Land Use Effects on Soil Quality Indicators: A Case Study of Abo-Wonsho Southern Ethiopia

Soil quality assessment is valuable for evaluating agroecosystem sustainability, soil degradation, and identifying sustainable land management practices. This study compared soil quality within culturally protected forest areas and adjacent grassland, grazing land, and farmland in Abo-Wonsho, Southern Ethiopia. A total of 40 soil samples (4 land uses × 5 replications × 2 soil depth layers: 0 to 10 cm and 10 to 20 cm) were collected for analysis. Soil textural fractions (i.e., sand, silt, and clay percentage) varied with land use and soil depths even though the textural class across all land use types was sandy loam. Bulk density, soil organic carbon (SOC), and available potassium (K) varied significantly: , , and , respectively, with land use and soil depth, but other indicators showed no significant difference. We conclude soil quality can be protected and maintained by improving existing land use practices within both agricultural and modern forest management areas

Ensuring sustainable water security through sustainable land management: Research evidences for policy

Sustainable land management (SLM) practices is a key to reducing rates of land degradation and has proven to ensure water security by increasing soil moisture availability, decreasing surface runoff, decreasing soil erosion, increasing infiltration, and decreasing flood discharge. Land degradation is adversely affecting over 75% of the Earth's land surface and could exceed 90% by 2050. The rate of soil erosion will increase by 66% during the period 2015–2070. Over 85% of the land in Ethiopia is moderately to very severely degraded at an estimated cost of $4.6 billion annually. So far, only 18% of Ethiopia's cropland area is covered by SLM practices for the last 40 years of intensive interventions. Water security, in turn, is a powerful and multidimensional option that includes water availability, accessibility, use, and stability across time. In Ethiopia, though, the interconnections between SLM and water security are intimate and numerous, their linkage is very loose and yet to be understood. Ethiopia is among the 16 LDCs and is critically water-insecure, implying that abundant natural water availability does not necessarily ensure water security as it might be poor water quality, inaccessible, and unsafe. Hence, national and local level of SLM and water security linkages, impacts, and policy implications must come on board in the least developing countries like Ethiopia. Therefore, SLM-water security policy is crucial in successful SLM because governments/higher officials are capable of promoting well-informed water security decisions

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Blood Donation among Graduating Undergraduate Health Science Students at the University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Blood transfusion is one of the most essential needs to manage patients suffering from various medical conditions. Nowadays, voluntary blood donors are the only source of blood in the blood banks. There is a great need to create awareness among the population at large and students about blood donation to maintain a regular blood supply. Health Science students can be used as best model to lead this initiative. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding blood donation among graduating undergraduate Health Science students.METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among graduating undergraduate Health Science students at University of Gondar using structured pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Stratified sampling technique was employed to select study participants. A total of 225 students participated in the study. Data was entered into and analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Mean score was used to categorize the knowledge and attitude. Binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with knowledge, attitude and practice regarding blood donation.RESULT: Among 255 undergraduate Health Science graduate students, 123(48.2%) and 202(79.2%) had adequate knowledge about and positive attitude regarding blood donation, respectively. About 12.5% of them had ever donated blood before. Age ≥25 years was significantly associated with practice of blood donation (AOR=4.33; 95%CI: 1.60, 11.76).CONCLUSION: Although the majority of the students had positive attitude regarding blood donation, blood donation practice was low. Age was found to be significantly associated with blood donation practice. Targeted strategies should be designed to increase awareness of health science students about blood donation. Strategies which encourage the students to donate blood voluntarily should also be designed. KEYWORDS: Knowledge, attitude, practice, blood donatio

Agreement between direct fluorescent microscopy and Ziehl-Neelsen concentration techniques in detection of pulmonary tuberculosis in northwest Ethiopia

Background: The sensitivity of smear microscopy for diagnosis of tuberculosis might be improved through treatment of sputum with sodium hypochlorite and application of fluorescent microscopy. This study aimed to determine the agreement between direct Fluorescent Microscopy and Ziehl-Neelsen concentration technique by their ability of detecting acid fast bacilli in resource poor settings.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at Gondar University Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Three sputum specimens were collected from consecutive TB suspects. Direct and concentrated sputum smears were air-dried, heat-fixed and stained by auramine O and Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques respectively. The stained slides were examined for acid fast bacilli using direct Fluorescent Microscopy and Ziehl-Neelsen concentration techniques.Results: Of 293 specimens, 4.4% and 2.4 % were AFB positive by direct fluorescent microscopy and Ziehl-Neelsen bleach concentrated techniques respectively. There was high percentage of tuberculosis positivity from early morning sputum samples (2.4%) compared to first spot (1.4%) and second spot (1.7%) sputum samples when using Ziehl-Neelsen sodium hypochlorite concentration technique. A moderate agreement was seen between the two methods (Kappa=0.484, P value<0.001).Conclusion: Direct fluorescent microscopy has shown high positivity rate compared to Ziehl-Neelsen concentration technique. A moderate agreement was seen between the two methods. Thus, Ziehl-Neelsen bleach sedimentation technique is recommended for detection of pulmonary tuberculosis at peripheral health service level when Fluorescent Microscopy is not availableKeywords: Agreement, Direct Fluorescent Microscopy, Ziehl-Neelsen concentration, Tuberculosis, Ethiopi

