scholarly journals Prevalence of visual impairment among school children in three primary schools of Sekela Woreda, Amhara regional state, north-west Ethiopia

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 205031211984976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengistu Zelalem ◽  
Yekoye Abebe ◽  
Yilikal Adamu ◽  
Tewodros Getinet

Background: Although there are limited studies, recent data are lacking to determine the prevalence of eye problems in Ethiopia accurately and there is no scientific evidence of such study in Sekela Woreda. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of visual impairment among school children in Sekela Woreda, Ethiopia. Methods: The study design was a community-based analytical cross-sectional with a multi-stage cluster random sampling technique from September to November 2016.Visual acuity was tested using Snellen’s “E” chart while color vision was tested using Ishihara chart. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software, and binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with visual impairment. Results: A total of 875 participants, 466 (53.3%) males and 409 (46.7%) females, with an age range of 8–18 years were screened for visual acuity and color vision deficiency. The prevalence of visual impairment (visual acuity ⩽ 6/12) in “either eye” was 70 (8.0%). Among these, 37 (52.9%) were males and 33 (41.1%) were females. The prevalence of low vision (visual acuity [Formula: see text]) and blindness (visual acuity < 3/60) in “either eye” were 28 (3.2%) and 10 (1.1%), respectively. Thirty two (3.7%) had mild visual impairment [Formula: see text]. The prevalence of color vision deficiency was 36 (4.1%). Among these, 27 (3%) were males and 9 (1.1%) were females. The variables age (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.14 (1.01–1.28) and color blindness (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 3.93(1.69–9.09) were significantly associated with visual impairment. Conclusion: The prevalence of blindness and low vision in school children were higher than the national prevalence in Ethiopia. Increasing age and color defective vision were factors associated with the children’s visual impairment. The Woreda health office ought to work with responsible stakeholders to tackle the situation in early childhood.

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 205031212097800
Author(s):  
Damtew Asrat ◽  
Atsede Alle ◽  
Bekalu Kebede ◽  
Bekalu Dessie

Background: Over the last 100 years, the development and mass production of chemically synthesized drugs have revolutionized health care in most parts of the world. However, large sections of the population in developing countries still depend on traditional medicines for their primary health care needs. More than 88% of Ethiopian parents use different forms of traditional medicine for their children. Therefore, this study aimed to determine factors associated with parental traditional medicine use for children in Fagita Lekoma Woreda. Method: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 March 2019 in Fagita Lekoma Woreda. Data collection tool was a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present the data. Odds ratio and binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to measure the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Results: Among 858 participants, 71% of parents had used traditional medicine for their children within the last 12 months. Parents who cannot read and write (adjusted odds ratio = 6.42, 95% confidence interval = 2.1–19.7), parents with low monthly income (adjusted odds ratio = 4.38, 95% confidence interval = 1.58–12.1), and those who had accesses to traditional medicine (adjusted odds ratio = 2.21, 95% confidence interval = 1.23–3.98) were more likely to use traditional medicine for their children. Urban residents (adjusted odds ratio = 0.20, 95% confidence interval = 0.11–0.38) and members of community-based health insurance (adjusted odds ratio = 0.421, 95% confidence interval = 0.211–0.84) were less likely to use traditional medicine for their children. Conclusions: Our study revealed that the prevalence of traditional medicine remains high. Educational status, monthly income, residence, accessibility to traditional medicine, and being a member of community-based health insurance were predictors of potential traditional medicine use. Therefore, the integration of traditional medicine with modern medicine should be strengthened. Community education and further study on efficacy and safety of traditional medicines should be also given great attention.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael D Crossland ◽  
Tessa M Dekker ◽  
Joanne Hancox ◽  
Matteo Lisi ◽  
Thomas A Wemyss ◽  
...  

