ABSTRACT
Background: The test-and-treat approach recommends early ART initiation (same day). Early ART start has double the benefits as treatment and as prevention. However, there is limited information regarding same-day ART initiation in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and factors of same-day ART initiation among people living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART at Nekemte specialized hospital, in Western Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 483 PLHIV from January 10 to February 15, 2021. Data were collected using an investigator-administered questionnaire. Epi Data 3.1 and STATA 14.0 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Variables with P-value <0.25 from bivariable analysis were included in the multivariable analysis. AOR with 95% CI and P-value <0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. Results: A total of 483 study subjects participated and gave a 100% response rate. Two thirds (65%) of them started ART on the same day with a 95% CI [60.2-68.8]. Urban dwellers (AOR = 3.93 (95% 1.96-7.87)), with no OIs (AOR = 4.02 (95% CI: 1.54-10.47)), not screened for TB (AOR = 6.02 (95% CI: 1.71-21.15)), tested via VCT (AOR = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.37-3.26)), who have not used CPT (AOR = 1.88 (95% CI: 1.10-3.23)), who have not used IPT (AOR = 2.36 (95% CI: 1.0-5.57)), who were tested in 2019/20 (AOR = 2.37 (95% CI: 1.08-5.518)), and with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (AOR = 2.18 (95% CI: 1.05-4.52)) were significantly associated with same-day ART initiation. Conclusion: Two thirds of study subjects initiated ART on the same day as HIV diagnosis. Voluntary testing and immediate referral to HIV care, advocating test-and-treat, and intensive counseling should be strengthened and reinforced for newly diagnosed HIV-positive people. Given that, high attention should be paid to individuals from urban residence, not screened for TB, who have not used CPT and IPT prophylaxis.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is a condition where bones lose mass and strength. It is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in women, especially those of post-menopausal age. It is estimated that 30% of postmenopausal women globally suffer from osteoporosis. This study aimed to assess knowledge, health beliefs, and associated factors towards the prevention of osteoporosis among post-menopausal women in Metu Town, southwest Ethiopia, 2021. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 post-menopause women. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were condcuted to identify factors significantly associated with the outcome variable. RESULTS: The results showed that 38.4% and 44.5% of participants had adequate knowledge and positive health beliefs towards the prevention of osteoporosis. Age, marital status, educational status, employment status, and self and family history of osteoporosis were significantly associated with knowledge. Age, educational status, self and family history of osteoporosis, and sources of information were significantly associated with health beliefs. CONCLUSION: More than 40% of participants had adequate knowledge and positive health beliefs. Being younger, better educated, and having a personal and family history of osteoporosis increased the odds of having adequate knowledge and positive health beliefs. Being employed and getting information from families and friends had a significant association with higher odds of adequate knowledge and positive health beliefs.
