Investigating the quality of ethiopian steel reinforcing bars through comprehensive analysis.

The fast economic growth, urbanization, and industrialization of Ethiopia led to the requirement for the establishment of various infrastructures and many residential building constructions consuming different types of materials. Reinforced steel bar is one of the most consumed construction materials in Ethiopia. The demand for reinforced steel bars in Ethiopia is satisfied by the local production and international market. However, most people lack trust to the use local products without justified reasons. This investigation work was done to evaluate the performance of the locally produced rebar concerning the Compulsory Ethiopian Standard (CES) to develop trust in contractors and consultants of different projects. A Compulsory Ethiopian Standard (CES) is an Ethiopian standard that has been prepared under the direction of the Technical Committee for Concrete and Concrete Products and published by the Ethiopian Standards Agency (ESA). Experimental works were done on rebar of grades B400BWR and B500BWR with different diameters collected from four different factories. The collected samples were investigated based on their yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elongation, hardness, chemical composition, and microstructure formation of the product. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and elongation of the rebar were analyzed based on the tension test results obtained from the 2000 KN Universal Testing Machine (UTM), and the chemical composition analysis was done using the Spark Emission Spectrometer Analyzer. The micro-hardness test was done using the Vickers Hardness Tester with 3kgf and 15-s dwell time at a 0.5 mm gap along the cross-section of the rebar. Microstructure analysis is done using EDX scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscopy with different magnifications and resolutions on the cross-section of the rebar. From the tested samples one sample failed from B400BWR to achieve the minimum required yield strength of 400 MPa stated by CES 101, 2017. Samples of B500BWR satisfy all the requirements stated by the standard even if there is an increment up to 41 % beyond the minimum requirement.

Phytochemical Constituents of Adansonia digitata L. (Baobab) Fruit Pulp from Tekeze Valley, Tigrai, Ethiopia.

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L) is a large tree species growing in semiarid and arid lowlands of Ethiopia and other places. The plant is valued by natives for its contributions as a cash crop and livelihood tree. Previous studies using samples from different countries have documented their phytochemical profiles and nutritional and health benefits. This study explored the phytochemical constituents and biological activities of fruit pulp extracts of baobab collected from Tekeze Valley, Tigrai, Ethiopia. To this end, qualitative phytochemical screening tests, quantitative phytochemical analyses, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were carried out using aqueous extract. Analyses of antioxidant activities were also conducted with aqueous- and methanol-extracts using of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), and hydroxyl (OH) radical scavenging activity assays. The qualitative screening tests showed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids. Quantitative analyses of these phytochemicals at 25, 50, and 100 g/mL aqueous extract resulted in 0.0252 to 0.1000% yields. Yields of flavonoids, phenols, and saponins were higher at 50 g/mL extract, while that of tannins and terpenoids were higher at 100 g/mL. GC-MS analysis resulted in 15 predominant compounds including (1,2bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene (13.17%), 2-methyl-7-phenylindole (11.75%), 2-ethylacridine (10.11%), and benz[b]-1,4-oxazepine-4(5H)-thione,2,3-dihydro-2,8-dimethyl (10.11%). Aqueous and methanol extracts showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activities. In all the assays and concentrations, the antioxidant activities of both extracts were lower than that of the ascorbic acid standard. At equal extract concentrations (e.g., 100 and 250 µg/mL), methanol extract had higher antioxidant activities than aqueous extract. The findings can encourage future initiatives towards large-scale research for compiling a complete phytochemical profile of the fruit pulp of the Ethiopian baobab.

