bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Psychological Distress among Nurses in Public Hospitals, Southwest, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional Study
Authors: Alemayehu Sayih Belay  , Melak Menberu Guangul  , Wondwossen Niguse Asmare  , Gebremeskel Mesafint
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND፡ Psychological distress is a state of emotional suffering and also characterized by somatic symptoms. Health care workers more prone psychological distress than general population. However, little attention was paid on psychological distress among nurses particularly in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the prevalence of psychological distress and its’ associated factors among nurses in public hospitals, Southwest Ethiopia.METHOD: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1st, 2018 to April 1st, 2018. All 282 eligible nurses in the selected public hospitals were enrolled. Data was collected using the predesigned tool like Self-Reporting Questionnaire version 20. Data were entered using EPI INFO version 7 and was exported to statistical packages for social science (SPSS) version 21.0 for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was employed and variables with a P-value of < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.RESULT: A total of 282 eligible nurses were enrolled in the study with mean age of 28.71 [SD ±7.047]. The prevalence of psychological distress among nurses was 78(27.7%). Predictor variables like; nurses with job title of staff nurse, less working experience, poor interaction with staffs, fatigue, poor social support, perfectionism, and insomnia were more prone to develop the psychological distress.CONCLUSION: The study revealed that a considerable proportion of nurses had psychological distress. Therefore, it needs to develop psychological support strategies to improve the mental health resilience of nurses.
Non O1/ O139 Vibrio Cholerae Septicemia in a Patient with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Arun Sachu  , Deepak Johnson  , Sabu Thomas  , Renu Mathew
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: An elderly male with underlying Hepatocellular carcinoma came with history of fall with head and ear trauma, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue. Patient died within hours due to Septic shock Blood culture grew Non O1/O139 Vibrio cholerae which was later found to be non-toxigenic. This was a lethal case of non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae sepsis and we focus on the dilemmas in identification and management of this rare bacterium.
Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 Using Traditional and Folk Medicine: A Content Analysis Study
Authors: Nazi Nejat  , Ali Jadidi  , Ali Khanmohamadi Hezave  , Ali Khanmohamadi Hezave  , Seyed Mohamad Aghae Pour
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND፡ Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease with no specific and definitive drug treatment. With the COVID-19 outbreak, traditional and folk methods were used for its treatment. This study was conducted to explore people’s experiences of using traditional and folk medicine for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 in Iran.METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted on 37 people in Arak (Iran) from May to November 2020 using a conventional content analysis approach. The participants were selected using cluster sampling and interviewed using semistructured telephone interviews. After transcribing the interviews, they were analyzed using content analysis. Accordingly, semantic units were identified, related codes were extracted and placed in subcategories and categories based on similarities, and themes were formed. The interviews continued until data saturation.RESULTS: After analyzing the collected data, 116 different codes were extracted and classified into two subcategories of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. Then, each of the subcategories was classified into two categories: conventional medicine and traditional medicine. Finally, two main themes were obtained, including prevention methods and self-treatment methods for COVID-19.CONCLUSION: People use various traditional and folk methods for COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Such methods can be either useful or lack the necessary effectiveness and have side effects. Thus, necessary training should be provided to the public about using these methods and avoiding unapproved treatments.
Emergency Medical Technicians’ Experiences of the Challenges of Prehospital Care Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mohammad Parvaresh-Masoud  , Masoomeh Imanipour  , Mohammad Ali Cheraghi
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Exploring emergency medical technicians’ (EMTs) experiences of COVID-19 epidemic, help to identify the challenges they face in their daily work and develop strategies that address these challenges. This study aimed to explore EMTs’ experiences of the challenges of prehospital care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted in March–July 2020 using conventional content analysis approach. Fifteen EMTs were purposively selected from the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Center in Qom, Iran. For data collection, semistructured interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached.RESULTS: EMTs’ experiences of the challenges of prehospital care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic were classified into three main categories including "restless society", "difficult care delivery conditions", and "unprepared organization". The emergent subcategories were "need for information", "limitedperception of the COVID-19 risk", "obsessive use of disinfectants", "fear over the transmission of COVID-19 to self and others", "burnout due to heavy workload", "altered communication with hospital staff", "ethical conflicts", "lack of a definite treatment plan", "lack of protective equipment", "staff shortage due to the affliction of EMTs by COVID-19", and "inadequate support by authorities".CONCLUSION: During COVID-19 pandemics, EMTs face many challenges including emotional and occupational stress, social strains, risk of affliction by infections, heavy workload, and ethical conflicts and hence, experience difficulties in quality care delivery. Developing appropriate strategies, guidelines, and policies are needed to effectively manage these challenges and improve the quality of prehospital care delivery in COVID-19 epidemic.
