Conectar
by Kasiye Shiferaw, Gari Hunduma, Yadeta Dessie, Tesfaye Assebe Yadeta, Biftu Geda, Negussie Deyessa
BackgroundGlobal adolescent-level food insecurity (AFI) and common mental disorders (CMD) represent a significant public health burden. While household-level food security is known to be associated with mental health disorders, there is a dearth of evidence regarding the specific association between AFI and CMDs in Ethiopia, particularly in the Harari Regional State.
MethodsA school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 3,326 adolescents in the Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia, utilizing a multistage sampling strategy stratified by locality and school type. Data were collected using validated scales adapted from previous studies, including the HFIAS for adolescent-level food insecurity, KIDSCREEN-10 for health-related quality of life, the Rosenberg Scale for self-esteem, and the SDQ-25 for CMDs. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire translated into Amharic and Afan Oromo and pre-tested for validity. A guided self-administration approach was employed by eight trained BSc nurses and psychiatric nurses. All data collectors and supervisors underwent rigorous training to ensure data quality. Questionnaires were subjected to daily checks for completeness during fieldwork, and double data entry was utilized for final validations and accuracy. Data were analysed using STATA version 16.1. Prior to analysis, data were screened for outliers, missing values, and normality. The structural equation model (SEM) demonstrated a good fit to the data (RMSEA = 0.03, CFI = 0.90, TLI = 0.89 and SRMR = 0.05), confirming the structural integrity of the model prior to the interpretation of path coefficients. We conducted SEM using maximum likelihood estimation after adjusting for relevant covariates.
ResultsThe descriptive results revealed that 14.50% of adolescents experienced moderate-to-severe food insecurity, while the prevalence of CMDs was 22.93%. Several factors were significantly associated with the prevalence of CMDs. AFI was linked to a higher likelihood of CMDs (β = 0.20, P Conclusion
AFI significantly predicts the occurrence of CMDs. A relationship is further driven by poor quality of life, diminished self-esteem, substance use, and financial instability. The study highlights the need for tailored interventions to tackle these functional drivers, suggesting that addressing food insecurity and its associated psychosocial factors is essential to reduce adolescents’ CMD burden.
While improvements have been made across the HIV care continuum in South Africa, gaps remain. Relationship-focused couples-based approaches may be one avenue to improve HIV-related outcomes for men and women. Prior couples-based studies have been found to improve several HIV care and treatment outcomes in this context, but few have considered viral suppression as the primary outcome. We aimed to compare a couples-based motivational-interviewing intervention delivered to couples to similar content delivered to men and women in couples separately. We will test the efficacy of this approach in a randomised controlled trial.
Our goal is to enrol 270 heterosexual couples for this trial, with at least one partner living with HIV. Couples will be randomised into one of two arms, stratified by couples’ HIV status. The intervention arm, Simunye (‘We are one’ in isiZulu), will provide two sessions of motivational information and skills regarding HIV-related behaviours to couples together, along with relationship-focused content and skills. The content is based on Partner Steps (P-steps), a couples-focused adaptation of Life Steps, an evidence-based programme shown to improve adherence and viral suppression. The control group will receive two sessions as individuals, with similar HIV-related information but without relationship-focused content. Participants will be followed up at 6, 12 and 18 months postrandomisation. The baseline questionnaire will include measures of relationship domains such as satisfaction and communication, and measures pertaining to HIV and reproductive health (eg, fertility intentions, HIV knowledge and risk perception, and sexual behaviour), and mental health (eg, depression symptoms). The primary outcome is viral suppression, based on dried blood spots. Secondary outcomes will include other aspects of treatment engagement. We will also examine hypothesised mediators of intervention participation, for example, relationship dynamics. Primary analyses will use a multilevel modelling approach, which will feature planned time-averaged comparisons of postbaseline measurements across the intervention and control groups to test the primary hypothesis. The analysis will account for the dyadic nature of the data, for example, participants nested within couples.
