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Abstract Background Abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is characterized by severe, mostly refractory, chronic pain due to the entrapment of the cutaneous branches of the lower torso intercostal nerves at the lateral edge of the rectus abdominis muscle. ACNES is rare compared to other pregnancy-related peripheral neuropathies and is often overlooked as a differential diagnosis for abdominal pain, despite the diagnosis relying primarily on patient history and physical examination. Emergency physicians and other medical personnel’s lack of exposure to such cases results in unnecessary laboratory requests, repeated visits, and increased fear and tension for the patient. Case presentation A 26-year-old primigravida on her second trimester of pregnancy presented to our Emergency department with persistent localized right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Despite repeated visit to the nearby hospital, no diagnosis was settled and the pain persisted. At our ED after a thorough history, physical examination and diagnostic test no abnormality was found. Finally Abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) was considered and a mixture of 1 ml 2% lidocaine with adrenaline and 1 ml dexamethasone (4 mg) was infiltrated into the fascial plane in a fanning fashion into the most tender area using a modified technique and the patient reported significant improvement in pain. Conclusion Abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is a cause of abdominal pain in pregnancy that is often overlooked. The objective of this study is to describe a rare case of ACNES in a 26-year-old primigravida woman who presented to a low-resource emergency department to assist patient management.

Abstract Background Malaria continues to cause unacceptably high levels of disease and death despite increased global efforts and is still significant public health problem. African countries are disproportionately affected by malaria. The objective of this study was to describe a rare case of haemorrhagic stroke as a possible complication of malaria in a 26-year-old male patient. Case presentation A 26-year-old male from southwest Ethiopia presented with complaint of loss of consciousness (LOC) of 12 h duration. He had fever, headache, vomiting, chills, rigors and shivering three days prior to the loss of consciousness. On physical examination, pulse rate 116 beats/min, blood pressure of 120/90 mmHg, respiratory rate was 24 breaths/min, a temperature of 38.9◦C and oxygen saturation of 94%. Nervous system examination; stuporous with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 10/15(M5, E3, V2). Blood film and RDT confirmed a Plasmodium falciparum infection and a non-contrast CT scan found a right cerebral parenchymal haemorrhage. Discussion and conclusion The presented case described a very rare case of a 26-year-old male patient who was diagnosed with left side hemiparesis secondary to a haemorrhagic stroke, associated with P. falciparum malaria. This report highlights the fact that malaria with stroke should be considered a differential diagnosis in a patient presenting with body weakness in a malaria endemic area and in individuals who had travel history to malaria endemic areas.

ABSTRACTIn this 3D numerical study, the effects of cathode and anode functional layer thicknesses on the performance of solid oxide fuel cells under different operating parameters are analysed and elucidated. The performance of the model is evaluated using direct ammonia and an equivalent amount of hydrogen fuel with functional layers ranging from 0 to 50 μm. The findings unveiled that the cathode functional layer has a stronger influence on cell performance than the anode functional layer. The parametric analysis also showed that the effect of temperature gradually weakened with the increase of the cathode functional layer which is the exact opposite of what anode functional layers do. This gives more promising result for the cathode functional layer than the anode functional layer, especially for hydrogen-powered cells. However, the anode functional layer works best when green ammonia is supplied directly to the solid oxide fuel cell. In this regard, the 10 μm functional layers of the anode and cathode layers achieved the highest possible power density using ammonia and hydrogen fuels under similar operating conditions. This suggests that the anode layer has outstanding performance than the cathode counterparts for ammonia-fuelled cells and the layers of the cathode have better performance for hydrogen-fuelled cells. It is also observed that the performance of the cell is decreasing while the thickness of the functional layer is increasing particularly after 10 μm. The study also confirmed that solid oxide fuel cells with functional layers have outstanding performance over corresponding cells without functional layers. Thus, the finding of this study concluded that the functional layer thickness is strongly dependent on the types of fuel and electrodes used in the cells.

Amr Molla,1 Abdulfatah M Alayoubi,2 Raed Jannadi3 1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Family & Community Medicine &, Medical Education, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Amr Molla, Universities Road, P.O. Box: 344, Taibah, Madinah, 42353, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966504342992, Email amolla@taibahu.edu.saBackground: Vitiligo, a condition characterized by depigmented skin, has been observed to have a higher incidence in patients with a family history of the disease. This study investigates the relationship between parental consanguinity, family medical history, and the onset of childhood vitiligo, hypothesizing that genetic factors play a significant role.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 382 people diagnosed with vitiligo in Saudi Arabia. The study assessed the prevalence of parental consanguinity and its correlation with the disease’s onset, employing statistical analysis to evaluate the data collected through medical records and family history questionnaires.Results: The findings reveal a significant association between parental consanguinity, particularly among first cousins, and the incidence of childhood-onset vitiligo. Additionally, a notable correlation was found between family medical history and the onset of the condition, with familial vitiligo being more prevalent in patients with adult-onset vitiligo.Conclusion: This study underscores the critical role of genetic predispositions in the development of childhood-onset vitiligo, highlighting the influence of parental consanguinity. The results advocate for increased awareness and screening in populations with high rates of consanguinity to facilitate early detection and management of vitiligo. Future research should focus on exploring the genetic mechanisms underlying this association to develop targeted interventions.Keywords: parental consanguinity, childhood-onset vitiligo, genetic factors, familial vitiligo, Saudi Arabia, cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Neonatal malaria is defined as the detection of asexual stages of Plasmodium species in the cord blood within the first 28 days of life. It can be congenital or acquired through mosquito bites or blood transfusions. Neonates are generally considered to be relatively protected due to the multiple innate and acquired physiological protective effects present in neonates. However, in areas where malaria is endemic, the prevalence of malaria in neonates is high. The predominant clinical feature of malaria in neonates is fever. Other clinical manifestations of neonatal malaria include respiratory distress, pallor and anaemia, hepatomegaly, refusal to feed, jaundice and diarrhoea. Atypical presentations without fever can lead to inaccurate diagnosis and contribute to neonatal morbidity and mortality. Neonates from endemic areas with any of the above symptoms should be screened for malaria. Case presentation We present a series of three cases of neonatal Plasmodium falciparum malaria that presented atypically without febrile episodes and were diagnosed and managed at Mizan-Tepi University Teaching Hospital between July and September 2023. The first patient presented with vomiting, refusal to feed, pallor, severe anaemia, and splenomegaly. The second patient presented with an inconsolable cry, failure to pass feces, abdominal distention, and anaemia. The third patient presented with vomiting and anaemia. All patients received a 7-day course of intravenous artesunate; the first patient also received a blood transfusion. All patients recovered and were discharged. Conclusions Partial immunity resulting from repeated malaria infections in endemic regions may result in the transfer of high levels of maternal Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies through the placenta and can produce different atypical clinical presentations. In malaria-endemic areas, neonates presenting with any of the presenting signs and symptoms of malaria, including afebrile presentation, require malaria screening to avoid delays in diagnosis.

