BackgroundDiabetic ketoacidosis is an acute life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. T... more BackgroundDiabetic ketoacidosis is an acute life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. There was limited data on level of in-hospital mortality, hospital stay and factors associated with length of hospital stay among diabetic patients admitted to diabetic ketoacidosis at Debretabor General Hospital.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine the length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality of diabetic ketoacidosis patients and to assess determinants of long hospital stay among diabetic patients admitted with Diabetic ketoacidosis at Debretabor General Hospital.MethodA retrospective study was conducted at Debretabor General Hospital from June 1to 30, 2018. Participants included in the study were all diabetic patients with diabetic ketoacidosis admitted to the hospital from August 2010 to May 31, 2018 whose medical records contained complete pertinent data. The primary outcome was to determine the length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality of diabetic ketoacido...
Background: Asthma is one of the chronic diseases which affects the airway, and inhalers are the ... more Background: Asthma is one of the chronic diseases which affects the airway, and inhalers are the preferred medications to treat this problem. Improper inhalational technique leads to decreased efficacy of the medication by reducing its deposition in the lungs. The aim of this study was to assess the barriers to and competency with the use of Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) and its impact on disease control among adult asthmatic patients. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital outpatient department (OPD) chronic follow up from 12-March-2018 to 15-May-2018. Patients were interviewed face to face with questions which determined their competency, asthma control level and barriers for inhaler use. Result: Overall, 307 asthmatic patients were included in the study. More than half of participants were females, 170 (55.4%) and lived in urban area 185 (60.3%). The mean age of the respondents was 51.77 years with a standard deviation of ±15.40. The cost of medication, 282 (91.9%) and the perception that medication should be used in response to symptoms but not on a regular basis 277 (90.2%) were the most identified barriers. Only 56 (18.2%) were competent for Metered Dose Inhaler use (MDIU) and 17 (5.5%) patients had well controlled asthma. Being not competent AOR 0.168[0.41-0.687] was one of the factors decreasing asthma control. Conclusion: Generally from this study, cost of the medication and the perception that medication should be used only for symptoms were the major identified barriers that affect the MDI use among asthmatic patients. Patients show very poor competence to their MDI which in turn led to poor asthma control. So, patients need to be taught the correct inhaler technique in the hospital and pharmacy while they came for follow up every time.
Background. There is no pooled evidence regarding the prevalence and potential associated factors... more Background. There is no pooled evidence regarding the prevalence and potential associated factors of perinatal depression in Ethiopian community. Hence, the current review aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of perinatal depression in Ethiopia. Method. A computerized systematic literature search was made in MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Each database was searched from its start date to January 2018. All included articles were published in English, which evaluated prevalence and associated factors of perinatal depression in Ethiopia. Pooled estimations with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated with DerSimonian-Laird (DL) random-effects model. Publication bias was evaluated by using inspection of funnel plots and statistical tests. Result. Eight observational studies with an overall sample size of 4624 mothers were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of perinatal depression from these studies reported that the prevalence of perinatal depression in Ethiopia is 25.8% [95% CI, 24.6%-27.1%]. A pervious history of depression [RR: 3.78 (95% CI, 2.18-6.57), I 2 = 41.6%], poor socioeconomic status [RR: 4.67 (95% CI, 2.89-7.53), I 2 = 0%], not living with spouse [RR: 3.76 (95% CI, 1.96-7.38), I 2 = 36.4%], having obstetric complications in previous and/or this pregnancy [RR: 2.74 (95% CI, 1.48-5.06), I 2 = 67.7%], and having unplanned pregnancy [RR: 2.73 (95% CI, 2.11-3.53), I 2 = 0%] were the major factors associated with perinatal depression. Conclusion. The pooled prevalence of perinatal depression in Ethiopia is far above most developed as well as developing countries. Hence, to realize the sustainable development goals (SDGs) outlined by united nation, much attention should be given to improve maternal mental health through reduction of identified modifiable factors. Maternal health programs, polices, and activities should incorporate maternal mental health as a core component.
