Status of Patient Centered Care in Tigrai Regional State: Patients Perspective

Back ground- A lot has been done globally, continentally and at national level to improve health status of the community. Despite the increasing scope and sophistication of healthcare, the huge resources devoted to it and the focus on improvement; it is still failing at a fundamental level. Caring and compassion, the basics of care delivery, and the human aspects that define it seem to be under strain. Objective-To assess the Status of patient centered care in Tigrai Regional state: Patients Perspective Methodology-Cross-sectional study design was employed and the study participants were 1436 patients attending in the selected health facilities in Tigray health institutions. The study participants were selected proportionally from each health facility using systematic random sampling on discharge. Individualized Care Scale tool was used to assess patient’s perception and experience on patient centered care. Interviewer administered data collection technique was employed. Epi info 7 was used for data entry and analyzed by SPSS version 20 software. Tables, figures and text were used for data organization and presentation. Results-The mean age of the study participants was 38.3 (+15.2). Majority (63.1%) of the participants were married by marital status and 37.4% were with no formal education. Similar proportion of males and females (53.4 versus 55.7) had good experience towards caring, respectful and companionate health care practice. Besides, about 70% of participants who were self employed had poor experience and 76.3% farmers had good experience concerning patient centered care.Males and females had similar level of poor level of perception (42.3 versus 45.3) towards caring, respectful and compassionate health care practice. Similarly, those with age less than or equal to 37.8 and greater than 37.8 had similar level of good practice (57.8 versus 53.7); on the other hand those who are divorced by marital status, 63.2%  and 36.8% had good and poor practice respectively. Conclusion-In this study the perception of patients towards caring, respectful and compassionate health care practice was found to be good in 55% of respondents and poor in the rest 45% respondents. Similarly, patient experience towards CRC was assessed and found to be good experience and poor experience in 56% and 44% of the respondents respectively. Hence much should be done to improve the practice of CRC through policy & guideline development, continuous Training for all health professionals and Community awareness. Keywords: Compassionate,Respectful,Care,Tigray,Ethiopi

Magnitude of Community Acquired Pneumonia among Hospital Treated Adults in Tigray, Ethiopia: A Hospital Based Retrospective Study

Background: Of the total respiratory system infections worldwide, pneumonia accounts 2-3% and community-acquired pneumonia takes the majority albeit little is known about the problem among adults in Ethiopia. Objective: To determine the magnitude of community acquired pneumonia among hospital treated adults in Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective patient record review was used. Charts of all pneumonia patients treated from July, 2013 to June, 2015 in zonal and tertiary hospitals of Tigray were included in the study.  Data were collected using a checklist and entered into Epi info 2002 and analysed using SPSS Version 20. Results: During the study period, there were 36,005 patients of all types of pneumonia & 5877 community acquired pneumonia cases. Hence, the magnitude of community acquired pneumonia was 16%, with proportions for males (16%) and females (17%). The mean age of the study participants was 37.5 (+16.65).The proportion of admitted patients due to community acquired pneumonia was 9.8% with a mean admission length of 6 (+5.59) days.Conclusion: The study revealed that the magnitude of community acquired pneumonia among the study participants in the study area was significant and most prevalent among younger population. Hence, prevention strategies should be designed and implemented to minimize the  problem. Keywords: Magnitude, CAP, Adults, Tigray, Ethiopi

Levels and predictors of TB-HIV Diagnostic service linkage and testing in government hospitals of Southern zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are global public health problems. TB and HIV diagnostic services linkage is imperative for the fight against the two diseases.Objective: To assess the diagnostic service linkage and testing of TB-HIV diagnostic services and identify predictors in Public hospitals of Northern Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five hospitals of Northern Ethiopia. Study subjects’ socio-demographic, household and clinical variables were assessed.Data was analyzed using SPSS. Logistic regressions were used to determine the predictors of uptake of TB and HIV testing among HIV and TB patients, respectively.Result: The level of HIV testing among TB patients was 94.4% and of TB screening among HIV patients was 90.5%. Factors that independently predict HIV testing among TB patients were Residence AOR=0.187(95% CI 0.05-0.76), being 9 grade and above AOR=13.17 (95%CI 2.67-65.03) and drinking alcohol AOR=0.03(95% CI 0.002-0.475). Likewise, being grade 9 and above AOR=6.92 (95% CI 1.75- 27.4) and having chronic cough AOR=0.23 (95% CI 0.06- 0.92) were predictor variables for having TB screening among HIV patients.Conclusion: The levels of TB-HIV linkages and testing are high. Moreover, educational status is a strong predictor of TB screening among HIV patients and HIV testing among TB cases. The regional health bureau has to continue supporting its TB and HIV case teams in every health facility.Keywords: TB-HIV Diagnostic service linkage, testing in government hospitals, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Adherence to Prophylactic Ferrous Sulphate and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending ANC Service in Public Health Facilities of Arba-Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia

Background: Ante natal care is a care given for pregnant   mothers to ensure the safe progress of the pregnancy. According to the standard of the World health organization, a woman is expected to have at least four ante natal visits before the end of her pregnancy. The purpose of ante natal follow-up is for early identification and treatment of pregnancy related problems that can cost the life of both the mother and the growing fetus. Many health problems affecting varied communities in the world are directly related with deficiency of one or more nutrients. Anemia is a worldwide health problem even though its prevalence is much higher in third world countries especially among women who face an increase in iron demands targeted at satisfying iron requirements of the mother and the fetus. As primary prevention, pregnant women are advised to increase the intake of diets rich in iron such as meat, cereals and varied fruits. Anemia will end  in   multitudes  of  effects  and  complications unless  early  detection  and  treatment  is  there.  The effect doubles when it coincides with pregnancy.  Currently, there is no sufficient information on the magnitude of adherence to prophylactic ferrous sulphate supplementation among pregnant women attending Ante natal care in most public health facilities of Ethiopia and the study area in particular. Therefore, the purpose of this study was  to assess the  adherence  to  prophylactic  ferrous  sulphate  among  pregnant  women  attending  Ante natal care  in  Public  health  facilities  of   Arba-Minch  town, southern Ethiopia .The general objective of this study was to  assess    adherence  to  prophylactic  ferrous  sulphate among  pregnant  women  attending  ante natal  service  in  Public  health  facilities  of  Arba-Minch  town,2016. In the method section, a health institution   based   cross-sectional   study was conducted   in Public health facilities of Arba-Minch Town among 350 pregnant women who have visited public health facilities of Arba Minch town during   the   study   period .Primary data was collected by using structured interviewer administered Amharic version questionnaire. After the data were fully entered to Epi-info version 3.5.1, the analysis was made by using SPSS version 20.0. A bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with adherence. According to this study, iron intake for a minimum of three months during the whole course of pregnancy was 83(24.06%). In the multivariable analysis, obstetric characteristics were associated with adherence to prophylactic ferrous sulphate supplementation .There was significant association between adherence and gestational age (AOR=8.363 and CI=2.509-27.877).The odds of adherence was 8.363 times higher in the third trimester compared to the respondents in the second trimester. There was also significant association between adherence and the number of ante natal follow-ups (AOR= 2.321 and CI=1.087-4.955). The odds of adherence among the respondents with more than four antenatal follow -ups was 2.321 times higher compared to the respondents with less than or equal to four ante natal follow- ups. As the adherence rate to prophylactic ferrous sulphate among women attending public health facilities in Arba Minch Town was only 24.06%, all health professionals should continuously inform and encourage the pregnant women to increase Ante natal visits

COVID-19 Perception, Knowledge, and Preventive Practice: Comparison between South Korea, Ethiopia, and Democratic Republic of Congo

In Africa, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported in Egypt on February 14, 2020. Since then, the number of cases has continued to  increase with Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Nigeria, Sudan, Angola, Tanzania, Ghana, and Kenya identified as vulnerable  countries. The present study aimed to: 1) identify differences in trust level of COVID-19 diagnosis, recent healthcare utilization experiences, and COVID-19-related knowledge, information, and prevention practices in South Korea, Ethiopia, and DRC; and 2) identify factors influencing trust level in healthcare facilities regarding COVID-19 diagnosis. The present study was cross-sectional. The questionnaire survey was conducted between May 1–14, 2020 using Google forms, and 748 respondents were included in the final analysis. The data collected were analyzed using ANOVA, post - hoc test, and binary logistic regression analysis. South Korea showed higher rate of practice for COVID-19 prevention such as hand washing, mask wearing, and etc. than Ethiopia and DRC. The results showed significant differences with the trust level being 3.129 times higher in respondents from DRC than those from Ethiopia (aOR=3.129, 95% CI: [1.884-5.196], p<.000) and 29.137 times higher in respondents from South Korean than those from Ethiopia (aOR=29.137, 95% CI: [13.869-61.210], p<.000). Gender, age, number of family members, healthcare utilization experience, information, and practice were significant variables. Health education expansion for information and practice about COVID-19 in Ethiopia and DRC is necessary. Keywords: COVID-19, Pandemic, Ethiopia, DRC, South Korea, Online Survey En Afrique, le premier cas confirmé de COVID-19 a été signalé en Égypte le 14 février 2020. Depuis, le nombre de cas n'a cessé d'augmenter avec l'Éthiopie, la République démocratique du Congo (RDC), le Nigéria, le Soudan, l'Angola, La Tanzanie, le Ghana et le Kenya ont été identifiés comme pays vulnérables. La présente étude visait à: 1) identifier les différences de niveau de confiance dans le diagnostic du COVID-19, les expériences récentes d'utilisation des soins de santé et les connaissances, informations et pratiques de prévention liées au COVID-19 en Corée du Sud, en Éthiopie et en RDC; et 2) identifier les facteurs influençant le niveau de confiance dans les établissements de santé concernant le diagnostic du COVID-19. La présente étude était transversale. L'enquête par questionnaire a été menée du 1er au 14 mai 2020 à l'aide de formulaires Google, et 748 répondants ont été inclus dans l'analyse finale. Les données collectées ont été analysées en utilisant une analyse ANOVA, un test post-hoc et une analyse de régression logistique binaire. La Corée du Sud a montré un taux de pratique plus élevé pour la prévention du COVID-19, comme le lavage des mains, le port d'un masque, etc. que l'Éthiopie et la RDC. Les résultats ont montré des différences significatives, le niveau de confiance étant 3,129 fois plus élevé chez les répondants de RDC que chez ceux d'Éthiopie (aOR = 3,129, IC à 95%: [1,884-5,196], p <.000) et 29,137 fois plus élevé chez les répondants sud-coréens que ceux d'Éthiopie (aOR = 29,137, IC à 95%: [13,869-61,210], p <.000). Le sexe, l'âge, le nombre de membres de la famille, l'expérience d'utilisation des soins de santé, l'information et la pratique étaient des variables importantes. L'élargissement de l'éducation sanitaire pour l'information et la pratique du COVID-19 en Éthiopie et en RDC est nécessaire. Mots-clés: COVID-19, Pandémie, Éthiopie, RDC, Corée du Sud, Enquête en lign

