Healthy dietary practices and its' associated factors among adults of Nekemte dwellers, Oromia State, Western Ethiopia

Background and purposes

Appropriate healthy dietary practices are essential for well-being. Adopting of healthy lifestyle remains challenging worldwide. Ethiopia has an unacceptably high burden of malnutrition like other least developed countries. However, healthy dietary practices and their associated factors were not conducted in Nekemte town. Hence, the study was designed to assess healthy dietary practices and associated factors among middle-aged adults in Nekemte town from January 15 to February 30, 2019.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study design was applied in Nekemte town. Primary data were gathered using a questionnaire from 266 adults and checked for normality. In both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses the association and significance were determined at P < 0.05.

Results

The Magnitude of dieting practice was 73.31% (unhealthy) and 26.69% (healthy), respectively. Being low-income households (P = 0.001), not married (p = 0.001), had a daily meal frequency [AOR: 1.91, 95% CI: (1.04, 2.71), and had poor knowledge of healthy diet AOR: 3.87, 95% CI: (3.23, 5.65)] were associated with unhealthy diets.

Conclusion

The researchers identified unhealthy diet practices were widespread in the study samples of Nekemte populations. Hereafter, community-based lifestyle and Nutrition education through intensive participation of community leaders is highly recommended.

ABO and Rh (D) blood group phenotype distribution pattern among blood donors at the Nekemte Blood Bank, Oromia, West Ethiopia: a retrospective cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the distribution of ABO and Rh (D) blood group phenotypes among blood donors.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled blood donors whose socio-demographic and blood group phenotype data were collected from blood bank donor records. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the number and percentage distribution of categorical variables. To determine if the distributions of the ABO and Rh phenotypes differed, a chi-square test was employed.

RESULTS

Of 14,887 blood donors with a median age of 20 years (interquartile range = 18-30 years), 72.8% were males, and young donors (age range = 18-24 years) accounted for 61.7%. Group O (45.6%) was the most prevalent ABO blood phenotype, followed by A (29.5%), B (20.2%), and AB (4.7%). The dominant blood group was O positive (42.4%), followed by A positive (27.4%), B positive (18.9%), AB positive (4.3%), O negative (3.2%), A negative (2.1%), B negative (1.3%), and AB negative (0.4%). The overall Rh (D)-negative distribution rate was 7.0%.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that blood group O was the most common ABO phenotype, followed by A, B, and AB. Overall, 93.0% of the donors were Rh (D)-positive. These findings may help guide blood transfusion programmes.

Human papillomavirus vaccine uptake and associated factors among adolescent girls in high schools of Nekemte city, Western Ethiopia, 2020

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in adult women in the developing world including Ethiopia. To combat cervical cancer, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that girls aged 9-14 years have to take the human papillomavirus vaccine. However, there is a lack of information regarding the uptake of human papillomavirus vaccine in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine uptake and associated factors among adolescent girls in high schools of Nekemte City, Western Ethiopia, 2020.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design was employed among adolescent girls attending grade 9 and age 15 enrolled at schools in Nekemte City from July 15-30, 2020. Six hundred twenty-six (626) randomly selected adolescent girls were interviewed. The data were entered into Epi Info 7 and analyzed by SPSS 25. Multivariable analysis was computed and a P-value < 0.05 was taken as a cut-off point to declare the statistically significant association.

RESULT

The uptake of the HPV vaccine was 61.2%, 95%CI (57.2%, 65%). The Place where adolescents grow up (AOR = 3.46, 95%CI [1.95,6.15]), having a mobile phone(AOR = 1.71, 95%CI [1.05, 2.79]), ever heard about HPV (AOR = 5.69, 95%CI [1.33, 24.27]), ever heard about HPV vaccine(AOR = 1.917, 95%CI [1.002, 3.667]), Ever had sexual intercourse (AOR = 3.04, 95% [1.49,6.20]) and Perceived risk of towards HPV(AOR = 4.63 [2.49, 8.63]) has shown statistically significant association with Uptake of the HPV vaccine.

