College of Health Sciences
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Item Immunomodulatory Activity Evaluation of Polysaccharides from Maerua Subcordata (Gilg) Dewolf Tuber(Mekelle University, 2025-05-25) Werkey Araya TekleargisA robust, well-functioning immune system is the cornerstone of good health. The rising prevalence of infectious diseases and immune-related disorders underscores the urgent need for effective therapeutic solutions. Plant derived immunomodulators offer promi sing alternatives, enhancing immune responses with less toxicity and fewer side effects as compared to synthetic drugs. This study investigated the chemical characterization and immu nomodulatory activity evaluation of polysaccharides extracted from the tuber of Maerua subcordata. Polysaccharides were extracted from the tuber of M. subcordata using hot water extraction, followed by the addition of ethanol and centrifugation. Carbon clearance and humoral antibody titer (HAT) tests were used to evaluate the in vivo immunomodulatory activity of both the crude drug and the polysaccharide fraction. The crude drug and the polysaccharide fraction were tested at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg in Swiss Albino mice. The chemical nature of the polysaccharide fraction was characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UVVis) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The polysaccharide fraction at 400 mg/kg bw has the maximum effect (P<0.05) on the carbon clearance rate. It increased the elimination of carbon particles by 0.1272±0.03763. The crude drug and the polysaccharide fraction increased the level of HAT against sheep red blood cell (SRBC) in comparison to the vehicle control group. Particularly, the polysaccharide fract ion at 400 mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) increases the level of mean secondary HAT (160.00 ±32.00) against SRBC, which is slightly greater than levamisole-treated groups. The FTIR analysis of polysaccharides shows the existence of various functional groups, such as alkenes, alkanes, alcohol, ether, carboxylic acid, amine, and carbonyl groups in the polysaccharide fraction. The crude drug mainly, the polysaccharide fractions exhibited promising immunostimulant activity by enhancing carbon clearance rate and humoral antibody titer tests.Item Assessment and Comparison of Serum Electrolyte Level among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients with and without HIV Co-infection at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2023/2024(Mekelle University, 2025-01-25) Tsegay G/her BirhaneAccording to a World Health Organization report from 2021, tuberculosis is a primary cause of morbidity and one of the top causes of mortality globally. It has been discovered that electrolyte and fluid imbalances, which are common in tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, have a significant role in morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess and compare serum electrolyte level among pulmonary tuberculosis patients with or without HIV co-infection at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, North Ethiopia. A comparative cross-sectional study utilizing a convenience sampling technique was used to sample 50 pulmonary tuberculosis patients with or without HIV co-infection at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in the period from October 2023 to December 2024. HIV-PTB co-infected patients and PTB without HIV co-infection who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using an interviewer administered structured questionnaire and medical record review. K-Light electrolyte analyser automachine analyser was used to determine the serum electrolyte status of pulmonary tuberculosis patients with or without HIV co-infection directly by taking 3 milliliters of venous blood. After checking for completeness and cleaning, the data were entered into Epi-data version 4.5 and exported into the SPSS software version 25 package for analysis, and the different variables were analyzed. Linear Regression was used to assess the relationship of anti-TB and ART Rx duration with serum electrolyte level. This study found that serum sodium levels were significantly higher in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients compared to those co-infected with HIV (132.65±4.15 vs. 130.28±4.09 mEq/L; p = 0.047). Conversely, serum potassium levels were significantly elevated in HIV-PTB coinfected patients (5.05±0.75 vs. 3.83±0.59 mEq/L; p = 0.000), and serum chloride levels were higher in PTB patients without HIV co-infection (103.42±3.16 vs. 100.61±5.10 mEq/L; p = 0.023). The study highlights the significantly higher level of serum sodium in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients without HIV co-infection compared to those co-infected with HIV. This study also showed a significantly higher level of serum potassium in HIV-PTB co-infected patients and significantly higher chloride level in PTB patients without HIV co-infection.Item UNINTENDED PREGNANCY AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE IN MEKELLE CITY PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES, TIGRAY REGION, ETHIOPIA, 2025(Mekelle University, 2025-04-28) TSEGA WELEGEBRIALUnintended