Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Advancing Lung Health in Ethiopia Through Research: A Success Story and A Pathway for the Future.","authors":"Neil W Schluger, Rahal Argaw, Amsalu Bekele, Tewodros Haile, Joseph Huang, Eyob Kebede Etissa, Deborah A Haisch","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.1S","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.1S","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"35 Spec Iss 1","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13085970/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722239","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 Establishment of a Registry of Respiratory Patients Attending Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Feasibility Study.","authors":"Amsalu Bekele, Eyob Kebede Etissa, Dominick Shaw, Andrew W Fogarty","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.4S","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.4S","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Respiratory diseases cause substantial morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Registries in high-income countries have significantly advanced the understanding of lung diseases. This feasibility study aimed to establish a registry of patients with suspected respiratory disease at a major teaching hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective hospital-based registry was established at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) for patients aged ≥18 years with respiratory disease. The registry collected demographic, clinical, and spirometric data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The registry captured data from 285 participants. Of these, 132 (46%) were diagnosed with asthma and 41 (14%) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Among patients with asthma, the median pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) was 0.94 L, with a percent predicted of 39% (IQR: 29-55). Post-bronchodilator FEV₁ increased to a median of 1.20 L, percent predicted 54% (IQR: 38-70), with a median percentage change in FEV₁ of 27%. Asthma prevented 54 participants (41%) from performing basic life activities. According to the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) symptom assessment tool, only 6 patients (4%) had controlled asthma.Among patients with COPD, the median pre-bronchodilator FEV₁ was 0.97 L, percent predicted 43% (IQR: 34-61). Post-bronchodilator FEV₁ was 1.02 L, percent predicted 46% (IQR: 37-64), with a median percentage change in FEV₁ of 6% (IQR: 2-8).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrates that establishing a respiratory patient registry in Ethiopia is feasible. Such registries represent an important first step toward defining disease burden, identifying risk factors, improving treatment, and ultimately enabling tailored clinical trials to advance respiratory care in the country.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"35 Spec Iss 1","pages":"29-37"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13085971/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722234","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":"Geographical Weighted Regression Analysis of Hotspots of Acute Respiratory Infection and Its Associated Factors among Children <5 Years in Ethiopia: A Spatial and Multilevel Analysis.","authors":"Yazachew Moges Chekol, Lewegneh Wegayehu Tessema, Tigabu Kidie Tesfie, Tsion Mulat Tebeje, Negalegn Byadgie Gelaw, Girum Shibeshi Argaw","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.2S","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.2S","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The prevalence of acute respiratory infection (ARI) among children under five years of age varies across geographic regions, yet previous studies have not sufficiently addressed this variation in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the geographic variation of ARI in Ethiopia using spatial analysis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 10,417 children under five years were included in this study. Data analysis was conducted using STATA-17, ArcGIS 10.8, and SaTScan 9.6. Variables with a p-value <0.25 in the bi-variable analysis were included in the final model, and p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) were employed to explore the spatial relationships between the outcome and determinant variables. The model with the lowest corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc) value was considered the best-fit model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of ARI among children under five in Ethiopia was 12.29% (95% CI = 11.68-12.94%). Most hotspot areas were located in Tigray, central Oromia, eastern SNNPR, and southern Amhara. In spatial analysis, significant predictors of hotspot areas included a higher proportion of rural women, children with diarrhea, Muslims, women with no education, low media exposure, and the poorest households. In the multilevel analysis, secondary maternal education, child age 48-59 months, recent diarrhea, and residence in Afar, Amhara, Benishangul, and SNNP were significantly associated with ARI.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There is notable spatial variation in the prevalence of ARI in Ethiopia. Factors such as child age, recent diarrhea, maternal education, and region were significantly associated with this spatial variation. The government of Ethiopia should re-evaluate current ARI prevention strategies and implement geographically targeted interventions to reduce the burden of ARI.