Depression and its associated factors among adult hypertensive patients attending follow-up in South Gondar zone public hospitals, Ethiopia, 2023.

INTRODUCTION: Depression is the most common public health issue affecting the world's population. Like patients with other chronic medical diseases, hypertensive patients experience many intense emotions which increase their risk for the development of depression. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of depression and its associated factors among hypertensive patients in South Gondar zone governmental hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was used in government hospitals of South Gondar Zone. A total of 311 patients were sampled randomly and included in the study. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used for analysis. Data were analyzed mainly by using descriptive statistics and binary logistics regression. RESULTS: A total of 311 patients participated with a 100% response rate. Almost half of the participants were female. The mean age of the respondents was 58.85 years. More than 60% of the respondents had a co-morbid illness. Among participants, 83 (26.7%) of hypertensive patients had depression. Being female, age, uneducated, having poor social support, the presence of co-morbid illness and complications, uncontrolled hypertension, having less than or equal to two dietary regimen and duration of hypertension greater than ten years were significantly associated with depression. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of depression was found to be high. This indicated that depression is a common co-morbid illness among hypertensive patients. Healthcare professionals and other stakeholders should consider and diagnose co-morbid diseases like depression among hypertensive patients. It is also better to give particular emphasis to highly vulnerable groups like females, elders, uneducated and those who have poor social support.

Prevalence and factors associated with early resumption of sexual intercourse among postpartum women: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Postpartum sexual health is indicated by a resumption of sexual activity as well as arousal, desire, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction. The issue of resuming sexual intercourse after childbirth has received limited attention because healthcare professionals rarely provide adequate care to postnatal women. The present study aimed to ascertain the overall prevalence of early resumption of sexual intercourse among most women. METHODS: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and the Cochrane Library. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel, and STATA version 14 was used for analysis. Publication bias was checked by funnel plot, Egger, and Begg regression tests. A p-value of 0.05 was regarded to indicate potential publication bias. Using I2 statistics, the heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated. By country, a subgroup analysis was conducted. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to determine the effect of each study's findings on the overall estimate. The random effects model was used to assess the overall effect of the study and then measured using prevalence rates and odds ratio with 95% CI. RESULTS: Twenty-one studies with 4,482 postpartum women participants were included in the study. The pooled prevalence of early resumption sexual intercourse among post-partum women was 57.26% (95% CI 50.14, 64.39) with significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 99.2%; P-value ≤ 0.000) observed. Current contraceptive use (AOR = 1.48, 95%CI = 1.03, 6.21), primipara (AOR = 2.88, 95%CI = 1.41, 5.89), and no history of severe genital injury on the last delivery (AOR = 2.27, 95%CI = 1.05, 4.93) were significantly associated with early resumption of sexual intercourse. CONCLUSION: This study found that more than half of women resumed sexual intercourse early after giving birth. This suggests that a significant number of women may be at higher risk of unwanted pregnancies, short birth intervals, and postpartum sepsis. Thus, stakeholders should improve the integration of postpartum sexual education with maternal health services to reduce the resumption of postpartum sexual intercourse.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Cultural Malpractice During the Perinatal Period in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The health of the mother and children are potentially affected by several types of cultural malpractices that occur during the perinatal period. Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic nation where a variety of cultural practices are observed, especially during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of cultural malpractice during the perinatal period in Ethiopia. Data searches were conducted in PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and the Cochrane Library. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel, and analysis was done using STATA version 14. Less than a p-value of 0.05 was regarded to indicate potential publication bias: the funnel plot, Begg, and Egger's regression tests were used to examine publication bias. This study included 18 studies and 7880 mothers. The pooled prevalence of cultural malpractice during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum was 34.95% (95% CI: 27, 42.56), 31.18% (95% CI: 19.61, 42.76), and 45.83% (95% CI: 34.22, 57.45) respectively in Ethiopia. In addition, the following factors are statistically associated with the perinatal period: pregnancy: ANC follow-up (AOR = 3.06, 95%CI = 2.04, 4.58), educational status (AOR = 3.30, 95%CI = 1.99, 5.48), and residence (AOR 2.47, 95%CI, 1.601, 3.81); childbirth: ANC follow-up (AOR = 9.94, 95%CI = 2.05, 48.09), maternal age (AOR = 2.27, 95%CI = 1.56, 3.29), and maternal education (AOR = 10.37, 95%CI = 6.145, 17.51); during postpartum: ANC follow-up (AOR = 3.67, 95%CI = 1.96, 6.844), maternal education (AOR = 6.87, 95%CI = 3.26, 14.49), and residence AOR4.79, 95%CI, 2.97, 7.49). The pooled prevalence of cultural malpractice during the perinatal period was high. Health professionals should encourage beneficial practices through health education for a healthy perinatal period for mothers.

