Samrawit Solomon Ethiopia

@sphmmc.edu.et

School of Public health
St Paul's hospital millenium medical college

17

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Diagnostic accuracy of barium enema versus full-thickness rectal biopsy in children with clinically suspected Hirschsprung's disease: A comparative cross-sectional study
    Tesfahunegn Hailemariam, Abenezer Kebede Bekele, Tsegahun Manyazewal, Daniel Zewdneh Solomon, Yocabel Gorfu, Zelalem Shiwarega, Tewodros Getinet, Meti Wole, Samrawit Solomon, and Samuel Sisay Hailu

    Wiley
    AbstractBackground and AimsHirschsprung's disease (HSD) remains a common cause of pediatric intestinal obstruction. Barium contrast enema (BE) is the primary imaging modality for the evaluation of clinically suspected cases. Here, we aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of BE in children with clinically suspected HSD when compared to a gold standard full‐thickness rectal biopsy (FTRB).MethodsWe recruited and consecutively enrolled children with clinically suspected HSD at two tertiary teaching hospitals. Participants underwent BE imaging and two radiologists interpreted the findings independently. Participants further underwent FTRB by pediatric surgeons as the confirmatory test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) with the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated on Stata version 14.2, taking FTRB as the standard.ResultsWe enrolled 55 cases, of which 49 completed the evaluation and were included in the final analysis. The median age was 9.4 months (interquartile range: 2–24], with a male‐to‐female ratio of 4.4:1. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of BE were 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.81–0.99]), 0.73 (95% CI [0.39–0.94]), 0.92 (95% CI [0.82–0.97]), and 0.80 (95% CI [0.50–0.94]), respectively. On AUC, the diagnostic accuracy of BE compared to the confirmatory FTRB was 0.84 (95% CI [0.69–0.98]). The diagnostic accuracy was higher in neonates (ROC: 1.00) when compared to infants (ROC: 0.83) or those above 1 year of age (ROC: 0.798). HSD‐suggestive BE findings were associated with absence of ganglion cells on FTRB (χ2 = 23.301, p < 0.001). Inverted rectosigmoid ratio and transition zone were more sensitive in detecting HSD of 0.92 (95% CI [0.74–0.98]) and 0.81 (95% CI [0.63–0.92]), respectively.ConclusionBE is sufficiently accurate in the diagnosis of children with HSD, suggesting BE would likely be used to inform surgical management in settings where confirmatory biopsy is lacking. However, clinical judgment is warranted in interpreting negative BE findings.

  • Effects of sedatives on radiologic enema reduction in children with ileocolic intussusception: A systematic review and meta-analysis
    Tesfahunegn Hailemariam, Samuel Sisay, Yonas Mebratu, Fekadu Belay, Tewodros Getinet, Samrawit Solomon, Merga Belina, Abel Abebe, Bersabel Hilawi Tewodros, and Tsegahun Manyazewal

    Elsevier BV

  • Mapping digital health ecosystems in Africa in the context of endemic infectious and non-communicable diseases
    Tsegahun Manyazewal, Mohammed K. Ali, Tedla Kebede, Matthew J. Magee, Tewodros Getinet, Shivani A. Patel, Damen Hailemariam, Cam Escoffery, Yimtubezinash Woldeamanuel, Nardos Makonnen,et al.