Rural-Urban Differentials in Access to Behaviour Change Communication and Use of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets and Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy in Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Chidiebere A. Nwachukwu  , Luke I. Anorue  , Ijeoma D. Ajaero
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND፡ As Malaria continues to take a heavy toll on the life and economy of Nigerians, The National Malaria Elimination Programme uses behaviour change communication (BCC) to promote the use of Long-Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets (LLIN) and Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) to combat malaria. This study examined the impact of BCC on the use of LLIN and ACT in Southeast Nigeria.METHODS: A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 480 respondents in urban and rural communities across five states. Analysis of data was done using percentages, chi-square and logistic regression.RESULTS: Findings showed weak effect of BCC on LLIN and ACT use despite achieving high (93.75%) exposure. Only 45.1% and 45.7% of the respondents used LLIN and ACT respectively. Urban residents were found to sleep under LLINs and use ACTs more than rural dwellers. Regression results showed that newspapers (OR=1.341) and the Internet (OR=3.216) increased the odds of LLIN use in the rural areas and magazines (OR=1.837) in the urban areas. Television (OR=2.375; P=0.002) and the Internet (OR=6.063; P=0.001) increased the odds of ACT use in the urban areas. Education was found to be a positive predictor of LLIN use in the rural (OR=4.645; P=0.011) and urban areas (OR=6.102) as well as ACT use in the rural (OR=7.268; p=0.002) and urban areas (0R=6.145; P=0.009).
CONCLUSION: Access to behaviour change communication though very high has not achieved the desired behaviour change. The National Malaria Elimination Programme should produce appropriate messages to address barriers to LLIN and ACT use.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among Children Aged 6-17 Years in North Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Getaneh Baye Mulu  , Ahmed Yimam Mohammed  , Worku Misganaw Kebede  , Bantalem Tilaye Atinafu  , Fetene Nigussie Tarekegn  , Hana Nigussie Teshome  , Mesfin Tadese  , Abate Dargie Wubetu
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the public neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impulsivity and restlessness or hyperactivity. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and its associated factors among children aged 6 to 17 years in Shewa Robit town, Northeastern Ethiopia,2020.METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 365 children aged 6-17 years from Feb 1-March 30, 2020, at Shewa Robit town. Systematic random sampling was employed to select study participants. Data were collected by interview using structured and pretested questionnaires. Finally, data was entered using Epi-data 4.2 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify associated factors of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Odds ratios with 95% CI were calculated, and variables having a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULT: The prevalence of ADHD among children aged 6 to 17 years was 13%. Financial crises [AOR 4.76(95% CI 1.51-15.05)], children a previous history of the mental problem [AOR 8.45(95% CI 1.24-57.43)], C/S delivery [AOR 6.38(95% CI 1.26-32.26)] and substance use in life [AOR 2.43(95% CI 1.09-5.43)] were significantly associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ADHD in children 6 to 17 years old was high (13%). Financial crises, children's history of mental disorders, C/S delivery, and lifetime substance use were significantly associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Therefore, particular attention should be given to mothers and children with significant factors.
The Relationship between Resilience and Moral Distress among Iranian Critical Care Nurses: A Cross-sectional Correlational Study
Authors: Fateme Talebian  , Abolfazl Hosseinnataj  , Tahereh Yaghoubi
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Critical care nurses usually experience high levels of moral distress due to the nature of their work. Resilience in critical care nurses can potentially facilitate effective adaptation to physical and emotional burden of caring for critically ill patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between resilience and moral distress among Iranian critical care nurses.METHODS: In this cross-sectional correlational study, 144 critical care nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs) of five teaching hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, were selected randomly, from July to October 2020. Data were collected using a 36 item moral distress questionnaire and a 25-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient using SPSS 21 software.RESULTS: The mean score of moral distress in nurses was 66.93±2.47 and 95.8% of nurses had low-level moral distress. The mean score of resilience in nurses was 90.66±10.92 and 73.6% of nurses had high levels of resilience. There was a statistically significant relationship between the scores of moral distress and resilience. Also, there was a significant positive relationship between work experience and two subscales of resilience as "trust in individual instincts, tolerance of negative emotions" and "impact of spirituality" (p<0.001).CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicated a positive correlation between resilience and moral distress in nurses working in ICUs. It seems that when moral distress increases, critical care nurses increasingly use the mechanism of resilience for better permanence and active presence in the organization.