Clinical features and outcomes of patients with preeclampsia and eclampsia at Gondar University hospital, Amhara, Ethiopia 2021.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features, and treatment outcome of women with preeclampsia and eclampsia at Gondar University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Amhara, Northern Ethiopia, in 2021. Methods: An institutional-based retrospective chart review was conducted at Gondar University Specialized Hospital from March to June 2021. The study participants were chosen using a simple, systematic random sampling method. A pretested check list was used to collect data from medical records. The collected data was coded, entered into Epi-data version 4.6, and exported to SPSS version 26 for descriptive and inferential analysis. A Fisher's exact test was used to determine statistically significant factors at a p-value of < 0.05. Results: Of the 311 study participants, more than half (53 %) of mothers have illiterate, nearly half (49.8 %) had preeclampsia with severe features. Eclampsia accounted for 18.6 % of females in the study setting. For various reasons, more than half of the mothers required immediate intervention to terminate the pregnancy via cesarean section. Unfavorable maternal outcomes were present in more than 25 % of cases; the observed unfavorable maternal outcomes were aspiration pneumonia (10.6 %), hemolytic elevated liver function test and low platelet count syndrome (8.7 %), and maternal death (0.6 %). The severity of the disease, mode of delivery, aspartate transaminase, gravidity, gestational age, and antenatal care were all statistically significant predictors of pregnancy outcome. Conclusion: The prevalence of unfavorable maternal and perinatal outcomes of preeclampsia and eclampsia is considerable in the study area. To prevent these perinatal and postnatal effects, maternal outcomes of pregnancy, antenatal care services, emergency obstetrics, and new born care should be expanded and strengthened.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) post-exposure prophylaxis among healthcare workers of governmental hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among healthcare workers in government hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2022. The lottery method of a simple random sampling technique was used to select six government hospitals. Structured, self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data, which was coded into Microsoft Excel® and then exported to statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) ®Version 26 for further statistical analysis. Results: A large proportion of respondents (51.6%) and 63.6%) reported poor knowledge and practice respectively, regarding PEP for HIV. However, more than half of respondents (54.2%) had a favorable attitude toward PEP for HIV. Conclusion: A significant proportion of respondents had poor knowledge and practice regarding PEP for HIV, even though they had relatively favorable attitudes. Most healthcare workers (68.9%) did not receive any PEP training.

HIV Sero-Status of Health Care Workers in Addis Ababa Public Hospitals After Post-Exposure Blood and Body Fluids: A Cross-Sectional Study, October 2022.

Objectives: The study investigated the sero-status of human immunodeficiency virus among healthcare workers in Addis Ababa public hospitals. Methods: A multi-centered, institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 18, 2022, to October 30, 2022. A simple random sampling method and semi-structured, self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data, which were analyzed using statistical package for social science version 25. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the sero-status of healthcare workers' post-exposure blood and body fluids for the human immunodeficiency virus. Results: Of the 420 study participants who were exposed to blood and body fluids, 403 (96%) were non-reactive. Healthcare workers who had 20 to 29 years of work experience had approximately 6 times higher odds of testing positive for human immunodeficiency virus (AOR = 6.21, 95% CI: (2.39, 9.55). Healthcare workers who did not use personal protective equipment properly had 5 times higher odds of testing positive for human immunodeficiency virus (AOR = 5.02, CI: 3.73, 9.51). Conclusion: This study showed that a higher proportion of healthcare workers at the emergency department were positive for human immunodeficiency virus infection among healthcare workers who were exposed to blood and body fluids and tested immediately. Healthcare workers who did not use personal protective equipment properly had higher odds of testing positive for human immune-deficiency virus.

Occupational Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids Among Nurses in the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Units of Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa City: Cross-sectional Study.

Aims and Objectives: This study investigated occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among nurses at the emergency department and intensive care units of public hospitals in Addis Ababa city. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 18, 2021 to September 20, 2021. A simple random sampling method and semi-structured, self-administered questionnaires were used to collect the data, which were analyzed using SPSS version 25. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with exposure to blood and body fluids on the AOR with a 95% confidence interval at a P-value of <.05. Patient and Public Involvement: No patients were involved in this study. Results: Of the total study participants (260), 198 (76%) nurses had been exposed to blood and body fluids in their professional live, and 167 (64%) were exposed to blood and body fluids in the last 12 months. Being male (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI: (1.35, 6.12), lacking access to handwashing facilities (AOR = 5.02, 95% CI: (3.73, 14.51)), not consistently wearing all the required types of personal protective equipment (AOR = 6.21, 95% CI: (2.39, 9.55)), and the lack of the required personal protective equipment (AOR = 5.53, 95% CI: (1.87, 10.38)) were all significant factors that were positively associated with exposure to blood and body fluids. Conclusion: This study showed that a higher proportion of nurses in the emergency department and intensive care unit were exposed to blood and body fluids in the study setting. Most nurses do not consistently wear all the required types of personal protective equipment, putting them at a higher risk of acquiring blood-borne pathogens. The authors recommended that there is a need to implement and strengthen appropriate and consistent use of all required personal protective equipment during any procedure, and patient care to reduce exposure to blood and body fluids. Relevance to Clinical Practice: This study provides baseline information for other action-based studies to assess exposure to blood and body fluids among nurses in emergency and intensive care units. Strobe Checklist: This manuscript was prepared based on the strobe checklist guidelines. Impact Statement: The study's findings and recommendations might be used for healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations, and policymakers for appropriate planning and interventions to minimize or safeguard nurses' exposure to blood and body fluids.

