SAGE Open MedicinePub Date : 2024-07-30eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.1177/20503121241266347
Solomon Tesfaye, Adefework Alemu, Endalkachew Bizualem, Daniel Mehabie, Amir Alelign
{"title":"Seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C, and its associated risk factors among clinically suspected patients attending poly and Maraki Health Centers, Gondar City, North West Ethiopia.","authors":"Solomon Tesfaye, Adefework Alemu, Endalkachew Bizualem, Daniel Mehabie, Amir Alelign","doi":"10.1177/20503121241266347","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20503121241266347","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hepatitis B and C viruses are major global health problems with a high mortality rate, mostly due to serious liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of the hepatitis B and C viruses and associated risk factors among clinically suspected patients attending Poly and Maraki Health Centers in Gondar City.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted to recruit 422 clinically suspected patients attending Poly and Maraki Health Centers between June and August 2020. The blood sample was tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-Hepatitis C virus antibodies using commercially available rapid test kits. We used logistic regression and chi-square analysis to assess factors associated with Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus infections.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-Hepatitis C virus antibodies was 29 (6.9%) and 5 (1.2%), respectively. The prevalence of Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus was found to be significantly higher at Maraki Health Center. Multiple sexual partners (adjusted odd ratio (AOR = 12.299; 95% CI = 2.515-60.142), history of delivery by traditional birth attendants (AOR = 6.284; 95% CI = 2.373-16.637), surgical history (AOR = 3.679; 95% CI = 1.009-13.417), previous hepatitis infections (AOR = 10.374; 95% CI = 1.128-95.444), and upper abdominal pain (AOR = 3.382; 95% CI = 1.215-9.414) were significantly associated with an increased risk of Hepatitis B virus infections. On the other hand, a history of blood transfusion (AOR = 43.132; 95% CI = 1.385-1343.176) and a history of kidney dialysis (AOR = 71.199; 95% CI = 2.074-2444.646) were significantly associated with Hepatitis C virus infection.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>According to the WHO endemicity classification, the prevalence of the hepatitis B virus was intermediate, while that of the hepatitis C virus was low. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the efforts to control and prevent Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":21398,"journal":{"name":"SAGE Open Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11292706/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141875791","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":"In-hospital mortality and associated factors among patients admitted with venous thromboembolism at selected public hospitals of Harar Town, Eastern Ethiopia.","authors":"Dawit Abraham, Kirubel Minsamo Mishore, Shambel Nigussie, Abera Jambo, Tigist Gashaw","doi":"10.1177/20503121241266360","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20503121241266360","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Venous thromboembolism is the third most common cause of cardiovascular death and is responsible for more than 3 million deaths annually worldwide. Despite high rates of morbidity and mortality associated with venous thromboembolism, limited studies have been conducted on in-hospital mortality and its associated factors in Ethiopia, particularly in study settings.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess in-hospital mortality and associated factors among patients admitted with venous thromboembolism at selected public hospitals of Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia, from 10 March 2018 to 8 March 2022.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort study design was conducted among 502 patients admitted with venous thromboembolism at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Jugal General Hospital using a simple random sampling technique. Data extraction formats were used to collect data from patient medical record cards. Then data were coded and entered into EpiData version 3.1 computer programs and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate backward Cox regression analysis was used to verify the associated factors of in-hospital mortality among venous thromboembolism patients. A <i>p</i>-value of less than 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval was used to establish a statistically significant association.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 502 patient medical record cards with outcome variables were included in the study. More than half of the patients 350 (69.7%) were females. Among the 502 patients who were admitted with venous thromboembolism, 8.2% (95% CI: 5.6-10.6) of patients had in-hospital mortality. DM (AHR = 4.28, 95% CI: 1.80-10.15, <i>p</i> = 0.001) and unfractionated heparin duration (AHR = 10.26, 95% CI: 2.45-43.01, <i>p</i> = 0.001) were statistically significant association with venous thromboembolism mortality.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Approximately 8.2% of venous thromboembolism patients died in the hospital. Diabetes and heparin were independently associated with higher mortality. Therefore, it is better to give more attention to the patients co-morbid with diabetes mellitus and for unfractionated heparin treatment duration to reduce venous thromboembolism mortality.