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Background: Enhancing the standards of medical treatment at all levels of the healthcare delivery system can improve the quality of life in developing countries. One method to promote rational drug use is an assessment of drug use pattern based on drug use indicators. Objective: To evaluate prescription patterns at the outpatient pharmacy of Dessie Referral Hospital and Boru Meda Hospital at Dessie town. Methods: An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prescribing patterns in governmental hospitals of Dessie town from April 1 to May 30, 2019. Six hundred eligible prescriptions were selected from each hospital through a systematic random sampling technique. Results: The result of this study showed that both hospitals used standard prescriptions (100%). Age (99.0%) and name (94.7%) of patients were the most commonly recorded patient information while weight, address of patients and diagnosis were recorded only in 1.1%, 39.2% and 61.3% of the studied prescription papers, respectively. A total 2409 drugs were prescribed in the 1200 prescription papers and the percentage of encounters with injection(s) and antibacterial(s) was 9.0% and 42.6%, respectively. At each hospital, all drugs were prescribed from the Ethiopian essential drug list. Conclusion: The present study revealed the use of standard presecription papers at both hospitals. None of the patient-related information was completely written in all prescrptions. For drug-related information, only the name of the drug was written in all prescription papers. There is also a significant deviation from the acceptable WHO standard for prescribing antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment of human and animal ailments using botanical sources has obtained significant attention in Ethiopia. The compounds available in plants comprise a plentiful source of bioactive ingredients able to treat many complications. The review aimed to present an updated list of plants used for managing hepatitis over the past 15 years in Ethiopia. Methods: Systematic, comprehensive search was undertaken from electronic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus) between September 01 and October 15, 2022, using standard search terms. Original researches carried out in Ethiopia, written and published in English between January 01/2007 and December 31/2021, and reported hepatitis as a disease treated by medicinal plants were included in the review. Plants beyond the list of Ethiopian and Eritrean floral were excluded. Data were extracted from texts and tables of original papers on a Microsoft Excel. Quality was assessed by applying the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results: A total of 317 papers were obtained from the database search. After removing duplicates and screening, 15 articles fit the inclusion criteria and selected for final review. Of the 24 plants identified, 35.7% were herbs. Leaf and root (35.7% each) were the predominant plant parts used for remedy preparation. Combined use of leaf and root comprised 10.7%. The families Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Fabaceae comprise the highest number of plant species. About 89.3% of remedies were administered orally. Conclusion: The majority of plants belong to herbs and the frequently used plant parts are leaf and roots. Evidence generated from the present review indicated that lots of plants have been used to manage hepatitis. Moreover, the findings could serve as preliminary information to formulate new drugs acting against hepatitis. Therefore, it is desirable for scholars to recognize, document, and keep plants and the associated knowledge appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

aimanot Abebe Adane,1 Tadele Girum,1 Wako Golicha Wako21Department of Public Health, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Southwest Region, Ethiopia; 2School of Public Health, Bule Hora University, Bule Hora, South Region, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Abebaw Wasie Kasahun Email [email protected] Background: Ethiopia has made great strides on under-five and maternal mortality reduction as demonstrated by achieving the millennium development target of child mortality reduction by the start of 2015. According to a recent demographic and health survey report, Ethiopia has a 67 per 1000 under-five mortality rate and a 412 per 100,000 live births maternal mortality ratio. The current trend of maternal and child mortality reduction is not enough to meet sustainable development goal three (SDG3) of maternal and child mortality reduction target which is set to reduce the maternal mortality ratio to below 70/100,000 live births in all countries. This paper aimed to model the effect of scaling up family planning on pregnancies, live births, stillbirths, abortions and maternal mortality in Ethiopia. Methods: We used the Spectrum software package to model the impact of family planning on maternal survival and other maternal health metrics. Spectrum has different modules consisting of demproj module (demographic projection), famplan module (family planning), LiST (life saved tool), and AIM (aids impact model). We used Demproj, Famplan and LiST modules for this particular paper. Baseline national data were taken from findings of the Ethiopian demographic and health survey 2016, and World Bank and World Health Organization country specific reports. Results: Total fertility rate will decline to 2.3 children per women by the year 2030 when contraceptive prevalence is scaled up by 2% annually from 2016 to 2030. As a result of continuous scaling up of contraceptive use, around 3.17 million unintended pregnancies can be averted. Unmet need for family planning will significantly decline to 11.7% by 2030. Ninety-four thousand unsafe abortions could be averted and 1233 additional maternal lives could be saved by the end of 2030 in Ethiopia. Conclusion: Scaling up family planning has shown a significant effect to meet the SDG3 maternal mortality reduction target. A considerable proportion of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions can be averted by scaling up contraceptive prevalence by 2% annually until 2030. Family planning is effective and a less costly intervention to reduce maternal mortality in countries with high fertility; hence, it is highly recommended to rampup all efforts to scale up contraceptive use for improving maternal health status in Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rational use of medicines is patients receiving medicines appropriate to their diagnosis in doses that meet their requirements for an adequate period of time at an affordable price. Irrational prescribing practices result in ineffective, unsafe treatment, prolong prognosis, and increase health-care costs, and this is a common phenomenon in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to evaluate medicine-use pattern using World Health Organization core drug-use indicators and completeness of prescription at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Methods: A retrospective and prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the dispensing pharmacy units of the health facility from March 2019 to May 2019 using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0, and results are presented using tables. Results: A total of 1,128 medicines were covered in the analyzed sample. The response rate, using standard prescription paper was found to be 100%. Mean number of medicines per prescription was 1.88. The proportion of medicines actually dispensed was 74.56%, and 91.4% medicines were prescribed by their generic names. Among prescribed medicines, antibiotics accounted for 37.5%, and 20% of the prescribed medicines were injectable. Prescriptions containing patient name, identification number, age, and sex comprised 99.8%, 99.5%, 91.8%, and 94.5%, respectively of the total. Prescriptions signed by prescribers accounted for 96.2%, however, only 75.8% of prescribers wrote their name. Moreover, only 4.8% of dispensers printed their name, and 32.7% of prescriptions were signed by pharmacists. Patient-care indicators were found to be below standard. Conclusion: Most prescriptions were incomplete, and prescribers by far completed their role than dispensers. The health facility has standard prescription paper and updated pharmaceuticals list. Percentages for encounters with antibiotics, prescribing by generic name, and patient-care indicators deviated from the standard. The dispensing and counseling time also far from the standard, and most medicines were not labeled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mardiani Mangun, SP 1 sp Selvi A Mangundap, SP 2 sp Hasta Handayani Idrus SP 3, sp SP 4 sp SP 1 sp Department of Midwifery, Politeknik Kesehatan Palu, Palu, Indonesia; SP 2 sp Department of Nursing, Poltekkes Kemenkes Palu, Palu, Indonesia; SP 3 sp Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Makassar, Indonesia; SP 4 sp Center for Biomedical Research, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia Correspondence: Selvi A Mangundap, Faculty of Nursing, Poltekkes Kemenkes Palu, Thalua Konchi Street Number 09, North Palu, Palu, Center Sulawesi, Indonesia, Email [email protected] View the original paper by Mr Alemu and colleagues Dear editor We have read a paper by Addisu Alemu et al on Survival Status and Predictors of Mortality Among Women with Uterine Rupture at Public Hospitals of Eastern Ethiopia.[1] This study provides up-to-date information regarding uterine rupture which is a dangerous complication of labor and a cause of death one in thirteen maternal deaths with this complication. Survival status and predictors of mortality among women with uterine rupture at public hospitals of eastern Ethiopia. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a response to a letter regarding a study titled "Assessment of Quality of Diabetic Care in Teaching Hospitals in Ethiopia: In Comparison to International Guidelines." The authors express appreciation for the comments and acknowledge the importance of delivering good quality care. They mention that financial constraints limited the study to a single center but express hope for a nationwide study in the future. The authors also address the data collection technique and state that interviewer-directed questions were used due to participants' lack of formal education. The authors disclose no conflicts of interest. [Extracted from the article]

