36 research outputs found

    Thematic area: Infectious, non-communicable Disease and Nutrition Sub-Thematic: Diagnostic Methods Development and Evolution

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    Obstetric sonographic assessment for the purpose of obtaining fetal biometric measurements to predict fetal weight has been integrated into the mainstream of obstetric practice during the past quarter century. As such, the ultrasonographic technique represents the newest and most technologically sophisticated method of obtaining birth weight estimations. Though this method has been used for decades, a little is known about its validity in our country. The objective of this study is to determine the correlation of ultrasonographic estimation of fetal weight and actual birth weight in Jimma University Specialized Hospital, from November 1- January 30, 2014 G.C Facility based cross sectional study was conducted in Jimma university specialized hospital from November – January 2014. Convenient sampling technique was used for sample selection. All pregnant women who came during the study period and fulfill the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Ultrasonographic estimation of fetal weight was done by radiology resident whereas the birth weight was measured by midwife nurse within one hour of delivery. Checklist was used for data collection, Epidata for data entry and SPSS version 20 for data analysis. Descriptive analysis, correlation and specificity and sensitivity were determined. Ultrasound estimated fetal weight (EFW) was calculated by a preprogrammed Hadlock formula. The EFW was compared to the actual birth weight at delivery. The data is presented using tables, graphs and narrative. Key words: ultrasonography, birth weight, Hadlock formula, Ethiopia.I

    The Global Cohort of Doctoral Students: Building Shared Global Health Research Capacity in High-Income and Low- and Middle-Income Countries

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    Doctoral students in high- and low-income countries pursuing careers in global health face gaps in their training that could be readily filled through structured peer-learning activities with students based at partnering institutions in complimentary settings. We share lessons learned from the Global Cohort of Doctoral Students, a community of doctoral students based at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Haramaya University. University of Gondar, University of Botswana, and University of Rwanda College of Medicine and Health Sciences. Students in the Global Cohort program engage in collaborative research, forums for constructive feedback, and professional development activities. We describe the motivation for the program, core activities, and early successes.This work was funded by the Rose Traveling Fellowship and Deborah Rose Service Learning Fellowship at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. The funding sources had no role in the writing of the manuscript or decision to submit it for publication.Iyer, HS (corresponding author), Harvard TH Chan Sch Publ Hlth, Dept Epidemiol, Boston, MA 02115 USA. [email protected]

    Mean Normal Portal Vein Diameter Using Sonography among Clients Coming to Radiology Department of Jimma University Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

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    BACKGROUND: Mean portal vein diameter is considered as the best indicator for portal hypertension. However, the cutoff point differs from study to study (above 10-15 mm) despite the existence of normal mean portal vein diameter between 10-15 mm in different settings.This implies the existence of limited evidence on normal portal vein diameter for all populations in all countries prior to setting the cutoff points. Therefore, the aim of this study was sonographic assessment of normal mean portal vein diameter among patients referred to The Department of Radiology in Jimma University Hospital. METHODS: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2014 at Jimma University Hospital on a total of 195 clients. Data about portal vein diameter for eligible clients were collected by radiologists using Sonography. Data were edited manually, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16.RESULT: Data were collected from a total of 195 participants. Among these, 121(62.1%) were males and the median age of the participants was 35 years. The study revealed a normal mean portal vein diameter of 10.6 mm ±1.8 SD with a respirophasic variation of 25.6%. Likewise, the normal mean portal vein diameter seemed to have varied significantly by age and sex.CONCLUSION: The study revealed a normal mean portal vein diameter ranging below 13 mm. Hence, decisions made in clinical settings should base on these findings. Besides, there is a need for large scale study to determine portal vein diameter variation by age and sex, controlling other confounders.KEYWORD: Portal vein diameter, Mean, Portal hypertension, Sonography, Ethiopi

    Knowledge about Radiation Related Health Hazards and Protective Measures among Patients Waiting for Radiologic Imaging in Jimma University Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

