University students' health-related quality of life and its determinants. Results from a cross-sectional survey during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Being a university student is a vulnerable period marked by transitions and uncertainties which can impair their physical and mental well-being as well as overall quality of life. The existing literature suggests that certain groups of students might be particularly affected by that. In addition, quality of life might have been further affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Promotion of Non-Communicable Disease Screening in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia: A Mixed-Method Study.

Background: Despite the high non-communicable disease (NCD) mortality in Ethiopia, NCD screening in the country remains suboptimal. This study assessed the health communication process and materials designed to promote NCD screening among adult primary healthcare facility attendants in the Gurage Zone, Ethiopia.

Methods: A parallel mixed-methods approach was employed.

Service-Delivery Models to Increase the Uptake of Non-Communicable Disease Screening in South-Central Ethiopia: A Difference-In-Differences Analysis.

Background: Screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a critical step for early detection and the prevention of consequent morbidity and mortality. To facilitate NCD screening, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health has developed screening guidelines. However, like other low- and middle-income countries, interventions to increase the uptake of NCD-screening services in Ethiopia remain ineffective.

Correction: Heumann et al. Study Conditions and University Students' Mental Health during the Pandemic: Results of the COVID-19 German Student Well-Being Study (C19 GSWS). 2023, , 5286.

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Depressive and anxiety symptoms among university students during the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany - Results from the COVID 19 German Student Well-being Study (C19 GSWS).

Introduction: Data on the mental health of university students in Germany during the later stages of the pandemic is still limited. This study aimed to determine (1) the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among university students 1.5 years after the first COVID-19 restrictions and (2) which factors were associated with these outcomes.

Correlation of Pediatric Surgical Infrastructure With Clinical and Economic Outcomes: A Cohort Study.

Introduction: A significant burden of unmet pediatric surgical disease exists in low- and middle-income countries. We sought to assess the associations between the installation of a pediatric operating room (OR) and clinical and economic outcomes for families with children in Ethiopia.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed of children who underwent elective surgery in a tertiary-level Ethiopian public hospital, comparing patient outcomes before and after OR installation in August 2019.

Does Prior Experience Matter? Intention to Undergo Cervical Cancer Screening among Rural Women in South-Central Ethiopia.

Early screening for cervical cancer has substantially reduced the morbidity and mortality attributed to it. This study aimed to assess factors that affect the intention to undergo cervical cancer screening among rural women attending primary healthcare facilities in south-central Ethiopia. A health-facility-based, cross-sectional study design was employed for which the calculated required sample size was 427.

Physicians' Attitudes Towards Artificial Intelligence: Results of the PEAK Project.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the medical field. This study aimed to investigate the attitudes of physicians towards AI in medical care using focus groups. Most participants seemed to be open to the use of AI in medicine if transparency in AI systems is ensured, regulatory barriers are addressed and personal contact to the patient is maintained.

An Assessment of Provider Payment Mechanisms (PPMs) in Ethiopia: Implications for Redesign of PPMs and Progress Toward Universal Health Coverage.

Ethiopia has made great strides in improving population health but sustaining health system and population health improvements in the current fiscal environment is challenging. Provider payment, as a function of purchasing, is a tool to use limited health resources better. This study describes the design and implementation of Ethiopia's provider payment mechanisms (PPMs) and how they influence health system objectives and contribute to universal health coverage goals.

TB-related catastrophic costs in Ethiopia.

Objectives: To measure the progress towards reducing TB-related catastrophic costs in 19 zones of Amhara, Oromia, SNNP (Southern Nations and Nationalities, and Peoples) and Sidama Regions of Ethiopia.

Methods: A baseline survey was conducted in randomly selected health facilities from all districts within the 19 zones from November 2020 to February 2021. Interventions targeting the major drivers of catastrophic costs identified in the baseline survey, such as installation of 126 GeneXpert and 13 Truenat machines, securing connectivity of 372 GeneXpert, establishing alternative specimen referral systems, and capacity-building of health workers, were implemented.

The association between the child's age and mothers' physical activity: results from the population-based German National Cohort study.

Background: Since physical activity is an important determinant of physical and mental health, lower levels of physical activity among mothers reported in previous research are concerning. The aim of this study was to examine whether physical activity levels differ among mothers depending on the age of the youngest child.

