Mesay Arkew

Mobile phones are used by most of the global population, particularly by college and university students and healthcare professionals. Despite their benefits, potential health risks associated with mobile-phone contamination may be overlooked. Therefore, this study aimed to determine bacterial contamination, associated factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of bacterial isolates from mobile phones among students and employees of Haramaya University College of Health and Medical Sciences, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 238 students and employees from July 1 to August 30, 2022. Participants were selected using stratified sampling techniques. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. A swab sample was collected from each participant’s mobile phone using a sterilized cotton swab and transported to the laboratory within 2 hours for microbiological investigation. Bacterial isolates were identified using colony morphology, gram staining, and biochemical tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with bacterial contamination. Bacterial contamination was detected on 89.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 87–92) of sampled mobile phones. A total of 235 bacterial isolates were recovered, of which Staphylococcus epidermidis was the predominant isolate (70.6%), followed by Staphylococcus saprophyticus (14.9%) and Staphylococcus aureus (6.4%). Among the bacterial isolates tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, susceptibility was highest to gentamicin and chloramphenicol (94.0% each), followed by clindamycin (83.4%). Resistance was highest to ampicillin (98.7%), kanamycin (88.2%), cefotaxime (71.5%), cefoxitin (54.9%), and ciprofloxacin (52.8%). Overall, 181 (77.02%) isolates were multidrug-resistant, and 25 (10.64%) were extensively drug-resistant. Male sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.92, 95% CI: 1.364–11.282), lack of regular mobile-phone cleaning (AOR: 7.25, 95% CI: 2.161–24.336), and lack of awareness about mobile-phone bacterial contamination (AOR: 4.25, 95% CI: 1.293–13.970) were independently associated with bacterial contamination. This study demonstrated a high level of bacterial contamination of mobile phones among students and employees. S epidermidis was the predominant bacterial isolate. High levels of antimicrobial resistance were observed, particularly to ampicillin, kanamycin, and cefotaxime. The findings support the need to promote regular mobile-phone cleaning and improve awareness of mobile-phone hygiene.

Dengue fever and chikungunya are emerging arboviral diseases and are becoming major public health threats in tropical and subtropical regions. However, the actual burden and contributing factors are not well studied in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of dengue fever and chikungunya and assess the hematological parameters and associated factors among febrile patients in eastern Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dire Dawa city administration from October to December 2023. Sociodemographic and clinical information of patients were collected using a structured questionnaire and checklist. Hematological parameters were determined using the Mindray BC-3000 Plus automated hematology analyzer. The Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman correlation test, and logistic regression were used during data analysis. A P -value of < .05 with a 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant. A total of 576 febrile patients were investigated. The majority of the study participants, 312 (54.2%), were male, and 524 (91%) were rural residents. Nearly 327 (57%) cases were diagnosed with dengue fever, while 73 (13%) cases were for chikungunya. The type of visited healthcare institution (Sabian Comprehensive Hospital, AOR: 8.2 [95% CI: 4.02, 17.3] and Dilchora Referral Hospital, AOR: 2.3 [95% CI: 1.5, 3.7]), urban residence (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.37–7.7), government employment (AOR: 0.34 [0.12–0.99]), and patients’ previous history of a similar AFI (acute febrile illness) AOR: 3.2 (95% CI: 1.02, 10.3) were significantly associated with empiric arboviral diseases. White blood cell, red blood cell, and platelet counts were significantly decreased among patients with DENV infection compared to other febrile patients ( P < .001). In addition, a statistically significant weak negative correlation was noted between the duration of fever and white blood cell count, red blood cell count, and platelet count among dengue patients. High rates of clinical dengue fever and chikungunya cases were observed. Some socio-demographic and institutional factors were more likely to be significantly associated with clinically diagnosed arboviral diseases. Furthermore, significant differences were observed in some hematological parameters between cases with dengue/chikungunya diseases and those without. The findings highlighted the need for early diagnosis and urgent action to downplay the undesirable outcomes of arboviral diseases.

