Prevalence of Substance Use in University Students, Ethiopia

Background: Although substance use is a known public health problem and a pressing issue in Ethiopia, its real extent and magnitude are not yet properly explored. The current study aimed to determine the extent and predictors of substance use among regular undergraduate students in the Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried among 794 undergraduate regular students at the Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, using a self-administered structured questionnaire filled by study participants. Data entry, cleaning, and coding were performed by EPI-INFO version 3.5.1. Statistical Package for Social Sciences; AOR: Adjusted odds ratio (SPSS) SPSS version 21 software was used to analyze data by performing descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. Results: 73.7% of the study participants used substances at least once. The lifetime use of each substance includes alcohol (68.2%), khat (53.6%), cigarettes (46.1%), and illicit drugs (23.3%). Loss of family (AOR [95%CI], 34.50 [7.569, 157.263]), pocket money between 500 and 999 Ethiopian birr (AOR [95%CI], 9.978 [1.240, 80.280]), and above 1000 Ethiopian birr (AOR [95%CI], 10.831 [1.333, 87.971]) were identified predictors for khat use. The odds of lifetime alcohol use was higher among students coming from a divorced family (AOR [95%CI], 9.346 [3.162, 27.625]), lost one (AOR [95%CI], 37.406 [11.375, 123.008]), or both of their parents (AOR [95%CI], 18.750 [5.798, 60.633]). Students of urban origin (AOR [95%CI], 3.214 [1.950, 5.296]), and students with anxiety symptoms (AOR [95%CI], 2.655 [1.981, 3.557]) have a higher odds of lifetime cigarette smoking. The lifetime exposure to illicit drugs is higher among students in age groups between 20 and 24 years (AOR [95%CI], 5.963 [1.361, 26.135]), students coming from substance user family (AOR [95%CI], 2.172 [1.161, 4.063]), and students of urban origin (AOR [95%CI], 2.661 [1.202, 5.889]). Conclusion: A higher prevalence of substance use requiring administrative and educational interventions was observed. Awareness creation interventions on the potential impacts of substance abuse should be performed.

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Profiling of potential pulmonary fungal pathogens and the prevalence of the association between pulmonary tuberculosis and potential fungal pathogens in presumptive tuberculosis patients referred to Saint Peter’s Specialized Tuberculosis Referral Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/20503121211056163 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212110561

Author(s):

Adane Bitew ◽

Solomon Bati

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Tuberculosis ◽

Fungal Infection ◽

Fungal Pathogens ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Age Groups ◽

Clinical Manifestations ◽

Brain Heart Infusion ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Participants

Objective: The burden of pulmonary fungal infection is increasing and often misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis in developing countries where the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis is high. |Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the spectrum of potential pulmonary fungal pathogens and the prevalence of the association between pulmonary tuberculosis and potential fungal pathogens. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2018 and May 2019. Sputum was collected from 636 study participants. Part of the sputum was inoculated onto Brain Heart Infusion agar, and fungi were identified following standard microbiological procedures. The remaining part of the sample was used for the investigation of pulmonary tuberculosis. Results: Among 636 sputum samples, 75.9% (483) and 25.6% (163) were positive for potential fungal pathogens and pulmonary tuberculosis, respectively. The prevalence of the association between pulmonary tuberculosis and potential fungal pathogens was 20.0%. Of fungal isolates, 81.4% were yeasts. The remaining 128 (18.6%) isolates were molds. The isolation rate of fungi was higher in males (51.6%) than in females (48.4%). There was no statistically significant association between the prevalence of potential pulmonary fungal pathogens and sex ( p = 0.239). Patients in the age group of 35 to 44 and above were slightly more affected than younger age groups. The association between potential fungal pathogens and age was not statistically significant ( p = 0.50). Conclusion: High prevalence of potential pulmonary fungal pathogens and the association of tuberculosis and potential fungal pathogens recorded in this study will enforce health personnel to pay due attention to these conditions and arise the interest of researchers to conduct further work on the burden of the association between tuberculosis and potential fungal pathogens. Our study also revealed the need to employ conventional microbiology tests along with clinical and radiological evidence since clinical manifestations and radiological pictures of tuberculosis mimic that of pulmonary fungal infection.