Latin American Scientific Production on COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Ronald M. Hernández  , Renzo Felipe Carranza Esteban  , Oscar Mamani- Benito  , Josué Edison Turpo Chaparro  , Miguel A. Saavedra-López  , Xiomara M. Calle-Ramirez  , Margarita Wong-Fajardo  , Osmer Campos-Ugaz
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is a worldwide health crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic; consequently, it is necessary to find effective vaccines in order to immunize the population and prevent the transmission of the disease. Likewise, it is important to know vaccine progress and efficacy research, mainly in Latin American countries where no studies have been conducted yet to know the scientific production on COVID-19.METHODS: A retrospective and descriptive study was carried out and COVID-19 vaccine publications in Scopus-indexed journals were considered as a unit of analysis for the period between 2020 and June 2021, with authors affiliated to Latin American institutions.Results: We found 141 published Scopus-indexed COVID-19 vaccine articles with authors affiliated to Latin American institutions. Brazil has the highest scientific production with 33.33%, followed by Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Chile. Regarding productivity by institution, 137 international institutions have participated in the Latin American COVID-19 vaccine production. The journals with the highest number of published articles are Vaccines and Vaccine. Both journals are located in Q1 of the SJR. The most frequently used descriptor was coronavirusdisease 2019.CONCLUSION: The Latin American scientific production on COVID-19 vaccines included 141 published Scopus-indexed articles. Likewise, Brazil is the Latin American country with the highest scientific production.
Magnitude of HIV Infection and Associated Factors among Female Sex Workers at Hawassa, Ethiopia
Authors: Getahun Hilemeskel Alemu  , Deresse Daka Gidebo  , Musa Mohammed Ali
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: HIV is among one of the most serious public health problems. Low-income countries are highly affected by Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV). The burden of HIV varies across various segments of the population. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of HIV infection and associated factors among female sex workers (FSWs).METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 381 FSWs at Integrated Service on Health and Development Organization (ISHDO) located in Hawassa city from July to November 2018. Socio-demographic and related data were collected using a structured questionnaire. About 5 ml of venous blood was collected from study participants; serum was prepared and tested for HIV using the 4th generation Microlisa HIV assay. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 21; binary and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine factors associated with HIV infection among FSWs. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS: The prevalence of HIV among FSWs at ISHDO, Hawassa was 19.9% [95% CI: 16, 24.4].Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV among FSWs at ISHDO, Hawassa was relatively high compared to national and regional reports. In this study, none of the factors assessed were significantly associated with HIV infection.
Modeling Time to Cure of Deep Vein Thrombosis Using Cox Proportional Model in Southwest of Ethiopia
Authors: Gurmessa Nugussu Gelcho  , Mosisa Girma Bekele
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Globally, there are about 10 million cases of deep vein thrombosis every year, and it is the third leading cardiovascular disease after myocardial infarction and stroke. The objective of the study is to assess risk factors of time to cure patients of deep vein thrombosis in southwest Ethiopia.METHODS: A retrospective cohort study design was used. The study population was deep vein thrombosis patients at purposively selected hospitals in Southwest Ethiopia from January 2017 to December 2020. Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify risk factors associated with deep vein thrombosis.RESULTS: Out of the total 1068 registered as deep vein thrombosis patients, 263(24.6%) were cured during the study period, and 805(75.4%) were censored. Results of the Cox proportional hazard model show that; age, gender, family history of deep vein thrombosis, smoking status, immobilize and alcohol consumption were factors associated with deep vein thrombosis (p-value<0.05).CONCLUSION: The patients with a family history of deep vein thrombosis, prolonged immobilization, greater the 50 years, smoking cigarettes, female (non-pregnant) and alcohol users had a longer curing time of deep vein thrombosis compared to others.
Clinical Profiles and Surgical Outcome of Hypospadias Repair at a Teaching Hospital in Ethiopia
Authors: Maru Gama  , Birhan Abitew  , Kirubel Abebe
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Hypospadias repair is one of the commonest and challenging surgery done in pediatric age groups. This study was conducted to assess clinical profiles and surgical outcomes of hypospadias repair.METHODS: A retrospective analysis of pediatric hypospadias repairs at St. Paul’s hospital millennium medical college from September 2015 to August 2019 was conducted.RESULTS: A total of 277 patients with hypospadias repair were investigated. The mean age was 3.7+/- 3.5 years (Range, 0.5-14 years) and only one-third (98,35.4%%) of patients were operated on in the recommended age group (6-18 months). Anterior/distal hypospadias was the commonest (123,44.4%) variant identified. The majority (176,63.5%) had chordee and 105(37.9%) were severe forms. Tubularized incised plate repair was the major (164,59.2%) surgical technique employed followed by staged urethroplasty (61,22%). Post-operative complications occurred in 135(48.7%) patients and the commonest was urethrocutanous fistula (95,34.3%). No significant correlation was found betweenthe occurrence of these complications and factors such as age at repair, the severity of hypospadias, presence of concomitant urogenital anomaly, type of procedure and duration of urinary diversion. However, the presence of severe chordee (AOR=3.09; 95%CI 1.21-7.54; p=0.013) was an independent factor found to be associated with postoperative complications on multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION: Higher rate of complications following hypospadias repair was observed in our study. Our study also demonstrated no significant advantage of any repair technique in reducing operative complications. Extensive preoperative evaluation, proper operative plan and regular follow-up of such patients is paramount for a better outcome.
