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BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a growing global health issue, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. To the best of our knowledge, the impact of diabetes knowledge on glycemic control in Ethiopia has not been documented. This study assessed diabetes knowledge and its relationship with glycemic control among Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients in Debre Berhan, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 380 patients diagnosed with T2DM who were receiving care at two hospitals in Debre Berhan from January 1 to March 30, 2024. Patients' knowledge was assessed using the modified Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ-18), categorizing outcomes as either good or poor. Glycemic control was evaluated using hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of poor diabetes knowledge. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between knowledge and glycemic control.ResultsAmong the 380 participants, 75.2% were older than 45 years, and 51.3% were male. Overall, 62.4% of participants had poor knowledge of diabetes. Additionally, 72.6% had poor glycemic control, with HbA1C levels ≥7%. The mean average diabetes knowledge score was 7.9 (SD = 3.49) out of 18, and the median HbA1C was 8%. Diabetes knowledge was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with patients' educational level, occupation, family history of diabetes, and glycemic control. The Spearman correlation coefficient between HbA1C and diabetes knowledge scores was -0.166 (p = 0.001), suggesting a weak but statistically significant inverse relationship between knowledge scores and HbA1C levels.ConclusionsThe study found that the majority of patients had a low level of diabetes knowledge. Enhancing diabetes education and identifying additional factors that influence glycemic control are crucial for achieving optimal diabetes management in Ethiopia. Public health initiatives should prioritize enhancing diabetes knowledge through targeted educational programs and resources to support effective diabetes management and achieve optimal glycemic control.

Objective Asymptomatic peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is frequently overlooked in patients with cirrhosis, who are at increased risk for gastrointestinal complications that can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. We aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of asymptomatic PUD identified during screening endoscopy in patients with cirrhosis. Methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study among patients with cirrhosis at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from patients’ medical charts. A logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of peptic ulcer. Results This study included 296 patients, revealing that 19.6% had PUD (95% confidence interval: 13.5–26.4). Significant associations were found between peptic ulcer and Helicobacter pylori infection, moderate and heavy alcohol consumption, and Child–Pugh class C cirrhosis. Conclusion We found that patients with liver cirrhosis are more likely to have asymptomatic peptic ulcers. Asymptomatic PUD was linked to H. pylori infection, greater alcohol consumption, and Child–Pugh class C liver disease, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and management strategies to reduce morbidity in patients with cirrhosis, such as eradication therapy for H. pylori and counseling on alcohol use.

Abstract Background Swyer–James–MacLeod syndrome (SJMS) is a rare lung condition characterized by a unilateral lung hyperlucency and reduction in the pulmonary vasculature, with or without the presence of bronchiectasis. In the 1950s, Swyer, James, and Macleod simultaneously characterized the syndrome for the first time. It is typically diagnosed in childhood. Adult-onset cases are extremely rare, with little literature available on its clinical presentation and diagnostic challenges. Swyer–James–MacLeod syndrome can mimic other lung disorders, resulting in misdiagnosis and improper treatment. Case presentation A 49- year-old woman from Debre Berhan, Ethiopia, presented to the emergency department of Hakim Gizaw Teaching Hospital with symptoms and radiographic findings mimicking acute pulmonary embolism. On the basis of the clinical presentation and radiographic findings, the patient was first treated as a probable case of pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulant therapy and oxygen support were initiated. Nevertheless, additional testing using a chest computed tomography angiography revealed left lung hyperlucency, decreased vascularity, bronchiectasis, and a negative result for pulmonary embolism. As a result, Swyer–James–MacLeod syndrome was diagnosed. Conclusion The symptoms of Swyer–James–MacLeod syndrome can be mistaken for pulmonary embolism, which could lead to ineffective treatment and needless expenses. In individuals presenting with symptoms suggestive of pulmonary embolism, this case emphasizes the significance of considering Swyer–James–MacLeod syndrome as a differential diagnosis, especially in the absence of established risk factors for pulmonary embolism.