CONCLUSION

Nearly two-thirds of the study participants had taken at least one dose of the HPV vaccine. It is better if health information on HPV is disseminated considering the available technology like mobile phones and reaching rural girls.

Urbanization-induced land use/land cover change and its impact on surface temperature and heat fluxes over two major cities in Western Ethiopia

Much of the urbanization that occurs in Africa creates the potential for technological development and economic growth but is also a breeding ground for environmental and health problems. This study was undertaken to evaluate the urban-induced land use/land cover (LULC) change and its contribution to the land surface temperature (LST) and urban heat fluxes from 2001 to 2021. More specifically, the study analyzed different scenarios of LULC change and retrieved the LST to evaluate the trends of the urban heat flux (UHI) in response to the urban-induced LULC change. The analysis of LULC change from 2001 to 2021 indicated that built-up and bare land showed the highest rate of increase at the expense of declining open spaces, agricultural land, and vegetation areas. The built-up areas in Nekemte and Jimma City increased by 929.25 ha (172.75%) and 2285.64 ha (226.93%) over the investigated period, respectively. The highest changes in LULC are seen in built-up areas followed by agricultural land, while the smallest changes are shown by water body followed by bare land. Built-up areas showed the highest net gain, while agricultural land experienced the greatest loss. In areas where the vegetation cover is low, low LST was depicted, and high LST was shown in areas where built-up areas were concentrated in both cities. Due to the LULC changes, the average LST increased by 1.9 °C and 2.2 °C in Nekemte and Jimma City, respectively, over the last 21 years. The urbanization-induced LULC change does not only cause changes in the hydrological process but also changes in the thermal variations and urban heat stress of the two urban centers. The result indicates that the increases in vegetation and green areas are significant in improving the heat stress and thermal characteristics of urban areas. Overall, to achieve sustainable urban development, the integration of land use with urban planning policies could be critical to the resilience of local environment and urban ecosystem.

Surgical management outcome and its associated factors among intestinal obstruction patients admitted to adult surgical ward of Wollega University Referral Hospital, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Globally, bowel obstruction is the most common cause of surgical emergencies. It remains a challenge to healthcare workers in spite of improvements in management techniques. There is a lack of the study to determine the surgical management outcome and its associated factors in the area of study. Hence, this study aimed to determine management outcome and its associated factors among surgically treated intestinal obstruction patients at Wollega University Referral Hospital, 2021.

METHODS

Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among all cases surgically managed for intestinal obstruction between September 1, 2018 and September 1, 2021. Data were collected using a structured checklist. The collected data were checked for completeness and entered into data entry software and then exported to SPSS version 24 for data cleaning and analysis. Both bi-variable and multivariable logistic regressions were run. P-value < 0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association in multivariable logistic regression. The odds ratio along with 95%CI was estimated to measure the strength of the association.

RESULT

116 (59.2%) patients had favorable surgical management outcome for intestinal obstruction. Male sex (AOR = 3.694;95%CI:1.501,9.089), absence of fever (AOR = 2.636; 95%CI:1.124,6.18), ≤ 48 h duration of illness before operation (AOR = 3.045; 95%CI:1.399,6.629), viable intraoperative bowel condition (AOR = 2.372; 95%CI:1.088, 5.175), having bowel resection and anastomosis (AOR = 0.234; 95%CI:0.101,0.544) were the significantly associated factors of the favorable surgical management outcome for intestinal obstruction.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

The favorable management outcome of patients with intestinal obstruction who were treated surgically in this study was low. Factors like sex, fever, short duration of illness, viable intraoperative bowel condition, and bowel resection and anastomosis were found to influence the surgical management outcome of patients with intestinal obstruction. The patient with intestinal obstruction should seek health care on time. Health professionals have to be skilled and provide appropriate care for the patients to reduce the risk of complications.