Prevalence of COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects among Early-Vaccinated Healthcare Workers in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Godana Jarso  , Wassie Gebi  , Meyrema Abdo  , Misgana Lemma  , Endashaw Abebe  , Bekana Lemessa  , Biniyam Tefera Deressa
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: The Ministry of Health of Ethiopia launched the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in March 2021, with frontline healthcare workers as first-round recipients and a goal of vaccinating 20% of the population by the end of 2021. The study aims to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination side effects among early vaccinated healthcare workers in Adama hospital medical college.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out between March and June 2021, following the vaccination of COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in Adama hospital medical college. The study used a structured self-administered questionnaire and additional telephone surveys on items covering the participants’ demographic data, local and systemic manifestations after vaccination.RESULTS: A total of 540 health care workers and supportive staff were enrolled in this study. The overall any-symptom report after the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV- 19 vaccine was 84.3%. The majority (39.6%) of participants had both systemic and local symptoms and 25.7% had only local and 18.9% had only systemic symptoms. Injection site pain was the most prevalent side effect symptom (64.1%), followed by fatigue (35.7%), headache (28.9%),joint pain (26.5%), and muscle pain (21.5%).CONCLUSION: Vaccine side effects were common and found to be well-tolerated among the recipients of the first dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 at Adama hospital medical college healthcare workers. The side effects were mainly mild to moderate. More side-effect profiles should be studied and disseminated to detect rare adverse reactions.
Pyogenic Liver Abscess Presenting as an Initial Manifestation of Underlying Hepatocellular Cancer: A Case Report in Ethiopia
Authors: Hailemichael Desalegn  , AyantuTesfaye  , Paulos Shume
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: An adult patient presented with right abdominal pain and fever to a primary care physician and abdominal ultrasound was performed. With an initial diagnosis of a liver abscess, he was discharged from the hospital after treatment with antibiotics and drainage of the collection. However, the patient had persistent clinical findings on the same site which was later confirmed as Hepatocellular cancer.CASE PRESENTATION: A 40 years old male patient who was known to have Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension for 10 years on oral medications referred to the Gastroenterology/Hepatology unit with right upper quadrant pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting of ingested matter, and significant weight loss. On further inquiry, he had been admitted six months back for similar complaints and was managed with antibiotics and drainage of an abscess collection. The multi-phasic abdominal CT scan and raised alphafetoprotein confirmed Hepatocellular Cancer which initially has presented as a pyogenic liver abscess.CONCLUSION: Hepatocellular cancer should be suspected and early diagnosis should be made in individuals presenting with a liver abscess and having risk factors for liver cancer.
Assessment of Health Literacy and Health Promoting Behaviors among the Urban Adult Population
Authors: Ranjbaran Soheila , Chollou Khalil Maleki , Babazadeh Towhid
Published: July 2024

Background: The main criteria of health determinants are Health Promoting Behaviors (HPBs) and Health Literacy (HL). This study aimed to assess  HL and HPBs among the urban population of adults.
Methods: This study was conducted as a cross-sectional study with 379 adults in Iran. The inclusion criteria was that participants were randomly  selected from health centers using health records. Data were collected by demographic information questionnaire, Health Literacy for Iranian Adults  (HELIA) and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II). Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and Pearson’s r correlation  coefficient were used to analyze the data. Also, the hierarchical regression analysis was used to adjust for confounders.
Results: There was a significant association between HL and demographic factors, including age, gender and education level. HL dimensions were  significantly correlated with HPBs of adults (p <0.05). Decision-making was the strongest HL dimension to predictive HPBs (β=0.606). In this study,  49.7% of the variation in HPBs is predicted by the HL, and the demographic characteristics.
Conclusions: It can be advantageous to design  programs to promote HL and HPBs in adults, focusing on the aging group, gender, and education level.
Assessment of Serum Uric Acid, Urea, and Glucose Levels and Associated Factors among Breast Cancer Patients Attending A Tertiary Hospital in Bahirdar, Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tinfash Kebede  , Tadele Melak  , Abu Ali Ibn Sina  , Alebachew Fasil
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is currently become a major public health problem in both developed and developing regions, it is one of the most common surgical problems in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed serum uric acid, urea, and glucose levels and associated factors among benign, malignant breast cancer patients and apparently healthy women attending at Felege-Hiwot comprehensive Specialized Hospital.
METHODS: Hospital based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among benign, malignant breast cancer patients and apparently healthy women attending at Felege-Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Out of 178 study participants 66 benign and 23 malignant fine needle aspirate cytology confirmed breast cancer patients and 89 apparently healthy women, included. Multivariable logistic regression models used to measure the strength of associations. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: Majority of the study participants, 81(91%) controls, 55(83.3%) benign, and 17(73.9%) malignant cases were premenopausal. Serum glucose 144.47±74.35 and uric acid 6.84±2.54 levels were significantly elevated in malignant cases than control (p-value< 0.05).   Patients with malignant status were 4.38 times more likely to have hyperglycemia (AOR=4.38, 95%CI: 1.98-19.97) and 5.53 times more likely have hyperuricemia (AOR=20.43-95% CI: 6.80- 61.23), 4 times more likely to have uremia (AOR=4.09, 95% CI: 1.06-15.91) compared to apparently healthy women.
