College of Health Sciences

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Start date: 2024Subject: search.filters.subject.Ethiopia.

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Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
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    Healthcare workers' knowledge, and practices, and associated factors in managing uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition in the Northwestern zone, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2025.
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-25) SALIH ZEINU
    Introduction: Suboptimal healthcare workers’ knowledge and practices in severe acute malnutrition management contribute to preventable complications and deaths in children. Data on healthcare workers’ knowledge and practices regarding uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM) management in primary healthcare facilities within Ethiopia’s Tigray region are limited. Objective: To assess healthcare workers' knowledge and practices, and related factors in managing uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition in the Northwestern Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia, 2025. Method: A concurrent parallel mixed-methods study was conducted from March to May 2025, involving 385 healthcare workers from the selected health facilities for the quantitative component and purposively sampled participants for qualitative data. Data were collected using pretested structured questionnaires, observation checklists, and an interview guide. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify factors associated with knowledge and practices based on adjusted ORs with 95% CIs and p-values less than 0.05. Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. Result: Only 68.05% of healthcare workers had adequate knowledge, and a mere 44.42% exhibited good practices in managing uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition. The factors positively associated with healthcare workers’ knowledge and practices included male sex (AOR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.19-2.8), 11-15 years of work experience (AOR=2.59, 95% CI: 1.09-6.18), and receiving refresher training (AOR=7.88, 95% CI: 3.89-15.97). Conversely, being a diploma nurse (AOR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.16-0.66) and the unavailability of guidelines (AOR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.38-0.87) were negatively associated. The qualitative findings further highlighted resource and infrastructure deficiencies and high workload as barriers to effective uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition management. Conclusion and recommendation: Healthcare workers’ knowledge and practices regarding uncomplicated SAM management in the Northwestern Zone of Tigray are suboptimal. Targeted interventions, including providing regular refresher training, enhancing supervision, and improving access to guidelines and essential resources, are crucial to improve the knowledge and skills of healthcare workers in managing uncomplicated SAM. Further longitudinal research is also recommended.
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    Predictors of clinical severity , immunological failure and magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections among HIV Patients on ART in Mekelle General Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia.
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-28) GIRMAY ALEMSEGED
    Background: Untreated intestinal parasitic co-infections appeared to hasten the progression of HIV-1 disease. However, there had been few studies to ascertain the interference and their induced severity of intestinal parasitic infections among on ART HIV/AIDS patients in resource-limited settings such as Ethiopia, where HIV/AIDS management largely depended on CD4+ T cells counts, viral load, and WHO clinical staging. Objective: To assess predictors of clinical severity, immunological failure and magnitude of intestinal parasitic infections in HIV Patients on ART in Mekelle General Hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods: A health facility based cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2024 to March 2025 among adult HIV/AIDS patients on ART. Data on socio-demographic, clinical and risk factors were gathered using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Intestinal parasite were detected using direct microscopic examination, the formal ether concentration methods, and the Modified Ziehl–Neelsen technique, CD4 cell quantification was performed using the BD FACS Count System, while viral load measurement was conducted with the 2000rt Abbott machine. Multivariable logistic regression analysis determined the association between predictors and outcomes. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites among HIV/AIDS patients was found to be 31.5% (100/318), of these 92.0 % (92/100) protozoans and 8.0% (8/100) helminthes. Among the identified parasites, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar had the highest prevalence 13.8% (44/318), followed by Giardia lamblia 10.4% (33/318) and Isospora belli was detected in 3.5% (11/318). The overall magnitude of clinical severity and immunological failure were 33.3% (106/318) among on ART patients, of these 26.7% (85/318) clinical severity and 29.3% (93/318) immunological failure. Among these, 72.3% (64 /85) had disclosed their HIV status, while 69.4% (59/85) demonstrated fair or poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The prevalence of clinical and immunological failure among patients with parasitic infections was 53% (53/100). Significant association was observed between parasite infection and CD4+ T cell counts below 200/µl (AOR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.5-8.5, p=0.005) as well as viral load levels equal to or greater than 1000 copies/ml (AOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.7-5.9, p=0.000). Several factors were associated with an increased likelihood of clinical severity and immunological failure, including smoking habits, occupational status, low BMI and an ambulatory or bedridden functional status at the last ART visit. Conclusions: The prevalence of intestinal parasites was higher among HIV patients on ART of these, E. histolytica, G.lambelia and Isospora belli were the leading causes of clinical severity and immunological failure on those individuals who were their CD4 count less than 200 cells/mm3, viral load greater than 1000 copies/µl. The overall severity of clinical conditions and immunological failure was significantly high among patients on ART who had smoking habits, occupational status, low body mass index, and an ambulatory or bedridden functional status.
