In Ethiopia there is no sufficient information regarding the magnitude and factors of metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study is to assess prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome among residents of Mizan-Aman town, South West, Ethiopia. METHODS: The community based cross-sectional study was held at Mizan-Aman town residents. Systematic random sampling was employed to select each household and lottery method was used to select one individual from the household. Data were cleaned, coded and entered by EPI-INFO version 3.5.4 and were transported to SPSS version 20 for further analysis. To indicate the strength of association, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used. RESULTS: In this study from a total of 558 respondents 534 were completed the interview correctly, which gives a response rate of 95.7%. The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 9.6%. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that physical inactivity [AOR = 2.61, 95% CI (1.22, 5.58)], age from 18 to 28 years [AOR = 0.36, 95% CI (0.14, 0.90)], being male [AOR = 0.46, 95% CI (0.22, 0.96)] and educational status with cannot write and read [AOR = 0.15, 95% CI (0.04,0.53)], from grade 1 to 8 [AOR = 0. 17, (0.11,0.55)], from grade 9 to12 [AOR = 0.11, (0.03, 0.38)] and from diploma to degree [AOR = 0. 13, (0.01, 0.36)] were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in this study was found to be high. Age, physical activity, educational status and sex were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Physical activity was found to be the means of metabolic syndrome prevention.

Health care seeking behavior for depression in Northeast Ethiopia: depression is not considered as illness by more than half of the participants.

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the most disabling and chronic mental illnesses. Despite its high burden, many people suffering from depression did not perceive that they had a treatable illness and consequently most of them did not seek professional help. The aim of this study was to assess the level of professional help-seeking behavior and associated factors among individuals with depression. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of Dessie, Northeast Ethiopia. First, 1165 residents were screened for depression using patient health questionnaire and then 226 individuals who were screened positive for probable depression were interviewed with General Help-Seeking Questionnaire to assess the professional help-seeking behavior of participants with depression. Major associated variables were identified using logistic regression with 95% confidence interval (CI), and variables with a p value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among the total participants with depressive symptoms, only 25.66% of them did seek professional help. Being female [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.769, 95% CI (1.280, 5.99)], current alcohol drinking [AOR = 2.74, 95% CI (1.265, 5.940)], co-morbid medical-surgical illness [AOR = 4.49, 95% CI (1.823, 11.071)], perceiving depression as illness [AOR = 2.44, 95% CI (1.264, 4.928)], having moderate depressive symptoms [AOR = 2.54, 95% CI (1.086, 5.928)] and moderately severe depressive symptoms [AOR = 7.67, 95% CI (2.699, 21.814)] were significantly associated with help seeking behavior of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Level of professional help-seeking behavior is as low as previous studies in different countries. The severity of depressive symptoms, co-morbidity of medical-surgical illness, current drinking of alcohol, being female, and perceiving depression as illness were significantly associated with professional help-seeking behavior for depressive symptoms. Working on mental health literacy in the community is important to increase help-seeking behavior.

Prevalence and associated factors of postpartum depression in Southwest, Ethiopia, 2017: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of postpartum depression among mothers who gave birth within the last 12 months among hospitals of Southwest Ethiopia, 2017. RESULT: The study revealed that 138 (33.82%) of mothers had postpartum depression. Unplanned pregnancy adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.49, 95% CI (2.31, 8.71), age from 15 to 24 years AOR = 0.420, 95% CI (0.18, 0.98), having a chronic physical illness AOR = 7.71, 95% CI (2.34, 25.44), experiencing death of infant AOR = 4.12, (1.78, 9.51) and unstable marital condition AOR = 6.02, (2.79, 12.99) were significantly associated with postpartum depression. The prevalence of post-partum depression was found to be high. Therefore urgent attention must be given to this problem, in particular towards its early detection, so that morbidity could be reduced in this group of women.

High Magnitude of Social Anxiety Disorder in School Adolescents.

Introduction. Social phobia is the most prevalent and chronic type of anxiety disorder worldwide and it affects occupational, educational, and social affairs of the individual. Social phobia is also known for its association with depression and substance use disorder. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of social phobia among high school students in Ethiopia. Methods. Cross-sectional study was conducted among 386 randomly selected students. Data were collected using pretested and self-administered questionnaire. Social phobia was assessed by using Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN). Logistic regression was used to analyze the data with 95% confidence interval and variables with p value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results. From 386 study participants, 106 (27.5%) of them were positive for social phobia. Being female (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.82-5.27), current alcohol drinking (AOR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.03-2.98), poor social support (AOR = 2.40; 95% CI: 1.17-4.92), and living with single parent (AOR = 5.72; 95% CI: 2.98-10.99) were significantly associated with social phobia. Conclusion. The proportion of social phobia was higher compared to previous evidences. School-based youth-friendly mental health services might be helpful to tackle this problem.

Satisfaction and associated factors of outpatient psychiatric service consumers in Ethiopia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the level of patient satisfaction and associated factors with psychiatric outpatient services in Ethiopia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed from May 2015 to June 2015. A total of 454 participants selected by systematic random sampling were included in this study. Pretested and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Patient satisfaction was measured using Charleston Psychiatric Outpatient Satisfaction Scale, and other validated tools were used to assess the associated variables. Multivariate logistic regressions with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the strength, and P-value <0.05 was used to indicate significance of association. RESULTS: A total of 441 respondents were enrolled, with a response rate of 97.1% and magnitude of satisfaction of 61.2%. Being male (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] =0.612, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.94), being widowed (AOR =0.13, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.36), urban residence (AOR =0.49, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.78), diagnosed with schizophrenia (AOR =0.48, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.81), unfavorable attitude (AOR =0.49, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.86), and poor social functioning (AOR =0.52, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.80) were significantly associated with satisfaction. CONCLUSION: More than one-third of psychiatric service consumers were dissatisfied with the service they received. Integrating patients to their own treatment plan and regular service evaluation are important to improve satisfaction.

Antiepileptic Drug Nonadherence and Its Predictors among People with Epilepsy.

Introduction. Antiepileptic drugs are effective in the treatment of epilepsy to the extent that about 70% of people with epilepsy can be seizure-free, but poor adherence to medication is major problem to sustained remission and functional restoration. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of antiepileptic drug nonadherence. Methods. Cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 individuals who were selected by systematic random sampling method. Antiepileptic drug nonadherence was measured by Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) and logistic regression was used to look for significant associations. Result. The prevalence of AEDs nonadherence was 37.8%. Being on treatment for 6 years and above [AOR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.88, 6.40], payment for AEDs [AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.73, 4.42], lack of health information [AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.41,3.43], poor social support [AOR = 1.88, 95%, CI: 1.01, 3.50], perceived stigma [AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.45, 3.56], and experience side effect [AOR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.72] were significantly associated with antiepileptic drug nonadherence. Conclusion. More than one-third of people with epilepsy were not compliant with their AEDs. Giving health information about epilepsy and its management and consequent reduction in stigma will help for medication adherence.