Biomass combustion produces air pollutants, causing high mortality rates, while electric cooking, which is efficient and eco-friendly, reduces mortality and maximizes socio-economic and ecological benefits. Thus, the primary purpose of this study is to compare the performance of domestic and imported household electric hotplate stoves via experimental investigation. For the study, 20 households have been purposively selected in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia from low- and middle-income groups. Following that, the researchers trained the participants and enumerators to record the energy consumption and time taken for each cooking event. The experiments have been conducted using medium-sized domestic and imported electric hotplate stoves for 15 days each. Digital energy meters have been used to record the daily cooking energy demand. Participants record the daily data using the developed Excel spreadsheet. Accordingly, the study disclosed that the average daily cooking energy consumption per household for locally-made and imported electric cookstoves is 3.55 kWh and 2.81 kWh, respectively. The result also reveals that local electric stoves are subjected to inferior efficiency and higher heat losses. On the other hand, the analysis of the average time required to cook a meal revealed that cooking with imported cookstoves took slightly longer than cooking with locally-made cookstoves. This is because as there is no power-control mechanism, locally-made electric stoves usually work at maximum power rate and cook faster than imported ones. Moreover, the average monthly energy expense per household using these stoves in their respective ways were $3.90 (213.33ETB), and $3.1(169.86ETB), suggesting that locally manufactured stoves have higher energy cost bills. An independent T-test results revealed a significant difference (p

Abstract Background Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of the quality of healthcare. Pain is one of the most common symptoms among cancer patients that needs optimal treatment; rather, it compromises the quality of life of patients. Objective To assess the levels and associated factors of satisfaction with cancer pain treatment among adult patients at cancer centers found in Northern Ethiopia in 2023. Methods After obtaining ethical approval, a multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted at four cancer care centers in northern Ethiopia. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire that included the Lubeck Medication Satisfaction Questionnaire (LMSQ). The severity of pain was assessed by a numerical rating scale from 0 to 10 with a pain score of 0 = no pain, 1–3 = mild pain, 4–6 = moderate pain, and 7–10 = severe pain Binary logistic regression analysis was employed, and the strength of association was described in an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Result A total of 397 cancer patients participated in this study, with a response rate of 98.3%. We found that 70.3% of patients were satisfied with their cancer pain treatment. Being married (AOR = 5.6, CI = 2.6–12, P

Introduction The polio vaccine is the live-attenuated antigen that prevents poliomyelitis. According to a report by the WHO, about 1 million less than 5-year-old children missed the polio vaccination from 2018 to 2021. Even though Ethiopia is the most prioritised country for polio eradication, there is not enough evidence about the combined oral and inactivated vaccine in Ethiopia.Objective To assess the non-uptake of the dual protective polio vaccine and its determinants among children in Ethiopia using the Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) 2019.Methods The secondary data analysis of a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using EDHS 2019 data among 3094 participants. Mixed-effects binary logistic regression was used for descriptive analysis and identifying the predictors using a p value of

IntroductionAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychiatric condition that affects children. Its magnitude varies by area, ranging from 0.2% to 26.8%. Even though there is debate, culture and geographical location may have little or no influence on the epidemiology of ADHD worldwide. Despite this variation, debate over the national prevalence and location of ADHD is unknown in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of ADHD and its contributing factors among children.MethodsElectronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and institutional repositories, were searched. The studies that covered the prevalence and/or risk factors of ADHD in children were included in the collection. The Joanna Briggs Institute quality rating tool was used to rate the quality of each study. The data were extracted using Microsoft Excel 2019, and the statistical analysis was performed using STATA 17.0. Using a random-effects model, we evaluated the combined prevalence of ADHD and associated factors. The Cochrane Q-test and I2 test statistics were used to quantify the heterogeneity. Furthermore, publication bias was examined using funnel plot graphs and Egger's tests. A Galbraith plot was employed to illustrate outliers. Sensitivity analysis was also applied.ResultThis study included a total of six articles with 4,338 participants. The pooled prevalence estimate of ADHD was 8.81% [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.52–13.11; I2 = 96.95%; P = 0.001]. Age 6–12 [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.51 (95% CI, 1.38–5.64), I2 = 0%; P = 0.001], being male [AOR = 1.94 (95% CI, 1.09–2.79), I2 = 0%; P = 0.001], and living with a single parent [AOR = 4.92 (95% CI, 1.24–861), I2 = 0%; P = 0.001] were significant variables.Conclusion and recommendationOne out of every 12 children in Ethiopia suffers from ADHD. Living with a single parent, being male, and being between the ages of 6 and 12 were risk factors for ADHD. A nationwide study with a large sample size may be required to ascertain the true impact of ADHD. It may be crucial to improve school health services to identify ADHD early and lessen its long-term effects.

Amr Molla Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Amr Molla, Dermatology, Dermatologic Surgery & Lasers, Universities Road, P.O. Box: 344, Taibah, Madinah, 42353, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966504342992, Email amolla@taibahu.edu.saBackground: Fordyce angiokeratoma, a benign tiny lesion usually on the scrotum, increases with age and may cause symptoms like itching and bleeding in nearly half of the cases. Although treatment is not always necessary, it is primarily considered for cosmetic reasons in the case of larger or atypical lesions.Case Report: We present the case of a healthy adult male with multiple large red-blue hyperkeratotic nodules and papules on his scrotal skin, causing bleeding upon minor trauma and personal embarrassment. After confirming the diagnosis of angiokeratomas of the scrotum through histopathology, the patient underwent two sessions of Long-Pulse Alexandrite Laser treatment, resulting in a 90% reduction in lesions, no scrotal bleeding, and a satisfactory cosmetic outcome.Conclusion: The Long-Pulse Alexandrite Laser is a precise and effective treatment for vascular lesions, like angiokeratomas, offering customizable parameters. However, patient-specific factors and careful evaluation are essential, recognizing the laser’s limitations for optimal results.Keywords: angiokeratomas, Fordyce angiokeratoma, Alexandrite laser, 755 nm, case report

ABSTRACTMXene is a novel type of 2D sheet nanomaterial that shows great application potentials in a variety of fields due to its advantages, such as high electrical conductivities, high surface areas, superior mechanical strength, functional transition metal surfaces, tunable surface chemistries, and excellent dispersion in various solvents. Additionally, due to its adaptability for a diverse range of applications, such as electrochemical energy storage devices, electrocatalysis, sensors, biomedical applications, membranes, flexible and wearable devices, etc., MXene is emerging as a "rising star" material. The scientific community will benefit from having a summary of the most recent research on this family of materials as these applications encourage greater interest in MXene research. In this review, we began by thoroughly summarizing the structures, characteristics, and production methods of materials based on MXenes. Then, a summary of MXenes-based materials' uses for metal air batteries has also been provided. Additionally, in order to inform the readers on the current state of MXenes' growth, we also shared our thoughts and explored their future directions. This review's data should make it easier to translate lab-scale discoveries into products that are marketable.

