Core questions for in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.

Core questions for in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.</p

Preparing for and executing a randomised controlled trial of podoconiosis treatment in Northern Ethiopia: the utility of rapid ethical assessment

Background Community-based randomized controlled trials are often complex pieces of research with significant challenges around the approach to the community, information provision, and decision-making, all of which are fundamental to the informed consent process. We conducted a rapid ethical assessment to guide the preparation for and conduct of a randomized controlled trial of podoconiosis treatment in northern Ethiopia. Methods A qualitative study was carried out in Aneded woreda, East Gojjam Zone, Amhara Regional State from August to September, 2013. A total of 14 In-depth Interviews (IDIs) with researchers, experts, and leaders, and 8 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving 80 participants (people of both gender, with and without podoconiosis), were conducted. Interviews were carried out in Amharic. Data analysis was started alongside collection. Final data analysis used a thematic approach based on themes identified a priori and those that emerged during the analysis. Results Respondents made a range of specific suggestions, including that sensitisation meetings were called by woreda or kebele leaders or the police; that Health Extension Workers were asked to accompany the research team to patients’ houses; that detailed trial information was explained by someone with deep local knowledge; that analogies from agriculture and local social organisations be used to explain randomisation; that participants in the ‘delayed’ intervention arm be given small incentives to continue in the trial; and that key community members be asked to quell rumours arising in the course of the trial. Conclusion Many of these recommendations were incorporated into the preparatory phases of the trial, or were used during the course of the trial itself. This demonstrates the utility of rapid ethical assessment preceding a complex piece of research in a relatively research-naive setting

MOESM1 of Perceptions and experiences of pregnant women about routine HIV testing and counselling in Ghimbi town, Ethiopia: a qualitative study

Additional file 1. Interview guide

Characteristics of the study participants.

<p>Characteristics of the study participants.</p

Factors associated with preeclampsia among pregnant women in Gojjam zones, Amhara region, Ethiopia: a case-control study

Little is known about the factors contributing to preeclampsia in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine factors associated with preeclampsia among pregnant women in public hospitals. An institution based unmatched case-control study was conducted. Women with preeclampsia were cases, and those without preeclampsia were controls. The study participants were selected using the consecutive sampling method with a case-to-control ratio of 1:2. The data were collected through measurements and a face-to-face interview. Then the data were entered using Epi Info and exported to STATA 14 for analysis. The findings were presented in text, tables, and figures. About 51 (46.4%) of cases and 81 (36.8%) of controls had no formal education. Multiple gestational pregnancies (AOR = 2.75; 95% CI: 1.20–6.28); history of abortion (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.31–7.70); change of paternity (AOR = 3.16, 95% CI: 1.47–6.83); previous use of implants (AOR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.13–0.96); and fruit intake during pregnancy (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.18–0.72) were associated factors of preeclampsia. History of abortion, change of paternity, and multiple gestational pregnancies were risk factors for preeclampsia. Fruit intake during pregnancy and previous use of implant contraceptives were negatively associated with preeclampsia. Further studies should be conducted regarding the effect of prior implant use on preeclampsia. Healthcare providers should give special attention to women with a history of abortion and multiple gestational pregnancies during the ANC follow-up period. Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is the second leading cause (14.0%) of maternal mortality next to haemorrhage. Preeclampsia is a common pregnancy problem that results in serious maternal and foetal complications. Preeclampsia is associated with an increased risk of adverse foetal, neonatal, and maternal outcomes. The majority of deaths due to preeclampsia could be prevented through timely and effective care provision for pregnant women. There are limited studies conducted on the factors associated with preeclampsia in Ethiopia.</p

Rapid ethical assessment on informed consent content and procedure in Hintalo-Wajirat, Northern Ethiopia: a qualitative study

Background Informed consent is a key component of bio-medical research involving human participants. However, obtaining informed consent is challenging in low literacy and resource limited settings. Rapid Ethical Assessment (REA) can be used to contextualize and simplify consent information within a given study community. The current study aimed to explore the effects of social, cultural, and religious factors during informed consent process on a proposed HPV-serotype prevalence study. Methodology A qualitative community-based REA was conducted in Adigudom and Mynebri Kebeles, Northern Ethiopia, from July to August 2013. Data were collected by a multi-disciplinary team using open ended questions concerning informed consent components in relation to the parent study. The team conducted one-to-one In-Depth Interviews (IDI) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with key informants and community members to collect data based on the themes of the study. Tape recorded data were transcribed in Tigrigna and then translated into English. Data were categorized and thematically analyzed using open coding and content analysis based on pre-defined themes. Results The REA study revealed a number of socio-cultural issues relevant to the proposed study. Low community awareness about health research, participant rights and cervical cancer were documented. Giving a vaginal sample for testing was considered to be highly embarrassing, whereas giving a blood sample made participants worry that they might be given a result without the possibility of treatment. Verbal consent was preferred to written consent for the proposed study. Conclusion This rapid ethical assessment disclosed important socio-cultural issues which might act as barriers to informed decision making. The findings were important for contextual modification of the Information Sheet, and to guide the best consent process for the proposed study. Both are likely to have enabled participants to understand the informed consent better and consequently to comply with the study

Summary of diabetic self care activities (SDSCA) of the study participants, TASH, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,2015.

Summary of diabetic self care activities (SDSCA) of the study participants, TASH, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,2015.</p

Socio-demographic characteristics of study participants(type 2 diabetes patients, n = 412); at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2015.

<p>Socio-demographic characteristics of study participants(type 2 diabetes patients, n = 412); at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2015.</p

Diabetic distress and its subscale among type 2 diabetes patients at TASH, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2015.

<p>Diabetic distress and its subscale among type 2 diabetes patients at TASH, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2015.</p

Multivariate logistic regression of factors associated with glycemic control among type 2 DM patients at TASH, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2015.

<p>Multivariate logistic regression of factors associated with glycemic control among type 2 DM patients at TASH, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2015.</p