Application of Donabedian quality-of-care framework to assess quality of neonatal resuscitation, its outcome, and associated factors among resuscitated newborns at public hospitals of East Wollega zone, Oromia, Western Ethiopia, 2021

Background

Globally more than 650,000 newborns died on their first day of life from birth asphyxia. The outcome of an asphyxiated newborn depends on the quality of care they received at birth. However, the quality of care newborns received at birth may be below the WHO resuscitation standard. The reason for the poor quality of care is unclear. The Donabedian model, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is an appropriate framework for health care assessment that focuses on improving the quality of care. So this study aims to assess the quality of neonatal resuscitation, outcome, and its associated factors among newborns with birth asphyxia at public hospitals in the East Wollega zone, 2021.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted to observe 410 asphyxiated newborns using consecutive sampling methods. Data was gathered using a pretested structured questionnaire and checklist. Epi-data version 3.1 was used to enter data, which was subsequently exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 for analysis. A logistic regression model was employed to determine the variables associated with the outcome variable. The adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was calculated, and all variables associated with the outcome variable with a p-value less than 0.05 in multivariable analysis were determined to be significant factors for the outcome of resuscitated newborns.

Result

A total of 410 asphyxiated newborns were included in this study with a response rate of 97%. From this 87.6% of resuscitated newborns survived. Keeping baby warm [AOR = 6.9; CI (3.1, 15.6)] is associated significantly with increased chances of survival while meconium presence in the airway [AOR = 0.26; CI (0.1, 0.6)], prematurity [AOR = 0.24; CI (0.12, 0.48)], and presence of cord prolapse [AOR = 0.08; CI (0.03, 0.19)] were factors significantly associated with decreased survival of resuscitated newborns at 1 h of life.

Conclusion

Newborns who were kept warm were more likely to survive compared to their counterparts. While the presence of meconium in the airway, preterm, and cord prolapse was associated with the decreased survival status of newborns. Facilitating referral linkage in the event of cord prolapse, counseling on early antenatal care initiation to decrease adverse outcomes (prematurity), and neonatal resuscitation refresher training is strongly recommended.

Emergency Contraceptive Pill Use and its Impact on Condom Utilization Among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) prevent unplanned pregnancy but not sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the practice of ECP may affect condom use. This study, therefore, aimed to assess ECP use and its impact on condom utilization among female students of private universities in Nekemte town, western Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 female students in three different private universities from February 1 to 28, 2019. Study samples were selected through simple random sampling technique. Data collected from a structured self-administered questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to determine factors associated with condom utilization, and statistical significance was set at 95% confidence interval (CI) using a p-value of <0.05 as a cutoff point.

Results

The response rate was 95.3% (381/400). Overall, 51.4% (196/381; 95% CI = 45.1%, 57.7%) had awareness of ECP. Besides, 186 (48.8%) students reported history of sexual intercourse, of which 115 (61.8%) have ever practiced ECP and 96 (51.6%) have ever used condom. However, only 11 (5.9%) have ever utilized ECP and condom concurrently. Use of ECPs (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.164, 0.632; p = 0.001), belief that condom prevents STI (AOR = 3.17; 95% CI = 1.045, 8.646; p = 0.041) and thought that ECP does not prevent STI (AOR = 2.217; 95% CI = 1.172, 4.59; p = 0.032) had statistically significant association with condom utilization.

Conclusion

The practice of ECP was average, while dual method contraception use was low in the study area. History of ECP use and beliefs that ECP is not effective to prevent STI or condom protects against STI were factors associated with condom use.

Central obesity and its predictors among adults in Nekemte town, West Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Abdominal obesity is emerging as a major contributor to the worsening of non-communicable diseases. There is a dearth of data on central obesity among adults in Ethiopia in general and in the study area in particular. The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of central obesity and its predictors among adults in Nekemte, Ethiopia.