Objectives: to develop and validate a simple paper vision test (the Home Acuity Test or HAT) for ophthalmology telemedicine appointments, which can be used by people who are digitally excluded. Design: Bland Altman analysis of the HAT chart, compared to the last measured visual acuity on a standard clinical test. Setting: Routine outpatient ophthalmology telemedicine clinics in a tertiary centre. Participants: 50 control subjects with no eye disease and 100 consecutive adult ophthalmology outpatients from strabismus and low vision telemedicine clinics. Participants were excluded if they reported subjective changes in their vision. Main outcome measures: For control participants, test/retest variability of the HAT and agreement with standard logMAR visual acuity measurement. For ophthalmology outpatients, agreement with the last recorded clinic visual acuity and with ICD11 visual impairment category. Results: For control participants, HAT test/retest variability was -0.012 logMAR (95% CI: -0.25 to 0.11 logMAR). Agreement with standard vision charts was -0.14 logMAR, with a 95% confidence interval of -0.39 to +0.12 logMAR (figure 3). For ophthalmology outpatients, agreement in visual acuity was -0.10 logMAR (one line on a conventional logMAR sight chart), with the HAT indicating poorer vision than the previous clinic test. The 95% confidence interval for difference was -0.44 to +0.24 logMAR. Agreement in visual impairment category was good for patients (Cohen's K test, K = 0.77 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.81), and control participants (Cohen's K test, K = 0.88 (95% CI, 0.88 to 0.88). Conclusions The HAT can be used to measure vision by telephone for a wide range of ophthalmology outpatients with diverse conditions, including those who are severely visually impaired. Test/retest variability is low and agreement in visual impairment category is good.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haile Fentahun Darge ◽  
Getahun Shibru ◽  
Abiy Mulugeta ◽  
Yinebeb Mezgebu Dagnachew

Background. Visual impairment and blindness are major public health problems in developing countries where there is no enough health-care service. Objective. To determine the prevalence of visual impairment among school children. Materials and Methods. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted between 15 June 2015 and 30 November 2015 at Arada subcity primary schools, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Two schools were selected randomly, and 378 students were screened from grades 1 to 8 using systematic random sampling method. Snellen chart was used for visual acuity test. Students who had visual acuity of ≤6/12 were further examined by an ophthalmologist to diagnose the reason for low vision. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results. A total of 378 students were screened, and 192 (50.8%) were females and the remaining 186 (49.2%) were males. The prevalence of visual impairment (VA) of ≤6/12 on either eye was 5.8%, VA < 6/18 on either eye was 1.1%, and VA < 6/18 on the better eye was 0.53%. In this study, color blindness [OR: 19.65, 95% CI (6.01–64.33)] was significantly associated with visual acuity impairment. Conclusion. The prevalence of visual impairment among school children in the study area was 5.8% and school screening is recommended.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110662
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ebrahim ◽  
Dawit Tamiru ◽  
Behailu Hawulte ◽  
Tadesse Misgana

Introduction: Depression is one of the most common comorbid psychiatric disorders among diabetic patients. Depression among diabetic people has led to poor treatment adherence, defective treatment outcomes, and consequently worsened quality of life. However, there is a limited study conducted to assess the magnitude and factors associated with depression among diabetic patients in Ethiopia including this study area. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with depression among adult diabetic outpatients attending diabetic clinic in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 adult diabetic outpatients on treatment in Ethiopia in 2020. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess depression among randomly selected samples. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was fitted to identify factors associated with depression among diabetic outpatients. A p value less than 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of depression among diabetic outpatients was found to be 48.9% (95% confidence interval: 44.2%, 53.4%). Being female (adjusted odds ratio = 1.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.39, 2.73), Khat chewing (adjusted odds ratio = 1.88, 95% confidence interval: 1.22, 2.93), having poor and moderate social support (adjusted odds ratio = 1.79, 95% confidence interval: 1.07, 2.98 and adjusted odds ratio = 1.90, 95% confidence interval: 1.14, 3.17, respectively), taking both oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin medication (adjusted odds ratio = 1.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.13, 2.80) and duration of diabetes mellitus for more than 6 years (adjusted odds ratio = 5.40, 95% confidence interval: 3.42, 8.14) were significantly associated with depression. Conclusion: This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of depression in diabetic outpatients. A lesser level of social support, taking oral and insulin treatment regimes, longer duration of illness, using Khat, and being female were associated with depression among diabetic outpatients. Therefore, early screening and identification of such factors could help ameliorate some of the deleterious effects of depression in diabetic outpatients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110473
Author(s):  
Serkalem Abdu ◽  
Tilahun Ali ◽  
Adera Debella ◽  
Nega Assefa ◽  
Kedir Teji Roba

