140 research outputs found
A potential cause for extensive dieback of Acacia mearnsii plantation in highland districts of Awi zone, northwestern Ethiopia
No full textAlthough Acacia mearnsii De Wild has rapidly expanded for economic and ecological purposes in the highland districts of the Awi zone, northwestern Ethiopia, recent plantations have suffered from severe defoliation, dieback, and stunted growth. We conducted this study in four districts that hold potential for A. mearnsii plantations. The study examined the identification of the causal agent, its occurrence, and local community perceptions of the plantation's significant dieback. Most respondents (75.8 %) indicated that the substantial dieback began in the rainy season of 2020 and spread rapidly. They also noted that close spacing of plantings and limited silvicultural measures exacerbated the damage. We discovered in this study that the wattle rust disease caused by the Uromycladium acacia fungus was the root cause of significant dieback for A. mearnsii plantations. The incidence and severity of this wattle rust varied significantly (p = 0.001) between districts, seasons, and plantation age groups. In Fegita-Lekuma district, the maximum disease severity was over 72 % in plantations up to two years after planting during the rainy season. The progression of the wattle rust disease caused by U. acacia has led to the loss of A. mearnsii plantations in the Awi zone, resulting in a severe economic and environmental crisis. Consequently, we should apply fungicides to seedlings at nursery sites in the short term. Eventually, however, the focus should shift towards prioritizing disease-resistant species and implementing proper forest management practices. This should be achieved through scientific initiatives that engage key stakeholders in areas where this tree species could potentially grow
Geo-spatial pattern and determinants of composite index of anthropometric failure among children under five in Ethiopia
No full textAbstract Despite significant efforts, undernutrition remains a critical public health issue, particularly in developing countries like Ethiopia. Anthropometric failure, which indicates inadequate child growth and development, has severe consequences. Analyzing the spatial distribution and determinants of anthropometric failure is crucial for evaluating and improving nutritional programs. Understanding these spatial patterns can enhance targeted resource allocation, thereby accelerating progress toward optimal child growth. This study utilized a spatial analysis of anthropometric failure using data from the EMDHS 2019, focusing on a weighted sample of 3,659 children under five. The survey was conducted from March 21, 2019, to June 28, 2019, following a two-stage stratified sampling. Non-spatial analysis was conducted using STATA version 17, while ArcGIS Pro and SatScan version 9.6 were used for spatial visualization. Multiscale geographically weighted regression analysis identified significant determinants, with statistical significance set at a p-value of less than 0.05. The prevalence of anthropometric failure among the sampled children was 36.79% (95% CI 35.22%-38.37%). A clustered distribution was observed (Moran’s I = 0.249, p < 0.001), with significant clustering in the Amhara, Tigray, Afar, and Somali regions. Children in these clusters were twice as likely to experience anthropometric failure (RR = 2.01, p < 0.001). Key determinants of spatial variation included mothers with no formal education (Mean = 0.1402, p < 0.001), low household wealth (Mean = 0.1651, p = 0.002), short birth intervals (Mean = 0.1165, p = 0.014), and insufficient postnatal care (Mean = 0.0589, p = 0.004). With a prevalence of 36.79%, anthropometric failure among children under five in Ethiopia is a major concern. The observed clustering highlights the need for targeted interventions, including improving maternal education, increasing household wealth, and enhancing access to family planning and postnatal care. Special emphasis should be placed on hotspot areas to effectively address and reduce undernutrition
National mortality burden due to communicable, non-communicable, and other diseases in Ethiopia, 1990-2015: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015
No full textPublished online: 21 July 2017Background: Ethiopia lacks a complete vital registration system that would assist in measuring disease burden and risk factors. We used the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2015 (GBD 2015) estimates to describe the mortality burden from communicable, non-communicable, and other diseases in Ethiopia over the last 25 years. Methods: GBD 2015 mainly used cause of death ensemble modeling to measure causes of death by age, sex, and year for 195 countries. We report numbers of deaths and rates of years of life lost (YLL) for communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional (CMNN) disorders, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and injuries with 95% uncertainty intervals (UI) for Ethiopia from 1990 to 2015. Results: CMNN causes of death have declined by 65% in the last two-and-a-half decades. Injury-related causes of death have also decreased by 70%. Deaths due to NCDs declined by 37% during the same period. Ethiopia showed a faster decline in the burden of four out of the five leading causes of age-standardized premature mortality rates when compared to the overall sub-Saharan African region and the Eastern sub-Saharan African region: lower respiratory infections, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and diarrheal diseases; however, the same could not be said for ischemic heart disease and other NCDs. Non-communicable diseases, together, were the leading causes of age-standardized mortality rates, whereas CMNN diseases were leading causes of premature mortality in 2015. Although lower respiratory infections, tuberculosis, and diarrheal disease were the leading causes of age-standardized death rates, they showed major declines from 1990 to 2015. Neonatal encephalopathy, iron-deficiency anemia, protein-energy malnutrition, and preterm birth complications also showed more than a 50% reduction in burden. HIV/AIDS-related deaths have also decreased by 70% since 2005. Ischemic heart disease, hemorrhagic stroke, and ischemic stroke were among the top causes of premature mortality and age-standardized death rates in Ethiopia