Virological treatment failure is a problem that a Human Immune Virus patient faces after starting treatment due to different factors. However, there were few studies done on the predictors of virological treatment failure among adult patients on first-line antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia in general, and no study was done in the study area in particular. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify predictors of virological treatment failure among adult patients on first-line antiretroviral therapy in Woldiya and Dessie Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia. Hospital based case–control study was conducted in Woldia and Dessie Hospitals from from 12 August 2016–28 February 2018 on 154 cases and 154 controls among adult patients on first-line antiretroviral treatment. All cases were included and comparable controls were selected using stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected by document review using checklists and entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 21. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify the independent predictors of virological treatment failure. In this study, statistically higher odds of virological failure was observed among patients who had current CD4 T-cell count of < 200 mm3 (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.35, 4, 18) compared withCD4 T-cell count of > 200 mm3, current body mass index(BMI) < 16 kg/m2 (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI:1.85, 9.51) compared with BMI > 18.5 kg/m2, BMI between 16 and 18.5 kg/m2 (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI: 1.75, 7.92) versus BMI > 18.5 kg/m2, poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (AOR = 5.4, 95% CI: 2.95, 9.97) compared with good adherence. This study showed that low current CD4 T-cell count and body mass index, as well as poor adherence for ART treatment predicts virological failure. Therefore, deliberate efforts are urgently needed in HIV care through improving their nutritional status by enhancing nutritional education and support, and by strengthening enhanced adherence counseling.

Background: Family planning helps to reduce poverty, increase gender equity, prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections, and reduce maternal, infant, and childhood mortality. Hence, this study aimed to examine the association between exposure to mass media family planning messages and the utilization of modern contraceptives among urban and rural youth women in Ethiopia. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study using the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data set was applied. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 20. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between exposure to mass media family planning messages and the utilization of modern contraceptives by controlling confounders. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was considered to declare a statistically significant association. Results: The total sample was comprised of 6401 women (4061 from rural and 2340 from the urban area). There was no association between women exposed to mass media family planning messages and the utilization of modern contraceptives in rural areas. Surprisingly, this study showed that women exposed to mass media family planning messages in an urban area were less likely to use modern contraception by 62% (AOR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.68). Conclusion: The present study revealed that there was no significant association between women exposed to mass media family planning messages and utilization of modern contraceptives in rural areas. But, women exposed to mass media family planning messages in urban areas were less likely to use modern contraception. The study showed the role of inequalities in modern contraceptive utilization as shaped by structural and intermediary factors including religion, location, household wealth, education, and the number of children. This implies that the use of modern contraceptive use may be more impactful if cultural, geographical, and socioeconomic barriers are addressed.

Background: The development of antiretroviral drugs and subsequent access to combined antiretroviral therapy contributed to the decline in morbidity and mortality rates associated with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, resulting in an increased life expectancy and improved quality of life for people living with human immunodeficiency virus. However, a cluster of metabolic derangements such as dyslipidemia is increasing, especially for those on antiretroviral therapy. Limited studies were done on the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its associated factors among adult patients on antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia which demand the conduct of the present investigation entitled on the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its associated factors among adult patients on antiretroviral therapy in Armed Force Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2018. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed between March and April 2018. Systematic sampling method was used to select 353 study participants. Pretested stepwise approach of the World Health Organization questionnaire (WHO Stepwise), document review, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory analysis were used to collect data on different variables under the study. Collected data were entered in Epidata version 3 and analyzed by SPSS version 21. Results: The prevalence of dyslipidemia among study participants was 74.8%. Female participants were twice and half at risk of developing dyslipidemia compared to males (AOR= 2.38; 95% CI: 1.15, 3.66). Similarly, compared to those attended college level of education, not attended formal education (AOR=0.19; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.66), and having primary/secondary educational level (AOR= 0.33; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.66) showed lower odds to develop dyslipidemia. Furthermore, WHO clinical stage II (AOR= 0.35; 95% CI: 0.14,0.92), stage III (AOR=0.25; 95% CI:0.10,0.64), duration on ART (AOR= 1.01; 95% CI: 1.001,1.02), and BMI (AOR =1.13; 95% CI: 1.06,1.23) were significantly associated with dyslipidemia. Conclusion: There exists a high prevalence of dyslipidemia among study participants. Sex, educational status, WHO clinical stage, duration on ART, and BMI were significantly associated factors for dyslipidemia. Intervention strategies including the identified factors are demanded in the setting.