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Prevalence of shisha smoking and risk factors among female adolescents in Iran

10.21203/rs.2.19626/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Saeed Bashirian ◽

Majid Barati ◽

Manoochehr Karami ◽

Behrooz Hamzeh ◽

elahe ezati

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Age Groups ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Female Adolescents ◽

Limited Data ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Western City ◽

The Mean ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Background: shisha smoking is on the increase in Iarn, but there are limited data on its use among adolescents. This research purpose is to the survey prevalence of shisha smoking and risk factors among female in Iran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study . The study participants was 1302. The sampling was multistage random. 12 schools from three sectors of Kermanshah in the western city in Iran( 4 schools from each sector), were selected. Students were in grades 7 to 12. data were collected using questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive statistical methods and Logistic regression test by using SPSS 22 software. Results: The mean (SD) ages of the students and the ages when the participants started SS were 15.22 ± 1.85 and 13.64 (1.64) respectively. 32.4% of the participants ever having used a shisha and 20.4% mentioned they used shisha the last 30 days. Most of the subjects smoked shishas in friends’ houses (45.8%) and with their friends (47.4%). The significantly important factors that affect SS in these age groups were the father's and mother's occupation, family size, living with others, father's education, having a friend who smokes shishas, friends’ encouragement to smoke shisha, and being in a family that smoke shishas. Conclusions: shisha smoking has become a major concern in female . shisha prevention needs extensive studies. Investigation of shisha behavioral factors is essential in designing of educational interventions. Key words: Female, adolescents, student, shisha smoking .

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Status of Histopathology Services In Ethiopia

American Journal of Clinical Pathology ◽

10.1093/ajcp/aqaa161.262 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 154 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S120-S120

Author(s):

G O Yeabyo

Keyword(s):

Addis Ababa ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Status ◽

Prevention Of Cancer ◽

Great Public Health ◽

Cancer Diseases

Abstract Introduction/Objective Cancer is one of a great public health problem in developing countries like Ethiopia and scarcity of histopathology laboratory is another burden for diagnosis and follow up of cancer diseases. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the accessibility of histopathology services in Ethiopia. Methods Cross sectional study design were used to analyze the status of histopathology services in Ethiopia. Results There are 13 histopathology laboratories in the nation and a survey was conducted at these institutions. Out of these 13 Histopathology services seven are located in the capital, Addis Ababa and six found out of the capital located in four different regions. About 40,239,100 habitants have no histopathology service around their catchment area. Conclusion There are very limited histopathology laboratories, as a result diagnosis and prevention of cancer diseases are inadequate throughout the country.

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Seroprevalence of AsymptomaticLeishmania donovaniamong Laborers and Associated Risk Factors in Agricultural Camps of West Armachiho District, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Journal of Parasitology Research ◽

10.1155/2018/5751743 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Animen Ayehu ◽

Yibeltal Aschale ◽

Wossenseged Lemma ◽

Animut Alebel ◽

Ligabaw Worku ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Leishmania Donovani ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Northwest Ethiopia ◽

Control Measures ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Associated Risk Factors ◽