</p>","PeriodicalId":21398,"journal":{"name":"SAGE Open Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11292684/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141875834","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":"Access to essential medicines used in the management of noncommunicable diseases in Southern Ethiopia: Analysis using WHO/HAI methodology.","authors":"Getahun Asmamaw, Tekalign Shimelis, Dinksew Tewuhibo, Teshome Bitew, Wondim Ayenew","doi":"10.1177/20503121241266318","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20503121241266318","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aims to assess access to essential medicines used in the management of noncommunicable diseases through analysis of the availability, prices, and affordability of these essential medicines in Arba Minch town, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional design was carried out using the World Health Organization/health action international methodology between 2 March and 2 May 2023, within public and private healthcare facilities located in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia. The median price ratio served as a metric. Statistical tests like the Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov were utilized to assess the normal distribution of price data. The Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test was also employed to compare median buyer's prices (patient prices) between public and private healthcare institutions. Treatment affordability was determined by estimating the number of days' wages required by the lowest-paid government employee in Ethiopia to afford the prescribed medication regimen.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 23 health facilities surveyed, the pooled availability of essential medicine used in the management of noncommunicable diseases was 18.7% (range: 0%-30.1%), with the public and private facilities contributing 16.3% and 38.3%, respectively. The overall percentage of availability originator brand versions was 1.1% for overall health sectors, 0.6% for public sectors, and 1.2% for private sectors. The overall percent availability of lowest price generics was 36.2% (range: 0%-26.2%; public: 32.0%; private: 37.1%). Only seven lowest price generics satisfied the World Health Organization target of 80% and above. The overall median price of lowest price generic medicines in private was two times higher than in public sectors. The top five median price scorers were amlodipine, furosemide, insulin, beclomethasone, and salbutamol. The Mann-Whitney U test showed that 11.6% of lowest price generics medicines had a statistically significant median price disparity between the public and private sectors (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The overall percent of unaffordability was found to be 100.0%, (public: 70.4; private: 100.0%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study revealed the limited availability and potential financial burdens on patients seeking essential noncommunicable disease medications. Limited availability suggests the need for better supply chain management and consistent stock availability. The price disparities and affordability challenges identified underscore the necessity for policy interventions such as price regulation and subsidized programs to ensure equitable access to essential noncommunicable disease medications in Arba Minch town, Southern Ethiopia.</p>","PeriodicalId":21398,"journal":{"name":"SAGE Open Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11292716/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141875830","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":"Evaluation of the national AIDS program and HIV/AIDS surveillance system in Jordan.","authors":"Moad J Al-Rahamneh, Yousef Khader, Ashraf Jamil Aqel, Hiba Abaza, Srinath Satyanarayana, Ala'a Fuad Al-Shaikh, Heyam Hilal Mukattash, Areej Hamed Shoubaki, Tareq Haytham Aldamen","doi":"10.1177/20503121241263694","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20503121241263694","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The National AIDS Program in Jordan has faced numerous challenges, including insufficient funding, limited resources, and complexities brought on by refugee influxes. The absence of a reliable HIV/AIDS surveillance system further complicates tracking and responding to the epidemic. This study aimed to evaluate the performance and functionality of the National AIDS Program and the HIV/AIDS surveillance system.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative study was conducted to evaluate the National AIDS Program and the HIV/AIDS Surveillance System in Jordan. The study involved 14 key informants specialized in HIV/AIDS Surveillance Systems. Interviews were guided by an interview guide based on the Updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems. Data analysis was performed through directed content analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center in Jordan confronts multiple challenges, including poor infrastructure, limited accessibility, and inadequate facilities. Additionally, there is a lack of effective coordination between the Voluntary Counseling and Testing center and the Chest Diseases and Migrant Health Directorate, particularly regarding testing for Tuberculosis. HIV screening in Jordan is hindered by various factors, including disease sensitivity. Voluntary Counseling and Testing lacks HIV/AIDS specialists AND staff adequate training and fails to adhere to updated treatment guidelines. Persistent deficiencies in human resources, equipment, and training continue to plague the HIV/AIDS Surveillance System. Key informants expressed dissatisfaction with the data's usefulness, citing concerns over poor data quality. The data were seldom used for prioritizing resources, identifying at-risk individuals, assessing HIV/AIDS risk factors, or evaluating prevention and control measures.