DETERMINANTS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AMONG HIGH SCHOOL FEMALE STUDENTS, GONDAR, NORTH WEST ETHIOPIA

AbstractObjective: The main objective of this study is to investigate the major determinants of child sexual abuse of female students in Gondar town high schools. Methods: In realizing this objective across-sectional study was conducted by using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The quantitative method, as the dominant method, was used to collect data about the major determinants of child sexual abuse from 335 randomly selected high school female students. The data collection was done by standardized self administered questionnaires that was analyzed with descriptive and explanatory (Binary logistic regression model) statistics. The qualitative method was used to supplement the quantitative method by collecting data using key informant interviews. Results: The model revealed that, sexual abuse is prevalent in the study area due to the following factors; emotional disturbance, absence/shortage of education, measures taken against the abusers, counseling services, gender club, student maladaptive behavior and others. The qualitative data also assures those factors are very influential for the prevalence of the problem among female students. In conclusion, the result of this study revealed that the problem of child sexual abuse in Gondar town high schools is prevalent as a result of major socio-demographic, individual and situational factors.                                                                    Keywords: Sexual abuse, Determinants and logistic regressio

PUBLIC'S BELIEFS ABOUT PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDER, GONDAR, ETHIOPIA

Abstract Objective: The main purpose of this study was to assess Beliefs hold by the publics about mental illness in the case of Gondar town. Methods: Data were collected from 371 participants on belief about psychological disorder from the public of some selected Kebeles of Gondar town. The participants were selected using multistage cluster sampling techniques. The data were analyzed using inferential statistics specifically t-test and one way ANOVA. Results: The study revealed that females have negative belief in psychological disorder than males while age and educational level of the participants does not influence belief about psychological disorder. In belief about psychological disorder there were three factors that include Dangerousness, Untrustworthiness and embarrassment and incurability factors. Conclusion: The research finding revealed that there exist statistically significant differences in beliefs about psychological disorder among the publics across sex and educational levels.   Keywords: Belief about psychological disorder, dangerousness, Untrustworthiness and embarrassment factor and incurability factors.Â

Traditional therapeutic uses and phytochemical screening of some selected indigenous medicinal plants from Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Medicinal plants including Achyranthes aspera, Brucea antidysentrica and Croton macrostachyus in the Zegie and Lake Tana area are among the main herbal agents traditionally used to treat various illnesses. However, scientific investigations including their phytochemical screening have not been conducted. Objective: To survey the use of these selected medicinal plants by traditional healers and/or herbal medicine users in the Zegie and Lake Tana areas, and conduct phytochemical screening of such commonly used herbal agents. Methodology: Detailed interviews about the therapeutic uses of Achyranthes aspera, Brucea antidysentrica and Croton macrostachyus were conducted among the traditional healers and users in the study area. The plants were collected and separately extracted using water and ethanol and the crude extracts screened for phytochemical components by using standard procedures. Results: The interview results from the traditional healers and users in the study area on the selected medicinal plants pointed to the therapeutic usage of these herbal agents for a variety of disease conditions, including infectious and non-communicable diseases. Plant extracts from Achyranthes aspera and Brucea antidysentrica showed the presence of flavonoids, carbohydrates and vitamin C but the absence of saponins and proteins (peptides). Croton macrostachyus was found to have most of the screened phytochemical constituents (including saponins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, free amino acids and vitamin C) except proteins. Discussion: The herbal agents were found to have a variety of therapeutic uses for various illnesses in the area. The presence of the above mentioned phytoconstituents detected may be responsible for the therapeutic activities of these herbal agents. Key words: Traditional medicines, phytochemicals, Achyranthes aspera, Brucea antidysentrica, Croton macrostachyu

PERCEIVED CAUSAL ATTRIBUTION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS AND TREATMENT SEEKING BEHAVIOR IN GONDAR, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract Beliefs hold by the community about the causes of psychological disorder has remarkable impact on their treatment seeking behavior.  The main purpose of this study was to appraise perceived attribution to causes of psychological disorder and treatment seeking behavior among the public, in Gondar town, North West Ethiopia. One way ANOVA and t- test were used in all the factors after ensuring no violations of the assumptions of the tests. A cross sectional survey design with quantitative approach was used. Using multistage cluster sampling technique 371 Participants from the Public were selected. The mean score of the factors were computed to identify the most rated factors. On perceived attribution to causes of psychological disorder, psychosocial factor was most rated than supernatural causes whereas in the treatment seeking behavior; psychosocial factor followed by family care was most favored by the public but no treatment factor was least favored. The researchers found out that attribution to causes of psychological disorder and treatment seeking behavior was not statistically significant across sex, age and educational level of the respondents. Difference in mean score on no treatment factor by sex and mean score difference in medical factor and folk medicine and religious healers by educational level of the respondents was statistically significant whereas the remaining factors were insignificant. At last the researchers conclude that psychosocial causes are believed to be the cause of psychological disorder and psychosocial support and family care as a means for treatment. Keywords: Supernatural Causes, Psychosocial Causes, No Treatment Factor, Folk Medicine   and Religious Healers, Family Care, Medical Factor, Psychosocial Factors

