Assessing the existing e-health system functionalities towards digitization and integration

AbstractBackground: Cognizant of overall limited use of functionalities of information systems in general compared to the available features, this research project is motivated to investigate the level of use of DHIS2 system functionalities. By determining the functionalities being used and unused it is possible to identifying gaps and potential interventions for improvement. Understanding the level of knowledge and extent of use of DHIS2 functionalities with the intent of improving use of the system for better digitization of the health data is the central agenda in this project. Thus, the objective of this research is to assess use of the existing e-health system functionality towards digitization and integration. Methods: A qualitative study was employed to investigate the level of use of functionalities and identify gaps for improvement. Three health centers from three sub cities were the study sites while health information technicians and health decision makers were study participants. Data for examining the system under study is obtained using two methods, namely, interviewing and observation. A two-page interview guide consisting of 22 items in five categories was employed. For the observation, numerous detail FUNCTIONS /FEATURES of DHIS 2 under 33 major functionalities were observed at three selected health centers. An ODK tool and Google forms were used to facilitate data collection and analysis. Though four structured interviews were planned in each health center which will make a total of 12 interviews, numerous further interview sessions were conducted to clarify ambiguous issues and get further details. Results: Findings showed that only few of the major and sub functionalities of DHIS2 were utilized currently and needs future actions to enhance system usability. In line with this, there are major functionalities are not even known by the system users. Thus, it is easy to learn that an appropriate intervention should be designed to fill the gaps observed in the next implementation strategy. Conclusion: Assessing health system functionalities enables proper understanding of the level of system use at health centers. Good knowledge of the extent of use will in turn direct appropriate action in facilitating digitization and integration of health systems. The gaps identified through this empirical investigation in system functionality use will be addressed in the subsequent interventions planed. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2021; 35(SI-1):66-75

A facility-based study of lipids, glucose levels and their correlates among pregnant women in public hospitals of northern Ethiopia

Background Lipids and glucose concentrations in the blood rise during pregnancy period. Poor control of these analytes results in cardio metabolic dysfunction. Despite this, there are no documented studies which investigate lipids and glucose among pregnant women in Tigrai, northern Ethiopia. Objective The objective of this study was to assess lipid and glucose levels and identify their correlates among pregnant women in Tigrai, northern Ethiopia. Method We conducted a facility-based cross sectional study comprising of systematically selected 200 pregnant women from July to October 2021. Those who were severely ill were excluded from the study. We used a structured questionnaire to collect socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of pregnant women. Lipids such as triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, cholesterol and blood glucose were also measured using Cobas C311 chemistry machine from plasma samples. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regression was performed and statistical significance was declared at p-value Result Proportion of pregnant women with cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and blood glucose levels above the upper limit of the normal range used for clinical decision were 26.5%, 43%, 44.5% and 21%, respectively. Pregnant women’s income > = 10,000 ETB (AOR = 3.35; 95%CI: 1.46–7.66), age (AOR = 3.16; 95%CI: 1.03–9.68), gestational age 29–37 weeks (AOR = 8.02; 95%CI: 2.69–23.90) and having systolic blood pressure greater than 120 mmHg (AOR = 3.99; 95%CI: 1.64–9.75) demonstrated statistically significant association with raised levels of lipids. Conclusion and recommendation Proportion of pregnant women with out of normal range values of lipids, particularly triglycerides and low density lipoprotein, is high. Gestational age is a strong predictor of increase in blood levels for both lipids. Provision of life style related health education and dietary intake to pregnant mothers matters. Moreover, monitoring lipid profile and glucose level during antenatal care period is essential

A facility-based study of lipids, glucose levels and their correlates among pregnant women in public hospitals of northern Ethiopia.