Study Participants

Background. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL, also called kala-azar) is a public health problem in Ethiopia, especially in sesame and sorghum growing areas. Compared to other populations, labor migrants are the most exposed. Knowing the seroprevalence ofLeishmania donovaniand associated risk factors is essential to design appropriate control measures. The main aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers and associated risk factors in agricultural camps of West Armachiho district, Northwest Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the seroprevalence and associated risk factors ofL. donovaniinfection.Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 185 laborers from October to December 2017. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants from selected agricultural camps. After obtaining written informed consent, data were collected using a structured pretested Amharic version questionnaire using the interview technique. A single finger prick blood sample was collected from the study participants and the blood samples were subjected to the serological diagnostic method using the rk39 kit. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors associated withL. donovaniinfection.Result. Among 185 participants examined using rk39, 14 (7.6%) were seroreactive forL. donovani.Leishmania donovaniinfection had a statistically significant association with sleeping underBalanitestrees (AOR: 4.36, 95%CI: 1.186-16.06), presence of domestic animals near sleeping place (AOR: 4.68, 95% CI: 1.25-17.56), and lack of knowledge about VL transmission (AOR: 3.79, 95% CI: 1.07-13.47).Conclusion. Seroprevalence of asymptomaticL. donovaniamong laborers in agricultural camps of West Armachiho was low. Prevention measures and health education about risk factors that expose toL. donovaniinfection for the laborers are essential to prevent the spread of the disease.

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Community-based study on the knowledge, awareness, and practices of females towards breast cancer in Buraimi, Oman

South Asian Journal of Cancer ◽

10.4103/sajc.sajc_71_18 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 07 (04) ◽

pp. 215-218 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Vijay Kumar Chattu ◽

Soosanna Kumary ◽

Akshaya Srikanth Bhagavathula

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Negative Influence ◽

Cancer Knowledge ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Comprehensive Information ◽

Study Participants ◽

Self Examination

Abstract Background: In Oman, a higher proportion of patients presented with breast cancer are relatively young age and with an advanced stage. This could be due to lack of awareness and knowledge about breast cancer among young women. Aim: To assess the breast cancer knowledge, awareness and factors associated with the practice of breast self-examination (BSE) among females in Buraimi, Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among females attending the two days health exhibition event at a polyclinc, in Al-Buraimi, governorate. A pretested questionnaire to assess their knowledge, awareness and practices concerned to breast cancer was used. The collected data was categorized, analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression model. All the statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 version. Results: Out of the total of one hundred and eighty nine (189) participants, 80% had information of breast cancer. Participants had better knowledge of symptoms but less knowledge about risk factors. When probed about BSE, only 43% performed it and only 21% of them do it monthly on regular basis. The main reasons for regular monthly BSE is mainly because of fear of breast cancer (9%), doctor's advice (6%) and awareness through media (5%). Conclusion: Our study participants showed insufficient knowledge in some areas related to sign and symptoms and risk factors of breast cancer and identified a negative influence of low knowledge on the practice of BSE. Thus, educational interventions need to be emphasized to provide comprehensive information of breast cancer.

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Prevalence and risk factors for myopia among school children in Aba, Nigeria

African Vision and Eye Health ◽

10.4102/aveh.v76i1.369 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 76 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Uchenna C. Atowa ◽

Alvin J. Munsamy ◽

Samuel O. Wajuihian

Keyword(s):

School Children ◽

Refractive Error ◽

Age Groups ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Level Of Education ◽

Multi Stage ◽

Significant Difference

Aim: To study the prevalence of myopia among school children in Aba, Nigeria.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in public and private (primary and secondary) schools. A multi-stage random sampling technique was used for selecting participants aged between 8 and 15 years from 12 schools in Aba, Nigeria. Data were analysed for 1197 children who underwent a comprehensive eye examination. The children were divided according to the following criteria: age groups (group 1 [8–11 years] or group 2 [12–15 years]), gender (male or female), level of education (primary or secondary) and type of school (public or private). Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent refraction (SER) ≤ -0.50 D in the poorer eye.Results: The prevalence of myopia was estimated to be 2.7%. Of the 96 children with refractive error, 78.1% were uncorrected. In using logistic regression analysis, risk of developing myopia was associated with older age groups (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16–9.11; p < 0.010) and higher level of education (OR: 1.73; 95% CI, 1.05–2.86; p < 0.030). There was no significant difference in myopia prevalence between male and female children (p = 0.89).Conclusion: Although the prevalence of myopia and overall prevalence of refractive error in school children in Aba were low, the high prevalence of uncorrected refractive error is a significant public health problem. An effective and sustainable children’s vision screening programme is needed to prevent visual impairment and blindness.

