Effectiveness of couple-based violence prevention education in reducing intimate partner violence during pregnancy in rural Ethiopia: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

Background: Pregnancy is often seen as a joyful and fulfilling time for many women. However, a significant number of women in Ethiopia experience intimate partner violence (IPV) during this period. Despite this, there is limited evidence on interventions aimed at preventing violence during pregnancy.

Woody species diversity, structure and community distribution along environmental gradients of Seqela Dry Afromontane forest in Northwestern Ethiopia.

Dry evergreen Afromontane forests are severely threatened due to the expansion of agriculture and overgrazing by livestock. The objective of this study was to investigate the composition of woody species, structure, regeneration status and plant communities in Seqela forest, as well as the relationship between plant community types and environmental variables. Systematic sampling was used to collect vegetation and environmental data from 52 (20 m x 20 m) (400 m2) plots.

Pooled prevalence and subgroup variations of Tetralogy of Fallot among children and adolescents with congenital heart defect in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Tetralogy of Fallot is one of the critical congenital heart defects needing intervention within the first year of life.

Objective: This review aims to systematically assess the prevalence of Tetralogy of Fallot among children and adolescents with congenital heart defects in Sub-Saharan Africa from January 2000 to January 2024.

Methods: All original observational studies focused on children and adolescent population diagnosed with congenital heart defects within Sub-Saharan Africa; reported the primary outcome of interest were included.

Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion Sequence Diagnosed Late in the Third Trimester: A Case Report and Literature Review.

The twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence is a rare complication associated with monochorionic twins. It is characterized by blood flow from the umbilical artery of the normal (pump) twin to the umbilical artery of the abnormal (acardiac) twin via artery-to-artery anastomosis. This condition is associated with 100% mortality in the acardiac twin and a high rate of perinatal morbidity and mortality in the pump twin, primarily due to intrauterine hypoxic injury, heart failure, and prematurity.

Developing teachers' competency for inclusive education in Ethiopia.

Background: In light of the increasing diversity within school populations globally, a pressing need arises for nations to prioritise the enhancement of teachers' competencies in implementing inclusive education, recognising the central role teacher education programmes play in addressing this imperative. Teacher education programmes centred on inclusion not only respond to this global priority but also wield influence on teachers' attitudes, self-efficacy and stress levels when engaging with diverse learners.

Objectives: The study presents an analysis of the effectiveness of a teacher education programme in Ethiopia in developing teachers' competencies for inclusion.

Knowledge of obstetric danger signs and its associated factors among husbands residing in the Raya Kobo district, Ethiopia.

Background: The term "danger signs" refers to any symptoms or indicators that suggest a pregnant woman may be at risk during pregnancy. Mothers are often burdened with responsibilities, and the majority of them do not even receive treatment for potential complications, which can ultimately lead to the loss of their lives. This situation highlights the barriers that prevent them from being properly prepared for potential risks.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C and HIV Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Unit at Simada Hospital, South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.

Hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are major public health issues in developing countries, including Ethiopia. These viruses can be transmitted from mother to child during birth or through contact with contaminated blood. In many areas of Ethiopia, viral hepatitis and HIV infections are significant health concerns for pregnant women.

Improved maize technology adoption and its intensity among male- and female-headed households in Dawuro zone, Southwestern Ethiopia.

Both male- and female-headed farm households grow maize in Ethiopia. However, little is known about the difference between male- and female-headed households in the adoption of high-yielding technologies for maize. This study examines the difference between male- and female-headed households in their decision to adopt and the intensity of adoption of improved maize technologies in Dawuro zone, Southwestern Ethiopia.

Prevalence and Mitigation of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among the Corporate Workforce in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Cardiovascular disease (CVDs) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Corporate workplaces have been identified as important environmental factors that can increase the risk and severity of CVDs. Evidence indicates that the risk and severity of CVDs can be effectively reduced by mitigating modifiable behavioural and intermediate risk factors.

Access and utilisation of leprosy healthcare services in high-burden districts in Ethiopia.

Background: A lack of awareness, poor quality of care, and gender inequalities are factors associated with access and utilisation of leprosy services.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors affecting community access and utilisation of leprosy services in high-burden districts of Ethiopia.

Method: A community-based cross-sectional study design was utilised and a simple random sampling technique was used to recruit study respondents.

Prioritizing post-COVID-19 health research in sub-Saharan Africa: A modified Delphi study for future pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed weaknesses in healthcare systems and disparities in healthcare access across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The insights of frontline healthcare professionals (HCPs), and healthcare researchers involved with the response to COVID in SSA are crucial to ensuring that health systems are optimally prepared for the next pandemic threat. Nonetheless, there is limited consensus as to what are the clinical and public health research priorities necessary to ensure that SSA is optimally prepared and responsive to future pandemics.

A comparison of disseminated intravascular coagulation scoring systems and their performance to predict mortality in sepsis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a common complication in sepsis patients which exacerbates patient outcomes. The prevalence and outcomes of DIC in sepsis is wide-ranging and highly depends on the severity of the disease and diagnostic approaches utilized. Varied diagnostic criteria of DIC have been developed and their performance in diagnosis and prognosis is not consistent.

Revisiting Africa's Stroke Obstacles and Services (SOS).

Background: As one of the most common non-communicable diseases in Africa, Stroke ought to be dealt with properly with intensifying efforts to control its burden and to face obstacles in its management.

