6 research outputs found
Epidemiology of infertility and coping mechanisms in Ethiopia, 2025: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textAbstract Background Infertility is much more than a quality-of-life concern. Its consequences stream into public health domains such as psychological distress, social stigma and marital disagreements. The estimation of infertility is one of the most crucial activities concerning informing policymakers. Therefore, this review was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of infertility and coping mechanisms in Ethiopia. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guideline to adhere to standards in conducting and reporting of evidence synthesis. An internet-based search of noninterventional studies in Ethiopia was performed in CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A total of 332 studies were screened, and only 11 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Studies were included if they described the prevalence and/or coping mechanisms of infertility. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist were used for quantitative and qualitative studies, respectively. The random-effects meta-analysis was done in Stata version 17, and forest plots, test of heterogeneity, and funnel plots were all generated. Results The pooled prevalence of lifetime and/or specific period of infertility was 25.77% [95% CI: 20.10, 31.45], with a heterogeneity index (I2 = 99.48, P = 0.00). The subgroup prevalence of primary infertility was 22.76% [-0.95–46.47], with heterogeneity (I2 = 99.54, p = 00), and that of secondary was 12.67% [9.14–16.20], with I2 = 98.57, p = 0.00. Spiritual activity, medical treatment, cultural practice, seeking support from family, adoption, acceptance, having a godchild, estranged social life, helplessness, extramarital engagement, and marital separation were the identified coping mechanisms. Conclusion Compared with the global standard, the pooled prevalence of infertility in Ethiopia is relatively high. Most of the identified coping strategies of infertility were problem-focused mechanisms. The identified coping mechanisms were grouped in the following main themes: (i) seeking medical treatment, (ii) religious/spiritual practices, (iii) seeking social support, (iv) using cultural remedies, (v) acceptance, and (vi) avoidance/harmful behaviors. Policy makers, health authorities and professionals should improve the delivery of infertility prevention and treatment services and ensure coping support is culturally sensitive and integrated with the national health strategy
MOESM1 of Level of job satisfaction and associated factors among health care professionals working at University of Gondar Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
No full textAdditional file 1. English version questionnaire
Number of Readmissions and Its Determinants Among Patients With Heart Failure at Referral Hospitals in Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross‐Sectional Study Using Zero‐Inflated Negative Binomial Model, 2023
No full textABSTRACT Background Heart failure is a leading cause of hospital readmissions in the Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia. Aim This study aimed to determine the number of readmissions and identify the determinants among patients with heart failure at referral hospitals in the Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2023. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 663 heart failure patients in Amhara region referral hospitals from September 2022 to February 2023. Simple random sampling was used for patient selection, and data were collected through chart reviews and interviewer‐administered questionnaires. Zero‐inflated negative binomial models were applied for data analysis. Data collection tools were pre‐tested for reliability and validity. Results Among 663 patients, 237 (35.7%) were readmitted at least once. An increased respiratory rate (IRR = 1.015; 95% CI: 1.0004, 1.031; p < 0.044) and longer medication duration (IRR = 1.011; 95% CI: 1.016, 1.051; p < 0.0001) were associated with more readmissions. Patients with poor social support had 59.4% fewer readmissions compared to those with good social support (IRR = −1.595; 95% CI: −0.02, −0.005; p < 0.041). A higher body mass index (IRR = 0.115; 95% CI: 0.035, 0.196; p < 0.004) was linked with a higher likelihood of remaining in the “always‐zero” group, while an increased pulse rate reduced the odds (IRR = −0.013; 95% CI: −0.025, −0.008; p < 0.036). The mortality rate among readmitted patients was 11.39%. Conclusion This study found significant readmission rates among HF patients. Factors such as respiratory rate and medication duration were linked to increased readmissions, while poor social support was associated with fewer readmissions, this likely reflects limited healthcare access in low‐ and middle‐income countries among individuals with lower social support. The high mortality rate underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes
Systematic review and meta-analysis: prevalence of alcohol use among young people in eastern Africa.