Background: More than half of diabetics' in Ethiopia live undiagnosed, and the majority of those who already knew their status also struggle to manage their diseases. However, the underlying challenges are less understood in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess diabetes screening and management capabilities, barriers, and opportunities in southern Ethiopia. Methods: We applied a mixed methods study. To assess the healthcare systems' capabilities, we collected quantitative data from randomly selected ten hierarchically organized healthcare facilities, and purposive maximum variation sampling was applied to recruit twenty-nine individuals for face-to-face in-depth interviewing. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, thematically analyzed, and presented accordingly. Results: Our study findings indicated that there were good opportunities and encouraging capabilities like government commitment and expansion of services to improve diabetes screening and management in southern Ethiopia. Nevertheless, poor governance, the system's structural problems, skilled professionals' inaccessibility and lack of teamwork, poor service integration, poor planning, and lack of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms have been hampering the service delivery at the system level. While service unaffordability, low awareness level, and lifestyle modification problems were the main challenges at the patient level. Furthermore, outdated paper-based medical record documentation, frequent essential drug stock-outing, essential laboratory service interruptions, and none-use of some available services like HbA1c have been contributing to the barriers. Conclusion: Despite favorable capabilities available, diabetes management in southern Ethiopia has been struggling with solvable structural defects, poor service delivery and inaccessibility, and patients' poor lifestyle modification. Therefore, public health system restructuring, optimum financing, computerization of medical records documentation, and health system and patient capacity building are strongly recommended interventions to tackle the problem at the grass-root level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A peptic ulcer is described as the rupture of the mucosal integrity of the stomach, the duodenum, and, in certain cases, the lower esophagus as a result of contact with chloridopeptic secretions. The two most common kinds of peptic ulcer disorders are referred to as "gastric ulcer" and "duodenal ulcer." The name is derived from the location of the ulceration. Despite the promise of a wide range of antiulcer treatments, these therapies are associated with several adverse reactions, including hypersensitivity, arrhythmia, impotence, gynecomastia, galactorrhea, hematological abnormalities, and kidney disease, which are intolerable for many patients. Nowadays, there is a lot of emphasis on finding new and innovative agents. As a result, herbal medicines are commonly utilized in circumstances when drugs are used for long periods and are also cost-efficient, effective, and readily available. In this review paper, a total of 82 medicinal plants have been identified and reported for their use in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. The majority of these medicinal plants are widely used throughout Ethiopia. However, only the safety and efficacy of Plantago lanceolata, Osyris quadripartita, Rumex nepalensis, Cordia africana, Croton macrostachyus, and Urtica simensis have been scientifically studied in animal models. Despite this, many medicinal plants' pharmacological effects and chemistry have not been well studied scientifically. As a result, further bioactive compound characterization, efficacy, mechanism of action evaluation, and toxicity evaluation of medicinal plants should be carried out. A study that can improve the documentation of indigenous knowledge and contribute to drug development and future self-reliance is also recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inappropriate pharmaceutical services may result in unsafe, ineffective, and poor-quality treatment. This practice ultimately will lead to prolonged illness, suffering and damage to the patient and an increase in the cost of treatment. This study aims to assess the activities of pharmacy professionals and the pharmaceutical service quality given in community drug retail outlets of selected towns, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on all drug retail outlets working in Adola, Bule Hora, Dilla, and Yabelo towns, southern Ethiopia from October 1 to November 30, 2021, by interview through self- structured questionnaires and participant observations of the dispensing process. Results: A total of 46 (100%) dispensers participated. Out of which 18 (39.13%) respondents were from Dilla town, 11 (23.91%) were from Adola, 8 (17.39%) were from Bule Hora and 9 (19.57%) were from Yabelo town. Standard Reference Books 21 (45.7%) and Internet 20 (43.5%) were used as drug information sources by pharmacy professionals to get the latest facts about medicines. The leading causes of a dispensing error were incomplete prescription (54.34%) and illegible prescription (30.43%) from the prescriber. The errors were managed by communicating with patients (23, 50%), and prescribers (18, 39.13%). There was a high frequency of dispensing prescription drugs without prescription paper. Conclusion: The study revealed that less than half of the respondents use standard reference books and the internet as their drug information sources. Incomplete prescriptions from the prescribers were found to be the leading cause of dispensing errors. Dispensing of prescription drugs without receiving an order from a prescriber remains a common problem. Therefore, extensive work from regulatory authorities and pharmacy professionals is required to improve the quality of pharmaceutical services provided in drug retail outlets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

aimanot,4 Solomon Hintsa,5 Abadi Leul Welderufael31School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; 2Laboratory Interdisciplinary Statistical Data Analysis, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; 3School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; 4Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia; 5Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Axum University, Axum, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Haftom Temesgen Abebe, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, P.O.Box 1871, Mekelle, Ethiopia, Tel +251941982945, Email [email protected] Purpose: COVID-19, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an emerging global public health problem. The disease is believed to affect older people and is accompanied by clinical features such as fever, shortness of breath, and coughing. Currently, there is a lack of information regarding the characteristics of COVID-19 patients in Ethiopia. Thus, this paper aims to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical features of COVID-19 patients in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Patients and Methods: A total of 6,637 symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 patients collected from six isolation and treatment centers in Tigray between May 7 and October 28, 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients as appropriate. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the patients was 31.3± 12.8. SARS-CoV-2 infects men more than women with a ratio of 1.85:1. About 16% of the patients were symptomatic, of which 13.3% (95% CI=11.3– 15.4%) were admitted to intensive care units and 6.1% (95% CI=4.5– 7.6%) were non-survivors. The mortality rate was increased up to 40.3% (95% CI=32.1– 48.4%) among patients with severe illness. A higher proportion of deaths were observed in men (73.2%) and 55.4% were in the age group of ≥ 50 years. About 4.3% (282 of 6,637) had one or more coexisting comorbidities; the most common being cardiovascular diseases (30.1%) and diabetes mellitus (23.8%). The comorbidity rate in the non-survivor group was significantly higher than in the survivor group (p-value < 0.001). Conclusion: The proportion of symptomatic patients was low. Non-survival was linked with old age and the existence of comorbidities. The findings of this study can help in the design of appropriate management strategies for COVID-19 patients, such as giving due emphasis to COVID-19 patients who are old and with comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Difficult situations bring not only challenges but also fruitful opportunities. The pandemic of COVID-19 by itself and the related governmental or individual level measures have their own challenges and opportunities to the community, which even might be directly or indirectly related to the control and prevention of the pandemic. The silver linings of the pandemic of COVID-19 should be uncovered to encourage the community not only to focus on the black side of the disease but also to enjoy the opportunities. This can contribute to facilitate the control of the disease and avoid the related panics. In this review, we have discussed the challenges of COVID-19 in Ethiopia in terms of health, economy, and social life, and the silver linings in terms of research opportunities, technological transformation, reading culture, and family discussion. The literatures used in this review were published and unpublished articles, reports, and working papers from Google Scholar, PubMed, MedRxiv, BioRxiv, and official websites of national and international organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of this study was to assess errors made in the request format and phlebotomy procedures during the collection of blood samples for hematology laboratory tests between April and June 2019. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences on 393 samples with their respective request forms. The study employed a systematic sampling technique and utilized well-structured checklists to gather all the necessary data for hematology laboratory tests, including a thorough evaluation of the requested form. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21. Results: A total of 393 hematological samples from their respective request forms were analyzed in this study. Generally, the request forms did not contain all the necessary information, and each form had at least one error. The study also revealed the occurrence of pre-analytical errors in phlebotomy practice. These errors included prolonged tourniquet application (26.2%), improper identification (22.9%), inadequate cleaning of the vein puncture site (62.8%), unsafe needle removal and blood transfer to test tubes (6.6%), and improper mixing of collected blood samples (41.5%). Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed a substantial occurrence of pre-analytical errors in the hematology laboratory department. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the correct execution and utilization of phlebotomy procedures as well as request format to enhance quality assurance in hematology laboratory units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retraction relates to this paper Abdulhamid I, Usmael N, Shaweno T. I Patient Prefer Adherence i . 2022;16:2977-2988. In addition, it was also found that data from the original study and text from the original manuscript, from which the article was drafted, had been altered, raising significant doubts about the integrity and validity of the reported findings. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Treatment failure continues to be an impediment to the efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HART) in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection (HIV-1). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends third-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) for patients who have failed second-line ART. Darunavir (DRV) boosted with ritonavir (DRV/r) has a higher genetic barrier to resistance, is active against multidrug-resistant HIV isolates, retaining virological activity even when multiple protease mutations are present, and has been shown to be cost-effective when compared to other boosted protease inhibitors (PIs). Case Summary: This is a case of a 40-year-old female known HIV/AIDS patient who has been on ART for the last 14 years with good adherence and regular follow-up, and who is now on 3rd line ART medication with TLD (tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir)+DRV/r (in her 11th month) after being diagnosed with second-line treatment failure. After 6 months and 1 week of therapy, the viral load (VL) was sent, and the result was undetectable. The patient's clinical conditions had greatly improved. Conclusion: Third-line ART therapy, which was once thought to be a salvageable treatment, is now the primary option for second-line ART failure. TLD in combination with ritonavir-boosted darunavir is found to be effective at lowering viral loads in the blood below detectable limits. Despite a lack of data on the use of third-line ART in Ethiopia, access to third-line ART containing ritonavir-boosted darunavir is recommended because it has been shown to be an effective alternative for patients who have failed second-line ART. We recommend that more research be done with a larger sample size, and that the findings in this paper be used with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite medicines are a major contributor to the health and well-being of the community, irrational use of medicines is being a serious public health crisis with significant harmful implications for patients, healthcare systems, and communities as a whole. Objective: This study was aimed at evaluating the rational use of medicine using the World Health Organization/Network of Rational Use of Drugs (WHO/INRUD) core drug use indicators at Teda and Azezo health centers of Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1200 prescription papers retrospectively, and 60 patients prospectively at two health centers of Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia from May 01/2019 to April 30/2020. The data were collected using a standard data collection checklist. Data were analyzed using SPSS® version 24. The data were analyzed descriptively by using mean, frequency, and proportion. Results: Prescribing indicators: From a total of 2595 prescribed medicines, 94% of them were prescribed by generic name; percent encounters with injection was 9.5± 0.28%, percent encounters with antibiotics was 73.85± 0.35%, and 100% of medicines were prescribed from the essential medicine list of Ethiopia. Patient care indicators: Only 16.7% of the patients knew the correct dosage of their medications, and 17.5% of dispensed medicines were adequately labeled. From the prescribed medications, only 77.17% were actually dispensed. Average consultation and dispensing time were 5.35 minutes and 40.24 seconds, respectively. Facility-specific indicators: Only 83.5% of key medicines were available in the health centers. Conclusion: According to the WHO/INRUD core drug use indicators, rational medicine use is not achieved in terms of most components of the prescribing, patient care, and facility-specific indicators. Therefore, both health centers should work towards promoting the rational use of medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns were raised regarding the alleged duplicate publication of this article with an article published in I Current Drug Safety i , Kassahun and Tesfaye, 2020;15(2):105-110 (http://www.eurekaselect.com/article/105569). This retraction relates to this paper Kassahun H, Tesfaye D. I Integr Pharm Res Pract i . 2020;9:65-70. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Leeches are blood sucking hermaphroditic parasites belonged to the phylum Annelida of the class Hirudinea. Based on the location of leech infestation, the patient may present with anemia and respiratory symptoms. Even though Leech infestation is mentioned as common problem in African countries and the common cause of anemia, especially in children but it is not mentioned as a cause of severe anemia in an infant. Case Presentation: In this paper, we are reporting a 10 months old baby presented to Debre Tabor General Hospital with nasal bleeding and blood tingled vomiting of four days duration. With the diagnosis of severe anemia secondary to leech infestation, she was transfused with 360 mL of whole blood and the leech was removed from the oropharynx with McGill forceps. She was followed for 48 hours. There was no ongoing bleeding; the vital signs became stable, and then patient's parents were advised to boil drinking water before use. Finally, the infant discharged with improvement. Conclusion and Recommendation: We concluded that leech infestation should be included as the differential diagnosis of an infant presented with nasal bleeding and blood tingled vomiting who came from rural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The government of Ethiopia introduced an exemption policy that guarantees free maternal healthcare services from public providers. This policy aims to ensure financial protection and enhance utilization of services especially for low-income people. However, patients in most cases incur health expenditure when seeking health care. This paper aims to assess direct and indirect medical costs of treating maternal complications and associated factors at a public hospital in Northern Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was carried on 267 mothers with complications. A multivariate linear regression model at 5% level of significance was used to analyze factors driving the outcome. Results: The median cost was more than seven times the monthly minimum wage, and this may cause severe financial consequences for the poor. Direct medical costs accounted for the major share (68%) of total cost, and this was mainly driven by lack of diagnostic services at public facilities and paying for private providers. Expenditure for treatment of maternal complications is positively associated with income, absence from work, travel time to the facility and being diagnosed at a private facility. Conclusion: The overall evidence in this study poses a concern about the context in which fee exemption reforms are being implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More than a quarter of people living with human immune virus had increased burden of malnutrition leading to poor disease progression and survival. However, evidence on predictors for episodes of malnutrition is limited despite its importance for targeted interventions. This paper assessed the episodes of undernutrition and its predictors among HIV-positive adults on treatment in southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study using secondary data was conducted among 519 randomly selected records of adult clients on antiretroviral treatment. Malnutrition was assessed using the records of weight and height at different points of follow-up (0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months of ART follow-up). Analysis of variance, covariance, and spaghetti plot were done to compare the mean change in body mass index. To assess predictors of malnutrition episodes, a linear mixed model was used with parameter estimate with 95% confidence interval and P-values were estimated via maximum likelihood method. Akaike's information criteria was used for model fitness. Results: A total of 480 records were reviewed with a mean age of 36 years (± 9 years). A total of 354 (73.8%) and 34.6% of clients got dietary counseling and support, respectively. Statistically significant improvement in mean BMI after initiating treatment (P-value=0.0001) was observed. Being male (β=− 0.72; P=0.044), having problems of eating difficulty (β=− 1.61; P=0.0001), anemia (β=− 1.51; P=0.003), shorter follow-up intervals (β=0.04; P=0.129), not getting nutritional counseling (β=0.63; P=0.32), and diarrheal disease (β=− 0.04; P=0.129) were predictors of undernutrition. Conclusion: Improvement in nutritional status after initiation of ART was seen. The presence of eating disorder, anemia, not getting nutritional counseling, and the short follow-up interval predict undernutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Happiness is the most indicator of good quality of life particularly for pregnant women. Reduced happiness of pregnant women can result in reduced maternal health services utilization and can result in adverse newborn and maternal outcomes. Assessing the level of happiness and its factors are important for pregnant women and the next generation. Hence, the current research paper aimed to assess the level of happiness and its associated factors among pregnant women who attended antenatal care follow-up in South Gondar Zone Hospitals. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out from September 2018 to February 2019 among 1606 expectant pregnant women in the last 6 months. The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) was used as a measure of the degree of happiness and used four as average person score. Besides, bivariate, multivariable logistic analyses were deployed to identify associations. Results: A total of 1606 pregnant women were participating in this study. The prevalence of low level of pregnancy happiness in this study was 24% (95% CI: 20.7 − 26.6). Mothers who exposed to unintended pregnancy (AOR; 1.94, CI 95% 1.86– 4.52), reported intimate partner violence (AOR; 2.42, 95% CI 1.67– 3.54) and being in the third trimester (AOR; 1.89 95% CI 1.19– 3.01) were the most predictor variables with the low level of happiness. Conclusion: Approximately one-fourth of the pregnant women had a low level of pregnancy happiness. Mothers who were exposed to unintended pregnancy encountered intimate partner violence, who were in the third trimester were the most significant variables associated with a low level of happiness. Governmental and non-governmental organizations work on women's reproduction rights and the zonal health department with local health offices should educate on the prevention of intimate partner violence and unintended pregnancy and its consequences and also empower women to cope with changes and challenges of pregnancy and childbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Consumers' health would be at risk unless food preparation and handling hygiene is ensured by food establishments. Literature indicates that poor food handling and sanitation practices are more common among food handlers in developing countries resulting in food-borne illness. Hence, food handlers can play a significant role in ensuring food hygiene. To this end, the paper aims to assess the level of food hygiene practices and its associated factors of food handlers working in food establishments in Bole sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: Through across-sectional study design, a total of 394 food handlers selected randomly from food establishments have participated in the study. The data were collected between July and December 2017, through interview and observation. Percentage, cross tabulations, and logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. Results: The findings show that among 394 study subjects only 27.4% (i.e., 108 food handlers), were found to have good food hygiene practices. In other words, majority of food handlers observed were poor in maintaining food hygiene. Food hygiene practices were highly influenced by level score of favorable attitude (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI = 1.93, 7.87), extensive knowledge towards food hygiene (AOR= 3.33, 95% CI= 1.93, 5.76) and availability of water storage equipment at food establishments (AOR= 2.67, 95% CI= 1.38, 5.15). Conclusion: Food handlers had poor food