Evidence for hidden leprosy in a high leprosy-endemic setting, Eastern Ethiopia: The application of active case-finding and contact screening

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (9) ◽  
pp. e0009640
Author(s):  
Kedir Urgesa ◽  
Kidist Bobosha ◽  
Berhanu Seyoum ◽  
Fitsum Weldegebreal ◽  
Adane Mihret ◽  
...  

Leprosy or Hansen’s disease is a disabling infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Reliance on the self-presentation of patients to the health services results in many numbers of leprosy cases remaining hidden in the community, which in turn results in a longer delay of presentation and therefore leading to more patients with disabilities. Although studies in Ethiopia show pockets of endemic leprosy, the extent of hidden leprosy in such pockets remains unexplored. This study determined the magnitude of hidden leprosy among the general population in Fedis District, eastern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in six randomly selected leprosy-endemic villages in 2019. Health extension workers identified study participants from the selected villages through active case findings and household contact screening. All consenting individuals were enrolled and underwent a standardized physical examination for diagnosis of leprosy. Overall, 262 individuals (214 with skin lesions suspected for leprosy and 48 household contacts of newly diagnosed leprosy cases) were identified for confirmatory investigation. The slit skin smear technique was employed to perform a bacteriological examination. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and clinical profiles were obtained through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to assess the association between the outcome variable and predictor variables, and the P-value was set at 0.05. From the 268 individuals identified in the survey, 6 declined consent and 262 (97.8%) were investigated for leprosy. Fifteen cases were confirmed as leprosy, giving a detection rate of 5.7% (95%, CI: 3%, 9%). The prevalence of hidden leprosy cases was 9.3 per 10,000 of the population (15/16107). The majority (93.3%) of the cases were of the multi-bacillary type, and three cases were under 15 years of age. Three cases presented with grade II disability at initial diagnosis. The extent of hidden leprosy was not statistically different based on their sex and contact history difference (p > 0.05). High numbers of leprosy cases were hidden in the community. Active cases findings, and contact screening strategies, play an important role in discovering hidden leprosy. Therefore, targeting all populations living in leprosy pocket areas is required for achieving the leprosy elimination target.

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salman Khazaei ◽  
Erfan Ayubi ◽  
Saeid Bashirian ◽  
Ronak Hamzehei ◽  
Ensiyeh Jenabi

Background: The relationship between gestational diabetes and postpartum depression (PPD) is poorly understood and seldom studied. Objective: In an effort to explore this issue, the present study investigated the relationship between gestational diabetes and PPD. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was performed with 342 women who were referred to four urban health centers of Hamadan city, west of Iran. We used convenience sampling as a method to recruit women in each health center. We used a researcher-made checklist for gathering data on socio-demographic characteristics and potential risk factors of PPD. The Persian validated version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess PPD. Univariate and multivariable binary logistic regression was applied to estimate the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]). Results: Gestational diabetes was identified as the most important risk factor for PPD with OR (95% CI) of 2.19 (1.11, 4.31); P-value=0.02 after adjusting for other variables. Moreover, the adjusted odds ratio showed that PPD among lesseducated women (primary school) was 3.5 times higher compared to women with a university education (OR=3.54, 95% CI: 1.27, 9.84; P-value=0.01). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that PPD is more likely among women with gestational diabetes and those who were less educated. Interventional and educational activities for reducing the risk of PPD can be targeted for use with this population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Roza Shiferaw ◽  
Sisay Eshete Tadesse ◽  
Tefera Chane Mekonnen ◽  
Aregash Abebayehu Zerga

Objective: To assess the magnitude and associated factors of timely initiation of breastfeeding among cesarean section delivered mothers. Methods: A health facility-based cross-sectional study was employed among 421 systematically selected mothers from February to June, 2017. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Data entry and analysis was done using Epi Data and SPSS version 24. Binary logistic regression was computed to identify factors. Adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to declare statistical significance. Result: The magnitude of timely initiation of breast feeding (among mothers who gave birth by cesarean section was 57%. Counseling during antenatal care (AOR = 3.32; 95% CI: 1.80, 6.13), facility where cesarean section (CS) was performed (AOR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.57, 4.14), and post-CS counseling (AOR = 6.93; 95% CI: 3.99, 12.02) were factors that contributed for the practice of timely initiation among cesarean section delivered mothers. Conclusions: The magnitude of TIBF was good. Counseling during ANC, the facility where CS was performed and post-natal advice were factors associated with TIBF. Implementation of baby-friendly hospital initiatives should be strengthened in order to promote timely initiation of breast feeding.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110343
Author(s):  
Ayele Mamo ◽  
Mesud M Hassen ◽  
Ahmednur Adem ◽  
Zinash Teferu ◽  
Musa Kumbi ◽  
...  

