Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Acute Ischemic Stroke with Atrial Fibrillation Among Patients Admitted to Tertiary Care Hospitals in Amhara Regional State: Retrospective-Cohort Study

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the leading cause of a surge in hospital expenses for the treatment of strokes. However, evidence regarding clinical features and survival of patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) plus AF in Ethiopia is lacking.

Objective

We assess clinical characteristics, survival, and predictors of mortality of patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation among patients admitted to Tertiary Care Hospitals in Amhara regional state.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was done on patients diagnosed with AIS who received care at Tibebe Ghion and Felege Hiwot hospitals from November 2018 to November 2021. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Cox regression analysis was used to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to identify survival rates and mean survival time. The hazard ratio was used as a measure of the strength of the association and statistical significance was declared at p-value <0.05.

Results

Of 378 patients with AIS, 58.7% were male. AF was diagnosed in 102 (26.9%) patients. Compared with patients without AF, patients with AF were more likely to have Glasgow Coma Scale <8 (83.3 vs 4%), valvular heart disease (56.9 vs 4.7%), and coronary heart disease (11.8 vs 4%). Patients with AF had a significant incidence of in-hospital mortality (38 per 1000 vs 17 per 1000) person-days. Glasgow Coma Scale <8: (AHR=12.69, 95% CI: [2.603-61.873]), aspirational pneumonia (AHR=2.602, 95% CI: 1.085-6.242), acute renal failure (AHR=6.114, 95% CI: [1.817-20.576]), hypokalemia (AHR=1.179, 95% CI: [1.112,-3.373]), atrial fibrillation (AHR=1.104, 95% CI: [1.015-5.404]), HIV/AIDS (AHR=8.302, 95% CI: [1.585-43.502]) and chronic liver disease (AHR=4.969, 95% CI: [1.192-20.704]) were indicators of in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion

In the current study, hospital mortality was greater in AIS associated with atrial fibrillation. Stroke-related complications were significant predictors of mortality. Hence, effective strategies should be in place to curb the impacts of these factors.

In-Hospital Mortality and Its Predictors among Hospitalized Diabetes Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Background. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the leading health emergencies of the 21st century and among the top ten causes of death among adults globally in 2017. Although Ethiopia has been victimized by the growing prevalence of DM, data regarding in-hospital mortality among admitted diabetic patients in Ethiopia, specifically in Jimma Medical Center (JMC), are lacking. Objective. The aim of the study is to assess in-hospital mortality and its predictors among DM patients admitted to Jimma Medical Center. Methods. A hospital-based prospective observational study was employed involving 120 diabetes patients admitted to JMC from October 01, 2020, to June 30, 2021. Data were collected on variables related to the patient, disease, medication, and clinical outcomes. Data were entered into Epidata version 4.6.0.4 for cleaning and exported to SPSS version 23.0 for analysis. Kaplan–Mayer and cox-regression analyses were used to compare the survival experience and to determine the predictors of clinical outcomes, respectively. Hazard ratio with its two-sided $p$ value <0.05 was considered to declare the statistical significance. Result. Of 120 DM patients, 81 (67.5%) of them were males. The in-hospital mortality was 13.34% (16/120). Rural residence (AHR: 3.46; 95% CI (1.12, 9.81)), age (AHR: 1.03; 95% CI: (1.001, 1.059)), admission with diabetic ketoacidosis (AHR: 5.01; 95% CI (1.12, 21.88)), and multiple comorbidities: five comorbidities (AHR: 9.65; 95% CI (1.07, 19.59)) and six comorbidities (AHR: 14.02; 95% CI (1.74, 21.05)) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. On the other hand, exposure to nonantidiabetic medications decreased the hazard of mortality by 86.5% (AHR: 0.135; 95% CI (0.04, 0.457)). Conclusion. This study showed the rate of in-hospital mortality was noticeably high. The study showed that rural residence, age, DKA, and having comorbidities (five and six) were the statistically significant predictors of in-hospital mortality. In contrast, the use of nonantidiabetic medications such as statins, ASA, and other antihypertensive agents before admission remained protective. Thus, proper strategies have to be devised to improve in-hospital mortality among admitted DM patients.