Background. Depression in asthma patients can cause worsening of respiratory symptoms. Addressing... more Background. Depression in asthma patients can cause worsening of respiratory symptoms. Addressing mental illness in those with asthma improves asthma outcomes. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology of depression and associated factors among asthma patients attending government hospitals in Ethiopia. Methods. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with asthma at three governmental hospitals of Addis Ababa from June to July 2017. Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression scale was used to assess prevalence of depression among asthmatic patients. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify associated factors for depression. To indicate the strength of association, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used. Result. A total of 405 participants were enrolled in the study giving an overall response rate of 96%. The respondents had mean age of 54.46 and standard deviation (SD) of 10.01 years. About 273 (67.4%) were females. The prevalence of depression among asthma patients was 85 (21%). The odds of developing depression among single asthma patients were increased by 1.63 with 95% CI [1. 8, 3.493]. Depression among asthma patients who had comorbid cardiac illness was 6.2 times higher than those who do not have at CI [1.145, 24.109]. The prevalence of depression among uncontrolled asthma patients was 8 times higher than those with well-controlled asthma at CI [1.114, 19.025]. Conclusion. One-fifth of asthmatic patients were experiencing depression. Uncontrolled asthma, comorbid cardiac illness, and single patients were important predictors of depression among asthmatic patients. Proper control of asthmatic attack and cardiac illnesses is very important to reduce the burden of depression.
Background: Clinical pharmacists (CP) providing medication therapy management (MTM) services have... more Background: Clinical pharmacists (CP) providing medication therapy management (MTM) services have shown significant positive therapeutic outcomes by identifying and resolving patients' drug therapy problems (DTPs). Objective: Thus, the aim of the study is to evaluate and characterise the type of interventions provided by CPs through MTM services in emergency and ambulatory settings in Gondar University Hospital (GUH), northwest Ethiopia. Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study carried out in emergency and ambulatory settings during February-July 2015 at GUH, Ethiopia. The CP interventions documented through MTM services were collected and analysed using SPSS version 22. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 182 patients with 335 interventions were recorded, of which the majority were from the ambulatory ward (63.1%) particularly, cardiovascular patients (25.8%). CPs identified at least one DTP per patient, such as 'need for additional drug therapy' (30.5%) and 'unnecessary drug therapy' (29.5%). The interventions provided by CPs were providing information (32.5%), start/stop medications (25.7%), alteration of duration, frequency and dosage (11.6%). Of 335 interventions, 257 (76.7%) were accepted by physicians. CP interventions were about four times more likely to be accepted by physicians in patients with comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio = 3.70, 95% CI = 1.959-6.99) than those with no comorbidity. Conclusion: CP interventions through MTM documentations revealed identification of patient drug-related problems and have shown acceptance by the majority of physicians. We recommend the use of MTM services in other wards of the GUH.
Investigating the prescribing trend is important to improve rational prescribing. This study aime... more Investigating the prescribing trend is important to improve rational prescribing. This study aimed at assessing the cardiovascular drug use, pattern, and its impact on clinical outcome. A cross-sectional study was employed in the outpatient department of chronic illness clinic of Gondar University specialized hospital, Ethiopia from 15 January 2017 to 15 March 2017. The independent variables were sociodemographic, medication, and other clinical information while cardiovascular disease improvement is the outcome variable. Binary logistic regression was used to test the association between the independent variables and the outcome variable. Kaplan Meier curve was used to analyze the clinical improvement while the Log-rank test was employed to compare the clinical outcome with the number of medications. Eight hundred thirty-three cardiovascular patient medical records were included in the final analysis. The majority (62.5%) of patients were females and more than 61% were above 50 years of age. Diuretics monotherapy accounted for a third (33.6%) of cardiovascular drug use, followed by combination therapy of angiotensin convertase enzyme inhibitors with Diuretics (21.8%) and calcium channel blockers with diuretics (8.3%). Cardiovascular patients followed for 72 months found to have a good level of clinical improvement on combination medication (Log Rank of 28.9, P = 0.000). In this study, diuretics mono-therapy or in combination with angiotensin convertase enzyme inhibitors were found to be the frequently prescribed drugs in cardiovascular patients. Combination therapy has an implication for good cardiovascular improvement on long term follow-up. It seems clinicians were restricted to certain cardiovascular medications while plenty of choices are available from the diverse classes of cardiovascular drugs.
