Determinants of sputum culture conversion time in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients in ALERT comprehensive specialized hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment response of multi-drug resistance tuberculosis (MDR-Tuberculosis) patients is mainly dictated by the sputum culture conversion. An earlier culture conversion is a remarkable indicator of the improvement in the treatment response. In this study, we aimed to determine the time to culture conversion and its associated factors among MDR-Tuberculosis patients in All Africa Leprosy, Tuberculosis and Rehabilitation Training Center (ALERT) Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 120 MDR-Tuberculosis patients attending ALERT Hospital from 2018-2022. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to determine the time to initial sputum culture conversion. All relevant laboratory, socio-demographic characteristics, and other clinical data were collected by chart abstraction using a structure data extraction form. The log-rank test was used to determine the survival rate. To identify the predictors of culture conversion, bivariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used. The hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval was used to estimate the effect of each variable on the initial culture conversion. A test with a P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: From the total of 120 study participants, 89.2% (107/120) have shown a successful culture conversion. The median age of the participants was 30 years (IQR = 12). The study participants were followed for 408.6 person-months (34.05 person-years). The median time to initial sputum culture conversion was 80 days. The median time to initial sputum culture conversion among HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants was 61 days (IQR = 58-63.5) and 88 days (IQR = 75-91), respectively. HIV-negative and patients with previous treatment history were shown to be the predictor for a prolonged time to initial sputum culture conversion, (aHR = 0.24 (95% CI: 0.1-0.4), P value <0.001) and (aHR = 0.47 (95% CI: 0.31-0.71), P value <0.001) respectively. CONCLUSION: The median time to sputum culture conversion for HIV positive was found to be 61 days in our study. Notably, patients with a history of previous anti-tuberculosis treatment, HIV-negative status, and higher bacillary load at baseline exhibited delayed culture conversion. These findings underscore the importance of considering such patient characteristics in the management of MDR-TB cases, as tailored interventions and close monitoring may lead to more favorable treatment outcomes. By identifying individuals with these risk factors early in the treatment process, healthcare providers can implement targeted strategies to optimize patient care and improve overall treatment success rates in MDR-TB management programs.

Why does the number of antenatal care visits in Ethiopia remain low?: A Bayesian multilevel approach.

INTRODUCTION: Antenatal care (ANC) visit is a proxy for maternal and neonatal health. The ANC is a key indicator of access and utilization of health care for pregnant women. Recently, eight times ANC visits have been recommended during the pregnancy period. However, nearly 57% of women received less than four ANC visits in Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify factors associated withthe number of ANC visits in Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 21 to June 28/2019. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires from reproductive age groups. A stratified cluster sampling was used to select enumeration areas, households, and women from selected households. A Bayesian multilevel negative binomial model was applied for the analysis of this study. There is an intra-class correlation (ICC) = 23.42% and 25.51% for the null and final model, respectively. Data were analyzed using the STATA version 17.0. The adjusted incidence risk ratio (IRR) with 95% credible intervals (CrI) was used to declare the association. RESULT: A total of 3915 pregnant women were included in this study. The mean(SD) age of the participants was 28.7 (.11) years. Nearly one-fourth (26.5%) of pregnant women did not have ANC visits, and 3% had eight-time ANC visits in Ethiopia. In the adjusted model, the age of the women 25-28 years (IRR:1.13; 95% CrI: 1.11, 1.16), 29-33 years (IRR: 1.15; 95% CrI: 1.15, 1.16), ≥34 years (IRR:1.14; 95% CrI: 1.12, 1.17), being a primary school (IRR: 1.22, 95% CrI: 1.21, 1.22), secondary school and above (IRR: 1.26, 95% CrI: 1.26, 1.26), delivered in health facility (IRR: 1.93; 95% CrI: 1.92, 1.93), delivered with cesarian section (IRR: 1.18; 95% CrI: 1.18, 1.19), multiple (twin) pregnancy (IRR: 1.11; 95% CrI: 1.10, 1.12), richest (IRR:1.23; 95% CrI: 1.23, 1.24), rich family (IRR: 1.34, 95% CrI: 1.30, 1.37), middle income (IRR: 1.29, 95% CrI: 1.28, 1.31), and poor family (IRR = 1.28, 95% CrI:1.28, 1.29) were shown to have significant association with higher number of ANC vists, while, households with total family size of ≥ 5 (IRR: 0.92; 95% CrI: 0.91, 0.92), and being a rural resident (IRR: 0.92, 95% CrI: 0.92, 0.94) were shown to have a significant association with the lower number of ANC visits. CONCLUSION: Overall, 26.5% of pregnant women do not have ANC visits during their pregnancy, and 3% of women have eight-time ANC visits. This result is much lower as compared to WHO's recommendation, which states that all pregnant women should have at least eight ANC visits. In this study, the ages of the women 25-28, 29-33, and ≥34 years, being a primary school, secondary school, and above, delivered in a health facility, delivered with caesarian section, multiple pregnancies, rich, middle and poor wealth index, were significantly associated with the higher number of ANC visits, while households with large family size and rural residence were significantly associated with a lower number of ANC visits in Ethiopia.