hygiene practices in the study area. Shortages of a continuous water supply at food establishments, poor knowledge, and unfavorable attitude of food handlers towards food hygiene practice were all contributing factors associated with poor food hygiene practice. However, these can be improved through health education programs and environmental health services, such as periodic inspections, effective enforcement of food safety regulations, and enhancing the capacity of food hygiene regulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertension is one of the leading causes of disease in the world. This study is a systematic review paper, intended to provide compressive evidence on the prevalence, distribution, determinants, and burden of hypertension in Ethiopia. Methods: A quantitative epidemiological literature review was conducted by searching different articles in different databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, and Google scholar. The search involved population-based, hospital-based, and institution-based studies on hypertension conducted in Ethiopia. All data were extracted independently by two reviewers using data collection formats. Finally, this review included 22 studies. Results: Different studies reported varied prevalence of hypertension because of the differences in participant's mean ages, source population, and study settings. Population-based studies revealed the prevalence of hypertension to be 9.3– 30.3%, institution-based studies revealed 7– 37%, whereas hospital-based studies revealed 13.2– 18.8%. In studies included in this review, about 37– 78% of hypertensive patients were not aware of their blood pressure condition. There was a high prevalence of hypertension in urban residents, and different factors were associated with hypertension, including being overweight, family history of hypertension, age, sex, diabetes mellitus, alcohol intake, physical inactivity, and obesity. Conclusion and Recommendation: Hypertension was substantially prevalent in Ethiopia, which calls for the implementation of timely and appropriate strategies for the prevention and control of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is still a public health problem and amongst the top ten leading causes of death. The aim of this paper was to identify the factors that significantly affect the survival of tuberculosis patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out in Adigrat General and Wukro hospitals, Eastern Zone of Tigray region, Ethiopia. Data for this study were obtained from medical records of all TB cases registered from September 2016 to August 2017 in the two hospitals. Log-rank test and Kaplan–Meier plot were used to evaluate the survival pattern of TB patients. A multivariable Cox proportional regression model was employed to identify the predictors of mortality. Factors with a P-value smaller than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant facilitators of TB death. Results: Of the 397 patients studied over the specified period, 23 (5.8%) had died. A statistically significant survival difference was observed among gender, residence, HIV status, treatment category, and age category of patients. In multivariable cox regression, lower survival rates were observed among patients aged ≥ 45 years (HR = 5.315, 95% CI: 1.231– 22.959), relapse cases (HR = 4.069, 95% CI: 1.636– 10.119), patients with extrapulmonary TB (HR = 3.054, 95% CI: 1.044– 8.940), patients from rural areas (HR = 2.834, 95% CI: 1.161– 6.916), patients with a bodyweight of ≤ 50 kg and HIV-positive patients. Conclusion: Based on the survival experience of TB patients, advancing age, extrapulmonary TB infection, living in rural residence, lower bodyweight at beginning of treatment, HIV co-infection, and being a retreatment patient were predictors of mortality. To achieve the "End TB Strategy" goal of zero death, proper targeting of care to these vulnerable groups should be advised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High blood pressure is a health risk for all populations, worldwide. Globally the number of people with uncontrolled hypertension rose by 70% between 1980 and 2008. Objective: This paper aims to investigate the association of survival time and fasting blood sugar levels of hypertension patients and identify the risk factors that affect the survival time of the patient. Methods: We considered a total of 430 random samples of hypertension patients who were followed-up at Yekatit-12 Hospital in Ethiopia from January 2013 to January 2019. A linear mixed effects model was used for the longitudinal outcomes (fasting blood sugar) with normality assumption, although four parametric accelerated failure time distributions: exponential, Weibull, lognormal and loglogistic are studied for the time-to-event data. The Bayesian joint models were defined through latent variables and association parameters and with specified noninformative prior distributions for the model parameters. Simulations are conducted using Gibbs sampler algorithm implemented in the WinBUGS software. The model selection criteria DIC is employed to identify the model with best fit to the data. Results: The findings from Bayesian joint models are consistent. The association parameter in each Bayesian joint model is significant. This implies that there is dependence between the two processes: longitudinal fasting blood sugar level and the time-to-death event under joint models. With investigation of the model comparison criteria, the Bayesian–Weibull model was preferred to analysize the current data sets. Based on joint analysis the baseline age, place of residence, family history of hypertension, khat intake, blood cholesterol level of the patient, hypertension disease stage, adherence to the treatment and related disease were associated factors that affect the survival time of hypertension patients. Conclusion: The analysis suggests that there is strong association between longitudinal process (fasting blood sugar) and time-to-event data. The researcher recommends that all stakeholders should be aware of the consequences of these factors which can influence the survival time of hypertension patients in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study conducted in Northwest Ethiopia on the decision to delivery time for emergency cesarean deliveries. The study found that only 21.8% of women gave birth within the recommended delivery time of under 30 minutes. Factors that contributed to delays included the interval between decision-making and delivery, particularly at night, and the referral of mothers from health services that did not have access to cesarean sections. The authors suggest the need for a model to predict the risk of cesarean delivery and urgency categorization for non-elective cesarean sections to reduce perinatal mortality rates. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Malaria is one of the most widespread infections worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Accordingly, Jimma Zone is one of the widely affected areas by malaria in Ethiopia. In 2020 woreda health offices have reported the possible malaria epidemic that needs further investigation. Accordingly, this study aims to characterize the scope, pinpoint determinants connected to the Nono Benja woreda malaria outbreak, and implement suitable public health management measures. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was followed by an unmatched case-control study with a 1:1 ratio of cases to controls. The sample size of 136 individuals (68 cases and 68 controls) was used. The collected data was imported into Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. By doing multivariate logistic regression association was determined at 95% confidence intervals P value of 5%. Results: A total of 687 instances were identified, giving an overall attack incidence of 1%. The assault rate ranged from 51.6 per 1000 people in Benja rural to 1.1 per 1000 people in Dhokonu Kebele. But there were no recorded deaths. Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax were the major types of Plasmodium species reported. From independent variables absence of ITNS [AOR 3.98 (CI = 1.11– 24.8)], residing in an unsprayed home [AOR = 3.83 (CI = 1.04– 14.08], presence of stagnant water in residential area [AOR = 4.25, CI (1.37– 12.24113.10)], and lack of awareness on malaria prevention [AOR = 8.28 (CI 2.31– 29.73)] were significantly associated with Malaria outbreak. Conclusion: A number of factors, including lack of ITNS, lack of malaria health education, stagnant water, and IRS (indoor residual spray), were significantly linked with the occurrence of malaria outbreaks. The woreda health office should therefore provide ITNS to the community, use indoor residual spray, and disseminate health information regarding efficient and long-lasting malaria preventive and control techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Second-line antiretroviral treatment failure has become a major public health issue, and the time to treatment failure among second-line ART clients varies globally, and the Sub-Saharan African region having a high rate of second-line ART treatment failures. In addition, after the ART treatment guideline changed there is limited information on Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess time to treatment failure and its determinants among second-line ART clients in Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Methods: A multi-centered retrospective follow-up study was conducted. A random sample of 860 people on second-line ART was selected by using a computer-generated simple random sampling technique from January 30, 2016, to January 30, 2021, at the University of Gondar Compressive Specialized Hospital, Felege Hiwot Compressive Specialized Referral Hospital, and Debre Tabor Compressive Specialized Referral Hospital, in Amhara region, Ethiopia. Data was captured using a checklist. Results: A total of 81 (9.4%) ART clients developed second-line treatment failure, with a median follow-up time of 29 months with an interquartile range (IQR: 18, 41]. The risk of second-line treatment failure is higher among patients aged 15 to 30 years (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 2.