Background. There was limited published data on target organ damage (TOD) and the effect of nonad... more Background. There was limited published data on target organ damage (TOD) and the effect of nonadherence to practice guidelines in Ethiopia. This study determined TOD and the long term effect of nonadherence to clinical guidelines on hypertensive patients. Methods. An open level retrospective cohort study has been employed at cardiac clinic of Gondar university hospital for a mean follow-up period of 78 months. Multivariate Cox regression was conducted to test associating factors of TOD. Results. Of the total number of 612 patients examined, the overall prevalence of hypertensive TOD was 40.3%. The presence of comorbidities, COR = 1.073 [1.01-1.437], AOR = 1.196 [1.174-1.637], and nonadherence to clinical practice guidelines, COR = 1.537 [1.167-2.024], AOR = 1.636 [1.189-2.251], were found to be predicting factors for TOD. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis patients who were initiated on appropriate medication tended to develop TOD very late: Log Rank [11.975 (í µí± = 0.01)]. Conclusion. More than forty percent of patients acquired TOD which is more significant. Presence of comorbidities and nonadherence to practice guidelines were correlated with the incidence of TOD. Appropriate management of hypertension and modification of triggering factors are essential to prevent complications.
Background: Despite advances in medical knowledge, technology and antimicrobial therapy, infectiv... more Background: Despite advances in medical knowledge, technology and antimicrobial therapy, infective endocarditis (IE) is still associated with devastating outcomes. No reviews have yet assessed the outcomes of IE patients undergoing short-and long-term outcome evaluation, such as all-cause mortality and IE-related complications. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the short-and long-term mortality, as well as IE-related complications in patients with definite IE. Methods: A computerized systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar from 2000 to August, 2016. Included studies were published studies in English that assessed short-and long-term mortality for adult IE patients. Pooled estimations with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated with DerSimonian-Laird (DL) random-effects model. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed. Publication bias was evaluated using inspection of funnel plots and statistical tests.
Background: People with bipolar disorder are highly vulnerable to risky sexual behaviors (RSBs). ... more Background: People with bipolar disorder are highly vulnerable to risky sexual behaviors (RSBs). The magnitude of RSBs among bipolar disorders was not studied in our population. The present study aimed to explore the prevalence of RSBs and associated factors among patients with bipolar disorder. Method: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 April to 30 May 2017 among people living with bipolar disorder at outpatient departments of Amanuel Mental Health Hospital, Addis Ababa. Systematic random sampling was used to select participants. Risky sexual behavior was defined as having sex with two or more sexual partners, having unprotected sexual intercourse, sex after alcohol consumption, exchanged money for sex in a previous 12 months. Data collection was conducted through face-to-face interview by a structured questionnaire adopted from behavioral surveillance survey. Binary logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with RSBs.
Background: Hypertension is an important public health problem worldwide. There is lac... more Background: Hypertension is an important public health problem worldwide. There is lack of data on uncontrolled blood pressure in developing countries. Objectives: To determine the magnitude and predicting factors of uncontrolled blood pressure in hypertensive patients attending Gondar university hospital, Ethiopia.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional survey wasconducted from July 2015 to March 2016. All hypertensive patients were followed and the blood pressure levels were measured. Binary logistic regression analysis was doneto determine the predictors of uncontrolled blood pressure. A p-value of <0.05 was set at priori with 95% confidence interval to test the level of significance.Results: Of the total 578 hypertension patients, 543 (93.9%) fulfilledthe study criteria and were included in the final analysis. The mean age of the participants was 55.96±14.6 years. Nearly two-third (58.2%) of the participants were females. More than one-tenth (11.4%) of the respondents haduncontrolled blood pressure. High salt intake carried six times more risk of uncontrolled blood pressure. Elderly individuals had lower risk as compared to young age group. However, comorbidities were not related with uncontrolled blood pressure. Conclusions: Blood pressure control was relatively high in the hospital studied. High salt intake was strongly linked with uncontrolled blood pressure. Individuals with high salt intake should be followed for their medication experience and disease knowledge.
Background: Globally, heart failure (HF) has been recognized as one of the major cardiovascular d... more Background: Globally, heart failure (HF) has been recognized as one of the major cardiovascular disorder with high morbidity, mortality and considerable social impact. In Sub Saharan African countries, HF has turned out as a leading form of cardiovascular diseases, and has considerable socioeconomic impact. However, there are differences in clinical characteristics and survival status among patients with preserved (HFpEF) and reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction. The aim of this study is to outline the clinical characteristics and medication profile, assess the survival status and prognostic factors of Ethiopian HF patients with HFrEF and HFpEF. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out and we employed medical records of patient's, admitted as a result of HF to the University of Gondar Referral Hospital in the period between December 02, 2010 and December 01, 2015 due to HF. Kaplan Meier curve was used to analyze the survival status and log rank test was used to compare the curves. Cox regression was used to analyze independent predictors of mortality in all HF patients.
