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Mental distress influences health status, treatment effectiveness, and the quality of care received by hospitalized inpatients. Globally, mental health problems account for 13% of the total burden of disease. Since studies about it are scarce in Ethiopia and not done in the south Gondar zone, we conducted this study. A prospective institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in south Gondar Zone public hospitals via interviews. In the present study, the prevalence of mental distress was 41.7%. Patients admitted to the hospital and previous alcohol users (AOR = 2.19}) and tobacco users (AOR = 5.60}) were more likely to develop mental distress than non-alcohol and tobacco users in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Having a previous psychiatric history, AOR = 11.622, and a hospital stay of one to two weeks, AOR = 2.57, were more likely to develop mental distress than those who didn’t have a previous psychiatric history and those who had a hospital stay of more than or equal to three weeks. Age groups 18–39, AOR = 0.076, and 40–59, AOR = 0.264, are less likely to develop mental distress as compared to those ≥ 60 years old. This study reveals a high prevalence of mental distress among patients in medical and surgical wards. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health, the Amhara Regional Health Bureau, the South Gondar Zone Health Office, and Debre Tabor University shall give due attention.

Background Limited access to onsite radiologists in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) poses challenges for health facilities in delivering timely radiology services resulting in prolonged patient waiting times and dissatisfaction with the insufficient radiology services. In recent years, teleradiology has emerged as a potential solution to improve the timely diagnosis and treatment process. Therefore, this paper analysed the effect of a web-based teleradiology system that was developed and deployed to evaluate its effect on patient waiting time and service satisfaction in public hospitals of the Amhara Regional State. Methods A pre-post study design was employed to evaluate the effect of a web-based teleradiology system on patient waiting time and service satisfaction. The study included a total of 836 participants, out of which 417 participated during the pre-intervention and 419 in the post-intervention periods. Data were collected from October 2021 to February 2022 and from May 2022 to January 2023 for the pre-and post-implementation periods, respectively. Supportive measures, including user guides, onsite training, and onsite/virtual assistance, were given during the teleradiology implementation period. The effects of the teleradiology on waiting time and service satisfaction were evaluated with the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Generalized Linear Model. Waiting time was measured as the duration between image consultation and report completion. Furthermore, satisfaction was assessed using a 31-item, 5-point Likert scale. The statistical analysis was done using Stata version 17 software. Results After the implementation of the web-based teleradiology system, a significant decrease in the median waiting time was observed from 43.5 h (IQR: 22.88–71.63) to 4.62 h (IQR: 2.52–10.53) ( p -value < 0.01). The effect size for this improvement was found to be 0.84. Furthermore, the median patient satisfaction score was significantly improved from 96 (IQR: 89–103) to 113 (IQR: 105–124) ( p -value < 0.01) and an effect size of 0.65. Similarly, the percentage of the scale mean score (%SM) showed an increase in patient satisfaction levels from 52.6% (pre-implementation) [95% CI: 51.8–53.5] to 65.7% (post-implementation) [95% CI: 64.5 -66.9%]. The GLM analysis demonstrated a 71% decrease in patient waiting time and an 11% increase in radiography service satisfaction ( p -value < 0.01). Conclusion Implementing the web-based teleradiology system improved the patient’s waiting time and service satisfaction remarkably. The notable reduction in waiting time and the significant improvement in patient satisfaction scores highlighted the benefits of teleradiology in enhancing timely diagnosis and treatment. Deploying a web-based teleradiology system in public hospitals is recommended to enhance efficiency and improve patient satisfaction in radiology consultations. Trial registration number PACTR202401789144564. Trial registration date 09 January 2024.