Magnitude of Helicobacter pylori among Dyspeptic patients attending at University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection is predominantly acquired in childhood from family members. The infection can cause dypepepsia, chronic and acute gastritis and gastric cancer. Dyspepsia is the most common illness in the Ethiopian population visiting outpatient department of health facilities, and it has also been associated with H.pylori infection. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of H.pylori and its associated factors among dyspeptic patients who visited University of Gondar Hospital Outpatient Department.Materials and Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 354 dyspeptic patients. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Data were collected by using structured questionnaire via face-to-face interview. H.pylori infection was diagnosed using stool antigen test method. The data were entered into Epi info version 3.5.3 and transferred to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Both Bivariable and  multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to see the effect of independent variables on the dependent variable.Result: Of the total study participants, 201(56.8%), 195(55.1%) and 182(51.4%) were married, urban residents and females, respectively. The overall magnitude of H.pylori infection was 37.6%. In bivariable logistic regression analysis, sex and marital status were significantly associated with H.pylori infection, but in multivariable logistic regression analysis only marital status was significantly associated with H.pylori infection.Conclusion: The magnitude of H.pylori infection is high indicating that it is a public health problem in the study to area. According to this study, none of the variables were significantly associated with H.pylori infection. Hence, effective preventive, control and screening strategies need to be designed to reduce the burden of the disease.Keywords: Associated factor, Dyspepsia, Helicobacter pylor

Postpartum anemia and its determinant factors among postnatal women in two selected health institutes in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: A facility-based, cross-sectional study

BackgroundAnemia is highly prevalent globally and disproportionately affects postnatal women. It is a significant cause of maternal mortality and morbidity globally.ObjectiveThe main aim of this study was to determine the extent of postpartum anemia and associated factors among postnatal women in two selected health facilities in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 282 postnatal women from March to May 2021. A systematic sampling technique was used to recruit study participants from each institute. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and clinical data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. A venous blood sample was collected to determine the red blood cell parameters. A thin blood smear preparation was performed to examine blood morphology. In addition, direct wet mount and formalin-ether sedimentation techniques were used for stool examination to identify intestinal parasites. Data were entered into EpiData and exported to Stata 14 for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics were presented in text, tables, and figures. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with postpartum anemia. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe proportion of postpartum anemia was 47.16%; 95% CI; 41.30–53.03 with moderate, mild, and severe anemia accounting for 45.11, 42.86, and 12.03%, respectively. The majority of the anemia (94%) was of the normocytic normochromic type. It was associated with postpartum hemorrhage (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.24–4.01), cesarean section (AOR = 4.10; 95% CI: 2.11–7.78), lack of iron and folate supplementation during pregnancy (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.17–4.02), and low diet diversity level (AOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.05–3.18).ConclusionThe prevalence of anemia was found to be a major public health concern. Iron and folate supplementation during pregnancy, improved management of PPH, an effective cesarean section with post-operative care, and taking a diversified diet will reduce the burden. Therefore, identified factors should be considered to prevent and control postpartum anemia

The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients at a Tertiary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that is responsible for the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of MetS and its components among T2DM patients.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Diabetes Clinic of the Hospital, from June to July, 2015. Data were entered into EPI INFO software and exported to SPSS 20 for analysis. MetS prevalence was estimated using NCEP ATPIII and IDF criteria. Anthropometric measurements, investigations of serum glucose and lipid profiles were done. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate associated factors. A P-value ≤ 0.05 wasconsidered statistically significant.RESULT: A total of 159 participants were included in the study; 119 (59.7%) were females with mean (±SD) age of (49.8±8.7) year. The prevalence of MetS was 66.7% in NCEP-ATP III and 53.5% in IDF definitions. The most prevalent component of MetS was elevated triglyceride (56.6% in ATPIII and 62.3% in IDF criteria), followed by abdominal obesity (61%) IDF and elevated blood pressure (55.4%) NCEP-ATPIII criteria. The regression analysis showed that increased age, being female, high BMI, having diabetes for over 5 years and poor glycemic control were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MetS and its components among T2DM patients were high, suggesting that diabetic patients are at increased risk of CVD and other complications. Efforts should be geared towards addressing these abnormalities through lifestyle modification, health awareness and medications in order to reduce this complication.

