Deresse Daka

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are environmental pathogens found in soil, water, and various environments, causing chronic pulmonary infections. They are resistant to chlorine and extreme temperatures but not typically transmissible. NTM infections are often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis (TB), especially in Ethiopia, where data on prevalence is scarce. This research aims to analyze NTM isolation from pulmonary samples and other specimens used in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) diagnosis among patients suspected or confirmed as PTB cases in Ethiopia. This study systematically reviews and synthesizes published studies that report NTM isolation from sputum and other clinical samples in Ethiopia to estimate the overall prevalence of NTM isolation, identify the common species, and analyze regional variations in their occurrence. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine NTM prevalence in infected individuals in Ethiopia. Using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online, we conducted a comprehensive literature search. Data extraction and quality assessment used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis employed STATA-18 software with a random-effects model and included subgroup analysis. PROSPER registration: CRD420251000131. In this review a total of 5,415 participants were involved and 53.8% were TB suspected patients, 37.6% were PTB patients, 4.0% were Multidrug resistance-tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients, and 4.6% were Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive. The NTM prevalence was 3.8%, showing high heterogeneity and regional species variability. The meta-analysis highlighted differences in NTM prevalence across age groups and diagnostic tools, emphasizing the need for enhanced diagnostics and continuous surveillance to improve patient outcomes and inform public health strategies. The review summarizes the epidemiology and geographical distribution of NTM infections and common NTM species isolated among PTB suspected patients in Ethiopia, revealing regional variations and clinical implications. Despite limited data, Ethiopia has a lower prevalence of NTM compared to other African regions and the worldwide average.

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is vital for the health and well-being of mothers and their babies during pregnancy. It provides care, education, counseling, screening, and treatment to manage pregnancy-related complications. However, many pregnant women, especially in low-income regions like sub-Saharan Africa, do not complete recommended visits, leading to high dropout rates. Ethiopia, following WHO 2016 recommendations, has adopted an eight-contact ANC model, but still faces a 30% dropout rate. Effective ANC is crucial for reducing maternal mortality rates and ensuring positive pregnancy outcomes. Objectives: The aim of the study is to identify the determinants of ANC dropout among mothers who delivered in South Mecha Woreda, North West Ethiopia, 2024. Design: A community-based unmatched case–control study design was employed. Methods: Study conducted from May 25 to June 25, 2024, using a structured and pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. The final sample included 111 cases and 215 controls, totaling 326 participants. Participants were selected based on the outcome variable of ANC visit dropout (mothers who did not complete the recommended four visits during pregnancy) and ANC visit completion, identified through simple random sampling. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were performed, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and p -value used to determine significance. Results: Women who could not read and write had higher likelihood of ANC drop out (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 6.475; 95% CI: 2.662, 13.747; p < 0.001), women from families with a monthly income of less than 3000 (AOR = 2.036; 95% CI: 1.666, 6.221; p = 0.012), women who waited more than 30 min (AOR = 5.132; 95% CI: 3.352, 12.877; p < 0.001), and dissatisfaction with the service received (AOR = 5.397; 95% CI: 1.406, 10.719; p = 0.014). Conclusion: The research indicates that variables like educational level, family income, service waiting times, and satisfaction with services are significant determinants of ANC dropout rates among women in South Mecha Woreda. Women with lower levels of education and income are at a higher risk of dropping out, highlighting the necessity for focused interventions. The research underscores the need for holistic strategies to enhance maternal health and decrease ANC dropout rates.