BackgroundAn episiotomy is a surgical technique that widens the perineum during the second stage of childbirth. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of episiotomy and the variables that affect it among women who gave birth in the town of Debre Tabor, in 2021.MethodsIn the Debre Tabor municipality’s four designated health center regions, 402 women who gave birth were included in a cross-sectional study. Systematic random selection was used to choose the study subjects. In SPSS version 23, data were entered, cleaned up, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The use of binary and multivariable logistic regression models allowed the researchers to identify characteristics related to episiotomy magnitude. Using a 0.05 p value, the level of statistically significant variables was also calculated.ResultOut of a total of 402 deliveries for this inquiry, the magnitude of the episiotomy was calculated to be 35.1% of those deliveries. About 127 women, or the bulk of respondents, were between the ages of 25 and 29 (33.1%). Face presentation was 4.7 times more common among primiparous women than breech and vertex presentation, and midwifery professionals and midwifery students were 5.5 times higher than internship medicine and health officer students. The odds of performing an episiotomy were 3.7 times higher among primiparous women compared to multiparous women (AOR = 3.754 (1.382–15.108)).ConclusionThe magnitude of episiotomy in this study was somewhat larger than the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 10% .Instrumental delivery, neonatal presentation, experts allocated to the delivery ward, and the mother’s parity were all shown to be strongly linked with the practice of episiotomy.

Background New-onset postpartum preeclampsia has emerging as a significant public health concern in Ethiopia, with a notable increase in incidence in the study area. While substantial research exists on antepartum preeclampsia, data on the determinants of new-onset postpartum preeclampsia are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate determinants of new-onset postpartum preeclampsia among mothers who gave birth at hospitals in the South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods An unmatched case–control study was conducted with 355 postpartum mothers (89 cases and 266 controls). A multistage sampling method was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and medical chart reviews, and analyzed using SPSS Version 27. Binary logistic regression (bivariable and multivariable analysis) was used to identify factors associated with new-onset postpartum preeclampsia. Statistical significance was set at p  < 0.05, and strength of associations were measured using adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Result New-onset postpartum preeclampsia was significantly associated with several factors, including advanced maternal age, fewer antenatal care (ANC) visits, contraceptive use, physical inactivity, a history of multiple gestations, and gestational diabetes mellitus. Specifically, maternal age ≥ 40 years (AOR = 11.63, 95% CI: 4.24–31.86), fewer than four ANC visits (AOR = 8.45, 95% CI: 3.96–18.05), contraceptive use (AOR = 4.04, 95% CI: 1.26–13.37), irregular physical activity (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI: 1.32–12.44), physical inactivity (AOR = 8.25, 95% CI: 4.62–19.29), a history of multiple gestations (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.26–5.60), and gestational diabetes mellitus (AOR = 17.79, 95% CI: 7.72–40.95) were identified as key determinants. Conclusions Advanced maternal age, fewer ANC visits, contraceptive use, physical inactivity, multiple gestations, and gestational diabetes were strongly associated with new-onset postpartum preeclampsia. Increased ANC visits and postpartum monitoring are essential for early detection and management of postpartum preeclampsia. Additionally, promoting physical activity should be incorporated into maternal health strategies to reduce the incidence of new onset postpartum preeclampsia.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to examine smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change risks, adaptation responses and the links between adaptation strategies and perceived/experienced climate change risks in South Gondar, Ethiopia.Design/methodology/approachThis paper used a convergent mixed methods design, which enables us to concurrently collect quantitative and qualitative data. Survey data was collected from 352 households, stratified into Lay Gayint 138 (39%), Tach Gayint 117 (33%) and Simada district 97 (28%). A four-point Likert scale was used to produce a standardised risk perception index for 14 climate events. Moreover, using a one-way analysis of variance, statistical differences in selecting adaptation strategies between the three districts were measured. A post hoc analysis was also carried out to identify the source of the variation. The findings of this paper are supplemented by qualitative data gathered through focus group discussions and key informant interviews of households who were chosen at random.FindingsThe standardised climate change risk perception index suggests that persistent drought, delayed onset of rainfall, early termination of rainfall and food insecurity were the major potentially dangerous climate change risks perceived by households in the study area. In response to climate change risks, households used several adaptation strategies such as adjusting crop planting dates, crop diversification, terracing, tree planting, cultivating drought-tolerant crop varieties and off-farm activities. A Tukey’s post hoc test revealed a significant difference in off-farm activities, crop diversification and planting drought-tolerant crop types among the adaptation strategies in the study area between Lay Gayint and Simada districts (p < 0.05). This difference reconfirms that adaptation strategies are location-specific.Originality/valueAlthough many studies are available on coping and adaptation strategies to climate change, this paper is one of the few studies focusing on the linkages between climate change risk perceptions and adaptation responses of households in the study area. The findings of this paper could be helpful for policymakers and development practitioners in designing locally specific, actual adaptation options that shape adaptation to recent and future climate change risks.