Acute diarrhea is the major cause of child morbidity and mortality in low-income nations. It is t... more Acute diarrhea is the major cause of child morbidity and mortality in low-income nations. It is the second most common cause of death among children &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;5 years of age globally. The indispensable role of community pharmacists is clearly observed in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea. However, there is a paucity of data on how community pharmacies manage acute childhood diarrhea cases in Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the experience of community pharmacies in the management of acute diarrhea in northern Ethiopia. A simulated case-based cross-sectional study was conducted in community pharmacies from five towns of northern Ethiopia between April 2015 and September 2015. Convenience sampling technique was used to select sample towns. A structured questionnaire was organized to collect the information. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, one-way analysis of variance, and binary logistic regression were performed to describe, infer, and test for association between the variables. SPSS for Windows Version 21 was used to enter and analyze the data. A 95% confidence interval and P-value of 0.05 were set to test the level of significance. Approximately 113 community pharmacies were visited to collect the required data from five towns. Majority (78, 69%) of them were located away from hospitals and health care areas. Nine components of history taking were presented for dispensers. Regarding the patient history, &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;age&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; was frequently taken, (90.3%), whereas &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;chief complaint&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; was the least to be taken (23%), for patients presenting with diarrhea. Approximately 96 (85.0%) cases were provided with one or more medications. The remaining 17 (15%) cases did not receive any medication. A total of six pharmacologic groups of medications were given to alleviate acute diarrheal symptoms. Majority (66, 29.6%) of the medications were oral rehydration salts with zinc. The mean number of medications was 1.99 per visit. Components of advice, such as dose, frequency, duration, drug action, and adverse drug reactions, were found to vary among the five towns at a statistically significant level. Community pharmacies provided inadequate treatment for acute childhood diarrhea. Inappropriate history taking and incorrect drug and food instructions have been frequently encountered during acute diarrhea management. Practitioners working in northern Ethiopia should receive proper training on the management of acute childhood diarrhea.
Background: Hypertension drives the global burden of cardiovascular disease and its prevalence is... more Background: Hypertension drives the global burden of cardiovascular disease and its prevalence is estimated to increase by 30% by the year 2025. Nonadherence to chronic medication regimens is common; approximately 43% to 65.5% of patients who fail to adhere to prescribed regimens are hypertensive patients. Nonadherence to medications is a potential contributing factor to the occurrence of concomitant diseases. Objective: This systematic review applied a meta-analytic procedure to investigate the medication nonadherence in adult hypertensive patients. Methods: Original research studies, conducted on adult hypertensive patients, using the 8-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-8) to assess the medication adherence between January 2009 and March 2016 were included. Comprehensive search strategies of 3 databases and MeSH keywords were used to locate eligible literature. Study characteristics, participant demographics, and medication adherence outcomes were recorded. Effect sizes for outcomes were calculated as standardized mean differences using random-effect model to estimate overall mean effects. Results: A total of 28 studies from 15 countries were identified, in total comprising of 13,688 hypertensive patients, were reviewed. Of 25 studies included in the meta-analysis involving 12,603 subjects, a significant number (45.2%) of the hypertensive patients and one-third (31.2%) of the hypertensive patients with comorbidities were nonadherent to medications. However, a higher proportion (83.7%) of medication nonadherence was noticed in uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) patients. Although a higher percentage (54%) of nonadherence to antihypertensive medications was noticed in females (P < 0.001), the risk of nonadherence was 1.3 times higher in males, with a relative risk of 0.883. Overall, nearly two-thirds (62.5%) of the medication nonadherence was noticed in Africans and Asians (43.5%). Conclusion: Nonadherence to antihypertensive medications was noticed in 45% of the subjects studied and a higher proportion of uncontrolled BP (83.7%) was nonadherent to medication. Intervention models aiming to improve adherence should be emphasized. Abbreviations: BP = blood pressure, CHD = coronary heart disease, CVD = cardiovascular disease, MMAS = Morisky medication adherence scale, PRISMA = Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis, STROBE = Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology.
