Impacts of Herbal Medicine Use on Lipid Profiles in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Northwest Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study Assefa Belay Asrie, Tafere Mulaw Belete, Tezera Jemere Aragaw, Melshew Fenta Misker, Alemante Tafese Beyna, et al. Biomed Research International, 2026 Background Blood lipid abnormalities are common among Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, and achieving better glycemic control may help improve their lipid profiles. Concomitant use of herbal medicines with conventional antidiabetic medications is a common practice among T2DM patients in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to evaluate the impacts of herbal medicine use on lipid profiles among T2DM patients. Method This is a cross‐sectional study and was conducted from May 01 to July 30, 2024. A sample of 416 participants was approached for the study. The sample size was calculated using a single population proportion formula. A systematic random sampling method was used to select the participants. The data were collected through interviewer‐administered questionnaire and patient medical record reviews. Patients were randomly selected, and their corresponding medical records, retrieved from the archive based on follow‐up schedules of the patients, were accessed and reviewed using a data collection tool adapted from previous studies. Lipid parameters, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels, as well as TC/LDL‐C, TG/LDL‐C, and LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratios and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), were compared between herbal medicine users and nonusers using the Mann–Whitney U Test and linear regression analysis. Results Of the participants approached, 381 (91.6%) were included in the study. Among the participants included in the study, 141 (37.0%) reported having used herbal medicine since they were diagnosed with diabetes, and almost all were active users at the time of the study. The median TC, TG, and LDL‐C levels and TC/HDL‐C, TG/HDL‐C, and LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratios and AIP of herbal medicine users were significantly lower than those of nonusers ( p < 0.01), whereas the median HDL‐C was significantly higher ( p < 0.05). Moreover, linear regression analyses indicated that the TC, TG, and LDL‐C levels were decreased by 6.84 mg/dL ( β = −6.84, p < 0.05), 8.69 mg/dL ( β = −8.69, p < 0.01), and 6.75 mg/dL ( β = −6.75, p < 0.05), respectively, whereas HDL‐C values increased by 1.59 ( β = 1.59, p < 0.05) in herbal drug users as compared with nonusers. Similarly, compared with nonusers, TC/HDL‐C, TG/HDL‐C, and LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratios in herbal medicine users were reduced by 0.32 ( β = −0.32, p < 0.01), 0.34 ( β = −0.34, p < 0.01), and 0.23 ( β = −0.23, p < 0.05), respectively, whereas AIP decreased by 0.041. Conclusion In conclusion, the use of herbal medicines was associated with significant reductions in TC, TG, and LDL‐C levels, as well as in the TC/HDL‐C, TG/HDL‐C, and LDL‐C/HDL‐C ratios and AIP, whereas also associated with a significant increase in HDL‐C levels. The results imply that herbal remedies may have beneficial effects in optimizing serum lipid levels in T2DM patients and could ultimately help reduce associated cardiovascular risks. However, because this study was cross‐sectional and carried out at a single site, we recommend conducting more rigorous, multicenter observational and trial studies to generate more comprehensive and conclusive results.
Impact of health literacy and medication adherence on achieving blood pressure goals among hypertensive patients at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia Alemante Tafese Beyna, Assefa Kebad Mengesha, Habtamu Semagne Ayele, Firomsen Mamuye Dajane, Abreham Honelgn Mule, et al. Plos One, 2026 Background This study assessed hypertensive health literacy and its association with achieving blood pressure goals at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted with 393 hypertensive patients from September 1 to October 30, 2024, selected through simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and logistic regression, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Result Among the 393 participants, only 40.2% of participant achieved their blood pressure goal. Only 15% and 30.8% had high hypertensive health literacy and adherence levels, respectively. Participants living in an urban area (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI: 2.74–9.17, p < 0.001), with higher education (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.15–6.75, p < 0.023), living with hypertension for more than 10 years (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.54–7.58, p < 0.002), using three or more antihypertensive drugs (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.13–0.95, p < 0.041), adhering to treatment (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.34–5.55, p < 0.005), and having high hypertension health literacy (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.36–10.90, p < 0.011) were more likely to achieve blood pressure goal. Variables like residence (p < 0.001), marital status (p < 0.004), educational status (p < 0.013), occupation (p < 0.013), number of antihypertensive medications (p < 0.001), and presence of complication (p < 0.002) showed a significantly mean difference in hypertension health literacy score. There is a significant association between hypertensive health literacy and medication adherence with a p-value of < 0.001. Conclusion Most participants did not achieve their target blood pressure goals. Hypertensive health literacy and medication adherence were significantly associated with blood pressure goals. To improve these outcomes, health policies should focus on creating community-based educational programs that empower patients with a better understanding of their condition and the importance of following their treatment plans. Additionally, increasing access to healthcare resources and support can provide the guidance patients need to manage their hypertension effectively. By strengthening these initiatives, we can help more individuals take control of their health and achieve better blood pressure management.