Background Malnutrition associated with HIV infection is a complex condition, with HIV-positive children having a higher mortality rate than HIV-negative children, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality in children. Data from a variety of situations are needed to counter this, but the evidence is limited, especially for the nutritional status of HIV-infected children. Therefore, this study aims to assess the magnitude of underweight and factors associated with it in children receiving antiretroviral therapy. Methods An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among HIV-positive children in South Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometry measurement. Data were coded and entered into Epi-Data Version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS Version 25. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with nutritional status and variables with p-values ˂0.05 in multivariable logistic regression were considered as statistically significant factors. Results Of 406 participants, 379 participant were included in the study, which corresponds to a response rate of 93.3%. About one-third (36.4%) of the caregivers were not first relatives and 162 (42.7%) were unable to read and write. Of the study participants, 101 (26.6%) had a CD4 count below the normal threshold. Ninety (23.7%) of those questioned did not follow any nutritional advice from health care workers. In this study, the prevalence of underweight was 106 (28%). In the multivariable analysis being younger age, having low CD4 count, having recurrent diarrhea, and having poor adherence to dietary advice was significantly associated with being underweight. Conclusion This study found that the prevalence of underweight among HIV-positive children in south Gondar is significantly high. Therefore, HIV-positive pediatrics who are young, have low CD4 counts, have recurrent diarrhea, and do not adhere to dietary recommendations need to detect and monitor nutritional problems promptly.

Introduction Postnatal care is care that is provided to mothers and newborn baby after delivery. The care given after childbirth is the most critical time because most maternal and neonatal mortality occurs during this period. Utilization of this service is low in Ethiopia, and no evidence exists to describe the status of early postnatal care service utilization among women in the study area. Objective This study aimed to assess the utilization of early postnatal care services and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months in the South Gondar Zone District, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, in 2021. Method This study was conducted in South Gondar Zone Districts from October 1 to 30, 2021. A total of 761 participants were included in this study using a simple random sampling method. The study participants were mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months. The data were collected via interview-guided semistructured questionnaires. The collected data were coded and entered into EPI Info version 7.2 and exported into SPSS version 23 for analysis. Both binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify factors affecting the outcome variables. The results of the final model are presented as the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A P value less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Results In this study, 761 mothers participated, for a response rate of 100%. The overall prevalence of early utilization of postnatal care services was 20.6%. Mothers who live in urban areas were five times more likely to have early visits than those living in rural areas with adjusted odds ratio [AOR (95% CI) = 5.2 (3.19, 8.54)], a mothers who had a history of more than four parity had more likely to visit than the others at [AOR (95% CI) = 2.25 (1.18, 4.29)], mothers who had a history of pregnancy had two times more likely to visit than the other [AOR (95% CI) = 2.06 (1.05, 4.05)], and mothers who had delivered by instrumental vaginal delivery or cesarean section delivery and those mothers who had mass media exposure were two and five times more likely to visit, respectively [AOR (95% CI) = 2.62 (1.40, 4.91)] and [AOR (95% CI) = 5.18 (2.55, 10.52)]. Conclusion and recommendation Compared with those of other studies, the overall prevalence of early utilization of postnatal care services was low. Improving mothers’ knowledge of early postnatal care visits is very important for enhancing quality of life and minimizing neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality.

