Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Associated Factors among Cancer Patients at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus infection is a global public health concern and has a high degree of associated morbidity and mortality. In Ethiopia, Hepatitis B virus infection has a variable seroprevalence among different regions with an estimated overall prevalence of around 6%. However, there is a scarcity of data specific to cancer patients. METHODOLOGY: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 cancer patients who came for follow-up at the oncology unit of Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January 1/2020 to October 11/2021. A systematic sampling technique was employed to select the participants. Data was collected using structured and interviewer-administered questionnaires and blood samples were drawn from the patients to test hepatitis B virus sero-status. Data was entered to Epi- Data version 4.6 then exported and analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study participants. Finally, bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify significantly associated factors. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among cancer patients was 7.6% [95% CI: (4.54 - 9.79)]. Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 6.24, 95% CI (3.35-16.80)), a history of dental procedures (AOR = 3.34; 95% CI (1.007­7.66)), and being a hepatocellular carcinoma patient (AOR = 6.13; 95% CI (3.66-18.77)) were factors associated with seropositive status for Hepatitis B virus. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection among cancer patients was high. It is better to consider HBV screening in cancer patients and doing cancer surveillance in HBV-infected patients.

Knowledge and attitude towards Covid-19 vaccine in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The biggest threat to the effectiveness of vaccination initiatives is a lack of information about and trust in immunization. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of knowledge of and positive attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine in Ethiopia. PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and the Ethiopian University online library were searched. To look for heterogeneity, I2 values were computed and an overall estimated analysis was carried out. Although 2108 research articles were retrieved, only 12 studies with a total of 5,472 participants met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled estimates of participants with good knowledge of and positive attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine were found to be 65.06% (95% CI: 56.69-73.44%; I2 = 82.3%) and 60.15% (95% CI: 45.56-74.74%; I2 = 89.4%), respectively, revealing that there is a gap in knowledge of and positive attitudes toward the COVID-19 vaccine in Ethiopia. A holistic and multi-sectoral partnership is necessary for a successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

Clinical Prediction Model Development and Validation for the Detection of Newborn Sepsis, Diagnostic Research Protocol.

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of sickness and death in the entire world. Diagnosis is usually difficult because of the nonspecific clinical symptoms and the paucity of laboratory diagnostics in many low- and middle-income nations (LMICs). Clinical prediction models may increase diagnostic precision and rationalize the use of antibiotics in neonatal facilities, which could lead to a decrease in antimicrobial resistance and better neonatal outcomes. Early detection of newborn sepsis is critical to prevent serious consequences and reduce the need for unneeded drugs. Objective: The aim is to develop and validate a clinical prediction model for the detection of newborn sepsis. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on an institution will be carried out. The sample size was determined by assuming 10 events per predictor, based on this assumption, the total sample sizes were 467. Data will be collected using a structured checklist through chart review. Data will be coded, inputted, and analyzed using R statistical programming language version 4.0.4 after being entered into Epidata version 3.02 and further processed and analyzed. Bivariable logistic regression will be done to identify the relationship between each predictor and neonatal sepsis. In a multivariable logistic regression model, significant factors (P< 0.05) will be kept, while variables with (P< 0.25) from the bivariable analysis will be added. By calculating the area under the ROC curve (discrimination) and the calibration plot (calibration), respectively, the model's accuracy and goodness of fit will be evaluated.

Prevalence of Skin Disease and Its Associated Factors Among Primary Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Northern Ethiopian Town.

Background: Skin disease affects people of all ages, yet children are one of the most common victims of it. Although some data indicate a high prevalence of skin disorders among Ethiopian primary schoolchildren, little is known regarding it, particularly in the study area. Hence, the study aimed to investigate the prevalence of skin disease and its associated factors among primary schoolchildren in Debre Berhan town, North Shoa, Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted. The samples were chosen using a multistage stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using both a self-administered and an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Children were clinically examined to detect and record the dermatological findings. A potassium hydroxide test was used to confirm some doubtful cases. The data were entered in Epi Info version 3.5.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Variables with a p-value <0.05 were designated as having statistical significance. Results: The overall point prevalence of any skin disease was 61.2% (95% CI: 56.4-66.1). In a multivariable logistic regression model, a significant association between skin diseases and the occupation of the father being a farmer (AOR: 4.21, 95% CI: 1.06-16.63), bad personal hygiene (AOR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.03-4.38), previous history of skin disease (AOR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.41-5.30), exchange of clothes and towels with other family members (AOR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.09-2.85), presence of trauma in the last one month (AOR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.18-3.72) and not being a member of health insurance (AOR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.16-3.28) has been found. Conclusion: The point prevalence of any skin disorder is alarmingly high. The commonest disorders found in this study were simple and could usually be cured easily. Hence, preventive and curative health services should be provided for these schoolchildren to achieve a considerable reduction in the prevalence of skin disorders.