Background and Aims: Malaria is a global public health problem and remains a significant public health challenge in Somaliland, with a high burden of morbidity and mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations. Moreover, malaria infection in adults is a serious public health concern in tropical and subtropical areas, posing a severe risk. There is a paucity of data about the frequency of malaria and its associated factors among adults in Borama. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated factors of malaria among adults in Borama, Somaliland. Methods: A community‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted. A systematic sampling technique was employed to select 280 study participants. Information on the various factors were collected using pre‐tested structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and examined by using microscopic examination. Data were coded, entered, and cleaned before analysis using SPSS version 27. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with malaria, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of malaria among adults was 37.9% (95% CI: 32.1–43.9). Regarding species distribution, Plasmodium falciparum was the most frequently detected, accounting for 28.6%, while Plasmodium vivax comprised 9.3%. Participants who reported participation in the removal of stagnant water were 72% (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.07–0.89, p = 0.02) less likely to be infected with malaria. Conclusions: Approximately two out of five participants were infected with malaria, indicating that malaria remains a public health concern in the area. Both P. falciparum and P. vivax were identified as the circulating species. The removal of stagnant water was the only factor that showed a statistically significant association with malaria infection. Effective reduction of malaria in Borama requires coordinated efforts that include improved access to healthcare services, strengthened community‐based prevention strategies, and active surveillance.

Introduction: A number of individual studies in Africa reporting the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among people living with HIV are becoming more common. This analysis aims to combine existing prevalence data from various countries across Africa, providing a comprehensive overview of CKD among adults living with HIV Methods: This study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The research protocol was registered on PROSPERO with the reference number CRD42024629601. Various databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, Global Index Medicus, and Google Scholar, were explored for relevant literature from 2000 to December 10, 2024. The data were initially organized in Excel and then analyzed via STATA V.17. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed through statistical methods such as the Cochrane Q test and I ² statistic, visually represented by forest and Galbraith plots, and managed using a random effects model. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots and Egger’s test, with bias correction performed through trim and fill analyses. Results: A total of 26 studies involving 15,893 study participants were included in the analysis. The pooled prevalence of CKD among adult HIV patients in Africa was 17.2% (95% CI [13.4, 21.0]), indicating significant heterogeneity ( I ² = 98.76%, p < 0.001) among the studies. Subgroup analyses were conducted to report the pooled prevalence of CKD on the basis of different diagnostic criteria. Modification of diet in renal disease reported a prevalence of 20.2% ([13.5, 26.8]), the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration reported a prevalence of 12.7% ([7.8, 17.5]), and the Cockcroft-Gault method reported a prevalence of 20.2% ([16.4, 23.9]). Conclusion: The prevalence of CKD among adult HIV patients in Africa is a significant concern. These findings highlight the urgent need for regular CKD screenings and standardized diagnostic methods.

Hematological abnormalities are common in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and can have significant clinical implications. These abnormalities can affect various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. However, screening and follow up of HIV positive patients for these abnormalities is not well reported in Ethiopia, specifically in Harar. Therefore, this study is aimed to determine prevalence of hematological abnormalities and associated factors among Adult HIV infected patients on antiretroviral therapy at the Antiretroviral clinic of Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia, from September 2, October 30, 2024. A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted by involving 300 study participants using convenient sampling technique. Data related to socio-demographic, clinical and dietary variables were collected using structured questionnaires. All phase of quality assurance was maintained. Four milliliters of venous blood were collected from each study participant and complete blood count was determined using unicell DxH 800 hematological analyzer. Logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between hematological abnormalities and independent variables. P < .05 was considered statically significant. The overall prevalence of hematological abnormality among HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients were 26.33%. Whereas prevalence of anemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia in this study were 16.7%, 4.33%, and 5.3%, respectively. HIV/AIDS patients with underweight BMI (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI: 1.08–14.36), male gender (AOR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.35–5.44), HIV patients who have lived with HIV infections for more than 12 years (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.43–5.39) and HIV patients who have a monthly income of 1500 to 5000 Ethiopian birrs (AOR = 4.38, 95% CI: 1.19–16.1) were significantly associated with anemia. hematological abnormality was found to be a moderate public health problem among anti-retroviral therapy attendants in the current study area. Also, early detection and intervention among, males, patients having body mass index < 18.5 kg/m ² , patients having low monthly income and patients who lived with HIV for more than 12 years is vital to reduce the magnitude of anemia and its consequences.