BackgroundAnxiety symptoms are the most frequent mental health problems in the world, and it is a serious public health concern, especially among adolescents, because if left untreated, adolescent anxiety can have a number of detrimental effects, including lower academic performance, strained relationships with friends and family, substance addiction, thoughts of suicide and homicide, and trouble finding work. While this vulnerability is concerning in all situations, it is particularly critical in armed conflict areas. Ethiopia is one of the most recent war-affected countries, but to the best of our knowledge, limited studies focused on adolescents in this context. Therefore, this study assessed the experience of war trauma and its effects on anxiety symptoms among high school students in Woldia town, Ethiopia.ObjectiveWe assessed the experience of war trauma and its effects on anxiety among high school students, as well as associated risk factors, in war-affected areas in Woldia town, northeast Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was conducted from May 23 to June 08 2022. Data were collected from high school students in Woldia town. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent factors associated with anxiety.ResultsA total of 624 out of 660 students participated in the study (94.5% response rate). The prevalence of anxiety among high school students in Woldia town was 39.7%. In the multivariable analysis, having depression (AOR = 9.24, 95% CI: 6.27, 13.64), witnessing the murder of family/friends (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.57), being of female sex (AOR=1.59, 95% CI: 1.08, 2.36), and having a family history of mental illness (AOR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.85) were factors significantly associated with anxiety.Conclusions and recommendationsThe prevalence of anxiety in this study was approximately two in five high school students. Therefore, we recommend that the Ministry of Education collaborate with the Ministry of Health to expand and implement mental health services in high schools to promote the wellbeing of students for the prevention of anxiety.

BackgroundAlthough micronutrients (MNs) are important for children’s growth and development, their intake has not received enough attention. MN deficiency is a significant public health problem, especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence using advanced statistical methods, such as machine learning. Therefore, this study aimed to use advanced supervised algorithms to predict the micronutrient intake status in Ethiopian children aged 6–23 months.MethodsA total weighted of 2,499 children aged 6–23 months from the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data set were utilized. The data underwent preprocessing, with 80% of the observations used for training and 20% for testing the model. Twelve machine learning algorithms were employed. To select best predictive model, their performance was assessed using different evaluation metrics in Python software. The Boruta algorithm was used to select the most relevant features. Besides, seven data balancing techniques and three hyper parameter tuning methods were employed. To determine the association between independent and targeted feature, association rule mining was conducted using the a priori algorithm in R software.ResultsAccording to the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey, out of 2,499 weighted children aged 12–23 months, 1,728 (69.15%) had MN intake. The random forest, catboost, and light gradient boosting algorithm outperformed in predicting MN intake status among all selected classifiers. Region, wealth index, place of delivery, mothers’ occupation, child age, fathers’ educational status, desire for more children, access to media exposure, religion, residence, and antenatal care (ANC) follow-up were the top attributes to predict MN intake. Association rule mining was identified the top seven best rules that most frequently associated with MN intake among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia.ConclusionThe random forest, catboost, and light gradient boosting algorithm achieved a highest performance and identifying the relevant predictors of MN intake. Therefore, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop targeted interventions to enhance the uptake of micronutrient supplementation among children. Customizing strategies based on identified association rules has the potential to improve child health outcomes and decrease the impact of micronutrient deficiencies in Ethiopia.

A power system is a complex, non-linear, and dynamic system, with operating parameters that change over time. Because of the complexity of big load lines and faults, high-voltage transmission power systems are usually vulnerable to transient instability concerns, resulting in power losses and increased voltage variation. This issue has the potential to cause catastrophic events such as cascade failure or widespread blackouts. This problem affects Ethiopia’s high-voltage transmission power grid in the North-West area. Because of the increased demand for electrical energy, transmission lines' maximum carrying capacity should be enhanced to maintain a secure and uninterrupted power supply to consumers. To address the problem, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy-based unified power flow controller (ANFIS-based UPFC) is used for high-voltage transmission lines. This device was chosen as the ideal alternative due to its capacity to rapidly correct reactive power on high-voltage transmission networks. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm was used to determine the best location for the UPFC. The ANFIS controller receives voltage error and rate of change of voltage error as inputs. 70% of the retrieved data is used for ANFIS training and 30% for ANFIS testing. To show the performance of the proposed controller, several disturbances such as three-phase with ground fault and single-phase with ground fault are used. When a three-phase with ground fault occurs at the mid-point of the Beles to Bahir Dar transmission line, for example, the settling time of rotor angle deviation, rotor speed, rotor speed deviation, and output active power of synchronous generators using ANFIS-based UPFC is reduced by 70.58%, 37.75%, 37.75%, and 43.75%, respectively, compared to a system without UPFC. At peak load, PI-based UPFC and ANFIS-based UPFC reduce active power loss by 51.25% and 71.50%, respectively, compared to a system without UPFC on the Beles to Bahir Dar transmission line. In terms of percentage overshoot and settling time, ANFIS-based UPFC outperforms PI-based UPFC for transient stability enhancement.

