Conectar
This study aims to assess maternal health and service utilisation and identify the key determinants across Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella and Somali, the four developing regional states (DRS) of Ethiopia.
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to February 2021 using stratified multistage cluster sampling for permanent residents and a random route approach for refugee populations.
The study was conducted at the community level across the DRS of Ethiopia, including Afar, Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella and Somali regions.
A total of 1226 women who gave birth within the last 12 months participated, including 1028 non-refugees and 198 refugees living in temporary settlements. The mean age of participants was 26.4 years (SD±5.7).
The primary outcome was maternal health service utilisation, defined as receiving at least one of the two services, antenatal care (8+ contacts) or postnatal care (staying in a health facility after delivery or visiting a health facility within the first 45 days postpartum and being checked for early postpartum danger signs and taking treatments accordingly).
Overall, across the four regions, only 33% of women who had given birth within the last 12 months utilised maternal health services. Regional variation (Benishangul-Gumuz region (AOR=3.269, 95% CI 2.128 to 5.021; p value
Maternal health service utilisation remains critically low in Ethiopia’s DRS. Efforts to improve maternal health outcomes should focus on expanding educational opportunities, disseminating trusted information and empowering women in household decision-making.
To assess determinants of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine non-uptake among adolescent girls in Ethiopia.
Community-based cross-sectional study.
Ethiopia.
A weighted sample of 5341 adolescent girls.
A secondary analysis was conducted using the 2024 Ethiopian National Immunization Evaluation Survey dataset. A two-stage stratified sampling technique was used to select 467 enumeration areas (EAs). Within each EA, 30 households with adolescent girls aged 15–18 were systematically selected. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to identify individual-level and/or household-level, and community-level determinants. Associations were presented using adjusted ORs with 95% CIs and statistical significance was set at p
Individual and household-level determinants of HPV vaccine non-uptake include age 17–18 years (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.41; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.72), illiteracy (AOR=3.03; 95% CI 2.14 to 4.28), not currently attending school (AOR=2.84; 95% CI 2.24 to 3.60), poor knowledge (AOR=8.91; 95% CI 6.63 to 11.99), unfavourable attitude (AOR=4.24; 95% CI 3.34 to 5.37) and living in the poorest households (AOR=1.48; 95% CI 1.04 to 2.10). Community-level determinants were urban residence (AOR=1.40; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.95); and living in Addis Ababa (AOR=2.73; 95% CI 1.29 to 5.74), Afar (AOR=4.73; 95% CI 2.08 to 10.77), Dire Dawa (AOR=2.69; 95% CI 1.21 to 5.98), Harari (AOR=2.09; 95% CI 1.05 to 4.14) and Somali (AOR=3.68; 95% CI 1.61 to 8.38).
The determinants of HPV vaccine non-uptake were older age (17–18), illiteracy, school non-attendance, poor knowledge, unfavourable attitude, living in the poorest households, urban residence and living in Addis Ababa, Afar, Dire Dawa, Harari and Somali. The findings call for improved health literacy, knowledge and attitude through health extension programmes and targeted outreach in underserved urban and pastoralist settings.
The study aimed to assess the performance of active drug safety monitoring and management (aDSM) in the context of multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) treatment programmes to generate insights that could support potential scale-up efforts to strengthen the pharmacovigilance (PV) system in Ethiopia and beyond.
A cross-sectional study design was employed. The records of patients with MDR/RR-TB enrolled and treated at selected hospitals during April 2018 through February 2023 were reviewed. Data were collected using a structured data extraction form, and Research electronic Data Capture (REDCap) was used for data entry and management. The data were analysed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics.
The study was carried out at ten (10) public hospitals in Ethiopia.
A total of 1377 patients with MDR/RR-TB were included from 10 hospitals.
