The Effect of Marketing Mix Elements on Sales Volume for Onion Marketing: Evidence from Dugda Woreda, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of marketing mix elements on sales volume for onion marketing; the total population that produces onion in the woreda was 1221 and total sample of 300 onion producers were selected. A multi-stage and proportional stratified sampling technique was used to select sample onion producers from each stratum. Finally, systematic sampling technique was used to select the sample onion producer individual farmers based on the sample frame from each 60-primary cooperative. A structured schedule that has  four  sections  was  used  to  collect  the necessary primary  data  from  onion  producer farmers  and  semi-structured  self-administered interview was used to collect data from key informants. Enumerator administered schedule was distributed to all the selected onion growers. However, only 280 onion producers responded genuinely and hence, the response rate was 93.4 percent. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools such as; frequency tables, percentages, means, standard deviations, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis were used in data analysis. Based on regression model, Product, Price, Promotional and Distribution factors significantly affected sales volume for onion marketing. With these findings, the study provides many implications to boost the sales volume of onion marketing. Keywords: Marketing Mix, Onion, Sales Volume, Meki-Batu cooperative, Dugda Woreda

Drug use evaluation of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis in people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome at Jimma University Specialized Hospital, Jimma, South West of Ethiopia, 2013

Background: Drug use evaluation is a performance improvement method that focuses on evaluation and improvement of drug use processes to advice optimal patient outcomes. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is the most common acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) defining illness. Antibiotics being the most commonly prescribed group of drugs the problem of its overuse are a global phenomenon. Cotrimoxazole (CTX) preventive therapy (CPT) was shown effectively prevents PCP in patients with clinical evidence of immune suppression. CTX has been widely used as a treatment for common infections in many resource limited areas and as a result, CTX resistance among these pathogens has increased dramatically. In response to these problems, this study aims to evaluate the use CTX prophylaxis for opportunistic infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients at Jimma University Specialized Hospital (JUSH).Methods: The study was done with retrospective cross-sectional review of medical records of HIV patients who have been on CTX prophylaxis in the hospital during September 11, 2012-September 10, 2013. To maintain the validity of data, the whole 135 patient cards were included in the study within the specified period. Data were collected from January 16, 2013 to February 15, 2013 using structured data collection format.Results: From the study subjects, 82 (60.74%) were females 85.93% of patients were used appropriate dose of CPT and 13.3% patients use CTX against contraindication. Regarding to adverse drug reactions (ADRs), 3.7% of patients were developed rash while 2.2% cases were developed nausea during the follow-up period of CPT. However, only 5.9% patients have documented information about ADR of CPT. On the top of this, CD4 count and hemoglobin test were done for 82.96%, 64.4% patients respectively during initiation of CPT. However, renal function tests were performed only for 2.96% of patients while initiating CPT.Conclusion: The use of CPT for people living with HIV/AIDS was found to be good in JUSH with regard to initiation and dosage. However, the practice of discontinuation of CTX, documentation of ADRs and follow-up for adverse effects of CTX should be improved by proper implementation and adhering to the national guideline of CPT

Socioeconomic Status-Related Inequities on Maternal Health Services: Trends, Associations, and Outcomes

Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in Ethiopia remains one of the highest in the world due in part to very limited use of maternal health services. However, the underlying factors for limited use of the services and hence the high MMR are not well known. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with use of maternal health services and maternal health risks, to analyze inequity patterns between use of maternal health services and maternal health risks, and to measure the magnitude and trends in inequity. Behavioral-cultural and structural theories of health inequalities were used to frame the study. Research questions included whether there were trends of inequity in use of maternal health services, if sociodemographic characteristics were associated with use of the services, and whether inequities in use of the services were associated with maternal health risks. The study design was quantitative and used data collected through Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 2000, 2005, and 2011. DHS had employed stratified 2-stage cluster design; this analysis used logistic regression method, odds ratio chi-square test, and correlation measures. The findings indicated statistically significant inequities on use of antenatal care and skilled birth attendant services associated with women\u27s residence, level of education, income, administrative region, distance to a health facility, out-of-pocket payment for health services, and involvement in decision making. Based on the findings, it is recommended to design maternal health policies and programs that improve access and use of the services, specifically for women in rural areas, with no education and with limited economic capacity. Further research is also recommended for regions where sample size was limited. Maternal health policies and programs designed to reach the most disadvantaged women could increase service use and improve maternal health, leading to positive social change