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    BACKGROUND: Radiologic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using ionizing radiation carry potential health risks. Hence, clients’ knowledge about radiation would play a key role in reducing unnecessary imaging and its impacts. However, information on client’s knowledge in low income countries specifically in the Ethiopian context has been was limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess knowledge about radiation related hazards and protective measures among patients waiting for radiologic imaging.METHODS: Descriptive cross sectional study design was employed on 388 patients waiting for radiologic imaging in Jimma University Hospital from Dec.25/2014 to Jan. 10/2015. Eligible participants were interviewed using pretested questionnaire. Data were entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. A descriptive analysis was conducted to get summary values of clients’ radiation related knowledge.RESULTS: A total of 386 clients were included to the analysis.Two hundred and three (52.6%) participants had ever heard radiation related health hazards. Among these, 74.9% mentioned infertility, 64.0% indicated cancer followed by 26.6% who mentioned cataract as radiation related health hazards. A large number of clients (75.6%) had no idea about radiation protective measures, whereas 22% of them mentioned not entering examination room unless ordered by health professionals and 10.6% indicated covering sensitive body parts with lead (pb). The majority (85.8%) of the clients did not support unjustified repeated radiation imaging for diagnostic or other purposes.CONCLUSION: The overall knowledge of clients about radiation imaging seems inadequate. Thus, comprehensive awareness raising programmes targeted at different settinsg and levels should be designed and implemented.KEYWORDS: Radiation imaging, Knowledge, Radiation health hazards, Protective measures, Ethiopi

    Knowledge about Radiation Related Health Hazards and Protective Measures among Patients Waiting for Radiologic Imaging in Jimma University Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

    No full text
    BACKGROUND: Radiologic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using ionizing radiation carry potential health risks. Hence, clients’ knowledge about radiation would play a key role in reducing unnecessary imaging and its impacts. However, information on client’s knowledge in low income countries specifically in the Ethiopian context has been was limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess knowledge about radiation related hazards and protective measures among patients waiting for radiologic imaging. METHODS: Descriptive cross sectional study design was employed on 388 patients waiting for radiologic imaging in Jimma University Hospital from Dec.25/2014 to Jan. 10/2015. Eligible participants were interviewed using pretested questionnaire. Data were entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. A descriptive analysis was conducted to get summary values of clients’ radiation related knowledge. RESULTS: A total of 386 clients were included to the analysis.Two hundred and three (52.6%) participants had ever heard radiation related health hazards. Among these, 74.9% mentioned infertility, 64.0% indicated cancer followed by 26.6% who mentioned cataract as radiation related health hazards. A large number of clients (75.6%) had no idea about radiation protective measures, whereas 22% of them mentioned not entering examination room unless ordered by health professionals and 10.6% indicated covering sensitive body parts with lead (pb). The majority (85.8%) of the clients did not support unjustified repeated radiation imaging for diagnostic or other purposes. CONCLUSION: The overall knowledge of clients about radiation imaging seems inadequate. Thus, comprehensive awareness raising programmes targeted at different settinsg and levels should be designed and implemented

    Thematic area: Infectious, non-communicable Disease and Nutrition Sub-Thematic: Diagnostic Methods, Development and Evolution