Assessment of glycemic control, health-related quality of life, and associated factors in type 2 diabetic patients attending a comprehensive specialized hospital in Northwest Ethiopia Assefa Belay Asrie, Tafere Mulaw Belete, Melshew Fenta Misker, Alemante Tafese Beyna, Habtamu Semagne Ayele, et al. Plos One, 2025 Background Poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) leads to serious complications that negatively impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to assess glycemic control, HRQoL, and their associated factors in T2DM patients. Method This is a cross-sectional study and was conducted from May 1 to July 30, 2024. Systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. The average fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels of three consecutive tests during follow-up visits were extracted from patient medical records while the data pertaining HRQoL were collected through interview using EQ-5D five-level (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire and EQ visual analog scale (EQ VAS). EQ-5D-5L utility scores were determined using disutility values established for Ethiopian context. The FBG level was used to categorize patients by glycemic status (controlled or uncontrolled). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to outline factors associated with glycemic control. Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare the median utility and VAS scores between subgroups. Furthermore, Tobit regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with HRQoL. Results Nearly half (48.7%) of the patients were with uncontrolled glycemic levels (out of the target 4.4−72 mmol/L). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, disease duration, comorbid conditions, diabetes complications, adherence to antidiabetic medications, and herbal medicine use were associated with glycemic control. Pain/discomfort, performing usual activities, and anxiety/depression were HRQoL dimensions in which the majority of participants reported problems; 85.8%, 76.2%, and 74.6% of participants, respectively, reported having problems in the dimensions. The overall median (interquartile range) EQ-5D-5L utility score was 0.86 (0.76–0.93) while EQ VAS score was 75.0 (65.0–80.0). The Tobit regression analysis showed that older age, diabetes duration, comorbid conditions, diabetic complications, and herbal medicine use were significantly negatively associated with HRQoL scores. On the other hand, engagement in physical exercise, controlled glycemic level, and adherence to antidiabetic treatments were found to be positively associated. Conclusion In conclusion, nearly half of the patients were with uncontrolled glycemic level. The majority of participants reported problems in pain/discomfort, usual activities, and anxiety/depression dimensions of HRQoL. Several factors were correlated with both glycemic control and HRQoL. Adherence to antidiabetic medications was positively associated with both glycemic control and HRQoL. In contrast, older age, longer duration of diabetes, presence of comorbidities, diabetic complications, and use of herbal medicine were all negatively associated with both outcomes. On the other hand, adherence to dietary recommendations was positively associated only with glycemic control, while engagement in physical exercise was positively associated only with HRQoL. Moreover, glycemic control was associated with improved HRQoL. The findings underscore the importance of interventions targeting modifiable factors, such as dietary modifications, physical activity, and adherence support, to improve overall glycemic control and HRQoL.