Drug utilization review of ciprofloxacin in the outpatient department of Boru Meda Hospital, South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Background: The antimicrobial agents developed during the last 60 years are among the most dramatic examples of the advances of modern medicine. Many infectious diseases once considered incurable and lethal are now amenable to treatment with a few pills. They are among the most frequently prescribed medications to day although microbial resistance due to evolutionary and misuse threatens their continued efficacy. One mechanism to ensure correct prescribing and use is drug use evaluations studies. Objective of current study is to evaluate retrospectively of ciprofloxacin use from outpatient medical records by using pre- set criteria in Boru Meda hospital.Methods: A cross-sectional study on retrospectively collected data was used to evaluate ciprofloxacin use from outpatient medical history records existing from January 18, 2009 to January 17, 2010. Criteria along with thresholds set by experts for undertaking drug use evaluation for ciprofloxacin was used which is modified based on Ethiopian National Drug Formulary and Ethiopian National Standard Treatment Guideline, which are used in the hospital. Data was collected from January 18 to January 25, 2010 using appropriate data collection format.Results: Twenty six (65%) patients were in the age group of 15 to 49 years and twenty (50%) were females. Thirty eight (95%) and each of thirty seven (92.5%) cases were consistent with the Ethiopian National Standard Treatment Guideline & drug formulary regarding indication, dose & frequency of ciprofloxacin use in the outpatient department of Boru Meda hospital. 47.5% ciprofloxacin use has problem in duration of treatment . There were potential drug interactions with the drug in 40% of the cases. 10% of ciprofloxacin use was against contraindication.Conclusions: Due From the retrospective Drug Use Evaluation (DUE) study, it was identified that there was inappropriate ciprofloxacin use in the outpatient department of Boru Meda hospital even though the drug’s use regarding indications was a better performance and dosing practices were almost appropriate as per the criteria used for the study (assuming that there were no dose adjustments). There was a great problem concerning the duration of ciprofloxacin drug therapy. Ciprofloxacin use along with potentially interacting drugs and against contraindications was also another problem indicated in the study

Readiness to treat and factors associatedwith survival of newborns with breathingdifficulties in Ethiopia

Background Ethiopia is one of five countries that account for half of the world’s 2.6 million newborn deaths. A quarter of neonatal deaths in Ethiopia are caused by birth asphyxia. Understanding different dimensions of the quality of care for newborns with breathing difficulties can lead to improving service provision environments and practice. We describe facility readiness to treat newborns with breathing difficulties, the extent to which newborn resuscitation is provided, and by modeling the survival of newborns with difficulties breathing, we identify key factors that suggest how mortality from asphyxia can be reduced. Methods We carried out a secondary analysis of the 2016 Ethiopia Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Assessment that included 3804 facilities providing childbirth services and 2433 chart reviews of babies born with difficulties breathing. We used descriptive statistics to assess health facilities’ readiness to treat these newborns and a binary logistic regression to identify factors associated with survival. Results Over one-quarter of facilities did not have small-sized masks (size 0 or 1) to complete the resuscitation kits. Among the 2190 cases with known survival status, 49% died before discharge, and among 1035 cases with better data quality, 29% died. The odds of surviving birth asphyxia after resuscitation increased eightfold compared to newborns not resuscitated. Other predictors for survival were the availability of a newborn corner, born at term or post-term, normal birth weight (≥2500 g) and delivered by cesarean or assisted vaginal delivery. Conclusion The survival status of newborns with birth asphyxia was low, particularly in the primary care facilities that lacked the required resuscitation pack. Newborns born in a facility with better data quality were more likely to survive than those born in facilities with poor data quality. Equipping health centers/clinics with resuscitation packs and reducing the incidence of preterm and low birth weight babies should improve survival rates.publishedVersio

Outpatient Total Shoulder Replacement Procedures

The number of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) procedures performed each year has continued to rise. While these procedures were historically done in the inpatient setting, many surgeons have migrated to performing TSA and RTSA in the outpatient setting. This can either involve sending patients home the same day from the hospital or performing these in an outpatient center. Specific protocols should be followed in regard to patient selection to minimize the risk of complications and readmission. Similarly, a team approach between the anesthesiologist and the surgeon is critical to ensure adequate pain control. Use of tranexamic acid (TXA), a preoperative nerve block as well as specific combinations of preoperative and postoperative medications are helpful in creating an optimal environment in which to perform the shoulder arthroplasty for the patient. When done well, TSA and RTSA can successfully be performed as an outpatient with a very high success rate and a low risk of complications

Continuum of maternity care among rural women in Ethiopia: does place and frequency of antenatal care visit matter?