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    AbstractInvestments in digital health technologies such as artificial intelligence, wearable devices, and telemedicine may support Africa achieve United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal for Health by 2030. We aimed to characterize and map digital health ecosystems of all 54 countries in Africa in the context of endemic infectious and non-communicable diseases (ID and NCD). We performed a cross-national ecological analysis of digital health ecosystems using 20-year data from the World Bank, UN Economic Commission for Africa, World Health Organization, and Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were used to characterize ecological correlations between exposure (technology characteristics) and outcome (IDs and NCDs incidence/mortality) variables. Weighted linear combination model was used as the decision rule, combining disease burden, technology access, and economy, to explain, rank, and map digital health ecosystems of a given country. The perspective of our analysis was to support government decision-making. The 20-year trend showed that technology characteristics have been steadily growing in Africa, including internet access, mobile cellular and fixed broadband subscriptions, high-technology manufacturing, GDP per capita, and adult literacy, while many countries have been overwhelmed by a double burden of IDs and NCDs. Inverse correlations exist between technology characteristics and ID burdens, such as fixed broadband subscription and incidence of tuberculosis and malaria, or GDP per capita and incidence of tuberculosis and malaria. Based on our models, countries that should prioritize digital health investments were South Africa, Nigeria, and Tanzania for HIV; Nigeria, South Africa, and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DROC) for tuberculosis; DROC, Nigeria, and Uganda for malaria; and Egypt, Nigeria, and Ethiopia for endemic NCDs including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases, and malignancies. Countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, and Mozambique were also highly affected by endemic IDs. By mapping digital health ecosystems in Africa, this study provides strategic guidance about where governments should prioritize digital health technology investments that require preliminary analysis of country-specific contexts to bring about sustainable health and economic returns. Building digital infrastructure should be a key part of economic development programs in countries with high disease burdens to ensure more equitable health outcomes. Though infrastructure developments alongside digital health technologies are the responsibility of governments, global health initiatives can cultivate digital health interventions substantially by bridging knowledge and investment gaps, both through technology transfer for local production and negotiation of prices for large-scale deployment of the most impactful digital health technologies.

  • Digital health in the era of COVID-19: Reshaping the next generation of healthcare
    Emnet Getachew, Tsegaye Adebeta, Seke G. Y. Muzazu, Loveness Charlie, Bibie Said, Hanna Amanuel Tesfahunei, Catherine Lydiah Wanjiru, Joan Acam, Violet Dismas Kajogoo, Samrawit Solomon,et al.

    Frontiers Media SA
    COVID-19 is one of the most deadly diseases to have stricken us in recent decades. In the fight against this disease, governments and stakeholders require all the assistance they can get from various systems, including digital health interventions. Digital health technologies are supporting the tracking of the COVID-19 outbreak, diagnosing patients, expediting the process of finding potential medicines and vaccines, and disinfecting the environment, The establishment of electronic medical and health records, computerized clinical decision support systems, telemedicine, and mobile health have shown the potential to strengthen the healthcare system. Recently, these technologies have aided the health sector in a variety of ways, including prevention, early diagnosis, treatment adherence, medication safety, care coordination, documentation, data management, outbreak tracking, and pandemic surveillance. On the other hand, implementation of such technologies has questions of cost, compatibility with existing systems, disruption in patient-provider interactions, and sustainability, calling for more evidence on clinical utility and economic evaluations to help shape the next generation of healthcare. This paper argues how digital health interventions assist in the fight against COVID-19 and their opportunities, implications, and limitations.

  • Indications and Findings of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at a Tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
    Abel Argaw, Samrawit Ethiopia, Geda Lelisa, Henok Fisseha, and Biruk Mulugeta

    Informa UK Limited
    Background Gastrointestinal disease is a significant global health problem. Symptoms related to digestive system diseases negatively affect quality of life and impose a significant economic impact. Upper gastrointestinal symptoms are common in the Ethiopian population, and the associated pathologies are diverse. Real-time endoscopic visualization of the upper gastrointestinal tract is crucial for diagnosis. However, local data on the indications for endoscopic evaluation and the common underlying pathologies are limited. This study aimed to assess the common indications and upper gastrointestinal endoscopic findings of patients presenting to Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted by reviewing the complete records of patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopic evaluation between January 2012 and December 2019. A structured checklist was used to screen records for completeness. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 25. Chi-square test was used to compare variables, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results A total of 5753 patients underwent complete upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopic evaluation during the study period. The median age of the patients was 37 years. Males accounted for 63.4% of the patients. Dyspepsia (27.8%) was the most common indication for upper gastrointestinal endoscopic evaluation, followed by upper gastrointestinal bleeding (17.1%), and screening for varices (16.8%). Esophageal varices (35.8%), gastritis (18.1%), and duodenal ulcers (10.6%) were the most common pathologies found on esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, respectively. Common upper gastrointestinal pathologies are predominant among males and patients in their third decade of life. Conclusion Dyspepsia was the most common indication for endoscopic evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Esophageal varices were the most common pathological finding, followed by gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, portal hypertensive gastropathy, duodenal ulcer, and hiatal hernia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy remains a vital tool for the diagnosis of pathologies of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