Abstract Introduction Despite several strategies exist for anemia prevention and control, it has been the major public health important problem in the world. Numerous immediate and long-term health issues were reported in children who have history of anemia including decreased work productivity in adult hood period. Although analyzing data on burden and risk factors of anemia are the recommended action areas of World Health Organization framework for accelerating anemia reduction, the aggregated national burden and contributors of anemia in Ethiopia has not been determined so far. There for, this systematic and meta-analysis study is aimed to assess the pooled prevalence and associated factors of anemia among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia. Methods The electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google scholar and institutional repositories were searched using search terms. The studies that reported the prevalence and/or risk factors of anemia in children 6–23 months of age were included. The JBI quality assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of each study. The data was extracted with Microsoft Excel, 2019 and analyzed with STATA 17.0 statistical software. A random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of anemia and its associated factors. The Cochrane Q-test statistics and I2 test were used to measure heterogeneity between the included studies. Furthermore, publication bias was examined using the funnel plot graph and statistical tests (Egger’s and begg tests). Outliers also visualized using Galbraith plot. When necessary, sensitivity analysis was also employed to detect small study effect. Result Ten studies with a total population of 14, 733 were included for analysis. The pooled prevalence of anemia among children aged 6–23 months of age in Ethiopia was found to be 57.76% (95%CI; 51.61–63.91; I2 = 97.192%; p

Shambel Dessale Asmamaw,1,2 Shiferaw Getachew,2,3 Tamrat Demeke,4 Hailu Hankarso,2,5 Birhan Alemnew,6 Shambel Wedajo,2 Asressie Molla2 1Department of Preventive Medicine, Kobo Primary Hospital, Kobo, North Wollo, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia; 2Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 3Department of Preventive Medicine, Meda Weremo Health office, Meda Weremo, North Showa, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia; 4Department of Preventive Medicine, Jama Primary Hospital, Jama, South Wollo, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia; 5Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia; 6Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Woldia University, Woldia, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Shambel Dessale Asmamaw, Email sasmamaw@yahoo.comBackground: Neonates are commonly admitted to neonatal intensive care units, and the type(s) of admission determine the outcome of the neonate. Therefore, we sought to assess the magnitude of neonatal admission and associated factors at selected hospitals in Wollo, northeast Ethiopia in 2022.Methods: A cross-sectional study on 422 admitted mother–neonate pairs was conducted. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews and reviewing patient records and then entered and analyzed using EpiData version 3.1 and Stata version 14, respectively. Binary logistic regression analyses were employed, and P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant on multivariate analysis.Results: The prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 53.4% (95% CI 48.5%– 58.2%), low birth weight 36.9% (95% CI 32.3%– 41.7%), prematurity 24.2% (95% CI 20.3%– 28.5%), and hypoglycemia 9.7% (95% CI 7.2%– 13%). Urinary tract infection (AOR 2.22, 95% CI 1.13– 4.34), history of abortion (AOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.002– 3.78), and twin pregnancy (AOR 6.34, 95% CI 1.84– 11.83) were associated with low birth weight. Premature rupture of membrane (AOR 2.87 95% CI 1.31– 6.28), history of abortion (AOR 2.36, 95% CI 1.20– 4.61), and instrumental delivery (AOR 5.25, 95% CI 1.65– 16.71) were associated with neonatal sepsis. Male sex (AOR 2.78, 95% CI 1.45– 5.34), pregnancy-induced hypertension (AOR 2.73, 95% CI 1.13– 6.60), antepartum hemorrhage (AOR 3.24, 95% CI 1.03– 10.20), and premature rupture of membrane (AOR 2.77, 95% CI 1.23– 6.24) were associated with prematurity.Conclusion: The prevalence of low birth weight, prematurity, and neonatal sepsis was high, but neonatal hypoglycemia was low. Urinary tract infection, history of abortion, and twin pregnancy were associated with low birth weight. Premature rupture of membrane, history of abortion, and instrumental delivery were associated with neonatal sepsis. Male sex, pregnancy-induced hypertension, antepartum hemorrhage, and premature ruptures of membrane were associated with prematurity.Keywords: admission diagnosis, discriminant analysis, Ethiopia, neonatal admission, neonate

Background: Congenital heart disease (CHD) encompasses morphofunctional anomalies in the heart and circulatory system present at birth, which may not become apparent until later in life. In Ethiopia, there needs to be more understanding of the prevalence, patterns, and associated complications of CHD malformations. This study aimed to investigate the patterns and complications of CHDs among patients receiving follow-up care at a specialized university referral hospital in Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 199 patients with CHDs to assess the patterns and complications of defects. Retrospective data were collected from 16,972 patients who had follow-ups at a cardiac clinic in 2021 using medical records, and a statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 24. Results: The most prevalent types of CHDs in our study population were atrial septal defects (ASDs) at 41.2% (82 cases), ventricular septal defects (VSDs) at 26.6% (53 cases), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDAs) at 9.5% (19 cases). Complications related to CHDs were observed in 69.3% (138) of patients, with 30.7% (61) experiencing a single complication and 39.2% (87) experiencing multiple complications. Conclusion: This study found a higher prevalence of CHDs in females (77.8%) compared to males, a trend consistent across various atrial and ventricular defect types. Individuals aged 15 to 25 years exhibited the highest incidence of ASD and VSD. Moreover, CHD-related anomalies were present in 69.3% of the patients studied.

Background: Undernutrition is the leading cause of mortality among children infected with HIV particularly in resource-deprived settings. Despite several studies were disclosed the effect of undernutrition on mortality of children living with HIV in Ethiopia, the findings were fragmented and inconclusive. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the pooled effects of undernutrition on mortality of children infected with HIV in Ethiopia. Methods: The search were performed using international online electronic data bases (MEDLINE/though PubMed, Google scholar, Hinari, Scopus and open Google). The review included only retrospective/prospective cohort studies reporting the effects of undernutrition on mortality of children infected with HIV. Heterogeneity between included studies was assessed using Cochrane Q-test and the I2 statistics. Sub-group analysis was done by study regions, sample size and publication year. Results: A total of 1345 articles were identified from databases. Among these, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria and included in the study. Meta-analysis of 4 studies revealed that stunting has a significant effect on mortality of children infected with HIV (AHR: 3.36; 95 % CI: 2.95–3.77). Of 14 included studies, 6 articles indicated that wasting has a significant effect on mortality in children infected with HIV (AHR: 3.93; 95 % CI: 2.56–5.30) as compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, the pooled effect of 8 studies showed that underweight has 3.4 times hazard of death among children who lived with HIV as compared to well-nourished children. Conclusion: This review revealed that undernutrition has deleterious effect on mortality of children infected with HIV/AIDS by disease progression and prone the children to serious opportunistic infections. From the study, the authors recommended that nutritional status of children on antiretroviral therapy need to be evaluated regularly.