IntroductionThe ministry of health (MOH) of Ethiopia recommends 4 or more focused antenatal care (ANC) visits at health centre (HC) or at a higher level of health facility (HF). In Ethiopia, few studies investigated time dimension of maternal health continuum of care but lack data regarding place dimension and its effect on continuum of care. The aim of this study is to estimate effect of place of ANC-1 visit and adherence to MOH's recommendations of MOH for ANC visits on continuum of care rural in Ethiopia.MethodsWe used data collected from 1431 eligible women included in the National Health Extension Program (HEP) assessment survey that covered 6324 households from 62 woredas in nine regions. The main outcome variable is continuum of care (CoC), which is the uptake of all recommended ANC visits, institutional delivery and postnatal care services. Following descriptive analysis, Propensity Score Matching was used to estimate the effect of place of ANC-1 visit on completion of CoC. Zero inflated Poisson regression was used to model the effect of adherence to MOH recommendation of ANC visits on intensity of maternal health continuum of care.ResultOnly 13.9% of eligible women completed the continuum of care, and place of first antenatal care (ANC) visit was not significantly associated with the completion of continuum of care (β = 0.04, 95% CI = -0.02, 0.09). Adherence of ANC visit to the MOH recommendation (at least 4 ANC visits at higher HFs than health posts (HPs)) increased the likelihood of higher intensity of continuum of care (aIRR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.26, 1.33). Moreover, the intensity of continuum of care was positively associated with being in agrarian areas (aIRR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.29), exposed to HEP (IRR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.28), being informed about danger signs (aIRR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.18) and delivery of second youngest child at HF (IRR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.20). Increasing age of women was negatively associated with use of services (IRR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.87, 0.94).ConclusionCompletion of maternal health continuum of care is very low in Ethiopia, however most of the women use at least one of the services. Completion of continuum of care was not affected by place of first ANC visit. Adherence to MOH recommendation of ANC visit increased the intensity of continuum of care. Intensity of continuum of care was positively associated with residing in agrarian areas, HEP exposure, danger sign told, delivery of second youngest child at health facility. To boost the uptake of all maternal health services, it is crucial to work on quality of health facilities, upgrading the infrastructures of HPs and promoting adherence to MOH recommendations of ANC visit

High abundance synovial fluid proteome: distinct profiles in health and osteoarthritis

The development of increasingly high-throughput and sensitive mass spectroscopy-based proteomic techniques provides new opportunities to examine the physiology and pathophysiology of many biologic fluids and tissues. The purpose of this study was to determine protein expression profiles of high-abundance synovial fluid (SF) proteins in health and in the prevalent joint disease osteoarthritis (OA). A cross-sectional study of 62 patients with early OA (n = 21), patients with late OA (n = 21), and control individuals (n = 20) was conducted. SF proteins were separated by using one-dimensional PAGE, and the in-gel digested proteins were analyzed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 362 spots were examined and 135 high-abundance SF proteins were identified as being expressed across all three study cohorts. A total of 135 SF proteins were identified. Eighteen proteins were found to be significantly differentially expressed between control individuals and OA patients. Two subsets of OA that are not dependent on disease duration were identified using unsupervised analysis of the data. Several novel SF proteins were also identified. Our analyses demonstrate no disease duration-dependent differences in abundant protein composition of SF in OA, and we clearly identified two previously unappreciated yet distinct subsets of protein profiles in this disease cohort. Additionally, our findings reveal novel abundant protein species in healthy SF whose functional contribution to SF physiology was not previously recognized. Finally, our studies identify candidate biomarkers for OA with potential for use as highly sensitive and specific tests for diagnostic purposes or for evaluating therapeutic response

The exposure of autoantigens by microparticles underlies the formation of potent inflammatory components: the microparticle-associated immune complexes

Immunoglobulins, antigens and complement can assemble to form immune complexes (IC). ICs can be detrimental as they propagate inflammation in autoimmune diseases. Like ICs, submicron extracellular vesicles termed microparticles (MP) are present in the synovial fluid from patients affected with autoimmune arthritis. We examined MPs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using high sensitivity flow cytometry and electron microscopy. We find that the MPs in RA synovial fluid are highly heterogeneous in size. The observed larger MPs were in fact MP-containing ICs (mpICs) and account for the majority of the detectable ICs. These mpICs frequently express the integrin CD41, consistent with platelet origin. Despite expression of the Fc receptor FcγRIIa by platelet-derived MPs, we find that the mpICs form independently of this receptor. Rather, mpICs display autoantigens vimentin and fibrinogen, and recognition of these targets by anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies contributes to the production of mpICs. Functionally, platelet mpICs are highly pro-inflammatory, eliciting leukotriene production by neutrophils. Taken together, our data suggest a unique role for platelet MPs as autoantigen-expressing elements capable of perpetuating formation of inflammatory ICs