  • A Five-Year (2016-2020) Trend Analysis of Malaria Surveillance Data in Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
    Zalalem Olani, Samrawit Solomon, Zalalem Kaba, and Haile Bikila

    Hindawi Limited
    Background. Continuous malaria surveillance data analysis plays a significant role in monitoring trends over time and evaluating the effectiveness of malaria prevention and control programs. Hence, this study was part of an effort to achieve this goal. This study’s main aim was to analyse five years (2016-2020) of malaria surveillance data in the Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to analyse the five-year (2016-2020) trend of malaria cases in the Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Results. A total of 5,843,373malaria suspected cases were reported during the five-year period. Among the total reported cases, 727,738 were a total of both clinical and parasitological confirmed cases. The average total malaria annual parasite incidence (API) was 4 per 1,000 persons. The highest malaria cases were observed during the spring and summer seasons. Conclusions and Recommendation. Trends of total clinical and confirmed malaria cases decreased from year to year except for the recent year with an exceptional variability in 2019. The highest or peak of malaria cases was observed during spring season (September-November). Malaria indicator-based performance plans and achievements should be regularly and strictly reviewed and evaluated at each level.

  • Factors associated with dyslipidemia and its prevalence among Awash wine factory employees, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
    Daniel Angassa, Samrawit Solomon, and Awol Seid

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    Abstract Background Dyslipidemia is a highly prevalent and modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. Though the problem is significant in Ethiopia, available data in this regard is very poor among alcoholic beverage industrial workers. This study aimed to assess factors associated with dyslipidemia and its prevalence among Awash wine factory employees in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 335 randomly selected employees of Awash wine factory, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from January to February 2021. Data was collected by a face-to-face interview technique using the WHO STEPwise approach. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi Info 7 and SPSS version 26, respectively. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with dyslipidemia. All statistical tests were declared significant at p-value &lt; 0.05. Results The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 67.8% (95% CI 62.5–72.7%). Elevated total cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein, and elevated low-density lipoprotein was found in 25.4%, 33.4%, 50.7%, and 21.5% of participants, respectively. Dyslipidemia was significantly associated with age group 30–39 years (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI 1.16–5.44, p = 0.019), ≥ 40 years (AOR = 6.45; 95% CI 2.01–20.71, p = 0.002), current alcohol consumption (AOR = 3.37; 95% CI 1.70–6.66, p &lt; 0.001), eating vegetables &lt; 2 days per week (AOR = 2.89; 95% CI 1.54–5.43, p = 0.001), sitting duration of &gt; 4 h per day (AOR = 1.96; 95% CI 1.03–3.74, p = 0.041), and raised waist circumference (AOR = 4.56; 95% CI 2.07–10.08, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions High prevalence of dyslipidemia was found among Awash wine factory employees in Addis Ababa. Periodic screening of high-risk groups along with effective health promotion and education which encourages a healthy lifestyle is essential.

  • Prevalence of cryptococcal meningitis among people living with human immuno-deficiency virus and predictors of mortality in adults on induction therapy in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
    Seke G. Y. Muzazu, Dawit Getachew Assefa, Christabel Phiri, Tewodros Getinet, Samrawit Solomon, Gizachew Yismaw, and Tsegahun Manyazewal