CONCLUSION: Serum glucose, and uric acid levels were significantly higher in malignant and benign cases compared with apparently healthy women. Family history of breast cancer, body mass index, systolic hypertension, comorbidity, residence and menopausal status were significantly associated with hyperglycemia, uremia and hyperuricemia.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and its Reasons in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tamrat Assefa Tadesse  , Ashenafi Antheneh  , Ashenafi Teklu  , Asres Teshome  , Bemnet Alemayehu  , Alemu Belayneh  , Dessale Abate  , Alfoalem Araba Abiye
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy becomes the major bottleneck to the global healthcare system in minimizing the spread of the virus. This study aimed at assessing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its reasons among residents of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
METHODS:  A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 16 to 29, 2021 in purposively selected four districts of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was developed and then designed on Google Forms platforms to collect data from study participants after obtaining a verbal consent form. A total of 422 study participants were included in the survey. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and then exported to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. 
RESULTS: Face masks and alcohol hand rub/ sanitizer are used by 50. 7 and 24.9% of respondents when required. COVID-19 was thought to have been generated by humans by a substantial percentage of study participants (38.2%). About half (50.7%) and 24.9% of respondents use face masks and alcohol hand rub/sanitizer always when it is required, respectively. A large number of study participants (38.2%) believed that origin of COVID-19 is man-made. Overall, 242 (57.4%) of study participants reported COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Fear of vaccine side effects (49.6%) was the most common reason for hesitancy. Doubt about its effectiveness (33.9%), not having enough information about the COVID-19 vaccine, preferring another way of protection, and unreliable of the vaccine (due to its short development period) were also the most frequently mentioned reasons for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rate was high in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia during the study period. Fear of side effects, doubts about its effectiveness, and not having enough information about the COVID-19 vaccine were major reasons for hesitancy. Continuous awareness creation to the community on the importance of vaccination is warranted by health professionals and healthcare cadres.
The Antioxidant Activities of Ethanolic, Methanolic, Ethyl Acetate, and Aqueous Extracts of the Endemic Species, Lavandula mairei Humbert (A Comparative Study between Cold and Hot Extraction)
Authors: Ridwane Ghanimi  , Ahmed Ouhammou  , Yassine El Atki  , Mohamed El Hassan Bouchari  , Mohamed Cherkaoui
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Medicinal plants have been used for therapeutic purposes and have shown important biological properties. This study aimed to evaluate for the first time the antioxidant activities, total flavonoid, and total phenolic contents of Lavandula mairei Humbert. The ethanol, methanol, ethyl-acetate, and water extracts were used for this purpose.
METHODS: The antioxidant activities were assessed in vitro by free radical scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrzyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The total flavonoid and phenolic contents were determined spectrophotometrically with gallic acid and Quercetin as standards.
RESULTS: In either Soxhlet or maceration methods, the flavonoids and the total phenolic contents were significantly higher in the methanolic extract (P<0.05) compared to other extracts. The total flavonoid content of L. mairei ranged between 119 and 224.6 mg QE/g DW for Soxhlet extracts and from 111.8 to 148.51 mg QE/g DW for maceration extracts. While the total phenolic content was between 35.12 and 99.37 mg GAE/g DW for Soxhlet extracts and 27.63 to 58.99 mg GAE/g DW for maceration extracts. In either the Soxhlet or maceration method, the highest total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was obtained using the ethanolic extract, while the aqueous extract had the highest antioxidant activity for DPPH and FRAP assays.
CONCLUSION: These results showed that Lavandula mairei Humbert has great potential to be a promising candidate for natural plant sources of antioxidants.
Effect of the COVID-19 Vaccine on the Menstrual Cycle among Females in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Fadi S. I. Qashqari  , Maryam Dahlawi  , Hamza M. Assaggaf  , Radi Alsafi  , Abdulrahim Gari  , Abdulrahman Abudawood  , Amal Al-Doboke  , Seham Alsulami  , Rahaf Bukhari  , Shaza Adnan Majeed  , Elaf Abdullah Salih  , Mohammad Alfelali  , Hatim Makhdoom  , Naif A. Jalal
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: The number of reports of menstrual changes after COVID-19 vaccination in the Saudi population is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine(Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna) on the menstrual cycle among females in Saudi Arabia.
METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) from August 2021 to February 2022. Data was collected through a previously validated online questionnaire.