Out of the 1377 patients, the majority (59.3%) were males, and 39.9% were new to anti-TB treatment. Deviations from the schedule or missed safety monitoring and other investigations were observed. No records were available for monitoring adverse events (AEs) in 94 (6.8%) of the patients during their treatment follow-up. Overall, 455 (33.0%) patients experienced at least one AE during the treatment period. A total of 774 AE records were identified, of which 134 (17.3%) and 225 (29.1%) were serious adverse events (SAEs) and adverse events of special interest (AESI), respectively. Only 135 (17.4%) of all identified AEs were reported to the PV Centre, of which 70 (51.9%) and 48 (35.6%) were AESI and SAE, respectively. However, the trend of AE detection and reporting showed improvement over the surveyed aDSM implementation period.
Despite the implementation of aDSM, AE detection and reporting remained suboptimal in the MDR/RR-TB treatment cohort. Therefore, routine aDSM needs to be strengthened and consistently implemented to improve the national pharmacovigilance system and enhance patient safety monitoring and management.
by Mequanent Dessie Bitewa, Thomas Kidanemariam Yewodiaw, Aysheshim Asnake Abneh, Mikias Getahun Molla, Mulat Belay Simegn, Tadele Sinishaw Jemere, Mequannt Alemu Endayehu, Aysheshim Belaineh Haimanot, Werkneh Melkie Tilahun, Atirsaw Assefa Melikamu, Tadele Derbew Kassie
BackgroundCervical cancer is preventable, yet it remains a leading cause of cancer death in women. About 90% of cases and 94% of deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Limited access to screening drives high incidence and mortality. Screening is central to secondary prevention and global elimination efforts.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess determinants of cervical cancer screening among women aged 30–49 years in low- and middle-income countries: a multilevel analysis.
MethodsA cross-sectional study used nationally representative data from 148,605 weighted women aged 30–49 years in 20 LMICs (2019–2024). Multilevel logistic regression identified factors associated with cervical cancer screening while accounting for cluster-level variation. Statistical significance was set at p Result
Overall cervical cancer screening uptake was 14.03% (95% CI: 13.63–14.45%), ranging from 0.92% in Mauritania to 42.98% in Zambia. Higher screening was associated with older age 40–49 years (AOR = 1.48; 95% CI: 1.41–1.54), occupation (AOR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.10–1.21), contraceptive use (AOR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.31–1.44), recent health-facility visit (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.84–2.02), prior abortion (AOR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.22–1.34), female-headed households (AOR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05–1.18), high community education (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.49–1.79), and high media exposure (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI: 2.30–2.80). Lower uptake was observed among individuals in high-poverty communities (AOR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.57–0.68), higher parity (1–4 birth) (AOR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.78–0.94); (five or more births) (AOR=0.66 95% CI: 59–0.73), and those residing in rural areas (AOR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.82–0.97).
ConclusionCervical cancer screening uptake in LMICs is far below the WHO 2030 target, with wide country disparities. Socio-demographic factors, health-facility contact, and community education increase uptake, while poverty and geographic barriers reduce it. Integrating screening into routine reproductive and maternal care, strengthening community and media education, and addressing structural barriers to access are essential to improving coverage.
