Knowledge, attitude, and practice of antenatal exercises among pregnant women in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: "Is pregnancy opportunity or a barrier for engaging in exercise". Maternal health still is a top priority in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. Participation in exercises during pregnancy in low-middle income countries is constrained. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of antenatal exercises among Ethiopian women during pregnancy, and also to examine the barriers to prenatal physical activity. METHODS: A descriptive hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted and 349 pregnant women receiving prenatal care at the ante-natal care clinic, University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital were recruited. Data were obtained on maternal characteristics, knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers towards antenatal exercise (ANEx) by interview method. RESULTS: Among 349 pregnant women, 138 (39.5%) and 193 (55.3%) had adequate knowledge, a positive attitude, and good practice respectively. Overall, 108 (30.9) of the respondents practiced antenatal exercise, while only 41 (37.9%) of those pregnant women had a good practice. Brisk walking (90.7%), relaxation (38.9%), and breathing exercise (36.1%) were most practice ANEx, while pelvic floor 6 (5.6%) and 3 (2.8%) yoga were the least practiced. Enhancing post-natal recovery (71%) and vaginal bleeding (64.5) were perceived as benefits and contraindication of ANEx. More than half of the pregnant women (53.6) reported that ANEx is not appropriate for Ethiopian culture. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of ANEx among pregnant women are significantly associated with higher education, government employees, pre-pregnancy exercise, and being advised on ANEx before. Women with adequate knowledge are more likely to have a good practice (AOR 4.53, 95%CI: 1.64, 15.3). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that knowledge concerning antenatal exercise is low and their attitude is reasonably favorable. However, very few Ethiopian pregnant practices ANEx according to recommended guidelines during pregnancy.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Cleaners Working at Mekelle University, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorder is a common cause of morbidity, disability, and poor quality-of-life. Its burden among cleaners in developed countries ranges from 56-90%. However, there are a lack of studies in developing countries, particularly in the study area. Thus, the result of this study will help to resolve health problems caused by musculoskeletal disorders among cleaners. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and associated factors of musculoskeletal disorders among cleaners working at Mekelle University. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 270 cleaners. Simple random sampling was used to select the study participants. Data were collected through interview using the standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and bivariate logistic regression were done to identify factors associated with musculoskeletal disorder. In bivariate logistic regression analysis, variables with a P-value<0.25 were modeled to multivariate analysis. Variables with a P-value≤0.05 with 95% confidence interval (CI) in multivariate model were taken as statistically significant. Finally, AOR with 95% CI at a P-value<0.05 was reported. RESULTS: This study found that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among cleaners was 52.3% in the past 12 months and 31.8% in the last 7 days. Time pressure (AOR=3.25, 95% CI=1.08-9.77), work experience (AOR=2.49, 95% CI=1.12-5.52), feeling exhausted (AOR=2.68, 95% CI=1.16-6.20), working hours per day (AOR=3.55, 95% CI=1.54-8.20), awkward posture (AOR=15.71, 95% CI=6.47-38.17), and those who work more than 2 hours in sustaining position (AOR=8.05, 95% CI=2.25-28.85) showed a statistically significant association with musculoskeletal disorder. CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal disorders were commonly reported among cleaners working at Mekelle University. Time pressure, work experience, feeling exhausted, working hours per day, awkward posture, and working >2 hours in sustaining position were statistically significant in their association with musculoskeletal disorders.

The prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among adults in Ethiopia: a study protocol for extending a systematic review with meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders impose a significant and most often underappreciated burden to the individual, nation, healthcare system, and society as a whole. To the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of reliable estimates on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Ethiopia. The objective of this study will be to assess the existing literature on the prevalence rates and determinant factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Ethiopia. METHOD: We will search PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, PEDro, and Ebsco (from January 2000 onwards). Gray literature will be identified through searching Google Scholar and dissertation databases. Observational studies reporting on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among adult Ethiopians will be included. The primary outcome will be the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Secondary outcomes will be the prevalence of any risk factors in association with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using an appropriate tool. If feasible, we will conduct random effects meta-analysis of observational data. Subgroup analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g., gender, sample size, type of occupation). Publication bias and heterogeneity between the included studies will also be assessed and reported. DISCUSSION: This systematic review will provide a synthesis of the literature on the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and their risk factors in Ethiopia. The results of this review could help the policymakers in occupational health and healthcare sectors in identifying priority areas for interventions in work-related musculoskeletal disorders and will also serve as a baseline for the decision-making processes of musculoskeletal health promotion, work exposure implementations, and prevention programs in workplaces. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD42020164240.

Burden of fatigue among adults living with HIV/AIDS attending antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is one of the most common and devastating Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) - related symptoms, with a varying prevalence in different study areas. In Ethiopia, there is a paucity of information on the magnitude and factors associated with fatigue among HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients. This may lead to under-diagnosis and eventually under-management of the symptom. METHODS: Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 609 HIV/AIDS patients who were selected by using a systematic random sampling method. Data were collected by using interviewer administered structured questionnaire. Level of fatigue was measured by Fatigue Severity Scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of fatigue was found to be 51.7%. The factors associated with fatigue were: Parity [AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.09-3.71], CD4 count 200-499 cells/mm3 [AOR = 2.81; 95% CI: 1.58-4.99], anemia [AOR = 4.90 95% CI: 2.40-9.97], co-morbidities [AOR = 3.65; 95% CI: 1.71-7.78], depression [AOR = 3.68 95% CI: 1.99-6.79], not being physically active [AOR = 3.20 95% CI: 1.50-6.81], clinical stage II or IV HIV [AOR = 3.11; 95% CI: 1.51-6.40] and [AOR = 4.08; 95% CI: 1.37-12.14], respectively. CONCLUSION: The finding of this study revealed that fatigue is a common health problem among adult People Living with HIV (PLHIV). Factors associated with fatigue included: Parity, CD4 count 200-499 cells/mm3, Clinical Stage II or IV HIV, anemia, co-morbidities, depression, and not being physically active. The health care service needs to address the predisposing factors by provision integrated care including timely detection and treatment of comorbidities, mental health problems, and promote physical activity to slow down disease progression and then reduce exposure to fatigue.

Systematic Review on Effectiveness of shoulder taping in Hemiplegia.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain and subluxation are the commonly encountered problems among subjects with hemiplegia. Rehabilitating the shoulder following stroke is a challenging task among physiotherapists in rehabilitation set up. There is a need to validate the effectiveness of externally applied taping materials in hemiplegic shoulder. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review analyses the efficacy of taping on hemiplegic shoulder in terms of alleviating pain and managing subluxation. METHODS: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to determine the effects of taping on hemiplegic shoulder. Articles were electronically searched from the year 2000 to 2017 in the 4 databases, Google scholar, CINAHL, Pubmed, and Pedro. Reviewers graded the papers according to Lloyd-Smith's hierarchy of evidence scale. Papers were quality appraised using a systematic review of RCT tool developed by National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (United States), named as quality assessment of controlled intervention studies tool. RESULTS: Eight papers were included, totaling 132 participants. All the RCT's included in this review were good quality. There was a significant effect on taping method for reduction of pain and subluxation among subjects with stroke. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review provides sufficient evidence to suggest taping is a beneficial method for reducing pain and shoulder subluxation among stroke subjects.