Metabolic syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Adama Hospital Medical College, Ethiopia: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Background: Metabolic syndrome is one of the most serious global public health problems. It is associated with a higher risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases. However, the magnitude of metabolic syndrome among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is not well understood, especially in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Objective: To determine the magnitude of metabolic syndrome and associated factors among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at Adama Hospital Medical College, Ethiopia, in 2022. Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1 to October 30, 2022. The data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. A systematic random sampling method was used to select the participants. Data were entered using Epi Info version 7.2 and analyzed by SPSS version 23. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model this study. Statistical significance was set at p-values of < 0.05. Result: A total of 237 participants were included in this study, with a response rate of 95.1%. Overall, the magnitude of metabolic syndrome was 53.2% (95% CI: 46.8 - 59.6), 41.3% (95% CI: 35.0 - 47.5), and 41.8% (95% CI: 35.5 - 48.1) based on 2009 harmonized criteria of MetS, Revised National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, respectively. In multivariable logistic analysis, urban residence (AOR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.46-6.42), earning a high income (AOR=5.87 95% CI: 1.8-19.1), history of cardiac illness (AOR=3.33, 95% CI: 1.41-7.84), history of hypertension (AOR=2.65, 95% CI: 1.22-5.78), dyslipidemia (AOR=4.47, 95% CI: 1.96-10.19), current cigarette smoker (AOR=6.2, 95% CI: 1.7-22.93), sedentary activity (AOR=3.62, 95% CI: 1.68-7.82), use of palm oil (AOR=4.87, 95% CI: 2.06-11.51), and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (AOR=3.36, 95% CI: 1.57-7.16) were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that the magnitude of metabolic syndrome among T2DM patients was high. We found consistent results using the NCEP-ATP III and IDF criteria. Similarly, urban residence, high income, history of cardiac, history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, current cigarette smoker, sedentary activity, palm oil, and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome.

Timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization in Sebata Hawas district, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Lack of timely initiating of postpartum contraceptive utilization may lead to mistimed, unintended pregnancies and even become dying as a result of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. To the best of our knowledge, we have not found enough evidence on the associated factors of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization in the rural setting of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization and associated factors among women of childbearing age in Sebat Hawas, Oromia, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 30 to May 20, 2022. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the participants. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to measure the strength of the association. A P-value <0.05 was declared as a statistically significant association. All analysis was performed using SPSS. A total of 804 participants were included in this study. Overall, the prevalence of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization was 38.6%. In the multivariable models, illiterate women (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR): 0.57; 95% CI: 0.35-0.94), with less than 3000 ETB monthly income (AOR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22-0.79), counseling on family planning (AOR: 3.75, 95% CI: 1.59-8.83), Menses returned time (AOR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.15-4.72) and discussion with husband on family planning (AOR: 3.07, 95% CI: 1.61-5.84) were significantly associated with timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization. The findings of this study suggested that the prevalence of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization was low. Illiterate women, with low monthly income, counseling on family planning, menses returned time, and discussion with their husbands on family planning was the main determinant factors for timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization.

Cervical cancer screening practice and associated factors among women employees in Wolaita Zone hospitals, Southern Ethiopia, 2017: cross-sectional study.

Introduction: cervical cancer is a global public health problem affecting women worldwide. There is very low participation rate in screening practice for cervical cancer in low-resource countries like Ethiopia. So the aims of this study is to assess cervical cancer screening practice and associated factors among women employees in Wolaita Zone hospitals, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: facility based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 1-April 30, 2017. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select 401 study participants. Pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used. Logistic regression was performed to assess association between dependent and independent variables with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value less than 0.05 was set to declare association. Results: about 120 (30.5%) participants were screened for cervical cancer. Age, source of information from health professions, being adherence supporter, sex with more than one partner, sexual transmitted infection, increase in attitude and knowledge score were significant predictors of cervical cancer screening practice. Conclusion: magnitude of cervical cancer screening practice among age eligible women is still low. Age, being adherence supporter, source of information from health care professionals, history of multiple sexual p artners, sexually transmitted infection, knowledge and attitude were important predictors of cervical cancer screening practice. Hospitals in collaboration with town administration should put priority on cervical cancer prevention by establishing cervical cancer screening campaign.

Association between urine albumin to creatinine ratio and bone mineral density: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Studies on the association between urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) and bone mineral density (BMD) are still controversial. AIMS: This study investigated the association between ACR and BMD in the general US population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study identified 2007 individuals aged 40 or above years with complete and valid data on urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) and femoral neck, total femur and lumbar spine BMD from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2014. ACR was directly measured with established methods. BMDs were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). After adjusting for multiple covariates, we used general linear model (GLM) to compare the mean of BMD between the quartiles of ACR. RESULTS: The mean age of participants in this study was 54.6 ± 11.3 years; 52.6% of them were female. ACR was negatively associated with BMD at femoral neck, total femur and lumbar spine (all P < 0.05). After adjusting for covariates, higher level of ACR quartile was associated with lower femoral neck BMD (P for trend = 0.032), but with not total femur and lumbar spine BMD (all P for trend > 0.05)). CONCLUSION: ACR was negatively associated with femoral neck BMD in the general US population. Future studies are warranted to confirm our results.