Road traffic accident clinical pattern and management outcomes at JUMC Emergency Department; Ethiopia.

Background: Road Traffic Accident is an incident on a way or street open to public traffic. It becomes one of the most significant public health problems in the world especially in developing countries. In Ethiopia, it represents a significant risk for morbidity and mortality. It is also the major public health problem even though studies done on this topic in the study area is limited. Objective: To assess clinical pattern, associated factors and management outcomes among road traffic accident Victims attending emergency department of Jimma University Medical Center. Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study design was employed to review patients' chart visited the hospital from March to April 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was applied. The data were collected using pretested checklist and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were computed. Variables with P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: About 49.6%) were pedestrians injured of which motorcycle accounted 42.9%. More than half of victims never got any type of prehospital care. On arrival, 38.7% were classified as Red of which 71.4% of them were managed surgically. About 84.9% of victims were discharged with improvement whereas12.6% were died. Victims with head injury (AOR= 16.61: 95% CI; 3.85, 71.71), time elapsed to reach nearby health facility (AOR= 3.30; 95 CI (1.13, 9.60), condition of patient at Emergency Department (AOR= 7.78; 95% CI: 2.33, 26.06), GCS at admission (AOR= 20.12; 95% CI: 7.23, 55.96) and days spent in hospital (AOR= 6.85; 95% CI 5.81, 8.06) were independent predictors of unfavorable outcome. Conclusion: Road Traffic Accident represents a significant risk for morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia, of which head injury and multiple sites injury increase injury severity. Targeted approaches to improving care of the injured victims may improve outcomes. Thus, the clinician should take into consideration the clinical presentation and give due attention to the identified contributing factors in its management.

Road traffic accident clinical pattern and management outcomes at JUMC Emergency Department; Ethiopia

Background: Road Traffic Accident is an incident on a way or street open to public traffic. It becomes one of the most significant public health problems in the world especially in developing countries. In Ethiopia, it represents a significant risk for morbidity and mortality. It is also the major public health problem even though studies done on this topic in the study area is limited. Objective: To assess clinical pattern, associated factors and management outcomes among road traffic accident Victims attending emergency department of Jimma University Medical Center. Methods: Hospital based cross sectional study design was employed to review patients' chart visited the hospital from March to April 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was applied. The data were collected using pretested checklist and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were computed. Variables with P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: About 49.6%) were pedestrians injured of which motorcycle accounted 42.9%. More than half of victims never got any type of prehospital care. On arrival, 38.7% were classified as Red of which 71.4% of them were managed surgically. About 84.9% of victims were discharged with improvement whereas12.6% were died. Victims with head injury (AOR= 16.61: 95% CI; 3.85, 71.71), time elapsed to reach nearby health facility (AOR= 3.30; 95 CI (1.13, 9.60), condition of patient at Emergency Department (AOR= 7.78; 95% CI: 2.33, 26.06), GCS at admission (AOR= 20.12; 95% CI: 7.23, 55.96) and days spent in hospital (AOR= 6.85; 95% CI 5.81, 8.06) were independent predictors of unfavorable outcome. Conclusion: Road Traffic Accident represents a significant risk for morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia, of which head injury and multiple sites injury increase injury severity. Targeted approaches to improving care of the injured victims may improve outcomes. Thus, the clinician should take into consideration the clinical presentation and give due attention to the identified contributing factors in its management.