Magnitude of Anemia in Geriatric Population Visiting Outpatient Department at the University of Gondar Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: Implication for Community-Based Screening

Objective. This study is aimed at assessing the magnitude and its associated factors of anemia in geriatric population visiting outpatient department at the University of Gondar referral hospital, northwest Ethiopia. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted among elder patients in Gondar town, North Gondar District, in May 2013. A total of 200 randomly selected geriatric population participated in the study. Summary statistics were computed and presented in tables and figure. Both bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression were fitted to identify associated factors. A P value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Result. The median age of the study participants was 65 years (Interquartile range (IQR): 8 years). The prevalence of anemia in the geriatric patients was 54.5% (n=109), of which 61.5% (n=67) were males. Mild type anemia was predominant, 55.96% (n=61). Geriatric patients with an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (AOR = 9.04, 95% CI: 4.2–19.7) and who are vegetarians (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.03–4.71) were at high risk of developing anemia. Conclusion. The magnitude of anemia was high in geriatrics. Mild anemia was the predominant type. Vegetarians and geriatrics with elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate were more likely to develop anemia. Hence, early diagnosis and management of anemia have paramount importance to prevent adverse outcomes in geriatrics

Global, Regional, and National Cancer Incidence, Mortality, Years of Life Lost, Years Lived With Disability, and Disability-Adjusted Life-Years for 29 Cancer Groups, 1990 to 2016: A Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study

Importance: The increasing burden due to cancer and other noncommunicable diseases poses a threat to human development, which has resulted in global political commitments reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Action Plan on Non-Communicable Diseases. To determine if these commitments have resulted in improved cancer control, quantitative assessments of the cancer burden are required. Objective: To assess the burden for 29 cancer groups over time to provide a framework for policy discussion, resource allocation, and research focus. Evidence Review: Cancer incidence, mortality, years lived with disability, years of life lost, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were evaluated for 195 countries and territories by age and sex using the Global Burden of Disease study estimation methods. Levels and trends were analyzed over time, as well as by the Sociodemographic Index (SDI). Changes in incident cases were categorized by changes due to epidemiological vs demographic transition. Findings: In 2016, there were 17.2 million cancer cases worldwide and 8.9 million deaths. Cancer cases increased by 28% between 2006 and 2016. The smallest increase was seen in high SDI countries. Globally, population aging contributed 17%; population growth, 12%; and changes in age-specific rates, -1% to this change. The most common incident cancer globally for men was prostate cancer (1.4 million cases). The leading cause of cancer deaths and DALYs was tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer (1.2 million deaths and 25.4 million DALYs). For women, the most common incident cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths and DALYs was breast cancer (1.7 million incident cases, 535¿000 deaths, and 14.9 million DALYs). In 2016, cancer caused 213.2 million DALYs globally for both sexes combined. Between 2006 and 2016, the average annual age-standardized incidence rates for all cancers combined increased in 130 of 195 countries or territor. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Large disparities exist between countries in cancer incidence,deaths, and associated disability. Scaling up cancer prevention and ensuring universal access to cancer care are required for health equity and to fulfill the global commitments fornoncommunicable disease and cancer control.The Institute for Health Metricsand Evaluation received funding from the Bill &Melinda Gates Foundation

Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors in Child and Adolescent Health, 1990 to 2017: Findings From the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors 2017 Study.

Importance:Understanding causes and correlates of health loss among children and adolescents can identify areas of success, stagnation, and emerging threats and thereby facilitate effective improvement strategies. Objective:To estimate mortality and morbidity in children and adolescents from 1990 to 2017 by age and sex in 195 countries and territories. Design, Setting, and Participants:This study examined levels, trends, and spatiotemporal patterns of cause-specific mortality and nonfatal health outcomes using standardized approaches to data processing and statistical analysis. It also describes epidemiologic transitions by evaluating historical associations between disease indicators and the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), a composite indicator of income, educational attainment, and fertility. Data collected from 1990 to 2017 on children and adolescents from birth through 19 years of age in 195 countries and territories were assessed. Data analysis occurred from January 2018 to August 2018. Exposures:Being under the age of 20 years between 1990 and 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures:Death and disability. All-cause and cause-specific deaths, disability-adjusted life years, years of life lost, and years of life lived with disability. Results:Child and adolescent deaths decreased 51.7% from 13.77 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 13.60-13.93 million) in 1990 to 6.64 million (95% UI, 6.44-6.87 million) in 2017, but in 2017, aggregate disability increased 4.7% to a total of 145 million (95% UI, 107-190 million) years lived with disability globally. Progress was uneven, and inequity increased, with low-SDI and low-middle-SDI locations experiencing 82.2% (95% UI, 81.6%-82.9%) of deaths, up from 70.9% (95% UI, 70.4%-71.4%) in 1990. The leading disaggregated causes of disability-adjusted life years in 2017 in the low-SDI quintile were neonatal disorders, lower respiratory infections, diarrhea, malaria, and congenital birth defects, whereas neonatal disorders, congenital birth defects, headache, dermatitis, and anxiety were highest-ranked in the high-SDI quintile. Conclusions and Relevance:Mortality reductions over this 27-year period mean that children are more likely than ever to reach their 20th birthdays. The concomitant expansion of nonfatal health loss and epidemiological transition in children and adolescents, especially in low-SDI and middle-SDI countries, has the potential to increase already overburdened health systems, will affect the human capital potential of societies, and may influence the trajectory of socioeconomic development. Continued monitoring of child and adolescent health loss is crucial to sustain the progress of the past 27 years