in 2015. Conclusions: Ethiopia has been successful in reducing deaths related to communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional deficiency diseases and injuries by 65%, despite unacceptably high maternal and neonatal mortality rates. However, the country’s performance regarding non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease, was minimal, causing these diseases to join the leading causes of premature mortality and death rates in 2015. While the country is progressing toward universal health coverage, prevention and control strategies in Ethiopia should consider the double burden of common infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases: lower respiratory infections, diarrhea, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Prevention and control strategies should also pay special attention to the leading causes of premature mortality and death rates caused by non-communicable diseases: cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Measuring further progress requires a data revolution in generating, managing, analyzing, and using data for decision-making and the creation of a full vital registration system in the country.Awoke Misganaw, Tilahun N. Haregu, Kebede Deribe, Gizachew Assefa Tessema, Amare Deribew, Yohannes Adama Melaku, Azmeraw T. Amare, Semaw Ferede Abera, Molla Gedefaw, Muluken Dessalegn, Yihunie Lakew, Tolesa Bekele, Mesoud Mohammed, Biruck Desalegn Yirsaw, Solomon Abrha Damtew, Kristopher J. Krohn, Tom Achoki, Jed Blore, Yibeltal Assefa and Mohsen Naghav
Spatial distribution and determinants of micronutrient intake status among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia: A Multi-scale Geographical Weighted Regression Analysis
No full textKnowledge, attitude and practice of home management of diarrhea among under-five children in East Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textThe financial toxicity of cancer: unveiling global burden and risk factors – a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textBackground Cancer, a major global health challenge, not only threatens lives but also imposes severe financial burdens, known as ‘financial toxicity’. This strain extends beyond treatment costs to include indirect expenses like lost income and out-of-pocket payments. Despite its urgency, global insights remain fragmented, often limited to specific regions with inconsistent findings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of cancer-related financial toxicity and identify key risk factors contributing to this burden.Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching databases like Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, International Scientific Indexing and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed observational studies. Data were extracted into Microsoft Excel 2021, and study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA V.17, with catastrophic health expenditures (CHEs) pooled via a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was explored to understand variations in study outcomes. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess individual study impacts, while publication bias was evaluated using Begger and Egger’s tests. Univariate meta-regression analysis determined the impact of study-level covariates on CHE estimates.Results This analysis included 35 observational studies, covering 428 373 patients with cancer. The pooled prevalence of CHE was 56.1% (95% CI 48.3% to 63.8%). Key risk factors included large family size, low income, lack of health insurance, longer disease duration, older age and multiple treatments. Higher education levels were associated with reduced CHE risk.Conclusion Over half of patients with cancer (56.1%) face catastrophic health expenditures, highlighting a severe financial burden. Addressing this issue requires expanding health insurance, providing financial support and ensuring affordable cancer care. Improving education access can also reduce CHE risk among patients with cancer
Surgical site infection following appendectomy in children
No full textAbstract Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common postoperative complications after appendectomy leading to recurrent surgery, prolonged hospital stay, and the use of antibiotics. The burden of surgical site infection varies from 1.2 to 20% across the previously conducted studies. However, there are limited studies available on this problem in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess prevalence of post-appendectomy surgical site infection among children in Amhara region, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was employed. The data extraction tool was used to collect data from 423 sampled participants. Simple random sampling technique was used. Data cleaned, coded and entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and exported to STATA version 14.0. The data was presented using table and text forms. The logistic regression model was fitted after checking the required assumptions through Hosmer and lemeshow test to identify predictors of post-operative complications. The bivariable analysis was done to identify associations between dependent and each independent variable. Moreover, variables with P ≤ 0.25 levels in the bivariable analysis were entered into the multivariable analysis. Adjusted odd ratio with 95% CI was used to assess the direction, strength of association and statistical significance. Any statistical test was considered significant at P-value < 0.05. A total of 406 study participants were considered for analysis. The prevalence of surgical site infection was 9.11% (95%CI; 6.67%, 12.34%). Having fever (AOR = 2.788, 95%CI (1.10, 7.05)), being taking preoperative antibiotics (AOR = 7.3, 95%CI (2.5, 21)) and having drainage following appendectomy (AOR = 6.3, 95%CI (2.7, 14.7)) were statistically significant predictors of surgical site infection following appendectomy in children. The prevalence of surgical site infection was high as compared the national target. Taking preoperative antibiotics, having fever, and having drainage after operation were significantly associated with surgical site infection. Therefore, a prospective follow up study is important. Those children with appendicitis who presented with a clinical symptom of fever, leaving drainage after procedure and timing of preoperative antibiotics requires special attention of the surgical safety team
