Sugar-sweetened beverage/snack consumption and its determinants among infant and young children aged 6–23 months in twelve Sub-Saharan African countries: Evidence from 2019–2023 Demographic Health Survey data

by Birtukan Gizachew Ayal, Abebe Kassa Geto, Sefineh Fenta Feleke, Ali Yimer, Atitegeb Abera Kidie, Natnael Amare Tesfa, Esuyawkal Mislu, Molla Hailu, Hassen Ahmed Yesuf

Sugar-sweetened beverages or snacks are limited in nutritional value. Excess consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages or snacks in early childhood is associated with inadequate micronutrient intake, being overweight or obese, and developing chronic diseases later in life. There is scarcity of information specific to sugar-sweetened beverages or snacks consumption prevalence and its determinants in Sub-Saharan Africa Countries. This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of sugar-sweetened beverage or snack consumption and its determinants among infants and young children aged 6–23 months.

A cross-sectional study design was conducted using demographic and health survey data conducted from 2019 to 2023 from twelve Sub-Saharan African countries. A weighted sample of 23,145 children aged 6–23 months was included in the study. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with the dependent variable. The level of statistical significance was declared with a p-value  Results

The pooled prevalence of Sugar-sweetened beverage or snack consumption was 25.40% (95% CI: 24.84% − 25.96%). In multilevel multivariable logistic regression analysis, children aged between 9−11(AOR = 1.95 95% CI: 1.62, 2.35), 12–17(AOR = 2.83; 95% CI: 2.26, 3.54), and 18−23 months (AOR = 3.77;95% CI: 3.07, 4.63), media exposure (AOR = 1.59; 95% CI:1.28, 1.98), children from households with middle (AOR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.73) and rich (AOR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.87, 2.85) wealth status, post natal checkup (AOR = 1.18; 95%CI:1.05,1.33), maternal ANC visit (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.22), and high community media exposure ((AOR = 2.22;95%CI:1.65,5.81) were positively associated significant factors whereas currently breast feeding children (AOR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.59,0.82), older age at first birth (AOR = 0.88,95% CI: 0.81, 0.96), presences of more than one under-5 children in the household (AOR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80, 0.99), mothers don’t perceive distance to health facility as big problem (AOR = 0.86; 95% CI:0.76, 0.98), and children reside in rural (AOR = 0.83;95%CI:0.68,0.95) were negatively associated with sugar sweetened beverage or snack consumption.

In this study, one out of four children consumed sugar-sweetened beverages or snacks. Current age of child, current breastfeeding status of child, media exposure, wealth index, maternal age at first birth, post natal checkup, maternal ANC visit, number of under-five children in the household, distance to health facility, place of residence, and community level media exposure were significant factors with sugar-sweetened beverage or snack consumption. Therefore, it is recommended to raise awareness about the health risks of sugar-sweetened beverage and snack consumption, enforce restrictions on their advertisement, strengthen nutrition-focused counseling within maternal and child health services with special attention for older age children, promote breastfeeding, and give special attention to challenges related to health facility accessibility, and support for young mothers.

Birth prevalence and parental stress associated with neural tube defects in Amhara’s public comprehensive specialized hospitals, Ethiopia, 2024

by Hailemariam Gezie, Endalk Birrie Wondifraw, Muluken Amare Wudu, Habtam Gelaye, Fekadeselassie Belege Getaneh

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are severe congenital anomalies resulting from the incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube, affecting around 300,000 newborns globally each year and leading to significant mortality and disability. While high-income countries have seen a reduction in NTD prevalence, developing nations like Ethiopia continue to face high rates. Families impacted by NTDs often endure emotional challenges, including grief, anxiety, and social isolation. This study aims to investigate the birth prevalence of NTDs and the associated parental stress, emphasizing the wider effects on families.

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dessie and Deber Berhan comprehensive specialized hospitals from July 24, 2023, to July 24, 2024, to evaluate the birth prevalence of NTDs and the associated parental stress among parents of children aged 1 month to 12 years diagnosed with NTDs. A total of 308 parent-child pairs participated in the study. Data were gathered using a pretested questionnaire and an 18-item Parenting Stress Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 17, where linear regression was utilized to identify significant predictors after verifying the necessary assumptions. The findings were presented in multiple formats for clarity and comprehensibility.

The overall birth prevalence of neural tube defects was found to be 0.0052 (95% CI: 0.0038, 0.0067), which translates to 52 cases per 10,000 deliveries. Key factors associated with increased parental stress included being a mother (β = 2.51), older parental age (β = 0.18), the child’s age (β = 0.81), a prior history of having children with NTDs (β = 7.88), and the presence of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt in the child (β = 4.66).

The findings of this study indicate that the birth prevalence of NTDs is becoming a significant public health concern. Additionally, several factors contributing to increased parental stress were identified, including older parental age, the child’s age, a previous history of NTDs in siblings, and the presence of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. These results highlight the urgent need for targeted support and resources for affected families to help mitigate the psychological impact associated with these conditions.

Incidence and predictors of mortality among TB-HIV co-infected individuals on anti-tuberculosis and anti-retroviral dual therapy in Northwest Ethiopia: A retrospective cohort study

by Abebe Fenta, Tebelay Dilnessa, Destaw Kebede, Mekuriaw Belayneh, Zigale Hibstu Teffera, Bewket Mesganaw, Adane Adugna, Wubetu Yihunie Belay, Habtamu Belew, Desalegn Abebaw, Bantayehu Addis Tegegne, Zelalem Dejazmach, Fassikaw Kebede, Gashaw Azanaw Amare

Co-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) is a primary cause of death and morbidity. The rate of morbidity and death from TB-HIV is still Ethiopia’s top health issue.

This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of mortality among TB-HIV co-infected individuals on anti-TB and anti-retroviral dual Therapy at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital among 436 TB-HIV co-infected individuals. A computer-generated random sampling technique was used to select patient charts registered from September 1st, 2011, and August 31st, 2020. Epi-Data version 3.1 was used for data entry, and STATA version 13 was used for the analysis. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was applied to estimate the cumulative survival time of the TB-HIV patients. Log-rank tests were utilized to compare the survival time across various categories of explanatory variables. Bi-variable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were fitted to find predictors of TB-HIV mortality.

The mortality rate of TB-HIV co-infected individuals was 15.6%, with a median survival time of 42 months. Being male (Adjusted hazard Ratio (AHR)1.914;95%CI: 1.022–3.584), having CD4 count  Conclusion and recommendation

The mortality rate among TB-HIV co-infected patients at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital was high. Being male gender, having a CD4 count below 50 cells/mm³, being ambulatory and bedridden, having low baseline weight, and having low hemoglobin were the important predictors of mortality. To reduce mortality, it is crucial to focus on the early identification and management of high-risk patients, particularly those with low CD4 counts, poor functional status, and low hemoglobin. Strengthening integrated TB and HIV care services is recommended to improve patient survival outcomes.

Minimum meal frequency and its associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in the cash crop district of Kercha, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

High-risk human papillomavirus infection (HPV 16/18) and its determinants among women in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: a population-based cross-sectional study, 2021