Safety and Effectiveness of Magnesium Sulphate for Severe Acute Asthma Management Among Under-five Children: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease affecting children. It is usually associated with airway hyper-responsiveness. Globally, the prevalence of asthma among pediatrics population varies from 10% to 30%. Its symptoms range from chronic cough to life-threatening bronchospasm. At emergency department, all patients with acute severe asthma should initially receive oxygen, nebulized β2-agonists, nebulized anticholinergic agent, and corticosteroids. Though bronchodilators act within minutes, corticosteroids may require hours. Magnesium sulphate (MgSO₄) was first considered for treating asthma about 60 years ago. Several case reports were published on its usefulness in decreasing admission and endotracheal intubation. So far, evidence is conflicting to fully employ MgSO₄ for asthma management in children under five.

Objective

This systematic review was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of MgSO₄ in the treatment of severe acute asthmatic attacks in children.

Methods

A systematic and comprehensive search of literature was performed to identify controlled clinical trials conducted on IV and nebulized MgSO₄ in pediatric patients with acute asthma.

Results

Data generated from three randomized clinical trials were included in the final analysis. In this analysis, intravenous MgSO₄ did not improve respiratory function (RR=1.09, 95%CI: 0.81-1.45) and not safer than conventional treatment (RR=0.38, 95%CI: 0.08-1.67). Similarly, use of nebulized MgSO₄ showed no significant effect on respiratory function (RR=1.05, 95%CI: 0.68-1.64) and more tolerable (RR=0.31, 95%CI: 0.14-0.68).

Conclusion

Intravenous MgSO₄ may not be superior to conventional treatment in moderate to severe acute asthma among children and neither have significant adverse effects. Similarly, nebulized MgSO₄ showed no significant effect on respiratory function in moderate to severe acute asthma in children under five but it seems a safer alternative.

Malnutrition is Associated with Delayed Sputum Culture Conversion Among Patients Treated for MDR-TB

Background

Clinicians use sputum culture conversion as an interim indicator of the efficacy of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment and to determine treatment duration. Yet, limited studies have been published in Ethiopia.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the predictors of delayed culture conversion among patients receiving MDR-TB treatment at selected treatment centers in Ethiopia.

Patients and Methods

A multi-center observation study was conducted among MDR-TB patients in South and Southwestern Ethiopia from April 14 to May 14, 2019. The data of patients treated from January 2013 to July 2019 were reviewed using a data abstraction tool. The data were analyzed. Descriptive statistics was computed using SPSS version 21 software program. Cox regression was used to identify predictors of delayed culture conversion. Hazard ratios with a two-sided p-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Of 200 included MDR-TB patients, 108 (54%) were males. Majority,159 (79.5%) of the patients had a culture conversion time of less than two months, while 15 (7.5%) had delayed culture conversion (greater than 120 days). Patient’s registration group (after loss to follow- (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR)=16.215, 95% CI [3.839, 68.498]), after treatment failure (AHR=12.161, 95% CI [2.516, 58.793]), history of previous TB treatment (AHR=4.007, 95% CI [3.115, 62.990])) and low BMI (AHR= 1.257; 95% CI [0.725,1.547] were identified as a risk factors for delayed culture conversion.

Conclusion

Our finding showed that nearly 80% of the patients achieve sputum culture conversion by the second month of treatment. Delayed culture conversion was more likely among patients with malnutrition (BMI<18.5kg/m²), after treatment failure, previous TB treatment, and after lost to follow-up.

Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolates and Their Antibiotic-Resistance Patterns in Patients with Wound Infection in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) restricts the armamentarium of health-care providers against infectious diseases due to the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR), especially in Gram-negative bacteria. This study aimed to determine pooled estimates of Gram-negative bacteria, their resistance profiles, and rates of MDR in patients with wound infection in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched. Original articles, available online from 1988 to 2020, addressing the prevalence and resistance patterns of Gram-negative bacteria in patients with wound infection and written in English were screened. The data were extracted using a format prepared in Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA 14.0 for the outcome analyses.

RESULTS

The data of 15,647 wound samples, from 36 studies conducted in 5 regions of the country, were pooled. The overall pooled estimate of Gram-negative bacteria was 59% [95% CI: 52-65%, I2 = 96.41%, p < 0.001]. The pooled estimate of Escherichia colirecovered from isolates of 5205 wound samples was 17% [95% CI: 14-20%], followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 11% [95% CI: 9-14%], Klebsiella pneumonia, 11% [95% CI: 9-13%], Proteus mirabilis, 8% [95% CI: 6-10%], Acinetobacter species, 4% [95% CI: 2-6%], Enterobacter species, 4% [95% CI: 3-5%], and Citrobacter species, 3% [95% CI: 2-4%]. Multidrug resistance prevalence estimates of E. coli, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis, Citrobacter species, Enterobacter species and Acinetobacter species were 76% [95% CI: 66-86%], 84% [95% CI: 78-91%], 66% [95% CI:43-88%], 83% [95% CI:75-91%], 87% [95% CI:78-96%], 68% [95% CI:50-87%] and 71% [95% CI:46-96%], respectively.

