Early post-stroke cognitive impairment and in-hospital predicting factors among stroke survivors in Ethiopia

BackgroundIn low-and middle-income countries, post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is the least investigated stroke complication that clinically is given little attention. Finding patients who are at high risk of having cognitive problems after a stroke could allow targeted follow-up and help with prognosis discussions, which would then contribute to improved treatment outcomes. The main aim of this study was to determine the incidence and predictors of PSCI among stroke survivors in Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsThe study was a multicenter prospective cohort study. The study participants were 403 stroke survivors who were alive on follow-up after 3 months of stroke onset at the neurology department of three hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. To investigate the link between the outcome and the explanatory variables, analyses of bivariable and logistic multivariable regression were performed. A value of p of 0.05 or less was regarded as statistically significant, and data were presented as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 61.3 years (SD = 0.7), 56% were females, the mean time from symptom onset to hospital arrival was 46 h (SD = 3.32), and the mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission was 14.79 (SD = 0.25). PSCI was observed in 122 patients (30.3%) after 90 days of stroke onset, that is, 83 (20.6%) of female and 39 (9.7%) of male stroke survivors. The result of multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed PSCI was independently associated with age (adjusted OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.061–1.981), women (AOR = 1.390, 95% CI = 1.221–2.690), admission modified Rankin scale (mRS) (AOR = 1.629, 95% CI = 1.381–2.037), moderate Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score (AOR = 1.149, 95% CI = 1.402–3.281), and poor GCS score (AOR = 1.632, 95% CI = 1.610–4.361) and stage one (AOR = 1.428, 95% CI = 1.198–2.922) and stage two hypertension (AOR = 1.255, 95% CI = 1.107–2.609).ConclusionNearly one-third of stroke survivors developed PSCI. Moreover, further research is needed with a larger sample size, showing a time trend and longer follow-up duration

Level of Preparedness for COVID-19 and Its Associated Factors among Frontline Healthcare Providers in South Gondar Public Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction. Although the efforts at global and national levels have attempted to decrease the COVID-19 pandemic, the low level of preparedness among healthcare providers is a challenge mainly in developing countries. Hence, this study is aimed at assessing the level of preparedness for COVID-19 and its associated factors among frontline healthcare providers in South Gondar public hospitals, northwest Ethiopia. Methods and Materials. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 207 selected healthcare providers who were working in South Gondar public hospital from July 08 to August 29, 2020. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The healthcare providers were selected through simple random sampling techniques. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions with a 95% confidence interval were fitted with 95% CI to establish the associated factors with a low level of preparedness. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. The overall level of preparedness among healthcare providers for COVID-19 was found to be 41.3% (95% CI: 37.4, 44.7). Only 81 (40.1%) healthcare providers had prepared for telling their family and friends if they are infected with COVID-19. Besides, only 23.8% of healthcare providers obtained alcohol-based hand sanitizer in every patient room. Factors associated with a low level of preparedness include being male (AOR=2.5, 95% CI: 1.22–4.94), unmarried (AOR=3.4, 95% CI: 1.44–8.00), and working experience less than five years (AOR=3.4, 95% CI: 1.29-9.09). Conclusion. The level of preparedness among frontline healthcare providers towards COVID-19 was found to be very low. In the future, more emphasis should be placed on healthcare providers who are male, unmarried, and had working experience of lower than five years to decrease the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic

Prevalence of goiter and associated factors among adolescent girls in the highland area of Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Goiter is a common public health issue in Ethiopia; however, there is not much evidence of it among adolescent girls, especially in Northwest Ethiopia. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of goiter in adolescent girls living in the highlands of Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: From 5 January to 15 February 2022, 560 adolescent girls participated in this study. A multistage sampling method was used. Participants were checked for goiter using World Health Organization guidelines. Using a quick test kit, the amount of iodine in samples of table salt was determined. After being entered into Epi Info version 7, the data were exported to the SPSS version 22 for statistical analysis. Binary logistic regression was applied. It was decided to set the statistically significant level at p  < 0.05. Results: In this study, the total prevalence of goiter among adolescent girls was 33.4% (95% CI: 26.3%–39.4%). The odds of goiter were 5.3 times higher among adolescents whose families had a history of goiter (AOR = 5.34, 95% CI: 3.65–9.74). The likelihood of developing goiter was 3.7 times greater among adolescent girls who consumed cabbage at least once per week (AOR = 3.74, 95% CI: 2.46–8.31). In addition, adolescent girls who did not consume meat at all were 3.3 times more likely to develop goiter (AOR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.95–6.78). Similarly, the odds of getting goiter among adolescent girls from families who use salt with inadequate levels of iodine (0–14) were 9.84 times greater compared to their counterparts (AOR = 9.84, 95% CI: 5.61–26.24). Conclusion: In the study area, goiter was very common. Therefore, the district’s health sector should make an effort to raise community knowledge by spreading important messages regarding the proper use of iodized salt and food sources

sj-docx-1-smo-10.1177_20503121241229643 – Supplemental material for Prevalence of goiter and associated factors among adolescent girls in the highland area of Northwest Ethiopia

Supplemental material, sj-docx-1-smo-10.1177_20503121241229643 for Prevalence of goiter and associated factors among adolescent girls in the highland area of Northwest Ethiopia by Assefa Agegnehu Teshome, Berhanu Kindu Ashagrie, Atalo Agmas Ayenew, Misganaw Asmamaw Mengstie, Yalew Melkamu Molla, Nega Dagnaw Baye, Agmas Wassie Abate, Asaye Alamneh Gebeyehu, Taklo Simeneh Yazie, Ermias Sisaye Chanie, Amare Kassaw Wolie, Fitalew Tadele Admasu and Gashaw Walle Ayehu in SAGE Open Medicine</p