BackgroundDiabetic ketoacidosis is an acute life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. T... more BackgroundDiabetic ketoacidosis is an acute life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. There was limited data on level of in-hospital mortality, hospital stay and factors associated with length of hospital stay among diabetic patients admitted to diabetic ketoacidosis at Debretabor General Hospital.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine the length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality of diabetic ketoacidosis patients and to assess determinants of long hospital stay among diabetic patients admitted with Diabetic ketoacidosis at Debretabor General Hospital.MethodA retrospective study was conducted at Debretabor General Hospital from June 1to 30, 2018. Participants included in the study were all diabetic patients with diabetic ketoacidosis admitted to the hospital from August 2010 to May 31, 2018 whose medical records contained complete pertinent data. The primary outcome was to determine the length of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality of diabetic ketoacido...
Background: Asthma is one of the chronic diseases which affects the airway, and inhalers are the ... more Background: Asthma is one of the chronic diseases which affects the airway, and inhalers are the preferred medications to treat this problem. Improper inhalational technique leads to decreased efficacy of the medication by reducing its deposition in the lungs. The aim of this study was to assess the barriers to and competency with the use of Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) and its impact on disease control among adult asthmatic patients. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital outpatient department (OPD) chronic follow up from 12-March-2018 to 15-May-2018. Patients were interviewed face to face with questions which determined their competency, asthma control level and barriers for inhaler use. Result: Overall, 307 asthmatic patients were included in the study. More than half of participants were females, 170 (55.4%) and lived in urban area 185 (60.3%). The mean age of the respondents was 51.77 years with a standard deviation of ±15.40. The cost of medication, 282 (91.9%) and the perception that medication should be used in response to symptoms but not on a regular basis 277 (90.2%) were the most identified barriers. Only 56 (18.2%) were competent for Metered Dose Inhaler use (MDIU) and 17 (5.5%) patients had well controlled asthma. Being not competent AOR 0.168[0.41-0.687] was one of the factors decreasing asthma control. Conclusion: Generally from this study, cost of the medication and the perception that medication should be used only for symptoms were the major identified barriers that affect the MDI use among asthmatic patients. Patients show very poor competence to their MDI which in turn led to poor asthma control. So, patients need to be taught the correct inhaler technique in the hospital and pharmacy while they came for follow up every time.
Background. There is no pooled evidence regarding the prevalence and potential associated factors... more Background. There is no pooled evidence regarding the prevalence and potential associated factors of perinatal depression in Ethiopian community. Hence, the current review aimed to examine the prevalence and associated factors of perinatal depression in Ethiopia. Method. A computerized systematic literature search was made in MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Each database was searched from its start date to January 2018. All included articles were published in English, which evaluated prevalence and associated factors of perinatal depression in Ethiopia. Pooled estimations with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated with DerSimonian-Laird (DL) random-effects model. Publication bias was evaluated by using inspection of funnel plots and statistical tests. Result. Eight observational studies with an overall sample size of 4624 mothers were included in the review. The pooled prevalence of perinatal depression from these studies reported that the prevalence of perinatal depression in Ethiopia is 25.8% [95% CI, 24.6%-27.1%]. A pervious history of depression [RR: 3.78 (95% CI, 2.18-6.57), I 2 = 41.6%], poor socioeconomic status [RR: 4.67 (95% CI, 2.89-7.53), I 2 = 0%], not living with spouse [RR: 3.76 (95% CI, 1.96-7.38), I 2 = 36.4%], having obstetric complications in previous and/or this pregnancy [RR: 2.74 (95% CI, 1.48-5.06), I 2 = 67.7%], and having unplanned pregnancy [RR: 2.73 (95% CI, 2.11-3.53), I 2 = 0%] were the major factors associated with perinatal depression. Conclusion. The pooled prevalence of perinatal depression in Ethiopia is far above most developed as well as developing countries. Hence, to realize the sustainable development goals (SDGs) outlined by united nation, much attention should be given to improve maternal mental health through reduction of identified modifiable factors. Maternal health programs, polices, and activities should incorporate maternal mental health as a core component.