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The National AIDS Program and HIV/AIDS Surveillance System activities in Jordan are unstructured, poorly coordinated, and inefficient. Many gaps related to National AIDS Program and HIV/AIDS Surveillance System performance and data were identified. Recommendations include developing an electronic surveillance system for data collection, notification, and reporting, and building the capacities of HIV/AIDS healthcare providers in screening, diagnosis, and management.</p>","PeriodicalId":21398,"journal":{"name":"SAGE Open Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11292692/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141875831","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":"\"I was afraid to go to the hospital\": A qualitative analysis and ethical implications of the impacts of COVID-19 on the health and medical care of older adults in Ethiopia.","authors":"Kirubel Manyazewal Mussie, Jenny Setchell, Mirgissa Kaba, Bernice Simone Elger","doi":"10.1177/20503121241263305","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20503121241263305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic has brought severe health consequences among older adults and posed ethical challenges. The aim of this study was to explore the impacts of COVID-19 on the health and medical care of older adults in Ethiopia and associated ethical implications, regardless of older adults' COVID-19 infection status.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this qualitative study, we followed an inductive exploratory approach based on reflexive thematic analysis. We conducted semistructured interviews between March 2021 and November 2021 with 20 older adults and 26 health professionals who were selected from healthcare facilities and communities in Ethiopia using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. We audio-recorded, transcribed, translated, and inductively analyzed the interviews using thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants reported that the pandemic compromised the accessibility and quality of both COVID and non-COVID healthcare services for older adults, which negatively impacted older adults' health conditions and medical care. Moreover, participants elaborated on the health conditions and care of older patients with COVID-19 and highlighted that older COVID-19 patients often have severe health conditions, do not get adequate COVID-19 care, and may receive lower priority for admission to intensive care units compared to younger patients when resources are limited.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Results of this study showed that practices of COVID-19 care and measures may have led to adverse consequences such as limited availability and access to aged care in Ethiopia, which could have further health consequences on older patients. Our results contribute to a better understanding of ethical issues such as distributive justice and prioritization arising in the healthcare of older patients in times of global pandemic. It is imperative for local and international health policymakers and ethicists to further analyze and address the challenges that compromise the accessibility and continuity of quality care for older persons during a public healthcare crisis.</p>","PeriodicalId":21398,"journal":{"name":"SAGE Open Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11292689/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141875829","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}
SAGE Open MedicinePub Date : 2024-07-30eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.1177/20503121241263302
Faris Abushamma, Enas Zidan, Zainab E Douglass, Anas Jaber, Zaher Nazzal, Zakaria I Hamdan, Mahfouz Ktaifan, Hashim Hashim
{"title":"Lower urinary tract symptoms among male patients on hemodialysis: Prospective and multi-central cross-sectional study.","authors":"Faris Abushamma, Enas Zidan, Zainab E Douglass, Anas Jaber, Zaher Nazzal, Zakaria I Hamdan, Mahfouz Ktaifan, Hashim Hashim","doi":"10.1177/20503121241263302","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20503121241263302","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lower urinary tract symptoms are common and can significantly impact quality of life, especially in men with co-morbidities and end-stage renal disease. The presence of lower urinary tract symptoms affect the quality of life of patients on hemodialysis.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The purpose of this study is assessing the presence and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms among male patients on hemodialysis. Factors that may exacerbate lower urinary tract symptoms were assessed and studied. The impact of lower urinary tract symptoms on quality of life was also identified.