Background: Coronavirus disease is a highly transmittable and pathogenic viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which poses therapeutic dilemmas. Some suggestions for drug treatment seem problematic. Beliefs about the causes of health problems are determinants of treatment seeking decisions. Hence, one of the alternatives for the solution of health problems is employing traditional medicine to prevent coronavirus disease 19. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and utilization of drugs toward the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic among Bale zone residents. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the Bale Zone population from May 30 to June 30, 2020. Eight hundred fifty-four participants were selected using a single population formula, and a multistage sampling technique was employed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive and binary logistic regression was used to analyze the outcomes. A p value ⩽ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of the total 854 respondents, about 534 (62.5%) got information about coronavirus disease 19 from TV/radio. More than two-thirds (71.9%) of the respondents have known that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has no curative drugs, and 65.4% had a more appropriate attitude toward overall drug use in coronavirus disease 19. Level of education and, attitude towards drug use were singnificantly associated with knowledge of drugs, source of information about coronavirus disease 19 and having good practice were significantly associated with atittude toward drug utilization. Conclusion: One out of two study participants have good knowledge regarding drugs to the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic. Illiterate people in the community were identified to have poor knowledge about drugs, hence community educuation program is important to improve the knowledge about drugs towards the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic.


Author(s):  
Olanrewaju Davies Eniade ◽  
Abayomi Olarinmoye ◽  
Agofure Otovwe ◽  
Funke E. Akintunde ◽  
Omowumi O. Okedare ◽  
...  

Background: The peculiarity in Nigerians’ demographic, socio-economic and cultural pattern necessitated the need to explore potential COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. This study investigated the determinants of willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. Methods: An online cross-sectional study among the general population in Nigeria. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire.  A total of 368 individuals participated in the research. The outcome variable was willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccine coded as “Yes=1 and No=0.”  Basic socio-demographic information of participants and other information related to COVID-19 were obtained. Stata MP 14 was used for the statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were presented, test of association were carried out using chi square and a binary logistic regression was used to assess the determinants of willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccine. All analyses were performed at 5% level of significance. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 29.4 + 9.65 years.  Majority of the study participants were female (58.9%), Yoruba (74.7%) and dwellers of urban area (68.5%). Also, 85.6% have attained tertiary level of education. Two-fifth (40.5%) of respondent reported their willingness to take the COVID-19 if made available. Majority (69.8%) of those that are willing to take the vaccine would prefer a live attenuated form and 39.6% would prefer the vaccine administered intramuscularly. Age group≥40 years (AOR: 5.20, CI: 1.02- 26.41), currently married (AOR: 2.81, CI: 1.05 – 7.53) and susceptibility to COVID 19 infection (AOR: 2.52, CI: 1.21 – 5.26) were associated with likelihood of willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: Despite the fact that majority were at risk of COVID-19 infection, willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine was low among Nigerians. Level of maturity in terms of age and marriage as well as susceptibility to COVID-19 infection increased the likelihood of accepting COVID-19 infection. In Furtherance, younger ones, unmarried and non-susceptible individual may require more efforts tailored towards enrichment of understanding about the importance of COVID-19 vaccine in other to improve the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin van der Tas ◽  
Thomas Dodson ◽  
Daniel Buchbinder ◽  
Stefano Fusetti ◽  
Michael Grant ◽  
...  

