The effect of angiotensin converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism on anthropometric and biochemical parameters among hypertension patients: A case-control study from Northwest Ethiopia.

IntroductionThe angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism has recently been linked with altered anthropometric and biochemical parameters in hypertensive patients. However, these links are still poorly understood and there is scarce evidence on the topic. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism on anthropometric and biochemical parameters among essential hypertension patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.Materials and methodsA case-control study with 64 cases and 64 controls was conducted from October 07, 2020, to June 02, 2021. The anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, and ACE gene polymorphism were determined using standard operating procedures, enzymatic colorimetric method, and polymerase chain reaction, respectively. A one-way analysis of variance was used to determine the association of genotypes with other study variables. P value ResultThe systolic/diastolic blood pressure and blood glucose level (P-value0.05).ConclusionThe DD genotype of the ACE gene polymorphism was found to have a significant association with high blood pressure and blood glucose levels in the study population. Advanced studies with a considerable sample size may be needed to utilize the ACE genotype as a biomarker for the early detection of hypertension-related complications

Depression among people with chronic skin disease at Boru Meda Hospital in Northeast Ethiopia.

BackgroundThe comorbidity of depression with chronic skin disease negatively affects the quality of life and disease prognosis, creating an immense burden on patients, families, and the wider community. However, there are limited studies conducted on the prevalence of depression and associated factors among people with chronic skin disease in Ethiopia.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression among people with chronic skin disease at Boru Meda Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out from March 10- April 18, 2021, among a total of 381 people with chronic skin disease. The Patient Health Questioner-9 was used to assess depression. A logistic regression analysis model with an adjusted odds ratio was used to assess the strength of associations between the outcome and predictor variables. P-value ResultThe magnitude of depression among people with chronic skin disease was 23.6% (95%Cl: 19.8%, 28.6%). We identified significantly increased odds of depression among participants with rural residence (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.64, 7.28), duration of illness above 5 years (AOR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.31, 9.85), comorbid medical illness AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.06, 5.98), family history of mental illness (AOR = 3.39, 95% CI: 1.11, 10.41), non-adherence to chronic skin disease medications (AOR = 3.53, 95% CI: 1.20, 10.41), low self-image (AOR = 4.69, 95% CI: 2.25, 9.77), and perceived stigma (AOR = 4.61, 95% CI: 2.14, 9.92).ConclusionDepression was common among patients with chronic skin diseases. This study has indicated a need for proper screening of depression in the current medical treatment of patients with chronic skin disease in Boru Meda Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia

Determinants of Neonatal Mortality in North Shoa Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

<div><p>In Ethiopia, neonatal mortality has been declined since the declaration of Millennium Developmental Goals, but the rate was slower since 2006. Thus, this study was designed to assess the determinants of neonatal mortality (NM) in North Shoa Zone. A community based case-control study was conducted on 84 cases and 252 controls. Cases were deceased new-borns within 28 days of birth while controls were infants survived beyond the first 28 days. Data were collected from mothers of the cases and controls using interviewer administered questionnaires. Multivariate analysis was done to examine determinants of NM. Variables significantly associated with NM in bivariate analysis were selected for multivariate analysis. Neonates whose mothers not attended antenatal care (AOR: 3.47; 95%CI: 1.44–8.32), delivered at home (AOR: 2.86; 95%CI: 1.56–5.26), and not received postnatal care services (AOR: 3.09; 95%CI: 1.73–5.51) were more likely to die. The odds of neonatal death was higher among neonates not breastfed within the first hour of delivery than those who breastfed within the first hour of delivery (AOR: 23.48; 95%CI: 8.43–65.37). Likewise, no-colostrum intake was positively associated with neonatal death. Neonates born to mothers who not received or received a single dose of tetanus toxoid injection (TTI) were more likely to experience death than those neonates born to mothers who received two or more doses of TTI (AOR: 2.05; 95%CI: 1.14–3.70). Furthermore, being small in size at birth (AOR: 2.66; 95%CI: 1.33–5.33) and male in sex (AOR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.06–3.26) were risk factors for NM. In conclusion, neonatal mortality was significantly associated with factors that are modifiable through addressing the continuum-of-care approach in healthcare services in North Shoa. This implies that ensuring a continuity of health care services for maternal and new-borns from antenatal to postnatal care will improve neonatal survival.</p></div

Metabolic syndrome and its associated factors among epileptic patients at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia; a hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study

