Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Timing of Nasogastric Tube Removal and Its Impact on Postoperative Bowel Function Recovery and Feeding Following Major Bowel Surgery in Children.","authors":"Ugochukwu Stanley Ezidiegwu, Agozie Nworah, A N Osuigwe, O H Ekwunife, J O Ugwu, Victor I Modekwe, C A Ugwunne, S O Obiechina","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.8","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although studies in adults have shown that early removal of the nasogastric tube (NGT) after major bowel surgery is safe and more beneficial than delayed removal, adoption of this practice in children has been slow due to limited supporting evidence. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes between early and delayed nasogastric tube removal in children undergoing major bowel surgery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 102 children who underwent major bowel surgery were randomized into two groups: Group I (early removal) and Group II (delayed removal), with 51 patients in each group. In Group I, the NGT was removed 24 hours postoperatively, whereas in Group II, it was removed after the passage of either faeces or flatus. The primary outcome was the prevalence of vomiting, while secondary outcomes included the timing of return of bowel sounds and the achievement of full-scale feeding. Data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 20 (IBM, SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). Qualitative and quantitative variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test and Student's t-test, respectively. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Vomiting occurred in 6 (11.8%) patients in the early group and 5 (9.8%) patients in the delayed group (p = 0.750). Bowel sounds returned significantly earlier in the early group (83 ± 11.67 hours) compared with the delayed group (97 ± 17.71 hours; p = 0.029). Full-scale feeding was achieved at 121.84 ± 13.67 hours in the early group and 132.63 ± 12.79 hours in the delayed group (p = 0.031).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study reveals that early removal of the nasogastric tube might not significantly increase the rates of vomiting. However, it might lead to significantly reduced time to the return of bowel sounds and full scale feeding.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"36 1","pages":"49-54"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103284/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147766269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Need to Shift from Glucose Centered to Cardio-Renal Centered Diabetes Care in Ethiopia.","authors":"Ermias Habte Gebremichael, Eyob Girma Abera","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.1","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"36 1","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103291/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147765925","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Non-Medical Opioid Use in Ethiopia: An Exploratory Descriptive Study.","authors":"Melaku Tesfaye, Yonas Baheretibeb, Tsimona Dinku, Awoke Mihretu","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.4","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Non-medical opioid use is linked to severe consequences such as addiction, overdose, and infectious diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV), particularly through injection practices. In Ethiopia, limited evidence exists on non-medical opioid use, and harm-reduction programs are absent. This study aimed to explore the experiences of non-medical opioid users seeking healthcare in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A phenomenological qualitative study design was employed, complemented by descriptive quantitative data. We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with sixteen purposively selected participants and reviewed hospital data (n = 47). Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data, while descriptive statistics summarized the quantitative findings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: patterns of opioid use, reasons for use, strategies for accessing opioids, perceived consequences, and help-seeking behaviours. Quantitative data showed that 47 opioid users received healthcare services over the past three years in hospitals in Addis Ababa. Forty-three percent of these individuals were healthcare professionals. Sixty-six percent used one type of opioid, predominantly tramadol (18), while 24 of the 47 reported polysubstance use. Daily opioid use was common, reported by 76.6% of participants.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Non-medical opioid use poses significant life-threatening risks and multidimensional challenges, necessitating immediate intervention. Further large-scale studies on the burden of opioid use, as well as intervention research aimed at improving care and developing harm-reduction guidelines, are essential.