Background: In developing countries, youth women are most at risk of HIV infection. Center for Disease Control recommends that people who participate in high-risk behaviors get tested for HIV at least annually. In 2016, the Ethiopian Ministry of Health set goals to identify 90% of the people living with HIV by 2030. But undiagnosed HIV infections are still high in the country. To alleviate the problem, it is vital to identify the factors that hinder HIV testing practice. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the facilitators and barriers of HIV testing practice among Ethiopian youth women. Methods: The analysis was done on 6401 women aged 15– 24 years using data from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey (EDHS). The main outcome variable was self-reported HIV testing practice. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the facilitators and barriers of HIV testing practice. Results: In this study, 37.7% [95% CI: (33.6, 39.1)] of youth women were tested for HIV in their life. Being married (AOR=4.7; 95% CI: (3.67, 6.01)), divorced [AOR=6.2; 95% CI: (3.98– 9.54)], having primary level of education [AOR=2.4;95% CI: (1.79– 3.13)], and secondary level of education [AOR=4.0; 95% CI: (2.87– 5.63)], being rich [AOR=2.3;95% CI: (1.39– 3.91)] and being in the highest wealth index catagory [AOR=2.6;95% CI: (1.30– 5.16)] increase the odds of HIV testing. However, lack of media acccess [AOR = 0.7; 95 CI %: (0.54– 0.87)], lack of comprehensive HIV knowledge [AOR = 0.68; 65% CI: (0.53– 0.86)] and having discriminatory attitude towards PLHIV[AOR=0.79;95% CI: (0.64– 0.97)] decrease the odds of HIV testing. Conclusion: The practice of HIV testing among youth populations was low as compared to national recommendations. Lack of media access, lack of comprehensive knowledge about HIV, and having discriminatory attitudes were the barriers to HIV testing practice. Marriage, secondary or higher education attainment, and high wealth index category were the facilitators for HIV testing. Improving HIV-related knowledge, improving media access, and minimizing discriminatory attitudes are strongly recommended to promote HIV testing practice.

The current global trend in the nutrition, epidemiologic and demographic transitions collectively alarms the need to pursue a sustainable protein diet that respects ecosystem and biodiversity from alternative sources, such as algae, fungi and edible insects. Then, changing the nutrition reality is extremely important to impede the global syndemic of obesity, undernutrition and climate change. This review aims to synthesize the published literature on the potential roles of alternative proteins and their derived bioactive peptides in preventive and clinical nutrition, identify research gaps and inform future research areas. Google Scholar and PubMed databases from their inception up to 30 June 2024 were searched using keywords to access pertinent articles published in English language for the review. Overall, proteins derived from algae, fungi, and edible insects are high-quality proteins as animal sources and demonstrate significant potential as a sustainable source of bioactive peptides, which are metabolically potent and have negligible adverse effects. They show promise to prevent and treat diseases associated with oxidative stress, obesity, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease (especially hypertension), and neurodegenerative diseases. Given the abundance of algae, fungi and insect peptides performed in vitro or in vivo animals, further clinical studies are needed to fully establish their safety, efficacy and practical application in preventive and clinical nutrition. Additionally, social and behavioral change communication strategies would be important to increase health awareness of nutritional benefits and promote consumer acceptance of alternative protein sources.

Background: Misconceptions are a major barrier to managing and stopping the spread of AIDS, and they cause a negative attitude towards people stricken by this serious disease that might result in grave harm to their physical and emotional spirit. This study aimed to identify determinants about misconceptions of HIV transmission among Ethiopian married women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data set. The samples were selected using a two-stage stratified cluster sampling technique. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 24. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of misconception about HIV transmission. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and P-value < 0.05 were considered to declare a statistically significant association. Results: Of the samples of 8893 reproductive-age women, 34%, 18.5%, and 14.5% of women believed that mosquito bites, food sharing with an individual who is HIV seropositive, and witchcraft or supernatural means, respectively, were responsible for the acquisition of HIV/AIDS. Women residing in rural areas (AOR=1.52; 95% CI=1.13– 2.0), did not attend education (AOR=2.36; 95% CI=1.3– 4.23), attended primary education (AOR=1.8; 95% CI=1.03– 3.21), unemployed (AOR=1.17; 95% CI=1.04– 1.37), and had no media access (AOR= 1.34; 95% CI=1.14– 1.58) were positively associated with the misconception that mosquito bites can transmit HIV. Conclusion: Misconceptions are highly prevalent and increase the likelihood of the HIV epidemic in Ethiopia. This research revealed that women residing in a rural area, who did not have education, did not have access to media, who were catholic and Muslim religion followers, had not ever been tested for HIV, and unemployed women were strongly associated with a misconception about HIV transmission. Therefore, interventional health education programs should be taken into account to eradicate misconceptions about HIV.