Introduction: Acute poisoning causes morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is scarce of information on acute poisoning in the study area. Objective: To assess treatment outcome and the associated factors among patients admitted with acute poisoning at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. All acutely poisoned patients who had been admitted at the emergency department of Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020 who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the study were included. Data were collected by review of medical records. Poor treatment outcome of acute poisoning was defined as the acutely poisoned patient was died, or survived with disability. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with the outcome of acute poisoning. Result: A total of 175 patient’s medical records were reviewed. Of these, 150 patient’s medical records had complete information and were included in the final analysis. The majority of participants 89 (59.3%) were in the age group of 19–37 years. More than half of the participants 86 (57.3%) were females. Organophosphate was the most poisoning agent encountered in 62 cases. Acetaminophen was the predominant drug poisoning agent encountered in 10 participants. Among 30 patients managed with antidote, 18 patients were treated with atropine for organophosphate poisoning. Of all the poisoning cases admitted during the study period, 16.7% died. Participants who were poisoned by themselves were 2.4 times more likely to have poor treatment outcomes than those who were poisoned accidentally: 2.44 (95% confidence interval: 1.10–5.42). The odd of having poor treatment outcome in participants who were poisoned by drugs was 2.13 more likely: 2.13 (95% confidence interval: 1.21–3.32). Conclusion: Organophosphate was the predominant cause of acute poisoning encountered in 62 cases. The modes of poisoning and drug poisoning were significant risk factors associated with poor treatment outcomes of acute poisoning.

Community based health insurance (CBHI) is characterized by voluntary involvement, pooling of health risks and of funds occur within a community. It is becoming increasingly popular way to increase the use of healthcare services in low- and middle-income nations. Understanding the effect of CBHI on the level of health services utilization is a paramount for evidence based decision making. Hence, this study aimed to estimate the pooled effect of CBHI on health services utilization in Ethiopia. Studies were searched from PubMed, Google scholar, Web of Science, Research4life, Science Direct, African Journal Online and national websites for grey literatures. We were adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Cross sectional and quasi experimental studies were included. Studies were screened, and critically appraised for quality using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. The data were extracted using Microsoft excel and exported to STATA 17 and RevMan 5.4.1 for further analysis. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using Cochran’s Q statistic and quantified with I2. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect size. Subgroup analysis was done to show variations of the effect sizes across study years. A total of 1501 studies were identified, out of which only 14 of them were included in the final meta-analysis. Health services utilization among CBHI members and non-members was 69.1% [95%CI (57.1–81.1%)] versus 50.9% [95%CI (40.6–61.3%)] respectively (difference in the effect was 18.2%). The CBHI members were nearly three folds more likely to utilize health services as compared with their counterparts [OR = 2.54, 95%CI: (1.81, 3.57). On average, CBHI users had 1.14 increased health facility visits as compared to non-insured, mean difference (MD) = 1.14 visits with 95% CI (0.65–1.63). The CBHI has a significantly increased health service utilization in Ethiopia. Hence, it will have a great contribution to meet the health for all agenda in resource limited countries.

Achieving viral load suppression is crucial for the prevention of complications and deaths related to HIV infection. Ethiopia has embraced the worldwide 95-95-95 target, but there is no national representative information regarding virological suppression. Therefore, this review aims to determine the pooled virological suppression rate and identify the pooled effect of contributing factors of viral suppression for HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia. We systematically searched websites and databases, including online repositories, to obtain primary studies. Two reviewers assessed the quality of the included articles using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale appraisal checklist. Publication bias was checked using Egger's regression test, the heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using I² statistics and Q statistics, and a sensitivity analysis was performed to identify any outlier results in the included studies. The Der Simonian Laird random-effects model was used to estimate the overall proportion of viral suppression, and STATA 17 statistical software was used for all types of analysis. A total of 21 eligible articles primarily conducted in Ethiopia using HIV program data were used for this quantitative synthesis. The overall pooled virological suppression rate was 71% (95% CI, 64%–77%). The pooled effects of poor adherence to ART (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.33; 95% CI, 0.28–0.40), body mass index (18.5–24.9 kg/m²; AOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.37–2.36), disclosure (AOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.05–1.89), absence of opportunistic infection (AOR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.43–1.97), and high baseline viral load count (AOR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.52–0.81) were identified as significant predictors of viral suppression. The overall pooled percentage of virological suppression was low compared with the global target of viral suppression and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute report. Poor adherence, normal body mass index, disclosure, absence of opportunistic infection, and high baseline viral load count were factors contributing to viral suppression in Ethiopia. Responsible stakeholders should maximize their efforts to achieve the global target of virological suppression by addressing significant predictors.