Study Design: The COrona VIrus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted craniomaxillofacial (CMF) surgeons practice worldwide. We implemented a cross-sectional study and enrolled a sample of CMF surgeons who completed a survey. Objective: To measure the impact that COVID-19 has had on CMF surgeons by (1) identifying variations that may exist by geographic region and specialty and (2) measuring access to adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and identify factors associated with limited access to adequate PPE. Methods: Primary outcome variable was availability of adequate PPE for health-care workers (HCWs) in the front line and surgeons. Descriptive and analytic statistics were computed. Level of statistical significance was set at P < .05. Binary logistic regression models were created to identify variables associated with PPE status (adequate or inadequate). Results: Most of the respondents felt that hospitals did not provide adequate PPE to the HCWs (57.3%) with significant regional differences ( P = .04). Most adequate PPE was available to surgeons in North America with the least offered in Africa. Differences in PPE adequacy per region ( P < .001) and per country ( P < .001) were significant. In Africa and South America, regions reporting previous virus outbreaks, the differences in access to adequate PPE evaporated compared to Europe ( P = .18 and P = .15, respectively). Conclusion: The impact of COVID-19 among CMF surgeons is global and adversely affects both clinical practice and personal lives of CMF surgeons. Future surveys should capture what the mid- and long-term impact of the COVID-19 crisis will look like.


BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. e019554 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melkamu Merid Mengesha ◽  
Yadeta Dessie ◽  
Aklilu Abrham Roba

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the level and factors associated with caregivers’ disclosure of perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV+) children’s seropositive status.DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional study in five public health facilities providing HIV treatment and care in Dire Dawa and Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. The data were collected from 310 caregivers through face-to-face interviews and record reviews. Data analyses were done using STATA V.14.2 and statistical significance was declared at p value <0.05.ResultsThe study revealed that the level of PHIV+ diagnosis disclosure was 49.4% (95% CI 43.8 to 54.9). Mean age at disclosure was 11.2 years. Disclosure level was higher among children who frequently asked about their health status (aOR (adjusted OR) 2.04, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.03) and when caregivers knew other people who had a disclosure experience (aOR 2.49, 95% CI 1.17 to 5.32). Disclosure level was less among children of 12 years or below (aOR 0.04, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.09) and among caregivers practising deception about the children’s HIV positive status (aOR 0.38, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.74).ConclusionOnly half of the caregivers disclosed their child’s PHIV+ diagnosis. To facilitate disclosure, caregivers should be counselled about the appropriate age of disclosure and related misconceptions that hinder it. It is also apparent that caregivers need to be guided as to how to address children’s frequent questions about their health status. These interventions can be made in a one-on-one approach or through patient group counselling when they come to get healthcare services.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hana Tesfaye ◽  
Ebissa Negara ◽  
Kenbon Bayisa

Abstract Background Implanon is an effective form of long-acting reversible contraceptive used to prevent conception with a clinical failure rate of less than one per 100 users. However, in sub-Saharan countries the utilization of implanon was very low. Regardless of low utilization; its early discontinuation is very common in most developing countries including Ethiopia. Objectives To assess the prevalence of early implanon discontinuation and associated factors among women ever used implanon in Mettu district. Methods A community based cross-sectional study design was conducted from October 11 to December 4, 2020 G C. A total of 430 women were included in the study by systematic random sampling technique. Data were entered into epi data version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive analysis was computed to describe descriptive results. Logistics regression was computed to see the relative effect of factors on the outcome variable. Adjusted odds ratio was calculated with 95% confidence intervals to show strength of association and p-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. The finding of the study was presented using narrations, tables and chart. Result The total proportion of early implanon discontinuation among 430 mothers was 19.3%. Women who did not counseled about the presence of alternatives methods [AOR = 2.28: 95% CI (1.22–4.26)], women who experienced dizziness after insertion of implanon [AOR = 1.90: 95% CI (1.06–3.43)] and being having menstrual disturbance after insertion of implanon [AOR = 2.17: 95% CI (1.16–4.08)] were significantly associated with early implanon discontinuation. Women who were counseled about the advantage of implanon [AOR: 0.49: 95% CI (0.28–0.87)] were protective from early implanon discontinuation. Conclusion and recommendation Early implanon discontinuation among mothers was found to be high. Hence, effective counseling on advantages and side effects of implanon and proper management of the side effects should be made to increase implanon retention.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdurezak Umer ◽  
Kedir Abdella ◽  
Yared Tekle ◽  
Addisalem Debebe ◽  
Tsegahun Manyazewal ◽  
...  