Levels and predictors of TB-HIV Diagnostic service linkage and testing in government hospitals of Southern zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are global public health problems. TB and HIV diagnostic services linkage is imperative for the fight against the two diseases. Objective: To assess the diagnostic service linkage and testing of TB-HIV diagnostic services and identify predictors in Public hospitals of Northern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five hospitals of Northern Ethiopia. Study subjects\u2019 socio-demographic, household and clinical variables were assessed.Data was analyzed using SPSS. Logistic regressions were used to determine the predictors of uptake of TB and HIV testing among HIV and TB patients, respectively. Result: The level of HIV testing among TB patients was 94.4% and of TB screening among HIV patients was 90.5%. Factors that independently predict HIV testing among TB patients were Residence AOR=0.187(95% CI 0.05-0.76), being 9 grade and above AOR=13.17 (95%CI 2.67-65.03) and drinking alcohol AOR=0.03(95% CI 0.002-0.475). Likewise, being grade 9 and above AOR=6.92 (95% CI 1.75- 27.4) and having chronic cough AOR=0.23 (95% CI 0.06- 0.92) were predictor variables for having TB screening among HIV patients. Conclusion: The levels of TB-HIV linkages and testing are high. Moreover, educational status is a strong predictor of TB screening among HIV patients and HIV testing among TB cases. The regional health bureau has to continue supporting its TB and HIV case teams in every health facility

Mapping local patterns of childhood overweight and wasting in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2017

A double burden of malnutrition occurs when individuals, household members or communities experience both undernutrition and overweight. Here, we show geospatial estimates of overweight and wasting prevalence among children under 5 years of age in 105 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) from 2000 to 2017 and aggregate these to policy-relevant administrative units. Wasting decreased overall across LMICs between 2000 and 2017, from 8.4% (62.3 (55.1–70.8) million) to 6.4% (58.3 (47.6–70.7) million), but is predicted to remain above the World Health Organization’s Global Nutrition Target of <5% in over half of LMICs by 2025. Prevalence of overweight increased from 5.2% (30 (22.8–38.5) million) in 2000 to 6.0% (55.5 (44.8–67.9) million) children aged under 5 years in 2017. Areas most affected by double burden of malnutrition were located in Indonesia, Thailand, southeastern China, Botswana, Cameroon and central Nigeria. Our estimates provide a new perspective to researchers, policy makers and public health agencies in their efforts to address this global childhood syndemic

Evaluation of urea and ammonium sulfate on yield and yield components of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under high pH vertisol of Western Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Field experiment was conducted during 2012/13 and 2013/14 cropping season at Kafta Humera to evaluate sesame response to Urea and Ammonium sulfate. Treatments were: 0, 41 N from urea+20P, 20 N from Urea + 21 N from NH4SO4 [24 S] +20P and, 41 N from NH4SO4 [47 S] +20P were applied at five farmers' field with two replications. The initial soil analysis revealed that strong alkaline, low organic matter and Nitrogen while very low in available phosphorus and sulfur, high CEC with clay texture. The agronomic parameters like 50% Flowering, days to 50% Maturity, plant height, Length of pod-bearing zone, Number of capsule per plant, Number of seeds per Capsule and grain yield were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by treatments. treatments received 20 N from Urea + 21 N from NH4SO4 [24 S]+20P followed by 41 N from urea+20P obtained additional grain yield (148.1% & 85%), number of capsules per plant (79.5% & 56.5%), plant height (60.7% & 31.7%), Branch number (62.7% & 28.7%) over the control, respectively. While the length of pod-bearing zone was significantly affected due to only 20 N from Urea + 21 N from NH4SO4 [24 S] +20P. This study implies that sulfur, Nitrogen and phosphorus in the area are deficient nutrients that limit Sesame crop production. Hence, a combined application of urea and ammonium sulfate as the sources for nitrogen and sulfur with phosphorus is best to enhance sesame crop production on Vertisols of Kafta Humera