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Abstract Background Neonatal mortality poses a significant public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with congenital heart disease emerging as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among neonates, especially in countries like Ethiopia. Despite efforts to reduce neonatal mortality rates, Ethiopia continues to experience an increased mortality rate, particularly among neonates with congenital heart disease. This study aims to investigate the incidence and predictors of mortality in this vulnerable population within Ethiopia. Method A retrospective cohort study was conducted at an institution, involving 583 randomly selected neonates diagnosed with congenital heart disease. In the current study, the dependent variable was survival status. Data entry utilized EpiData data version 4.6, and analysis was performed using STATA version 16. Probability of death was compared using the log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier failure curve. Significant predictors were identified using bivariable and multivariate Cox regression. Model fitness and proportional hazard assumptions were evaluated using the Cox-Snell graph and Global test, respectively. Associations were assessed by adjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results The study participants were followed for 4844 days. The mortality rate was 9.9%. The incidence density was 11.9 per 1000 person-days of observation. Neonatal sepsis (AHR: 2.24; 95% CI [1.18–4.23]), cyanotic congenital heart disease (AHR: 3.49; 95% CI [1.93–6.28]), home delivery (AHR: 1.9; 95% CI [1.06–3.6]), maternal history of gestational diabetes mellitus (AHR: 1.94; 95% CI [1.04–3.61]), and having additional congenital malformations (AHR: 2.49; 95% CI [1.33–4.67]) were significant predictors for neonatal mortality. Conclusion and recommendation The incidence density of mortality was high compared to studies conducted in developed countries. Neonatal sepsis, type of congenital heart disease, place of delivery, maternal history of gestational diabetes mellitus, and having an additional congenital malformation were significant predictors of mortality among neonates with congenital heart disease. Therefore, healthcare providers should pay special attention to patients with identified predictors. Furthermore, the Federal Ministry of Health, stakeholders, and policymakers should collaborate to address this issue.

BackgroundDepression is a significant public health concern in both developed and developing countries. The burden of depression is particularly high among patients with chronic illnesses in developing countries, creating a dual challenge for both patients and the community. However, depression goes undiagnosed in 50%-75% of patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus. Additionally, there is limited information about the prevalence of depression among diabetic patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression among type 2 diabetic patients in Ethiopia.MethodAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 376 randomly selected type 2 diabetic patients. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and from patients’ follow-up records. The data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA 14. Bivariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify associated factors. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were selected for multivariate logistic regression. Model fitness was assessed using Hosmer-Lemeshow’s test, and associations were reported using adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervalsResultsIn this study, the prevalence of depression among type 2 diabetic patients was found to be 69.72% (95% CI: 64.75, 74.27). Three factors were significantly associated with depression in these patients: the duration of diabetes mellitus since diagnosis [AOR: 1.17; 95% CI (1.02, 1.34)], glycaemic control [AOR: 1.8; 95% CI (1.09, 3.01)] and cigarette smoking [AOR: 2.18; 95% CI (1.07, 4.46)].ConclusionThe prevalence of depression among type 2 diabetic patients was high. The Federal Ministry of Health, stakeholders, and the Ethiopian Diabetes Association should collaborate to reduce this burden. Mental health assessment and treatment should be integrated into chronic care follow-up services. Additionally, healthcare providers should closely monitor and counsel patients who smoke and those with poor glycemic control.