Welfare Impact of Community-Based Veterinary and Breeding Services on Small Ruminant Keepers.

Improved breeding practices and participatory health services have been designed and implemented by a partnership between national and international institutions in various parts of Ethiopia since 2014. Based on a panel data of two waves, we have estimated the impact of these interventions on small ruminant fertility, offtake, return per head of animal, and gross income per adult equivalent. Different specifications of the difference-in-differences model revealed that access to small ruminant health services has increased offtake, return per head of sheep/goat, and gross income per adult equivalent. Participants in community-based small ruminant breeding have also higher offtake and gross income per capita than those who are not taking part. The findings of this study are expected to help understand the economic benefits that accrue to rural areas when livestock development interventions are made based on the right diagnosis. The results of this study will also be useful in informing the ongoing discussion in Ethiopia on the transformation of the livestock sector.

Effects of ß-carotene intake on the risk of fracture: a Bayesian meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies examining the association between ß-carotene intake and risk of fracture have reported inconsistent findings. We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the association between ß-carotene intake and risk of fracture. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases for relevant articles that were published until December 2019. We also identified studies from reference lists of articles identified from the clinical databases. The frequentist and Bayesian random-effects model was used to synthesize data. RESULTS: Nine studies with a total of 190,545 men and women, with an average age of 59.8 years, were included in this meta-analysis. For ß-carotene intake (1.76-14.30 mg/day), the pooled risk ratio (RR) of any fracture was 0.67 (95% Credible Interval (CrI): 0.51-0.82; heterogeneity: P = 0.66, I2 = 0.00%) and 0.63 (95%CrI: 0.44-0. 82) for hip fracture. By study design, the pooled RRs were 0.55 (95% CrI: 0.14-0.96) for case-control studies and 0.82 (95% CrI: 0.58-0.99) for cohort studies. By geographic region, the pooled RRs were 0.58 (95% CrI: 0.28-0.89), 0.86 (95% CrI: 0.35-0.1.37), and 0.91(95% CrI: 0.75-1.00) for studies conducted in China, the United States, and Europe, respectively. By sex, the pooled RRs were 0.88 (95% CrI: 0.73-0.99) for males and 0.76 (95% CrI, 0.44-1.07) for females. There was a 95% probability that ß-carotene intake reduces risk of hip fracture and any type of fracture by more than 20%. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis suggests that ß-carotene intake was inversely associated with fracture risk, which was consistently observed for case-control and cohort studies. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm this relationship.

Associations of Iron Intake, Serum Iron and Serum Ferritin with Bone Mineral Density in Women: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005-2010.

The relationship between iron and bone mineral density (BMD) is still poorly understood. We investigated the associations of iron intake, serum iron and serum ferritin with BMD. This cross-sectional study identified 4000 females aged 12 to 49 years with complete and valid data on iron intake, serum iron, serum ferritin, and femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2010. Daily iron intake was the mean intake of iron nutrient ascertained from two consecutive 24-h dietary recalls; serum iron and serum ferritin were directly measured with established methods. Femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD were measured by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). After adjusting for multiple covariates (i.e., age, body mass index and race), we used linear regression and generalized additive models (GAMs) to test the linear and non-linear associations of iron intake, serum iron and serum ferritin with BMD. The mean age of this study was 27.70 years (SD = 11.88 years). Higher serum ferritin was associated with lower femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD (all adjusted P < 0.05); iron intake and serum iron were not associated with femoral neck and lumbar spine BMD. Similar results were found when iron levels were classified as iron deficiency, normal iron and iron overload. There were no obvious non-linear relationships between the above three iron variables and BMD in the GAM analyses. There was a negative and linear association between serum ferritin and BMD; iron intake and serum iron were not associated with BMD. Serum ferritin appeared to be a better iron variable than iron intake and serum iron in relation to BMD.

Thiazide Use and Fracture Risk: An updated Bayesian Meta-Analysis.

The association between thiazide use and fracture risk is still controversial. We conducted an updated meta-analysis on the association between thiazide use and fracture risk. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases for all types of human studies, including observational and experimental studies that were published up until July 2019. We also manually searched the reference lists of relevant studies. The pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% credible interval (CrI) were calculated using a Bayesian hierarchical random effect model. A total of 19 case-control (N = 496,568 subjects) and 21 cohort studies (N = 4,418,602 subjects) were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled RR for fractures associated with thiazide use was 0.87 (95% CrI: 0.70-0.99) in case-control and 0.95 (95% CrI: 0.85-1.08) in cohort studies. The probabilities that thiazide use reduces any fracture risk by more than 0% were 93% in case-control studies and 72% in cohort studies. Significant heterogeneity was found for both case-control (p < 0.001, I2 = 75%) and cohort studies (p < 0.001, I2 = 97.2%). Thiazide use was associated with reduced fracture risk in case-control studies, but not in cohort studies. The associations demonstrated in case-control studies might be driven by inherent biases, such as selection bias and recall bias. Thus, thiazide use may not be a protective factor for fractures.