CONCLUSION

There was high resistance in Gram-negative bacteria from wound specimens to commonly used antibiotics in Ethiopia. The data warrant the need of regular epidemiological surveillance of antimicrobial resistance and implementation of an efficient infection control program.

Survival status and its predictors among multi-drug resistance tuberculosis treated patients in Ethiopia: Multicenter observational study

BACKGROUND

Although substantial progress has been made in combating the crisis of multi-drug resistance tuberculosis (MDR-TB), it remained the major public health threat globally.

OBJECTIVE

To assess patients' survival and its predictors among patients receiving multi-drug resistance tuberculosis treatment at MDR-TB treatment centers of southern and southwestern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted from April 14 to May 14, 2019, among patients receiving MDR-TB treatment at three MDR-TB treatment centers, Butajira, Arbaminch and Shenengibe Hospitals, located in south and southwestern Ethiopia. A total of 200 records were reviewed using a check list adopted from the national MDR-TB treatment charts and other relevant documents. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.2.0 for cleaning and exported to STATA-13 for analysis. Descriptive analysis was carried out and results were presented by text, tables, and charts. Kaplan-Meier (log-rank test) and Cox regression were used to compare baseline survival experience and to determine predictors of patients' survival (death), respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) was used to measure the strength of association and a p-value of <0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance.

RESULTS

Of 200 patients, 108 (54%) of them were males. The mean (+ standard deviation) age of the study population was 32.9±9.5years. During follow-up, 22 (11%) deaths were reported. The overall incidence density of death was 11.99, 95% CI [7.89-18.21] per 100,000person-years. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) survival time was 375(249-457) days. Comorbidity (AHR = 23.68, 95% CI [4.85-115.46]), alcohol consumption (AHR = 4.53, 95% CI [1.21-16.97]), and history of poor adherence (AHR = 12.27, 95% CI [2.83-53.21]) were independently associated with patients' survival (death).

CONCLUSION

In this study, the incidence density of mortality was very high. Alcohol consumption, poor adherence, and the presence of comorbidity were independently associated with death. Hence, alcohol users, patients with comorbidity and poor adherence should be given due attention during therapy.

The Outcome of Hydroxychloroquine in Patients Treated for COVID-19: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) resulted in an unprecedented public health challenge worldwide. Despite urgent and extensive global efforts, the existing evidence is inconclusive regarding the medications used for the treatment of COVID-19.

Purpose

To generate an up-to-date evidence for the clinical safety and efficacy of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with or without azithromycin (AZ) among patients treated for COVID-19. Data Source. PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, LITCOVID, Web of Science, SCOPUS, BioRxiv, Embase, MedRxiv, and Wiley online library were searched from 2019/12/30 to 2020/05/23. Study Selection. Three investigators assessed the quality of the studies. Data Extraction. Data about study characteristics, effect estimates, and the quality of the studies were extracted by two independent reviewers and cross-checked by the third reviewer. Data Synthesis. The data of 6,782 (HCQ group, 3623; HCQ + AZ group, 1,020; control group, 2139) participants were included. HCQ was compared with standard care for virologic efficacy, disease progression, mortality, and adverse effects. HCQ was also compared with HCQ + AZ for QTc prolongation, admission to the intensive care unit, and mortality. The study found HCQ did not alter the rate of virologic cure (OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.39-1.56) and the risk of mortality (OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 0.66-2.39). The pooled prevalence for mortality was 5.8% (95% CI: 0.9%-10.8%). Moreover, HCQ did not impact disease progression (OR = 0.9; 95% CI: 0.36-2.29) but resulted in a higher risk of adverse effects (OR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.15-4.8). HCQ was also compared against HCQ + AZ, and no difference was observed in QTc prolongation above 500 ms (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.54-2.28), admission to the intensive care unit (OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.52-1.63), and mortality (OR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.55-1.43). However, in the analysis of single-arm studies, about 11.2% (95% CI: 7.0%-15.5%) of patients have developed an absolute increase of QTc greater than 500 ms, and 4.1% (95% CI: 1.1%-7.1%) of patients discontinued their medication.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis and systematic review, which included a limited number of poorly designed studies of patients with COVID-19, revealed HCQ is intolerable, unsafe, and not efficacious. Similarly, HCQ + AZ combination was not different from HCQ alone in curbing mortality and ICU admission.

