Background: The occurrence of potential drug‒drug interactions (pDDIs) is a serious global issue that affects all age groups, with the elderly population being the most vulnerable. This is due to their relatively high rates of comorbidity and polypharmacy, as well as physiological changes that can increase the potential for DDIs and the likelihood of adverse drug reactions. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of pDDIs and associated factors among elderly patients in Ethiopia. Methods: A comprehensive literature search using the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis statement was conducted on HINARI, Science Direct, Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Research Gate. Data were extracted via a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed via STATA version 11.0. Egger regression tests and funnel plot analysis were used to check publication bias, and the I ² statistic was used to evaluate statistical heterogeneity. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also conducted to identify potential causes of heterogeneity. Results: Seven articles were analyzed, and a total of 1897 pDDIs were identified in 970 patients, resulting in an average of 1.97 DDIs per patient. The number of DDIs per patient ranged from 0.18 to 5.86. The overall prevalence of pDDIs among elderly patients was 50.69% (95% CI 18.77–82.63%). However, the prevalence of pDDIs ranged widely from 2.80 to 90.1%. When the severity of the interactions was considered, the prevalence of potential DDIs was found to be 28.74%, 70.68%, and 34.20% for major, moderate, and minor pDDIs, respectively. Polypharmacy and long hospital stays were identified as factors associated with pDDIs among elderly patients in Ethiopia. Conclusions: The overall prevalence of pDDIs among elderly patients was high, with a wide range of prevalence rates. Moderate-severity interactions were the most prevalent. Polypharmacy and long hospital stays were identified as factors associated with pDDIs among elderly patients. The study suggests that DDIs identification database itself could have modified the DDIs prevalence rate. As a result, a single DDIs identification database needs to be authorized; otherwise, clinical knowledge should be taken into account when interpreting the information obtained.

Elderly patients are at a heightened risk of drug-drug interactions due to their high prevalence of comorbidities, polypharmacy, and age-related physiological changes that alter drug metabolism and excretion. In Africa, these risks are compounded by unique healthcare challenges, including limited access to diagnostic tools, and high burdens of communicable diseases. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of drug-drug interactions and its associated factors among elderly patients in Africa. Relevant research articles were identified from databases such as HINARI, Science Direct, Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Research Gate. Data were extracted via a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed via STATA version 11.0. Egger regression tests and funnel plot analysis were used to check for publication bias, and the I2 statistic was used to evaluate statistical heterogeneity. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also conducted to identify potential causes of heterogeneity. Fifteen articles were analyzed, and a total of 5651 potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) were identified in 1952 patients, resulting in an average of 2.89 pDDIs per patient. The overall prevalence of pDDIs among elderly patients was 52.53% (95% confidence interval (CI): 35.40, 69.66). However, the prevalence of pDDIs ranged widely from 2.8 to 90.1%. When the severity of the interactions was considered, the prevalence of pDDIs was 20.59%, 69.4%, 34.32% and 1.59% for major, moderate, minor, and contraindicated DDIs, respectively. Polypharmacy, long hospital stays, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were identified as factors associated with pDDIs among elderly patients in Africa. DDIs are prevalent among elderly patients in Africa and are often associated with polypharmacy, prolonged hospitalizations, and the presence of chronic comorbidities, particularly hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Moderate-severity interactions were the most prevalent DDIs. The study suggests addressing this issue requires targeted interventions, including improved pharmacovigilance, enhanced prescribing practices, and integration of DDI risk assessment into routine clinical care. The study also suggests that the database itself could have modified the DDI prevalence rate. As a result, a single DDI identification database needs to be authorized; otherwise, clinical knowledge should be taken in to account when interpreting the information obtained.

BackgroundHookworm infection is a common problem among schoolchildren and mothers in tropical and subtropical countries, causing cognitive impairment, growth retardation in children and anaemia, low birth weight, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth delay in susceptible mothers. Since schoolchildren generally have a higher prevalence due to behavioral and hygiene-related factors, our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for Hookworm infection among schoolchildren in Ethiopia.MethodsRelevant studies were retrieved from several search databases. The data were extracted via a standard data extraction format, and STATA version 11 was utilized for the analysis. Funnel plots and Egger's regression tests were used to evaluate publication bias, whereas the I2 test was used to determine heterogeneity. A random effects model meta-analysis was conducted to determine the pooled prevalence and associated factors of Hookworm infection among schoolchildren.ResultsIn this review, 48 studies with 43,285 participants were included. The pooled prevalence of Hookworm among schoolchildren was 13.01% (95% CI: 10.52, 15.51). Hookworm infection was significantly associated with the inability to use protective footwear (OR = 5.90, 95% CI: 2.86, 12.18) and the inability to use latrines (OR = 3.04, 95% CI: 1.77, 5.23). Subgroup analysis by diagnostic methods revealed that the highest prevalence of Hookworm was found to be 28.50% (95% CI: 24.09, 32.91) using combinations of Kato-Katz, McMaster, and spontaneous tube sedimentation techniques.ConclusionOur study revealed that a significant prevalence of schoolchildren were affected by Hookworms, with substantial regional variations. This suggests that there is a need for better control measures such as improving hygiene, sanitation, and protective measures such as footwear. In addition, a combination of one or more diagnostic methods should be employed for better detection of parasites. This systematic review and meta-analysis have been registered in PROSPERO with reference number CRD42024558542.