The magnitude of common mental illness and associated factors among adult holy water users in Amhara regional state Orthodox Tewahido churches, Ethiopia, 2021.

BACKGROUND: Because they are prevalent, persistent, and have substantial negative effects on physical health, psychological well-being, and economic implications, common mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, and somatic complaints are major public health problems. Patients with mental illness are devoted to religious therapy including holy water as a coping mechanism for their illnesses. The aim of this study was to investigate the magnitude and associated factors of common mental illness among adult holy water users. METHODS: Facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Amhara regional state orthodox Tewahido churches. A simple random sampling techinque was used to select participants. Data were collected by using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale for mental illnesses symptoms and a structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Variables with a p-value of 0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression were entered into multivariable logistic regression. RESULT: Three hundred eighty-two participants were involved in the study. The magnitude of Common mental illnesses among holy water users was 58.9%. Unemployed, using more than one substance, having Poor and moderate social support, current daily alcohol drinker and past history of mental illness were significantly associated with common mental illness. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of common mental illness among adult holy water users was high. Giving special attention to decreasing unemployment, establishing social support services, and decreasing substance utilization are the keys to preventing common mental illnesses.

Underweight and its associated factors among pediatrics attending HIV Care in South Gondar Zone public health facilities, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition associated with HIV infection is a complex condition, with HIV-positive children having a higher mortality rate than HIV-negative children, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality in children. Data from a variety of situations are needed to counter this, but the evidence is limited, especially for the nutritional status of HIV-infected children. Therefore, this study aims to assess the magnitude of underweight and factors associated with it in children receiving antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-positive children in South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometry measurement. Data were coded and entered into Epi-Data Version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with nutritional status and variables with p-values ˂0.05 in multivariable logistic regression were considered as statistically significant factors. RESULTS: Of 406 participants, 379 participant were included in the study, which corresponds to a response rate of 93.3%. About one-third (36.4%) of the caregivers were not first relatives and 162 (42.7%) were unable to read and write. Of the study participants, 101 (26.6%) had a CD4 count below the normal threshold. Ninety (23.7%) of those questioned did not follow any nutritional advice from health care workers. In this study, the prevalence of underweight was 106 (28%). In the multivariable analysis being younger age, having low CD4 count, having recurrent diarrhea, and having poor adherence to dietary advice was significantly associated with being underweight. CONCLUSION: This study found that the prevalence of underweight among HIV-positive children in south Gondar is significantly high. Therefore, HIV-positive pediatrics who are young, have low CD4 counts, have recurrent diarrhea, and do not adhere to dietary recommendations need to detect and monitor nutritional problems promptly.