by Yeshwas Abite Workneh, Desye Melese Sisay, Abebaw Fekadu, Abraham Tesfaye Bika, Alemu Tekewe Mogus, Tesfaye Sisay Tessema
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) contributes substantially to liver cancer, related mortality, and liver transplantation worldwide. The small hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), particularly its major hydrophilic region (MHR) and the “a” determinant, is the primary target of serological diagnostics. However, escape mutant amino acid variants (EMAVs) within this region may reduce diagnostic specificity and sensitivity. In this study, publicly available HBsAg sequences were analyzed to determine the prevalence of EMAVs circulating in Ethiopia. We computationally designed three region-specific recombinant antigens (MeRPYS1, MeRPYS2, and MeRPYS3) by incorporating both wild-type and prevalent EMAV sequences. Linear and conformational B-cell epitopes, as well as T helper cell epitopes, were predicted for each antigen. Homology analyses were also performed to assess similarity to host proteins. Secondary and tertiary structures of the antigens were predicted to generate theoretical molecular models. Molecular docking analyses were performed to explore putative interaction patterns between each designed antigen and an anti-HBsAg-specific antibody. The predicted antigen–antibody complexes were further examined using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess their theoretical stability and behavior over time. The resulting simulations provide predictive computational insights into possible antigenic features and interaction tendencies of the designed constructs. These findings are intended to generate testable hypotheses and should be interpreted cautiously, as the study is limited to in silico analyses and requires experimental validation.by Alemu Ersino Ersado, Venkata Krishna Talluri
Land suitability analysis is a key approach for evaluating the potential of land resources for specific uses and for supporting sustainable agricultural planning. In Ethiopia, where agriculture forms the backbone of rural livelihoods, identifying suitable land for staple crops is essential to ensure food security and long-term productivity. This study evaluated the actual land suitability for enset (Ensete ventricosum) cultivation in the Hadiya Zone, Central Ethiopia, by systematically comparing the spatial distribution of key environmental factors with established enset crop requirement standards. For each parameter, spatial data were overlaid with enset-specific ecological thresholds derived from relevant literature and expert consultation. Based on the FAO land evaluation framework, all factors were classified into five suitability classes: Very Highly Suitable (S1), Highly Suitable (S2), Moderately Suitable (S3), Marginally Suitable (N1), and Permanently Not Suitable (N2), enabling the identification of spatial variability in enset suitability and supporting subsequent multi-criteria evaluation and weighted overlay analysis. The analysis evaluated criteria such as soil properties (type, depth, organic carbon content, pH, and texture), topographic situation (slope and elevation), climate variables (rainfall and temperature), and LULC. The integrated analysis revealed that enset cultivation is highly favorable across most of the study area, with 57.72% classified as highly suitable (S1), 36.89% as moderately suitable (S2), 0.16% as marginally suitable (S3), and 5.23% as currently not suitable (N1), while no areas were identified as permanently unsuitable (N2). Overall, the results highlight the strong natural potential of the Hadiya Zone for enset cultivation, although localized constraints related to soil fertility, water availability, and slope conditions may require targeted management interventions.To determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP), potentially inappropriate medication (PIM), potential prescription omission (PPO), potentially harmful drug–drug interactions (PDDI) and identify associated factors among older Ethiopians.
Systematic review and meta-analysis
We searched PubMed, HINARI, Scopus and Web of Science databases to identify eligible studies published up to 31 October 2025.
Observational studies reported the prevalence of PIP, PIM, PPO and PDDI among older adults from any healthcare settings were screened.
Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. The quality and risk of bias of the studies were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale and Hoy risk of bias tool, respectively, while the certainty of evidence of outcomes was assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation based on Cochrane recommendations. We used a random-effects model for analyses to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors. All data analyses were done using Stata V.17 software.
The national prevalence of PIP, PIM, PPO and PDDI was estimated as main outcomes. Variations were estimated based on regions, age groups, outcome evaluation tool, disease type and healthcare setting.
The review included 25 studies (n=5662 participants) for PIP or PIM, 14 studies (n=2706 participants) for PDDI and 6 studies (n=1342 participants) for PPO. The pooled prevalence estimate was 41% (95% CI 33% to 48%), I2=96.87% for PIP, 37% (95% CI 31% to 44%), I2=96.33% for PIM, 55% (95% CI 36% to 73%), I2=99.00% for PDDI and 14% (95% CI 6% to 24%), I2=95.07% for PPO. The majority of the studies have very good quality (very good=13, good=1, satisfactory=11 for PIP and PIM; very good=11, satisfactory=3 for PDDI; very good=6 for PPO) and low risk of bias (low risk=18, moderate risk=7 for PIP and PIM; low risk=12, moderate risk=2 for PDDI and low risk=6 for PPO), while all studies for each outcome have low certainty of evidence. Subgroup analyses revealed significant regional and contextual variations. Polypharmacy was significantly associated with PIP (OR=3.72, 95% CI 2.53 to 5.46, p2=69.56%), PIM (OR=4.20, 95% CI 2.91 to 6.06, p2=57.83%) and PDDI (OR=4.51, 95% CI 3.05 to 6.69, p2=0.00%), while hypertension (OR=2.46, 95% CI 1.38 to 4.36, p2=0.00%) was associated with PIP.