Early readmission and its predictors among patients treated for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive respiratory disease in Ethiopia: A prospective cohort study

Background

Significant numbers of chronic obstructive respiratory disease patients are readmitted for Acute Exacerbation (AE) within 30 days of discharge. And these early readmissions have serious clinical and socioeconomic consequences. The objective of our study was to determine the rate of readmission within 30 days of discharge and it’s predictors among patients treated for acute exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

A prospective cohort study involving 130 patients (asthma = 59, COPD = 71) was conducted from April-September, 2019, in Jimma Medical Center (JMC), South-West Ethiopia. Socio-demographic, clinical, laboratory, and drug-related data were recorded at admission and during hospital stay. Cox regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for readmissions following an AE of asthma and COPD.

Results

During the study period, 130 (male, 78(60%)) patients were admitted with AE of asthma and COPD. The median age was 59(IQR, 50–70) years. Of 130 patients, 21(18.10%) had a new AE of asthma and COPD that required hospitalization in the 30 days after discharge. The overall median survival time to 30-day readmission was 20 days (IQR, 16–29). Multivariate analysis revealed prolonged use of oxygen therapy (AHR = 4.972, 95% CI [1.041–23.736] and frequent hospital admissions (AHR = 11.482 [1.308–100.793]) to be independent risk factors for early readmissions.

Conclusion

Early hospital readmission rates for AE of asthma and COPD were alarmingly high. Frequent hospital admission and long-term oxygen therapy during hospital stay were independent predictors of 30-day readmission.

Mortality and its predictors among patients treated for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive respiratory diseases in Jimma Medical Center; Jimma, Ethiopia: Prospective observational study

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma exacerbations are associated with ill health, increased mortality, and health care costs. However, there is limited evidence regarding mortality and its predictors among patients treated for COPD and asthma exacerbations in low-income nations, particularly in Ethiopia.

Methods

A-6 month prospective observational study was conducted from April 20-September 20, 2019. Data were collected on socio-demographic, baseline clinical characteristics and outcomes of asthma and COPD exacerbations. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.02.01 for cleaning and exported to STATA 14.0 for analysis. Kaplan-Meier (Log-rank test) was used to compare the baseline survival experience of the study participants and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of mortality. Adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) with two-sided p-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 130 patients (60% males) were included. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) age of the study participants was 59(50–70) years. The median (IQR) survival time to death was 17.5 (10–26) days. The total proportion of in-hospital mortality was 10.78% (14/130), and the incidence rate of mortality was 2.56 per 1000 person-years. The duration of oxygen therapy ≥16hours/day (AHR = 6.330, 95% CI [1.092–36.679], and old age (AHR = 1.066, 95% CI [1.0001–1.136] were the independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion

In this study, the in-hospital mortality rate was very high. Moreover, prolonged oxygen therapy (≥16hours/day) and old age were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. Therefore, special attention should be given to recipients of prolonged oxygen therapy and the elderly during hospital stay.

Abacavir versus Zidovudine-based regimens for treatment of HIV-infected children in resource limited settings: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Abacavir (ABC) and Zidovudine (AZT) based regimens are the preferred first line nucleoside reverse transcriptase (NRTIs) backbones being widely utilized for managing HIV infection in children. However, there is a dearth of data regarding the clinical outcomes and associated risk factors in Ethiopia. We compared the proportion of mortality and the rate of occurrence of Opportunistic Infections (OIs) with ABC versus AZT -based regimens in a cohort of HIV-infected children.

METHODS

A 42 months retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 179 records were reviewed by including data from October 2014 to April 2017. Data were collected on socio-demographic, clinical characteristics of patients and drug related variables. Data were analyzed using STATA13.1. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression were used to compare survival experience and identify independent predictors. Propensity score matching analysis was conducted to elucidate the average treatment effects of each regimen over OIs.

RESULT

Of 179 patients, 98 (54.7%) were females. The mean (+SD) age of the study subjects was 6.53 ± 2.83 years. Through 42 months analysis, a total of 4 patients (1 (1.14%) from ABC group and 3 (3.3%) from AZT group (p = 0.339)) were died. The incidence of opportunistic infections attributed to ABC group was 8.77/100,000 person years (py) and that of AZT was 6.9/100,000py. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for OIs was (IRR = 0.87, 95% CI [0.49-1.53] (p = 0.304). Baseline CD4 count (AHR = 0.99, 95% CI [0.98-0.99]), Severe acute malnutrition (AHR = 15.92, 95% CI [5.34-47.50]), and exposure to tuberculosis treatment (AHR = 2.93, 95% CI [1.39-6.17]) were the independent predictors for the development of OIs.

