scholarly journals Artemether–lumefantrin treatment adherence among uncomplicated plasmodium falciparum malaria patients, visiting public health facilities in AsgedeTsimbla district, Tigray, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Author(s):  
Mekonnen Gebremichael Gebrekidan ◽  
Gebretsadik Berhe Gebremedhin ◽  
Yosef Sibhatu Gebregiorgis ◽  
Alefech Addisu Gezehegn ◽  
Kissanet Tesfay Weldearegay

Abstract Background Ethiopia has set a goal to eliminate malaria by 2030; Artemether–lumefantrine (AL) is put as one of the cornerstone strategies for uncomplicated plasmodium falciparum malaria treatment. However, only focusing on prescribing of the treatment without assessing patients’ adherence could lead to the resistance of the drug. In Ethiopia, there is limited evidence about patients’ adherence to AL and its influencing factors. Therefore, this study aimed at addressing this information gap. Methods A health facility based cross-sectional study was employed. Participants were selected using simple random sampling technique from registration books of the public health facilities in AsgedeTsimbla. Data were collected from March 24th to April 30th, 2018. We interviewed participants using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, and the blister pack was also inspected at their homes on day 4. Data were entered into Epi-Info and analyzed using SPSS 21. Odds ratios with 95% Confidence Intervals were estimated and the level of significance was declared at p-value ≤ 0.05. Results A total of 384 study participants were interviewed with a response rate of 95.5%. The overall AL adherence was 53.6% (95% CI 48.4–58.3%). Children aged < 5 years [AOR: 0.4, 95% CI (0.2–0.8)], and being treated in health post [AOR: 0.3, 95% CI (0.1–0.5)] were more likely to show AL adherence whereas illiteracy [AOR: 9.4, 95% CI (4.2–21.3)], didn’t know the consequence of discontinued AL [AOR: 4.0, 95% CI (2.1–7.6)], had concomitant drugs [AOR: 2.5, 95% CI (1.4–4.5)], and stopped/saved drug when improved before tablet got finished [AOR: 3.2, 95% CI (1.7–5.9)] were factors less likely to be associated with AL adherence. Conclusion AL adherence was low. Children aged < 5 years, and being treated in health post were determinants of AL adherence whereas illiteracy, didn’t know the consequence of discontinued the drug, had concomitant drugs, and stopped/saved drug when improved before tablet got finished were factors that hindered the AL adherence. Stakeholders should emphasize designing appropriate strategies including educational interventions to increase the AL adherence and prevent drug resistance. Further research should be conducted to evaluate AL resistance.

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 86-90
Author(s):  
Abera Mersha ◽  
Shitaye Shibiru ◽  
Agegnehu Bante

Background: Low Apgar scores in the childbirth period increased risk globally and significantly contributes to both newborn morbidity and mortality. Hence, it is very essential to update information on the status of low fifth-minute Apgar scores and factors affecting. Some studies were conducted, but most are retrospective and record reviews. Besides, there is limited study in country-Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the recent status of low fifth-minute Apgar scores and factors affecting in the study setting. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 286 newborns in public health facilities of Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia from February 6 to March 9, 2019. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaires and checklist were used to collect the data. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 15 for analysis. A crude and adjusted odds ratio was computed in the binary logistic regression model. In this study, P-value, < 0.05 was considered to declare factors as a statistically significant association. Results: In this study, 17.8% (95%CI: 13.8%, 22.7%) of neonates had low fifth-minute Apgar scores. Condition of labor (induced/augmented) (AOR=3.33, 95%CI: 1.24, 8.90), meconium-stained liquor (AOR=3.37, 95%CI: 1.17, 9.74), and birth weight (AOR=3.48, 95%CI: 1.23, 9.86) were significantly associated with neonate’s low fifth-minute Apgar scores. Conclusions: This study indicated that a significant number of newborns resulted in low fifth-minute Apgar scores. Strengthen the provision of health information during antenatal care; avoid delay in screening high-risk mothers during pregnancy and delivery, and give immediate interventions should be recommended.


2021 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucy Wanjiku Kanja ◽  
Peter Ndirangu Karimi ◽  
Shital Mahindra Maru ◽  
Pierre Claver Kayumba ◽  
Regis Hitimana

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiros Fenta Ajemu ◽  
Alem Desta

Abstract Background Substantial improvements have been observed in coverage and access to maternal health services in Ethiopia. However, quality of care has been lagging behind. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess quality of OptionB + in Mekelle Zone, Northern Ethiopia.Methods Facility based cross-sectional study involving both quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted from December 2016- January 2017. The quality of service delivery was assessed in 11 public health facilities in Mekelle. Data collection was conducted using facility audit, observation, and client exit interview check list to assess (Input-Process–Output) quality components. Similarly in-depth interview guide was used to gather qualitative data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. Descriptive statistics were computed to summarize the study findings and triangulation was made with qualitative findings.Results Overall, 2 (16.7%) of study health facilities full filled all the three quality components but none in 3(25%). The input quality component was better than the others in which 4(33.3%) facilities were rated as good. The process and output quality components were judged as good in 3(25%) study health facilities.Conclusion Only 16.7% of facilities studied were achieved good quality with respect to the three predetermined quality components. Since, assessed items in each quality component were potentially easy to intervene; strengthening program monitoring needed by program managers at each level of the health facilities.


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