Objectives: Anemia is a common medical problem among pregnant women that will influence pregnancy and birth outcomes. In Ethiopia, there is a paucity of evidences regarding the problem among pregnant women admitted to labor ward. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the magnitude and factors associated with anemia among pregnant women admitted to labor ward for deliveries at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 314 pregnant women admitted to labor ward at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital in June 2020. Data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire and were entered into EpiData and analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis were done to identify predictors of anemia. Results: In this study, the magnitude of anemia was 37.9% (95% confidence interval: 32.4, 43.0). Short birth interval (adjusted odds ratio = 2.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.02, 6.13), history of blood loss during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio = 4.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.86, 9.9), less consumption of citrus fruit within a week (adjusted odds ratio = 2.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 6.9), and meal frequency less than three times per day during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio = 2.2; 95% confidence interval: 1.0, 4.6) were significantly associated with anemia, respectively. Conclusion: This study pointed out that more than one-third of pregnant women affected by anemia. Thus, interventions that could reduce anemia, such as counseling about increasing of meal frequency during pregnancy, foods rich in iron, and prevention and management of blood loss are recommended.


2014 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun-Joo Ko ◽  
Jong Kwan Jun

AbstractTo evaluate the perinatal outcomes and clinical factors of unsuccessful trials of labor (TOLs) in late preterm and term twin pregnancies.We enrolled 896 consecutive twin pregnancies delivered between 1999 and 2012 in a single center, which met the following inclusion criteria: a vertex first twin, live twins, and attempted TOLs after 34 weeks. Obstetric characteristics and perinatal outcomes were compared between vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery groups.Successful TOLs were carried out in 81% (726/896). Failed TOLs occurred in 15% (37/247) of late preterm twins and 20% (133/649) of term twins. Comparisons of neonatal outcomes between the groups showed no significant differences in NICU admission, ventilator use, and composite morbidity. On univariable analysis, nulliparity, preeclampsia, induced labor, excessive weight gain, and intertwin weight discordance of >30% showed significant associations with failed TOLs. Multivariable analyses revealed nulliparity (adjusted odds ratio 9.89, 95% confidence interval 4.64–21.1) and preeclampsia (adjusted odds ratio 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.30–3.63) as significantly associated with failed TOLs.: In late preterm and term twins, trials of labor can be performed successfully without a significant increase in adverse neonatal outcomes. Nulliparity and preeclampsia are clinical factors associated with failed TOLs in twin pregnancies.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248969
Author(s):  
Sengtavanh Keokenchanh ◽  
Sengchanh Kounnavong ◽  
Kaoru Midorikawa ◽  
Wakaha Ikeda ◽  
Akemi Morita ◽  
...  

Anemia is a major public health concern among children aged <5 years in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Thus far, no study has determined the factors associated with anemia among children aged <5 years in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic using a nationwide representative sample. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors with multilevel variations among children aged 6–59 months. This quantitative, cross-sectional study used a nationally representative sample from the Lao Social Indicator Survey II, 2017. Children aged 6–59 months tested for anemia were included in this study through multistage sampling approaches. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level of <11.0 g/dL. Multilevel binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine the adjusted effect of the factors associated with anemia. Among the 5,087 children included, the overall prevalence of anemia was 43.0%. Three factors were associated with higher odds of developing anemia—male sex (adjusted odds ratio, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.34), underweight (adjusted odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.55), and residence in central provinces (adjusted odds ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–1.95) and southern provinces (adjusted odds ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.11–1.81). However, the other three factors—age, educational level of the household head, and Hmong-Mien ethnicity—were inversely associated with anemia. To resolve the problem regarding the severity of the anemia among children aged <5 years in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Our findings highlight the need for designing an effective approach to address each factor associated with childhood anemia. Interventions should focus on the prevention of childhood anemia, which is considered a major priority of public health intervention in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dereje Hayilu Anbesse ◽  
Betelhem Temesgen Yibekal ◽  
Natnael Lakachew Assefa

