Search

Background: Early recovery is a performance indicator of quality care for children under five admitted due to severe acute malnutrition (SAM) at therapeutic feeding centers. Despite the available interventions to tackle such nutritional problems, there is limited information on the time to recovery and its predictors among children with severe acute malnutrition in Ethiopia, more particularly in the study setting., Objective: The study aimed to assess the time to recovery from severe acute malnutrition and its predictors among children aged 6-59 months admitted to the therapeutic feeding center (TFC) of Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HFCSH), eastern Ethiopia, from 1st September 2019 to 1st March 012024., Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the therapeutic feeding center of HFCSH among a randomly selected sample of 349 patients with severe acute malnutrition who were undergoing therapeutic feeding. Data were collected using a data abstraction tool and then stored in Epi-data version 4.6 and STATA version 17.0 statistical software. Descriptive statistics, Kaplan-Meier (KM) plots, median survival times, the log-rank test, and the Cox proportional hazards regression model were used to report the findings of this study. After performing the Cox proportional hazards regression, the model goodness of fit and assumptions were checked. Finally, the association between independent variables and the time to recovery in days was assessed using the multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, and the variables with a p -value <0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: The median survival time to recovery among the patients with severe acute malnutrition was 17 days [95% confidence interval (CI): 16-18]. The incidence density recovery rate was 5.7 (95%CI, 4.9-6.6) per 100 person-days of observation. Factors that affected the time to recovery included residing in rural areas [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) = 2.072; 95%CI = 1.336-3.215], being vaccinated according to age (AHR = 1.848; 95%CI = 1.162-2.939), and lack of analgesic administration (AHR = 0.685; 95%CI = 0.472-0.995)., Conclusion: The median survival time to recovery in this study was found to be optimal. Residency, vaccination status of the child, and analgesic administration were the determinant factors. Paying attention to vaccination coverage, fever management, and pain management as part of the protocol helps reduce the length of hospital stay by facilitating recovery rates among severely malnourished children under five in Ethiopia., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Meseret, Keneni, Alemu, Tizazu, Alemayehu, Mossie, Teshager and Wondimneh.)

Children and their families living in leprosarium areas may have a lower quality of life than the general population. However, there is limited evidence on health-related quality of life and its associated factors among children living in previous leprosarium settlement areas. Hence, this study aimed to compare the health-related quality of life among children living in previous leprosarium and non-leprosarium settlement areas in eastern Ethiopia. A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 515 randomly selected children aged 8 to 18 years living in the Amir Nur and Babile districts from January to February 30, 2024. Data were collected through interviews with children and parents using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4. The data were analyzed using STATA version 14. Simple and multiple linear regression was employed to identify associations between independent and outcome variables. The overall mean health-related quality of life scores were 73.98 ± 18.47 and 77.67 ± 14.72 in the child self-reports (P = 0.01) and 55.78 ± 12.03 and 55.61 ± 8.50 (P = 0.85) in the parent proxy reports in the previous leprosarium and nonleprosarium settlement areas, respectively. In multiple linear regression, child education (β = 14.69; 95% CI: 8.69, 20.69), the absence of neglected and tropical diseases (β = 4.02; 95% CI: 0.66, 7.37), and child face washing habits (β = 5.54, 95% CI: 2.14, 8.95) increase health-related quality of life. However, a previous history of neglected and tropical diseases (β = -8.54; 95% CI: -12.93, -4.15) and the absence of hand washing facilities (β = -8.57; 95% CI, -15.22, -1.92) decrease the mean health-related quality of life. Based on child self-reports, one in four children from previous leprosarium areas had poor health-related quality of life compared to children living in none leprosarium areas. Children's educational status, their daily habits of washing their face, not having neglected, and tropical diseases had improved health-related quality of life. To improve health-related quality of life, stakeholders should pay attention to and work on the early detection and treatment of neglected and tropical diseases, child education, and proper sanitation practices in the leprosarium community., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Introduction: One of the global strategic direction and policy priorities in 2021 through 2025 is preservice education of nurses. Even though, quality education is the foundation to produce competent health workers, ensuring the competence of the health professionals is as imperative as maximizing their number. This study aims to fill the literature gap among nursing students in public universities., Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of clinical practice competence and its associated factors among graduating BSc nursing students in public universities from July 15 to August 15, 2022., Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out in randomly selected public universities in eastern Ethiopia. A total of 143 students were systematically selected to fill out the questionnaire through multistage sampling. Frequency, mean, and standard deviations of independent variables and proportion of clinical practice competence were analyzed using descriptive statistics. AOR with a p -value of <.05 was used to declare a significant association., Results: The study found that 69 (53.1%) of study participants were clinically competent. Students with good clinical instructors [AOR: 3.79, 95%CI: 1.56-9.21], learning in a conducive clinical setting [AOR: 3.59, 95%CI: 1.26-10.23] and assessed using measurable methods [AOR: 3.77, 95%CI: 1.53-9.30] were significantly associated., Conclusion: In this study, almost one in two of the students was clinically incompetent. Respective stakeholders could enhance students' competence by monitoring and evaluating students during clinical practice, creating favorable learning settings, and developing comprehensive assessment methods., Competing Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2024.)