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    PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF PLUMONARY TUBERCULOSIS AMONG PRISONERS IN SHIRE, AXUM AND ADWA PRISON CENTRS
    (Mekelle University, 2025-06-28) GIRMASLASIE FISEHA
    Background: Pulmonary Tuberculosis is a contagious airborne disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and remains a significant global public health problem. Prisons, due to overcrowding, poor ventilation, and limited healthcare services, present a high-risk environment for TB transmission and progression. In the Tigray region of Ethiopia, challenges such as inadequate diagnostic capacity and insufficient data hinder effective TB control among incarcerated populations. Objective: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis and identify its associated risk factors among prisoners in Shire, Axum, and Adwa correctional facilities in Tigray, Ethiopia, over the period from December, 2024 to May, 2025. Methodology: An institutional-based cross-sectional design was employed to enroll 265 prisoners presenting with TB symptoms. Structured questionnaires were collected socio-demographic and clinical information, including HIV status, history of smoking, and incarceration-related exposures. Sputum samples were collected and analyzed using Ziehl-Neelsen staining and the Gen-expert MTB/RIF assay. Results: A total of 265 prisoners were enrolled in this study, drawn from a total incarcerated population of 3,180 inmates across the three prison centers in Shire, Axum, and Adwa, located in northern Ethiopia. The study identified 5 bacteriologically confirmed TB cases, yielding a point prevalence of 1.9% (95% CI: 0.6%–4.3%) among the study participants. Occupation prior to imprisonment was significantly related to TB status: prisoners who had been governmentemployed or self-employed had significantly lower odds of TB infection compared to those who had been daily laborers or unemployed (exact AOR = 0.119, 95% CI: 0.000–0.946, p = 0.0432). Prisoners who were HIV-negative or whose HIV status was unknown had significantly lower odds of TB compared to HIV-positive individuals (exact AOR = 0.033, 95% CI: 0.001–0.722, p = 0.0281). Conclusions and Recommendations: The prevalence of PTB was high in these prison centers. There should be an intensified implementation of TB screening among high-risk inmates, particularly those with a history of unemployment, HIV infection, smoking, or TB symptoms.
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    OUTCOMES OF EMERGENCY ADMISSIONS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG CHILDREN ADMITTED TO THE PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY UNIT OF PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN MEKELLE, ETHIOPIA, 2024.
    (Mekelle University, 2024-07-28) GIRMAY HALEFOM
    Background: Globally, approximately 5.2 million children under five die each year, with a significant proportion of these deaths occurring in hospitals following emergency admissions, underscoring persistent inequities despite declining mortality rates. In Ethiopia, the under-5 mortality rate stands at 55 per 1,000 live births, with emergency admissions accounting for 39% of pediatric hospitalizations. Despite global efforts, gaps remain in understanding the outcomes and factors influencing pediatric emergency admissions, particularly in low-resource settings. This study aims to assess the outcomes and associated factors of emergency admissions among children in selected public hospitals. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the outcomes of emergency admissions and associated factors among children admitted to the pediatric emergency unit of public hospitals In Mekelle, Ethiopia, 2024. Methods: A health facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly selected three public hospitals located in Mekelle, Ethiopia. The total sample size was 294, which was proportionally allocated across the hospitals based on their estimated monthly case admissions. Medical records from each hospital were selected using a simple random sampling method. A pretest was carried out on 5% of the sample size at Kuiha General Hospital. In the bivariate analysis, variables with a p-value < 0.2 were considered candidates for multivariable logistic regression analysis, with statistical significance set at a p-value of < 0.05. Result: Out of 294 children admitted to the pediatric emergency department, 45.2% showed clinical improvement, 25.9% required ICU transfer, 18.7% were moved to general wards, and 6.8% died. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that previous hospital visit (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.17, 11.64), previous admission (AOR = 6.37, 95% CI: 2.09, 19.45), children with comorbidities (AOR = 6.71, 95% CI: 2.32, 19.37) and malnourished children (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI: 1.23, 18.8) had significantly higher odds of death. Conclusion and recommendation: The mortality rate is high with previous hospital visit, previous admission, the presence of comorbidities and being malnourished were found to be strong predictors of poor outcomes, underscoring the need for early identification and targeted care for high-risk pediatric patients. Health facilities should enhance follow-up for previously hospitalized children and implement routine comorbidity screening.