Background. Depression in asthma patients can cause worsening of respiratory symptoms. Addressing... more Background. Depression in asthma patients can cause worsening of respiratory symptoms. Addressing mental illness in those with asthma improves asthma outcomes. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology of depression and associated factors among asthma patients attending government hospitals in Ethiopia. Methods. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with asthma at three governmental hospitals of Addis Ababa from June to July 2017. Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression scale was used to assess prevalence of depression among asthmatic patients. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify associated factors for depression. To indicate the strength of association, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used. Result. A total of 405 participants were enrolled in the study giving an overall response rate of 96%. The respondents had mean age of 54.46 and standard deviation (SD) of 10.01 years. About 273 (67.4%) were females. The prevalence of depression among asthma patients was 85 (21%). The odds of developing depression among single asthma patients were increased by 1.63 with 95% CI [1. 8, 3.493]. Depression among asthma patients who had comorbid cardiac illness was 6.2 times higher than those who do not have at CI [1.145, 24.109]. The prevalence of depression among uncontrolled asthma patients was 8 times higher than those with well-controlled asthma at CI [1.114, 19.025]. Conclusion. One-fifth of asthmatic patients were experiencing depression. Uncontrolled asthma, comorbid cardiac illness, and single patients were important predictors of depression among asthmatic patients. Proper control of asthmatic attack and cardiac illnesses is very important to reduce the burden of depression.
Background: Clinical pharmacists (CP) providing medication therapy management (MTM) services have... more Background: Clinical pharmacists (CP) providing medication therapy management (MTM) services have shown significant positive therapeutic outcomes by identifying and resolving patients' drug therapy problems (DTPs). Objective: Thus, the aim of the study is to evaluate and characterise the type of interventions provided by CPs through MTM services in emergency and ambulatory settings in Gondar University Hospital (GUH), northwest Ethiopia. Methods: This is a prospective cross-sectional study carried out in emergency and ambulatory settings during February-July 2015 at GUH, Ethiopia. The CP interventions documented through MTM services were collected and analysed using SPSS version 22. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 182 patients with 335 interventions were recorded, of which the majority were from the ambulatory ward (63.1%) particularly, cardiovascular patients (25.8%). CPs identified at least one DTP per patient, such as 'need for additional drug therapy' (30.5%) and 'unnecessary drug therapy' (29.5%). The interventions provided by CPs were providing information (32.5%), start/stop medications (25.7%), alteration of duration, frequency and dosage (11.6%). Of 335 interventions, 257 (76.7%) were accepted by physicians. CP interventions were about four times more likely to be accepted by physicians in patients with comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio = 3.70, 95% CI = 1.959-6.99) than those with no comorbidity. Conclusion: CP interventions through MTM documentations revealed identification of patient drug-related problems and have shown acceptance by the majority of physicians. We recommend the use of MTM services in other wards of the GUH.
Investigating the prescribing trend is important to improve rational prescribing. This study aime... more Investigating the prescribing trend is important to improve rational prescribing. This study aimed at assessing the cardiovascular drug use, pattern, and its impact on clinical outcome. A cross-sectional study was employed in the outpatient department of chronic illness clinic of Gondar University specialized hospital, Ethiopia from 15 January 2017 to 15 March 2017. The independent variables were sociodemographic, medication, and other clinical information while cardiovascular disease improvement is the outcome variable. Binary logistic regression was used to test the association between the independent variables and the outcome variable. Kaplan Meier curve was used to analyze the clinical improvement while the Log-rank test was employed to compare the clinical outcome with the number of medications. Eight hundred thirty-three cardiovascular patient medical records were included in the final analysis. The majority (62.5%) of patients were females and more than 61% were above 50 years of age. Diuretics monotherapy accounted for a third (33.6%) of cardiovascular drug use, followed by combination therapy of angiotensin convertase enzyme inhibitors with Diuretics (21.8%) and calcium channel blockers with diuretics (8.3%). Cardiovascular patients followed for 72 months found to have a good level of clinical improvement on combination medication (Log Rank of 28.9, P = 0.000). In this study, diuretics mono-therapy or in combination with angiotensin convertase enzyme inhibitors were found to be the frequently prescribed drugs in cardiovascular patients. Combination therapy has an implication for good cardiovascular improvement on long term follow-up. It seems clinicians were restricted to certain cardiovascular medications while plenty of choices are available from the diverse classes of cardiovascular drugs.
