Background and Aims: Cervical cancer is a global public health problem and the second most common cancer which leads to morbidity and mortality among women in developing countries like Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, annually 6294 new cervical cancer cases and 4884 deaths are estimated in 2018 alone. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of precancerous cervical lesions among women on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Dukem Health Center, Central Ethiopia.Methods: An institution‐based cross‐sectional study was carried out among randomly selected 257 women receiving ART at Dukem Health Center. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire, medical record review, and visual inspection with acetic acid. Collected data were entered into Epi‐info 7.4 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. The prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions and the characteristics of study participants were identified. Utilizing both binary and multivariable logistic regression models, the existence and degree of association with precancerous cervical lesions were determined with a p value < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.Results: The prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions was 16% (95% CI: 11.7–20.6). Significant association was found between precancerous cervical lesions and a history of STIs (AOR = 4.30, 95% CI: 1.48–12.49), oral contraceptive use (AOR = 6.56, 95% CI: 2.10–20.50), having multiple lifetime sexual partners (AOR = 2.53: 95% CI: 1.05–6.10), and a recent CD4 count of less than 200 cells/mm³ (AOR: 11.33, 95% CI: 2.88–24.58).Conclusion: In the study area, the prevalence of precancerous cervical lesions was relatively high. Therefore, concerned bodies are recommended to increase awareness of the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and limit sexual partners.

Background and Aims: Early identification and treatment of hypertension could lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases; which share the largest proportion of death. The findings of previous studies done in Ethiopia on undiagnosed hypertension were inconsistent. Therefore, this systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of undiagnosed hypertension among adults in Ethiopia.Methods: A protocol with registration number CRD42023395445 was registered to Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). A comprehensive search of observational studies done on undiagnosed hypertension was identified in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Hinari databases, and other sources available until January 10, 2023. The quality of the identified studies using the set criteria and necessary data was extracted and exported to R version 4.2.3 and STATA version 15.0 for analysis. The pooled prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and its associated factors were identified. The risk of bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger's test. The findings were presented using tables, figures, and statements. This study was not funded by any organization.Results: Eleven studies having 6132 participants were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was 21% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16–27). In subanalysis, according to the American Heart Association ( ≥ 130/80 mmHg), the pooled prevalence was 29% (95% CI: 18–40). However, according to the International Society of Hypertension ( ≥ 140/90), the pooled prevalence was 16% (95% CI: 13–20).Sex (AOR = 2.49, 1.48–3.49), age ≥55 years (AOR = 2.68, 1.16–4.21), alcohol drinking (AOR = 2.68, 1.68–3.69), body mass index ≥25 kg/m² (AOR = 2.62, 1.77–3.48), and high triglyceride levels (AOR = 1.87, 1.22–2.51) were significantly associated with it.Conclusion: In Ethiopia, about one in five adults ≥ 18 years has undiagnosed hypertension; therefore raising public awareness for medical checkups, early hypertension detection, and treatment is suggested. However, these findings cannot be generalized to pediatrics.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the trends and factors associated with congenital anomalies (CAs) among newborns in Eastern Ethiopia from 2015 to 2022. Design: Open cohort study. Setting: The Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance System (KHDSS), which is located in the Kersa district of the Oromia region in Eastern Ethiopia, covering 24 kebeles. Population: Newborns registered at birth in the database of the KHDSS site in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: The KHDSS tracks demographic and health changes in the community. Newborn data were extracted using a checklist. Trends in CAs over time (in years) were analysed and the associated factors were identified through logistic regression analysis. Outcome measure: Newborn CAs, which are structural or functional abnormalities present at birth, were assessed through thorough physical examinations and detailed interviews conducted by trained data collectors using a standardised questionnaire. Results: Between 2015 and 2022, a total of 27 350 newborns were recorded in the KHDSS, 104 of whom had CAs. The overall rate of CAs was 3.83 per 1000 live births (95% CI 3.19, 4.61). There was a significant increase in the trend of CAs over the study period, with a Mantel-Haenszel χ ² of 82.76 (p=0.001). Factors associated with CA included maternal age over 35 years (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.68, 95% CI 1.07, 2.62), place of birth (AOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.04, 4.02) and normal birth weight (AOR=0.14, 95% CI 0.04, 0.47). Conclusion: The data from the KHDSS revealed a rising trend in CAs. CA was associated with factors such as the mother’s age, place of birth and the baby’s birth weight. It is crucial for healthcare providers and stakeholders to consider these factors in efforts to reduce the prevalence of CAs.

Determinants of breast cancer in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis Lencho Kajela Solbana1 and Eshetu Ejeta Chaka2 1College of Health Scien

Background: Women’s empowerment is essential for achieving sustainable development goals. It involves enabling women to take control of their lives by giving them the agency, resources, and opportunities they need to make their own choices and reach their full potential. If more women are empowered to use modern contraceptives, greater reductions in maternal mortality will follow. By understanding this association, we can identify key women empowerment dimensions that have an association with family planning utilization and consider ways forward to improve reproductive health outcomes for women. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between women’s empowerment and modern contraceptive utilization among married mothers in Ethiopia. Design: A facility-based quantitative study was employed. Methods: A facility-based quantitative cross-sectional study was employed among 305 mothers selected by systematic random sampling at Jimma Town Public Hospital from July 1 to August 31, 2022. The interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected data were entered into EpiData Manager, version 4.6.0.6, and then exported to SPSS, version 26. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between the dependent and independent variables. Results: Among a total of 305 study subjects, 301 were used in the analysis. Approximately 65% (95% CI = 59.8, 70.8) of the women utilized modern contraceptive methods. High general self-efficacy (AOR = 4.17; 95% CI = 2.11, 8.23), an internal locus of control (AOR = 3.92; 95% CI = 2.01, 7.65), labor work participation (AOR = 4.53; 95% CI = 1.99, 10.31), and enrollment in elementary education (AOR = 8.30; 95%; CI = 2.96, 23.27) have a statistically significant association with modern contraceptive utilization. Conclusion: Numerous dimensions of women’s empowerment are significantly associated with modern contraceptive utilization. The dimension of women’s empowerment needs considerable focus from stakeholders to empower women and enable them to utilize contraceptives and other maternal healthcare services.