Background: Hypertension is a global public health problem and associated with metabolic, cellular, and blood disturbances. Hematological and hemostatic disturbance have been documented in individuals with hypertension, playing a pivotal role in hypertension associated vascular complications. Despite this, there is a scarcity of evidence and reports regarding the coagulation profiles are contradicting among hypertensive patients. Thus, this study aimed to compare the platelet count and coagulation profiles of adult hypertensive patients with those of normotensive controls at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia, from June to August, 2023. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 180 study participants (120 hypertensive patients and 60 healthy individuals) recruited by consecutive sampling technique. Socio-demographic, clinical and anthropometric data were collected using structured questionnaires and checklist. A total of six milliliters of venous blood (3 ml in EDTA tube and 3 mL in citrate tube) was collected for platelet count and coagulation profile determination. Platelet count and coagulation profile were determined using Uni Cel DxH800 hematology analyzer and Huma cue due plus coagulation analyzer, respectively. One-way ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis test, and correlation analysis was used during data analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In the present study, the median (interquartile range) age was 42.5 (36.0–50.0) years for newly diagnosed, 50.0 (45.0–65.0) years for treatment and 40.0 (35.0–45.7) years for the control group (P < 0.001). The overall hemostatic abnormality in hypertensive patient was 83 (69.2%), and significant difference was found in the median of activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and international normalized ratio between hypertensive patients as compared to control. Statistically significant difference was observed in the median (interquartile range) of activated partial thromboplastin time (P = 0.041), prothrombin time (P < 0.001), and international normalized ratio (P < 0.001) results between newly diagnosed hypertensive patients and healthy controls. Moreover, there was also a significant difference in activated partial thromboplastin time (P = 0.020), prothrombin time (P = 0.011), and international normalized ratio (P = 0.012) results between hypertensive patients undergoing treatment and healthy controls. Conclusions: Hemostatic abnormality was observed in majority of hypertensive patients. Compered to healthy controls, the median values of activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and international normalized ratio were significantly higher in hypertensive patients. This finding highlights the importance of assessing coagulation parameters in hypertensive patients in order to prevent complications related to abnormal blood clotting. However, further longitudinal studies are necessary to gain better understanding of the changes in coagulation observed in hypertensive patients.

Childhood anemia is a significant global public health problem. It influences the physical and cognitive development, as well as immunity of affected children. This in turn leads to poor academic performance, low working potential, and increased morbidity and mortality. There is limited facility-based data on the magnitude and predictors of anemia among under-five children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among under-five children attending public Hospitals in Harari Regional State, eastern Ethiopia. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital and Jugal Hospital from July 1, 2022, to August 31, 2022. A total of 330 under-five children were involved by systematic random sampling technique. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and other possible factors were collected through face-to-face interviews with children’s parents/legal guardians. Four milliliters of venous blood samples were collected for a complete blood cell count. Collected data were checked for completeness, entered into Epi-Data Statistical Software Version 4.6, and exported into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was conducted and P < .05 were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of anemia was 33% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 27.9%–37.9%). Age of children 6 to 11 months (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] = 3.94, 95% CI: 1.55–10.01) and 12 to 23 months (AOR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.15–7.43), no maternal education (AOR = 4.34, 95% CI: 1.53–12.35), not exclusively breastfeeding (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.11–3.52), being severely stunted (AOR = 3.39, 95 CI: 1.70–6.75), and underweight (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.12–3.87) were significantly associated with anemia among under-five children. In this study, anemia among under-five children is a moderate public health problem. This study revealed that young child age, maternal education level, early initiation of complementary feeding, and child undernutrition were factors associated with anemia. Thus, efforts should be made to improve the child’s nutritional status as well as enhance maternal awareness of nutrition and child-feeding practice through health education. Regular childhood nutritional screening and appropriate intervention for malnutrition are needed. Besides, further studies assessing serum micronutrient levels should be conducted to differentiate the specific cause and type of anemia.