BackgroundGlobally, Tuberculosis (TB) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality among infectious disease. TB and Human Immune Virus (HIV) are the two deadly pandemics which interconnected each other tragically, and jeopardize the lives of children; particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this review was aimed to determine the aggregated national pooled incidence of tuberculosis among HIV- infected children and its predictors in Ethiopia.MethodsAn electronic search engine (HINARI, PubMed, Scopus, web of science), Google scholar and free Google databases were searched to find eligible studies. Quality of the studies was checked using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality assessment checklists for cohort studies. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated using Cochrane Q-test and the I2 statistics.ResultThis review revealed that the pooled national incidence of tuberculosis among children with HIV after initiation of ART was 3.63% (95% CI: 2.726-4.532) per 100-person-years observations. Being Anemic, poor and fair ART adherence, advanced WHO clinical staging, missing of cotrimoxazole and isoniazid preventing therapy, low CD4 cell count, and undernutrition were significant predictors of tuberculosis incidence.ConclusionThe study result indicated that the incidence of TB among HIV- infected children is still high. Therefore, parents/guardians should strictly follow and adjust nutritional status of their children to boost immunity, prevent undernutrition and opportunistic infections. Cotrimoxazole and isoniazid preventive therapy need to continually provide for HIV- infected children for the sake of enhancing CD4/immune cells, reduce viral load, and prevent from advanced disease stages. Furthermore, clinicians and parents strictly follow ART adherence.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood which causes a child's behavioral, feeding, and sleep difficulties. It remains a poorly studied health problem in Africa. The main aim of this study was assessing the pooled prevalence of Cerebral Palsy (CP) and its clinical characteristics in Africa context. Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to search articles from electronic databases (Cochrane library, Ovid platform) (Medline, Embase, and Emcare), Google Scholar, CINAHL, PubMed, Maternity and Infant Care Database (MIDIRS). The last search date was on 12/05/ 2023 G. C. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled estimates of cerebral palsy and its types. The subgroup analysis, publication bias and sensitivity analysis were done. Studies on prevalence and clinical characteristics of cerebral palsy were included. The primary and secondary outcomes were prevalence and clinical characteristics of cerebral palsy respectively. A total of 15 articles with (n = 498406 patients) were included for the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of cerebral palsy in Africa was found to be 3·34 (2·70, 3·98). The most common type is spastic cerebral palsy accounting 69·30% (66·76, 71·83) of all cases. The second one is quadriplegic cerebral palsy which was found to be 41·49% (33·16, 49·81). Ataxic cerebral palsy accounted 5·36% (3·22, 7·50). On the other hand, dyskinetic cerebral palsy was found to be 10.88% (6·26, 15·49). About 32·10% (19·25, 44.95) of cases were bilateral while 25·17% (16·84, 33·50) were unilateral. The incidence of cerebral palsy in Africa surpasses the reported rates in developed nations. Spastic and quadriplegic subtypes emerge as the most frequently observed. It is recommended to channel initiatives toward the strategic focus on preventive measures, early detection strategies, and comprehensive management protocols.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271127.].

IntroductionDiarrhea is particularly prevalent in low-income or marginalized populations because these groups have less access to clean water sources, hygienic conditions, and healthcare. Dehydration due to electrolyte and fluid loss is the main cause of deaths associated with diarrhea. An especially important factor in this death from dehydration is the caregivers' knowledge, attitude, and diarrhea management techniques. While a number of research have been done on managing diarrhea at home, the results tend not to be consistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the pooled estimate of knowledge, attitude and practice of home-based management of diarrhea in East Africa.MethodsPreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was used to search articles from electronic databases (Cochrane library, Ovid platform (Medline, Embase, and Emcare), Google Scholar, CINAHL, PubMed, and institutional repositories in East Africa countries. The last search date was on 01/06/ 2023 Gregorian Calendar. The authors extracted year of publication, country, study design, knowledge level, attitude level and practice level of home-based management of diarrhea. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of knowledge, attitude and practice of home-based management of diarrhea. Subgroup analysis was done by country, and sample size. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis were also done.ResultsA total of 19 articles with (n = 7470 participants) were included for the final analysis. From the random-effects model analysis, the pooled prevalence of good practice, good knowledge and favorable attitude towards home based management of diarrhea in East Africa was found to be 52.62% (95% CI: 45.32%, 59.92%) (95% CI: I2 = 78.3%; p < 0.001), 37.44% (95% CI: 26.99%, 47.89%) (95% CI: I2 = 89.2%; p < 0.001) and 63.05% (95% CI: 35.7%, 90.41%) (95% CI: I2 = 97.8%; p < 0.001) respectively.Conclusion and recommendationsThe level of good knowledge, attitude and practice of home based management of diarrhea in East Africa is found to be low. A collaborative effort from different stakeholders to enhance the knowledge, attitude and practice is needed to tackle the burden of diarrhea and its consequences.

A popular recommendation for next-generation electrochemical energy storage applications such as electric vehicles or grid energy storage are metal-air batteries, which theoretically offer an energy density that is substantially higher than that of lithium-ion batteries. The difficulties with the metal anode, air cathode, and electrolyte have prevented them from reaching their full potential. Before metal-air batteries can become a realistic reality and be widely used, these issues must be appropriately addressed. Moreover, automotive emissions are one of the biggest contributors to global emissions. Hence, battery electric vehicles that run entirely on electricity, mainly from renewable energy sources, are the panacea for the challenges we are currently facing to mitigate global climate change caused by the combustion of conventional fuel. A further critical challenge is the material shortage and their cost for cutting-edge lithium-ion batteries. This paper discusses recent developments and issues in alkaline metal air batteries, including anode, air cathode, and e electrolyte. It also explains the fundamental principles and concepts of electrochemical reactions. Future research directions are discussed to ensure this promise can become a reality. The cycle capability, the range, the costs, the service life, the discharge as well as the charging rate have also been conferred.

Metal-air batteries offer high power densities, environmental friendliness, long lifetimes, and availability compared to lithium-ion batteries, making them ideal for sustainable energy storage in electric cars and grid applications. However, carbon-rich fuel-powered automobiles are the largest contributors to global emissions, making sustainable transportation solutions crucial. Aligned with this, electric vehicles are gaining attention due to high oil prices, climate change concerns, and government taxation. The market is expected to remain dynamic in the coming decades, with costs dwindling. Hence, pure electric vehicles, powered by rechargeable battery packs, are the panacea for the challenges we are currently facing to mitigate climate change due to the combustion of conventional fuels. Additionally, battery technologies are advancing, easing consumer concerns about range-cursing anxiety and safety, but they still face issues with metal anodes, electrolytes, and air cathodes. This review examines the current status of divalent (Mg) and trivalent (Al) metal-air battery applications for electric mobility, focusing on cyclability, cruising range, lifespan, safety, and discharge and charging rate. The review also discusses potential remedies and future research prospects.