Clinical profile and outcomes of trauma patients visiting the emergency department of a trauma center Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Introduction: The term traumatic injury refers to physical injuries that present quickly and with a great deal of severity. These injuries can result from blunt, penetrating, and other causes. The best patients' outcomes are achieved when all parts of a trauma care system are in place. In low-resource settings, these facilities are scarce and their requirements high. Identifying patient profiles and evaluating these in relation to patient outcomes will help to guide interventions and monitor progress. Methods: This study aimed to examine the clinical profile and outcomes of trauma patients at ALERT Hospital, Ethiopia's busiest national trauma center. A retrospective cross-sectional chart review of 362 patients admitted from January 2019 to December 2019 at Alert Hospital trauma and emergency department was conducted. Results: The male-to-female ratio was 2.5:1, with trauma more prevalent among those in the age group of 24-33. Comparatively more injuries 98 (27.1%) occur between 8 and 6 a.m. and 90 (24.9%) of patients were transported by ambulance to the hospital. Among patients referred to the hospital, 247 (68.2%) patients received pre-hospital treatment. Interpersonal Violence (IPV) accounts for 31.8% of all accidents, followed by Road Traffic Accidents (RTA), which account for 30.7%. The Kampala Trauma Severity score (KTS) II showed mild trauma (82.3%), moderate trauma (11%), and severe trauma account (6.6%). A total of 44.2% of the victims suffered soft tissue injuries and 24% suffered extremity fractures, with 11.3% sustaining polytrauma. The mortality rate was 3.6%, with RTA, head injury, polytrauma, the severity of the injury, and patients with CPR were statistically associated factors. Discussion: IPV and RTA were the two most frequent causes of injuries, with most trauma victims being young. A great deal of emphasis needs to be given to preventing injury and improving prehospital emergency services.

First aid knowledge and practice toward students with epileptic seizure among governmental high school teachers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is one of the most common serious chronic brain disorders and is poorly understood by the general population, having been associated with numerous misconceptions and beliefs. This, coupled with its dramatic clinical manifestations, has resulted in a strong social stigma, and physical trauma due to the unknown delivery of first aid care. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 19 to March 31, 2021. Structured self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data, which were comprised of knowledge and practice questions. Knowledge and practice among participants could be measured using the Chi-square (χ2) test of independence at p-values <0.05. RESULT: A total of 378 participants with a mean age of 34.2 ±â€¯7.8 SD have participated, with a response rate of 92%. Of the total respondents, about 144 (41.1%) and 143 (40.9%) had good knowledge and practice, respectively. Generally, teachers who were trained in first aid had fewer scores (25.6%) than those who were not (43.1%). Teachers who had heard about epilepsy (44.2%) had a higher opportunity to have good knowledge than those who had not heard about epilepsy. CONCLUSION: This study showed that there was a gap in the knowledge and practice of teachers regarding epileptic seizures.

The magnitude of sexual abuse and its physical effects among female children seen at Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Child sexual abuse is a form of abuse that involves sexual activity with a minor. A child does not possess the ability to consent to any form of sexual activity. Therefore, perpetrators who engage in sexual activity with a minor are committing the crime of sexual abuse. The definition of child sexual abuse does not need to include physical contact between a perpetrator and a child. The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and associated physical consequences of sexual abuse among female children seen at Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method and Materials: This cross-sectional study identified and reviewed 1,500 reported cases of sexual abuse through hospital records at Gandhi Memorial Hospital (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) between March 2016 and February 2017. These cases were all perpetrated against females and included both adults and children. From a total of 1,500 cases reviewed, 1,100 involved victims in the pediatric age group (under 18 years) who first presented to the hospital following sexual abuse. Of these 1,100 cases, 292 female children were selected. One study participant was selected for every three victims of child sexual abuse, until the required sample size was met. Data were collected from these 292 cases, and descriptive analysis was used to describe study findings. This analysis included frequencies, percentages, and standard deviations. The socio-demographic and educational status of study participants, as well as the physical findings of the victims on presentation, were analyzed, and presented numerically and as percentages of the total study population. Results: The majority of the victims were referred from Addis Ababa. Among the 292 selected cases, 221 (75.7%) were from Addis Ababa and the rest were from the surrounding areas. The majority of respondents (64.7%) were between 12 and 18 years of age, with a small percentage of respondents (5.8%) between 2 and 3 years of age. Most respondents (242 cases, 82.9%) had no previous history of sexual abuse, but the remaining 50 cases (17.1%) had a previous history of sexual abuse by the same or a different perpetuator. Conclusions: This study provides data, and thus evidence for policymakers and other stakeholders, to strive for an improvement in the security and protection of children, as well as education on the matter of child sexual abuse for parents and guardians. Those who could be involved in the implementation of intervention strategies may include parents, health professionals and pertinent personnel from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education. Above all, the data suggest a need for the victims to receive training on how to protect themselves from victimization