Background: Typhoid fever is one of the major public health concerns in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Understanding the burden and factors contributing to the transmission and development of the disease is crucial to applying appropriate preventive and therapeutic interventions.Objective: To assess the prevalence of typhoid fever and its associated factors among febrile patients visiting Arerti Primary Hospital from 1 March to 30 May 2022.Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was employed among 326 febrile patients visiting Arerti Primary Hospital for health services. The data were collected using laboratory procedures (widal test) and a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data were entered using Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 25. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between variables. P-value < 0.05 and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were used to measure the presence and strength of associations.Results: In this study, of the total 317 cases that participated, the majority (64.4%) of them were males with age ranges from 13 to 63 years. The overall prevalence of positive antigen tests for typhoid infection was 30.0% (95% CI: 25.0%−35.3%). About 66.9% of the study participants had good knowledge, 75.7% had favorable perception, and 42.3% had good infection prevention practice. Being unemployed [AOR = 7.57, 95% CI (1.98, 28.93)], being a farmer [AOR = 2.73, 95% CI (1.01, 7.41)], and having a body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m² [AOR = 5.12, 95%CI (2.45, 10.68)] were significantly associated with typhoid fever infection.Conclusion: The prevalence of typhoid fever among febrile patients was high. Typhoid fever infection was significantly associated with occupational status (being unemployed and being a farmer) and lower BMI. The level of knowledge, perception, and practice of typhoid fever infection prevention were found inadequate. Therefore, behavioral change interventions are needed at the community level.

Introduction: Even though breast cancer incidence is lower in Sub-Saharan Africa, its mortality is higher in these countries. However, the impact does not end with diagnosis and treatment; rather many patients struggle with depression which is very common among these patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis helps to provide valuable insights into the overall prevalence of depression and associated factors among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa. Method: We searched several databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Hinary, CINHAL and Google Scholar to retrieve relevant literatures from inception up to 15 June 2023. All observational studies, published in English at any time were included, while, letters to editor, review articles, commentaries, interventional and qualitative studies, and, abstracts presented in conferences or seminars were excluded. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis have been written based on the PRISMA 2020 checklist and the protocol have been registered in PROSPERO database (CRD42023428910). Result: We have included nine articles with 2226 study participants. The result showed that, the pooled prevalence of depression among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa was 45.6% (95% CI: 30%–61%) with significant heterogeneity I² = 98.9%, (Cochrane) Q < 0.0001. There was no single study effect and publication bias but substantial heterogeneity was observed. In addition, there has been a publication bias with eggers test ( p < 0.0033). However, there were no studies imputed after trim and fill analysis. From the factors, breast cancer patients who had poor financial support were 1.47 (95% CI: 1.02–2.13) times more at risk of developing depression than their counterparts. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa countries were higher than other regions. Thus, Emphasis should be given on developing financial assistance programs designed to cover the medical costs and improving the health care infrastructure.

Objective: To assess youth friendly services utilization and associated factors among school youths in North Shewa zone, Ethiopia, 2020. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study complemented with qualitative inquiry was conducted from 25 February to 20 March 2020. Multistage and purposive sampling technique was used. A total of 605 randomly selected students were recruited. Seven in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted for qualitative study. p-value < 0.05 and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were computed to measure the strength of associations between variables. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim, analyzed manually, and presented in narration. Result: One hundred ninety-five (32.7%, 95% confidence interval: 29.0%, 36.6%) respondents had used youth friendly services during the survey. Educational level of father (can read and write) (adjusted odds ratio = 3.12, 95% confidence interval: (1.47, 6.65)), being knowledgeable about reproductive health issues (adjusted odds ratio = 4.84, 95% confidence interval: (2.77, 8.47)), discussion on reproductive health issues (adjusted odds ratio = 2.50, 95% confidence interval: (1.49, 4.19)), having sexual exposure (adjusted odds ratio = 3.37, 95% confidence interval: (1.54, 7.39)), perceiving oneself as risky for acquiring HIV/AIDS (adjusted odds ratio = 4.49, 95% confidence interval: (2.63,7.65)), history of sexually transmitted infections (adjusted odds ratio = 4.40, 95% confidence interval: (1.61, 12.04)), favorable attitude toward service providers (adjusted odds ratio = 2.20, 95% confidence interval: (1.16, 4.17)), and ever supported to use the services (adjusted odds ratio = 4.18, 95% confidence interval: (2.51, 6.97)) were factors associated with youth friendly services utilization. Conclusion: Compared with previous findings, youth friendly services utilization in the study area was relatively low. Knowledge on reproductive health issues, sexual exposure, perceiving as risky of acquiring HIV, history of sexually transmitted infection, ever supported to use the services, and attitude of youth toward youth friendly service providers were among factors associated with youth friendly services utilization. Health facilities and schools should work coordinately to scale up youth friendly services utilization.