Introduction Metabolic syndrome is a group of metabolic risk factors which are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and type2 diabetes. Nowadays, several studies have shown that the burden of metabolic syndrome is increasing among epileptic patients, and leads to MS-associated complications, including cardiovascular disease. However, getting published documents has been limited in Ethiopia and the study area. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the magnitude and associated factors of metabolic syndrome among epileptic patients in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in compression with respective controls. Methods Hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study design was implemented from June 25 to August 20, 2021. A total of 204 participants with an equal number of cases and controls (n = 102 each) were included. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews and biochemical analyses such as fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles were done through the enzymatic technique. The magnitude of metabolic syndrome was determined using both National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III and International Diabetes Federation definition criteria. The STATA version 14 was used for statistical data analysis, and a comparison of categorical and continuous variables was done with χ2 and an independent t-test, respectively. The multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with metabolic syndrome, and variables having a P-value of Result The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among the epileptic group was (25.5% in National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III and 23.5% in International Diabetes Federation criteria), whereas it was 13.7% in National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III and 14.7% in International Diabetes Federation criteria among control groups. According to the International Diabetes Federation criteria, low physical activity (adjusted odds ratio = 4.73, 95% CI: 1.08–20.68), taking multiple antiepileptic drugs (adjusted odds ratio = 8.08, 95% CI: 1.52–42.74), having a total cholesterol level of ≥ 200 mg/dl (adjusted odds ratio = 5.81, 95%: 1.32–41.13) and body mass index (adjusted odds ratio = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.16–2.11) were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome among epileptic participants. Applying National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, taking multiple antiepileptic drugs (adjusted odds ratio = 6.81, 95% CI: 1.29–35.92), having a total cholesterol level > 200 mg/dl (adjusted odds ratio = 7.37, 95% CI: 1.32–41.13) and body mass index (adjusted odds ratio = 1.53, 96% CI: 1.16–2.01) were also significantly associated. Conclusion The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among epileptic patients was higher than that of control groups and reaches statistically significant by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Being on multiple antiepileptic drugs, body mass index, having low physical activity and raised total cholesterol were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome among the epileptic group. Therefore, it is better to focus on controlling weight, having sufficient physical exercise, and regular monitoring of total cholesterol levels in epileptic patients

Bivariate logistic regression analysis depicting the association between independent variables and neonatal mortality in North Shoa Zone of Amhara Regional State, 2014.

<p>Bivariate logistic regression analysis depicting the association between independent variables and neonatal mortality in North Shoa Zone of Amhara Regional State, 2014.</p

Multivariate logistic regression analysis depicting the independent predictors of neonatal mortality in North Shoa Zone of Amhara Regional State, 2014.

<p>Multivariate logistic regression analysis depicting the independent predictors of neonatal mortality in North Shoa Zone of Amhara Regional State, 2014.</p

Multivariate logistic regression analysis depicting the independent predictors of neonatal mortality in North Shoa Zone of Amhara Regional State, 2014.

<p>Multivariate logistic regression analysis depicting the independent predictors of neonatal mortality in North Shoa Zone of Amhara Regional State, 2014.</p

Socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants in DCSH, Dessie, Northeast Ethiopia, 2021 (n = 204).

Socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants in DCSH, Dessie, Northeast Ethiopia, 2021 (n = 204).</p

Antiepileptic drug nonadherence and its predictors among people with epilepsy

Introduction. Antiepileptic drugs are effective in the treatment of epilepsy to the extent that about 70% of people with epilepsy can be seizure-free, but poor adherence to medication is major problem to sustained remission and functional restoration. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of antiepileptic drug nonadherence. Methods. Cross-sectional study was conducted on 450 individuals who were selected by systematic random sampling method. Antiepileptic drug nonadherence was measured by Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS) and logistic regression was used to look for significant associations. Result. The prevalence of AEDs nonadherence was 37.8%. Being on treatment for 6 years and above [AOR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.88, 6.40], payment for AEDs [AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.73, 4.42], lack of health information [AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.41,3.43], poor social support [AOR = 1.88, 95%, CI: 1.01, 3.50], perceived stigma [AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.45, 3.56], and experience side effect [AOR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.72] were significantly associated with antiepileptic drug nonadherence. Conclusion. More than one-third of people with epilepsy were not compliant with their AEDs. Giving health information about epilepsy and its management and consequent reduction in stigma will help for medication adherence