Investigating war trauma, its effects, and associated risk factors on anxiety among high school students in Woldia town, northeast Ethiopia, 2022
No full textBackgroundAnxiety symptoms are the most frequent mental health problems in the world, and it is a serious public health concern, especially among adolescents, because if left untreated, adolescent anxiety can have a number of detrimental effects, including lower academic performance, strained relationships with friends and family, substance addiction, thoughts of suicide and homicide, and trouble finding work. While this vulnerability is concerning in all situations, it is particularly critical in armed conflict areas. Ethiopia is one of the most recent war-affected countries, but to the best of our knowledge, limited studies focused on adolescents in this context. Therefore, this study assessed the experience of war trauma and its effects on anxiety symptoms among high school students in Woldia town, Ethiopia.ObjectiveWe assessed the experience of war trauma and its effects on anxiety among high school students, as well as associated risk factors, in war-affected areas in Woldia town, northeast Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was conducted from May 23 to June 08 2022. Data were collected from high school students in Woldia town. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent factors associated with anxiety.ResultsA total of 624 out of 660 students participated in the study (94.5% response rate). The prevalence of anxiety among high school students in Woldia town was 39.7%. In the multivariable analysis, having depression (AOR = 9.24, 95% CI: 6.27, 13.64), witnessing the murder of family/friends (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.57), being of female sex (AOR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.36), and having a family history of mental illness (AOR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.85) were factors significantly associated with anxiety.Conclusions and recommendationsThe prevalence of anxiety in this study was approximately two in five high school students. Therefore, we recommend that the Ministry of Education collaborate with the Ministry of Health to expand and implement mental health services in high schools to promote the wellbeing of students for the prevention of anxiety
Association Between Maternal Undernutrition During Pregnancy and Newborn Low Birth Weight in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
No full textABSTRACT Maternal undernutrition is a key contributor for poor fetal growth, low birth weight and infant morbidity and mortality. Globally, 15%–20% of all births were low birth weight, accounting more than 20 million births a year. This review aims to estimate the pooled association of maternal undernutrition during pregnancy with newborn low birth weight in Ethiopia. A systematic literature search was done from PubMed, Scopus, Hinari, Google Scholar and online research repositories. All studies reporting the association of undernutrition with low birth weight among pregnant women in Ethiopia were included. Heterogeneity between the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q‐test and I2 statistics. Publication bias was also assessed using Egger's regression test with 5% significance level. Finally, the random effects analysis model was used to estimate the overall pooled effect size. Among 596 identified studies, 15 articles were met inclusion criteria and included in this meta‐analysis. A total of 6441 mother‐neonate pairs were involved in this analysis. The pooled effect size revealed that there was a significant association between maternal undernutrition during pregnancy and newborn low birth weight in Ethiopia AOR: 2.52 (2.01–3.15, I2 = 78.42%). This review was estimated that maternal undernutrition during pregnancy had a significant association with newborn low birth weight in Ethiopia. Undernutrition pregnant women had an increased chance of giving low birth weight. The finding of this review may help the stakeholders to focus on managing pregnancy malnutrition
Knowledge, attitude and practice of home management of diarrhea among under-five children in East Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
No full textIntroductionDiarrhea is particularly prevalent in low-income or marginalized populations because these groups have less access to clean water sources, hygienic conditions, and healthcare. Dehydration due to electrolyte and fluid loss is the main cause of deaths associated with diarrhea. An especially important factor in this death from dehydration is the caregivers' knowledge, attitude, and diarrhea management techniques. While a number of research have been done on managing diarrhea at home, the results tend not to be consistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled estimate of knowledge, attitude and practice of home-based management of diarrhea in East Africa.MethodsPreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was used to search articles from electronic databases (Cochrane library, Ovid platform (Medline, Embase, and Emcare), Google Scholar, CINAHL, PubMed, and institutional repositories in East Africa countries. The last search date was on 01/06/ 2023 Gregorian Calendar. The authors extracted year of publication, country, study design, knowledge level, attitude level and practice level of home-based management of diarrhea. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of knowledge, attitude and practice of home-based management of diarrhea. Subgroup analysis was done by country, and sample size. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis were also done.ResultsA total of 19 articles with (n = 7470 participants) were included for the final analysis. From the random-effects model analysis, the pooled prevalence of good practice, good knowledge and favorable attitude towards home based management of diarrhea in East Africa was found to be 52.62% (95% CI: 45.32%, 59.92%) (95% CI: I2 = 78.3%; p Conclusion and recommendationsThe level of good knowledge, attitude and practice of home based management of diarrhea in East Africa is found to be low. A collaborative effort from different stakeholders to enhance the knowledge, attitude and practice is needed to tackle the burden of diarrhea and its consequences
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