Reta Dewau,1 Elsabeth Addisu,2 Tilahun Dessie,3 Tesfaye Birhane,2 Sisay Eshete Tadesse,4 Amare Muche,2 Yitbarek Wasihun Feleke,5 Baye Akele,6 Melaku Yalew,2 Kemal Ahmed Seid,7 Yitayish Damtie,2 Bereket Kefale,2 Zinet Abegaz Asfaw,2 Bezawit Adane,1 Wondwosen Mebratu,1 Ayechew Ademas,8 Niguss Cherie,2 Assefa Andargie,1 Muluken Genetu Chanie,9 Asnakew Molla,9 Metadel Adane8 1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 2Department of Reproductive health, School of Public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 3Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 4Department of Public Health Nutrition, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 5Department of Health Education, School of Public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 6Department of Clinical Laboratory, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 7Department of Infectious Disease, School of Public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 8Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia; 9Department of Health Service Management, School of public health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Elsabeth Addisu, Email elsabethko@gmail.comBackground: Vaccines are a powerful choice to stop disease outbreaks, including covid-19. However, people are hesitant to take vaccinations due to uncertainty about side effects. So, this study aimed to assess covid-19 vaccine side-effect and its associated factors among healthcare workers in Dessie comprehensive specialized hospital, in Ethiopia.Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Dessie Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital among 351 vaccinated healthcare workers from April 25 to May 25, 2021. Self-administrated questionnaires were used by consented health workers. Variance inflation factor (VIF) was used to assess the multicollinearity of independent variables. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to identify significant factors of vaccine side effects. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported as the effect size. Statistical significance was considered at p-value < 0.05.Results: Overall, of vaccinated healthcare workers, 56.98% (95% CI, 50.86– 61.26%) experienced at least one side effect. The majority of the side effects were fever (44.44%), headache (39.03%), fatigue (27.35%), injection site pain (25.93%), and nausea (24.22%). Healthcare workers with (≥ 10 years) of work experience (AOR: 3.74, 95% CI, 1.32– 10.59), Hesitancy to take the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine (AOR: 3.01, 95% CI, 1.82– 4.99), underlying chronic disease (AOR: 14.41, 95% CI, (5.07– 40.92)), being on antihypertensive medication (AOR: 0.15; 95% CI (0.02– 0.93)), and unsafe perception of vaccine safety (AOR:3.50; 95% CI, 1.43– 8.57) were independent factors of Covax vaccine side effect development.Conclusion: Overall, common vaccine side effects were identified in healthcare workers who have taken the Covax vaccine. Healthcare workers with (≥ 10 years) of work experience, Hesitancy to take the first dose, unsafe perception of vaccine safety, and underlined chronic disease were predictors of vaccine side effect occurrence. So, providing vaccine-related information to the community to be vaccinated is mandatory to reduce hesitancy and flaws regarding vaccine safety.Keywords: Covid-19, vaccine side effects, associated factors, health care workers, Ethiopia

Solid oxide fuel cells powered by renewable fuels will be a panacea for our current challenges to meet the global energy demand and mitigate climate changes stemming from the widespread use of carbon-rich fuels. Accordingly, this numerical investigation has examined the geometrical shape effects of reactant gas ducts, and the thickness of electrodes on solid oxide fuel cell performance. The model was also validated using the experimental result of a rectangular shape gas flow duct conducted at Dr. T. Nejat Veziroğlu Clean Energy Research Center of Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University in Türkiye. Thus, the finding of this work disclosed that the semicircular gas flow duct has outstanding performance following rectangular, trapezoidal and triangular geometrical shapes. The additional remarkable results of this work are that the shape of the reactant gas flow channel and the thickness of the cathode have more substantial effects on airflow than fuel flow under identical electrolyte thickness. The finding also revealed that a peak power density has been achieved when the thickness of an anode gets thicker up to a certain limit then it is sharply decreasing. On the contrary, the performance of the model is increasing as the thickness of the air electrode is increasing. 9 Solid oxide fuel cells powered by renewable fuels panacea for our current challenges to meet the global energy demand and mitigate climate changes stemming from the widespread use of carbon-rich fuels rectangular shape gas flow duct conducted at Dr. T. Nejat VeziroğluNiğdeHalisdemir peak power density has been achieved when the thickness of an anode gets thicker up to a certain limitis decreasingincreasing.

BackgroundGlobally, Pneumonia continues to be the leading cause of mortality among under-five children. Ethiopia ranks fourth out of 15 countries worldwide in terms of the highest death rate of under-five children due to severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP). However, to date, there is no recent study that shows survival status and predictors of mortality from SCAP. Therefore, this study aimed to determine survival status and predictors of mortality from this dangerous disease among under-five children.MethodsA facility-based prospective cohort study was conducted from 1 November 2021 to 31 October 2022 at Debre Tabor comprehensive specialized hospital. All under-five children with SCAP admitted during the study period were included. Participants were selected using a systematic sampling technique. The collected data were coded, edited, and entered into epi-data version 4.2 and then exported to STATA version 17 for further analysis. The Kaplan Meier failure estimate with log-rank test was employed to determine the survival estimates. A cox-proportional hazard regression model was fitted to identify significant variables.ResultsThe overall incidence density rate of mortality was 5.7 /1000 children with a median hospital stay of 8.2 days. Heart disease (AHR: 4.37; 95%CI: 1.68–11.32), previous admission of SCAP (AHR: 3.87; 95% CI: 1.31–11.43), WFL

BackgroundDiabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome are the two commonly known life-threatening hyperglycemic emergencies of diabetes mellitus. Despite the growing hyperglycemic emergency impact among adult patients with diabetes, its incidence and predictors have not been well studied in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of hyperglycemic emergencies among adult patients with diabetes.MethodA retrospective follow-up study design was conducted among a randomly selected sample of 453 adult patients with diabetes. Data were entered into EPI data version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA version 14.0. A Cox-proportional hazard regression model was fitted to identify the independent predictors of hyperglycemic emergencies, and variables having a p < 0.05 in the multivariable model were considered statistically significant.ResultAmong the total adult patients with diabetes included in the study, 147 (32.45%) developed hyperglycemic emergencies. Hence, the overall incidence of hyperglycemic emergencies was 14.6 per 100 person-years observation. The incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis was 12.5 per 100 person-years (35.6 and 6.3 among T1DM and T2DM, respectively). The incidence of the hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome was 2.1 per 100 person-years (0.9 and 2.4 among T1DM and T2DM, respectively). The overall median free survival time was 53.85 months. Type 1 diabetes mellitus [AHR = 2.75, 95% CI (1.68, 4.51)], diabetes duration of ≥ 3 years [AHR = 0.33, 95% CI (0.21, 0.50)], recent acute illness [AHR = 2.99, 95% CI (2.03, 4.43)], presence of comorbidity [AHR = 2.36, 95% CI (1.53, 3.63)], poor glycemic control [AHR = 3.47, 95% CI (2.17, 5.56)], history of medication non-compliance [AHR = 1.85,95% CI (1.24, 2.76)], follow-up frequency of 2–3 months [AHR = 1.79,95% CI (1.06, 3.01)], and without community health insurance [AHR = 1.63, 95% CI (1.14, 2.35)] were significant predictors of hyperglycemic emergencies.ConclusionThe incidence of hyperglycemic emergencies was high. Therefore, giving greater attention to patients with identified predictors could decrease the occurrence of hyperglycemic emergencies and related public health and economic impacts.

