bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographic and Clinical Factors Associated with Bacterial or Nonbacterial Etiologies of Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Illness: Findings from a 3-Year Observational Study in Thailand, 2017–2020
Authors: Wodniak Natalie R. , Bhengsri Saithip , Skaggs Beth , Uttayamakul Sumonmal , Sawatwong Pongpun , Sangwichian Ornuma , Gregory Christopher J. , Chuenchom Nuttagarn , Peanumlom Pongpot , Khemla Supphachoke , Lertwitayakumjorn Tanaphat , Chaoprasert Samkan , Piralam Barameht , Simmali Tuwan , Chara Chuwattana , Bloss Emily , MacArthur John R. , Heffelfinger James D. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT.
Acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI) is often undiagnosed in Thailand, resulting in delayed or ineffective treatment. We compared the demographic, exposure history, and clinical characteristics of AUFI patients with laboratory evidence of bacterial and nonbacterial pathogens. Patients aged 2–80 years presenting to 12 hospitals in Nakhon Phanom and Tak provinces were enrolled from April 2017 through May 2020. Interviews were conducted and blood, urine, and sputum were collected for culture as well as rapid diagnostic and molecular testing. A total of 1,263 patients tested positive for one or more bacterial, viral, or parasitic pathogens and were included in the analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to compare factors associated with bacterial infections versus nonbacterial infections. Bacterial infections were more commonly identified in participants from Nakhon Phanom than Tak. Bacterial infections were independently associated with several factors including age ≥50 years (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]): (4.18 [2.85–6.14]), contact with farm animals (1.82 [1.29–2.57]), antibiotic use within 72 hours of hospital presentation (2.37 [1.50–3.74]), jaundice (2.31 [1.15–4.63]), existing comorbidities (2.77 [1.93–3.96]), contact with febrile individuals (0.42 [0.31–0.57]), muscle pain (0.44 [0.31–0.64]), and rash (0.45 [0.29–0.70]). Bacterial infections were also associated with longer hospitalization (2.75 [2.08–3.64]) and lower odds of recovery at the time of discharge (0.14 [0.07–0.31]). Consideration of patient characteristics and signs/symptoms may help to inform targeted laboratory testing for suspected infectious etiologies. Understanding factors associated with bacterial and non-bacterial causes of AUFI may aid diagnosis and judicious use of antibiotics in resource-limited settings.
Neonatal Azithromycin Exposure and Childhood Growth: Long-Term Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bountogo Mamadou , Ouermi Lucienne , Dah Clarisse , Sié Ali , Coulibaly Boubacar , Zakane Alphonse , Ouedraogo Thierry , Ouattara Mamadou , Lebas Elodie , Fetterman Ian , Kimfuema Aimée , Doan Thuy , Lietman Thomas M. , Oldenburg Catherine E. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT.
Single-dose azithromycin is being considered by the WHO as an intervention for prevention of child mortality. However, concerns have emerged related to longer term unintended consequences of early life antibiotic use, particularly among infants. We conducted a long-term follow-up in a random sample of children who had been enrolled in a trial of neonatal azithromycin versus placebo for prevention of mortality to assess whether neonatal azithromycin exposure led to differences in child growth up to 4 years of age. We found no evidence of a difference in any anthropometric outcome among children who had received a single oral dose of azithromycin compared with placebo during the neonatal period. These results do not support long-term growth-promoting or deleterious effects of early life azithromycin exposure.
The Role of Perceived Social Support on Quality of Life in People with Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Chollou Khalil Maleki , Shirzadi Shayesteh , Pourrazavi Sara , Babazadeh Towhid , Ranjbaran Soheila 
Published: July 2024

Background: Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) are one of the major causes of hospitalization and mortality worldwide. Strengthening perceived social support and quality of life can reduce these problems. This study aimed to describe the role of perceived social support on cardiovascular patients' quality of life.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to February 2021. We selected 150 cardiovascular patients through convenience sampling. The questionnaires included: the Persian version of the WHOQOL-BREF, Perceived Social Support, and demographic variables. Hierarchical linear regression was used to explore the association between perceived social support and quality of life. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21.0 software. A P-value less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant.
Results: The demographic variables could predict 12.2% of the variance of quality of life in the first step. In the second step, after adjusting control variables and dimensions of social support, the predictability increased to 29% of the variance with the addition of variables. All dimensions of social support, excluding tangible assets support, were significant predictors of quality of life and monthly income status. Self-esteem support (β= 0.387) was the strongest predictor of quality of life in cardiovascular patients.
Conclusion: Patients with higher perceived social support have a better quality of life than the other patients. Perceived social support is one of the strategies that can be utilized to improve quality of life and overcome disease in cardiovascular patients.