Background: Depression is a significant public health concern in both developed and developing countries. The burden of depression is particularly high among patients with chronic illnesses in developing countries, creating a dual challenge for both patients and the community. However, depression goes undiagnosed in 50%-75% of patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus. Additionally, there is limited information about the prevalence of depression among diabetic patients in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression among type 2 diabetic patients in Ethiopia. Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 376 randomly selected type 2 diabetic patients. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and from patients' follow-up records. The data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA 14. Bivariable and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify associated factors. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were selected for multivariate logistic regression. Model fitness was assessed using Hosmer-Lemeshow's test, and associations were reported using adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals Results: In this study, the prevalence of depression among type 2 diabetic patients was found to be 69.72% (95% CI: 64.75, 74.27). Three factors were significantly associated with depression in these patients: the duration of diabetes mellitus since diagnosis [AOR: 1.17; 95% CI (1.02, 1.34)], glycaemic control [AOR: 1.8; 95% CI (1.09, 3.01)] and cigarette smoking [AOR: 2.18; 95% CI (1.07, 4.46)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among type 2 diabetic patients was high. The Federal Ministry of Health, stakeholders, and the Ethiopian Diabetes Association should collaborate to reduce this burden. Mental health assessment and treatment should be integrated into chronic care follow-up services. Additionally, healthcare providers should closely monitor and counsel patients who smoke and those with poor glycemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste in the construction industry is the loss produced by activities that generate direct or indirect costs but do not add any value. In recent years, waste in the construction industry has been the subject of several research studies around the world; however, it still continues to be a critical issue. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop an analytical hierarchical model for the implementation of lean techniques for the reduction of construction waste in real estate companies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study was conducted on seven private residential real estate companies which were actively involved in the construction sector at the time, by targeting decision-makers as respondents. Analytical hierarchical process-based questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were conducted for the collection of primary data. Thus, comparison-based surveys and data analyses were used to quantify the relative priorities for a given set of alternatives on a ratio scale based on the judgment of the construction professionals. According to the data analyses, poor material handling, poor site management, and frequent changes in the design were identified to be the three most dominant sources of construction waste. It was found that the real estate companies do not have any waste reduction strategies or practices. Furthermore, the concerned professionals have limited awareness of the lean techniques and their implementation. Based on the findings, the construction companies are recommended to give proper attention to construction waste minimization and a huge task is ahead of the policymakers for lean techniques implementation.

Haile Kassahun, Tefera Ayfokru Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Haile KassahunDepartment of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, EthiopiaEmail haile.kassahun@wu.edu.etBackground: Antimicrobial drug therapy problems refer to incorrect and inappropriate utilization of antimicrobials which affect patient’s health outcomes and results in bacterial resistance. Incorrect use of antimicrobial agents is a key driver for the spread of antimicrobial drug resistance. Improving drug therapy problems has an important effect on the patients’ health, treatment costs, and enhancing patients’ quality of life. Hence, the aim of the present study was to assess antimicrobial drug therapy problems among patients in the Outpatient Department of Ataye hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.Methods: A hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional study design was used to assess antimicrobial drug therapy problems among patients in Ataye hospital from September 2018 to February 2019. Data were collected by trained graduating pharmacy students by reviewing medical records of patients using checklists and questionnaires.Results: A total of 248 patient cards were included in this study. At least one antimicrobial drug therapy problem had occurred among 96 (38.7%) of the study participants. The most common drug therapy problem was the need for additional drug therapy which was incurred by 38 (15.3%) of the study participants and ineffective antimicrobial therapy was experienced by 22 (8.9%) of the patients. Tetracyclines 25 (26%), fluoroquinolones 19 (19.8%), and penicillins 18 (18.8%) were the most common classes of antimicrobials prone to drug therapy problems.Conclusion: The current study revealed that nearly two-fifths of the study participants had experienced at least one form of antimicrobial drug therapy problem. The most common drug therapy problem was the need for additional drug therapy and the use of ineffective antimicrobial therapy. Tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and penicillins were the main classes of antimicrobials involved in the drug therapy problem.Keywords: antimicrobial drug therapy problems, antimicrobials, Ataye hospital, Ethiopia

Waste in the construction industry is the loss produced by activities that generate direct or indirect costs but do not add any value. In recent years, waste in the construction industry has been the subject of several research studies around the world; however, it still continues to be a critical issue. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop an analytical hierarchical model for the implementation of lean techniques for the reduction of construction waste in real estate companies in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study was conducted on seven private residential real estate companies which were actively involved in the construction sector at the time, by targeting decision-makers as respondents. Analytical hierarchical process-based questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were conducted for the collection of primary data. Thus, comparison-based surveys and data analyses were used to quantify the relative priorities for a given set of alternatives on a ratio scale based on the judgment of the construction professionals. According to the data analyses, poor material handling, poor site management, and frequent changes in the design were identified to be the three most dominant sources of construction waste. It was found that the real estate companies do not have any waste reduction strategies or practices. Furthermore, the concerned professionals have limited awareness of the lean techniques and their implementation. Based on the findings, the construction companies are recommended to give proper attention to construction waste minimization and a huge task is ahead of the policymakers for lean techniques implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]