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective, multi-central, and cross-sectional study of male patients on hemodialysis was conducted. Demographics, clinical data, and core lower urinary tract symptoms score questionnaire were all collected. A correlation has been made between all variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One hundred forty-five patients were enrolled. Eighty-seven percent of hemodialysis patients had at least one storage symptom, and 85% had at least one voiding symptom. The prevalence of storage symptoms (frequency, nocturia, urgency, and urgency incontinence) was found to be 3%, 70%, 44%, and 12%, respectively. The voiding symptoms were mainly weak stream, straining, and incomplete emptying, which were found in 60%, 43%, and 36%, respectively. Fifteen percent of the cohort had a negatively significant impact on their quality of life. The absence of voiding symptoms was statistically linked to a better quality of life (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Hemodialysis patients who are over 60 years old, smokers, or obese were found to be significantly more likely to report storage symptoms (18%, 9%, and 79%, respectively; <i>p</i> < 0.05). Bladder pain was significantly correlated to the dialysis duration of more than 24 months (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Storage and voiding lower urinary tract symptoms are common among hemodialysis male patients with a minor impact on their quality of life. Age, smoking, and obesity are major risks of exaggerating such symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":21398,"journal":{"name":"SAGE Open Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11292685/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141875835","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}
SAGE Open MedicinePub Date : 2024-07-30eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.1177/20503121241261170
Methembe Yotamu Khozah, Wilfred Njabulo Nunu
{"title":"Exploring the uptake of sexual and reproductive health services for lesbians and bisexual women in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. A quantitative enquiry.","authors":"Methembe Yotamu Khozah, Wilfred Njabulo Nunu","doi":"10.1177/20503121241261170","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20503121241261170","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sexual and reproductive healthcare is essential for all individuals, including LGBTQ+ individuals. However, lesbians and bisexual women often lack tailored services, leading to underutilization. This study aimed to assess the availability and uptake of sexual and reproductive health services for lesbian and bisexual Bulawayo women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study surveyed 67 lesbian and bisexual women recruited through the Voice of the Voiceless Organization. The participants completed a structured questionnaire on available services, factors influencing their uptake, and access challenges. Cross-tabulation was used to examine the associations between variables. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and STATA Version 15 S.E.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most respondents were bisexual women aged 35 years. Cross-tabulations revealed significant associations between delayed or avoided services and the absence of specific services for lesbians and bisexual women as well as the presence of gender identity nondiscrimination policies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Sexual and reproductive health programs play a vital role in meeting lesbian and bisexual women's needs. Improving service uptake requires strengthening the linkages between clinics and sexual health education programs, providing lesbian and bisexual women-friendly clinical services, and ensuring access to comprehensive information.</p>","PeriodicalId":21398,"journal":{"name":"SAGE Open Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11292679/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141875833","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}
SAGE Open MedicinePub Date : 2024-07-29eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.1177/20503121241267081
Saiteja Mogasala, Catherine Helzer, Robert D Welch, Elizabeth Secord, Eric McGrath
{"title":"Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BMI in youth living with HIV.","authors":"Saiteja Mogasala, Catherine Helzer, Robert D Welch, Elizabeth Secord, Eric McGrath","doi":"10.1177/20503121241267081","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20503121241267081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Many youth saw a rise in body mass index and obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic associated with virtual schooling and a lack of physical exercise options due to lockdown orders. However, the impact of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic on body mass index in HIV-infected youth on anti-viral therapy has not been studied.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study examined COVID-19's impact on body mass index in 157 behaviorally acquired and 39 perinatally acquired youth living with HIV.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Retrospective chart analysis was conducted for body mass index records across pre-COVID, COVID, and post-COVID periods.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Age and acquired type showed significant associations with increased body mass index. Limitations included missing data and physiological body mass index changes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The perinatally acquired group's body mass index increased by 1.6 during and 2.3 post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels. Longitudinal follow-up of body mass index changes is needed in this vulnerable population.</p>","PeriodicalId":21398,"journal":{"name":"SAGE Open Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11287722/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141856400","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}
SAGE Open MedicinePub Date : 2024-07-29eCollection Date: 2024-01-01DOI: 10.1177/20503121241252251
Yanyun Gou, Huangwei Lei, Xiang Chen, Xiangbin Wang