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.16, 3.48]). Being unable to read and write (AHR = 1.312, 95% CI: [1.068, 1.613]), and poor ART drug adherence (AHR = 3.067, 95% CI: [1.845, 5.099]) were significant predictors of second-line ART treatment failures. Conclusion: In the current study, the time to second-line ART treatment failure was high compared with a previous similar study in Ethiopia. Factors like being younger age, ART clients who are not being able to read and write, and having poor ART drug adherence was significant predictors of second-line ART treatment failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the effects of DTG-based and EFV-based regimens on the MTCT of HIV among HIV-exposed infants in Ethiopia. Methods: An uncontrolled before-and-after study design was conducted among 958 mother-infant pairs (479 on EFV-based and 479 on DTG-based regimens) enrolled in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) care from September 2015 to February 2023. The outcome variable was the HIV infection status among the exposed infants. A log-binomial model was employed, and the proportion was computed to compare the incidence of MTCT of HIV in both groups. The risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated to assess the predictor variables. Results: Mothers on DTG-based regimens were approximately 44% (adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 0.56; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.70) less likely to transmit HIV to their infants than those on EFV-based regimens. In addition, poor or fair adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) (aRR: 5.82; 95% CI: 3.41, 9.93), home delivery (aRR: 3.61; 95% CI: 2.32, 5.62), mixed feeding practice (aRR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.45, 2.3) and not receiving antiretroviral prophylaxis (aRR: 3.26; 95% CI: 1.6, 6.64) were found to increase the risk of MTCT of HIV infection, whereas older maternal age (aRR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.9, 0.96) was a protective factor. Conclusion: Mother-to-child transmission of HIV was less frequently observed in mother-infant pairs exposed to the DTG-based regimens as compared to those exposed to the EFV-based regimens. Thus, DTG-based first-line ART regimens supplementation should be sustained to achieve global and national targets for zero new infections in HIV-exposed infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify the determinants of disability among individuals living with schizophrenia attending the psychiatric follow-up clinic at Jimma Medical Center (JMC). Methods: An institution-based unmatched case-control study was conducted among 98 Cases and 98 controls of individuals living with schizophrenia attending the JMC psychiatric clinic from September 1 to October 30, 2022. Consecutive sampling technique was used to recruit the required sample size of both groups. The cases group were participants who scored > 12 total on the WHO Disability Assessment Scale version 2– 0 (WHODAS 2– 0) whereas the control group were those who scored 12 total on the WHODAS 2– 0. Results: Being jobless (AOR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.10– 4.77), longer than 5-year duration of illness without treatment (AOR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.23– 7.98), poor social support (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.04– 6.22), negative symptoms (AOR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.14– 5.29), known family history of mental illness (AOR = 3.59; 95%: 1.67– 7.73) and risky khat use (AOR = 4.37; 95% CI: 1.86– 10.29) were found to be determinants of disability among schizophrenia patients. Conclusion: Joblessness, longer than 5-year duration of illness without treatment, poor social support, negative symptoms, known family history of mental illness and risky khat use were found to be determinants of disability in schizophrenia patients. Interventions targeting reducing of disability and improving quality of life of schizophrenia patients should consider the aforementioned determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One in five people will eventually develop cancer, and one in eleven women will lose their lives to the disease. The main aim of this study is to determinants of survival time of women with breast cancer using appropriate Frailty models. Methods: A study involving 632 Ethiopian women with breast cancer was conducted between 2018 and 2020, utilizing medical records from Felege-Hiwot Referral Hospital, the University of Gondar, and Dessie Referral Hospital. To compare survival, the Kaplan-Meier plot (s) and Log rank test were employed; to assess mean survival, one-way analysis of variance and the t test were utilized. The factors influencing women's survival times from breast cancer were identified using the parametric shared frailty model and the accelerated failure time model. Results: The median time to die for breast cancer patients treated at FHRH, UoGCSH, and DRH was 14.91 months, 11.14 months, and 12.32 months, respectively. The parametric model of shared frailty fit those who were statistically significant in univariate analysis. The results showed that survival of women with breast cancer was significantly influenced by age, tumor size, comorbidity, nodal status, stage, histologic grade, and type of primary treatment initiated. When comparing mean survival times between hospitals, the results showed a significant difference; patients who were treated in FHRH live significantly longer than patients treated in UoGCSH and DRH, whereas patients treated in UoGCSH have comparatively lower survival. Women with stage IV and comorbidities have 22.4% and 27.1% shorter expected survival, respectively. Conclusion: This finding suggests that improving the availability and accessibility of radiation therapy and surgery, eliminating disparities between hospitals, raising awareness of early signs and symptoms of breast cancer and encouraging women to seek clinical help, and highlighting women with comorbidities at diagnosis are important ways to increase survival time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to compare knowledge and attitudes towards obstetric danger signs and care between females receiving maternal care and their male partners. Methods and Materials: A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural setting of Jimma, Ethiopia. Female and their male partners were selected randomly. The number of participants included from each sex was 3235 totaling 6470. Face-to-face data collection was employed using open data kit (ODK) software. A pre-test was performed before the data collection. Descriptive and analytical statistical analysis was used to compare knowledge and attitudes regarding obstetric danger signs and care. Predictor variables were declared considering a 95% confidence interval, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and P-value less than 0.05. Results: On average, male and female participants identified at least two obstetric danger signs. More females could mention more antenatal, childbirth, and postnatal danger signs than their male partners. Both females and their male partners who listened to the radio at least once per week had a statistically significant positive attitude towards obstetric care. Nonetheless, both had an almost similar magnitude of attitude towards obstetric care irrespective of belonging to different occupational, educational, and other social strata. Males' knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy (95% CI = (1.07– 1.62), AOR = 1.32, P < 0.008) and postnatal care (95% CI = (1.16– 1.89), AOR = 1.48, P < 0.002) had a statistically significant association with the females utilization antenatal care (ANC) service, though not delivery care (DC) or postnatal (PNC). Conclusion: There were inequalities in obstetric danger signs knowledge between females and their male partners. Male partners' knowledge of obstetric danger signs is not only significant during pregnancy and delivery but also has a lasting impact on post-natal service utilization, which underscores the importance of their involvement in maternal healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess childhood IP reinfection and its association with sanitation and hygienic practice in eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A population-based case-control design was used in this study. Data were collected from 75 reinfected cases and 147 unmatched controls. Fecal specimens were observed for parasites using direct smear and formol ether techniques. Epi-Info and SPSS (the statistical package for social science) were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify significant associations (P< 0.05) between variables. Results: The overall IP reinfection rate within 24 weeks after treatment was 33.8% (75/222), with a 95% CI=27.7%– 40.5%. The frequency of intestinal protozoa was 18%, and for helminths was 15.8%. Children who swam in a polluted water had 3.7 times greater odds of IP reinfection than children who did not swim (P =0.01, 95% CI: 1.4– 10.0). Children who regularly bathed in streams and children who bathed both at home and in streams were found to have 12.6 times and 5.8 times higher odds of IP reinfection than children who bathed regularly at home (P=0.002, 95% CI:2.5– 64.8) and (P = 0.042, 95% CI:1.1– 31.3), respectively. Children in households that owned domestic animals had 4.5 times higher odds of IP reinfection than the reference group (P = 0.013, 95% CI: 1.3– 12.5). Conclusion: IP reinfection rates were significantly associated with habits of swimming in a polluted water, places of bathing, and ownership of domestic animals. Therefore, efforts should be made considering such factors to minimize IP reinfection in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose special challenges in developing countries In Ethiopia, the growing NCD burden has raised a public health concern with significant social, economic, and developmental effects. Thus, the study sought to examine health communication practices in addressing the NCDs in Bahir Dar City of the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. Methods: A qualitative case study was conducted from January to April 2023. The study employed in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations to gather data from health extension workers, NCD experts, and NCD focal persons about their experiences and perspectives regarding NCD prevention and control. The participants were purposively selected, and a thematic analysis technique was employed to analyze the data. Results: The study found that several health communication strategies, such as health promotion, training and creating model households, screening, referrals, follow-ups, rehabilitation services, and activities reporting were employed. Nevertheless, there was a lack of consistent, reliable, and long-lasting and professional health communication regarding NCD prevention and management. Some of the challenges contributing to such deficient practices were overloading HEWs with various tasks, allocating many households to a single HEW, shortage of screening tools, shortage of financial and human resources, weak interdisciplinary collaboration, COVID-19, and recurrent conflicts in the city and the region. Above all, lack of health communication skills affected the health interventions. Concerning communication methods, one-to-one communication was frequently employed, while mass media and social media were rare. Generally, NCD communication, in particular, and health communication, in general, did not receive priority as other health-related activities in the city. Conclusion: The study found that there were poor health communication practices in preventing and controlling NCDs. Thus, professional practice of health communication about NCDs must be prioritized, and emphasis should be given to inter-sectoral collaborations. Prioritizing financial and human resources is also essential for effective NCD communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in critical patients, leading to a worse prognosis. Although its consequences are worse among critical patients, AKI is also associated with less favorable outcomes in non-critical patients. Therefore, understanding the magnitude of the problem in these patients is crucial, yet there is a scarcity of evidence in non-critical settings, especially in resource limited countries. Hence, the study aimed at determining the incidence and predictors of hospital acquired acute kidney injury (HAAKI) in non-critical medical patients who were admitted at a large