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"35 Spec Iss 1","pages":"3-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13085964/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722241","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":"Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Disease Progression of Severe Pneumonia in a Tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia.","authors":"Samuel Mesfin Girma, Rahel Argaw, Ageru Zeleke, Ayalew Tizazu, Rahwa Amha, Elham Yimam, Fathia Salah, Samuel Sisay, Yimtubezinash Woldeamanuel, Betseat Woldegebriel, Tihitena Negussie Mommo","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.5S","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.5S","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pneumonia remains the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among pediatric age groups worldwide. Several risk factors contribute to the progression of pneumonia into severe and complicated forms. Parapneumonic effusion is one of the most common complications to consider when severe pneumonia advances to a more critical stage. This study evaluates the prevalence, risk factors, and disease progression of severe pneumonia in children, providing valuable insights for resource-limited settings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A hospital-based prospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary center from July 2022 to December 2023 among children aged 2 months to 14 years with severe pneumonia. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical status, disease progression, microbiological findings, and patient outcomes, and were analyzed using Stata Version 14.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 74.13% of severe pneumonia cases occurred in children under 5 years of age. Fever, cough, tachypnea, dyspnea, and chest indrawing were the most frequently observed clinical presentations. Overall, 31.46% of patients progressed to parapneumonic effusion. Absence of prior pneumonia (AOR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.11-0.57), no prior hospitalization for the current diagnosis (AOR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.28-0.86), no exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke (AOR 0.24; 95% CI: 0.07-0.84), and no contact with a coughing patient (AOR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.29-0.96) were each associated with lower odds of progression to parapneumonic effusion. In contrast, malnutrition was associated with higher odds of progression (AOR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.18-3.54).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A higher prevalence of severe pneumonia was observed in children under 5 years of age. Disease progression to parapneumonic effusion occurred in 31.46% of cases, and the mortality rate was 4.54%.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"35 Spec Iss 1","pages":"38-48"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13085969/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722214","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":"Reliability of the Amharic Version of the Medication Adherence Report Scale and Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire in Patients with Asthma in Ethiopia.","authors":"Girma Tekle Gebremariam, Markos Hamiso Hayiso, Zoe Moon, Rob Horne, Hanan Yusuf, Rahel Argaw Kebede, Eskinder Eshetu Ali, Bruck Messele Habte","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.3S","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.3S","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Non-adherence to asthma medications is often associated with poor health outcomes, necessitating a reliable measurement of its extent. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the reliability of the Medication Adherence Report Scale for asthma (MARS-A) and the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire-Specific (BMQ-Specific) adherence measures among patients with asthma in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients with asthma at a tertiary hospital in Ethiopia from January to May 2024. The MARS-A and BMQ-Specific tools were used to assess adherence and patients' beliefs about medicines, respectively, while sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, as well as reasons for non-adherence, were obtained through patient interviews and electronic medical records. Descriptive statistics were used to present patient characteristics, and Cronbach's alpha was calculated to evaluate internal consistency.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 250 patients with a mean age of 53.82 (SD = 13.79) years, of whom 57.2% had well-controlled asthma, and 24.8% were non-adherent to prescribed medications according to MARS-A. According to patient reports, the primary reasons for non-adherence were unaffordability and unavailability of medications. The overall mean (SD) MARS-A score was 4.60 (0.43). The MARS-A and BMQ-Specific instruments were found to be reliable, with Cronbach's alphas of 0.904 and 0.961, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings indicate that the Amharic versions of the MARS-A and BMQ-Specific are reliable instruments for assessing medication adherence and beliefs about medicines among Ethiopian patients with asthma.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"35 Spec Iss 1","pages":"17-28"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13085972/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722180","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 Survey on the Indications, Diagnostic Efficacy, and Safety of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital.","authors":"Seid Ahmed Hassen, Hanan Yusuf Ahmed, Dawit Kebede Huluka, Aschalew Worku Ashagre, Mahfuz Ahmed Ibrahim, Berhanu Moges Abera, Misgan Tadesse Admassie","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.8S","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.8S","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and non-infectious conditions, including lung cancer, allowing direct visualization of the airways and tissue sampling. Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases, a comprehensive analysis of bronchoscopy utilization, safety, and diagnostic yield in Ethiopia is crucial. This study evaluated the indications, diagnostic efficacy, and safety of bronchoscopy over a two-year period.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis of electronic medical records, bronchoscopy procedural reports, and pathology and microbiology results from Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital was conducted. Data on demographics, smoking history, platelet count, coagulation profile, indications for the procedure, bronchoscopic interventions, and safety outcomes were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 after ensuring completeness and consistency.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 227 bronchoscopies performed, 205 records were reviewed. The mean patient age was 43.6 years. Most patients were male (52.2%), and 83.9% were aged 18-65 years. The most common indications for bronchoscopy were suspected malignancy (45.9%), tuberculosis (28.3%), and airway inspection (13.7%). The overall diagnostic yield was 75.6%. The diagnostic yield for Tuberculosis and lung cancer were 41.4% and 51.1% respectively. Adenocarcinoma was the most common lung cancer subtype (43.3%). Complications occurred in 6.8% of cases, with minor bleeding, hypertension, and pneumothorax reported rarely.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Fiberoptic bronchoscopy at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital is a safe and effective procedure with a high diagnostic yield, particularly for malignancy and tuberculosis. Although rare, pneumothorax may occur following blind transbronchial biopsy.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"35 Spec Iss 1","pages":"71-80"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13085968/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722191","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":"Improving Inhaler Technique through Face-to-Face and Multimedia Training: A QI Project in an Ethiopian Chest Clinic.","authors":"Eman Omer Hassen, Hanan Yesuf, Dawit Kebede, Mahlet Fekadu Woldearegay, Shale Ali Kemal, Eyob Kebede Etissa, Eden Kahsaye Gidena, Yodit Abraham Yaynishet","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.6S","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.6S","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although multiple studies have documented the prevalence of poor inhaler techniques in Ethiopia, no quality improvement initiatives have been conducted to provide guidance for improving inhaler techniques and symptom control. This quality improvement project aims to assess the effect of face-to-face demonstrations and multimedia-assisted demonstrations on improving inhaler techniques and symptom control among asthmatic patients attending the Chest Referral Clinic of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A total of 50 asthmatic participants using inhalers were recruited. Baseline asthma symptom control was assessed using the Asthma Control Test tool. Thirty of the recruited participants received face-to-face demonstrations from trained healthcare professionals while easy-to-use pictogram pamphlets and adapted videos were distributed. Inhaler techniques and asthma control were reassessed using adapted checklists and the Asthma Control Test, respectively, four weeks after the demonstrations and trainings were delivered. Finally, pre-intervention and post-intervention outcomes were analyzed and compared to quantify the impact of the implemented trainings.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 30 participants underwent both pre- and post-intervention assessments of inhaler techniques and Asthma Control Test scores. There was a marked improvement in the proper use of inhalers, increasing from 10.5% to 52.6% among participants using dry powder inhalers (P = 0.007) and from 7.1% to 35.7% (P = 0.011) among those using metered dose inhalers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Face-to-face demonstrations of inhaler techniques, when supported with multimedia resources, significantly improved proper inhaler use among asthmatic patients. This project demonstrated a general trend toward better symptom control as measured by the Asthma Control Test post-intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"35 Spec Iss 1","pages":"49-58"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13085966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722170","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":"Lung Function Assessment Among Patients Previously Treated for Pulmonary Tuberculosis at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.","authors":"Amsalu Bekele","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.9S","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i1.9S","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lung function impairment is common among patients who have been successfully treated (cured or treatment completed) for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). However, post-treatment lung function outcomes in Ethiopia remain poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to evaluate pulmonary function in patients successfully treated for PTB at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study included patients older than 15 years who had been successfully treated for PTB and were followed at the Chest Unit of TASH between August 2016 and September 2017. Patients with active PTB were excluded. Sociodemographic characteristics, PTB diagnosis and treatment history, smoking status, and biomass fuel exposure were obtained from clinic records and patient interviews. All participants underwent spirometry. Lung function was classified as normal or