Global injury morbidity and mortality from 1990 to 2017 : results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Correction:Background Past research in population health trends has shown that injuries form a substantial burden of population health loss. Regular updates to injury burden assessments are critical. We report Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 Study estimates on morbidity and mortality for all injuries. Methods We reviewed results for injuries from the GBD 2017 study. GBD 2017 measured injury-specific mortality and years of life lost (YLLs) using the Cause of Death Ensemble model. To measure non-fatal injuries, GBD 2017 modelled injury-specific incidence and converted this to prevalence and years lived with disability (YLDs). YLLs and YLDs were summed to calculate disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Findings In 1990, there were 4 260 493 (4 085 700 to 4 396 138) injury deaths, which increased to 4 484 722 (4 332 010 to 4 585 554) deaths in 2017, while age-standardised mortality decreased from 1079 (1073 to 1086) to 738 (730 to 745) per 100 000. In 1990, there were 354 064 302 (95% uncertainty interval: 338 174 876 to 371 610 802) new cases of injury globally, which increased to 520 710 288 (493 430 247 to 547 988 635) new cases in 2017. During this time, age-standardised incidence decreased non-significantly from 6824 (6534 to 7147) to 6763 (6412 to 7118) per 100 000. Between 1990 and 2017, age-standardised DALYs decreased from 4947 (4655 to 5233) per 100 000 to 3267 (3058 to 3505). Interpretation Injuries are an important cause of health loss globally, though mortality has declined between 1990 and 2017. Future research in injury burden should focus on prevention in high-burden populations, improving data collection and ensuring access to medical care.Peer reviewe

Assessment of home storage of antimicrobials and its predictors in Mecha demographic surveillance and field research center: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Home storage of antimicrobials is a worldwide practice. Irrational storage and inappropriate use of antimicrobials should get special attention in low-income countries due to limited information, knowledge, and perceptions. This study was conducted to survey home storage of antimicrobials and assess its predictors in Mecha Demographic Surveillance and Field Research Center (MDSFRC), Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 868 households. Predeveloped structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographics, knowledge on antimicrobials and perception about home stored antimicrobials. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 to execute descriptive statistics, and run binary and multivariable binary logistic regression. P-value < 0.05 was considered significant at 95% confidence level. Results The total number of households included in this study were 865. Female respondents represent 62.6%. The mean age (±) of respondents was 36.2 (± 13.93) years. The mean family size (±) of the household was 5.1 (± 2.5). Nearly one-fifth (21.2%) of the households stored antimicrobials at home with a condition similar to any household material. Most commonly stored antimicrobials were: Amoxicillin (30.3%), Cotrimoxazole (13.5%), Metronidazole (12.0%), and Ampicillin (9.6%). The most common immediate source of home stored antimicrobials was discontinuation of therapy (70.7%) either from symptomatic improvement (48.1%) or missing doses (22.6%). Predictors of home storage of antimicrobials with corresponding p-value were: age (0.002), family size (0.001), education status (< 0.001), home distance from the nearby healthcare institution (0.004), counseling while obtaining antimicrobials (< 0.001), knowledge level on antimicrobials (< 0.001), and perception of home stored antimicrobials as a wisdom (0.001). Conclusion Substantial proportion of households stored antimicrobials in a condition that may exert selection pressure. To reduce home storage of antimicrobials and its consequences, stakeholders should give due attention to predictors variables related to sociodemographics, level of knowledge on antimicrobials, perception of home storage as a wisdom, and counseling service

Helicobacter pylori eradication rate of standard triple therapy and factors affecting eradication rate at Bahir Dar city administration, Northwest Ethiopia: A prospective follow up study.

BackgroundEradication of Helicobacter pylori infection with standard triple therapy has been accepted to curb associated risks of chronic gastritis andpeptic ulcer disease.ObjectiveTo assess H. pylori eradication rate of standard triple therapy and patient related factors affecting eradication rate.MethodsA facility based prospective follow up study was conducted in Bahir Dar City Administration, Ethiopia, on consented outpatients presented with gastritis and peptic ulcer disease and positive for H. pylori stool antigen test from May 2016 to April 2018. Eradication was confirmed with stool antigen test made after 4-6 weeks of standard triple therapy, comprising of proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin and amoxicillin. Pre-developed questionnaire and data collection formats were used to collect variables before and after therapy. Bivariate and backward stepwise multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze data. P-value ResultsThe overall H. pylori eradication rate was 90.3% (379/421). Almost 80% of the patients were urban residents. Mean (±SD) age and body weight of patients were 30.63 (± 10.74) years and 56.79 (± 10.17) kg, respectively. Self-reported adverse drug effects and area of residence of patients were factors affecting eradication rate significantly. Patients with no self-reported adverse drug effect were 3.85 (AOR: 3.85; 95%CI (1.41-5.26)) times more likely to eradicate H. pylori infection compared to those reported adverse effects. Patients living in rural area were 2.7 (AOR: 2.7; 95%CI (1.19-20.0)) times more likely to achieve eradication compared to urban residents.ConclusionH. pylori eradication rate is within the recommended level for clinical practice, indicating that modifications of the standard triple therapy observed in the different healthcare institutions are not evidence-based. Emphasis should be given to adverse drug effects of medications and tailored counseling based on area of residence could have a contribution in improving eradication rate