This review found a high prevalence of PIP, PIM, PDDI and PPO among older adults in Ethiopia, with notable heterogeneity across regions. Polypharmacy was associated with PIP, PIM and PDDI, while hypertension showed association with PIP. Despite generally good study quality, the certainty of evidence was low for the included studies due to the cross-sectional design nature, with high heterogeneity. Therefore, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. This study indicates a high burden of inappropriate medication prescribing and its associated factors, underscoring the importance of further robust studies to clarify prescribing practices and associated factors.
CRD42024556744.
by Berihun Agegn Mengistie, Getie Mihret Aragaw, Tazeb Alemu Anteneh, Kindu Yinges Wondie, Alemneh Tadesse Kassie, Alemken Eyayu Abuhay, Wondimnew Mersha Biset, Gebrye Gizaw Mulatu, Nuhamin Tesfa Tsega
BackgroundPrecancerous cervical lesions, or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), represent a significant precursor to cervical cancer, posing a considerable threat to women’s health globally, particularly in developing countries. In Africa, the burden of premalignant cervical lesions is not well studied. Therefore, the main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the overall prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions and identifying determinants among women who underwent cervical cancer screening in Africa.
MethodsThis study followed the Preferred Reporting Item Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The protocol for this systematic review and meta-analysis was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (ID: CRD42025645427). We carried out a systematic and comprehensive search on electronic databases such as PubMed and Hinari. In addition, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect were utilized to find relevant studies related to precancerous cervical lesions. Data from the included studies were extracted using an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using STATA version 17. The methodological quality of the eligible studies was examined using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) assessment tool. Publication bias was checked by using the funnel plot and Egger’s tests. A random-effects model using the Der Simonian Laird method was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of pre-cancerous cervical lesions in Africa. The I-squared and Cochrane Q statistics were used to assess the level of statistical heterogeneity among the included studies.
ResultsA total of 112 eligible articles conducted in Africa, encompassing 212,984 study participants, were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Thus, the pooled prevalence of pre-cancerous cervical lesions in Africa was 17.06% (95% confidence interval: 15.47%−18.68%). In this review, having no formal education (AOR = 4.07, 95% CI: 1.74, 9.53), being rural dweller(AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.64, 3.46), history of STIs (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI: 2.97, 5.23), history of having multiple partners (AOR = 2.73, 95% CI: 2.28, 3.28), early initiation of coitus (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI: 2.11, 3.62), being HIV-seropositive women (AOR = 3.33, 95% CI: 2.32, 4.78), a CD4 count Conclusions
In Africa, the overall prevalence of pre-cancerous cervical lesions is high (17%). The findings of this review highlight that health professionals, health administrators, and all other concerned bodies need to work in collaboration to expand comprehensive cervical cancer screening methods in healthcare facilities for early detection and treatment of cervical lesions. In addition, increasing community awareness and health education, expanding visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid in rural areas, offering special attention to high-risk groups (HIV-positive women), encouraging adherence to antiretroviral therapy for HIV-positive women, overcoming risky sexual behaviors and practices, and advocating early detection and treatment of precancerous cervical lesions.
by Getaneh Alemu, Endalkachew Nibret, Abaineh Munshea, Melaku Anegagrie, Arancha Amor
BackgroundDespite many years of intervention measures, schistosomiasis (SCH) remains a public health problem in Ethiopia. Health education and promotion enable community involvement and active participation in SCH control and prevention. Therefore, it is considered as one of the key strategies to prevent and control SCH in Ethiopia. However, comprehensive data on the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of vulnerable populations towards the disease are lacking. Therefore, we reviewed the existing KAP studies in Ethiopia.
MethodsStudies conducted in Ethiopia and published between 2006 and 2023 were searched and reviewed from January to April 2024. Electronic literature searches were made in PubMed, Hinari, African Journal Online and Google Scholar using the keywords “Schistosomiasis, Schistosoma, Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma haematobium, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Perception, Belief, Ethiopia” by combining them with Boolean operators (AND, OR). The review was conducted according to the Arksey and O’Malley Framework for scoping reviews, and studies were selected based on the PRISMA guidelines. Thematic analysis was applied to summarize, synthesize and report results.