pregnancy is an important public health problem for women of child - bearing age, because of its negative impacts on health and social for both mothers and children. Unintended pregnancy causes maternal mortality and morbidity. Worldwide, although unplanned pregnancies seem to be decreasing, 38% of pregnancies are unintended. In sub-Saharan Africa, unintended pregnancy accounts for more than a quarter of the 40 million pregnancies that occur annually. In Ethiopia, about 17% and 8% of pregnancies are mistimed and unwanted, respectively. But, there is lack of information particularity post-conflict recovery in the study area on the prevalence of unintended pregnancy and its associated factors. To assess the prevalence and associated factors of unintended pregnancy among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Mekelle City Public Health Facility, Tigray region, Ethiopia, 2025. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 Pregnant women attending ANC in Mekelle City Public Health Facility. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study health facilities and a systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data was collected via face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Data were entered into SPSS version 25 for analysis. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyzes were used to identify the association. Variables that showed a P-value of less than 0.25 during the bivariate analysis were used and were entered into a multivariate logistic regression model to identify their independent effects. Odds ratio with a 95% CI & p value of less than 0.05 were computed to assess the presence and degree of statistical association between dependent and independent variables. The overall magnitude of unintended pregnancy was 32.7% with 95% CI (27.9, 38.1). Of those, 89.1% were mistimed and 10.9% were unwanted. The multiple logistic regression results revealed that, age group from 15 to 24 (AOR=4.702,95% CI 1.948,11.348). The women and husband’s decision in the family planning (AOR=0.292,95% CI 0.155,0.551), family size of 3-5(AOR=2.730,95%CI 1.512,4.930) and family size of≥6(AOR=3.967,95%CI 1.228,12.817), no formal education (AOR=3.336, 95%CI 1.340,8.308) were significantly associated with unintended pregnancy. There is no single factor accounted for the relatively high of unintended pregnancy rather many factors were interwoven to affect the event. Efforts should be made to scale up shared decision-making power in family planning services and there is the need to promote family planning services and awareness to minimize unintended pregnancy.Item EVALUATION OF ANTIDIARRHEAL ACTIVITY OF 80% METHANOLIC STEM BARK EXTRACT OF TERMINALIA BROWNII FRESEN (COMBRETACEAE)(Mekelle University, 2025-04-25) Selamawit TesfamariamTerminalia brownii is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Africa to manage diarrhea. Despite its ethnomedicinal significance, the safety and efficacy of its extracts remain underexplored in preclinical studies. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiarrheal properties and acute toxicity of an 80% methanolic stem bark extract of Termination brownii to bridge this scientific gap. The antidiarrheal activity of the 80% methanolic extract of Terminalia brownii was assessed using three models: the castor oil-induced diarrheal model, charcoal meal test, and enteropooling test in mice. Negative controls were treated with distilled water (10 mL/kg, oral), Test groups received the extract orally at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. while positive controls received loperamide hydrochloride (3 mg/kg, oral). The extract delayed the onset of diarrhea and reduced the number and weight of wet feces, as well as total fecal weight, in a dose-dependent manner in the castor oil-induced diarrhea model. The diarrheal inhibition percentages were 28%, 53.42%, and 74.12% at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg, respectively, demonstrating a substantial dose-dependent increase in efficacy.The extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg demonstrated peristaltic indices of 54.5% and 37.3%, respectively, alongside significant inhibition of charcoal transit (39.5% and 58.9%) in the charcoal meal test. In the enteropooling test, the 400 mg/kg dose significantly reduced intestinal content weight and volume to 0.29 g and 0.24 mL, respectively, comparable to the loperamide-treated group (0.28 g and 0.22 mL). The in vivo antidiarrheal index revealed diarrhea inhibition values of 20.87%, 56.06%, and 86.81% for the extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively) and 92.77% for loperamide (3 mg/kg). This study demonstrated that the 80% methanolic stem bark extract of Terminalia brownii has significant antidiarrheal effects, validating its traditional use. The mechanism of action and long-term toxicity remain uncharacterized. Future studies should isolate bioactive compounds, assess chronic toxicity, and conduct clinical trials to confirm human efficacy. They should also focus on elucidating the mechanism of action behind the antidiarrheal effect.Item Assessment of Blood Glucose Level and Lipid Profiles among Hormonal Contraceptive Users in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, 