Intention to Use Maternal Waiting Homes and Related Factors among Pregnant Women in Metu Woreda, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Yismaw Worke , Teklu Tigist , Fantahun Addishiwot , Dugassa Boka , Merid Rodas , Bizuwork Ketema 
Published: July 2024

Background: Maternity Waiting Homes are houses built in the healthcare settings that lodge pregnant women in their term state of pregnancy to prevent labor and delivery-related complication. This study aimed to estimate the extent of pregnant women’s intention to use Maternal Waiting Homes and identify its associated factors in Metu Woreda, Western Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1-30, 2018. We used a systematic sampling method to select the study participants and Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the intention of the women to use Maternal Waiting Homes.
Results: A total of (97%) of respondents’ questionnaires were found complete and analyzed for this study. Almost half (48.8%) of the pregnant women who participated in the study were planned to use Maternal Waiting Homes in their prospective delivery. Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis; being illiterate and/or less educated in their educational status, having a history of using Maternal Waiting homes, and receiving a number of times antenatal care services were found statistically significantly associated with intention of the women to use Maternal Waiting Homes.
Conclusion: It is trivial that more than half of the pregnant women who participated in the study were unintended to use Maternal Waiting Homes. Educational status, a number of times attending antenatal care services and experience of using Maternal Waiting Homes were found statistically significantly associated with women’s intention to use Maternal Waiting Homes.
Awareness and Knowledge of Glaucoma among Health Workers in Butajira General Hospital, South Ethiopia
Authors: Negussie Asteway , Alemu Abiye M. 
Published: July 2024

Background: Raising awareness and knowledge of glaucoma is a key means of enhancing people alertness, increasing regular eye screening practice, and the chance of identifying undetected cases. Health professionals other than ophthalmologists are often the first point of contact when patients seek medical advice. However, little is known about the awareness and knowledge of glaucoma among health care professionals in Ethiopia.The objective of this study was to determine general awareness and knowledge of glaucoma among health workers in Butajira General Hospital.
Methods: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Butajira Hospital in September and October 2021 among health care providers. All health workers except those on leave and the staff in the department of Ophthalmology were included in the study. The awareness and knowledge were assessed using a selfadministered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was computed to describe the study variable, and logistic regression was conducted to see associations between dependent and independent variables. Significant associations were declared at p-values <0.05.
Result: This study showed that 184 (91.1%) had an awareness of glaucoma among the study participants, whereas 8.9% had never heard about glaucoma. Of those who were aware, only 42% have good knowledge.Professionals who had a history of eye examinations and family history of glaucoma were about 3.0 times more likely to have good knowledge.
Conclusion: Fifty-eight percent of clinical professionals from Butajira Hospital had no awareness at all or had poor knowledge about glaucoma. Being a physician, history of eye examinations, and having a family history of glaucoma were factors related to glaucoma knowledge.
Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in Ethiopia: A Single Center Experience in a Developing Country
Authors: Yayehyirad Mekonen Ejigu  , Hiwot Amare  
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: In developing countries, the diagnosis of congenital heart diseases (CHD) is growing as the availability of echocardiography is increasing with most diagnoses made after birth. However, the access to pediatric surgery is still low and is mainly done by global surgical campaigns rather than local surgeons. Ethiopia has trained its local surgeons, and this is expected to improve the care of children with CHD. We aimed to evaluate the experience of local pediatric CHD surgery and its outcome in a single-center in Ethiopia.
METHODS: A hospital-based retrospective cohort study was done by including all patients with CHD and acquired heart disease in patients under the age of 18 operated at children’s cardiac center in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. We set in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, and the prevalence of complications including major complications after cardiac surgery as the primary outcomes.
RESULTS: A total of 76 children were operated. The mean age at the time of diagnosis and surgery was 4 (±5) and 7 (±5) years, respectively. Forty-one (54%) were female. Ninety five percent of the 76 operated children were with the diagnoses of congenital heart diseases while the rest (5%) with acquired heart disease. Of those with congenital heart disease, Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) accounted for (33.3%), Ventricular septal defect (VSD) for 29.5% and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) for 10% and Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) for 5%. According to the RACS-1 category, 26 (35.1%) were in category 1, 33 (44.6%) were in category 2, 15 (20.3%) were in category 3 and none of the children were in category 4 and 5. In-hospital mortality was 2.6% whereas there was no patient who died within 30 days after discharge. Operative mortality was 2.6%.
CONCLUSION: Various types of lesions were treated in the hands of the local teams with VSD and PDA ligations as the commonest of all. The 30day mortality was within acceptable range and this outcome shows congenital and acquired heart diseases can be operated on in developing countries with good outcome despite the limited resources.
The Effectiveness of Mostafa Maged Technique in Closure of the Episiotomy during Vaginal Delivery
Authors: Mostafa Maged Ali  
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: This study is done to assess the effectiveness of Mostafa Maged technique in suturing the episiotomy.