ResultsTen studies that recruited 4,763 participants were included in the present review. Knowledge gaps on the source of Schistosoma infection, transmission, morbidity, treatment, and prevention in Ethiopia were identified. Studies have found large differences in attitudes toward SCH in terms of the population at risk, the severity of the disease, and beliefs in the availability and success of its treatment and prevention. Furthermore, in most studies included in this review, the majority of participants had negative attitudes towards SCH. The majority of participants also engaged in risky water-related practices, which facilitated the ongoing transmission of SCH. KAP levels among community members, school-aged children, and mothers/caregivers of preschool-aged children showed no significant differences.
ConclusionsThe results of this systematic review showed that the KAP level is inadequate despite health education platforms that have been established and implemented for many years. Therefore, we recommend strengthening the implementation of health education and continuous monitoring of SCH prevention and control activities.
This study aimed to assess the prevalence of eye care service utilisation and associated factors among healthcare professionals in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia.
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a systematic random sampling method.
The study was conducted at public healthcare facilities in Gondar city, orthwest Ethiopia.
The study included 607 healthcare professionals who worked in public healthcare facilities in Gondar ity.
Data were collected using personal interview using a pretested and structured questionnaire.
A total of 607 study participants took part in this study with a response rate of 91.97%. The median age of the participants was 32 years (IQR 30–36; range ±6). The proportion of eye care services utilisation in this study was 27.68% (95% CI 24.11% to 31.25%). Being masters or higher degree educational status (adjusted OR (AOR)=4.81, 95% CI: 2.01, 11.46), having more than ten years of working experience in healthcare (AOR3.01, 95% CI: 1.51 to 5.99), being affiliated with general hospital (AOR 4.02, 95% CI 1.51 to 10.68) and specialised hospital (AOR 3.02, 95% CI 1.55 to 5.89), obtaining prior eye healthcare training (AOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.00) and having a higher monthly household income (AOR 3.59, 95% CI 1.89 to 6.81) were positively associated with eye care service utilisation.
This study revealed that the proportion of eye care service utilisation among study participants was low. Holding a master or higher degree, more than 10 years of working experience in healthcare, affiliation with general or specialised healthcare facility, obtaining prior eye healthcare training and higher monthly household income were significantly associated with a good level of eye care service utilisation.
Shift work sleep disorder is a circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder characterised by insomnia and/or excessive sleepiness associated with a shift work schedule that overlaps with habitual sleep time. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of shift work sleep disorders and associated factors among healthcare professionals working at Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia.
Institutional-based cross-sectional study.
Tertiary hospital in Southwest Ethiopia.
The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire from health professionals recruited using a simple random sampling technique.
Shift work-sleep disorder was assessed by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, the Insomnia Severity Index and/or the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between the predictor and the outcome variable. The ORs and 95% CIs were determined. Variables with a p value
370 participants were involved in the study, yielding a response rate of 97.6%. The prevalence of shift work sleep disorder was 35.9% (n=133). Working in three shifts (Adjusted OR (AOR) 3.25, 95% CI=1.92 to 5.57), more than 11-night shifts per month (AOR 2.83, 95% CI=1.49 to 5.37), absence of nap (AOR 2, 95% CI=1.14 to 3.52), stress (AOR 4.4, 95% CI=2.36 to 8.2), fatigue (AOR 2.7, 95% CI=1.26 to 3.73), alcohol (AOR 3.9, 95% CI=1.79 to 8.47) and khat (AOR 4.40, 95% CI=1.76 to 10.96) use in the last 3 months was significantly associated with shift work sleep disorder.
One in three healthcare professionals working at Jimma University Medical Center had a sleep disorder related to shift work. Working in three shifts per day, having more than 11-night shifts per month, lack of naps, presence of stress, fatigue and substance use were found to be associated with shift work sleep disorder.
FreshRSS 