Due to numerous comorbidities, complicated medical regimens and age-related difficulties, older adults frequently confront substantial treatment burdens and poor medication adherence, which could result in poor health outcomes. This study assessed the treatment burden and medication adherence among older adults in comprehensive specialised hospitals in the Amhara Region in Ethiopia.

A multicentre hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 30 March to 30 July 2024.

The study was conducted at four comprehensive specialised hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.

Patients were ≥65 years old, diagnosed with two chronic illnesses and were receiving medical attention for the relevant issue.

This study employed the Multimorbidity Treatment Burden Questionnaire to assess treatment burden and the General Medication Adherence Scale to assess medication adherence. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 17. Linear and binary logistic regressions were used to analyse the dependent variables of treatment burden and medication adherence to the determining factors, respectively.

422 patients took part in this study. Regarding treatment burden, 75% report a high burden. Of the patients, 32.20% adhered well, whereas 67.80% did not. The medication regimen complexity index (MRCI; β=0.029, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.058; p=0.047), age (β=0.027, 95% CI 0.009 to 0.044; p=0.004) and number of medications (β=0.168, 95% CI 0.045 to 0.291; p=0.007) were associated with higher treatment burden. Variables associated with medication non-adherence included rural residence (adjusted OR 2.249, 95% CI, 1.356 to 3.732; p=0.002), care provided by relatives (1.744, 1.055 to 2.883; p=0.030), moderate Charlson comorbidity index (CCI; 2.241, 1.220 to 4.117; p=0.009), severe CCI (6.953, 3.526 to 13.715; p=0.000), polypharmacy (1.615, 1.055 to 3.230; p=0.044) and treatment burden (1.501, 1.023 to 3.090; p=0.015).

Of the older adult patients enrolled in this study, three-quarters had a high treatment burden, and more than two-thirds had poor adherence. A high treatment burden was associated with age, medication use and MRCI, whereas non-adherence was associated with self-management, residency, CCI, medication use, MRCI and treatment burden.

To determine uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine and identify the associated factors among health professionals in major cities of the Amhara region in Ethiopia.

Institution-based, cross-sectional study.

The study was conducted from July to September 2022 across 40 health centres and 13 hospitals, representing 10 major cities within the Amhara region.

1251 participants, all of whom were vaccine-eligible health professionals, were selected using a systematic random sampling procedure.

The level of vaccine uptake in the study was determined by the proportion of health professionals who had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

1251 health professionals participated, with 848 (67.8%) reporting that they had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Key findings from the multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that health professionals aged 46 years and older were four times more likely to be vaccinated (95% CI, 1.656 to 9.510), married participants were 1.4 times more likely to take the vaccine (95% CI, 1.010 to 1.933) and those with good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccines were 1.75 times more likely to get vaccinated (95% CI, 1.307 to 2.331). Additionally, participants with a positive attitude towards vaccination were 3.65 times more likely to have received a vaccine (95% CI, 2.753 to 4.732).

The study reveals a commendable level of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among health professionals, emphasising their critical role in public health initiatives. However, the observed disparities in vaccination rates indicate the need for targeted interventions to improve vaccine coverage, particularly among younger professionals and those with limited knowledge of the vaccine. Addressing these gaps requires the implementation of tailored educational programmes that enhance understanding of COVID-19 vaccines. Furthermore, fostering positive attitudes through targeted campaigns, workplace-based initiatives and peer influence, particularly among younger and unmarried professionals, will be crucial. Encouraging vaccinated professionals to share their experiences and establishing regular follow-ups will also be essential strategies to improve vaccine acceptance and coverage in the region.

Non-adherence to antidiabetic medication remains a major barrier to achieve optimal health outcomes among individuals with diabetes, particularly in developing countries. This issue exacerbates poor health outcomes and leads to the wastage of limited healthcare resources.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of non-adherence to antidiabetic medications and identify associated factors among adult type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in the North Wollo zone.

An institutional-based cross-sectional study.

The study was conducted in three randomly selected public hospitals in the North Wollo zone: Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Lalibela General Hospital and Mersa Primary Hospital.

A total of 327 adult type 2 DM patients receiving follow-up care were included. Participants were selected proportionally from each hospital using consecutive sampling. Inclusion criteria included individuals aged ≥18 years, on antidiabetic treatment for at least 6 months and actively on follow-up care during the study period. Patients with hearing impairment, severe illness or incomplete medical records were excluded.

Adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8, a validated eight-item, self-reported questionnaire. Scores ranged from 0 to 8, with adherence levels classified as high (≥8), medium (6–7.75) and low (

Data were analysed using SPSS V.27. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data, and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with non-adherence. A p value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The overall prevalence of medication non-adherence was 24.5%. Factors significantly associated with non-adherence included living with diabetes for less than 3 years (adjusted OR (AOR) 3.37, 95% CI 1.91 to 5.95), residing in rural areas (AOR 2.67, 95% CI 1.49 to 4.79), having comorbidities (AOR 2.99, 95% CI 1.67 to 5.34) and having no formal education (AOR 3.26, 95% CI 1.49 to 7.00).

The prevalence of non-adherence to antidiabetic medications (24.5%) exceeded the widely accepted benchmark of ≤20%. Key factors such as rural residence, comorbidities, lower education levels and shorter duration since diagnosis were significantly associated with non-adherence. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, including patient education, improved rural healthcare access and integrated care models, to enhance adherence and diabetes management outcomes.