Review on the Ethnopharmacological Use of Medicinal Plants and Their Anticancer Activity from Preclinical to Clinical Trial Tafere Mulaw Belete, Alemante Tafese Beyna Natural Product Communications, 2025 Traditional medicine has played a key role in cancer treatment, particularly in developing countries where herbal remedies are extensively utilized. Ethnopharmacological knowledge has highlighted several medicinal plants traditionally used to treat cancers. However, only a fraction of these plants have undergone scientific evaluation to validate their anticancer potential. This review summarizes the ethnopharmacological use, preclinical studies, and clinical trial data of plant-derived compounds with anticancer properties. Preclinical investigations have demonstrated substantial cytotoxic activities of plant extracts and isolated fractions against various human cancer cell lines. For instance, extracts from Acokanthera schimperi, Clematis simensis, Euphorbia schimperiana, Kalanchoe petitiana , and Plumbago zeylanicum demonstrated potent activities across various cancer types, with IC50 values ranging between 0.086 and 6.37 μg/mL. Building on these preclinical findings, several plant-derived compounds have progressed to clinical trials. Curcumin from Curcuma longa is undergoing Phase II trial for advanced pancreatic cancer. Tea polyphenols and *indole-3-carbinol/3,3-diindolylmethane have shown efficacy in Phase II trials for multiple myeloma and breast cancer, respectively. Besides, epigallocatechin, lycopene, resveratrol (Polygonum, sulforaphane ( Brassica oleracea ), roscovitine/seliciclib, thymoquinone, piperine, Berberine and genistein are under Phase I–III trials. This review integrates ethnopharmacological knowledge, preclinical data, and clinical evidence, showing the key role of medicinal plants in anticancer drug discovery. While significant progress has been made, further studies are required to isolate, characterize, and elucidate the mechanisms of action of bioactive compounds. Bridging traditional medicine with contemporary research offers promising avenues for the development of novel chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive agents, advancing the fight against cancer.
Assessment of healthcare workers knowledge and attitudes towards Mpox infection at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital, Ethiopia Alemante Tafese Beyna, Ermias Teklehaimanot Yefter, Assefa Belay Asrie, Habtamu Semagne Ayele, Tafere Mulaw Belete, et al. Frontiers in Public Health, 2025 BackgroundHealthcare workers are on the frontlines of fighting health risks, especially during epidemics. Despite their critical role, their knowledge and attitudes toward Mpox have not been previously evaluated at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers regarding Mpox at this hospital.MethodThis cross-sectional study assessing 382 HCWs. It was conducted on August 1–30, 2024. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A simple random sampling technique was used. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used. p &lt; 0.05 was considered as Significant.ResultAlmost half of the participants (48.40%) showed good knowledge, and 49.20% displayed a positive attitude toward Mpox. Age ≥ 50 Years old (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI 1.33–12.07), Physicians (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.57–6.50), pharmacists (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.55–8.06), having a B.Sc. Degree (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.58–6.84), having M.Sc. (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.60–6.84), work experience of 5–10 years (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.78–5.95), HCWs who get information primarily from training (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.08–6.70), and HCWs attending training including Mpox (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.16–3.19) were more likely to having good knowledge than their counter. HCWs those having a M.Sc. degree (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.11–4.20), physician (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.10–4.16), pharmacist (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.21–5.76), HCWs having work experience of 5–10 (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.44–4.38), and HCWs attending training including Mpox (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.18–3.07) were more likely to have positive attitude than their counter.ConclusionThis study revealed nearly half of the participants had a limited knowledge and negative attitudes. To addressing this gap it is essential to support training, integrate education, and improve resource accessibility.
Patient satisfaction with antiretroviral therapy service provided by pharmacists in Dembia district health institutions, Northwest Ethiopia Tafere Mulaw Belete, Solomon Asmamaw Tadesse, Kidist Atnafu, Minilik Kelemu, Assefa Belay Asrie AIDS Research and Therapy, 2023 Background The patients’ perception of the health service is a vital tool for measuring health service quality. Besides, Patient satisfaction is an essential feature in assessing the quality of health services. Health institution leaders are considering quantifiable patient satisfaction data as a means to evaluate the health care service. Method An institution-based cross-sectional study was employed from 21/8/2022 to 21/9/2022 among 308 patients attending ART pharmacy services in three health institutions of Dembia distinct. Data were collected by using a questionnaire and reviewing medical charts. Results were calculated and presented in the form of texts, tables, and graphs. Variables with a p-value of 0.05 were considered significant determinants of patient satisfaction. Result A total of 308 HIV patients were recruited with a response rate of 100%. The overall prevalence of satisfaction among respondents was 231(75%). Being unable to read and write [1.21(AOR = 1.07–4.31)] and patient age greater than 48 years 1.9(0.73–2.59) were significantly associated with the level of patient satisfaction. Among the participants 66.9% were satisfied with clear and organized service, and 76% were satisfied with the convenience of a private counseling room. Conclusion The general patient satisfaction at the antiretroviral therapy clinic did not achieve the national target of 85% satisfaction with significant differences among health centers. Being educated to a higher level, absence of signs and directions to ART clinics, and not having the opportunity to ask questions were the factors influencing patient satisfaction with ART service.
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