Methods: Cross-sectional data from the German National Cohort study, comprising 3959 mothers aged 22-72 years with offspring aged 0-54 years (grouped into 0-5, 6-11, 12-17, 18-29 and > 30 years) was used.

University Students' Financial Situation During COVID-19 and Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms: Results of the COVID-19 German Student Well-Being Study (C19 GSWS).

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on students' financial situation as well as on their mental health.

Aim: To examine the reported change in the financial situation of German university students before and across two time points of the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate its associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Methods: We used data from the cross-sectional COVID-19 German Student Well-being Study conducted at five German universities (N = 7203).

A novel global safe surgery mentorship program using a multidisciplinary team approach.

Background: The global surgery movement aims to provide equitable surgical care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and attempts to address a wide range of issues around the lack of access and poor-quality. In response, the Lifebox McCaskey Safe Surgery Fellowship was established in Ethiopia to train a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals. We conducted this study to evaluate the outcome of this training program.

Understanding referral of patients with cancer in rural Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

Background: Cancer incidence is increasing in Ethiopia mainly due to increased life expectancy, while oncological capacities remain limited. Strong referral linkages between different levels of the healthcare system are key to provide timely access to cancer care. In this qualitative study, we assessed limitations and potential of cancer patient referral in the rural Southwest of Ethiopia.

Intention to Undergo Clinical Breast Examination and Its Associated Factors among Women Attending Rural Primary Healthcare Facilities in South Central Ethiopia.

Background: Breast cancer is a global public health problem with higher mortality in developing countries. The Ethiopian National Cancer Control Plan recommends clinical breast examination (CBE) for all women aged >18 years. However, there is low breast examination practice in Ethiopia.

Associations of loneliness with mental health and with social and physical activity among university students in Germany: results of the COVID-19 German student well-being study (C19 GSWS).

Introduction: University students are at high risk for loneliness with a potential negative impact on health. The COVID-19 measures disrupted students' academic routine and social life, which might have affected their perception of loneliness. This study investigated the prevalence of perceived loneliness among university students in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic and its associations with mental health, behavioral outcomes, and sociodemographic characteristics.

Immune biomarkers in non-treatment-seeking heavy drinkers who used a probiotic supplement for 30 days: An open-label pilot study.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with significant psychological and economic burdens, as well as physical comorbidities that can lead to death. Previous research has found that probiotics may reduce inflammatory biomarkers in persons with AUD and comorbid conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver. This relationship has not been explored in heavy drinkers without comorbid conditions.

Concern on Skin Lightening Product Safety: Level of Awareness and Associated Factors Among Female Users in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia.

Background: Most skin lightening products are composed of some toxic chemicals such as mercury and hydroquinone which are classified under critical ingredients which need evaluation. Consumption without sufficient awareness may lead to toxicities endangering skin health.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness towards the side effects of skin lightening products and associated factors among females in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia.

Out-of-pocket costs and catastrophic healthcare expenditure for families of children requiring surgery in sub-Saharan Africa.

Background: Out-of-pocket healthcare costs leading to catastrophic healthcare expenditure pose a financial threat for families of children undergoing surgery in Sub-Saharan African countries, where universal healthcare coverage is often insufficient.

Methods: A prospective clinical and socioeconomic data collection tool was used in African hospitals with dedicated pediatric operating rooms installed philanthropically. Clinical data were collected via chart review and socioeconomic data from families.

A Review of Hormone and Non-Hormonal Therapy Options for the Treatment of Menopause.

Understanding the role of both menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) along with non-hormonal options for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms, sleep disruption, and genitourinary symptoms after menopause is critical to the health of women during middle and later life. Recent updates to the evidence for the treatment of menopausal symptoms pertaining to both hormonal and non-hormonal therapies as well as updated guidance from specialty societies can help guide clinicians in their treatment of women going through natural menopause or with estrogen deficiencies due to primary ovarian insufficiency or induced menopause from surgery or medications. The objective of this narrative review is to provide clinicians with an overview of MHT for the use of menopausal symptoms in women, incorporating updated primary evidence for risk versus benefit profiles, recent specialty society recommendations, and alternative, non-hormonal options.

Efficacy and safety of different regimens in the treatment of patients with latent tuberculosis infection: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is effective in preventing progression to TB disease. This study aimed to synthesize available evidence on the efficacy, adherence, and safety of LTBI treatment in order to assist policymakers to design appropriate national treatment policies and treatment protocols.

Method: The PRISMA-NMA was used to review and report this research.