abnormal according to standard spirometric criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 99 patients were included in the analysis. Fifty-five (55.6%) were male, and the mean age was 42.7 years. Mean spirometric values were: FEV₁ 53.9% predicted, FVC 63.1% predicted, and FEV₁/FVC 59.2%. Spirometric patterns were classified as normal in 14 (14.1%) patients, obstructive in 41 (41.4%), restrictive in 42 (42.4%), and mixed in 2 (2.0%). Factors significantly associated with abnormal lung function included recurrent PTB, age >40 years, smoking history, and biomass exposure from cooking for more than 10 years (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The prevalence of abnormal lung function was high among Ethiopian patients successfully treated for PTB. We recommend close spirometric monitoring to assess progression of pulmonary impairment in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"35 Spec Iss 1","pages":"81-88"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13085967/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722195","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":"Health Literacy and Self-care among Pregnant Women in a Low Income Country: A Pilot Study in Indonesia.","authors":"Nurul Fadhilah Gani, Ilmawanti, Nurhidayah, Hasnah, Nordianna Seman","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i5.3","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i5.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Self-care during pregnancy is a crucial factor influencing the health of pregnant women. Maternal complications are often associated with low self-care behavior during pregnancy. The ability and awareness of pregnant women play a significant role in fostering good self-care, which is closely linked to health literacy. Unfortunately, in Indonesia-a low-income country-health literacy among pregnant women remains relatively low, and limited research has addressed this issue. This study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy and self-care among pregnant women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quantitative study with a cross-sectional design was conducted, involving a population of 80 postpartum mothers. A total of 66 participants were selected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through two questionnaires: the Maternal Health Literacy and Pregnancy Outcome Questionnaire (MHLPAQ) to measure maternal health literacy, and a self-care questionnaire developed by researchers to assess self-care practices. The Spearman test was employed for data analysis. The study was carried out at the Kassi-Kassi Public Health Center from May 10 to June 7, 2024.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings revealed a significant relationship between health literacy and self-care (r = 0.849; p-value < 0.001), indicating a very strong positive correlation. This demonstrates that health literacy is closely associated with self-care among pregnant women at the Kassi-Kassi Public Health Center, Indonesia.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Higher health literacy is associated with better self-care behavior among pregnant women. Therefore, enhancing health literacy is essential for improving maternal self-care practices in Indonesia.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"35 5","pages":"320-327"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13077159/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689055","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":"Predictors of Complete Remission in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Study from the Nuclear Medicine Department of Ibn Rochd Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco.","authors":"Hajar Tabiti, Karima Bendahhou, Amal Guensi","doi":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i5.5","DOIUrl":"10.4314/ejhs.v35i5.5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) are the most common endocrine malignancies. Although they are generally associated with a favorable prognosis, some patients do not achieve complete remission after treatment. This study aimed to identify predictive factors for complete remission among Moroccan patients with DTCs.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with DTCs between 2004 and 2012 and followed at the Nuclear Medicine Department of Ibn Rochd Hospital. Associations between complete remission and various epidemiological and histopathological factors were assessed using the chi-square test and logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1,366 patients were included. The cohort comprised 89.6% females and 10.4% males, with a sex ratio of 8.5. The mean age at diagnosis was 44 years (range: 14-85 years), and the mean follow-up duration was 125 months. Logistic regression analysis identified the following as significant predictors of complete remission: female sex, age <55 years, papillary thyroid carcinoma, tumor size ≤4 cm, unilaterality, absence of extrathyroidal extension, absence of vascular invasion, undetectable postoperative thyroglobulin (TG) levels, and absence of local or distant involvement.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Younger age, female sex, favorable histology, and limited tumor burden were associated with a higher likelihood of complete remission in Moroccan patients with DTCs. Identifying these factors is crucial for tailoring treatment strategies and optimizing follow-up, particularly for patients at higher risk of persistent or recurrent disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":12003,"journal":{"name":"Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences","volume":"35 5","pages":"338-345"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13077157/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689066","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}