Background Drug resistant tuberculosis (TB) has become a persistent health threat in Ethiopia. In this respect, baseline data are scarce in many parts of high TB burden regions including the different zones of Ethiopia. Methods A total of 111 culture positive M. tuberculosis isolates were recovered from TB patients and identified using region of difference (RD) 9 based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and spoligotyping. Thereafter, their drug sensitivities to Rifampicin (RIF) and Isoniazid (INH) were evaluated using GenoType MTBDR plus assay . Results The result showed that 18.0% (20/111) of the isolates were resistant to either RIF or INH. Furthermore, 16.7 and 23.8% of the isolates from new and retreatment cases were resistant to any of the two anti-TB drugs, respectively. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB was detected on 1.8% (2/111) of all cases. Significantly higher frequencies of any drug resistance were observed among Euro-American (EA) major lineage (χ 2 : 9.67; p  = 0.046). Conclusion Considerably high proportion of drug resistant M. tuberculosis strains was detected which could suggest a need for an increased effort to strengthen TB control program in the study area.

Introduction: There were approximately 38 million human immune deficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome cases worldwide in 2019, of which 36.2 million were adult cases, of these 25.4 million had access to antiretroviral therapy. The desire to have children among human immune virus-infected people has significant implications for the transmission of the human immune virus. In many developing countries such as Ethiopia, where the prevalence of the human immune virus is high, the risk of human immune virus transmission to the baby is inevitable. Objective: This study’s objective is to evaluate fertility desire and associated factors among antiretroviral therapy users at South Gondar public hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022. Methods: A multicenter institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among patients attending antiretrio viral therapy at South Gondar Zone public hospitals, from April 1 to May 30, 2022. A total of 551 study participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the outcome variable, and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the level of significance. Result: The study included 551 participants with a 100% response rate. The prevalence of fertility desire among antiretroviral therapy users in South Gondar Zone public hospitals was 42.5% (95% confidence interval: 38.6, 46.8). Independent predictors of fertility desire included being a merchant (adjusted odds ratio = 0.06; 95% confidence interval: 0.01, 0.08), being a farmer (adjusted odds ratio = 0.21; 95% confidence interval: 0.09, 0.47), having no children (adjusted odds ratio = 20.04; 95% confidence interval: 4.7, 24.2), disclosing HIV status (adjusted odds ratio = 0.05; 95% confidence interval: 0.01, 0.30), and being diagnosed with HIV (adjusted odds ratio = 15.5; 95% confidence interval: 12.79, 20.54). Conclusions: The prevalence of fertility desire among antiretroviral therapy users is found to be high. It is important to improve the existing Information, Education, and Communication interventions on fertility desire among antiretroviral therapy attendants at the individual and community levels.

s Background Burn is one of the leading causes of preventable death and disability every year in low and middle-income countries, which mainly affects those aged less than 15 years. Death from burn injuries carries the most significant losses, which often have grave consequences for the countries. Even though data from different settings are necessary to tackle it, pieces of evidence in this area are limited. Thus, this study was aimed to answer the question, what is the Magnitude of Mortality? And what are the factors associated with mortality among burn victim children admitted to South Gondar Zone Government Hospitals, Ethiopia, from 2015 to 2019? Methods Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used to study 348 hospitalized burn victim pediatrics’, from 2015 to 2019. A simple random sampling method was used. Data were exported from Epidata to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Significant of the variables were declared when a p -value is < 0.05. Result The mortality rate of burn victim children in this study was 8.5% (95% CI = 5.5–11.4). Medical insurance none users burn victim children were more likely (AOR 3.700; 95% CI =1.2–11.5) to die as compared with medical insurance users, burn victim children with malnutrition were more risk (AOR 3.9; 95% CI = 1.3–12.2) of mortality as compared with well-nourished child. Moreover, electrical (AOR 7.7; 95% CI = 1.8–32.5.2) and flame burn (AOR 3.3; 95% CI = 1.2–9.0), total body surface area greater than 20% of burn were more likely (AOR 4.6; 95% CI 1.8–11.8) to die compared to less than 20% burn area and burn victim children admitted with poor clinical condition at admission were four times (AOR 4.1, 95% CI = 1.3–12.0) of mortality compared to a good clinical condition. Conclusion The mortality among burn victim children was higher than most of the studies conducted all over the world. Medical insurance none users, being malnourished, burned by electrical and flame burn, having total body surface area burnt greater than 20%, and having poor clinical condition at addition were significantly associated with mortality of burn victim pediatrics. Therefore, timely identification and monitoring of burn injury should be necessary to prevent mortality of burn victim pediatrics.