CONCLUSION

ABC and AZT based ART regimens seem to have comparable survival benefit among HIV-infected children in Ethiopia. Therefore, both regimens might be used as an alternative in resource limited settings.

Short-term clinical outcomes of patients admitted with chronic liver disease to selected teaching hospitals in Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a progressive destruction of liver tissue with subsequent necrosis that persists for at least 6 months. In Ethiopia, despite the high burden report, data on CLD is limited. The objective of this study was to assess short-term clinical outcomes in patients admitted with chronic liver disease to three tertiary teaching hospitals in Ethiopia and to identify predictors of mortality.

METHODS

A cohort of 109 patients admitted with CLD to three tertiary teaching hospitals in Ethiopia, were prospectively followed from the time of admission to 30-days of hospital discharge. The study was conducted from April 1, 2018, to October 5, 2018. Kaplan-Maier curve was used to estimate survival and cox-regression analysis to identify predictors of mortality.

RESULT

A total of 109 patients (80% male) diagnosed with CLD were included. Median age of the participants was 38(IQR, 30-48). The overall median length of hospital stay was 7(IQR, 4-11) days. Of the total, 39(35.8%) patients were HBsAg positive, and 12(11%) patients were anti-HCV positive. The 30-day mortality was 38(34.9%), and most of the deaths, 31(81.6%) occurred before hospital discharge. Hepatic encephalopathy at admission; being with unidentified risk factor/etiologies of CLD and total bilirubin level were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Patients with hepatic encephalopathy at admission had approximately 11 times increased risk of death as compared to patients without hepatic encephalopathy at admission. Similarly, the hazard of mortality was 5.8 times higher in those patients with unidentified risk factor/etiology as compared to others. The risk of dying had also increased with an increase in bilirubin (1.188[95% CI, 1.0719-1.316]) level.

CONCLUSION

Approximately one-quarter of patients with CLD died during their hospital stay, and the risk of death continued after hospital discharge. Hepatic encephalopathy at admission, unidentified risk factor/etiology and increased level of total bilirubin are poor prognostic factors. Given that more than one third the patients had HBV-infection, access to antiviral drugs could help improve the prognosis of patients with end-stage liver disease in Ethiopia, as well as prevent the progression of the disease if initiated earlier.

Treatment Outcome and Adverse Events of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Based Regimens as Compared to Zidovudine Based Regimens Among People Living with HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Background:

Findings from different studies report inferior clinical and virologic efficacy with TDF/3TC/NVP. But, some studies show that, there was no statistically significant difference in mortality among ZDV and TDF based regimens. The objective of this review was to systematically identify, appraise and synthesize the best available evidence on efficacy and safety of TDF based regimen as compared to ZDV based regimens.

Methods:

A three-step search strategy was used to locate published and unpublished studies. First, an initial limited search of google was undertaken followed by analysis of text words. A second extensive search was undertaken. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Medline, and CINHAL. We did the initial search for articles on July 11-18, 2016, and updated the results on May 13, 2017.Third, the reference lists of all identified articles was searched for additional studies.

Results:

ZDV based regimens had better outcome on prevention of mortality (OR=1.31, 95%CI (1.14, 1.50), I² = 0%, Chi² = 2.51), and lower virologic failure (OR = 1.44, 95% CI [1.18, 1.76], chi² = 5.91, P= 0.003, I² =83%) while, TDF based regimens were more tolerable (OR=0.15, 95%CI (0.08, 0.30), I² = 40%, Chi² = 3.31). The difference in incidence of opportunistic infection is not significant (OR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.52, 1.32], chi² = 0.11, P= 0.42, I² =0%).

Conclusion:

There is lower mortality and lower virologic failure in ZDV group, but better safety profile among TDF based regimens.