Thrombocytopenia (TCP) is the second most common hematological change during pregnancy and is considered as a major source of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite its effects to morbidity and mortality, it is frequently ignored or disregarded, particularly in resource-limited nations. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of thrombocytopenia and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia from June 20 to August 30, 2022. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 199 pregnant women selected through a systematic sampling technique. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Review Committee of Haramaya University. Data related to sociodemographic and reproductive variables were collected using structured questionnaires. Four milliliters of venous blood were collected from each study participant and a complete blood cell count was determined using UniCel DxH 800 hematology analyzer. Logistic regression analysis was done to assess the association between TCP and independent variables and P < .05 was considered statistically significant. In this study, the prevalence of TCP was 14.1% (95% CI: 9.6–19.7). Of them, 10 (35.7%), 12 (42.9%), and 4 (21.4%) had mild, moderate, and severe TCP, respectively. Having more than 3 children (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 7.90, 95% CI: 2.60, 24.3), no antenatal care follow-up (AOR = 7.90, 95% CI: 2.40–26.2), being in the second and third trimester (AOR = 6.90, 95% CI: 1.70, 28.9 and AOR = 5.04, 95% CI: 1.12, 22.7, respectively), and history of heavy menstrual bleeding (AOR = 4.03, 95% CI: 1.25, 13.1) were significantly associated with TCP. TCP is a public health problem among pregnant women in the study area. Having more than 3 children, lack of antenatal care follow-up, being in the second and third trimesters, and having history of heavy menstrual bleeding was significantly associated with TCP. As a result, regular platelet count monitoring and appropriate intervention approaches based on identified predictors should be explored to mitigate adverse outcomes in pregnant women.

Background: Human exposure to benzene is associated with many adverse health effects. It is mainly related to impairment of the hematopoietic system and bone marrow suppression, causing abnormalities in hematological parameters. However, the reports obtained from different studies are contradictory, and there are little data regarding the hematological parameters of gas station workers in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the hematological parameters of gas station workers in Hosanna town, southwest Ethiopia, from May 01 to June 15, 2020. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted by involving 180 (60 gas-stations workers and 120 controls) participants. Socio-demographic and related data of the study participants were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire through face-to-face-interviews. All phases of quality assurance were maintained, and hematological parameters were determined using Uni-Cel DxH 800 automated hematological analyzer. Independent sample T-test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Statistical significance was declared at P< 0.05. Results: Statistically significant difference was observed in hematological parameters of gasoline-workers and control groups. The mean of red blood cell count among gasoline-workers was significantly reduced as compared to control groups (p=0.007). In addition, the median of hemoglobin levels among gasoline-workers was significantly decreased as compared to the control groups (p=0.001). In contrast, a significant increase was observed in median of absolute eosinophil count among the gasoline-workers as compared to control groups (p=0.01). The mean of mean cell volume was significantly decreased with respect to the duration of work experience (p=0.04). Conclusion: In this study, a statistically significant difference was observed in some hematological parameters of gas station workers compared to the control group. Therefore, medical observation and periodic medical check-ups of the hematological profile should be considered to prevent the development of medical complications.

Background: Maternal red cell alloimmunization occurs when a woman’s immune system becomes sensitive to unfamiliar red blood cell antigens. This leads to the production of alloantibodies, which can have serious implications for the fetus and newborn. However, there is a lack of comprehensive information about the extent of red cell alloimmunization in underdeveloped countries like Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the magnitude of red cell alloimmunization among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from September 01 to November 30, 2022. Methods: In this institutional-based cross-sectional study, 422 pregnant women were participated and recruited using a systematic random sampling technique. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, obstetric history, and other clinical information were collected using structured questionnaires through face-to-face interview. Blood grouping and indirect antihuman globulin tests were performed. The relationship between red cell alloimmunization and the independent variables was determined using the chi-square test. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistical significance. Results: In this study, the blood group distributions among the participants were as follows: O, 177 (41.9%); A, 124 (29.4%); B, 76 (18%); and AB, 45 (3.86%). Among the pregnant women included in the study, a total of 51 (12.08%) were identified as RhD-negative. Out of these RhD-negative women, 5 (9.8%) were found to have developed alloimmunization with red blood cell antigens. Miscarriage and post-partum hemorrhage were found to be important factors associated with the occurrence of red cell alloimmunization in these women. Conclusion: This study showed that one out of ten pregnant women was alloimmunized. Therefore, antenatal blood grouping and indirect antihuman globulin screening should be performed routinely to manage and minimize the undesirable outcomes of alloimmunization during pregnancy.