METHODS

Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Nekemte town from March to April 2020. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 466 study participants. Interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were entered into Epi Data 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS Version 25. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify candidate variables at p < 0.25. Finally, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent predictors of central obesity at p < 0.05 with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Prevalence of central obesity in this study was found to be 28.4% (95% CI 24.5-32.6). Where, the prevalence was higher among females (37%) than males (18%). Being a female (AOR = 5.59, 95% CI 2.95-10.57), age range of 40-49 years (AOR = 4.91, 95% CI 2.17-11.13), ⩾ 50 years (AOR = 8.16, 95% CI 3.21-20.72), being in marriage (AOR = 9.306, 95% CI 4.23-20.44), highest wealth status (AOR = 7.94, 95% CI 3.76-16.76), consumption of fast foods (AOR = 3.022, 95% CI 1.375-6.64), and lack of knowledge about obesity (AOR = 3.39, 95% CI 1.93-5.95) were factors associated with central obesity.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed a moderate prevalence of central obesity in the study area. Being a female, older age, being in marriage, richest household wealth status, consumption of fast foods, and lack of knowledge on obesity were identified as factors associated with central obesity. Comprehensive health education and promotion on healthy diet should be encouraged focusing on females, married individuals, and older ages.

Determinants of first-line antiretroviral treatment failure among adult HIV patients at Nekemte Specialized Hospital, Western Ethiopia: Unmatched case-control study

OBJECTIVE

In Ethiopia, only a few studies were conducted to determine factors contributing to antiretroviral treatment failure, in general, and there are no published data in the study area, in particular. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the determinants of first-line treatment failure among adult HIV patients on antiretroviral treatment at Nekemte Specialized Hospital, western Ethiopia.

METHODS

The hospital-based 1:2 unmatched case-control study was conducted in Nekemte Specialized Hospital from 1 August to 30 September, 2019, on 252 HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral treatment (86 cases and 166 controls). Cases were selected from patients who were switched to second-line antiretroviral treatment regimen after first-line antiretroviral treatment failure. Controls were from those who are on the first-line antiretroviral regimens for at least 6 months. Data were collected by two trained clinical nurses. Record review and an interviewer-administered questionnaire were used to collect data. Data were entered into Epi-Data, version 7.2.2, and then exported to SPSS, version 25, for analysis. The association between treatment failure and each covariate was assessed by bivariate analysis to identify candidate variables at p value < 0.25. All candidate variables were entered into multivariate analysis done in stepwise backward likelihood ratio to declare statistical significance association at p value < 0.05, 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

Data from a total of 252 (86 cases and 166 controls) patients were extracted at a response rate of 98.4%. Statistically higher odds of first-line treatment failure were observed among those who started treatment at an advanced stage (Baseline World Health Organization stage 3 o r4 (adjusted odds ratio = 3.12, 95% confidence interval: 1.55-6.26), lower Baseline CD4 count < 100 cells (adjusted odds ratio = 3.06, 95 % confidence interval: 1.45-6.50), lack of participation in a support group (adjusted odds ratio = 4.03, 95% confidence interval: 1.98-8.21), history of antiretroviral treatment discontinuation for greater than 1 month (adjusted odds ratio = 2.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.17-4.78) and poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment (adjusted odds ratio = 3.09, 95% confidence interval: 1.54-6.19).

CONCLUSION

Antiretroviral treatment initiation at an advanced stage, lower CD4 count, no participation in a support group, and poor adherence were determinants of treatment first-line antiretroviral treatment failure. Therefore, health care providers and program developers should give special attention to; early diagnosis and start of treatment, encouraging patients to participate in a support group, trace patients early, and attentively follow patients to improve their adherence to antiretroviral treatment.

High Perceived Stigma Among People Living with HIV/AIDS in a Resource Limited Setting in Western Ethiopia: The Effect of Depression and Low Social Support

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is only one part of a successful range of care among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Stigma and low social support are emerging issues worsening the success of ART for PLWHA. This study thus aimed to investigate the level of perceived stigma among PLWHA.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Nekemte, western Ethiopia. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify associations between perceived stigma and low social support, depression, and other potential predictor variables using SPSS version 24.0 and adjusted odds ratios (AORs), considering statistical significance at p<0.05.