Prevalence and predictors of metabolic syndrome among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWHIV)

BACKGROUND

Use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has led to significant reductions in morbidity and mortality. However, there is a growing concern about metabolic syndromes (MS), among patients receiving cART. Despite this fact, there is limited evidence for the prevalence of the MS among HIV-infected persons receiving cART in developing countries, particularly Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence and predictors of MS among people living with HIV/AIDS in Jimma health centre, Jimma Zone south west Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Jimma health centre that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data on demographic and anthropometric characteristics were collected using World health organization (WHO) stepwise approach. Fasting blood glucose and lipid profile was measured. The Third Report of National Cholesterol Education Program-adult treatment panel III (NCEP-ATP III)-2001, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF)-2005 and the Joint interim statement-2009 (JIS) criteria were used to define MS. Data were analyzed using statistical software package (SPSS) version 20.0. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify predictors of MS and predictors with p value < 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance.

RESULTS

Of 268 HIV-infected participants included in the analysis, 211 (78.7%) were women. The mean age of the participants was 39.32 ± 10.626 years. Using the NCEP-ATP III criteria, the prevalence of MS was found to be 23.5% (63 patients). While it was 20.5% (55 patients) and 27.6% (74 patients) with IDF and JIS criteria respectively. Enrollment in formal education resulted in 75% increment in the odds of MS (AOR = 0.25, 95% CI [0.072-0.879]). The odds of MS in patients with body mass index > 25 kg/m² was elevated to 13.4 times (AOR = 13.39, 95% CI [3.943-45.525]) and exposure to D-drugs was attributed to 59% increment in the odds of MS (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI [0.58-4.56]), although the finding lacks statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic syndromes was relatively common to the study population. Hence, promoting health education and monitoring patient's clinical and laboratory parameters at every visit and taking appropriate measure is ideal.

Khat (Catha Edulis) as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disorders: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

About 20 million people worldwide are believed to be using khat. Although some studies reported that khat chewing might result in cardiovascular disorders, conclusive evidence is limited.

Method

The objective of this review was to synthesize the best available evidence for the effect of khat on the cardiovascular system. Databases searched were PubMed, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, CINAHL, poplin, LILACS, MedNar and Scopus. All papers included in the review were subjected to rigorous appraisal using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) standardized critical appraisal tool. Review Manager Software (Revman 5.3) was used for meta-analysis and effect size and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated.

Result

Data was extracted from 10 articles. Our meta-analysis included 9,207 subjects, (2123 chewers and 7084 non-chewers, respectively) to elucidate the effect of khat on heart rate, diastolic and systolic blood pressure. The mean diastolic and systolic blood pressure of khat chewers was higher than the non-chewers with a mean difference of 5.1 mmHg, 95%CI [2.7,7.5] and 7.9 mmHg, 95%CI [2.65, 13.18], respectively. Similarly, the heart rate of the chewers remained consistently higher, making the mean difference of 6.9 beats/min, 95%CI [0.5, 13.3]. In addition, khat was found to have either a causative or worsening effect on stroke, myocardial infarction and heart failure.

Conclusion

We showed that khat chewing could significantly affect the cardiovascular system through its effect on heart rate and blood pressure. Therefore, health promotion should be aimed to encourage quitting khat chewing.

Clients' perception and satisfaction toward service provided by pharmacy professionals at a teaching hospital in Ethiopia

Background

Evaluation of client's perception and satisfaction with pharmacy services is important to identify specific areas of the service that need improvement in achieving high-quality pharmacy services. It also helps to detect the gaps in the current pharmaceutical services provision.

Objective

To assess clients' perception and satisfaction toward service provided by pharmacy professionals at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital.

Methods

A cross-sectional study design was employed from March 8 to 24, 2016. A semistructured questionnaire was used to assess clients' perception and satisfaction toward service provided by pharmacy professionals. The data collected were entered into Epi data 3.1, cleaned, and transported into and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression was employed to determine associated factors, and statistical significance was considered at p-value <0.05.

Results

Among 384 respondents, 53.1% were male. Of the total participants, 63.8% had good perception and 36.2% had poor perception toward pharmacy services. With regard to satisfaction, 52.6% of the respondents were satisfied and 47.4% were unsatisfied by the pharmaceutical services. Sociodemographic variables such as educational level (p=0.000), occupation (p=0.031), payment for service (p=0.002), and reasons the respondents seek service (p=0.001) showed statistically significant association with the level of perception. Clients' satisfaction was found to be significantly associated with educational level (p=0.002) and reason for seeking service (p=0.016).

Conclusion and recommendation

This study showed that the overall mean perception and satisfaction of clients in Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital was low, even though it was above the mean level of perception and satisfaction. Action has to be taken to improve the perception and satisfaction of clients with the services provided in the pharmacy section.