METHODS: At the time of delivery, this technique will be applied to all women with episiotomy or perineal or vaginal tears. The technique employs absorbable vicryl threads with 75 mm round needles. Mostafa Maged technique includes the continuous suturing of the vaginal epithelium and the muscle layer. Evaluation of the perineal region within the next twenty-four hours prior to discharge searching for (edema-hematoma-septic wound - continence - ecchymosis - dyspareunia).
RESULTS: The current study included 50 patients. All patients had an episiotomy during delivery; 25 patients' episiotomies were sutured using Mostafa Maged technique, while the remaining patients' episiotomies were by regular traditional technique. Mostafa Maged technique has demonstrated efficacy in achieving adequate hemostasis and avoiding dead space formation during an episiotomy. It was found that 100 % of patients with Mostafa Maged technique have no dead space, and 95.8% of Mostafa Maged patients do not have vulval edema. The technique of Mostafa Maged has also proven effectiveness in achieving postoperative hemostasis. Unlike patients with regular maneuvers, 83.3% do not have dead space, and 83.3 % do not have vulval edema.
CONCLUSION: Mostafa Maged technique is a simple technique and easy to apply when suturing episiotomy. Mostafa Maged technique is significantly superior to conventional maneuvers in preventing bleeding at the episiotomy site and preventing formation of dead space so achieving good hemostasis; therefore, it is highly recommended. I recommend more studies on efficacy of Mostafa Maged maneuver on large sample of patients.
The Quality of Logistics Management Information System and the Availability of Tracer Drugs at Health Posts in Rural Ethiopia: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Bisrat Fantaye Denberu  , Merga Belina  , Mekdes Demissie  , Netsanet Abera  , Girmay Medhin  , Alula M. Teklu  , Melody Kelemu  , Yibeltal Kiflie Alemayehu  
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Proper implementation of the logistics management information system (LMIS) would facilitate access to essential pharmaceutical products. It also prevents wastage at health posts. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation of the LMIS and the availability of tracer drugs at health posts in rural Ethiopia.
METHODS: We employed a cross-sectional descriptive design with a mixed-method approach. The data used for this paper was collected from March to May 2019 as part of the National HEP assessment. The study involved 343 health posts randomly selected from nine regions of Ethiopia. Women’s Development Army members and household heads participated in the qualitative study (i.e. in FGD and KII). The quantitative data were exported from Open Data Kit (ODK) to Stata 15.1 for statistical analysis, and the qualitative data were entered into NVivo 12 and analyzed using thematic content analysis.
RESULTS: Of the health posts, 59.4% had a space for storing drugs; less than half (41.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI) [36%, 48%]) had a functioning refrigerator. The mean percentage of the availability of selected tracer drugs at health posts was 59.6%, with a 95% CI (58.9%, 60.3%). Bin cards were available at 43% (95% CI [40%, 46%]) of health posts, and among these, only 27.5% of the health posts adequately used the bin cards.
CONCLUSION: The absence and poor use of LMIS tools was observed at health posts. Proper implementation of the LMIS has the potential to improve the availability of essential drugs that, in turn, improve health post level delivery of health services.
Sexual Satisfaction among Married Women in Tiro Afeta District: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tigist Abebe Gelashe  , Aderajew Nigusse Teklehaymanot  , Bekelu Teka Worku  
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Sexual satisfaction is directly related to marital sustainability and quality of life. This study assessed the magnitude of sexual satisfaction and associated factors among married women.
METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 18 to June 8/2021 using mixed data collection methods. The sample was calculated using single population proportion formula for the quantitative part while data saturation was applied for the qualitative part. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to get participants for the quantitative and the qualitative parts respectively. The quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25, and the qualitative data were analyzed manually. Ordinal logistic regression was applied to explore the model. P-value <0.05 and AOR with a 95%CI were used to identify the statistical significance of the association.
RESULT: About 398 married women participated in the study, making a response rate of 94.3% and 44.7% of them were moderately satisfied with their sexual life. Sexual satisfaction among the married women was significantly associated negatively with attending elementary education 99.9% [AOR=0.1, 95%CI:0.0,0.4)], positively with having social responsibility 19[AOR=19.3, 95%CI: 1.8, 28.3], and negatively with having poor sexual attitude 97%[AOR=0.1, 95%CI: 0.0, 0.3]. The qualitative finding showed that the majority of women engage in sexual intercourse for the satisfaction of their partners, without their needs.
CONCLUSION: Sexual satisfaction among married women was low in the study area. Comprehensive sexual and reproductive health awareness and strengthening of the prevention of harmful traditional practices are recommended.
