Background Epidemiological studies to determine the pattern of skin diseases among children are important for proper health care planning and management. The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of skin diseases among pediatric patients seen at a dermatology outpatient clinic of Wolaita Sodo Teaching and Referral Hospital, southern Ethiopia. Method We conducted a retrospective hospital-based, cross-sectional study between January 2016 and December 2017 at a teaching and referral hospital dermatology outpatient department. All children younger than 15 years presenting with newly-diagnosed skin diseases were included. Diagnosis was mainly made clinically, with some laboratory support. Results A total of 1704 children with 1869 new skin diagnoses were included, of whom 139 (8.2%) had more than one disease. Of the children, 52.4% were males and 44.9% within the age-group 5-10 years. Eczematous dermatitis accounted for the largest group (23.9%, n = 447) of skin conditions followed by bacterial infections (21.3%, n = 398), fungal infections (18.8%, n = 351) and infestations (9.9%, n = 185). Seasonal variation was demonstrated, with eczematous conditions and bacterial infections being higher during autumn and winter. Conclusion Overall, eczema, bacterial and fungal infections were the three major pediatric skin diseases occurring among children attending this hospital’s outpatient department. There was seasonal variation in some of the skin diseases. This study gives a snapshot of skin disorders presenting to hospital in children in southern Ethiopia and may help to plan dermatology service expansion, educational programs and preventive measures.

BackgroundEpilepsy remains one of the world's most common neurological diseases, but it appears to be widely misunderstood, particularly in under-resourced countries like Ethiopia. Improving individuals' knowledge and attitude toward epilepsy is critical for reducing the multifaceted impacts of epilepsy. Therefore, in this study, we sought to estimate the pooled levels of good knowledge and a favorable attitude toward epilepsy and also identify the associated factors using available data collected from different segments of the population.MethodsArticles were searched in international electronic databases. A standardized Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and STATA software version 16 were used for data extraction and analysis, respectively. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist was used to write this report. The random-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate Der Simonian-Laird's pooled effect. Statistical heterogeneity of the meta-analysis was checked via Higgins and Thompson's I2 statistics (0–100%), and Cochran's Q test at P < 0.10. Subgroups, based on the study regions, and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Publication bias was examined subjectively using funnel plots and objectively using the nonparametric rank correlation test of Begg and the regression-based test of Egger for small study effects with P < 0.05 considered to indicate potential publication bias. Furthermore, the Trim-and-fill method of Duval and Tweedie was used to explore sources of publication bias for the favorable level of attitudes toward epilepsy.ResultA total of 12 studies with 6,373 study participants and 10 studies with 5,336 study participants were included to estimate the pooled level of good epilepsy knowledge and favorable attitudes respectively. The overall estimated levels of good epilepsy knowledge and favorable attitudes toward epilepsy among Ethiopians were 47.37% [(95% CI: 35.00, 59.74), I2 = 99.2, P < 0.001] and 46.83%[(95% CI: 32.75, 60.90), I2 = 99.2, P < 0.001] respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that the pooled level of good epilepsy knowledge was 48.51% [(95% CI: 38.95, 58.06), I2 = 95.6%, P < 0.001] in the Amhara region.ConclusionIn the current review, we found out that there is a huge knowledge gap and an unfavorable level of attitudes towardepilepsy, which demand immediate public health action as well as a targeted policy intervention.

Background: Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of pilosebceous units with a clinical picture which vary significantly from mild comedonal acne to fulminant systemic disease. Acne has a significant impact on appearance, causing psychosocial and emotional distress, and reducing quality of life of the affected patients. Acne distresses patients due to the fact that it mainly affects the face, being easily visible and constantly present in everyday life. So the aim of this study will be minimizing the gap on magnitude and factors associated with acne at Ayder Referral Hospital.Objectives: To assess the magnitude and factors associated with acne among patients attending dermatologic clinic at Ayder referral hospital, Mekelle, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.Methods: An institutional based cross sectional study design and sequential convenience sampling technique was implemented at Ayder referral hospital dermatologic Unit until sample size (423) is fulfilled. A total sample size (402) of data was entered and analyzed by SPSS version 16.0. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis was done. Data was presented in the form of tables, graphs and numerical measures. Also it was interpreted by using odds ratio, confidence interval of 95% and p-value less than 0.05.Result: The magnitude of acne in ARH, dermatologic OPD was 19.4%. Mean age of patients with acne were 20.6(±4.6)yrs while the mean age at acne start were 17.56(±3.22)yrs. From total of 78 acne patients female accounts 41(52.6%), Urban resident 66(84%) and never married were 65(83.3%). Age (11-20yrs), urban resident, never married individuals, history of acne in the family and cosmetics use were statistically associated with acne on bivariate analysis while family history of acne (AOR7.72(2.99,19.88)CI95%), cosmetics use (AOR4.83(1.66,14.08),CI95%) and never married individuals (AOR2.68(1.04,6.91(CI95%) were significantly associated variables with acne on multivariate analysis.Conclusion and recommendation: The magnitude of acne in ARH was 19.4% and the associated factors were presence of acne in the family and use of cosmetic make-up. People should avoid use of cosmetics make-up without medical advice.