Magnitude of birth asphyxia and its associated factors among live birth in north Central Ethiopia 2021: an institutional-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The leading cause of neonatal death worldwide is birth asphyxia. Yearly, in the first month of life, 2.5 million children died around the world. Birth asphyxia is a major problem, particularly in developing nations like Ethiopia. The goal of this study was to determine the magnitude of birth asphyxia and the factors that contributed to it among neonates delivered at the Aykel Primary Hospital in north-central Ethiopia. METHODS: From August 1 to August 31, 2021, a hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 144 live births. An Apgar score less than 7 in the fifth minute of birth authorized the diagnosis of birth asphyxia. Variable contention (P < 0.250) for multivariable analysis was determined after data examination and cleaning. Then, to identify important factors of birth asphyxia, a multivariable logistic regression model with a p-value of 0.05 was developed. Finally, a significant relationship between a dependent variable and independent factors was defined as a p-value less than 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The majority of the mothers, 71.53%, received at least one Antenatal care visit, and more than half of the newborns were male (62.50%). The percentage of neonates that had asphyxia at delivery was 11.11% (95% CI: 6.3 -16.9%). Male newborns were 5.02 times more probable than female newborns to asphyxiate [AOR: 5.02, 95% CI (1.11-22.61)]. Mothers who have not had at least one Antenatal Care visit were 3.72 times more likely to have an asphyxiated newborn than those who have at least one Antenatal Care visit [AOR: 3.72, 95%CI (1.11-12.42)]. Similarly, mothers who had an adverse pregnancy outcome were 7.03 times more likely to have an asphyxiated newborn than mothers who had no such history [AOR: 7.03, 95% CI (2.17-22.70)]. CONCLUSION: Birth asphyxia in newborn has come to a standstill as a major public health issue. The sexual identity of the newborn, Antenatal Care visits, and a history of poor pregnancy outcomes were all found to be significant risk factors for birth asphyxia. These findings have great importance for various stakeholders who are responsible for reducing birth asphyxia; in addition, policymakers should establish and revise guidelines associated to newborn activities and workshops.

Factors associated with children's HIV- positive status disclosure in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Children's HIV-positive status disclosure is an essential component of chronic care & long-term disease management. The modalities of status disclosure are complex and vary across different communities. Although data from various settings are necessary to overcome this problem, evidence is limited, specifically in the in the study areas. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of HIV-positive status disclosure and associated factors among children on antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS: A mixed-method, facility-based study was conducted: among 203 caregivers with children in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. We used in-depth interviews for qualitative data in addition to structured questionnaires. Simple random sampling for quantitative and purposive sampling for qualitative parts was applied. We used Content or Thematic analysis for qualitative and Binary logistic regression for quantitative. RESULTS: All the caregivers were interviewed and majorities (84.7%) of them were female. One hundred twelve children (55.2%) were below 12 years of age. In this study, the overall prevalence of children with HIV-positive status disclosure was 46.8%. Being 12 or more years of age (AOR = 7.5, 95% CI: 2.9-15.6), duration on ART 72 or more months (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.7-6.7), death of the parent (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1- 3.8), and having follow up in the hospital (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3-4.7) were associated with disclosure. Being an immature child was the commonest reason cited by caregivers for non-disclosure. Frequent questions by the child about why they are taking drugs, for better self-care, and treatment adherence were the commonest reason of caregivers for disclosing their children's HIV-positive status. CONCLUSION: In our study, children's HIV-positive status disclosure was significantly low. This study identified different factors (Health facility, children, and caregivers-related factors) as the main reason for disclosing children's HIV-positive status. Hence, health care workers should give special attention to children's HIV-positive status disclosure, which helps to increase the effectiveness of treatment and prevent further HIV transmission.

Clinical Non-Adherence and Its Associated Factors Among HIV-Positive Pediatric Patients Attending HIV Care in South Gondar Zone Public Health Facilities, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021.

BACKGROUND: Poor clinical adherence is the main factor that hinders ART adherence level in children and its ultimate effect on viral load suppression and decreasing morbidity and mortality of children. Although data from different settings are necessary to tackle such types of problems, the pieces of evidence are limited in the case of clinical adherence level. Therefore, this study was intended to assess clinical non-adherence and its associated factors among HIV-infected pediatrics on highly active antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1 to August 30, 2021, among HIV-infected children receiving ART in the South Gondar Zone. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and reviewing patients' documents using a structured checklist. Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science version 23 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between the factors and the outcome variable. The significance of variables was declared when a p-value was less than 0.05. RESULTS: From 422 participants, 383 have involved in the study making the response rate of 90.7%. Almost half of the study participants 190 (49.6%) were girls. Two hundred ninety-one (76%) of caretakers were biological mothers, and 203 (53%) did not have adherence supporters. About 179 (46.7%) of caretakers did not disclose the status of the child about the illness. The overall prevalence of non-adherence among children on ART was 31.9% (95% CI: 27.2-36.6). Rural residency, diagnostic status non-disclosure, no adherence supporter, having no biological caretaker and co-morbid illness were significantly associated with clinical non-adherence of HIV positive children. CONCLUSION: Clinical non-adherence among children among HIV-positive children attending care in south Gondar zone health facilities is unacceptably high. Attention shall be given to HIV-positive pediatrics who reside in rural areas, whose status was not disclosed, had no adherence supporter, had a non-biological caretaker, and had comorbidity to have good clinical adherence on ART service.