RESULTS: A total of 2338 participants who received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine participated in this study; 1606 (68.7%) of them received the second dose in addition to the first. The mean age of the study participants was 35.4±9.5 years. No significant associations were found between the type of COVID-19 vaccine and the impact on the menstrual cycle, either for the first or second dose (P-values > 0.05). A significant association was found only between the first dose vaccination day and the impact on the menstrual cycle in the second question of “After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, your next period was” (P-value ≤ 0.05). Significant associations were found between the second dose vaccination day and the impact on the menstrual cycle in the first and second questions of “After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, your next period was”, and “After receiving the first dose, your next period was," respectively (P-values ≤ 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The study found a potential association between the COVID-19 vaccine and menstrual cycle irregularities, which could impact females' quality of life.
Postnatal Care Utilization and Associated Factors among Mothers who gave Birth in the Aysaeta District, Northeast Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim  , Kusse Urmale Mare  , Mohammed Nur
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Postnatal care is given to mothers and newborn babies within 42 days of delivery. It is a period of high maternal and newborn mortality and is also the most neglected in terms of maternal health services in many parts of the world. This study aimed to assess postnatal care and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the year preceding the survey of the Ayssaeta district.
METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 406 mothers who gave birth in the year preceding the survey from August 02–30, 2020. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify factors associated with postnatal care utilization.
RESULTS: Slightly greater than four out of ten  mothers have visited postnatal care units at least once. Living in urban areas, giving birth in a health facility, having complications during labor and after, and getting advice during antenatal care visits were associated with higher odds of postnatal care utilization.
CONCLUSION: Less than half of the mothers received postnatal care following the delivery of their last child. Living in an urban, place of delivery, experiencing labor and postpartum complications, and receiving postnatal care advice during antenatal care have affected the utilization of postnatal care. Promoting skilled delivery and antenatal care with a focus on rural areas can help mothers learn about postnatal care and increase the number of mothers who use it.
Explaining the Concept of Self-Care Competence and Its Dimensions in Elderly Women with Knee Osteoarthritis in Iran: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Faranak Kooranian  , Zohreh ParsaYekta  , Maryam Rassouli
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Chronic diseases, especially knee osteoarthritis, are more likely to occur among women with the increase in age. Self-care is an effective strategy for the management of disease in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Therefore, recognizing the dimensions of self-care competence in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis is particularly important for long-term management of the disease. The current study aimed to explain the concept and dimensions of self-care competence in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis.
METHODS:  This qualitative study was conducted using a conventional content analysis method proposed by Graneheim and Landman, from March to November 2020 in Mashhad (one of the largest cities in Iran). A total of 19 participants including 11 elderly women with knee osteoarthritis, 4 first-degree relatives and 4 medical staff were selected by the purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth and semi-structured interviews which continued until data saturation was reached. The MAXQDA (Version 10) was used to organize, code, and manage the data. 
FINDINGS: Three main themes including "symptom management", "personal growth" and "social cohesion" were emerged as the dimensions of self-care competence in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis.
CONCLUSION: Understanding the dimensions of self-care competence as one of the basic needs of the elderly women with knee osteoarthritis who live alone, is very important. Symptoms management, personal growth, and social cohesion as dimensions of self-care competence among this group of the elderly help to develop self-care competence interventions based on their needs.
Spinal Anaesthesia for Urological Surgery: A Comparison of Isobaric Solutions of Levobupivacaine and Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine
Authors: Bhagyesh Sushchendra Kame  , Vaishali U Kumar  , Anand Subramaniam
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Subarachnoid block is used in most of urological surgeries and finding the best possible drug has always been a challenge. Bupivacaine’s pure enantiomers ropivacaine and levobupivacaine have lesser systemic toxicity. Isobaric solution has extra benefit of not affecting the intrathecal dispersion of drug. Dexmedetomidine when added intrathecally provides longer duration of analgesia and anaesthesia. Aim of this study is to compare onset, duration of the block with both the drugs along with their hemostability and postoperative analgesia.
METHODS:  It is a Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study. It includes 68 patients undergoing urological procedures under subarachnoid block. Group LD:  Patients will receive 3.5 ml of Isobaric Levobupivacaine 0.5% + Dexmedetomidine 10 μg (0.1ml) Group RD: will receive 3.5ml of Isobaric Ropivacaine 0.5% + Dexmedetomidine 10 μg (0.1ml)
RESULTS: Time taken for onset of sensory and motor block is significantly more in ropivacaine while duration of block is more in levobupivacaine.
CONCLUSION: Addition of Dexmedetomidine to Isobaric Levobupivacaine significantly prolongs the duration of analgesia and anaesthesia compared to Ropivacaine and maintains stable hemodynamics. Ropivacaine is a suitable drug for day care whilst levobupivacaine is an excellent agent for longer surgeries. Dexmedetomidine is an effective non-opioid adjuvant which improves effectiveness of block without increasing the risk of side effects.