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. There is limited data on gender differences in glycemic control and diabetes related chronic complications in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess gender-based difference in glycemic control and diabetes related chronic complications among T2DM patients in Debre Berhan public hospitals, Ethiopia. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out at public hospitals in Debre Berhan. Data were gathered from 258 T2DM patients (129 men and 129 women). Using Hemoglobin A1c (HgA1c), level of glycemic control was assessed. To compare gender differences in diabetes related chronic complications and glycemic control, the chi-square test and Independent sample t-test were employed. However logistic regression was employed to identify gender-specific factors of poor glycemic control. Results: Women had poorer glycemic control, with a mean difference of 0.51 (95 % CI: 0.04–0.97) as compared with men. Alcohol consumption (AOR = 3.2; 95 % CI: 1.25–7.98), drug non-adherence (AOR = 4.1; 95 % CI: 1.01–17.54) and diabetic complications (AOR = 0.3; 95 % CI: 0.10–0.88) were significant factors for poor glycemic control in men. For women, rural residence (AOR = 0.2; 95 % CI: 0.03–0.58), duration of diabetes >5 years (AOR = 4.3; 95 % CI: 1.15–16.17), and drug non-adherence (AOR = 4.7; 95 % CI: 1.14–19.42) were significant factors for poor glycemic control. There were no significant gender differences in diabetes related chronic complications. Conclusion: This study revealed significant gender differences in glycemic control among T2DM patients. Female patients experienced worse glycemic control. There were no gender differences in the prevalence of diabetes related chronic complications. This study highlights the importance of considering both general and specific factors when assessing and improving glycemic control in T2DM. Future studies should involve large sample sizes and gender focused studies to gain a deeper understanding of the relevant factors.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health concern worldwide. Diabetes patients are increasingly using herbal medicine (HM) without seeking advice from their healthcare providers. However, its impact on glycemic control is not documented in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess herbal medicine use and its effect on glycemic control among diabetes patients at governmental hospitals in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 430 diabetic patients was conducted at two different hospitals in Debre Berhan town from January 1 to March 30, 2024. Data were gathered using a guided self-administered questionnaire to collect data including glycemic control assessed via hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regression model was used to assess the predictors of herbal medicine usage, while an independent samples t-test was conducted to compare the mean HbA1c levels between herbal medicine users and non-users among diabetes patients. Results: Of the 430 participants, 72.6 % were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The study revealed 48.1 % (95 % CI: 43.3–53) participants used herbal medicine. Moringa stenopetala (33.5 %), Trigonella foenumgraecum (27.4 %), and Thymus schimperi (17.9 %) were the predominant herbs utilized by diabetic patients. The use of herbal medicine was associated with the patients’ diabetic knowledge (AOR: 1.59; 95 % CI: 1.01–2.49), occupation (AOR: 3.7; 95 % CI: 1.36–10.23), income (AOR: 3.58; 95 % CI: 1.22–10.55), and family history of diabetes (AOR: 1.9; 95 % CI: 1.19–3.18). Glycemic status was not controlled for 86 % of herbal users compared to 66.8 % of non-users. Participants who used herbal medicine had significantly higher mean HbA1c by a mean difference of 0.41 (95%CI: 0.04–0.78). Conclusions: Herbal medicine use was common among diabetes patients in this study. Poor knowledge about diabetes, a family history of diabetes, lower income, and a farming occupation were identified as strong predictors of HM use. Patients who used herbal medicine had significantly higher mean HbA1c levels compared to non-users. Healthcare providers should engage patients in discussions about herbal medicine use, emphasizing the potential risks to glycemic management. Future research should explore specific herbs used, their mechanisms of action, and strategies to integrate herbal medicine safely into diabetes management protocols.

Abstract Background Implementing PBL in teaching and learning can be challenging due to a variety of complex barriers. Studies on barriers to the implementation of problem-based learning in Ethiopia are scarce. This study aimed to explore the barriers to the implementation of problem-based learning at the Debre Berhan University Medical School. Methods A qualitative study was conducted among faculty and medical students at the medical school. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with tutors and academic leaders, including the problem-based learning coordinator, the biomedical sciences coordinator, and the school dean. Data was also collected from students through focus group discussions. All interviews and discussions were recorded. The four steps of data analysis of Spradley, including domain analysis, taxonomic analysis, componential analysis, and theme analysis, were employed. Results The study identified student-related, tutor-related, case scenario-related, and assessment-related barriers as the most significant obstacles to implementing problem-based learning. These barriers included work overload for both students and tutors, lack of training and experience among tutors, student reluctance, absence of standardized case scenarios, subjectivity of assessment methods, and on-the-spot assessment of students. Conclusions and recommendations : Lack of both tutor and student commitment, lack of standardized cases, absence of a recognition of staff input, gap in communication skills, work overload, lack of continuous training, and at-spot evaluation of students were identified as the main barriers to the implementation of PBL.

Plain language summary Menstrual irregularity is a common problem among university students. It affects their daily activities. But it lacks attention, especially in developing countries. Additionally, menstrual irregularity is defined differently by different researchers which results in a difference in prevalence. So it is difficult to compare. Therefore this study aims to assess the magnitude and associated factors of menstrual irregularity among undergraduate students of Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia. To avoid the inconsistent definition of menstrual irregularity which is used by different researchers, we used the standard of menstrual irregularity definition which was prepared by the international federation of obstetrics and gynecologist in 2018. This study uses across sectional study design among 660 undergraduate students of Debre Berhan University, Ethiopia. A self-administered questioner which includes socio-demographic data, menstrual-related questions, lifestyle and behavioral questions, and medical history questions were used to collect data. Besides, physical examination and anthropometric measurement were done. Of a total 620 students who participated in the study: 202 (32.6%) had menstrual irregularity. Factors that had significant association with menstrual irregularity were, anemia (AOR = 2.1; 95%CI 1.337–3.441), alcohol intake (AOR = 2.4; 95%CI 1.25–4.666),