    Frontiers Media SA
    BackgroundCryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a leading cause of adult meningitis in countries with a high burden of HIV. It has remained a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in Africa despite the extensive rollout of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study aimed to systematically synthesize the evidence on the prevalence of CM among people living with HIV (PLWH) and its predictors of mortality among adults who are on induction antifungal therapy in Africa.MethodsPubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for randomized clinical trials or observational studies published in Africa from 1995 to April 2021. Pooled prevalence of CM among PLWH was calculated using R-studio Version 1.4.1717 software and the data extracted from eligible studies were pooled as percentage with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Predictors of mortality among adults on induction antifungal therapy were synthesized narratively.ResultsOut of 364 studies identified, 17 eligible articles were included in the analysis. The prevalence of CM among PLWH in Africa was 5.11% (95% CI 2.71–9.43%; participants = 10,813; studies = 9; I2 = 97%). In the subgroup analysis, the prevalence was 12.9% (95% CI 4.883–30.0; participants = 533; studies = 3; I2 = 63%) in the years 1995–2010 and 3.18% (95% CI 1.54–6.45; participants = 10,280; studies = 6; I2 = 98%) in the years 2011–2021, with the prevalence significantly decreased by 51% (p = 0.02). Predictors of mortality were fluconazole monotherapy, focal neurological signs, low Glasgow coma scale, and delayed diagnosis of CM at varied timepoint.ConclusionPrevalence of CM has significantly decreased from 1996–2010 to 2011–2021 among PLWH on induction therapy in Africa. Fluconazole monotherapy, focal neurological symptoms, diastolic blood pressure &amp;lt; 60 mmHg, and concurrent tuberculosis coinfection were significant predictors of mortality at 2- and 10-weeks timepoints. CM remains a major concern among PLWH despite increases in ART coverage. Improved access to effective antifungal therapies is needed in Africa for timely initiation of combination induction therapy and better treatment outcomes of PLWH.Systematic review registration[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=254113], identifier [CRD42021254113].

  • Pertussis outbreak investigation in Northwest Ethiopia: A community based study
    Addisu Gize Yeshanew, Damtie Lankir, Jimmawork Wondimu, and Samrawit Solomon

    Public Library of Science (PLoS)
    Background Pertussis or whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable, highly contagious, respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis or Bordetella parapertussis. Infants and young children have remained most susceptible to pertussis-related morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate pertussis infection and analyze the associated factors involved in the occurrence of the cases. Methods Community-based case-control was conducted in Dahena district, Northwest Ethiopia, from March 27—April 30, 2019. All cases ages 1–18 years old were identified by using the clinical standard case definition of pertussis adopted from World Health Organization (WHO). Data was collected using a structured questionnaire via face-to-face interviews. The data collected was cleaned, coded and entered into Epi info version 7.2.1.0 and exported to SPSS version 23 for statistical analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were employed to identify predictors. Factors with a p-value of &lt; 0.05 were considered as independent risk factors of pertussis infection in multivariable logistic regression analysis. Result A total of 122 pertussis cases were enrolled from the Azila cluster of the Dahena district. Of these figures, 64 (52.5%) were females. The overall attack rate (AR) of pertussis cases in the cluster was 8.6/10000 population. The sex-specific AR of females was 8.9/10000 population. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that; being unvaccinated 4.17 (AOR, 4.17, 95% CI, 1.914–9.091), contact to cases 2.93 (AOR: 2.93, 95% CI 1.223–6.996), and living in a house with no window 2.6 (AOR: 2.6(95% CI 1.071 to 6.322) were the independent significantly risk factors for pertussis infection. Conclusion The contributing factor for pertussis infection was associated with case-contact, living in the house without windows and being unvaccinated. Wag Hemra Zone and Dahena district health office should encourage the vaccination activities of the cluster health center and awareness for the community should be practiced to limit disease transmission.

  • The Quality of Informed Consent in Caesarean Section at a Tertiary Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    Sitra Nuredin Ababulgu, Samrawit Solomon Ethiopia, and Delayehu Bekele

    Informa UK Limited
    Purpose The absence of high-quality and timely informed consent creates a barrier between the health-care provider and the patient that reinforces a negative view of the healthcare system, deters utilization of health-care services and increases malpractice lawsuits. This research aimed to assess the quality of informed consent in cesarean section (CS) at a large tertiary care center in Ethiopia. Patients and Methods An institutional cross-sectional study was conducted on 288 women who underwent planned or emergency CS. A structured questionnaire for respondents with standard indicators was developed as per the recommendations of the Royal College of Surgeons for the evaluation of the completeness of the informed consent document on the medical records. Results The median (IQR) age of the participants was 28 (25.0–32.0) years and 203 (70.5%) has undergone emergency CS. More than half of the respondents 172 (59.7%) were unaware of who would perform the surgery and only 50 (17.4%) of respondents stated they were informed of complications of the CS. A total of 157 (56.3%) of responses fulfilled the criteria for adequate subjective informed consent with an affirmative response while only 109 (37.9%) of responses fulfilled the criteria for adequate objective informed consent. Only educational status of the patient was associated with subjective adequacy of informed consent with those who have some formal education having 2.05 times odds of having adequate subjective consent as compared to those with no formal education. Conclusion In this study, we have found that women undergoing CS receive inadequate informed consent. This inadequate informed consent occurs across planned and emergency CS. The results highlight the need for better consent process to increase patient awareness and promote patient-centered-care.