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"36 1","pages":"15-26"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103288/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147766278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient and Perfusion Values of the Placenta in Intrauterine Growth Restriction by Using 3Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in an Indian Population: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Priyanka Chandra Sekhar, Dsj Chaitanya Deep","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.6","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is defined as an estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age and is commonly associated with placental insufficiency and abnormal fetoplacental oxygenation. This study aimed to assess placental apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and perfusion values in IUGR using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sixty pregnant women (30 with IUGR and 30 controls; gestational age 20-38 weeks) underwent placental MRI on a 3T system. The imaging protocol included T2-weighted anatomical sequences, diffusion-weighted imaging (b-values: 0 and 700 s/mm²; NEX = 3), and three-dimensional pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (3D pCASL) perfusion imaging (TR/TE = 5000/50 ms, labeling duration = 1500 ms, post-labeling delay = 1525 ms, 30 label/control pairs). ADC and perfusion maps were generated, and multiple elliptical regions of interest (ROIs; 40-60 mm²) were placed throughout the placenta. Mean values were calculated for each subject.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mean placental perfusion was significantly lower in the IUGR group compared with controls (102.5 ± 18.7 vs. 120.2 ± 23.7 ml/100 g/min, p = 0.002). ADC values were also significantly reduced in IUGR placentas (1.83 ± 0.10 × 10^-3 mm²/s vs. 2.02 ± 0.10 × 10^-3 mm²/s, p = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrated fair diagnostic performance for perfusion (AUC = 0.703) and excellent performance for ADC (AUC = 0.919).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Both placental ADC and perfusion values were reduced in IUGR. However, because ADC is influenced by perfusion bias, the most clinically relevant finding is the direct quantification of reduced placental perfusion using 3D pCASL at 3T. This technique provides absolute perfusion values in physiological units and may serve as a valuable non-invasive biomarker of placental dysfunction in IUGR.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"36 1","pages":"33-40"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103290/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147765910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring Fingerprint Biometric Devices as a Source of Multidrug Resistant Bacterial Isolates in a Tertiary Care Hospital.","authors":"Sooraj Ahuja, Kxitiza Pandey, Sulekha Nautiyal, Dimple Raina","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.2","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Biometric fingerprint systems, although effective for identification and security, can facilitate the spread of infections in hospital settings due to repeated contact by multiple users. Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are increasingly associated with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter spp., Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas species, which are capable of surviving on inanimate surfaces, including fingerprint scanners. This study was conducted to determine whether biometric fingerprint devices can act as reservoirs for pathogenic microorganisms and to detect the presence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) along with their antibiotic susceptibility profiles.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Samples were collected from biometric fingerprint devices installed in the hospital and medical college. The samples were cultured, and the isolated organisms were identified. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolates was performed using an automated system (VITEK 2 Compact, bioMérieux).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of pathogenic bacteria isolated was 17.7% (17/96). Among the pathogenic bacteria identified (n=17), 29.4% were Gram-positive cocci, while 70.6% were Gramnegative bacilli. The most common bacteria isolated were Serratia species (23.5%), followed by Acinetobacter species and Enterococcus species. Among Gram-positive cocci, Enterococcus species were the most frequently isolated organisms.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, fingerprint biometric devices may act as reservoirs for multidrug-resistant organisms and contribute to cross-transmission in hospitals. Contactless biometric devices are preferable; otherwise, regular disinfection, nearby hand sanitizers, and routine microbiological surveillance should be part of infection control audits.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"36 1","pages":"3-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103285/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147766122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Analysis of Optometrist Primary Eye Care Professionals as a Specialized Practice across India's Different States.","authors":"Aleena Saifi, Sayema Afrin, Sachitanand Singh, Renu Thakur","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.5","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Optometrists play a pivotal role in preventing and managing vision impairment through the provision of comprehensive eye care services. In India, vision impairment remains a major public health challenge, largely driven by uncorrected refractive errors, cataract, and other avoidable causes. Despite recent regulatory advances, limited evidence exists on the scope and distribution of specialty optometry practices across Indian states. This study assessed the extent and composition of specialty optometry practices among optometrists across selected Indian states.