Background: There is a global concern that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cannot be addressed without the integration and active engagement of communities. We aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the residents in Eastern Ethiopia toward COVID-19.Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on May 1–30, 2020 among the residents of Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on the awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices toward COVID-19. We used random sampling to select the participants. Data was entered into the statistics and data (STATA) version for data cleaning and analysis. Binary logistic regression models with 95% CI were used to conduct bivariable [crude odds ratio (COR)] and multivariable [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)] analyses.Result: A total of 415 community residents responded to the questionnaire. Of those participants, 52.5% (95% CI 47.7–57) had adequate knowledge, 31.6% (95% CI 27–36) had favorable attitudes, and 49% (95% CI 45–50) had good practice toward the precautionary measures of COVID-19. Adequate knowledge had a significant association with urban residence (AOR = 5, 95% CI 3.1–8.4) and literacy (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.5–6.7). Good preventions practices had a significant association with place of residence (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI 2.3–7.2), literacy (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1,2–7.4), adequate knowledge (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI 2.3–5.8), and favorable attitude (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.4–3.8) about the disease.Conclusion: The overall COVID-19-related KAP was inadequate in the majority of the residents of Dire Dawa that occupy irregular migration flows. These call for robust community-centered behavioral communication strategies that could bridge the gaps and help prevent and control COVID-19 and other future pandemics in their community.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahalul Azam ◽  
Sri Ratna Rahayu ◽  
Arulita Ika Fibriana ◽  
Hardhono Susanto ◽  
Martha Irene Kartasurya ◽  
...  

Total-Cholesterol(TC) to HDL-Cholesterol(HDL-C) ratio in athletes is well-known better than sedentary people. However, there is lack of information about comparison of TC/HDL-C in different groups of cyclists based on cycling touring characteristics and anthropometry parameters. This study was to compare TC/HDL-C ratio among groups based on type of tour participated in cyclists population.Eighty-eight participants were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Mean differences of parameters between groups analyzed by One-Way Anova test and independent t-test, while multivariate analyses was done by binary logistic-regression. P value &lt;0.05 was considered to statistical significance.TC/HDL-C ratio in all groups were less than 4.5. There is no differences of TC-levels (NC240K: 216.6±55.04, TdB140K: 208.1±27.13, TdB100K: 203.1±31.95; p=0.427). But there is significantly different of HDL-C (NC240K: 68.9±19.09, TdB140K: 52.1±13.9, TdB100K: 53.6±12.45; p=0.0001) and TC/HDL-C ratio (NC240K: 3.3±1.12, TdB140K: 4.2±1.07, TdB100K: 4.0±1.06; p=0.007). Based on TC/HDL ratio (≥4 or &lt;4) groups, there were differences of weight, BMI, waist-circumference, hip-circumference and type of cycling-touring (p&lt;0.05). Finally BMI and type of cycling-touring were the most-influenced factor.Long-distance cyclists have a synergistic effect of lipid profile and anthropometry measurements, and the heavier cycling touring participated that represent cycling training habits tend to have lower TC/HDL ratio(&lt; 4).


Author(s):  
Chalachew Kassaw

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is the global public health emergency concern and had an impact on the day to day life of individuals. Its effect on an individual&rsquo;s mental health is significant to the extent of suicide. Objective: This study aimed to assess the magnitude of psychological problems and their associated factor among communities living in Dilla town in response to the pandemic. Methods: From Apr 1- Apr 15, 2020, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted using multi-stage sampling techniques. Self-administered the questioner, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and logistic regression analysis (95% CI, p-value &lt;0.05) was used. Results: This study included 445 respondents with a 94% non- response rate who was living in Dilla town. In total, 34.4% of respondents had a psychological problem (11.4 % mild and 23% moderate level of the psychological problem). Female, Greater secondary level of education, monthly income below 500 ETB, more than three family size, and wearing face mask were variables associated with the outcome variable (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Nearly one-third of the respondents had mild to moderate psychological among communities living in Dilla town. There is a need for mental health support on those identified groups of peoples to enhance their resilience in response to the pandemic.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document