Conectar
by Bethelhem Bashe, Desalegn Dawit Assele, Worku Ketema, Mulugeta Sitot Shibeshi
BackgroundCerebral palsy is a frequent physical disability of childhood, causing motor impairment, sensory impairment, cognitive and behavioral issues, and secondary musculoskeletal deformities, with a global incidence of 1–4 per 1,000 children. It significantly impacts children’s quality of life and imposes an economic burden on families and healthcare systems. There is limited evidence of the risk factors of cerebral palsy in Ethiopia, including in the study setting. We investigated factors associated with cerebral palsy among children attending Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.
MethodsAn institution-based, unmatched case-control study was conducted among children who visited Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023. Consecutive cases were recruited until the required sample size was reached, and controls were randomly selected. Data were extracted from 80 cases and 160 control charts. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for cerebral palsy. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was reported to show the strength of the association. The significance of the association was declared at a p-value Results
A total of 240 participants (80 cases and 160 controls) were enrolled in the study. Maternal infection during pregnancy [AOR:4.1; 95%; 1.39, 12.1], low birth weight [AOR:4.1; 95%; 1.49, 11.2], prolonged labor [AOR:3.2; 95%;1.47, 7.00], history of perinatal asphyxia [AOR: 2.65; 95%;1.06, 6.65], and central nervous system infection during infancy [AOR:3.4; 95%; 1.21, 9.64] were risk factors for cerebral palsy.
ConclusionPerinatal asphyxia, maternal infection, low birth weight, prolonged labor, and CNS infection during infancy are significantly associated with cerebral palsy. Public health education should promote awareness about cerebral palsy, encourage antenatal care, and educate healthcare professionals on emergency obstetrics and newborn care. Appropriate measures should be taken to reduce the incidence of CNS infections during infancy.
by Tadesse Tarik Tamir, Berhan Tekeba, Alebachew Ferede Zegeye, Deresse Abebe Gebrehana, Mulugeta Wassie, Gebreeyesus Abera Zeleke, Enyew Getaneh Mekonen
IntroductionSolitary childbirth—giving birth without any form of assistance—remains a serious global public health issue, especially in low-resource settings. It is associated with preventable maternal complications such as hemorrhage and sepsis, and poses significant risks to newborns, including birth asphyxia, infection, and early neonatal death. In Ethiopia, where many births occur outside health facilities, understanding the spatial and socio-demographic patterns of solitary childbirth is vital for informing targeted interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes. This study aims to identify and map the spatial distribution of solitary childbirth across Ethiopia and to analyze its determinants using data from the 2019 national Interim Demographic and Health Survey.
MethodWe analyzed data from the 2019 Interim Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey to determine the spatial distribution and factors of solitary birth in Ethiopia. A total weighted sample of 3,884 women was included in the analysis. Spatial analysis was used to determine the regional distribution of solitary birth, and multilevel logistic regression was employed to identify its determinants. ArcGIS 10.8 was used for spatial analysis, and Stata 17 was used for multilevel analysis. The fixed effect was analyzed by determining the adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval.
ResultThe prevalence of solitary childbirths in Ethiopia was 12.73%, with a 95% confidence interval spanning from 11.71% to 13.81%. The western and southern parts of Oromia, all of Benishangul-Gumuz, most parts of the SNNPR, and the west of Amhara regions were hotspot areas for solitary birth. Having no formal education, not attending ANC visits, and residing in pastoral regions were significantly associated with higher odds of solitary birth in Ethiopia.
CocnlusionA notable proportion of women are experiencing childbirth alone, which highlights a significant aspect of maternal health in the country, reflecting both the challenges and improvements in childbirth practices. The distribution of solitary births exhibited spatial clustering with its hotspot areas located in western and southern parts of Oromia, all of Benishangul-Gumuz, most parts of the SNNPR, and west of Amhara regions. Lack of education, not having an ANC visit, and being a resident of pastoral regions were significant determinants of solitary birth. The implementation of maternal and child health strategies in Ethiopia could benefit from considering the hotspot areas and determinants of solitary birth.
This study aimed to assess functional disability and associated factors among people with severe mental illness attending public hospitals in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia.
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in public hospitals found in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia, from 1 April to 10 May 2023.
A total of 342 patients with severe mental illness attending public hospitals in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia, were included.
The main outcome of this study was functional disability, which was measured using a 12-item version of the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule.
In this study, the mean (±) score of functional disability among patients with severe mental illness was 31.8 (±9.6) (95% CI: 30.7 to 32.8). The multiple linear regression model revealed that unemployment (β: 1.93; 95% CI: 0.28 to 3.59), total illness duration (5–10 years and above 10 years) (β: 3.71; 95% CI: 1.95 to 5.48 and β: 4.51; 95% CI: 2.41 to 6.62, respectively), age at illness onset (β: –0.37; 95% CI: –0.45 to –0.28), having drug side effects (β: 3.05; 95% CI: 1.46 to 4.63), medication non-adherence (β: 6.15; 95% CI: 4.56 to 7.73) and having high perceived stigma (β: 2.27; 95% CI: 0.72 to 3.82) were significantly associated with functional disability.
Patients with severe mental illness had a high mean functional disability score. Unemployment, age at onset of mental illness, total duration of illness, medication side effects, medication non-adherence and higher perceived stigma were factors that were associated with functional disability. Given the mean functional disability score observed among respondents, a multipronged intervention strategy that prioritises early detection and management of severe mental illness, particularly targeting individuals at risk, is recommended to mitigate disability and enhance quality of life.
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