Horn African Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences

Prevalence and associated factors of cytopenia among people living with human immunodeficiency virus at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Dr.Getachew Shiferaw, Dr.Getachew Reta, Dr.Afework Hagos, Dr.Takele Hagos — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Hematological abnormalities are associated with increased risk of disease progression and death in people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, distribution and risk factors of cytopenia in people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are on anti-retrovirus treatment (ART) are not well investigated. Thus, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of cytopenia among PLHIV and on ART at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2021among 387 PLHIV. The associated factors of cytopenia at baseline and at six months were analyzed using an ordinal regression model, and cross tabulation after at least 6 months of ART in SPHMMC.

Results: The prevalence of cytopenia was 42.8% among PLHIV. There was a significant increase in the mean values of CD4 count, white blood cell (WBC) count, hemoglobin (HGB), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and platelets (PLT) while there was a decrease in red blood cell distribution width (RDW) after at least six months on ART compared with the baseline. There was also significant decrease in the prevalence of anemia and thrombocytopenia after at least on ART for six months compared to the baseline. CD4 cell count < 200 cells/μL (AOR = 4.8,95% CI (1.2–18.8), p = 0.023), being female (AOR = 6.7,95% CI (1.3–34.4), p = 0.022, co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) (AOR = 4.8, 95% CI (1.5–15.9) p = 0.010), BMI <18.5 kg/m2 (AOR = 5.9 95% CI(3.0–11.5), p < 0.001) and absence of opportunistic infections (AOR = 0.65 (0.45–0.93), p = 0.019) were significantly associated with cytopenia after six months on antiretroviral.

Conclusion: The prevalence of cytopenia is significantly high at the baseline of the study. Early detection could decrease the prevalence of cytopenia among PLHIV. Monitoring of hematological parameters among PLHIV and on ART is vital to reduce cytopenia.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Oreochromis niloticus from Ngamo Dam, Zimbabwe

Munashe Chakamanga, Tom Muzenda, Nyashadzashe Chisanhu — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Environmental pollution from heavy metals poses a global public health concern, especially in developing countries with intensive mining and poor waste management. In Zimbabwe, freshwater bodies such as Ngamo Dam are at risk of contamination, affecting aquatic organisms and human consumers. This study aimed to investigate the levels of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in Oreochromis niloticus (O. niloticus) and water samples from Ngamo Dam to assess their safety for human consumption.

Methods: Water and fish samples were collected from three sites in Ngamo Dam between January and February 2024. Fish gills and muscles were prepared using wet acid digestion, while water samples were digested with nitric acid. Metal concentrations were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test to determine significant differences among sampling sites (p < 0.05).

Results: Water samples showed heavy metal concentrations exceeding World Health Organization (WHO) and Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) permissible limits: Pb (5.21–10.30 mg/L), Cu (5.67–8.56 mg/L), Mn (2.96–4.34 mg/L), Zn (2.15–3.67 mg/L), and Cd (1.34–3.23 mg/L). In O. niloticus gills, the order of accumulation was Cu > Zn > Pb > Cd > Mn, with Cu reaching 11.44 mg/kg. Muscles showed lower but significant accumulation, with Cu (5.87–12.62 mg/kg) and Pb (1.39–4.19 mg/kg) being prominent. Pb levels in water exceeded WHO limits by up to 10 times, while Cd exceeded permissible limits by approximately 6 times. Both water and fish samples contained heavy metal concentrations above recommended safety thresholds. A summary of all concentrations is provided in Table 1.

Conclusion: The findings reveal high levels of heavy metal bioaccumulation in Ngamo Dam water and fish, rendering them unsafe for human consumption. Continuous monitoring, implementation of remediation strategies, and strict regulation of anthropogenic activities around the dam are necessary to protect public and ecological health. Authorities should consider bioremediation and improved waste management practices to reduce contamination.

Comparison of dietary diversity scores and associated factors among children in households with and without home gardens, Ginir district, Oromia, Ethiopia

Yirgalem Zeleke, Tamiru Yazew, Rebik Shukure — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Poor dietary practices are among the major public health problems in developing countries. However, little information exists regarding dietary diversity scores and their contributing factors among children living in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess and compare the dietary diversity scores and associated factors among children in households with and without home gardens of the Ginir District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

Methods: A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 746 children living in households with and without home gardens from April 30, 2024, to June 15, 2024. A multistage sampling method was used to select the study participants. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. A sequential multiple logistic regression model was used to see the factors associated with the outcome variable. The results were presented using 95% CI and adjusted odds ratio (AOR). A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of good dietary diversity scores of children in households with home garden was 30.5% and children without home gardens 19.1%. Married mothers (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.7), college and above educational level (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2–4.9), having home garden practices (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.2), male child (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.2), younger child aged 6-23 months (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4–3.2), good mothers nutritional knowledge (AOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1–2.3), and rich wealth index (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5–3.5) were significantly associated with good dietary diversity scores.

Conclusions: The prevalence of good dietary diversity scores in households with home gardens is statistically higher than in households without gardens. Empowering households on home gardening practices, improving maternal knowledge, increasing their education, and promoting appropriate infant and child feeding practices are crucial interventions to improve dietary diversity scores in the study area.

Determinants of stillbirth among mothers in Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: An unmatched case-control study

Getachew Shiferaw, Adem Jambo, Abdurahman Kalu — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Ethiopia experiencing one of the highest rates in East Africa. Despite several measures taken to reduce this burden, the stillbirth rate in Ethiopia remains considerably high. Efforts to lower these rates may be hampered by an incomplete understanding of the underlying risk factors. Therefore, this study aims to identify the determinants of stillbirth among mothers who gave birth at Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital.