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Depression among Patients with Schizophrenia in Ethiopian Mental Health Hospital: Association with Sociodemographic and Clinical Variables: A Cross-Sectional Study

Depression Research and Treatment ◽

10.1155/2021/6697339 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Mandaras Tariku ◽

Tilahun Ali ◽

Tadesse Misgana ◽

Mohammedamin Hajure ◽

Henock Asfaw

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Substance Use ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Analysis Model ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Specialized Hospital ◽

Poor Social Support

Background. Depression is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease and affects all individuals throughout their lifetime. Patients with schizophrenia are frequently attacked by depression during their total illness duration. Presence of comorbid depression in schizophrenia makes the patients more deteriorating and disabling course and poor outcome. Aim of the Study. To determine the prevalence of depression and highlight the associated sociodemographic and clinical factors in patients with schizophrenia in a specialized hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Setting. This study was conducted at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods. An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2018. Depression was measured by Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia on 455 samples of patient with schizophrenia and systematic sampling was used to select the study participants. Oslo Social Support Scale and Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test were used to assess social support and substance use factors, respectively. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis model was performed to control the confounding factors. Odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was determined to evaluate the strength of association. Results. A total of 445 patients responded to the questionnaire, which yields a response rate of 97.8%. The Magnitude of depression among schizophrenia patients was 24.9%. A multivariable logistic regression analysis model showed that being female [AOR 2.00, 95% CI: 1.25-3.18], divorced/widowed [AOR 2.39, 95% CI: 1.04-5.49], current substance use [AOR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.17-3.25], and poor social support [AOR 2.75, 95% CI: 1.35-5.61] were significantly associated with depression in schizophrenia. Conclusion. The magnitude of depression among schizophrenia was 24.9%. Being female, divorced/widowed, current substance use, and poor social support were associated with depression among patients with schizophrenia. Regular screening and prompt management of depressive symptoms among patients with schizophrenia is of particular importance to reduce the burden of the condition.

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Blood Pressure Control Practice and Determinants among Ambulatory Hypertensive Patients Attending Primary Health care facilities in Addis Ababa

10.21203/rs.2.12562/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Firehiwot Amare ◽

Teshome Nedi ◽

Derbew Fikadu Berhe

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Complete Information ◽

Pressure Control ◽

Health Care Facilities ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Hypertensive Patients ◽

Patient Interview ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Background Hypertension is the major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) related morbidity and mortality. Blood pressure (BP) is often not adequately controlled in clinical practice. Information regarding BP control in primary care settings is limited in Ethiopia.The aim of this study was to assess BP control and associated factors among hypertensive patients attending primary healthcare facilities in Addis Ababa. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted in 12 health centers in Addis Ababa city selected by multistage sampling. A total of 616 hypertensive patients were included by a systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected by patient interview and patients’ medical record review. Results Out of 634 study participants, 616 had complete information onmedical record and during patient interview. The mean age of study participants was 58.90 (SD 13.04), most of them 321(52.1%) were ≥60 years old, and on monotherapy 485(78.9%). Methyldopa was the most monotherapy prescribed,128 (20.8%). Only 31%(n=191) of patients had controlled BP. Determinants for poor BP control were age of less than 60 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)= 3.06, 95% CI: 1.96, 4.78), work status; government employee (AOR= 2.41, 95% CI: 1.18, 4.90), retired (AOR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.18), private business (AOR= 2.09, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.74) and being hypertensive for 10 or more years (AOR= 1.96, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.43). Significant predictors of achieving controlled BP were; weekly BP measurement (AOR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.90) and tertiary level education (AOR= 0.26, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.54). Conclusion Only one third of patients had controlled BP. Effort should be made to address identified determinants including age, regular BP monitoring and level of education.

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An Institution-Based Assessment of Students’ Hand Washing Behavior

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2019/7178645 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Grace M. Mbouthieu Teumta ◽

Loveline L. Niba ◽

Nkwatoh Therese Ncheuveu ◽

Mary-Teresia Ghumbemsitia ◽

Paul O.B. Itor ◽

...