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among practicing optometrists in six Indian states using a pre-validated, self-administered questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. Informed consent was obtained electronically. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were computed to summarize practice patterns.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 325 responses were received, of which 321 were complete and included in the analysis. All participants reported providing refraction services, with a high monthly workload. Specialty practices were less common, with contact lens practice reported by 69.5%, binocular vision services by 62.0%, and low-vision care by 61.0% of respondents. The average number of specialty cases managed per month ranged from 5 to 15. Marked inter-state variations in specialty practice were observed, reflecting disparities in workforce distribution and service availability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings highlight a substantial reliance on refraction-based services and an insufficient level of specialty optometry practice relative to population needs. Strengthening specialty training and expanding the optometry workforce beyond routine eye examination are essential to reduce avoidable blindness in India.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"36 1","pages":"27-32"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103289/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147766272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Field Evaluation of a Point-of-Care Circulating Cathodic Antigen (POC-CCA) Test for the Detection of <i>Schistosoma japonicum</i> in Indonesia.","authors":"Gunawan, Joko Prastowo, Wisnu Nurcahyo, Pandji Wibawa Dhewantara, Anis Nur Widayati, Hayani Anastasia, Samarang, Made Agus Nurjana, Muhammad Yusuf, Siti Soidah, Fauzian Giansyah Rohmatulloh, Sunardi, Yuyun Srikandi","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.7","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum remains a public health concern in low-endemic areas of Indonesia Sensitive and field-applicable diagnostic tools are essential for effective surveillance and control This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of a point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) urine test for detecting S. japonicum infection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional diagnostic evaluation was conducted during August-September 2023 among 226 residents of Wanga (Lore Peore) and Tamadue (Lore Timur) villages, Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia Stool samples were examined using the Kato-Katz (KK) technique, and urine samples were tested using the POC-CCA cassette. Diagnostic accuracy indices were calculated using MedCalc software, with KK serving as the reference standard.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 226 participants, 36 (15.9%) were positive for S. japonicum by KK, whereas only 6 (2.7%) tested positive by POC-CCA. A total of 188 participants were negative by both methods, while 30 were KK-positive but POC-CCA-negative. The sensitivity of the POC-CCA test was 16.67% (95% CI: 6.37-32.81), and specificity was 98.95% (95% CI: 96.25-99.87). The positive predictive value was 75.00% (95% CI: 38.66-93.46), the negative predictive value was 86.24% (95% CI: 84.40-87.89), and Cohen's kappa coefficient was 0.246 (95% CI: 0.004-0.487), indicating fair agreement.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The POC-CCA urine test demonstrated high specificity but very low sensitivity for detecting S. japonicum, particularly in low-intensity infections. Its use as a standalone diagnostic tool in low-endemic settings is not recommended Refinement of the assay or integration with complementary diagnostic methods is necessary before field application.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"36 1","pages":"41-48"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103287/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147766081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiology and Clinical Profile of Aspergillus Hypersensitivity and Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis in Children with Asthma: A Hospital-Based Study.","authors":"Achal S Goindi, Jagroop S Sangha, Prabhpreet K Sira","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.3","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of Aspergillus sensitivity (AS) and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) in children with Bronchial Asthma.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study included 200 children with bronchial asthma. ABPA was diagnosed using Aspergillus skin testing, pulmonary function testing, absolute eosinophil count, total serum IgE, Aspergillus-specific IgE and IgG, chest radiography, and high-resolution computed tomography. Patients were diagnosed and classified according to the Rosenberg-Patterson criteria for ABPA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 200 children with bronchial asthma, 7 patients were ABPA positive. Among the ABPA-positive cases, 5 (71.4%) had uncontrolled asthma. The mean absolute eosinophil count (AEC) was significantly higher in ABPA-positive cases (418.71 ± 90.12 cells/cumm). The mean total serum IgE in positive cases was 1181.00 ± 403.42 IU/L. The mean Aspergillus-specific IgE level in positive cases was 4.74 ± 6.09 kUA/L. In ABPA-positive cases, the mean Aspergillus-specific IgG level was 26.06 ± 14.93 mgA/L.