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    MAGNITUDE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESS AMONG UNDER FIVE CHILDREN IN ENDAMOHONI DISTRICT, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA. COMMUNITY BASED CROSS - SECTIONAL STUDY 2023/24.
    (Mekelle University, 2024-05-28) HINTSA GEBREMEDHIN
    Background: Common childhood illness includes acute respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, and febrile illnesses. Thus illnesses remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five children in developing country. Thus identification of associated factors of childhood illness would help to guide strategic planning and prioritize interventions. Objectives: To assess the magnitude and associated factors of common childhood illness among under five children in Endamohoni district, Tigray, Ethiopia. 2024. Methods: A community based cross sectional study design was employed. The study population were all children aged below 59 months and residents in the randomly selected Kebeles of Endamohoni District. A total of 552 study participants were selected using systematic random sampling technique and the sample size was determined using single and double proportion formula. Interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The data was entered in to Epi-data 4.4.2.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the influence of independent variables to the outcome variable. Variables with p-value of ≤ 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were transferred to multivariable analysis. In the multivariable analysis, variables with P-value of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Hosmer and Lemeshow was used to indicate goodness of fit. Result: One hundred eighty seven 33.9% (95% CI:30.0%-38.4%) under five children had common childhood illness. according to specific symptoms presence of cough ,diarrhea and fever were 15.2 % ( 95% CI:12.1%-18.3%) ,13 % ( 95% CI:10.1%-15.8%) and 12.3 % ( 95% CI:9.6%-15.4%). the factors affecting common childhood illness were place of residence (AOR= 2.3 (95% CI: (1.15, 4.59)), mother met minimum meal frequency while she was pregnant or lactating (AOR= 1.6 (95% CI: (1.05, 2.54)) and hand washing at critical times by family members (AOR= 4.00 (95% CI: (2.19, 7.56)). Conclusion and recommendation:. The findings of this study shows a concerning prevalence of common childhood illness ,affecting 33.9% of children in the surveyed population. in our community.by fostering better dietary practices and hygiene education ,we can create a healthier future for our children.
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    MEDICATION NON-ADHERENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG SCHIZOPHRENIA OUTPATIENT ATTENDEES IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS OF MEKELLE,TIGRAY,ETHIOPIA, 2024
    (Mekelle University, 2025-02-25) ARAYA HAFTU
    Background: Given that adherence to antipsychotic medications is the cornerstone in the treatment and prevention of relapses of schizophrenia, non-adherence is a major problem among patients. Non-adherence to antipsychotic medication has a negative impact on the course of illness, resulting in increased risk of relapse, suicide, psychiatric emergencies, and increased costs to healthcare systems. Despite this fact, there is a paucity of information on medication non-adherence among schizophrenia patients in Ethiopia, particularly in Tigray. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of medication nonadherence among schizophrenia outpatients in public hospitals in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2024. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 7 to September 13, 2024, at selected public hospitals in Mekelle. Study participants were enrolled using systematic random sampling. Data were collected by face-to-face interview, and medication non-adherence was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Data entry and analysis were done using Epi-data 4.7.0 and SPSS version 27, respectively. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with medication non-adherence. The strength of association was interpreted using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval(CI) at the p-value < 0.05 level of significance. Results: A total of 418 respondents participated with a response rate of 98.08%. The prevalence of medication non-adherence was 39.5% [95% CI: 34.8, 44.2%]. Negative attitude towards medication [AOR=5.25; 95% CI: 2.97, 9.29], poor insight into their illness [AOR=4.89; 95% CI: 2.65, 9.01], severe medication side effects [AOR=4.29; 95% CI: 1.06, 17.31], current substance use [AOR=3.39; 95% CI: 1.45, 7.89], poor social support [AOR=3.46; 95% CI: 1.68, 7.10], and duration of illness more than ten years [AOR=3.25; 95% CI: 1.19, 8.83] were significant predictors of the odds of medication non-adherence. Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence of medication non-adherence among schizophrenia outpatients in the study facilities which is associated with several predictors. Continuously assessing and managing treatment side effects and substance use, and strengthening psychosocial education are of paramount importance to enhance patients’ adherence and improve their quality of life in the context, and perhaps beyond.