Cancer is a disease causing abnormal cell proliferation, and can cause stress, anxiety, and emotional reactions in patients. Despite studies in Africa showing psychological distress in cancer patients, a systematic review on this topic has not yet been conducted. To find papers, searches were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, African Journal Online, and Google Scholar. This systematic review and meta-analysis encompassed fifteen primary articles from seven African countries that underwent assessment and inclusion. A Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was used to extract the data, which were then transferred to STATA version 14 for analysis. The statistical heterogeneity was evaluated by using Cochran’s Q and I2 statistics. Egger regression tests and funnel plot analysis were employed to look for publication bias. A sensitivity analysis and a subgroup analysis were performed. This systematic review and meta-analysis comprised a total of 1567 research participants from 15 different investigations. In Africa, 42.83% of cancer patients overall had a pooled prevalence of psychological distress (95% CI: 19.40, 66.27). Being a rural area (AOR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.49 to 3.55), having no social support (AOR = 4.63; 95% CI: 2.18 to 9.86), being in stage II cancer (AOR = 2.72; 95% CI: 1.38 to 5.38), having a co-occurring chronic illness (AOR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.34, 5.74), experiencing financial difficulties (AOR = 16.52; 3.56, 76.63), and experiencing difficult emotional life (AOR = 2.53; 1.07, 5.97) were associated with psychological distress. This study shows that there is a high prevalence of psychological distress among cancer patients in Africa. We have also found a significant relationship between psychological distress and rural living, a lack of social support, an advanced stage of the disease, coexisting medical conditions, financial problems, and emotional difficulties. Early detection to lessen psychological discomfort in this susceptible population is essential to reduce the burden of psychological distress among cancer patients.

Background: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is the most prevalent but neglected psychiatric disorder, with somatic symptoms that are severe enough to markedly affect usual daily activities and have a negative impact on mental health and quality of life by affecting female patients’ behavior and cognition. Studies regarding premenstrual dysphoric disorder and associated factors among high school students in low- and middle-income countries are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of PMDD among high school students, and this is pivotal in further investigation.Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 25 to April 17, 2023 using a simple random-sampling technique to select a sample of 564 participants. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder was assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Self-administered standardized questionnaires were used to collect data.Result: A total of 548 study participants participated, with a 97.2% response rate. The prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder among high school students was found to be 33.03% (95%CI: 29.20–37.09). In a multivariable analysis, irregular menstruation cycle (AOR = 4.242, 95%CI = 2.182–8.246), depression (AOR = 5.272, 95%CI = 2.779–10.002), having greater than 4 days of menstruation bleeding duration (AOR = 2.138, 95%CI = 1.105–4.138), and high perceived stress (AOR = 3.468, 95%CL = 1.217–9.880) were the factors significantly associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.Conclusion: The overall prevalence of PMDD which was one-third among high school students was high. Moreover, long duration of menstruation bleeding, depressive symptoms, irregular menstruation cycle, and high perceived stress were significant factors in PMDD. Therefore, it needs early screening and intervention in primary healthcare settings, especially for those who have high perceived stress, having depression, having a long duration of menstruation bleeding, and having an irregular menstruation cycle, so as to have good academic achievement and psychological wellbeing.

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: Suicide poses a significant global health challenge and is a leading cause of death among adolescent girls. Although suicidal ideation and attempts are known to increases sharply during female adolescence, and help-seeking behaviors are especially rare in low-income countries, no studies have been conducted on this population in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the magnitude, factors related to suicidal ideation and attempts, and help-seeking behaviors. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Illu Abba Bor Zone, involving 847 participants selected through multistage cluster sampling. Data, collected using interviewer-administered WHO Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) and General Help-Seeking Questionnaires, were analyzed using SPSS Version 26.0. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the outcomes. Results: Of the 847 sampled girls, 810 participated, yielding a response rate of 95.6%. The prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicidal plan and attempts was 25.3%, 19.8%, and 16.1%, respectively. Their help-seeking behaviors for suicidality were 14.6%. Risk factors for suicidal ideation included experiencing gender-based violence (AOR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.94, 6.46), anxiety (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.42, 4.21), food insecurity (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.19, 3.48), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.78, 6.21). For suicidal attempts, associated factors were depression (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI: 2.01, 6.52), gender-based violence (AOR = 4.56, 95% CI: 2.12, 9.34), social phobia (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.27, 3.13), and a family history of suicide (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.41, 3.65). Conclusions: Findings indicate that one in four adolescent girls experienced suicidal ideation, one in six made attempts, but rates of help-seeking behaviors were low. Immediate intervention is crucial; it is essential to design and implement comprehensive, multi-level strategies targeting suicide prevention. Promoting community mental health, help-seeking behaviors for suicidality, and reducing violence against girls are vital steps needed to tackle mental health issues.

Sleep problems pose global public health concerns, particularly among nurses, with approximately two-thirds experiencing sleep disturbances and fatigue. Although poor sleep hygiene and fatigue can impair nurses' performance and alertness, increasing work-related accidents, chronic diseases, absenteeism, burnout, and medical errors, ultimately threatening both nurses' well-being and patient safety, no studies have been conducted in Ethiopia. This study assesses sleep hygiene practices and perceived fatigue, examines their associations and associated factors among nurses. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 424 nurses via simple random sampling. Data collected using self-administered Sleep Hygiene Index, Chalder Fatigue Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaires analyzed with SPSS Version 26.0. Bivariate, multivariate, and Pearson correlation analyses were done. The study revealed that 52.3% and 89.3% of nurses had poor sleep hygiene practices, and perceived fatigue respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between poor sleep hygiene and fatigue (r = 0.67, P < 0.001). Burnout syndrome (AOR = 4.51, 95% CI: 2.60, 8.05), depression (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.53, 4.09), current alcohol drinkers (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.25, 3.08), shift work sleep disorders (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.82), poor sleep quality (AOR = 5.04,95% CI:2.33,9.52), and job-related stress (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.76-6.98) were associated factors. Over half of nurses had poor sleep hygiene, and highly experienced perceived fatigue. A significant positive correlation was found between poor sleep hygiene practices and fatigue. Thus, promoting good sleep habits to manage and prevent fatigue among nurses are crucial.