2024(Mekelle University, 2024-12-25) Seare TeklayHormonal contraceptives have been observed to affect and induce changes in blood glucose level and lipid profiles. Studies have been shown that hormonal contraceptive is suggested to trigger changes in blood glucose level and lipid profiles.To assess blood glucose level and lipid profile among hormonal contraceptive users at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, 2023/2024. Comparative cross-sectional study design was carried out on 57 hormonal contraceptive users and 57 age-matched non-users, in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from July 2023 to October 2024. Fasting blood samples for the estimation of TC, TG, HDL-c, LDL-c and FBS levels were collected. Data was entered using Epi-data software version 4.5 and analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Student's independent t-test was used to compare the results. A one-way ANOVA was used to identify the variation in the lipid profile and FBS between oral contraceptive pills, DMPAs and implant users. Simple linear regression was used to determine the changes in blood glucose and lipid profile in relation to the duration of hormonal contraceptive use. The mean serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-c, and FBS were significantly greater in hormonal contraceptive users than in non-users (P =0.005, P =0.000, P =0.003, and P =0.012, respectively), and the mean serum HDL-c level was significantly lower than that in controls (P =0.002). The mean serum levels of TG, LDL-c, and HDL-c were significantly different between DMPA, implant, and OCP users (P =0.000, P =0.031, and P =0.001, respectively). Compared with OCP and implant users, DMPA users had the highest mean serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-c but had the lowest mean serum levels of HDL-c. As the duration of oral contraception and DMPA use increased the serum levels of TG and LDL-c increased (P = 0.017 and P = 0.014 respectively), whereas the serum level of HDL-c decreased (P = 0.01). The serum levels of LDL-c increased as the duration of implant use increased (p = 0.017). As the duration of DMPA use increases, the serum level of FBS moderately increases (p =0.000). Over all, hormonal contraceptive use results in changes in the mean serum lipid profile and FBS level. DMPA produces more change on mean serum lipid profiles and FBS than the other types are, and implants have a minimal effect on the level of all lipid profiles.Item PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SPONTANEOUS PRETERM BIRTH AMONG MOTHERS WHO DELIVERED IN PUBLIC GENERAL AND REFERRAL HOSPITALS OF TIGRAY REGION, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA, 2024(Mekelle University, 2025-01-28) PAWLOS TEKIAPreterm birth has been referring to as babies born alive before 37 weeks or before 259 days of gestation of pregnancy are completed. Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. the magnitude of PTB remains a major issue in most developing countries including Ethiopia. To assess the prevalence of spontaneous preterm birth and associated factors among women’s giving birth in Tigray region, North Ethiopia in 2024. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was undertaken from November to December 2024. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 325 mother. The data were collected using kobo toolbox by interviewing the mothers and reviewing their charts using a structured and pretested questionnaire. The outcome variable was spontaneous preterm birth. Data were export from Kobo Toolbox to Excel then to SSPS version 27. Then analyzed using SSPS version 27. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to determine the risk factors associated with premature birth. Variables statistically significant in Bivariate analysis at p-value less than 0.25 were taken to the multivariable logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression was done to identify the associated factors of spontaneous preterm birth at P-value < 0.05 were considered reliable for the analysis of this study. in this study, the prevalence of spontaneous preterm birth was 25.2 % (95% CI: 20.48, 29.92%). In multivariable logistic regression model; multiple gestation(AOR) =0.069: 95% CI 0.023–0.206), inadequate iron folate supplementation (AOR = 6.019% CI 1.568–23.105), PROM (AOR = 7.680: 95%CI 3.044–19.378), PIH (AOR = 3.554:95% CI 1.325–9.532), and UTI during pregnancy (AOR = 2.589: 95% CI 1.970–6.912) were significantly associated with preterm birth. The present study found that multiple gestation, inadequate iron folate supplementation, PROM, PIH and UTI during pregnancy were factors associated with preterm birth. Ensure that all pregnant women receive comprehensive ANC services with a focus on monitoring high risk pregnancy like multiple pregnancy, those with history of PROM, PIH, screening and treating infections such as UTI and providing adequate iron folate supplementation for at least three months during pregnancy is decisive.Item Parasitic contamination of raw vegetables and associated risk factors at production sites, markets, and street food vendors in urban and peri-urban areas of Mekelle and South Eastern Zone of Tigray(Mekelle University, 2025-03-25) Mulaw WeldeslassieFor a healthy diet, people have been encouraged to eat lots of raw (fresh) vegetables and these can serve as vehicles of transmitting enteric parasitic pathogens throughout the process of planting to consumption. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of parasitic contamination of raw vegetables and associated risk factors at production sites, markets and street food vendors in urban and peri-urban areas of Mekelle and South Eastern Zone of Tigray. To determine the prevalence of parasitic contamination of raw vegetables and associated risk factors at production sites, markets and street food vendors in urban and periurban areas of Mekelle and South Eastern Zone of Tigray. The study was conducted from July/2024-October30/2024 at the urban and peri urban areas of Mekelle and adjacent villages of South Eastern Zone of Tigray. The samples were collected from three different sites. These sites are the farm (production sites), markets (including street vendors) where these vegetables are sold and street food vendors where these vegetables are sold as a food where they are co nsumed at that point. A total of 13 sites were visited to collect vegetables. The samples was transported to the laboratory for parasitological analysis. Besides, samples of sludge and refreshing water was collected and analyzed for the presence of parasites. Moreover, information on socio-demographic and other risk factors was collected from the owners/sellers and the immediate environment. Data was coded, cleaned before and entered using SPSS 27.0 version for statistical analysis. This study found a 62.6% prevalence of parasitic contamination in raw vegetables, with B. coli (35%) and S. stercoralis (25%) being the most common. Lettuce had the highest contamination rate (95.8%), followed by beetroot (76.6%) and cabbage (56.5%).and the study identified several factors contributing to contamination, including poor hygiene practices, unhygienic environments, and inadequate washing of vegetables. The level of parasitic contamination of raw vegetables in Mekelle city and its suburb is of public health importance. Hence, the public health sector should create public awareness in order to reduce parasitic transmission via consumption of raw vegetables. The project was accomplished within a period of 4 months starting from July/2024 to October 2024Item Assessment of Magnitude and Determinants of Prediabetes among Commercial Bank Workers in Shire Endaslasie Town, Tigray, North Ethiopia, 2023/2024(Mekelle University, 2025-03-25) Kibrom Tamene BerheGlobally, the prevalence of prediabetes across various occupational groups and its relationship with an occupational factor is a topic of recent interest. Physical inactivity, long working hours, and workload stress were mentioned to play a big role in the development of prediabetes. Thus, bank workers who are always subjected to physical inactivity, long working hours, and workload stress are at risk of developing prediabetes. The aim of this study was to assess magnitude and determinant of prediabets among Commercial Bank of Ethiopian workers at Shire Endaslasie Branch between November 2023 and April 2024. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a systematic random sampling technique. The study populations were all Commercial Bank of Ethiopia workers at Shire Endaslasie town who had worked at least one year and above as bank workers. The total sample size for the study was 111. The data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, physical examinations, and blood samples by using the WHO stepwise approach. Data were entered into SPSS version 20.0. The entered data were cleaned and analyzed. Frequency distributions, percentages, tables, and charts were used to show the results of univariate analysis. Cross-tabulation, chi-square tests, and 95% confidence intervals are used to present results of bivariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to control for potential confounding variables. Out of 111 eligible subjects, 105 (93.3%) commercial bank of Ethiopia workers participated in this study. Of the total subjects tested for fasting blood glucose level, the prevalence of impaired glucose (IFG) was 21.4% and 3.6% were undiagnosed diabetes. The history of alcohol intake (P = 0.041, AOR 14.6 (1.11-191.1)), having a history of physical inactivity (P = 0.014, AOR = 60 (2.29-159.3)), hypertension (P = 0.013, AOR = 1.694 (1.116-2.572)), and body mass index (P = 0.013, AOR = 1.694 (1.116-2.572)) were found to have statistical significance association with the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose among the study participants. in this study nearly one in five commercial banks employees have prediabetes, in addition to this Unhealthy lifestyle such as heavy alcohol use , physical inactivity and related derangements like elevated BMI and hypertension had significant associations with prediabetes. Hence, education on lifestyle modification and provision of targeted care & support is imperative to reduce the risk.Item QUALITY AND SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF IMMEDIATE POSTPARTUM CARE IN ETHIOPIA: A MULTILEVEL ANALYSIS USING PERFORMANCE MONITORING FOR ACTION ETHIOPIA 2023 DATA(Mekelle University, 