Background Vaccines are medical products with a short shelf life and are easily damaged by deviations in temperature from the recommended ranges. Vaccines lose their quality if the cold chain system is not properly managed. Cold chain management is still a major challenge in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess vaccine cold chain management and associated factors at public health facilities and district health offices. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study design was applied from March 1–28, 2021. One hundred and thirty-six health institutions were selected by simple random sampling method. Data was collected using the observation check list and interviewer-administered pre-tested structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The binary logistic regression was employed and those variables with a p -value less than 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were used for multivariable logistic regression. Then multivariate analysis at a p -value <0.05 and AOR with 95% CI was used to measure the degree of association between independent variables and the outcome variable. Results The study indicates that 83 (61%) public health facilities had good cold chain management practice at 95% CI (52.2–68.4). Experience greater than 2 years (AOR=2.8, 95% CI=1.13–6.74), good knowledge on cold chain management (AOR=3.02, 95% CI=1.2–7.4), training on cold chain management (AOR=1.86, 95% CI=1.36–9.84), and supportive supervision on cold chain management (AOR=2.71, 95% CI=1.1–7.14) were statistically significantly associated with good cold chain management practice. Conclusion The result of the study indicated that there was low cold chain management practice in the study area. Strengthening the knowledge of healthcare workers and supportive supervision on cold chain management by giving training and monitoring their practice toward cold chain management may help to improve the cold chain management practice.

Background Hypertension, among diabetic patients, is a worldwide public-health challenge and a number one modifiable risk factor for other cardiovascular diseases and death. The prevalence of hypertension among the diabetic population is nearly twice of nondiabetic patients. Screening and prevention of risk factors for hypertension based on evidence from local studies is required to minimize the burden of hypertension among diabetic patients. This study is aimed at assessing the determinants of hypertension among diabetic patients in Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia, 2022. Methods Facility-based unmatched case-control study design was conducted from March 15 to April 15, 2022, at the outpatient diabetic clinic, Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A total of 345 diabetic patients were selected using systematic random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire by interviewing and extracting from the medical chart of patients. Bivariate logistic regression followed by multiple logistic analysis was used to identify the determinants of hypertension among diabetic patients. A p-value less than 0.05 is considered to be statistically significant. Results The significant determinants of hypertension among diabetes patients were being overweight [AOR = 2.06, 95% CI (1.1, 3.89), P = 0.025], being obese [AOR = 2.64, 95% CI (1.22, 5.70), P = 0.013], lack of Moderate intensity exercise [AOR = 2.41, 95% CI (1.36,4.24), P = 0.002], age [AOR = 1.03, 95% CI (1.01, 1.06), P = 0.011], Type 2 diabetes mellitus [AOR = 5.05, 95% CI (1.28, 19.88), P = 0.021], duration of diabetes mellitus ≥ 6 years [AOR = 7.47, 95% CI (2.02, 27.57), P = 0.003], diabetic nephropathy [AOR = 3.87, 95% CI (1.13, 13.29), P = 0.032], and urban residence [AOR = 2.11, 95% CI (1.04,4.29), P = 0.04]. Conclusion Being overweight and obese, lack of moderate-intensity exercise, age, type 2 diabetes mellitus, duration of Diabetes ≥ 6 years, presence of diabetic nephropathy, and being urban residents were significant determinants of hypertension among diabetic patients. These risk factors can be targeted by health professionals for prevention and earlier detection of hypertension among diabetic patients.