tertiary hospital in Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective chart review study was conducted from September 25, 2022 to January 20, 2023 among 232 hospitalized non-critical medical patients admitted to St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College between January 2020 and January 2022. The incidence of HAAKI was estimated using incidence density per total person day (PD) observation of the study participants. To identify predictors of HAAKI, a log binomial regression model was fitted at a p value of ≤ 0.05. The magnitude of association was measured using adjusted relative risk (ARR) with its 95% CI. Results: During the median follow-up duration of 11 days (IQR, 6– 19 days), the incidence of HAAKI was estimated to be 6.0 per 100 PD (95% CI = 5.5 to 7.2). Significant predictors of HAAKI were found to be having type 2 diabetes mellitus (ARR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.03, 5.39, p-value=0.042), and taking vancomycin (ARR = 3.04, 95% CI = 1.38, 6.72, p-value=0.006) and proton pump inhibitors (ARR = 3.80, 95% CI = 1.34,10.82, p-value=0.012). Conclusion: HAAKI is a common complication in hospitalized non-critical medical patients, and is associated with a common medical condition and commonly prescribed medications. Therefore, it is important to remain vigilant in the prevention and timely identification of these cases and to establish a system of rational prescribing habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A research gap exists in finding practical solutions to provide affordable and accessible health insurance coverage to improve CBHI enrollment and sustainability to people in resource-poor settings and contribute to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in Ethiopia. This research was initiated to analyze the role of community trust in scheme management and health choice to identify significant factors based on the health belief model (HBM). This psychological framework explains and predicts health behavior by considering individual perceptions. Methods: Cross-sectional information was gathered from 358 families, and original facts were utilized. Descriptive data and the Binary logistics in the econometric model were applied for data analysis. Findings: The descriptive findings demonstrated that other variables were established to possess a significant consequence except for job and occupation variables. The results of the logistic regression model showed that the distance of the nearest health station from the family's home in a minute [AOR (95% CI) =0.177 (0.015, − 0.399)], being a member of the families having an official position in local government or cultural structure [AOR (95% CI) =0.574 (0.355, 0.793)], having an experience of visiting health facilities [AOR (95% CI) =0.281 (0.166, 0.396)], and perceiving the local CBHI scheme management as trustworthy [AOR (95% CI) =0.404 (0.233, 0.575)] were positively associated with family enrollment in the CBHI scheme. On the other hand, being a member of the "rotating saving and credit association" (ROSCA) [AOR (95% CI) =−.299 (−.478, − 0.120)] was negatively associated with the family's enrollment in the CBHI scheme. Conclusion: Trust in CBHI scheme management, family's experience of visiting health facilities, and distance from the nearest health station were essential factors influencing enrollment in CBHI schemes. "Rotating saving and credit association" (ROSCA) ° negatively and statistically significantly impacted the family's CBHI enrolment status. Income level was not associated with enrollment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fighting health threats, especially the rise of new infectious diseases, is one of the main responsibilities of healthcare workers. However, their knowledge and attitudes toward monkeypox have not yet been assessed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and factors associated with monkeypox infection among healthcare workers at Injibara General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1– 30, 2022. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed. The degree of association was interpreted using an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value < 0.05. Results: Among the 200 healthcare workers who participated, 38.5% (95% CI: 32.5%– 45%) and 62% (95% CI: 55– 68.5%) had good knowledge and positive attitudes regarding monkeypox respectively. Having a master's degree or above (AOR = 11.25: 95% CI: 2.03– 62.33), being vaccinated against COVID-19 (AOR = 2.60: 95% CI: 1.37– 4.94), and having access to information about monkeypox (AOR = 3.37: 95% CI: 1.33– 8.50) were the factors associated with good knowledge. Furthermore, a positive attitude was significantly associated with being 30 years of age or older (AOR = 2.95: 95% CI: 1.55– 5.60) and having access to information about monkeypox (AOR = 4.14: 95% CI: 2.06, 8.30). Conclusion: Both good knowledge and positive attitudes were relatively low among healthcare workers. Factors such as age, education level, COVID-19 vaccination status, and access to information about monkeypox were significantly associated with the knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers. To enhance the knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers, hospitals should consider offering educational upgrades, hosting educational events like seminars, conferences, webinars, and campaigns, and ensuring comprehensive coverage of the topic in medical curricula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The roots of Verbascum sinaiticum have been used traditionally for the management of wound in different regions of Ethiopia. Despite the presence of several claims and in vitro studies regarding its role in wound healing, no scientific studies have been conducted so far. Therefore, this study aims to scientifically evaluate the wound healing activities of the crude extract and solvent fractions of the roots of Verbascum sinaiticum in Swiss albino mice. Methods: The dried root powder of Verbascum sinaiticum was extracted using 80% methanol by maceration technique. This was then fractionated with chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water. These extracts were formulated as ointment at 5% and 10% concentration by using simple base. Acute dermal toxicity was performed on mice. The wound healing potential was evaluated using excision, incision, and burn wound models. Results: In excision wound, 10% and 5% of crude extract ointment provided a significant (P< 0.001) percentage of contraction starting from day 4 and day 6 onwards respectively. Moreover, the rate of epithelialization was significantly (P< 0.001) improved in 10% crude extract. In burn wound, 10% and 5% crude extract showed significant (P< 0.001) wound contraction starting from day 4 and 8 onwards respectively. In both excision and burn wounds, a moderate concentration of fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition was observed on the 10% crude extract. The 5% and 10% aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions produced a significant (P< 0.001) percentage of wound contraction and shortening of epithelialization at different time points compared to simple ointment. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the 80% methanolic crude extract, aqueous and ethyl acetate fractions of Verbascum sinaiticum root have wound healing potential which assimilates its traditional use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An emergency cesarean section requires prompt delivery to reduce the risk for a pregnant woman or newborn. Studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between decision-to-delivery time and neonatal outcomes, but the findings are contradictory. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the average of decision-to-delivery time of an emergency cesarean section and its effect on adverse neonatal outcomes at East Gojjam Zone Public Hospital. Methods: A multicenter prospective study design would be carried out between November 2022 and January 2023. Using the consecutive method, a sample of 352 mother-newborn pairs was studied. Direct observation and face-to-face interviews were undertaken to gather the data using a semi-structured questionnaire. For both data input and analysis, Epi Data version 4.6 and Stata version 14 software were used. Both the crude and adjusted odds ratios were computed. Measure of significance was based on the adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: Decision-to-delivery time interval within 30 minute was seen in 21.9% of emergency cesarean delivery. The study found a significant relationship between the first-minute low Apgar score and the delayed decision-to-delivery time interval (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1– 6, p = 0.03). In addition, determinant factors for poor 1st-minute Apgar scores include danger signs during pregnancy (AOR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.1– 7.8, p = 0.03), women referred from another facility (AOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.5– 4.6, p = 001), and non-reassuring fetal heart rate (AOR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.1– 17, p = 0.04). A delayed decision-to-delivery time interval is not statistically significantly associated with a low 5th-minute Apgar score or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Conclusion: The study found unfavorable 1st-minute Apgar score and a longer decision-to-delivery period than recommended. This duration and negative newborn outcomes may be reduced by increasing and involving comprehensive obstetric and neonatal care facilities with skilled emergency obstetric surgeons, such as clinical midwife, integrated emergency surgeon officers, and physician. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore Women's experiences on contraceptive preference among Jimma town public health facilities, southwest Ethiopia, 2023. Methods: An interpretative phenomenological study design was employed. Women aged between 18 and 49 who have been using injectable contraceptives for more than one year were our study population. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using an open-ended, structured interview guide. The purposive sampling technique was used to select 12 participants from three randomly selected public health facilities in Jimma town. Audio data were transcribed verbatim into word files, and finally, Atlas.ti 7.0 software was used to facilitate coding and categorizing. Results: Twelve women who have been using injectable contraceptives for the last year were involved in this study. Religious beliefs, fear of side effects, visiting Arab countries, and previous contraceptive experiences were the main reasons for respondents to prefer injectable contraceptive methods. This study revealed that women were experiencing positive and negative effects while using injection contraceptives. The majority of the respondents felt comfortable and pleased and had not encountered any health-related issues since beginning to use injection contraceptives. Conclusion: The key factors influencing respondents' preference for injection methods of contraception included fear of side effects, religious convictions, travel to Arab nations, and prior contraceptive experiences. The majority of respondents felt at ease and pleased and reported no substantial health difficulties associated with injection contraception, despite a few women reporting minor adverse effects. Therefore, switching to long-acting methods of contraception necessitates increased women's understanding of contraceptives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Compliance with workplace health and safety measures can result in considerable reduction in workplace injuries and fatalities and attributed economic costs. However, majority of studies conducted in small-scale industries in numerous countries, including Ethiopia focused on the prevalence of occupational injuries and there is a paucity of evidence on level of employees' adherence to safety measures and the associated factors. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess workers' compliance and factors associated with occupational health and safety practices in small-scale metal industries in Central Ethiopia. Methods: This study was conducted in Central Ethiopia. A total of 415 small-scale metal workers were included in this study. Study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The collected data were entered using EPI Info version 7.2 and exported to IBM-SPSS Version 22 for further cleaning and analysis. Bivariate and multivariate Binary Logistic Regression were conducted to determine association and during the multivariable regression variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered significantly associated factors. Results: The study found a 39.3% (95% CI: 34.7, 44.1) prevalence of good compliance with safety and health measures among small-scale metal workers. Temporary employed workers were less likely to adhere [AOR=0.43, 95% CI (0.21, 0.93)] and workers who received training were more likely to adhere [AOR=5.75, 95% CI (2.56, 12.9)] to safety precautions. Other significantly associated variables included work experience, working at night, and satisfaction with the current salary. Conclusion: This study sheds light on small-scale metal workers' commitment to workplace safety and health procedures, indicating a compliance rate of 39.3%, which is low. Temporary employees and less experienced workers are less likely to follow health and safety precautions. Workplace health and safety training are associated with increased safety precautions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Long-term use of antiretroviral therapy, especially dolutegravir and boosted-atazanavir, raises concerns about cardiovascular disease. Thus, this study aimed to assess lipid profiles, blood glucose, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels among people living with HIV on dolutegravir and ritonavir-boosted atazanavir-based therapy. Methods: An institutional-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from November 4, 2021, to January 4, 2022. An equal number of dolutegravir- and ritonavir-boosted atazanavir-treated patients (n = 64 each) was enrolled. A consecutive sampling was used to select participants. The Chi-square, Student's t-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and logistic regression were used as appropriate statistical tests using SPSS Version 25.0. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Dyslipidemia was found in 67.2% (43/64) of ritonavir-boosted atazanavir group and 48.4% (31/64) of dolutegravir group. The dolutegravir group had significantly higher mean and median values of high-density lipoprotein and random blood sugar, respectively, as well as lower median triglyceride and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels than the ritonavir-boosted atazanavir group. Ritonavir-boosted atazanavir-based regimens (AOR=3.4, 95% CI: 1.5, 8) and age > 40 years were predictors of dyslipidemia, while BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (AOR=3.7, 95% CI: 1.3, 10.8) and dolutegravir-based regimens (AOR=4.6, 95% CI: 1.5, 14) were predictors of hyperglycemia. Ritonavir-boosted atazanavir-based regimens (ARR=3, 95% CI: 1.3, 8) and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (ARR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.1, 6) were associated with increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein by 1– 3 mg/L. The risk of increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein by > 3 mg/L was greater in those patients with a CD4 cell count of < 500 cells/mm3 (ARR=5, 95% CI: 1.1, 24). Conclusion: When compared to ritonavir-boosted atazanavir-based regimens, dolutegravir had favorable lipid profiles and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein but unfavorable blood glucose levels. Therefore, baseline blood glucose, lipid profiles, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels should be routinely measured in patients on these regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the magnitude, associated factors and morphological types of anemia among hospitalized 6– 59 months age children from June 15 to October 15, 2022 at Jimma Medical Center, southwest Ethiopia. Methodology: Hospital-based cross- sectional study design was conducted from June 15 to October 15, 2022 at Jimma Medical Center, involving 383 hospitalized children aged 6– 59 months by employing convenient sampling technique. Data of sociodemographic characteristics and other associated factors of the study individuals waere collected using a pre-structured questionnaire. Clinical data were collected by physical examination and from history of client by medical interns and nurses. Then 3 mL venous blood was collected and analyzed for complete blood count. Data were coded, cleared and entered into EpiData version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia among hospitalized 6– 59 months age children was 57.2%; out of them 30.82% were moderate. In the present study children with malaria infection, AOR = 1.15 (95% CI: 0.017, 0.781), Cchildren with severe malnutrition, AOR = 2.046 (95% CI: 0.306, 1.366), and children with low family income, AOR = 2.6 (95% CI 0.475, 0.894) were independent variables associated with anemia. Conclusion and Recommendation: Anemia among study participants is found to be a severe public health problem. Based on this finding, more intervention is needed with health education on nutrition and child feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes, one of the major global health emergencies of the 21st century, can affect a patient's quality of life. A compromised quality of life has adverse effects on self-care practices, resulting in inadequate glycemic control and an increased susceptibility to complications. In Ethiopia, there is a paucity of information regarding the quality of life of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, this study aimed to assess health-related quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients attending diabetes follow-up clinics in selected public hospitals in Addis Ababa using short form- 36 (SF-36) health survey measures. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the study participants. Simple and multiple linear regressions were done to identify significantly associated factors with health-related quality of life. Result: A total of 309 patients participated in this study. The mean scores of the physical and mental component summaries were 40.15 (SD = 7.27) and 48.11 (SD = 8.87), respectively. Being old, being overweight or obese, living with type 2 diabetes mellitus for more than fifteen years, taking combined medication, having diabetes-related complications, and having comorbidities were factors that reduced the mean score of the physical component summary (p-value< 0.05). Being obese and diabetes related complication were factors that negatively affect mental component summary (p-value < 0.05). On the other hand, being married was factors that positively affect mental component summary (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: Older age, being married, obesity, overweight, longer duration of diabetes, using combined medications, diabetic-related complications, and co-morbidities were factors associated with health-related quality of life. Healthcare providers should strengthen counseling patients on lifestyle modifications such as diet modifications, and weight reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to determine the prevalence of diabetes and identify its associated factors among office workers of Mizan-Aman Town administration and Bench Sheko Zone Sector Office. Methods: A sector office-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 559 randomly selected employees of Mizan Aman Town Administration and Zonal Office from June 5 to June 30, 2022. Fasting plasma glucose was tested, and the result ≥ 126 mg/dL was used to diagnose DM. Data were entered using Epi Data version 4.0.2 and exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 26) for analysis. Bivariate analyses were included in the multivariable model with p < 0.25. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% are reported, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of Diabetes was 9.4% with 95%CI(7.1,12.1)). Among the participants,60.8% were men, 58.2% of workers were aged 40 years or older, and the mean age was 39.7 ± 9.9 years. Having hypertension (AOR 3.85, 95% CI (1.7,7.4), family history of diabetes (AOR 4.5, 95% CI (1.2, 15.8), physical inactivity defined as failure to participate in moderate intensity activities at work, sitting ≥ 180 minutes per day (AOR = 3.57, 95% CI (1.1, 11.0)) and having central obesity AOR: 3.25, 95% CI (1.5, 6.7) independently associated with higher odds of DM. However, those having good knowledge of DM (AOR=0.26, 95% CI: (0.10, 0.6)) and consuming fruits and vegetables greater than five servings per week (AOR=0.32 95% CI (0.1, 0.7)) predicted lower odds of DM. Conclusions and Recommendations: The prevalence of DM among office workers was high and is associated with lifestyle, family history, dietary practices, and knowledge about DM. Therefore, arranging regular screening programs at the workplace and promotion of healthy diet, exercise, and awareness creation are needed to lower the prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Communication in healthcare organizations is an important factor in quality care, patient safety, and financial function. However, there was a dearth of evidence on the organizational communication skills of healthcare providers in Ethiopia, including the current study area, Wolaita Sodo. This study is aimed at assessing the level of organizational communication skills and their associated factors among healthcare providers working at Wolaita Sodo health facilities, SNNPRS, Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. A pretested and structured questionnaire was utilized using the self-administration method. The data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using STATA version 17.0. Pearson correlation, a binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with outcome variables. Accordingly, variables that fulfilled p-values < 0.25 on the bivariate logistic regression were considered candidates for multivariate logistic regression to control for possible confounders. The odds ratios along with the 95% confidence interval were used to present the finding, and statistical significance was reported at a p-value of 0.05. Results: In the current study, about 45.8% (95% CI: 40.9– 50.7) of the health professionals experienced good organizational communication skills. Males [AOR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.38, 3.82], who had training in communication skills [AOR = 2.30; 95% CI = 1.46, 3.63], and those working at laboratories [AOR = 3.22; 95% CI = 1.07, 9.65] were significantly associated with organizational communication skills. Conclusion: Less than half of the participants practiced good organizational communication skills. Sex, training on communication skills, and working units were important factors affecting the communication skills of healthcare providers. Interventions to improve the communication skills of healthcare providers should be instituted targeting females, those who have never taken training on communication skills, and those who are working at the ward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heart failure is major public health problem that affects many people worldwide. It affects all aspects of patients' lives, leading to extreme physical, social, and functional restriction and increasing psychological distress. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of adult patient with heart failure at Tibebe Ghion Specialize Hospital, Ethiopia, 2022. Method: Qualitative Phenomenological study design was conducted at Tibebe Ghion Specialized Referral Hospital, from November 10 to December 15, 2022. Heterogenous purposive sampling technique was used to select 11 study participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews guides and observational checklist. The rigor and trustworthiness of the study were maintained by transferability, dependability, credibility, and conformability. Thematic analysis method was used for the development of codes and themes using ATLAS. ti.7 software for analysis. Result: Five main themes and eleven subthemes were developed that explore the lived experience of adults with heart failure. Impact of heart failure on daily life, psychological and spiritual experiences, financial experiences, experiences related to hospital service, and challenges to getting treatment are major themes. Unavailability of medicine, lab investigations, and the inaccessibility of cardiac centers were the main challenges during their treatment. Conclusion: This study explored that lived experience of adult HF patients were addressed in in terms of Physical, Psychological and Spiritual, financial, hospital service and challenges to get treatment. Therefore, we recommended providing psychological and economical support for HF patients and in addition to accessing medication and medical care centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human exposure to benzene is associated with many adverse health effects. It is mainly related to impairment of the hematopoietic system and bone marrow suppression, causing abnormalities in hematological parameters. However, the reports obtained from different studies are contradictory, and there are little data regarding the hematological parameters of gas station workers in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the hematological parameters of gas station workers in Hosanna town, southwest Ethiopia, from May 01 to June 15, 2020. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted by involving 180 (60 gas-stations workers and 120 controls) participants. Socio-demographic and related data of the study participants were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire through face-to-face-interviews. All phases of quality assurance were maintained, and hematological parameters were determined using Uni-Cel DxH 800 automated hematological analyzer. Independent sample T-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Statistical significance was declared at P< 0.05. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in hematological parameters of gasoline-workers and control groups. The mean of red blood cell count among gasoline-workers was significantly reduced as compared to control groups (p=0.007). In addition, the median of hemoglobin levels among gasoline-workers was significantly decreased as compared to the control groups (p=0.001). In contrast, a significant increase was observed in median of absolute eosinophil count among the gasoline-workers as compared to control groups (p=0.01). The mean of mean cell volume was significantly decreased with respect to the duration of work experience (p=0.04). Conclusion: In this study, a statistically significant difference was observed in some hematological parameters of gas station workers compared to the control group. Therefore, medical observation and periodic medical check-ups of the hematological profile should be considered to prevent the development of medical complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide. Approximately 9.3% of the general population was estimated to have DM globally in 2019. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) in hyperglycemic patients is expected to increase and determine the rate of erythrocyte hemolysis. Purpose: This study aimed to assess erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF) and its determinants and to compare hematological indices among T2DM patients on follow-up at the Jimma Medical Center (JMC), Jimma, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study involving 124 participants (each 62) of T2DM patients and controls was conducted from October to November 2020 using a structured questionnaire. 5 mL of venous blood was drawn to assess OF, complete blood count, and blood glucose levels. EOF was investigated using a series hypotonic solution of NaCl. The supernatant of the centrifuged sample was transferred to cuvette test tubes, and the hemolysis stage was read on a spectrophotometer. The collected data were coded and entered into Epi-data Version 3.1. The analysis was performed using SPSS Version 23. Results: Compared with non-diabetic controls, patients with T2DM had significantly increased EOF. FBG > 126mg/dl (AOR=7.741, 95% CI: 1.562– 38.360), PPBG > 200 mg/dl (AOR=7.576, 95% CI: 1.519– 37.791), RDW (AOR=4.558, 95% CI: 1.136– 18.284) were significantly associated with abnormal EOF. A statistically significant increase in total white blood cells and absolute neutrophil counts (P < 0.001) were observed in T2DM patients. From RBC indices, red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were significantly increased in T2DM patients (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study suggests that EOF was greater in patients with T2DM than in non-diabetic controls and was determined by FBG, PPBG, and RDW. The study also demonstrated that hematological index alterations were higher in T2DM subjects than in non-diabetic controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A pacemaker is a device implanted in the chest to help people with symptomatic bradycardia and life-threatening irregular rhythm. However, it is also associated with many complications. Therefore, this study evaluated pacemaker-related complications and factors associated with them, as there is little data on pacemaker-related complications in sub-Saharan Africa and Ethiopia.Methods: The study was conducted on 118 patients over 18 years old who had pacemakers implanted between 2017 and 2022 at Tikur Anbessa Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia who were reviewed by the authors from September 2022 to December 2022. Sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics, and complications data were extracted using a structured questionnaire by retrospective review of patient records. The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was performed to evaluate factors associated with complications.Results: The median age of patients was 60.5 years (IQR = 15 years), with men accounting for 50.8% of patients. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity (64.2%). Symptomatic grade 3 AV block was the most common indication (78.8%) for pacemaker implantation. With a mean follow-up of 3.92 ± 1.94 years, 15.3% of patients had complications. Pneumothorax, pocket site infection, and lead dislodgement were the most common complications occurring in 2.54% of patients each. Patient age during surgery (p-value = 0.02), patient gender (p-value = 0.04), pacemaker implanting team (p-value = 0.01), and adherence to follow-up (p-value = 0.04) are related to pacemakers-related complications.Conclusion: Pacemaker implantation is associated with many complications. Pneumothorax, pacemaker pocket infection, and lead dislodgement were the most common complications. Patient age at pacemaker implantation, patient gender, pacemaker implanting team, and follow-up compliance were factors associated with pacemaker-related complications. Skill development through specialized training and compliance counseling may improve outcomes for patients who have complications related to pacemaker implanting team and poor adherence to follow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Antibacterial agents are an integral part of chemotherapy and play a critical role in the prophylaxis and treatment of bacterial infections. However, prescribing errors such as incomplete prescriptions that do not adhere to good prescribing practice have become a contemporary concern in hospitals in resource-limited settings. Therefore, this study aimed to assess antibacterial prescribing and its completeness among prescriptions dispensed at four governmental hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed to assess a total of 1308 prescription encounters containing at least one antibacterial agent obtained with simple random sampling from annual antibacterial-containing prescription data of four hospitals. The data were collected retrospectively using a structured checklist. Results: A total of 2,855 drugs were prescribed from 1308 prescribing encounters with 1496 (52.39%) being antibacterial agents. The name, age, sex, and diagnosis of the patients were written in 1158 (88.3%), 815 (62.31%), 796 (60.58%), and 183 (13.99%) prescriptions, respectively. Besides, the route of administration, strength, duration, quantity, dose, and dosage form of the drug were recorded in 2322 (81.33%), 2118 (74.19%), 1516 (53.10%), 1525 (53.42%), 746 (26.13%) and 563 (19.72%) prescriptions, respectively. Nearly 50% of the prescribing encounters were documented without a prescriber name. Dispenser name and signature were also obtained in less than 10% of the prescriptions. Combining the data of all hospitals, amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, and ciprofloxacin were identified as the top three prescribed antibacterial drugs, whereas diclofenac, paracetamol, and tramadol were the most frequently co-indicated drugs. Regarding the pharmacologic class of antibiotics, penicillins were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics (n = 596, 39.77%) followed by cephalosporins (n = 318, 21.26%) and fluoroquinolones (n=285, 19.05%). Conclusion: Incomplete information about patient-related factors and major diagnosis, medication regimens, prescribers and dispensers was identified as a potential prescribing error and did not adhere to good prescribing practice. This can be considered as one part of the inappropriate use of antibacterial agents, a driving force for the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. This problem requires immediate and sustained action from the management of the hospitals to ensure the accountability of health professionals involved in the medication use process and to establish antimicrobial stewardship programs in such resource-limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]