Methods: An unmatched case-control study was conducted from February 11 to August 31, 2022, at Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital. A total of 351 postpartum women were enrolled with a case-to-control ratio of 1:2 (117 cases and 234 controls). Cases were defined as postpartum mothers who gave birth to a stillborn infant at 28 weeks or more of gestation, or with a birth weight of 1 kg or more, or a body length of 35 cm or more. However, controls included postpartum mothers who gave birth to a live-born infant meeting the same characteristics of cases. Data were entered into EpiData and analyzed by SPSS. Descriptive statistics as well as binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations between independent and dependent variables. Statistical significance was determined at a P-value of less than 0.05.

Results: A total of 351 women participated in this study, yielding a 100% response rate. Having a birth interval of less than 2 years (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.2–13.4), antepartum hemorrhage (AOR = 13.1, 95% CI: 2.4–17.5), and having preeclampsia (AOR = 7.0, 95% CI: 1.4–35.4) were significantly associated with stillbirth. In addition, rural residence (AOR = 13.0, 95% CI: 3.4–29.9), being referred from another health facility (AOR = 6.1, 95% CI: 2.3–16.2), antenatal care (ANC) contact at 28 weeks or later (AOR = 12.5, 95% CI: 3.2–21.4), preterm birth (AOR = 14.6, 95% CI: 2.4–27.3], and having a birth weight under 2500 grams (AOR = 10.6, 95% CI: 3.2–24.9) were significantly associated with stillbirth.

Conclusion: In the present study, several factors were significantly associated with stillbirth. Targeted interventions are vital for mothers who are rural residents, have a birth interval of less than two years, or are referred from other health facilities to reduce stillbirth burden. Furthermore, addressing clinical factors such as late antenatal care (ANC) follow-up, preeclampsia, antepartum hemorrhage, preterm delivery, and low birth weight are is crucial.

Knowledge and practice of basic neonatal resuscitation and its associated factors among nurses and midwives in government health facilities in North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Birhanu Guta, Getachew Shiferaw, Dejene Edosa, Moges Beya, Bizuwork Girma — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Neonatal resuscitation is a critical intervention that reduces morbidity and mortality among neonates suffering from asphyxia. However, evidence regarding the knowledge and practice of neonatal resuscitation among nurses and midwives is limited in low-income countries. This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and practice of basic neonatal resuscitation and its associated factors among nurses and midwives working in government health facilities in the North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 160 nurses and midwives from May to August 2023. A simple random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the characteristics of the participants. A logistic regression model was used to assess factors associated with the knowledge and practice of the study participants. Statistical significance was set at a p-value < 0.05.

Results: Good knowledge regarding neonatal resuscitation was reported by 34.4% of the study participants with 95% confidence interval (CI): 28.1%–41.3%). Only 25.0% (95% CI: 18.1%–33.1%) of the participants demonstrated good practice in neonatal resuscitation. Having a Bachelor degree (AOR: 6.6; 95% CI: 2.1–20.5), receiving neonatal resuscitation training (AOR: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.6–8.3), receiving supportive supervision (AOR: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.6–9.3), and the availability of neonatal resuscitation guidelines (AOR: 7.1; 95% CI: 3.0–16.9) were significantly associated with a good knowledge score. Having a good attitude (AOR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.1–6.7), fully equipped material for resuscitation (AOR: 9.3; 95% CI: 3.5–24.6), and receiving supportive supervision (AOR: 9.2; 95% CI: 3.1–27.1) were significantly associated with good practice.

Conclusion: Neonatal resuscitation knowledge and practice among nurses and midwives were found to be inadequate. Therefore, vital interventions are required, particularly those targeting participants with lower educational status, a poor attitude, a lack of training and supportive supervision, and the unavailability of guidelines and necessary equipment for resuscitation.

Phytochemical investigation of Impatiens rothi and Impatiens tinctoria crude extracts and evaluation of their antibacterial activities

Deribew Girma Tola, Askale Moti, Zewdie Kasa, Tura Safawo — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Medicinal plants remain a critical source of therapeutic agents, with their applications supported by indigenous knowledge and ethnobotanical evidence. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and in vitro antibacterial activity of Impatiens rothi and Impatiens tinctoria root extracts. Roots collected from Kuyyu District, North Shoa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, were dried, powdered, and extracted using chloroform, ethyl acetate, hexane, methanol, ethanol, and distilled water. Standard phytochemical assays were conducted to detect major classes of secondary metabolites, while antibacterial activity was assessed against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria using the disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined by broth microdilution. Screening revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, saponins, and terpenoids in most extracts, with ethanol and methanol extracts presenting the richest profiles. Ethanol extract of I. tinctoria demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity (19 ± 0.35 mm) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, comparable to chloramphenicol (26 mm) and vancomycin (20 mm). Conversely, the lowest inhibition zone (7.2 ± 0.28 mm) occurred with hexane extract of I. rothi against P. aeruginosa. The lowest MIC (3.50 mg/mL) was recorded in chloroform extract of I. rothi against Escherichia coli and in aqueous extract of I. tinctoria against P. aeruginosa. Antibacterial effects varied significantly across solvents, highlighting polarity’s influence on extracting bioactive compounds. Findings confirm that Impatiens roots contain diverse phytochemicals with promising antibacterial potential, justifying their ethnomedicinal use. Ethanol and chloroform extracts were most effective. Further phytochemical characterization and toxicity assessments are recommended to validate active constituents and ensure therapeutic safety.