Methods And Results: In this follow-up study we reanalyzed stroke services and related obstacles in 17 African countries that were previously studied in 2021/22 in aspects related to manpower, acute stroke services, rehabilitation programs, number of stroke units/centers, telestroke services, awareness campaigns, and national and international stroke registries through a survey that was sent to stroke specialists and national stroke societies. Overall, there is an improvement in many fields yet many obstacles in the implementation of telestroke services, acute management, secondary prevention, post-discharge services, and follow-ups whether governmental, medical, or societal are prevalent.

Uncovering women's healthcare access challenges in low- and middle-income countries using mixed effects modelling approach: Insights for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Background: Access to healthcare services for women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is crucial for maternal and child health and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, women in LMICs face barriers to accessing healthcare, leading to poor health outcomes. This study used Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 61 LMICs between 2010-2023 to identify women's healthcare access challenges.

Attributes and factors associated with long covid in patients hospitalized for acute COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: It is now recognized that many patients have persistent symptoms after recovery from acute COVID-19 infection, an infection caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. This constellation of symptoms known as 'Long COVID' may manifest with a wide range of physical and cognitive/psychological symptoms. Few data are available on the prevalence, attributes, and factors associated with Long COVID in Africa.

Assessment of antenatal care quality in Ethiopia: Facility-based study using service provision assessment data.

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) coverage in low- and middle-income countries has increased in the past few decades. However, merely increasing care coverage may not enhance maternal and newborn health unless the recommended service components are also provided. Our aim was to assess the quality of ANC and its associated factors in Ethiopia.

Trends of adverse pregnancy outcomes and its determinants in Arba Minch Zuria and Gacho Baba Woredas from 2018 to 2022: Analysis of health and demographic surveillance data.

Introduction: Many family members and the expectant mother view pregnancy as a time of joyful anticipation. However, it can also bring about a range of issues that may pose serious and potentially life-threatening risks for both the mother and the unborn child. Adverse pregnancy outcomes are an alarming public issue in different parts of the world and have a seriously harmful influence on both their health and well-being.

Compassion fatigue and associated factors among nurses working in Jimma Zone public hospitals, southwest Ethiopia: A facility based cross-sectional study.

Background: Nurses are at risk of developing compassion fatigue, which has negative impacts on their well-being, quality care and leads to patient mortality and a financial burden on the healthcare system. However, data on compassion fatigue is scarce in Africa, particularly Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess level compassion fatigue and associated factors among nurses in Jimma Zone public hospitals, Ethiopia.

Comparative analysis of deep learning models for crack detection in buildings.

Life-time of the buildings is generally challenged by the act of nature. In-spite of the fact that the constructions provide minimum guarantee on quality and durability, certain mismatch in the composition of the materials, stress on the building, and chemical or physical imbalance of the materials, lead to surface crack. Cracks are also generated due to the shuffle of climatic conditions, which leads to the contraction and expansion of the building surfaces, and other damages.

Sexual and reproductive health needs of women with severe mental illness in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review.

Background: This scoping review aimed to understand the extent and type of evidence in relation to sexual and reproductive health needs of women with severe mental illness (SMI) in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) and to summarise those needs.

Methods: Inclusion criteria were 1) focus on sexual and reproductive health needs 2) women or girls with SMI, professionals, caregivers of women with SMI and community members 3) study set in a LMIC 4) peer reviewed literature (no restriction on study date or design). Studies were identified from comprehensive searches of Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO (to July 2023).

Population attributable fractions for modifiable risk factors of neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality in 48 low- and middle-income countries.

Background: Identifying the modifiable risk factors for childhood mortality using population-attributable fractions (PAFs) estimates can inform public health planning and resource allocation in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We estimated PAFs for key population-level modifiable risk factors of neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality in LMICs.

Methods: We used the most recent Demographic and Health Survey data sets (2010-22) from 48 LMICs, encompassing 35 sub-Saharan African countries and 13 countries from South and Southeast Asia (n = 506 989).

Association between poor drug adherence and undernutrition among adult HIV patients in southern Ethiopia: an institution based cross sectional study.

Objective: Undernutrition is a common issue for HIV and other immune suppressed patients. Approximately 462 million people worldwide living with HIV are experiencing undernutrition, with sub-Saharan Africa having the highest prevalence. Good adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) indirectly helps prevent undernutrition by suppressing viral load, increasing CD4 count, preventing viral resistance, enhancing immune reconstitution and delaying disease progression in HIV patients.

Adaptive coping mechanisms use and associated factors among adult glaucoma patients attending the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Tertiary Eye Care and Training Center, Northwest Ethiopia: an institution-based cross-sectional study.

Objective: Adaptive coping mechanisms (ACMs) are effective ways to cope with stress and anxiety in patients with chronic illnesses, such as glaucoma. This study aimed to assess the proportion of ACM and associated factors among adult glaucoma patients enrolled at the tertiary eye care and training centre in Northwest Ethiopia.

Design: An institution-based cross-sectional study.

Barriers to early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: qualitative study.

Objective: Cervical cancer remains the most diagnosed and deadly cancer among women in low and middle income countries, including Ethiopia, although it can be controlled if detected and treated early. However, research on contextual barriers to early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer is limited in Ethiopia. This study aimed to describe the lived experience of the patients and to explore the barriers to early diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.