Diabetic peripheral neuropathy and their associations with overweight/obesity and impaired blood glucose among diabetic patients in Eastern Ethiopia: Institutional-based study.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the burden of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and its associations with overweight/obesity and impaired blood glucose among diabetic patients in Eastern Ethiopia. Method: A total of 644 diabetic individuals were included in the study through systematic random sampling techniques. The Michigan neuropathy screening instrument was used to evaluate the presence of diabetic neuropathy. Data were presented using narrative, figures, and tables from the results of statistical analysis. The descriptive result was reported using frequency (percentage) for categorical variables and mean ± SD for continuous measures, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Results: The overall prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy was 47.8% (95% CI: 43.9%-51.7%). Low monthly income (AOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.09, 3.73), history of khat chewing (AOR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.04, 4.907), impaired blood glucose (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.63, 1.94), physical inactivity (AOR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.36), and raised body mass index (AOR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.99) were factors significantly associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the value of early diabetic peripheral neuropathy detection and the widespread presence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy risk factors in diabetes patients. Any initiative intended to lessen the burden of diabetic peripheral neuropathy-related morbidity and high health care costs must be implemented as a strategy.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen, anti-hepatitis C virus antibody and their associated factors among mothers living in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections are major causes of acute and chronic liver disease and infection by these viruses during pregnancy is associated with maternal, fetal and neonatal health complications. Understanding the epidemiology of these viruses could be valuable to take appropriate preventive measures. Objective: This study aims to determine the seroprevalence and associated factors of HBV and HCV infection among mothers living in Harar, Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 461 mothers living in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia from March 1 ­May 30, 2017. The systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Sociodemographic information was collected through face-to-face interviews using pretested structured questionnaires. Five millilitres of venous blood was collected from each study subject and HBsAg and anti-HCV levels in sera were tested using a sandwich third generation Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Data was analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Result: The seroprevalence rates for HBV and HCV infection were 5.9% and 1.1%, respectively. None of the mothers were co-infected with HBV and HCV. Among the potential risk factors, previous history of abortion (AOR =3.7 95%, CI 1.4-9.6) and multiple sexual exposures (AOR =10.6, 95% CI 4.0-27.9) were significant predictors of HBV infection. Conclusion: This study determined that the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among mothers was 5.9% and 1.1% respectively. History of abortion and history of multiple sexual partners were significantly associated with HBV infection. Health education programs on the mode of HBV and HCV transmission, high-risk behaviours and methods of preventions are recommended to raise awareness and reduce the spread of infection

Improved health among people living with HIV/AIDS who received packages of proven preventive health interventions, Amhara, Ethiopia.

In 2009, basic care packages (BCP) containing health products were distributed to HIV-infected persons in Ethiopia who were clients of antiretroviral therapy clinics. To measure health impact, we enrolled clients from an intervention hospital and comparison hospital, and then conducted a baseline survey, and 7 bi-weekly home visits. We enrolled 405 intervention group clients and 344 comparison clients. Intervention clients were more likely than comparison clients to have detectable chlorine in stored water (40% vs. 1%, p<0.001), soap (51% vs. 36%, p<0.001), and a BCP water container (65% vs. 0%, p<0.001) at every home visit. Intervention clients were less likely than comparison clients to report illness (44% vs. 67%, p<0.001) or health facility visits for illness (74% vs. 95%, p<0.001), and had lower median illness scores (1.0 vs. 3.0, p<0.05). Participation in the BCP program appeared to improve reported health outcomes.