BackgroundAnemia is a public health problem affecting both developed and developing nations worldwide with a significant consequence on health and economic growth. The problem is more severe in pregnant women. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to determine the factors of anemia levels among pregnant women in zones in Ethiopia.MethodsWe utilized data from 2005, 2011, and 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey (EDHSs), a population-based cross-sectional study. The study includes 8,421 pregnant women. An ordinal logistic regression model with spatial analysis was used to explore factors of anemia levels among pregnant women.ResultAbout 224 (2.7%), 1,442 (17.2%), and 1,327 (15.8%) pregnant women were mild, moderate, and severely anemic, respectively. The spatial autocorrelation of anemia among the administrative zones of Ethiopia for the three consecutive was not significant. The middle wealth index of 15.9% (OR = 0.841, CI: 0.72–0.983) and richest wealth index of 51% (OR = 0.49, CI: 0.409–0.586) were less likely anemic compared to the poorest wealth index, age group of mother 30–39 was 42.9% (OR = 0.571, CI: 0.359–0.908) times less likely to be moderate and above anemic compared to

Abstract Background The inconsistent use of antiretroviral therapy can lead to the risk of cross-resistance between drugs. This reduces subsequent antiretroviral drug options. The burden of initial antiretroviral therapy ranges from 11.3% in South Africa to 71.8% in Malaysia. There is evidence that it is important to maintain children’s initial antiretroviral therapy regimens. However, the incidence and predictive factors of initial antiretroviral therapy regimen changes in the research context are still unknown in the study setting. So, the study was aimed to assess incidence and predictors of initial antiretroviral therapy regimen changes among children in public health facilities of Bahir Dar city. Methods A retrospective follow-up study was conducted in 485 children who received antiretroviral therapy between January 1, 2011 and December 30, 2020. These children were selected using simple random sampling techniques. The data were entered by Epi data 3.1 and the analysis was completed by STATA 14.0. The missing data was treated with multiple imputation method. The data were also summarized by median or mean, interquartile range or standard deviation, proportion and frequency. The survival time was determined using the Kaplan Meier curve. The Cox Proportional Hazard model was fitted to identify predictors of initial antiretroviral therapy regimen change. The global and Shoenfeld graphical proportional hazard tests were checked. Any statistical test was considered significant at P-value

Abstract Background Anemia is one of the common hematological problems among HIV-infected children. It impairs physical functioning, affects the quality of life, increases HIV progression, and decreases survival of HIV-infected children. In Ethiopia, limited studies were conducted on the incidence and predictors of anemia among HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Therefore, this study aims to assess the incidence of anemia and predictors among HIV- infected children on ART at public health facilities of Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 403 HIV- infected children who have followed at ART clinics in public health facilities of Bahir Dar City from 2010 to 2020. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select the study units. Data was entered using Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA 14.0. Cox proportional hazard model assumption was checked graphically and by scaled Schoenfeld residual test. Bivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression model was employed for each explanatory variable to check the association with the outcome variable. Variables with a p-value of

Municipal solid waste collection (MSWC) service financing is a challenge for governments in developing countries, with little or no contribution from the service users. In most Ethiopian cities, residents do not pay for MSWC. This study aims to estimate households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved municipal solid waste collection service in Harar city. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 331 households employing the contingent valuation method with a double-bounded dichotomous choice format. The hypothetical program works to collect solid waste twice a week, house-to-house, and safely dispose of it to reduce environmental and health impacts. The Tobit regression model was used to account for the determinants of households’ WTP. Findings showed that 89% (95% CI: 85.4, 92.5) of households were WTP for the improved waste collection program, with an average yearly amount of US$12. The Tobit model shows that being married ( β = 6.9, 95% CI: 1.2, 13.7), having a monthly household income of >8000 ETB ( β = 31.9, 95% CI: 22.1, 41.7), attending education about MSWM ( β = 11.8, 95% CI: 5.6, 18.1), having temporary storage at household level ( β = 15.3, 95% CI: 9.5, 21.2), and recycling practices ( β = 5.5, 95% CI: 1.2, 10.8) positively influenced the WTP. Interventions like providing educational programs about waste handling and recycling and providing or encouraging households to have temporary storage at the household level are needed to enhance users’ WTP. The policy implication of the finding is that community contribution through service fees could be a strategy for sustainable financing.

This study was designed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with poor clinical outcome of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) among children less than five years of age at Mizan-Tepi university teaching public hospital in southwest district of Ethiopia. A prospective observational cohort study design was conducted from 01 June to August 30, 2020. Data related to socio-demographics, child nutritional status, clinical and environmental characteristics of patients were collected with structured questionnaire. Follow-up data were gathered from patient’s medical records using standard data collection tool. The data were analyzed using SPSS versions 25.0. In this study, 305 children of age less than five years were included. Of these, 124 (40.7%) of children were diagnosed with ARIs, of which 66 (53.2%) were female and 69 (55.6%) were age of 24–59 months. Of children diagnosed with ARIs, 21 (16.9%) were ended with poor clinical outcomes after completion of their treatment. In the multivariate analysis, age of children and presence of any other disease conditions (OR = 0.331; 95% CI: 0.123– 0.880; p = 0.024), exposure to indoor air pollution (OR = 0.344; 95% CI: 0.128– 0.925; p = 0.030), malnutrition (OR = 0.175; 95% CI: 0.058– 0.523; p = 0.002) and end point pneumonia (OR = 0.305; 95% CI: 0.113–0.821; p = 0.015) were found to be independent factors for poor outcome of under-five children with ARIs. Our findings highlight that timely detection, proper management and treatments as well as addressing other contributing factors are essentials in order to reduce prevalence and poor clinical outcomes of under five children with ARIs.