Factors Associated with Patient’s Delay in Tuberculosis Treatment in Bahir Dar City Administration, Northwest Ethiopia

Background. Unknown proportions of tuberculosis cases remain undiagnosed and untreated as result of several factors which further increases the number of tuberculosis cases per index case. Objective. To identify factors associated with patient’s delay in initiating treatment of tuberculosis. Methods. Cross-sectional study was employed from January to April, 2013, in Bahir Dar Ethiopia. A total of 360 patients were included. Data were collected from tuberculosis patients using a semistructured questionnaire. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16 windows. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with patient delay. Results. Of all patients, 211 (62%) sought medical care after the WHO recommended period (21 days). The median patient delays of smear positive, smear negative, and extrapulmonary patients were 27 (IQR: 10–59), 30 (IQR: 9–65), and 31 (IQR: 10–150) days, respectively, with statistically significant variations among them (ANOVA: F=5.96; P<0.003). Place of residence and educational status were the predictors of patient delay. Conclusion. Around two-thirds of all patients and more than half of smear positive tuberculosis patients were delayed in seeking medical care within the recommended period. Provision of DOTS service in the vicinity and health education on TB may reduce patient delay and its consequences

Self-reported adverse drug effects and associated factors among H. pylori infected patients on standard triple therapy: Prospective follow up study.

BackgroundOne of the most common reasons for poor medication adherence and associated treatment failure of triple therapy is adverse drug effect (ADEs) of medications.ObjectiveAssessment of ADEs and associated factors during H. pylori eradication therapy.MethodConsented H. pylori positive adult outpatients on standard triple therapy (proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and clarithromycin) were involved in this facility based follow up study from May 2016 to April 2018 at Bahir Dar city in Ethiopia. Pre-developed questionnaire and formats were used to collect sociodemographic, medical information, and patient practice data before, during, and after therapy. Bivariate and backward stepwise multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze data. P-value ResultA total of 421 patients were involved in the study. Almost 80% of the patients were urban residents. Mean (±SD) age and body weight of patients were 30.63 (± 10.74) years and 56.79 (± 10.17) kg, respectively. ADE was reported from 26.1% of the patients and of all the reported ADEs, more than 85% was manifested with gastrointestinal symptoms which include gastrointestinal discomfort(39.1%), nausea (13.6%), constipation(12.7%), diarrhea(12.9%) and anorexia(10%). Determinants of self-reported ADEs among patients in the present study were body mass index above 25 (AOR: 2.55; 95%CI (1.21-5.38), p = 0.014), duration of acid-pepsin disorder more than 3weeks (AOR: 3.57; 95%CI (1.63-7.81), p = 0.001), pain feeling during long interval between meals (AOR: 2.14; 95%CI (1.19-3.84), p = 0.011), and residence in urban area (AOR: 1.95; 95% CI (1.04-3.67), p = 0.038).ConclusionSignificant proportion of patients reported ADEs which commonly manifested with gastrointestinal symptoms. Consideration of patients' body mass index, duration of the disorder, period of the day when patients feel pain, and patients' area of residence could help to reduce ADEs experienced during H. pylori eradication therapy

Inappropriate Use of Antibiotics and Its Associated Factors among Urban and Rural Communities of Bahir Dar City Administration, Northwest Ethiopia

<div><p>Background</p><p>Inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community plays a role in the emergence and spread of bacteria resistant to antibiotics which threatens human health significantly. The present study was designed to determine inappropriate use of antibiotics and its associated factors among urban and rural communities of Bahir Dar city administration.</p><p>Methods</p><p>A comparative cross sectional study design was conducted in urban and rural kebeles of Bahir Dar city administration from February 1 to March 28, 2014. A total of 1082 participants included in the study using a systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using pre-tested and structured questionnaire. Data was coded and entered into SPSSS version 16 for statistical analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model were used to identify factors associated with inappropriate use of antibiotics.</p><p>Results</p><p>Inappropriate use of antibiotics was 30.9% without significant difference between urban (33.1%) and rural (29.2%) communities. From the inappropriate antibiotic use practice, self-medication was 18.0% and the remaining (12.9%) was for family member medication. Respiratory tract symptoms (74.6%), diarrhea (74.4%), and physical injury/wound (64.3%) were the three main reasons that the communities had used antibiotics inappropriately. Factors associated with inappropriate use of antibiotics were low educational status, younger age, unsatisfaction with the health care services, engagement with a job, and low knowledge on the use of antibiotic preparations of human to animals.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>Inappropriate use of antibiotic exists in the study area with no significant difference between urban and rural communities. The study indicated an insight on what factors that intervention should be made to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics in the community. Interventions that consider age groups, educational status, common health problems and their jobs together with improvement of health care services should be areas of focus to reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics.</p></div