Relevance of the Health Extension Program to the current Health Needs and Evolving Demands of Rural Ethiopia: A Mixed-Method Analysis
Authors: Wasihun Andualem Gobezie  , Girmay Medhin  , Mulusew G. Jebena  , Mekdes Demissie  , Yibeltal Kiflie Alemayehu  , Alula M. Teklu  , Girma Azene  , Tegene Legese Dadi  , Million Tesfaye
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia has been implementing a health extension program (HEP) to respond to the high maternal and child mortality in rural communities. HEP has brought tremendous contributions to improved access and coverage of primary healthcare in the last 15 years. Despite its attributions, attention to HEP has declined in recent years due to several reasons. This study is designed to explore HEP’s relevance to the current healthcare needs of the rural communities.
METHODS: This study is a nested cross-sectional mixed-method to the overall HEP’s evaluation between March and May 2019. Descriptive statistics were used on qualitative and quantitative assessment. A literature review supplemented the assessment. A representative quantitative sample of 11,746 women, men, and young girls; a qualitative sample of 268 key informants from Kebele administrators, HEWs, program people in the health system and focus groups from community leaders, men and women from 185 Kebeles in 62 woredas were selected. A thematic approach was used for qualitative analysis.
RESULTS: Rural communities and program managers asserted that HEP’s service packages with the existing service delivery modalities were relevant. Eighty-two percent of men and women and 77% of young girls confirmed this relevance. Besides the existing packages, additional curative services for adults and children were recommended with emphasis on the pastoralist community. HEP’s service uptake has declined as over 86% of targeted rural communities bypassed HPs due to unavailability of services and capacity problems of HEWs.
CONCLUSION: The current HEP packages with the existing service delivery modalities are still relevant to the rural communities’ health needs. However, on-going changes to address the evolving demands of the targeted rural communities are crucial.
Do Medical Sciences Students Have the Proper Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice, Regarding the Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Iran?
Authors: Ali Jadidi1, Nazi Nejat  , Javad Javidian  , Hamed Ahmaditabar  , Arash Abbasi neyestani  , Masoomeh Kalantari  , Amirhosein Latifi  , Azam Moslemi
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: The increasing use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has changed expectations of healthcare professionals concerning the knowledge, attitude, and practice of CAM. The present study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of students of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Iran) in 2020 concerning CAM.
METHODS: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 226 medical sciences students using targeted quota sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire based on valid scientific articles and literature. The questionnaire was comprised of 92 items and assessed students’ knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding CAM.
RESULTS: The study participants’ mean CAM knowledge and attitude scores were 14.12±6.1 and 58.7±29.28, respectively. The primary information sources included mass media, the internet, and friends. Most participants (63.4%) were willing to use CAM methods. The most common CAM was herbal therapy (29.1%), and the most common reason for using, was gastrointestinal problems (39.2%).
CONCLUSION: The participants indicated moderate knowledge and poor attitude regarding CAM. Thus, considering the extensive application of CAM methods among the participants and their insufficient knowledge and inappropriate attitude, that is recommended to include CAM methods be included besides the conventional medicine, in the academic curriculum of students of medical sciences.
Mostafa Maged Maneuver to Control Post-Partum Hemorrhage during Vaginal Delivery
Authors: Mostafa Maged Ali
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: This study is aimed to introduce a new technique used in controlling the postpartum bleeding during normal vaginal delivery.
METHODS: This study was conducted on 150 pregnant women aged 18 years or more who were eligible for normal vaginal delivery. After placental delivery, Mostafa Maged maneuver was applied. The amount of blood loss was estimated by counting the number of pads immediately before applying the maneuver compared to the number of pads immediately after applying the maneuver to determine the effectiveness of the Mostafa Maged maneuver.
RESULTS: The study revealed that 15.3% of the study group had atony, and 23.3% were complicated with postpartum hemorrhage. In terms of blood loss, the average number of pads used before Mostafa Maged compression was (2.8) pads, with a range of 1 to 6 pads. The mean blood loss volume was (353.3±158.5) ml ranging between 125 and 750 ml. we should consider that Mostafa Maged maneuver is immediately applied after placental delivery. That is why small amount of 125 ml of blood loss in few patients is estimated, which decreased to (0.54±0.14) pads ranging between 0.5 and 1 pad with a mean (65.2±17.7) ml blood loss ranging between 60 and 125 ml after applying Mostafa Maged maneuver during normal vaginal delivery. There was a statistical decrease in the number of pads and volume of blood loss after Mostafa Maged maneuver.
CONCLUSION: Mostafa Maged maneuver was found to be effective in stopping and preventing postpartum bleeding during vaginal delivery as this maneuver is used as a prophylaxis against post-partum hemorrhage in patients with risk factors of post-partum hemorrhage. It is also used to control post-partum hemorrhage during vaginal delivery. It has been proven to be tolerable, easy to learn and easy to perform.