BackgroundLipids and glucose concentrations in the blood rise during pregnancy period. Poor control of these analytes results in cardio metabolic dysfunction. Despite this, there are no documented studies which investigate lipids and glucose among pregnant women in Tigrai, northern Ethiopia.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess lipid and glucose levels and identify their correlates among pregnant women in Tigrai, northern Ethiopia.MethodWe conducted a facility-based cross sectional study comprising of systematically selected 200 pregnant women from July to October 2021. Those who were severely ill were excluded from the study. We used a structured questionnaire to collect socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of pregnant women. Lipids such as triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, cholesterol and blood glucose were also measured using Cobas C311 chemistry machine from plasma samples. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regression was performed and statistical significance was declared at p-value ResultProportion of pregnant women with cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and blood glucose levels above the upper limit of the normal range used for clinical decision were 26.5%, 43%, 44.5% and 21%, respectively. Pregnant women's income > = 10,000 ETB (AOR = 3.35; 95%CI: 1.46-7.66), age (AOR = 3.16; 95%CI: 1.03-9.68), gestational age 29-37 weeks (AOR = 8.02; 95%CI: 2.69-23.90) and having systolic blood pressure greater than 120 mmHg (AOR = 3.99; 95%CI: 1.64-9.75) demonstrated statistically significant association with raised levels of lipids.Conclusion and recommendationProportion of pregnant women with out of normal range values of lipids, particularly triglycerides and low density lipoprotein, is high. Gestational age is a strong predictor of increase in blood levels for both lipids. Provision of life style related health education and dietary intake to pregnant mothers matters. Moreover, monitoring lipid profile and glucose level during antenatal care period is essential

Coverage, social mobilization and challenges of mass Zithromax administration campaign in South and South East zones of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: A cross sectional study

<div><p>Background</p><p>The antibiotic treatment of people with trachoma helps to prevent transmission the disease in a community. Currently, Zithromax is the drug recommended for mass drug administration (MDA). MDA should be carried out annually for three to five years in trachoma endemic areas. Coverage survey is essential to track progress towards program goals and to identify communities with poor coverage in order to permit timely and appropriate actions. We assessed mass Zithromax administration coverage, social mobilization and campaign challenges in south and southeast zones of Tigray, Ethiopia.</p><p>Method</p><p>We conducted a survey in community in Southern and South East zones of Tigray region from August 15 to August 31, 2016. The survey included nine Woredas. It was supported by qualitative methods. A total of 3741 individuals were enrolled from 933 households using multistage sampling. We used structured questionnaire. In-depth interview and focus group discussion were also applied. Descriptive statistics was performed using SPSS version 20.We thematically analyzed the qualitative data using Atlas 7.</p><p>Result</p><p>The overall coverage of Zithromax MDA was 93.3%. It ranges from 90.0% in Seharti Samre to 97.9% in Endamokoni. The coverage was 93.4% for males and 93.1% for females. A higher proportion (98.3%) of children aged 5 to 15 years and 409 (87.8%) under five children took Zithromax. The coverage was 94% in rural and 91.2% in urban. Women development army (43.3%) and health extension workers (32.5%) were the main source of information. Frequent occurrence of drug side effects, rumors, lack of community and leaders’ engagement in the campaign, fasting, shortage of human power and short term unavailability of supplies were barriers during the campaign.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>The Zithromax MDA coverage in the study zones was higher than the minimum WHO set criteria of 80%. There was a wide difference in coverage among Woredas and Kebeles. The MDA coverage was lower in urban than rural. Misconceptions and poor mobilization were common challenges. Thus, proper planning, community mobilization and uniform training will need to be done ahead of the campaign in the future.</p></div

Zithromax coverage stratified by sex and residence in South and Southeastern zones of Tigray region, 2016.

<p>Zithromax coverage stratified by sex and residence in South and Southeastern zones of Tigray region, 2016.</p

Zithromax MDA coverage by district, Southern and Southeast Zones of Tigray, 2016.

<p>Zithromax MDA coverage by district, Southern and Southeast Zones of Tigray, 2016.</p

Mass drug administration coverage by selected variables in South and Southeastern zones of Tigray, 2016 (N = 3741).

<p>Mass drug administration coverage by selected variables in South and Southeastern zones of Tigray, 2016 (N = 3741).</p

Zithromax coverage stratified by age and residence in South and Southeastern zones of Tigray region, 2016.

<p>Zithromax coverage stratified by age and residence in South and Southeastern zones of Tigray region, 2016.</p

Geographical map of study districts and kebelles in South and Southeastern zones of Tigray region, 2016.

<p>Geographical map of study districts and kebelles in South and Southeastern zones of Tigray region, 2016.</p

Type and source of information about Zithromax mass administration in Southern and Southeast zones of Tigray, 2016.

<p>Type and source of information about Zithromax mass administration in Southern and Southeast zones of Tigray, 2016.</p