Magnitude of mortality and its associated factors among Burn victim children admitted to South Gondar zone government hospitals, Ethiopia, from 2015 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Burn is one of the leading causes of preventable death and disability every year in low and middle-income countries, which mainly affects those aged less than 15 years. Death from burn injuries carries the most significant losses, which often have grave consequences for the countries. Even though data from different settings are necessary to tackle it, pieces of evidence in this area are limited. Thus, this study was aimed to answer the question, what is the Magnitude of Mortality? And what are the factors associated with mortality among burn victim children admitted to South Gondar Zone Government Hospitals, Ethiopia, from 2015 to 2019? METHODS: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used to study 348 hospitalized burn victim pediatrics', from 2015 to 2019. A simple random sampling method was used. Data were exported from Epidata to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Significant of the variables were declared when a p-value is < 0.05. RESULT: The mortality rate of burn victim children in this study was 8.5% (95% CI = 5.5-11.4). Medical insurance none users burn victim children were more likely (AOR 3.700; 95% CI =1.2-11.5) to die as compared with medical insurance users, burn victim children with malnutrition were more risk (AOR 3.9; 95% CI = 1.3-12.2) of mortality as compared with well-nourished child. Moreover, electrical (AOR 7.7; 95% CI = 1.8-32.5.2) and flame burn (AOR 3.3; 95% CI = 1.2-9.0), total body surface area greater than 20% of burn were more likely (AOR 4.6; 95% CI 1.8-11.8) to die compared to less than 20% burn area and burn victim children admitted with poor clinical condition at admission were four times (AOR 4.1, 95% CI = 1.3-12.0) of mortality compared to a good clinical condition. CONCLUSION: The mortality among burn victim children was higher than most of the studies conducted all over the world. Medical insurance none users, being malnourished, burned by electrical and flame burn, having total body surface area burnt greater than 20%, and having poor clinical condition at addition were significantly associated with mortality of burn victim pediatrics. Therefore, timely identification and monitoring of burn injury should be necessary to prevent mortality of burn victim pediatrics.

Under-nutrition and associated factors among children on ART in Southern Ethiopia: a facility-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is very common in HIV-infected individuals. Even though data from different settings are necessary to tackle it, pieces of evidence are limited especially in the case of the nutritional status of HIV-infected children. Hence, this study aims to assess the nutritional status and associated factors among children on antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 383 HIV-positive children in Southern Ethiopia. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometry measurement. Data were coded and entered into Epi-Data Version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Bi-variable and multi-variable binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with nutritional status and variables with p-values <0.05 in multi-variable logistic regression were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of wasting among HIV-positive children in Southern Ethiopiaselected Hospitals was 36.3% (95% CI, 31.6-41.0) while stunting on the same study population was 5.5% (95% CI, 3.4-7.8). Rural residence, lack of maternal education, low CD4 counts (< 500), using an unprotected water source, having a non-biological mother and recurrent oral lesion were significantly associated with wasting. Furthermore, history of hospital admission, recurrent oral lesion, low CD4 counts (< 500), advanced WHO clinical stage were statically associated with stunting with p-value < 0.05. CONCLUSION: This study found that the prevalence of under-nutrition among HIV-positive children in Ethiopia was significantly high. Therefore, timely identification and monitoring of nutritional problems should be necessary to enhance the effectiveness of ART treatment and to prevent further related complications.