Amr Molla,1 Hassan Alrizqi,2 Emtinan Alharbi,2 Arwa Alsubhi,3 Saad Alrizqi,4 Omar Shahada4 1Department of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia; 2Medina Specialist Hospital, Medina, Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Dermatology, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 4College of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: Amr MollaDepartment of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taibah University, 344 Universities Road, Medina, 42353, Saudi ArabiaTel +966504342992Email amolla@taibahu.edu.saPurpose: Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological disease in adolescents that show high prevalence rates of anxiety and depression that may lead to consequences that affect quality of life. This study aimed to assess and compare anxiety and depression in patients with acne and a control group and to determine their correlation with other demographic data.Patients and Methods: This was a case-control study conducted in 2019 for 3 months at the derma-tology department of Ohud Hospital and two other private clinics in the Medina region of Saudi Arabia. For this study, 296 consecutive patients in the age group of 12 to 60 years who were diagnosed as having acne vulgaris were enrolled and matched with a control group. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, including sociodemographic data and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores.Results: We found no significant differences between the two groups regarding sex, age group, nationality, and educational level, but found a significant difference in marital status (p < 0.001). Most (62.5%) of the acne cases were moderate in severity. The overall anxiety score in the acne group was 7.68 ± 4.90, with a significant difference with the control group (p = 0.031), whereas the anxiety level and depression score showed no significant difference (p = 0.082 and p = 0.656, respectively). Moreover, a strong correlation was found between anxiety and depression in the acne group (r = 0.732, p < 0.001).Conclusion: A positive correlation was found between the anxiety and depression scores in the patients with acne, which was not related to age group or educational level. However, the anxiety scores of the patients with acne showed a significant relationship with sex.Keywords: GAGS, HADS questionnaire, anxiety, depression, acne vulgaris, case control

Nigusie Shifera,1 Gebremeskel Mesafint,2 Alemayehu Sayih,2 Gizachew Yilak,3 Abebaw Molla,4 Tewodros Yosef,1 Rahel Matiyas5 1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia; 2Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia; 3School of Nursing, College of Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia; 4Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, Ethiopia; 5Department of Psychology, College of Social Science and Humanity, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Nigusie ShiferaDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatics, School of Public Health, Mizan-Tepi University, Mizan-Aman, EthiopiaEmail nigusieshifera@gmail.comBackground: COVID-19 is a global pandemic and a major health crisis affecting several nations. Such outbreaks are associated with adverse mental health consequences to any group of the population. Despite its negative effects, no study has addressed the potential psychological impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak among the pastoral community. This study aims to assess psychological experiences during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak and the factors that contributed to it among pastoral community residents in West Omo, South-West Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from May to June 2020. The study subjects were selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and entered into EpiData 3.1, then exported to SPSS version 24 for statistical analysis. The psychological impact was assessed by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). P-value < 0.20 during bi-variable analysis was considered as a candidate for multivariable logistic regression. Independent factors of depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence level s at P-value < 0.05 cut-off point.Results: A total of 845 eligible pastoral residents were interviewed, with a 94.4% response rate. The prevalence of a positive response for anxiety, depression and stress was 30.8%, 26.3% and 24.4%, respectively. Being female was highly associated with developing anxiety and depression. Anxiety was found to be three times more prevalent among the respondents with ≥ 3 family members. Furthermore, participants with a history of mental illness, poor social support, and a high perceived life threat were also at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, and stress.Conclusion: The prevalence of positive depression, anxiety and stress results were high. As a result, special attention should be paid, by governmental and non-governmental health organizations, to psychosocial and mental health programs for pastoral residentsduring the COVID-19 pandemic.Keywords: COVID-19, anxiety, depression, outbreak, stress

Among drug-related complications, drug-related nephrotoxicity is the commonest. It is the cause for 7% of all drug-related toxicities among inpatients and accounts for 20% to 30% of acute renal failure. Acute interstitial nephritis is one of the drug-related adverse reactions and occurs due to a drug-related type 4 hypersensitivity reaction. In this case report, we reported acute interstitial nephritis that causes acute renal failure (acute kidney injury) in a patient taking Prothionamide therapy. This drug-related side effect had not been reported. In this case report, we report a patient who develops fatigability, rash, and intermittent fever after 14 days of taking the drug Prothionamide. The main aims of this case report are to use it as a pharmacovigilance report for drug-producing companies and to consider a further study on this side effect. It is also an alert for clinicians to consider this side effect when patients develop acute interstitial nephritis while taking Prothionamide.

Zinabu Fentaw, Assresie Molla, Shambel Wedajo, Wondwosen Mebratu School of Public Health, Wollo University College of Medicine and Health Science, Dessie, Amhara Region, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Zinabu FentawSchool of Public Health, Wollo University College of Medicine and Health Science, Dessie, EthiopiaTel +251 912757286Email zfentaw5@gmail.comBackground: Virological failure is defined as having viral load measurement greater or equal to 1000 copies/mm3 after at least six-month exposure to antiretroviral therapy. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS-2018) report, globally nearly one in five patients on first-line antiretroviral therapy had experienced virological failure. In line with this, Ethiopia federal ministry of health also reported that one in four patients had experienced virological failure in the year 2016. To date, very little is known about the predictors of virological failure in the local context. Therefore, this study intended to address the determinants of virological failure among patients on a first-line antiretroviral regimen.Methods: A case–control study was conducted among clients on first-line antiretroviral therapy in Amhara regional state, January 2019 with a sample of 257 clients; of these, 86 clients were cases. Data were collected via patient interview and chart extraction for clinical profiles using standardized tools. Binary logistic regression was computed to identify the determinants of virological failure using Stata version 14 and the result was displayed using adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval.Results: Out of the proposed samples, 255 clients were considered for final analysis. The odds of virological failure are higher among poor medication adherence (AOR: 10.2:95% CI [4.1– 25.8]), age< 35 years (AOR: 3.07 95% CI 1.4– 6.8), low baseline CD4 (AOR 3.9: 95% CI 1.6– 9.6), and Khat chewers (AOR: 9.5:95% CI 2.8– 32.4) as compared with their counterparts.Conclusion: Being a young age, poor immunity at the initiation of antiretroviral, Khat chewer, and poor medication adherence significantly associated with virological failure.Keywords: HIV/AIDS, virological failure, highly active antiretroviral therapy, case–control study