    No full text
    Radiologic Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using ionizing radiation carries well-known potential health risks. The knowledge of the referring physician and patients on modalities of diagnostic imaging and procedures that use ionizing radiation varies widely. Their knowledge was generally inadequate. Patients’ radiation knowledge strongly influences their acceptance and preference of diagnostic imaging types. Objective: The main objective of the study is to assess knowledge on ionizing radiation associated hazards and protective measures during medical imaging among patients waiting for common radiologic imaging in Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH), Ethiopia. Methods: Hospitals based cross sectional study design were conducted on 388 patients waiting for common radiologic imaging and procedures in JUSH, at radiology department. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from voluntary patients. Data was cleaned, edited and entered to SPSS version 16.Data was expressed as frequency distribution and percentages. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test for association. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 386 voluntary patients were included, of which 225(58.3%) of them were male. Their age range was from 14 years to 85years. In 28.2 % importance of imaging and likely associated harmful effects of radiation were discussed with referring physician. All of imaging unit referral was by the physician. An half of the respondents 193(50%) had back ground information about radiation. The majority of the participants, 356(92.2%) responded that they knew conventional x-ray. Twenty nine (7.5%) patients did not indicate any one of the equipment. Only 203 (52.6%) patients indicated the association health hazard with radiation. Sixty five (16.8%) were incorrect in their assumption that ultrasound examinations uses of ionizing radiation and 32 (8.3%) of them were not aware of ionizing radiation free nature MRI imaging. Majority of the patients 152(39.4%) had indicated infertility followed by cancer, 130 (33.7%) as specific health effect of ionizing radiation. About 122(31.6%) of patients indicate gonads as highly sensitive organ. Ultrasound and MRI indicates as safe modality during pregnancy in 32(8.3%) and 4 (1%) respectively, where as plain abdominal x-ray and CT as safe for pregnant mother in 4(1%) and 5 (1.3%) respectively. More than 95% of the respondents had no idea about background radiation and radiation protection symbol was known only among 15 (3.9%) patients. A large number of patients 292 (75.6%) responded that they had no idea about protective measures while diagnostic imaging. Most of (96.1%) the patients had no idea about the application of radiation rather than for their imaging purpose use. An association of effect the education and information on patients’ knowledge about radiation was revealed. Conclusion This study has shown the inadequacy of patients’ knowledge on possible radiation associated health hazards, radiation protection measures and applications of radiation that is in general agreement with the results of other similar surveys. Thus intervention should be done on the line of improving our patients’ knowledge about radiation issu

    Knowledge on Ionizing Radiation Associated Hazards and Protective Measures during Medical Imaging among Patients Waiting for Common Radiologic Imaging in Jimma University Specialized Hospital.

    No full text
    Radiologic Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using ionizing radiation carries well-known potential health risks. The knowledge of the referring physician and patients on modalities of diagnostic imaging and procedures that use ionizing radiation varies widely. Their knowledge was generally inadequate. Patients’ radiation knowledge strongly influences their acceptance and preference of diagnostic imaging types. Objective: The main objective of the study is to assess knowledge on ionizing radiation associated hazards and protective measures during medical imaging among patients waiting for common radiologic imaging in Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH), Ethiopia. Methods: Hospitals based cross sectional study design were conducted on 388 patients waiting for common radiologic imaging and procedures in JUSH, at radiology department. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from voluntary patients. Data was cleaned, edited and entered to SPSS version 16.Data was expressed as frequency distribution and percentages. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test for association. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 386 voluntary patients were included, of which 225(58.3%) of them were male. Their age range was from 14 years to 85years. In 28.2 % importance of imaging and likely associated harmful effects of radiation were discussed with referring physician. All of imaging unit referral was by the physician. An half of the respondents 193(50%) had back ground information about radiation. The majority of the participants, 356(92.2%) responded that they knew conventional x-ray. Twenty nine (7.5%) patients did not indicate any one of the equipment. Only 203 (52.6%) patients indicated the association health hazard with radiation. Sixty five (16.8%) were incorrect in their assumption that ultrasound examinations uses of ionizing radiation and 32 (8.3%) of them were not aware of ionizing radiation free nature MRI imaging. Majority of the patients 152(39.4%) had indicated infertility followed by cancer, 130 (33.7%) as specific health effect of ionizing radiation. About 122(31.6%) of patients indicate gonads as highly sensitive organ. Ultrasound and MRI indicates as safe modality during pregnancy in 32(8.3%) and 4 (1%) respectively, where as plain abdominal x-ray and CT as safe for pregnant mother in 4(1%) and 5 (1.3%) respectively. More than 95% of the respondents had no idea about background radiation and radiation protection symbol was known only among 15 (3.9%) patients. A large number of patients 292 (75.6%) responded that they had no idea about protective measures while diagnostic imaging. Most of (96.1%) the patients had no idea about the application of radiation rather than for their imaging purpose use. An association of effect the education and information on patients’ knowledge about radiation was revealed. Conclusion This study has shown the inadequacy of patients’ knowledge on possible radiation associated health hazards, radiation protection measures and applications of radiation that is in general agreement with the results of other similar surveys. Thus intervention should be done on the line of improving our patients’ knowledge about radiation issue

    Mean Normal Portal Vein Diameter Using Sonography among Clients Coming to Radiology Department of Jimma University Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

