The mental health impacts of COVID-19 on frontline healthcare workers have been reported globally; however, there is limited evidence from low-income countries such as Ethiopia. We reviewed the literature to understand how COVID-19 impacted the mental health of frontline healthcare workers, including the associated risk and protective factors.

A scoping review of peer-reviewed research was conducted between 2020–2025 to explore the mental health and well-being of frontline healthcare workers in Ethiopia during COVID-19. The process adhered to the guidelines for data extraction outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. Our search identified 35 studies, of which 29 studies were included in the final synthesis.

Three online databases, PubMed, Web of Science and PsycInfo, were systematically searched for data.

Studies were considered for inclusion in the review if they focused on mental health conditions and psychosocial well-being among healthcare workers during COVID-19 in Ethiopia. Studies were only included if published in English and excluded if they were conference abstracts, case studies, reviews, commentaries, contained incomplete data or lacked variables of interest.

Data extraction was conducted manually by two reviewers by using a data extraction sheet created in Excel.

Most frontline healthcare workers experienced symptoms of insomnia, psychological distress, stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression during COVID-19. Female frontline healthcare workers, nurses, midwives and laboratory technicians reported higher rates of adverse mental health outcomes. Our results found that being married, living together with a spouse and having a high educational level were risk factors for adverse mental health outcomes.

The mental health and well-being of frontline healthcare workers is at risk during a global health crisis; however, there is a limited understanding of how to protect the mental health of frontline healthcare workers in low-income countries, such as Ethiopia, at such a critical time. Additional research is needed to better inform mental health preparedness interventions for frontline healthcare workers in these contexts, particularly given predictions of another pandemic occurring within the next decade.

To determine the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension and its risk factors among adults in rural Sidama Region, Ethiopia, using a two-step diagnostic method.

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 April to 31 July 2024. Data were collected among adults aged 45 years and above using the World Health Organization STEPwise Approach to Surveillance questionnaire. The Demographic and Health Survey questionnaire was also used to collect data on household characteristics.

Selected rural kebeles of Shebedino district, Sidama, Ethiopia.

2875 adults aged ≥45 years identified via census.

Undiagnosed hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg, in individuals with no history of the condition.

The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension ranged from 7.7% (95% CI: 6.7% to 8.7%) to 14.3% (95% CI: 13.0% to 15.6%). The previously diagnosed hypertensive cases were found in 3.3% (95% CI: 2.7% to 4.1%). Female sex (AOR 2.02; 95% CI: 1.44 to 2.82), age ≥ 65 years (AOR 1.48; 95%CI: 1.01 to 2.15), and history of alcohol drinking and khat chewing (AOR 2.94; 95%CI: 1.52 to 5.66) were significantly associated with undiagnosed hypertension. Lack of awareness of salt-related health risks (AOR 3.14; 95% CI: 2.30 to 4.30) and no prior blood pressure measurement (AOR 5.60; 95% CI: 1.73 to 18.07) were also associated with undiagnosed hypertension.

Undiagnosed hypertension is common among adults aged ≥45 years in the rural Sidama Region. Female sex, older age, substance use, limited awareness of salt-related health risks, and lack of prior blood pressure measurement were the identified risk factors. Regular screening should be implemented to detect cases at an early stage.

To determine the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes and identify associated factors using a two-step diagnostic method combining fasting blood sugar with confirmatory glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing among adults 45 years and above in rural Sidama, Ethiopia.

A community-based cross-sectional design was conducted from 1 April to 31 July 2024. Data were collected through a census of adults aged 45 years and above using a pretested WHO-STEPwise questionnaire. Physical and biochemical tests were performed following standard protocols. Data were analysed using Stata V.17.

Selected rural kebeles of Shebedino district, Sidama, Ethiopia.

2875 adults aged 45 years and above.

Undiagnosed diabetes confirmed by HbA1c levels (≥48 mmol/mol or ≥6.5%).

The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes confirmed by HbA1c was 1.2% (35 of 2871; 95% CI: 0.9% to 1.7%). Previously diagnosed diabetes was found in 0.5% (14 of 2875; 95% CI: 0.3% to 0.8%). The total diabetes prevalence, confirmed by HbA1c or prior diagnosis, was 1.7% (49 of 2871; 95% CI: 1.3% to 2.3%). A total of 1327 out of 2875 (46%) participants were undernourished. Advanced age (β=0.21; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.32, p=0.001), and estimated annual income (β=0.15; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.28; p=0.029) were significantly associated with elevated fasting blood sugar levels.

The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes among rural adult population was low. Older age and higher income were significantly associated with elevated fasting blood sugar. Routine community-based diabetes screening among older population, health education and nutrition-focused interventions are recommended to sustain the low burden and address undernutrition.