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine proportion of adherence to topical glaucoma medications and associated factors among glaucoma patients in Gondar University Hospital Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, northwest Ethiopia. Methods: This cross-sectional design study was conducted on 360 participants from April–May 2017. Structured questionnaire was completed and adherence was assessed by patients’ self-report survey. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 20. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the determinant factors. The significance was considered at p value less than 0.05. Result: More than half, 221 (61.4%) (95% confidence interval: 56.1–66.7), of the study participants were found to adhere well to glaucoma medications. Male sex (adjusted odds ratio = 1.86 (95% confidence interval: 1.13–3.06)), urban residence (adjusted odds ratio = 2.33 (95% confidence interval: 1.46–3.72)), normal visual acuity (adjusted odds ratio = 2.23 (95% confidence interval: 1.13–4.42)), low visual acuity (adjusted odds ratio = 1.74 (95% confidence interval: 1.05–2.88)), and self-sponsor for medications (adjusted odds ratio = 0.21 (95% confidence interval: 0.12–0.38)) were significantly associated with good adherence Conclusion: The level of medication adherence to topical glaucoma medications is not good enough as compared to other studies done in Ethiopia. Male sex, urban residence, normal, and low visual acuity were positive predictors, whereas self-sponsored for medications was negative predictors for good adherence to glaucoma medications.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110384
Author(s):  
Aminu Mohammed ◽  
Tadesse Alemayehu ◽  
Assefa Desalew ◽  
Adera Debela ◽  
Alekaw Sema ◽  
...  

Objective: Reproductive rights violations are a serious public health concern worldwide, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 38.83% of victims live. Understanding the status of husbands’ knowledge and involvement helps to establish important programs and interventions. However, there are limited data related to husbands’ roles in women’s reproductive rights in the study setting. Therefore, this study aimed to assess husbands’ knowledge and involvement in women’s reproductive rights and their associated factors in Harar, eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 611 husbands in March 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed with SPSS Version 22. A multivariable logistic regression model was applied to examine the factors associated with the outcome variable using an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The levels of husbands’ knowledge and involvement were 48.3% and 40.1%, respectively. Social media utilization (adjusted odds ratio = 4.97, 95% confidence interval = 2.79–8.85), partners’ discussion (adjusted odds ratio = 2.33, 95% confidence interval = 1.60–3.39), and type of facility: hospital (adjusted odds ratio = 3.21, 95% confidence interval = 1.23–8.36) and health post (adjusted odds ratio = 2.86, 95% confidence interval = 1.20–6.94) were factors associated with knowledge of husbands. Likewise, the experience of using reproductive services (adjusted odds ratio = 2.15, 95% confidence interval = 1.52–3.03), partner discussion (adjusted odds ratio = 1.95, 95% confidence interval = 1.35–2.82), social media utilization (adjusted odds ratio = 1.74, 95% confidence interval = 1.05–2.89), and age 40–49 years (adjusted odds ratio = 1.99, 95% confidence interval = 1.19–3.32) were factors associated with husbands’ involvement. Conclusion: Less than half of the husbands were knowledgeable and involved in executing partners’ reproductive rights. Promoting and creating effective media utilization is important for creating awareness of reproductive rights. Moreover, working on reproductive health service utilization, women empowerment, and making open discussions between partners are crucial to increase the knowledge and involvement of husbands.


Author(s):  
Qiao Qin ◽  
Fangfang Fan ◽  
Jia Jia ◽  
Yan Zhang ◽  
Bo Zheng

Abstract Purpose An increase in arterial stiffness is associated with rapid renal function decline (RFD) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the radial augmentation index (rAI), a surrogate marker of arterial stiffness, affects RFD in individuals without CKD. Methods A total of 3165 Chinese participants from an atherosclerosis cohort with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) of ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were included in this study. The baseline rAI normalized to a heart rate of 75 beats/min (rAIp75) was obtained using an arterial applanation tonometry probe. The eGFRs at both baseline and follow-up were calculated using the equation derived from the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration. The association of the rAIp75 with RFD (defined as a drop in the eGFR category accompanied by a ≥ 25% drop in eGFR from baseline or a sustained decline in eGFR of > 5 mL/min/1.73 m2/year) was evaluated using the multivariate regression model. Results During the 2.35-year follow-up, the incidence of RFD was 7.30%. The rAIp75 had no statistically independent association with RFD after adjustment for possible confounders (adjusted odds ratio = 1.12, 95% confidence interval: 0.99–1.27, p = 0.074). When stratified according to sex, the rAIp75 was significantly associated with RFD in women, but not in men (adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval: 1.23[1.06–1.43], p = 0.007 for women, 0.94[0.76–1.16], p = 0.542 for men; p for interaction = 0.038). Conclusion The rAI might help screen for those at high risk of early rapid RFD in women without CKD.


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