This trial was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at the Human Sciences Research Council in South Africa, protocol number 2/27/01/21, and the IRB at the University of Michigan (HUM 00203672). Human subjects’ concerns or adverse events will be reported to both IRBs and the Data Safety and Monitoring Board. We will disseminate findings to community members and stakeholders via community meetings, as well as by conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Clinicaltrials.gov Protocol Registration NCT05231707 registered on 8 February 2022. Protocol version 2.0, 31 October 2025.
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.The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has offered a great promise to reduce the cervical cancer burden, yet its uptake remains limited, and the current evidence is mixed and inconclusive. This study aims to assess HPV vaccine uptake and its associated factors among adolescent school girls.
A school-based cross-sectional study.
Schools in Harari regional state, Eastern Ethiopia.
total of 416 female adolescent students, from 1 April 2024 to 30 April 2024.
Uptake of HPV vaccination.
A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select study participants. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected data were entered into Epidata V.3.1 and analysed by using STATA V.17.0. A logistic regression model was used to assess the associations between dependent and independent variables. An adjusted OR with 95% CIs was used to declare a significant association.
Adolescent girls’ uptake of the HPV vaccine was 49.26% (95% CI 42.65% to 56.59%) Being urban residents (AOR=2.59; 95% CI 1.61 to 4.18), having a government-employed mother (AOR=2.60; 95% CI 1.12 to 6.05), availability of health promotion in their vicinity (AOR=4.17; 95% CI 2.01 to 8.66), having a good knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV infection (AOR=1.64; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.57) were significantly associated with uptake of HPV vaccine
Nearly half of the eligible in-school adolescent girls received the HPV vaccine. Being an urban resident, having a government-employed mother, the availability of health promotion in their vicinity, and having a good knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV infection were significantly associated with the uptake of HPV vaccination. Expanding health promotion and raising awareness of cervical cancer and HPV infection among rural adolescents could increase HPV vaccine uptake.
To assess the early risk of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) among adult patients with diabetes and to identify clinical and behavioural correlates associated with DFU risk using Inlow’s 60-Second Screening Tool.
A cross-sectional analytical study.
Conducted at a tertiary-level referral hospital in Southwest Ethiopia.
The study included 164 adult patients with diabetes (aged ≥18 years) who attended routine follow-up visits at the diabetic clinic between February and March 2025. Patients who were critically ill, unable to communicate during data collection or pregnant were excluded. The median age of participants was 55 years (IQR 46–60), and 54.9% were male.
The primary outcome was early DFU risk, categorised as ‘at risk’ or ‘not at risk’ using Inlow’s 60-Second Screening Tool. Secondary outcomes included factors associated with DFU risk, such as glycaemic control, lipid profile and foot care practices.
Of the 164 participants, 32.3% (n=53) were found to be at risk for DFU. Participants who performed foot self-checks infrequently had more than threefold higher odds of DFU risk compared with those who practiced daily foot care (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.35; 95% CI 1.48 to 7.58; p=0.004). Poor glycaemic control (AOR=2.39; 95% CI 1.03 to 5.55; p=0.042) and dyslipidaemia (AOR=2.63; 95% CI 1.18 to 5.85; p=0.018) were also significantly associated with increased DFU risk.
Nearly one-third of patients with diabetes in this Ethiopian hospital setting were at early risk for DFU. Factors such as inadequate foot care, poor glycaemic control and dyslipidaemia were associated with increased risk. Incorporating rapid foot screening tools like Inlow’s 60-Second assessment into routine diabetes care, together with strengthened patient education and metabolic management, may help reduce the risk of DFU in resource-limited settings.
Current pharmacological treatment options for painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) often fail to provide adequate pain relief. However, in the recent SENZA-PDN study, high-frequency 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation (SCS) demonstrated significant long-term improvements in lower limb pain and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a PDN population. Furthermore, more than half of 10 kHz SCS recipients showed improved sensory function based on non-blinded clinical assessments in post hoc analysis. We report the design of the PDN-Sensory study, which aims to evaluate changes in pain and neurological function with 10 kHz SCS in the treatment of PDN. The study will include objective measures of neurological function, including the modified Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (mTCNS) and intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD).