  • Factors associated with recent HIV testing uptake and HIV-positive serostatus among female sex workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    Shelbi R. Lisecki, Samrawit Solomon, Getaalem Kassa, and Elizabeth J. King

    Informa UK Limited
    ABSTRACT The HIV burden is high among female sex workers (FSW) in Ethiopia, yet HIV testing coverage is suboptimal. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 137 FSW in Addis Ababa. We examined factors related to recent HIV testing and self-reported HIV serostatus using logistic regression. HIV prevalence was 10%; and among HIV-negative participants, 63% reported recent HIV testing. Involvement in sex work for ≥5 years (aOR 3.25; 95% CI 1.22, 8.69; p-value 0.02) and hormonal contraceptive use (aOR 3.37; 95% CI 1.09, 10.41; p-value 0.03) were significantly associated with recent HIV testing. Involvement in sex work for ≥5 years (aOR 13.13, 95% CI 1.31 132.01, p-value 0.03), drug use (aOR 8.02; 95% CI 1.36, 47.31; p-value 0.02), and having a job other than sex work (aOR 122.05, 95% CI 2.97 > 999.99, p-value 0.01) were significantly associated with self-reported HIV-positive serostatus. These results identify areas to target future HIV risk-reduction interventions for FSW in Ethiopia.

  • Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on weight status and factors associated with weight gain among adults in Massachusetts
    Wudeneh Mulugeta, Hailemicheal Desalegn, and Samrawit Solomon

    Wiley
    The study aims to examine the impact of the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic lockdown on weight, overweight and obesity, and identify factors associated with weight gain. At a safety net health system in Massachusetts, 11 534 adults were retrospectively followed within 3 months of the COVID‐19 lockdown. Chi‐square and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported for categorical and continues variables, respectively. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with weight gain (≥0.01 kg and 5%). During the lockdown period, greater proportion of women gained weight compared to men (46.1% vs 40.6%, P < .01). The obesity rate after the lockdown increased among women (40.7%‐41.7, P < .01) but decreased among men (39.6%‐38.6, P < .01) compared to before the lockdown. Post‐lockdown obesity rates increased among Haitian (51.2%‐55.0%, P < .01) and Hispanic women (50.7%‐51.8%, P < .01). More than 5% weight gain was associated with 18 to 39 vs ≥60 years of age (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.07, 1.97), food and housing insecurity (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.97) and tobacco use (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.07, 1.78) among men; and 18 to 39 vs ≥60 years of age (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.25, 1.91), Hispanics (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.54), Brazilians (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.45), and tobacco use (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.69) among women. During the COVID‐19 lockdown, significant proportion of participants gained weight, but subgroup variations existed. Our study can inform healthcare professionals about the impact of the lockdown on unhealthy weight gain and identify vulnerable populations. Strategies are needed to combat unhealthy weight gain during and beyond the pandemic.

  • A five-year trend analysis of malaria surveillance data in selected zones of Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia
    Damtie Lankir, Samrawit Solomon, and Addisu Gize