RDW Predicts Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Having Persistently Normal ALT Levels
Authors: Basak Yilmaz Guller  , Erdinc Gulumsek  , Hilmi Erdem Sumbul  , Begum Seyda Avci  , Adnan Tas
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: There are studies on the determination of hepatic fibrosis with noninvasive markers but data about liver biopsy results and noninvasive markers in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are limited. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between pathological findings and noninvasive markers, and to determine the marker that predicts fibrosis in patients with consistently normal serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, diagnosed with CHB and undergoing liver biopsy.
METHODS: A total of 122 patients with CHB, 29 of them with HbeAg (+), aged 30 years and older, HBV DNA > 2000 IU / ml, and serum ALT levels measured four times in the last year, were consistently normal, and 93 of them with HbeAg (-) were included in the study. Demographic characteristics of patients, laboratory parameters, histological activity index (HAI) and fibrosis values ​​obtained in liver biopsy, and noninvasive markers (AP (age-platelet) index, APRI (AST/Platelet ratio) and FIB-4 score, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, mean platelet volume (MPV) and erythrocyte distribution width (RDW) were recorded.
RESULTS: The relationship between RDW value and fibrosis was statistically significant in the HbeAg (+) group (p<0.001). The relationship between AP index, APRI and FIB-4 score, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and MPV with fibrosis was not statistically significant (>0.05 for each).
CONCLUSION: It has been shown that the RDW value can be used to predict fibrosis in CHB patients with normal ALT and HbeAg (+), and the cut-off value for RDW is 12.
The Effectiveness of Cefazolin Prophylaxis on Infection after Transureteral Lithotripsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Mohammad Taheri  , Ahmad Kameli  , Ramin Haghighi
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Transureteral lithotripsy (TUL) is one of the most common surgeries in urology, and many TUL procedures have been performed with antibiotics prophylaxis. The present study investigates the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on the rate of urinary infection after TUL.
METHODS: This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 158 patients with ureteral stones, with 79 in each group: the prophylaxis cefazolin group (Group A) and the placebo group (Group B). The patients were referred to Imam Hassan Hospital in Bojnurd, Iran. The standard technique of TUL operation was performed using a pneumatic lithoclast and a semirigid 9/8/Fr ureteroscope. The bacterial isolates were identified through growth on EMB agar and blood agar. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing (AST) was carried out by disc diffusion technique.
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RESULTS: According to our results, 157 patients were eligible for analysis; 79 patients in Group A and 78 patients in Group B. Flank pain and urinary complaints were the most common symptoms. Our findings indicate that cefazolin prophylaxis did not show any significant differences in preventing postoperative infection between the two groups. E. coli accounted for eight 10.1% (8/79) Group A and 9% (7/78) in Group B, respectively. The results of AST for the 15 E. coli strains revealed a high rate of antibiotic resistance against ampicillin (73.3%).
CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that prophylactic antibiotic administration does not demonstrate effectiveness in reducing the infection rate following TUL surgery. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended considering the potential adverse effects, cost implications, risk of antibiotic resistance, and lack of efficacy.
Anemia Prevalence and Socioeconomic Status among Adolescent Girls in Rural Western India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Manisha Nitin Gore  , Madeline Elizabeth Drozd  , Reshma Sudhir Patil
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Anemia poses a significant challenge among Indian adolescent girls due to their heightened vulnerability, resulting from increased micronutrient requirements, rapid physical growth, menstrual blood loss, inadequate nutrition, and socioeconomic disparities. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of anemia, along with socioeconomic and nutritional statuses among adolescent girls attending rural public schools in Pune, India.
METHODS:   A sample of 400 girls was selected from 22 villages through Symbiosis International University. Hemoglobin levels were assessed using the HemoCue 201 system, while standardized protocols were employed for height, weight, and BMI-for-age measurements. Socioeconomic status was determined using the Kuppuswamy scale.
RESULTS: The findings revealed an overall anemia prevalence of (42.75%), comprising severe (2.5%), moderate (21%) and mild (20.25%) cases. Additionally, a substantial proportion (74.6%) of girls were classified as underweight. Socioeconomic analysis disclosed that 64.25% of families belonged to the lower middle class, and 27% in the upper lower class. Anemia was more prevalent in young adolescent girls (10-14 years) and in the families of adolescents who had low income, were illiterate, unemployed, and belonged to the lower-middle class and upper-lower-class socio-economic status (SES) and did not have a bank account.
CONCLUSION: Anemia was prevalent in adolescent girls and associated with low SES. This study underscores the limitations of relying solely on the distribution of iron and folic acid tablets to combat anemia. A holistic strategy is imperative, encompassing improvements in SES of families (literacy, employment and income), as well as initiatives aimed at enhancing the nutritional status of adolescent girls.