Results

A total of 418 study participants were included in the study, with a response rate of 100%. About 48.6% of PLWHA had experienced perceived stigma, and more than two-fifths had poor social support. The following factors were associated with perceived stigma among PLWHA: age (18-29 years) (AOR=4.88, 95% CI:1.76-13.5), female sex (AOR=2.10, 95% CI 1.15-3.82), <12 months on ART (AOR=2.63, 95% CI 1.09-6.34), depression (AOR=1.86, 95% CI 1.08-3.19), social support (poor: AOR=3.45, 95% CI 1.65-7.23; medium: AOR=2.22, 95% CI 1.09-4.54), and non-disclosure of HIV status (AOR=2.00, 95% CI 1.11-3.59).

Conclusion and Recommendation

The magnitude of perceived stigma among PLWHA was high, highlighting the importance of integrating social and mental health support within standard ART for PLWHA.

Determinants of Maternal Near Miss in Western Ethiopia

Background

Analysis of maternal near miss events and identification of factors resulting in maternal death are vital to improve the quality of obstetric care in any given setting. This study is aimed to determine the magnitude of maternal miss and identify its determinants.

Methods

A hospital-based unmatched case-control study design was used. Sixty one maternal near misses (as cases) and 122 mothers who had a normal obstetric outcome (as controls) at obstetrics and gynecology ward of Nekemte Referral Hospital were included from May 1st, 2018 to July 31st, 2018. The criteria set by the World Health Organization were used to identify maternal near miss cases. The data were collected via face-to-face interviews using pretested structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 22. For every case, two controls were recruited. Descriptive statistics and logistic regressions were used. A 95% CI and p-value of <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.

Result

The magnitude of maternal near miss was 4.97%. Factors including multigravidity (AOR= 3.84, 95% CI: 1.23–11.91), lack of antenatal care (AOR=6.02, 95% CI: 1.55–23.28), delays in accessing health facility (AOR=12, 95% CI: 2.55–56.57) and induction of labor (AOR =9.4, 95% CI: 2.97–29.71) were strongly associated with maternal near miss. Hypertension during pregnancy (40.9%) and obstetric hemorrhage (39.3%) were identified as the major causes of maternal near miss.

Conclusion

The magnitude of maternal near miss was high but lower compared to magnitude in other parts of Ethiopia, and numerous preventable determinant factors were identified.

Risk factors and outcomes of diabetic foot ulcer among diabetes mellitus patients admitted to Nekemte referral hospital, western Ethiopia: Prospective observational study

Objectives

Diabetic foot ulcer is one of the complications of diabetes mellitus. The diabetic patients with foot infections especially gangrene require long-term hospitalization and carry the risk of limb amputation. Despite these challenges, there are a scarce studies done on risk factors and no finding on outcomes of diabetic foot ulcers in Ethiopia.

Patients and methods

A prospective observational study was conducted among diabetes patients with diabetic foot ulcer at Nekemte referral hospital from March 15 to June 15, 2018.

Results

Of the 115 diabetes foot ulcer patients admitted to Nekemte referral hospital, 64(55.65%) were males and the mean age of participants was 44.4 ± 14.7 years. Fifty-eight (50.43%) of the patients had chronic health problems and 56(48.69%) had diabetic complications. Of patients with complications, 35(30.43%) were undergone amputations. Diabetic foot ulcer grade ≥4 (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.604, 4.789), inappropriate antibiotics use (AOR = 2.526; 95% CI: 1.767, 8.314), overweight (AOR = 2.767; 95% CI: 1.827, 9.252), obesity (AOR = 3.020; 95% CI: 2.556, 16.397), poor blood glucose control (AOR = 2.592; 95% CI: 1.937, 7.168) and neuropathy (AOR = 1.565; 95% CI: 1.508, 4.822) were predictors of amputation up on multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion

Blood glucose level, higher body mass index, inappropriate antibiotics use, neuropathy and advanced grade of diabetic foot ulcer were independent predictors of amputation. Thus, special emphasis for patients having neuropathy and advanced grade of diabetic foot ulcer as well as weight reduction, managing hyperglycaemia, and appropriate antibiotics prescription practice would decrease untoward effects of diabetic foot ulcer.