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    Abstract Background Trend analysis of malaria surveillance data is essential to inform stakeholders on progress towards malaria control. From the total 387,096 cases of malaria reported in Amhara region in 2017, 167,079 (43.2%) cases were in Central, North and West Gondar zones. From this total figure of zones, 15,445 (9.2%) were ≤ 5 years which contributes 4% of cases in the region. So, the purpose of this study was to analyze trends of malaria parasite in Selected Zones of Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A Retrospective study was conducted on purposely selected Central, North and West Gondar zones from July 1–30/ 2018. Data were collected, entered, cleaned, analyzed and interpreted using Microsoft Excel-2010. Different tables, figures and maps were used to present results. Result A total of 2,827,722 cases have been received a diagnostic test of; Microscopy 1,712,193(60.56%) and Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) 1,115,529(39.44%). Trends of total patients treated as confirmed and clinical malaria cases in July 2017–June 2018 were decreased to 139,297 (14%) as compared from July 2015–June 2016, 249,571(25%). From total cases received diagnostic tests only 1,003,391 (36%) were confirmed and clinical cases treated with antimalaria. Of these Plasmodium falciparum and vivax malaria cases were confirmed to be 1002,946 (99.96%) and clinical malaria cases were 445(0.04%), respectively. Conclusion Risk of infection and diagnostic effort were high in West Gondar Zone. The Amhara public health institute including health Bureau, stakeholders and all responsible bodies should give special standing to highest malaria districts of West Gondar zone.

  • MAGNITUDE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS: EXPERIENCE FROM A NEW CENTER, ADDIS ABABA


  • Emerging nutritional problem of adult population: Overweight/obesity and associated factors in Addis Ababa city communities, Ethiopia-a community-based cross-sectional study
    Tsedeke Wolde Hailemariam, Samrawit Solomon Ethiopia, Andamlak Gizaw Alamdo, and Haimanot Ewnetu Hailu

    Hindawi Limited
    Background. Obesity is an emerging public health problem in developing countries. There is limited study conducted in Ethiopia to determine the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors among adult population. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the prevalence of overweight/obesity and the associated factors among adults aged 25–64 years in Addis Ababa city community residents, Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 10, 2017, to May 20, 2017, in Addis Ababa. A total of 512 adults were recruited. A two-stage cluster followed by a systematic random sampling technique was used for sample selection. Data were collected using questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% CI was reported to show the strength of association. A P value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. A total of 484 adults participated in the study with a response rate of 94.5%. The prevalence of overweight and obesity among study participants was found to be 99 (21.5%) and 14 (2.9%), respectively. Males were 90% less likely to be obese when compared to females (AOR = 0.10 (95% CI: 0.01–0.84)). Illiterate people were 94% less likely to be obese compared to those who were literate people (AOR = 0.06 (95% CI: 0.01–0.44)). Nonhypertensive individuals were 86% less likely to be obese when compared to hypertensive (AOR = 0.14 (95% CI: 0.03–0.69)). Conclusion. The combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be considerably high in Addis Ababa city residents compared to the national figure. Being female, literate, and presence of hypertension are independent predictors of overweight/obesity in the study population. Thus, the concerned bodies should initiate efforts to tackle the newly emerging public health problem of the country and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors in the inhabitants of city settings.

  • Disease burden and associated risk factors for metabolic syndrome among adults in Ethiopia
    Samrawit Solomon and Wudeneh Mulugeta

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC
    Abstract Background Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are alarmingly increasing in low-income countries. Yet, very limited is known about the prevalence and risk factors associated with MetS in Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult outpatients (N = 325) at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study was conducted in accordance with STEPwise approach of the World Health Organization. MetS was defined using modified National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results The overall prevalence of MetS was 20.3%. Among the 325 participants, 76.9% had at least one MetS components. Reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was the most common MetS component at 48.6%, followed by elevated blood pressure at 36.3%, and elevated fasting glucose at 32.6%. Older age (odds ratio [OR] = 4.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.43–12.04), Amhara ethnicity (OR = 2.36; 95%CI = 1.14–4.88), overweight status (OR = 2.21; 95%CI = 1.03–4.71), higher income (OR = 3.31; 95%CI = 1.11–9.84) and higher education levels (OR = 2.19; 95%CI = 1.05–4.59) were risk factors for MetS. Conclusion The disease burden of MetS among Ethiopians is high, and is associated with age, weight, income, education and ethnicity. Comprehensive screening and assessment of MetS is needed along with effective preventive and treatment strategies in low-income countries, such as Ethiopia.

  • Prevalence of initiation of complementary feeding at 6 months of age and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6 to 24 months in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
    Shikur Mohammed, Tewodros Getinet, Samrawit Solomon, and Andrew D. Jones

    Springer Science and Business Media LLC