Keyword(s):

University Students ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Educational Interventions ◽

Hand Washing ◽

Public Institution ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Effective Measure ◽

Knowledge Practices ◽

Study Participants

Background. Hand hygiene is cost-effective and has been recognized as an effective measure in the control of communicable diseases. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the hand washing knowledge, practices, and skills of students in both private and public institutions of higher learning. Methods. This was an institution-based cross-sectional study that included a mix of 577 university students from different disciplines (49.6% males and 50.4% females) with a mean age of 21.8 ± 3.5 years. Departments were selected at random, and the quota sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Hand washing knowledge, practices, and skills scores were assessed using a structured questionnaire. The differences in scores were further quantified across different factors using multiple quantile regression analysis. Results. The prevalence of hand washing with soap was 10.7%. Also, the majority of the study participants (75.2%) had a poor hand washing practices score. Age ≥29 years was associated with a 6.3% lower median hand washing knowledge score (p=0.039). Also, being in the public institution was significantly associated with 6.3%, 36.0%, and 10.0% lower median hand washing knowledge (p=0.021), practices (p<0.001), and skills (p=0.025) scores, respectively. In addition, being a medical student (p=0.029) and washing hands ≥ six times a day (p=0.008) were significantly associated with an increase in the median hand washing knowledge score of 6.3% and 18.7%, respectively. Conclusions. Educational interventions need to be carried out to create awareness of the importance of hand washing and also to enhance the hand washing knowledge, practices, and skills of university students.

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Nutritional Status of Children and Its Associated Factors in Selected Earthquake-Affected VDCs of Gorkha District, Nepal

International Journal of Pediatrics ◽

10.1155/2020/5849548 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Asmita Shrestha ◽

Chet Kant Bhusal ◽

Binjwala Shrestha ◽

Kiran Dev Bhattarai

Keyword(s):

Nutritional Status ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Age Groups ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Anthropometric Measurement ◽

Major Public Health Problem ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutritional Status Of Children ◽

Food Insecure Households

Background. Malnutrition is a major public health problem and most enveloping cause of morbidity and mortality among children and adolescents throughout the world. This study was aimed at assessing the nutritional status and associated factors among 6-10-year-old children in selected earthquake-affected areas of Gorkha district, Nepal. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study among 420 mothers having children of age groups 6-10 years (with anthropometric measurement among children) was conducted using a mixed method in selected earthquake-affected areas of Gorkha district, Nepal, from October 2015 to April 2016. Gorkha was selected purposively from 14 earthquake-affected districts. Two village development committees were selected randomly among 6 having severe impact. Randomly, 5 wards were selected from each of the 2 village development committees. As the sample was 420, 42 children were selected randomly from every ward. Result. Among the 420 children, 31.9% were underweight, 51.9% were stunted, and 2.9% were wasted after the earthquake. Children who were more prone to being underweight were the following: male children (RR=1.34 95% CI: 1.01-1.78) and children from illiterate mothers (RR=2.49, 95% CI: 1.85-3.36), illiterate fathers (RR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.32-2.27), and homemaker mothers (RR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.20-0.38); children whose families were using nonimproved sources of water (RR=2.60, 95% CI: 1.07-6.60); and households having food insecurity (RR=12.97, 95% CI: 3.29-51.18). Similarly, children of illiterate fathers (RR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.41-1.97), children of illiterate mothers (RR=2.32, 95% CI: 1.91-2.83), children of homemaker mothers (RR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.49-0.70), children whose family were using treated water (RR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.15-0.67), and children from food insecure households (RR=10.52, CI: 4.05-27.33) were found to be stunted. After adjustment, children from households consuming nonimproved water were 6 times more likely (OR=6.75; 95% CI: 1.59-28.62) to be wasted. Conclusion. Illiterate mothers, illiterate fathers, mothers engaged in occupation other than household work, and food insecure households were found to be independent predictors of underweight and stunting. Nonimproved source of drinking water was found to be independent predictors of wasting.

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