Quality of Life among Patients with Glaucoma in the West Bank, Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wejdan Khatib  , Raj'a Zyoud  
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that impairs eyesight and negatively impacts quality of life. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness. This study aims at assessing the quality of life among glaucoma patients in the West Bank (WB) of Palestine and main influencing the factors.
METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study and included two questionnaires; the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and Glaucoma Quality of Life-15 (GQL-15). Data were collected from a systematically randomized 100 glaucoma patients in the WB. ANOVA test was used to compare means of continuous variables at a statistically significant P value ≤ to 0.05.
RESULTS: The overall quality of life among glaucoma patients was relatively suboptimal. The analysis revealed that the glaucoma quality of life is worse among older patients (mean=3.55±0.64), patients who are less educated (mean=3.91±0.77), among patients who were unemployed (mean=3.44±0.86), and patients who were treated in private clinics (3.57±0.8). Patients with good health (mean=2.48±0.94), type of glaucoma (close glaucoma; mean=3.22±0.9), less than 5 years duration of glaucoma (mean=2.88±1.13), and less than 5 years duration of cryonic diseases (mean=2.48±0.73 have a better glaucoma quality of life.
CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed numerous factors that can impact the quality of life of glaucoma patients in WB. Health professionals, specialists, ophthalmologists, and health educators should be aware of how various socioeconomic and general health factors impact the quality of life of glaucoma patients in order to better diagnose, manage, guide, and educate patients for better health outcomes.
Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy at the John F. Kennedy Maternity Center (JFKMC), Liberia: Burden, Sub-Types, and Maternofetal Outcome
Authors: Williams O. Odunvbun  , Billy C. Johnson  , Daniel G. Urey  
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) are a leading cause of maternal and fetal death, especially in a resource-constrained setting. There is no study from Liberia on the disorder. This pilot study aimed to determine the burden, sub-types, and maternal-fetal outcomes of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy at the John F. Kennedy Maternity Center (JFKMC), Liberia.
METHODS: From January 1 to December 31, 2020, the medical records of 130 pregnant and post-partum patients admitted with Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) in a census method of sampling were retrieved, while 83.1% (108) were suitable for analysis in an institutional cross-sectional retrospective study in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at the John F. Kennedy Maternity Center, Liberia. The extracted information was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results were presented in frequencies and percentages. The statistical association between categorical variables was subjected to the Chi-square test. The level of significance was set at a P-value of < 0.05
RESULTS: There was an institutional prevalence of 3.0% of HDP. The maternal fatality rate was 12.3%, while the perinatal fatality rate was 14.3%. There was a significant association between HELLP syndrome and Severe pre-eclampsia with maternal death, P< 0.001. Prematurity, first minutes Apgar score <5, NICU admission, and low birth weight were associated with perinatal deaths (P <0.001)
CONCLUSION: HDP was an important contributor to maternal and perinatal deaths at the JFKMC, Liberia. Continuous support by the government and development partners for the provision of critical life-saving medical equipment at the JFKMC is recommended.
Comparing Resection and Primary Anastomosis versus Hartmann’s Stoma on the Mortality and Morbidity of Gangrenous Sigmoid Volvulus: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Atalel Fentahun Awedew  , Zelalem Asefa  , Biruktawit Destaw Enkoye  
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Gangrenous sigmoid volvulus has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to compare sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) with sigmoid resection and end colostomy (Hartmann’s procedure) for gangrenous sigmoid volvulus.
METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis study design was employed to summarize retrospective cohort, prospective cohort, and randomised control trial studies published from inception to march 31, 2023. Searching was performed on Medline, CINAHAL, Web of Science, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov to locate eligible articles. Data searching, selection and screening, quality assessment of the included articles, and data extraction were done by two separate reviewers. RevMan 5.4 software with a fixed-effect Mantel-Haenszel model and Stata version 14 were used to analyze the data. The protocol registered on PROSPERO registration website (CRD42023413367).
RESULTS: Ten cohort studies and one randomised control trial with 724 patients were found; all of them were rated as being of moderate quality. The overall mortality after RPA was 15% (95%CI: 11-19%), and after Hartmann’s procedure it was 19% (95%CI: 15-23%). Resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) for gangrenous sigmoid volvulus had slightly lower mortality rate than stoma (OR=0.98(95%CI: 0.68-1.42), p=0.07, I2=43%), which had no statistically significant difference. Resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) had a slightly higher morbidity rate than Hartmann’s procedure (OR=1.01(95%CI: 0.66-1.55), p=0.30, I2=18%), which had no statistically significant difference.
CONCLUSION: Sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) and Hartmann’s procedure had no significant differences in mortality and morbidity for the treatment of gangrenous sigmoid volvulus. Choice of the intervention for gangrenous sigmoid volvulus should be individualized with consideration of different detrimental factors.