2024-11-28) HAFTAAB ASHEBThe immediate postpartum period is associated with a significantly increased risk of morbidity and mortality for both the mothers and newborns. Providing quality immediate postpartum care helps reduce negative outcomes. Most studies conducted in Ethiopia have identified factors associated with postnatal care utilization. However, no evidence links household and community data to service delivery points and their geographic distribution, which are necessary to assess the quality of immediate postpartum care. To assess the quality and spatial distribution of immediate postpartum care in Ethiopia, 2024. We used a cohort of household and facility data from the National Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia study, which was conducted in 2023 across four major regions (Amhara, Oromia, South Ethiopia, and Addis Ababa). A total of 1,351 postpartum women and their newborns were linked to the nearest 264 health facilities. A multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was employed to assess contextual factors. The adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to measure the associations between variables, with statistical significance set at P<0.05. The SaTScan V.10.2.5 and ArcGIS V.10.8 geostatistical software were used to explore the spatial distribution and interpolation of the quality of immediate postpartum care. The quality of immediate postpartum care among women and their newborns was 29.8% (95% CI 27%- 32%), ranging from 14.1% in Southern Ethiopia to 40.9% in Addis Ababa. In the multivariable multilevel analysis, religion (AOR=0.51; 95% CI 0.31-0.83), antenatal care visits (AOR=1.78; 95% CI 1.08-2.95), cesarean delivery (AOR=0.45; 95% CI 0.27-0.76), being attended by a nurse/midwife (AOR=1.96; 95% CI 1.26-3.03), urban residence (AOR=1.85; 95% CI 1.05-3.25), birth at private hospitals/clinics (AOR=4.12; 95% CI 2.07-8.51), and higher community media exposure (AOR=2.99; 95% CI 1.76-5.06) were significant predictors of the quality of immediate postpartum care. The spatial distribution of the quality of care varied significantly across regions, with a global Moran’s I = 0.99, P=0.001. Significant hotspots of good-quality care were detected in Addis Ababa. The quality of immediate postpartum care was low in Ethiopia, with significant spatial variation across the country. Therefore, public health interventions should be designed for areas where the quality is low to reduce maternal and newborn mortality by increasing antenatal care visits, increasing community media exposure, and strengthening health systems in rural areas.Item CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS OF GLYCEMIC CONTROL AMONG ADULTS WITH DIABETES IN AYDER COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL(Mekelle University, 2025-04-25) Filmon Beyenne DemozDiabetes mellitus is a public health concern in developed and developing countries. Currently, attaining the intended glycemic control in adult patients with diabetes is challenging more in lower income countries. This study aimed to evaluate the challenges and barriers of controlling glycated hemoglobin among adult patients with diabetes in diabetes clinic, Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle University. The study also aimed to evaluate associated factors of knowledge, medication adherence, and self-care practice of the same patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in diabetes clinic, Ayder comprehensive specialized hospital Mekelle University from May to June 2024. Structured tools were used to collect data about socio-demographics, knowledge, medication adherence, and self-care practices. The data was analyzed using the software Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 27.0. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine associated factors with poor glycemic control and poor self-care practice whereas ordinal logistic regression was applied to determine factors associated with knowledge and medication adherence. Statistical consideration was given for bivariate binary logistic regression at p-value<0.25 and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant for mult-variate and ordinal logistic regression. Out of 338 study participants nearly three-fourth (73.4%) had poor glycemic control. Secondary educational level (AOR = 5.1, P<0.02), diabetes duration [(AOR = 3.1, p<0.002), AOR = 3, p<0.01), AOR = 5.1, p<0.02)], moderate adherence (AOR = 0.28, p<0.001), high knowledge levels (AOR = 3.3, p<0.007), and good self-care practice (0.26, p< 0.001) were found associated with poor glycemic control. Single (AOR = 3.3, p<0.018) and married (AOR = 2.4, p<0.03) marital status, levels of knowledge [(low, AOR = 0.3, p<0.001), (average, AOR = 0.4, p<0.03)] and presence of comorbidities (AOR = 0.56, p<0.03) and high knowledge level (AOR = 2.1, p<0.01) were associated with counterparts of knowledge, adherence, and self-care practice. Glycemic status was observed uncontrolled in participants with secondary educational level, long diabetes duration, poor adherence and self-care practice. Thus, the study recommends patients to overcome the problems discussed through strictly following the advice offered by physicians and stick to their prescribed medication.