{"title":"The effects of hamstring stretching exercises on pain intensity and function in low back pain patients: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.","authors":"Yanyun Gou, Huangwei Lei, Xiang Chen, Xiangbin Wang","doi":"10.1177/20503121241252251","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20503121241252251","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This meta-analysis aims to synthesize the available data on the effectiveness of hamstring stretching exercises in relieving pain intensity and improving function for patients with low back pain.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Google Scholars, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, MEDLINE, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP were searched from inception to August 2023. We included randomized controlled trials that investigated the effectiveness of hamstring stretching exercises in patients with low back pain. The primary outcomes assessed were pain intensity, hamstring muscle flexibility, and function. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of risk of bias were performed independently by two reviewers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our searches retrieved 344 trials, of which 14 met the inclusion criteria for this review (<i>n</i> = 735 participants). The combined meta-analysis showed hamstring stretching resulted in lower pain scores (standardized mean difference = -0.72, 95% confidence interval: -1.35 to -0.09; <i>I</i> <sup>2</sup> = 89%, <i>p</i> = 0.03) in different categories of low back pain. Subgroup analysis showed that hamstring stretching led to a larger range of motion for cases of back pain with radiating pain (standardized mean difference = 2.39, 95% confidence interval: 1.76 to 3.02; <i>I</i> <sup>2</sup> = 0%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The combined meta-analysis revealed that hamstring stretching resulted in lower Oswestry Disability Index scores in comparison to regular treatment, particularly in individuals suffering from low back pain across all subtypes (mean difference = -6.97, 95% confidence interval: -13.34 to -0.60; <i>I</i> <sup>2</sup> = 95%, <i>p</i> = 0.03).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This meta-analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of hamstring stretching exercises in reducing pain intensity in various categories of low back pain and improving the straight leg raise in patients experiencing back pain with radiating pain. Additionally, it highlights the improvement in function for patients with back pain across all subtypes.</p>","PeriodicalId":21398,"journal":{"name":"SAGE Open Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11289822/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141860801","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":"Evidence-based intrapartum care practice and associated factors among obstetrics workers in Ethiopia, systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Zerihun Figa, Addisu Getinet Zemeskel, Asrat Alemu, Mesfin Abebe","doi":"10.1177/20503121241261210","DOIUrl":"10.1177/20503121241261210","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Evidence-based practice is defined as using the best available research and clinical evidence by incorporating patients' values and preferences for their health needs. The use of evidence-based intrapartum care practices is an essential tool to improve the quality of obstetrics care.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of evidence-based intrapartum care and associated factors among obstetrics care providers in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Important articles were retrieved from universally accepted and used databases, including Cochran, PubMed, HINARI, Google Scholar, Web of Science, African OnLine, and repositories of Ethiopian Universities. We extracted articles by using a standard JOANNA Briggs Institute data extraction sheet. To determine the existence of heterogeneity in studies, <i>I</i> <sup>2</sup> statistics and Cochran <i>Q</i> tests were used. The publication bias of the included studies was checked using Egger's test and a Funnel plot.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>A total of 2035 obstetrics care providers were involved in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The estimated overall rate of evidence-based intrapartum care practice in Ethiopia was 54.45% (95% CI: 43.06, 65.83); <i>I</i> <sup>2</sup> = 96.6%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The studies with a sample size greater than 300 count for 47.25% (95% CI: 36.14, 65.83). Whereas obstetrics care providers have a decent knowledge of intrapartum care evidence 3.31 times, a positive attitude toward evidence 3.34 times, training 2.21 times, and work experience ⩾5 years 3.31 times associated with the practice of evidence-based intrapartum care.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The overall practice of evidence-based intrapartum care among obstetrics workers in Ethiopia is estimated to be low. Therefore, there should be a focused effort on training and disseminating protocols and guidelines to enhance knowledge and foster a positive attitude among obstetrics care providers. Additionally, the Ethiopian government should prioritize the implementation of the 2021 to 2025 National Health Equity Strategic Plan to achieve its objective of improving the quality of health services.</p>","PeriodicalId":21398,"journal":{"name":"SAGE Open Medicine","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.3,"publicationDate":"2024-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11289799/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141860799","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}