Mental distress and podoconiosis in northern Ethiopia: A comparative cross-sectional study

Background The stigma, deformity and disability related to most neglected tropical diseases may lead to poor mental health. We aimed to assess the comorbidity of podoconiosis and mental distress. Methods A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012, including 346 people with podoconiosis and 349 healthy neighbourhood controls. Symptoms of mental distress were assessed using the validated Amharic translation of the Kessler-10 scale (K10). A linear regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with mental distress. Results The mean K10 score was 15.92 (95% CI: 15.27 to 16.57) in people with podoconiosis and 14.49 (95% CI: 13.85 to 15.12) in controls (average K10 scores 1.43 points higher [95% CI: 0.52 to 2.34]). In multivariate linear regression of K10 scores, the difference remained significant when adjusted for gender, income, alcohol use, age, place of residence and family history of mental illness. In the adjusted model, people with podoconiosis had K10 scores 1.37 points higher than controls (95% CI: 0.64 to 2.18). Other variables were also associated with high K10 scores: women had K10 scores 1.41 points higher than men (95% CI: 0.63 to 2.18). Those with family history of mental illness had K10 scores 3.56 points higher than those without (95% CI: 0.55 to 6.56). Conclusions This study documented a high burden of mental distress among people with podoconiosis compared with healthy controls. Taking this finding in the context of the high stigma and reduced quality of life, we recommend integration of psychosocial care into the current morbidity management of podoconiosis

Cigarette smokers' intention to quit smoking in Dire Dawa town Ethiopia: an assessment using the Transtheoretical Model

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cessation of smoking reduces morbidity and mortality related to tobacco smoking. It is essential to explore the intention of individuals to quit smoking to design effective interventions. The objective of this study was to assess cigarette smokers' intention to quit smoking in Dire Dawa town using the Transtheoretical model.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>From February 15 to 19, 2009, we conducted a community based cross-sectional study among 384 current cigarette smokers in Dire Dawa town east Ethiopia. Data was collected by trained personnel using a pretested structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 16.0.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Two hundred and nineteen (57%) smokers in the study area had the intention to quit cigarette smoking within the next six months and all the process of change had an increasing trend across the stages. Based on the Fragestrom test of nicotine dependence of cigarette, 35 (9.1%), 69 (18%) and 48(12.5%) were very high, high and medium dependent on nicotine respectively. For the majority 247(64.3%) of the respondents, the mean score of cons of smoking outweighs the pros score (negative decisional balance). Only 66(17.2%) had high self efficacy not to smoke in places and situations that can aggravate smoking.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Majority of the smokers had the intention to quit smoking. All the process of change had an increasing trend across the stages. Those who had no intention to quit smoking had high level of dependence on nicotine and low self efficacy. The pros of smoking were decreasing while the cons were increasing across the stages. Stage based interventions should be done to move the smokers from their current stage to an advanced stages of quitting cigarette smoking.</p

The Armaments Sector

SUMMARY This article argues that the armament sector in Britain contrasts sharply with that in developing countries, where it is an important element in the pattern of dependence. In Britain, the armament sector is indigenous and very advanced. It draws resources, especially scientific and technical talent, away from the civilian economy and contributes to Britain's economic problems. Because the cost of an independent armament base is so high, Britain's armament sector may become more like that in a developing country in the future. The alternative would be a deliberate attempt to reduce military spending and use the resources to stimulate Britain's redevelopment. RESUME Le secteur des armements Cet article soutient que le secteur de l'armement en Grande?Bretagne contraste vivement avec celui des pays en voie de développement, où il représente un élément important de la condition de dépendance. En Grande?Bretagne le secteur de l'armement est indigène et très avancé. Il enlève les ressources, surtout le talent scientifique et technique, à l'économie civile et contribue aux problèmes économiques de la Grande?Bretagne. En raison du coût très élevé d'une base d'armements indépendante, le secteur de l'armement britannique finira peut?être dans l'avenir par s'apparenter davantage à celui d'un pays en voie de développement. L'alternative consisterait en une tentative delibérée de réduire les dépenses militaires et d'utiliser les ressources ainsi dégagées pour stimuler le redéveloppement de la Grande?Bretagne. RESUMEN El sector de los armamentos En este articulo se sostiene que el sector de los armamentos en Gran Bretaña difiere enormemente del que prevalece en los países en vías de desarrollo, donde es un importante elemento de su condición de dependencia. En Gran Bretaña, las armas se fabrican en el país y son muy perfeccionadas. Los recursos de este sector, sobre todo en el aspecto científico y técnico, se sustraen de la economía civil y suscitan en parte los problemas económicos británicos. Por ser tan alto el coste de un sector de armamentos independiente, es posible que Gran Bretaña se parezca más en et futuro a un país en vías de desarrollo. Lo contrario sería una política deliberada de reducir los gastos militares para invertir esos recursos en estimular la recuperación económica