Background Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally. Caregivers of stroke survivors play a crucial role in the recovery process, yet they often experience high levels of depression. Understanding the global prevalence of depression among these caregivers and identifying associated factors is essential for developing effective support strategies. This study sought to assess the global pooled prevalence of depression and identify its associated factors among caregivers of stroke survivors. Method We conducted a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases, including Scopus, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Psychiatry Online, and PubMed/MEDLINE, to identify relevant articles. Articles published from January 2004 up to January 10, 2024, that reported on the prevalence of depression among caregivers of stroke survivors were included. The data were extracted via Microsoft Excel, and statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 14. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using Cochran’s Q and I² statistics. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were employed to identify potential causes of heterogeneity. Results A total of 27 articles involving 3799 caregivers were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of depression among caregivers of stroke survivors was found to be 43.87% (95% confidence interval [CI] 35.99–51.74). Subgroup analyses revealed significant variations according to geographical regions, assessment tools used, study design, and caregiver types. Factors associated with higher levels of depression included long duration of caregiving and being a caregiver of a male stroke patient. Conclusion The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis highlight a significant prevalence of depression among caregivers of stroke survivors globally. Factors associated with depression included a long duration of caregiving and being a caregiver of a male stroke patient. This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to support caregivers and address their mental health needs, thereby improving their well-being and the quality of care they provide.

Unused medicines present significant public health, environmental risks and economic challenges. Understanding their prevalence and determinants is crucial for designing appropriate interventions. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and determinants of unused medicines among households in Ethiopia. A comprehensive search was conducted across major databases, including Scopus, Science Direct, Embase, PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Research Gate, to identify relevant studies published up to January 10, 2025. Eligible studies reporting the prevalence and determinants of unused medicines in Ethiopian households were included. Data were extracted via a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using STATA version 11.0, applying a random-effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence and account for heterogeneity. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore variations across studies. A total of 12 studies involving 6123 households were included. The pooled prevalence of unused medicines was estimated at 44.34 % (95 % CI: 32.83, 55.84), with substantial heterogeneity among studies (I² = 99.0 %, p value =0.000). Subgroup analyses revealed higher prevalence rates in urban households at 47.8 % compared to rural households at 26.89 % and regional disparities. Antibiotics were the most frequently unused class of medications, accounting for 31.49 % of all unused medicines in households, followed by analgesics at 26.14 %, while antacids constituted 8.7 %. The primary reasons for the accumulation of unused medicines included self-discontinuation upon symptom relief at 34.21 %, while anticipation of future use constitute 20.47 %. Factors such as self-medication with NSAIDs, acquisition of medications without prescriptions, and higher household income were significantly associated with the prevalence of unused medicines among households in Ethiopia. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that unused medicines among households in Ethiopian was prevalent, with significant regional variations. Antibiotics were the most commonly unused medications, followed by analgesics, while cardiovascular medicines and dietary supplements were the least reported. The primary reasons for the accumulation of unused medicines included self-discontinuation upon symptom relief, and anticipation of future use. Key determinants such as self-medication with NSAIDs, acquisition of medications without prescriptions, and higher household income were significantly associated with the prevalence of unused medicines. These findings underscore the need for context specific interventions to address the high prevalence of unused medicines in Ethiopia, particularly in urban settings and regions with higher rates.

The ongoing conflicts and natural disasters in Ethiopia have led to a significant increase in the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), necessitating effective healthcare delivery in IDP camps. This study aims to assess the availability of essential medicines and inventory management practices and to identify common challenges within these camps in Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia. An explanatory sequential mixed method was employed, from August to October 2023, in 5 IDP camps in Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia. Structured and semi-structure questionnaires were utilized. Data were collected through face-to-face and telephone interview, document review, and observation. Quantitative data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and analyzed by SPSS window version 26, and descriptive statistics were computed and summarized results were presented by using text, tables and graphs, while thematic analysis using open code software was employed for qualitative data analysis. The average availability of essential medicines in IDP camps was 77.3%. Inventory control cards were available in nearly half of the OPDs clinics in IDP camps. However, the overall updating practice on transaction was 0%. None of the IDP camps met the criteria for acceptable storage conditions. Only 18.2% of OPD clinics are adhered to FEFO inventory control procedure. Common challenges affecting the availability of essential medicines and inventory management practices in IDP include poor inventory management practices, national stock outs, irrational drug use, fraud and theft, insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, uncertainty, reliance on push delivery systems, lack of inter-agency collaboration, and limited resources. The study found that while the average availability of essential medicines in IDP camps was fairly- high, stockouts were common, and none of the camps met the established criteria for acceptable storage conditions. Inventory management practices were weak, with poor adherence to protocols such as bin card updating, stock level reviews, and the FEFO system. The current study suggest that significant efforts are being made to supply IDP camps with essential medicines, despite the challenges posed by poor inventory management, national-level stock shortages, irrational drug use, fraud and theft, insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, uncertainty, reliance on push delivery systems, lack of inter-agency collaboration, and limited resources.