    No full text
    BACKGROUND: Mean portal vein diameter is considered as the best indicator for portal hypertension. However, the cutoff point differs from study to study (above 10-15 mm) despite the existence of normal mean portal vein diameter between 10-15 mm in different settings.This implies the existence of limited evidence on normal portal vein diameter for all populations in all countries prior to setting the cutoff points. Therefore, the aim of this study was sonographic assessment of normal mean portal vein diameter among patients referred to The Department of Radiology in Jimma University Hospital. METHODS: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2014 at Jimma University Hospital on a total of 195 clients. Data about portal vein diameter for eligible clients were collected by radiologists using Sonography. Data were edited manually, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16. RESULT: Data were collected from a total of 195 participants. Among these, 121(62.1%) were males and the median age of the participants was 35 years. The study revealed a normal mean portal vein diameter of 10.6 mm ±1.8 SD with a respirophasic variation of 25.6%. Likewise, the normal mean portal vein diameter seemed to have varied significantly by age and sex. CONCLUSION: The study revealed a normal mean portal vein diameter ranging below 13 mm. Hence, decisions made in clinical settings should base on these findings. Besides, there is a need for large scale study to determine portal vein diameter variation by age and sex, controlling other confounder

    Improving Medium- and Long-Range Hydrological Forecasts with Ensemble Meteorological Forecasts and Climatic Information

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    Title: Improving Medium- and Long-Range Hydrological Forecasts with Ensemble Meteorological Forecasts and Climatic Information, Author: Getnet Y. Muluye, Location: MillsThe ability to provide reliable and accurate medium- and long-range hydrological forecasts is fundamental for the effective operation and management of water resources systems. The principal objectives of this thesis are (i) to develop a framework for advancing the long-range forecasting skills of hydrological models by coupling pertinent and leading climate information with regional hydro-meteorological variables; and (ii) to develop effective mechanisms for integrating meteorological ensemble systems in a hydrologic prediction system, which would be useful for risk analysis by policy makers for operating both large-scale as well as small-scale water resources systems. This research constitutes three principal components: long-range forecasts, downscaling, and medium-range forecasts. For long-range hydrological forecasting, four data-driven models, including multilayer perceptron (MLP), time-lagged feedforward network (TLFN), Bayesian neural network (BNN) and recurrent multilayer perceptron (RMLP) were designed by incorporating low-frequency climatic indices to forecast seasonal reservoir inflows. The results indicated that the incorporation of modes of climatic indices in a hydrologic forecasting model resulted in a considerable improvement in the seasonal forecast accuracy. Furthermore, the extended Kalman filter approach was used to train the recurrent multilayer perceptron for capturing the complexity associated with the long range streamflow forecasting. Results showed that the proposed methodology was able to provide a robust modeling framework capable of capturing the complex dynamics of the hydrologic system. Different statistical methods were developed and evaluated for downscaling local scale information of precipitation and temperature from the numerical weather prediction model output. Three different methods were considered: (i) hybrids; (ii) neural networks; and (iii) nearest neighbor-based approaches. The findings revealed that the skills in the downscaled temperature forecasts were superior to those in the downscaled precipitation forecasts. In particular, for downscaling daily precipitation, the artificial neural network-logistic regression (ANN-Logst), partial least squares (PLS) regression and recurrent multilayer perceptron trained with the extended Kalman filter (EKF) models yielded greater skill values, and the conditional resampling method (SDSM) and K-nearest neighbor (KNN) based models showed potential for characterizing the variability in daily precipitation. For the case of medium-range hydrological forecasting, the downscaled and the raw numerical model outputs were forced into an HBV hydrologic model in order to generate an ensemble of reservoir inflows. The simulation results indicated that the downscaled-based flows had greater skill values, and yielded more accurate forecasts than the raw-based flows. The potential economic values of flow forecasts were further assessed based on a simple optimal decision-making, cost-loss analysis technique. The principal outcomes emerging from the analyses included: (i) the economic benefits associated with probabilistic flow forecasts were more useful than their deterministic counterparts; and (ii) the downscaled-based flow forecasts offered greater benefits, which are applicable to a much wider range of users, than the raw-based flow forecasts.ThesisDoctor of Philosophy (PhD
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