•

Foot problems are common in people with diabetes throughout the world, affecting up to 15% of diabetic patients.

•

Diabetic foot complications is the major medical, social and economic problem for all types of diabetes.

•

Advanced diabetes foot infections are the most common diabetes-related cause of hospitalization.

•

Empiric antibiotic regimen is selected for diabetic foot infections on the basis of the likely etiologic agent(s).

•

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is present in one-half of all patients with foot ulcers.

The case of Nekemte town: mixed methods study

Objectives

Globally, the research knowledge gap exists in the sexual reproductive health (SRH) services of street adolescents. The intensity of the problem is high in settings like Ethiopia, where there are limited access and integration of services. This study aimed at exploring risky sexual behaviors, needs, and barriers of SRH services among street adolescents in Nekemte town. A community-based cross-sectional study design with mixed approaches was used on a sample size of 219 street adolescents. Supplementary qualitative data of 24 in-depth interviews were collected from the street adolescents and SRH service providers. Time-location sampling or venue sampling technique (VDT) was used for a quantitative study. Quantitative data were analyzed by SPSS version 24.0.

Results

About 93% of street adolescents reported difficulty in accessing contraceptives. Behavioral change and sustainable access to SRH services are lacking among street adolescents. The Knowledge gap is more evident in early adolescents (10–13) period than the other classes. In general, street adolescents are deprived of access to SRH services. Mobile and flexible access to contraceptives should be designed targeting street adolescents.

Physical, behavioral and sociodemographic determinants of hypertension among the adult population in Nekemte town, western Ethiopia: community based study

Objectives

Hypertension is a growing public health problem in many developing countries. However, there is an insufficiency of scientific evidence on the prevalence of hypertension (HTN) at a community level in the study area. The aim of the study was exploring the prevalence and associated factors of hypertension among adults in Nekemte town, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 711 adults who were selected by the multistage sampling procedure. Height, weight, blood pressure and waist circumference were measured with standard procedures. Data were analyzed by statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20, and multiple logistic regression model was used to determine the independent risk factors for hypertension.

Result

The overall prevalence of hypertension was 34.9% among the adult population. Of them, only 52.7% know their status, and 22.4% were on antihypertensive medication. The prevalence of hypertension was higher among the older aged; AOR 5.85 (95% CI 1.74–20), Obese and over-weighted; (AOR 1.71 (95% CI 1.09–2.67)), Khat chewers in the past year; AOR 2.44 (95% CI 1.05–5.68), and with higher formal education (college and above); AOR 2.75 (95% CI 1.26–6.03) than their respective counterparts. Community-level prevention and treatment of hypertension should get due attention.

Under nutrition as a predictor of poor academic performance; the case of Nekemte primary schools students, Western Ethiopia

OBJECTIVE

Though gradual improvements are exist; Ethiopia's learning outcomes are still low in primary schools. Academic achievement of school age children can be affected by several factors such as nutritional status, socio-economic and demographic factors. The aim of this study was to assess predictors of poor academic performance in Nekemte Primary school students, Western Ethiopia.

RESULTS

A total of 362 schoolchildren and their parents were involved in the study. The study involved interviewing the participants and their parents, anthropometric measurement of participants and their document review. The prevalence of stunting and underweight was 30.2% and 45.9% respectively. Of the total study participants, 32.2% of them were poor in academic achievement. Variables like Being underweight (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.57; 95% Confidence interval (CI) 0.23-0.82), Skipping breakfast (AOR: 2.1; 95% CI 1.42-5.76), stunting (AOR: 0.66; 95% CI 0.12-0.93), being male (AOR: 2.8; 95% CI 1.79-4.52), participants whom mothers didn't attend formal education (AOR: 0.62; 95% CI 0.37-0.92) were significantly associated with academic performance. Thus, Modifiable factors like under nutrition should be a great concern to improve the overall achievement of children in schooling.

Clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes among stroke patients hospitalized to Nekemte referral hospital, western Ethiopia

OBJECTIVES

Stroke is the brain equivalent of a heart attack. It is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is a prominent cause of death, disability and dementia in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes among hospitalized stroke patients at Nekemte referral hospital (NRH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective cross sectional study design was conducted on randomly selected stroke patients admitted to medical wards of NRH from 2013 to 2017.

RESULTS

Among 364 patients included in the study, 208 (57.1%) were males and the mean age of the patients was 59.66 ± 13.4 years. Regarding types of stroke, 192 (52.7%) were diagnosed as having ischemic stroke. During admission 132 (36.3%) patients complained left side body weakness (hemiparesis) and the major risk factor identified was hypertension 230 (63.2%). Overall, 65.4% of patients had poor outcome while 34.6% of patients had good out comes (improved). Being illiterate /unable to read and write (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI: 1.31-11.76, P = 0.01), attending secondary school (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.4-9.17, P = 0.007) and length of hospital stay >5 days (AOR = 2, 95% CI: 1.04-3.86, P = 0.037) were independent predictors of poor treatment outcome.

CONCLUSION

About two third of the patients had poor treatment outcome. Educational status and mean length of hospital stays were independent predictors of poor treatment out-comes. An emergency care setup capable of early patient evaluation, identification and management of stroke complications is crucial to overcome early stroke related mortality.

Medication prescribing errors among hospitalized pediatric patients at Nekemte Referral Hospital, western Ethiopia: cross-sectional study

Objective

Incidence and clinical outcomes of medication prescribing errors are common and potentially more harmful in the pediatric population than in the adult population. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence and types of medication prescribing errors in the pediatric wards of Nekemte Referral Hospital (NRH).

Results

Of 384 pediatric patients included in the study, 241 (63%) were males and 116 (30.21%) of them were aged between 1–3 years. About 241 (62.76%) of the patients were treated based on empirical diagnosis and only 10 (2.60%) pediatrics had co-morbid disease. The most category of medication prescribing error was dosing error 251 (48.6%) followed by incorrect drug selection 98 (19.0%). Being critically ill (AOR = 5.31, 95% CI = 1.80–12.31, p = 0.003), route of administration via IV (AOR = 3.98, 95% CI = 1.85–11.15, p = 0.011) and via IV + IM route (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.05–9.25, p = 0.045) as well as 4–6 medications per patient (AOR = 3.10, 95% CI = 3.43–12.42, p = 0.012) and > 6 medications per patient (AOR = 7.23, 95% CI = 3.91–21.45, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of medication prescribing errors. Antibiotics were the most common classes of drugs responsible for prescribing errors.

Prevalence and drug susceptibility pattern of group B Streptococci (GBS) among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) in Nekemte Referral Hospital (NRH), Nekemte, Ethiopia

Objective

The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and drug susceptibility pattern of group B Streptococci (GBS) among pregnant women. The specific objectives include; (1) To determine the prevalence of GBS colonization among pregnant women (2) To determine the drug susceptibility pattern of GBS among pregnant women and (3) To identify associated risk factors with GBS colonization among pregnant women.

Results

The median age of the participants was 24.5 years (range 16–38) and 86% participants were urban residents. The total prevalence of maternal GBS colonization from vaginal swab culture was 12.2% (22/180). The prevalence of GBS colonization rate was significantly higher in those pregnant women above 37 weeks of gestation [AOR, 95% CI 2.1 (1.2, 11.6), P = 0.03] and married ones [AOR, 95% CI 3.2 (1.8, 11.6), P < 0.021]. Twenty (91%) of GBS isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and the highest resistance was observed against penicillin G (77.3%). The prevalence of GBS colonization in this study was significantly high and differed by gestational age and marital status. None of the GBS isolates were resistant to vancomycin but higher resistance was shown against Penicillin G.