Background. There was limited published data on target organ damage (TOD) and the effect of nonad... more Background. There was limited published data on target organ damage (TOD) and the effect of nonadherence to practice guidelines in Ethiopia. This study determined TOD and the long term effect of nonadherence to clinical guidelines on hypertensive patients. Methods. An open level retrospective cohort study has been employed at cardiac clinic of Gondar university hospital for a mean follow-up period of 78 months. Multivariate Cox regression was conducted to test associating factors of TOD. Results. Of the total number of 612 patients examined, the overall prevalence of hypertensive TOD was 40.3%. The presence of comorbidities, COR = 1.073 [1.01-1.437], AOR = 1.196 [1.174-1.637], and nonadherence to clinical practice guidelines, COR = 1.537 [1.167-2.024], AOR = 1.636 [1.189-2.251], were found to be predicting factors for TOD. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis patients who were initiated on appropriate medication tended to develop TOD very late: Log Rank [11.975 (í µí± = 0.01)]. Conclusion. More than forty percent of patients acquired TOD which is more significant. Presence of comorbidities and nonadherence to practice guidelines were correlated with the incidence of TOD. Appropriate management of hypertension and modification of triggering factors are essential to prevent complications.
Background: Despite advances in medical knowledge, technology and antimicrobial therapy, infectiv... more Background: Despite advances in medical knowledge, technology and antimicrobial therapy, infective endocarditis (IE) is still associated with devastating outcomes. No reviews have yet assessed the outcomes of IE patients undergoing short-and long-term outcome evaluation, such as all-cause mortality and IE-related complications. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the short-and long-term mortality, as well as IE-related complications in patients with definite IE. Methods: A computerized systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar from 2000 to August, 2016. Included studies were published studies in English that assessed short-and long-term mortality for adult IE patients. Pooled estimations with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated with DerSimonian-Laird (DL) random-effects model. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed. Publication bias was evaluated using inspection of funnel plots and statistical tests.
Background: People with bipolar disorder are highly vulnerable to risky sexual behaviors (RSBs). ... more Background: People with bipolar disorder are highly vulnerable to risky sexual behaviors (RSBs). The magnitude of RSBs among bipolar disorders was not studied in our population. The present study aimed to explore the prevalence of RSBs and associated factors among patients with bipolar disorder. Method: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 April to 30 May 2017 among people living with bipolar disorder at outpatient departments of Amanuel Mental Health Hospital, Addis Ababa. Systematic random sampling was used to select participants. Risky sexual behavior was defined as having sex with two or more sexual partners, having unprotected sexual intercourse, sex after alcohol consumption, exchanged money for sex in a previous 12 months. Data collection was conducted through face-to-face interview by a structured questionnaire adopted from behavioral surveillance survey. Binary logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with RSBs.
Background: Hypertension is an important public health problem worldwide. There is lac... more Background: Hypertension is an important public health problem worldwide. There is lack of data on uncontrolled blood pressure in developing countries. Objectives: To determine the magnitude and predicting factors of uncontrolled blood pressure in hypertensive patients attending Gondar university hospital, Ethiopia.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional survey wasconducted from July 2015 to March 2016. All hypertensive patients were followed and the blood pressure levels were measured. Binary logistic regression analysis was doneto determine the predictors of uncontrolled blood pressure. A p-value of <0.05 was set at priori with 95% confidence interval to test the level of significance.Results: Of the total 578 hypertension patients, 543 (93.9%) fulfilledthe study criteria and were included in the final analysis. The mean age of the participants was 55.96±14.6 years. Nearly two-third (58.2%) of the participants were females. More than one-tenth (11.4%) of the respondents haduncontrolled blood pressure. High salt intake carried six times more risk of uncontrolled blood pressure. Elderly individuals had lower risk as compared to young age group. However, comorbidities were not related with uncontrolled blood pressure. Conclusions: Blood pressure control was relatively high in the hospital studied. High salt intake was strongly linked with uncontrolled blood pressure. Individuals with high salt intake should be followed for their medication experience and disease knowledge.
Background: Globally, heart failure (HF) has been recognized as one of the major cardiovascular d... more Background: Globally, heart failure (HF) has been recognized as one of the major cardiovascular disorder with high morbidity, mortality and considerable social impact. In Sub Saharan African countries, HF has turned out as a leading form of cardiovascular diseases, and has considerable socioeconomic impact. However, there are differences in clinical characteristics and survival status among patients with preserved (HFpEF) and reduced (HFrEF) ejection fraction. The aim of this study is to outline the clinical characteristics and medication profile, assess the survival status and prognostic factors of Ethiopian HF patients with HFrEF and HFpEF. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out and we employed medical records of patient's, admitted as a result of HF to the University of Gondar Referral Hospital in the period between December 02, 2010 and December 01, 2015 due to HF. Kaplan Meier curve was used to analyze the survival status and log rank test was used to compare the curves. Cox regression was used to analyze independent predictors of mortality in all HF patients.