Background: Pneumonia is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. Despite its substantial impact, there exists a dearth of evidence regarding treatment outcomes and related factors, particularly within the Ethiopian context. This study endeavors to address these critical gaps by examining the treatment outcome of pneumonia among pediatric patients hospitalized in the Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital., Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 204 children (≤14 years of age) diagnosed with pneumonia and admitted to the Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital. An interview using a structured questionnaire accompanied by a review of medical records was used to collect data from the parents/guardians. A binary logistic regression model with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify the associated factors with the outcome variable. Statistical significance was set at P  < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis., Result: Among the 204 children (≤14 years) included in the study, 119 (93.6%, 95% CI: 90.2-96.9) patients with pneumonia survived whereas 13 (6.4%, 95% CI: 3.1-9.7) died. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, after adjustments for potential confounders, revealed that children who had malnutrition (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.37-12.44), were unvaccinated (AOR =  3.41, 95% CI: 2.25-11.87), had altered mental states during admission (AOR = 4.49, 95% CI: 2.28-17.85), and had complicated types of pneumonia (AOR = 5.70, 95% CI: 2.98-15.09) were independently associated with mortality., Conclusion: Poor treatment outcome was 6.4% among pediatric patients admitted with pneumonia in this study setting. Being unvaccinated, malnourished, and admitted with a complicated type of pneumonia as well as having altered consciousness at the time of admission were significantly associated with poor treatment outcomes. These findings underscore the critical need to prioritize preventative measures against malnutrition and unvaccinated status in children. Early identification of such children and proper interventions are imperative to reducing such outcomes, particularly in resource-constrained settings., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2024 Adbela, Abdurahman, Hailu, Keneni, Mohammed and Weldegebreal.)

Objective: Over 8 million newborns worldwide have congenital anomalies; 3.2 million have resultant disabilities. Ethiopia has a high burden of neonatal congenital anomalies, but research on predictors is limited. This study investigated predictors of neonatal congenital anomalies in eastern Ethiopia., Methods: A facility-based unmatched case-control study on 387 mother-infant pairs (129 cases, 258 controls) in public hospitals was conducted. Data were obtained using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and a medical record review. Binary logistic regression with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to identify predictors of congenital anomaly., Results: Nervous system anomalies were most common 84 (65.1%), followed by gastrointestinal system anomalies 20 (15.5%). Maternal anemia (AOR: 4.37, 95% CI: 2.48-7.69), alcohol consumption during index pregnancy (AOR: 4.01, 95% CI: 1.88-8.54), khat chewing (AOR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.04-2.85), rural residence (AOR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.04-2.85) and antenatal care attendance (AOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22-0.84) were significant predictors of congenital anomaly., Conclusion: Several risk factors for congenital anomalies were identified. To reduce risk, antenatal care services should be improved and mothers encouraged to avoid harmful substances during pregnancy and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Intervention strategies are needed to target these risk factors., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestThe authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Background: Poor glycemic control increases the risk of acute metabolic derangements and long-term consequences, which are the main causes of morbidity and mortality. Maintaining adequate glycemic control is challenging for children with diabetes, particularly in resource-limited settings. There is a paucity of data on the magnitude of poor glycemic control and its predisposing factors in Ethiopian particularly in this study setting. Hence, we aimed to assess the magnitude of poor glycemic control and its associated factors among children and adolescents with type 1 diabetic mellitus in Jugol and Hiwot Fana Compressive Specialized University Hospitals in Harar, eastern Ethiopia., Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 231 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Jugol and Hiwot Fana Compressive Specialized University Hospitals. Participants were included consecutively in the follow-up clinic from November 15, 2022 to January 15, 2023. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and a review of medical records. A binary logistic regression model with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify the factors associated with poor glycemic control. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05., Result: A total of 231 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus were included. The magnitude of poor glycemic control was 166 (71.9%) with 95% CI 66.0-77.7%). In multivariable analysis, the age of the child (aOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05-0.83), education of the caregiver (aOR = 4.13;95% CI: 1.82-9.46), meal frequency less than three (aOR = 3.28; 95% CI: 1.25-8.62), and consumption of forbidden foods (aOR = 3.17; 95% CI: 1.21-8.29) were factors significantly associated with poor glycemic control., Conclusion: Two-thirds of participants had poor glycemic control. There was a statistically significant association between the age of the child, education of the caregiver, meal frequency, and forbidden foods with poor glycemic control. To improve glycemic control, diabetes education on meal use and selection should be conducted during follow-up along with parent education., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious health problem in critically ill children. It is associated with poor treatment outcomes and high morbidity and mortality rates. Globally, one in three critically ill children suffers from acute kidney injury. However, limited data are available in Africa, particularly Ethiopia, which highlighting the risk factors related to acute kidney injury. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with acute kidney injury among critically ill children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia., Methods: A facility-based unmatched case-control study was carried out on 253 (85 cases and 168 controls) critically ill children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit from January 2011 to December 2021. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique for the control group and all cases consecutively. Data were collected using a structured checklist. Data were entered using Epi data version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Multivariable analysis was carried out using the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to identify associated factors with acute kidney injury. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05., Results: The median age of the participants was two years. Approximately 55.6% of cases and 53.1% of controls were females. The diagnosis of hypertension (aOR = 5.36; 95% CI: 2.06-13.93), shock (aOR = 3.88, 95% CI: 1.85-8.12), exposure to nephrotoxic drugs (aOR = 4.09; 95% CI: 1. 45- 11.59), sepsis or infection aOR = 3.36; 95% CI: 1.42-7.99), nephritic syndrome (aOR = 2.97; 95% CI:1.19, 7.43), and use of mechanical ventilation aOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.12, 4.51) were significantly associated factors with acute kidney injury., Conclusion: The diagnosis of sepsis or infection, hypertension, shock, nephrotoxic drugs, demand for mechanical ventilation support, and nephritic syndrome increased the risk of AKI among critically ill children. Multiple risk factors for AKI are associated with illness and severity. All measures that ensure adequate renal perfusion must be taken in critically ill children with identified risk factors to prevent the development of AKI., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Objectives: This study is to investigate the magnitude and predisposing factors for neonatal birth trauma in public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. It is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite its higher burden, evidence is limited in eastern Ethiopia. Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted on 492 newborns selected using systematic random sampling. Data were analyzed using a binary logistic regression model. Statistical significance was set at P  < .05. Results: The magnitude of neonatal birth trauma was 16.9% with 95% CI: 13.7-20.5%). In multivariable analysis, instrumental delivery, early preterm (<34 weeks), macrosomia, fetal malpresentation, male sex and, facility-based delivery such as hospital and health center-based delivery were factors associated with neonatal birth trauma. Conclusions : The magnitude of neonatal birth trauma was relatively high. Promoting health facilities-based delivery, prevention of preterm birth, the early decision on the mode, and minimizing instrumental deliveries help reduce neonatal birth trauma., Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Background: Hyponatremia is a serious problem that leads to substantial increases morbidity and mortality in critically ill children. The identification of risk factors, implementation of preventive measures, and timely diagnosis and management are crucial to reduce adverse events related to hyponatremia. Despite the higher burden of the problem in Ethiopia, evidence related to the risk factors for hyponatremia among children in Ethiopia is limited; in particular, no study has been identified in eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, we aimed to determine the magnitude of hyponatremia and its associated factors in children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at the Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital., Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted using 422 medical records of pediatric patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022. Medical records were reviewed to collect data. Data were analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26. A binary logistic regression model with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05., Results: The magnitude of hyponatremia was 39.1% (95% CL: 34.4-43.8%). The age of the child (aOR = 2.37;95% CL:1.31-4.31), diagnosis of sepsis (aOR = 2.33; 95% CL:1.41-3.84),   surgical procedures (aOR = 2.39; 95% CL:1.26-4.56), nutritional status (aOR = 2.60; 95% CL:1.51-4.49), and length of hospital stay (aOR = 3.04; 95% CL: 1.73-5.33) were factors significantly associated with hyponatremia., Conclusions: Four out of ten children admitted to pediatric intensive care units had hyponatremia. Hyponatremia was significantly associated with the age of the child, malnutrition, sepsis, surgical procedures, and length of hospital stay. To reduce the burden of hyponatremia and associated mortality, attention should be focused on improving the care of malnourished children, and those with sepsis, and the quality of postoperative monitoring services. Moreover, intervention strategies aimed at reducing the burden of hyponatremia should target the identified factors., (© 2023. The Author(s).)