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrated an association between ABPA and bronchial asthma in children. ABPA is a common entity in bronchial asthma and should be considered as a cause of uncontrolled asthma when symptoms persist despite the use of multiple medications.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"36 1","pages":"9-14"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103292/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147766147","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical Risk Index for Babies Scoring System in Prediction of Mortality in Premature Babies: A Prospective Study at in Mumbai.","authors":"Nilima Narkhede, Rajaram Weling, Reshma Pradhan","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.9","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v36i1.9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Clinical Risk Index for Babies II (CRIB II) is a validated scoring system for predicting early mortality risk among low birth weight (LBW) preterm neonates. However, its routine use remains limited in many developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the CRIB II score in predicting neonatal mortality among LBW infants admitted to a tertiary care Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective cohort study included 140 preterm neonates (gestational age 23-32 weeks) admitted to the NICU within 24 hours of birth. Baseline demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and CRIB II scores were recorded Neonatal outcomes were followed until discharge or death. Diagnostic performance was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, accuracy, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was a slight male predominance (51%). The mean birth weight was 1550.97 ± 253.58 g, and the mean gestational age was 30.42 ± 2.23 weeks. Overall neonatal mortality was 32.85%. Mortality increased progressively with higher CRIB II scores: 0% in level I, 3.84% in level II, 64.70% in level III, and 100% in level IV. The CRIB II score demonstrated excellent predictive performance with a sensitivity of 84.78%, specificity of 90.42%, and diagnostic accuracy of 88.57%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The CRIB II score is a reliable and effective tool for early prediction of neonatal mortality in LBW preterm infants and should be considered for routine risk stratification in NICU settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"36 1","pages":"55-59"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103286/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147766017","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization and Comparison of The \"Frequent Exacerbator Phenotype\" in Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis Patients in a TB-Endemic Country: A Hospital-Based Comparative Study.","authors":"Shalom Kassahun Bekele, Weys Nesru Neda, Thomas Asfaw Atnafu, Hable Dessalegn Yigzaw, Hiwot Yegnaneh Anley, Eden Haile Hagos, Hanan Yusuf","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.7S","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.7S","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease characterized by permanent dilatation of the bronchi. Frequent exacerbations are associated with accelerated lung function decline and increased mortality risk. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the frequent exacerbator phenotype among patients with non-cystic fibrosis (non-CF) bronchiectasis receiving follow-up care in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comparative institution-based study was conducted among 114 patients with non-CF bronchiectasis attending follow-up clinics. Based on the number of exacerbations in the preceding year, participants were categorized into two groups: frequent exacerbators (≥3 exacerbations per year; n = 34) and non-frequent exacerbators (<3 exacerbations per year; n = 80). Data were collected through structured interviews and review of electronic medical records.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean age of participants was 49.5 years (SD ±15.1). Most participants were female (55%) and residents of Addis Ababa (66%). Frequent exacerbators constituted 30% of the study population. Factors independently associated with frequent exacerbations included age >65 years (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI: 2.89-19.47), residence outside Addis Ababa (AOR = 9.7, 95% CI: 2.35-40.07), lack of formal education (AOR = 17.2, 95% CI: 1.78-66.98), smoking (AOR = 6.2, 95% CI: 1.25-31.15), resting oxygen saturation <88% (AOR = 10.1, 95% CI: 1.87-54.73), comorbid asthma (AOR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.34-16.41), and higher dyspnea grades (grade III: AOR = 8.6; grade IV: AOR = 14.2).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Approximately one-third of patients with bronchiectasis attending follow-up at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital experienced frequent exacerbations. Advanced age, residence outside Addis Ababa, low educational status, smoking, hypoxemia, comorbid asthma, and severe dyspnea were significant determinants of the frequent exacerbator phenotype.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"35 Spec Iss 1","pages":"59-70"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13085965/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722172","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}