No full textOBJECTIVE: Systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies of alcohol use among young people (age 15-24 years) in eastern Africa to estimate prevalence of alcohol use and determine the extent of use of standardised screening questionnaires in alcohol studies. METHODS: Five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, Africa-wide, and PsycINFO) were searched for publications until 30th June 2013. Results were summarised using the guidelines on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) and on quality assessment using the modified quality assessment tool for systematic reviews of observational studies (QATSO). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I(2) statistic (DerSimonian-Laird). RESULTS: We identified 2785 potentially relevant studies, of which 56 were eligible for inclusion. Only two studies (4%) used the standardised Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire, and six studies (13%) used the Cut down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye opener (CAGE) questionnaire. The reported median prevalence of alcohol use was ever-use 52% [interquartile range (IQR): 20-58%], use in the last month 28% (IQR: 17-37%), use in the last year 26% (IQR: 22-32%), and problem drinking as defined by CAGE or AUDIT 15% (IQR: 3-36%). We observed high heterogeneity between studies, with the highest prevalence of ever use of alcohol among university students (82%; 95%CI: 79-85%) and female sex workers (66%; 95%CI: 58-74%). Current use was most prevalent among male sex workers (69%; 95%CI: 63-75%). CONCLUSIONS: Reported alcohol use and problem drinking were common among diverse groups of young people in eastern Africa, indicating the urgent need for alcohol-focused interventions in this population. Few studies have used standardised alcohol screening questionnaires. Epidemiological research to investigate alcohol-focused interventions in young people should aim to apply such questionnaires that should be validated for use in this population
Mortality of acute poisoning and its predictors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textIntroduction: Poison is defined as any chemical that has the potential to affect or harm human physiology due to its chemical activity. Poisoning is becoming a major preventable public health issue in many countries, including Ethiopia. There is a variation in acute poisoning mortality among the existing evidence in Ethiopia. This study aims to determine the pooled mortality rate from acute poisoning and its predictors in Ethiopia. Methods: We searched available evidence of acute poisoning mortality in databases such as PubMed, Hinari, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and other search engines. Using the Microsoft Excel data extraction form, three authors independently extracted all relevant data. The Higgins I2 test statistics were used to examine heterogeneity among included studies A random-effects model was used to analyze the pooled estimates and predictors in Stata MP version 17. Results: We retrieved 2685 relevant records from different database sources, and after screening, 21 studies (17 published and 4 unpublished) were included. The pooled mortality rate for acute poisoning was 4.69(95 % CI: 3.69, 5.69 I2 = 94.7 %). The most common poisoning agents are organophosphate (29.9 %), household cleansing agents (17.5 %), and pharmaceuticals/medications (9.3 %). The majority of poisoning cases were intentional poisoning committed suicide. Poisoning cases in rural areas [RR: 3.98(95 % CI: 1.41, 11.25)] and delayed arrival times [RR: 2.90(95 % CI: 1.45, 5.84)] were identified predictors of mortality. Conclusions: In this study, the pooled mortality from acute poisoning was 4.69 %. Poisoned cases from rural areas and delayed arrival times to the hospital were predictors of mortality. To prevent mortality, healthcare professionals should give special attention to rural residents and delayed arrival of poison cases. To control this avoidable death, poison control centers should be strengthened, and other preventive measures implemented at the national level
A post hoc Evaluation of Data from the HAWK and HARRIER Trials
No full textFunding Information: Development of this publication was funded by Novartis Pharma AG including medical writing and editorial assistance. The sponsor participated in data analysis, interpretation of the data, and review of the manuscript. Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.Introduction: This post hoc analysis applies a fixed dosing stratification approach to patient-level brolucizumab data from the phase III HAWK and HARRIER trials to determine the proportion of patients who would have been assigned to fixed dosing regimens with treatment intervals of 8, 12, or 16 weeks (q8w, q12w, or q16w) based on the presence/absence of disease activity (DA) following the loading phase. The analysis also simulates central subfield thickness (CSFT) data to estimate the anatomical outcomes if the patients had been thus assigned. Of note, the limitations of this analysis include the post hoc nature of the work and the inability to directly compare HAWK and HARRIER with TENAYA and LUCERNE due to the differences in design. Design: This study was a post hoc modelling analysis of patient-level data. Methods: Using patient-level data from HAWK and HARRIER, patients (n = 730) were allocated to a fixed q16w, q12w, or q8w regimen based on assessment of DA at weeks 16 and 20. Two definitions of DA were used: DA 1, based on a phase II study of faricimab, and DA 2, a definition derived from common clinical consideration including visual acuity and anatomical changes. CSFT simulations were performed using a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model describing CSFT response to anti-VEGF treatment. Outcome measures were modelled patient allocation to fixed regimens and mean CSFT reduction. Results: Using DA definitions 1 and 2, respectively, 78% and 76% of patients in the brolucizumab arm were allocated to a greater than or equal to q12w regimen, and 56% and 52% were allocated to a q16w regimen. Mean reduction in CSFT was similar between the two study drugs with both DA definition assumptions. Conclusions: This analysis demonstrates the potential durability of action and effectiveness of brolucizumab.publishersversionpublishe