This multicentre, prospective, randomised controlled trial will compare conventional medical management (CMM) with 10 kHz SCS+CMM in individuals with diabetes and chronic, intractable lower limb pain due to PDN. Participants will be randomised 1:1 to CMM alone or 10 kHz SCS+CMM, with optional crossover at 6 months. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants at 6 months achieving ≥50% pain relief from baseline. The key secondary endpoint is the proportion of participants at 6 months with a reduction in mTCNS of ≥3 points from baseline (excluding changes in foot pain). Additional endpoints at 6 and 12 months include changes from baseline in mTCNS, IENFD, 7-day averaged pain score, pain-related interference, HRQoL, sleep, psychological outcomes, functional status and metabolic parameters.
The study protocol received central approval from the Western Institutional Review Board (IRB #20230954). Local IRB approval will be required before initiation of the study at each participating clinical site. The study complies with Good Clinical Practice guidelines (ISO 14155), the Declaration of Helsinki, and all applicable national, federal and local regulatory requirements. Dissemination plans include presentations at national and international conferences and publication in a peer-reviewed journal with open access.
by Werku Etafa, Wandimu Muche, Dereje Temesgen, Dawit Tesfaye
BackgroundChildren’s environmental health encompasses a wide range of factors that impact the well-being of children, including physical, chemical, biological, and social elements in their immediate environment. Safeguarding children from harmful substances is the crucial role of nursing students. Nursing students play a vital role as valuable resources for individuals, families, communities, and policymakers. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and skills of nursing students concerning children’s environmental health at academic institutions delivering nursing programs in Nekemte town, Ethiopia.
MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Nekemte town from 1st to 30th August, 2023, among 634 randomly selected nursing students using standardized questionnaires: Children’s Environmental Health Knowledge and Skills Questionnaire (ChEHK-Q and ChEHS-Q). Data were entered into Epi Data 3.1 and analyzed in SPSS 25, with linear regression applied to identify predictors of knowledge and skills at 95%CI and p-value Results
Most nursing students had insufficient and poor knowledge (79%) of children’s environmental health, and over a third (34%) showed insufficient skills. The study also found a reciprocal relationship: students’ skills (β = 0.03, CI: 1.01–1.04, p = 0.01) and age (β = 0.06, CI: 1.02–1.10, p = 0.001) predicted their knowledge, while knowledge (β = 0.06, CI: 1.01–1.11, p = 0.01) and age (β = 0.05, CI: 1.02–1.09, p = 0.002) predicted their skills.
ConclusionsThe study concludes that nursing students possess limited knowledge and skills in children’s environmental health. It is suggested to integrate children’s environmental health into nursing curricula, strengthening pediatric and neonatal education, and conduct further research to address the gap.
Low back pain (LBP) is a common occupational health problem among academic staff, often associated with prolonged sitting, poor ergonomics and psychosocial stress. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of LBP and its associated factors among academic staff at a university in Ethiopia.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among academic staff at the University of Gondar (Gondar, Ethiopia) using simple random sampling from March to April 2021.
A total of 607 workers participated in the study.
A self-administered, structured Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was used to assess the occurrences of LBP over the past 12 months. Data were analysed using Stata (V.14), and associations between variables were examined using binary logistic regression. Results are presented as adjusted ORs (AOR) with 95% CIs, with statistical significance set at p
The prevalence of LBP in the last 7 days was 44.8% (95% CI 40.8% to 48.86%), and over the past 12 months it was 55.68% (95% CI 51.63% to 59.68%). A significant difference in 7-day prevalence was observed between female and male participants (39.86% vs 15.81%, respectively; ² = 0.887; p=0.02). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, being female was associated with higher odds of LBP (AOR=1.72; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.57; p=0.009), as was working more than 8 hours per day (AOR=1.45; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.10; p=0.038), physical inactivity (AOR=1.88; 95% CI 1.30 to 2.72; p=0.001) and prolonged standing during work hours (AOR=1.63; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.59; p=0.036).
The prevalence of LBP among academic staff is high. Targeted interventions are recommended to address LBP, focusing on gender-sensitive strategies to mitigate the additional burden on female staff, time management to reduce long working hours and workplace programmes to limit sedentary behaviour, encourage physical activity and improve ergonomic awareness.
FreshRSS 