Acute diarrhea is the major cause of child morbidity and mortality in low-income nations. It is t... more Acute diarrhea is the major cause of child morbidity and mortality in low-income nations. It is the second most common cause of death among children &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;5 years of age globally. The indispensable role of community pharmacists is clearly observed in the prevention and treatment of diarrhea. However, there is a paucity of data on how community pharmacies manage acute childhood diarrhea cases in Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the experience of community pharmacies in the management of acute diarrhea in northern Ethiopia. A simulated case-based cross-sectional study was conducted in community pharmacies from five towns of northern Ethiopia between April 2015 and September 2015. Convenience sampling technique was used to select sample towns. A structured questionnaire was organized to collect the information. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, one-way analysis of variance, and binary logistic regression were performed to describe, infer, and test for association between the variables. SPSS for Windows Version 21 was used to enter and analyze the data. A 95% confidence interval and P-value of 0.05 were set to test the level of significance. Approximately 113 community pharmacies were visited to collect the required data from five towns. Majority (78, 69%) of them were located away from hospitals and health care areas. Nine components of history taking were presented for dispensers. Regarding the patient history, &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;age&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; was frequently taken, (90.3%), whereas &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;chief complaint&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; was the least to be taken (23%), for patients presenting with diarrhea. Approximately 96 (85.0%) cases were provided with one or more medications. The remaining 17 (15%) cases did not receive any medication. A total of six pharmacologic groups of medications were given to alleviate acute diarrheal symptoms. Majority (66, 29.6%) of the medications were oral rehydration salts with zinc. The mean number of medications was 1.99 per visit. Components of advice, such as dose, frequency, duration, drug action, and adverse drug reactions, were found to vary among the five towns at a statistically significant level. Community pharmacies provided inadequate treatment for acute childhood diarrhea. Inappropriate history taking and incorrect drug and food instructions have been frequently encountered during acute diarrhea management. Practitioners working in northern Ethiopia should receive proper training on the management of acute childhood diarrhea.
Background: Hypertension drives the global burden of cardiovascular disease and its prevalence is... more Background: Hypertension drives the global burden of cardiovascular disease and its prevalence is estimated to increase by 30% by the year 2025. Nonadherence to chronic medication regimens is common; approximately 43% to 65.5% of patients who fail to adhere to prescribed regimens are hypertensive patients. Nonadherence to medications is a potential contributing factor to the occurrence of concomitant diseases. Objective: This systematic review applied a meta-analytic procedure to investigate the medication nonadherence in adult hypertensive patients. Methods: Original research studies, conducted on adult hypertensive patients, using the 8-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-8) to assess the medication adherence between January 2009 and March 2016 were included. Comprehensive search strategies of 3 databases and MeSH keywords were used to locate eligible literature. Study characteristics, participant demographics, and medication adherence outcomes were recorded. Effect sizes for outcomes were calculated as standardized mean differences using random-effect model to estimate overall mean effects. Results: A total of 28 studies from 15 countries were identified, in total comprising of 13,688 hypertensive patients, were reviewed. Of 25 studies included in the meta-analysis involving 12,603 subjects, a significant number (45.2%) of the hypertensive patients and one-third (31.2%) of the hypertensive patients with comorbidities were nonadherent to medications. However, a higher proportion (83.7%) of medication nonadherence was noticed in uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) patients. Although a higher percentage (54%) of nonadherence to antihypertensive medications was noticed in females (P < 0.001), the risk of nonadherence was 1.3 times higher in males, with a relative risk of 0.883. Overall, nearly two-thirds (62.5%) of the medication nonadherence was noticed in Africans and Asians (43.5%). Conclusion: Nonadherence to antihypertensive medications was noticed in 45% of the subjects studied and a higher proportion of uncontrolled BP (83.7%) was nonadherent to medication. Intervention models aiming to improve adherence should be emphasized. Abbreviations: BP = blood pressure, CHD = coronary heart disease, CVD = cardiovascular disease, MMAS = Morisky medication adherence scale, PRISMA = Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis, STROBE = Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology.
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