Background Macrosomia is defined as a birth weight of newborns ≥4000 grams irrespective of gestational age. It is becoming a burning public health issue in most developing countries and contributes to maternal and newborn complications. Though macrosomia has been increasing in Ethiopia, evidence about its magnitude and associated factors is limited yet. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of macrosomia among newborns delivered at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out from February 23rd to April 23rd, 2020. A total of 491 mothers and their newborns were included in the study. The data were collected by interviewing the mothers and reviewing their charts using a structured questionnaire. The outcome variable was newborn birth weight. Data were entered using Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA version 14 software. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to identify the factors associated with macrosomia. Results The prevalence of macrosomia was 7.54%. Gestational age ≥40 weeks (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.1 (95% CI = 1.7–9.7)), diabetes mellitus (AOR=5.5 (95% CI = 1.2–25)), previous history of macrosomia (AOR = 3.7 (95% CI = 1.4–10)), and male sex (AOR = 3.4 (95% CI = 1.3–8.7)) were significantly associated with macrosomia. Conclusion In the current study, the prevalence of macrosomia was relatively high. The study revealed that maternal diabetes mellitus, higher gestational age, history of macrosomia, and male newborns were the predictors of macrosomia. Thus, obstetric caregivers should give attention to early detection and management of mothers with diabetes mellitus, history of macrosomia, and gestational age of ≥40 weeks during pregnancy to prevent macrosomia and its complications.

Background Despite significant efforts made to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, its testing coverage among men is still low and remains a major concern in low-income countries, particularly in East Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of HIV testing among men in Eastern Africa. Methods We analyzed secondary data using Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) drawn from Eastern African countries. Besides, we merged DHS data from eleven Eastern African countries. In this study, we included secondary data from 113, 270 men aged 15-64 years. The outcome variable of this study was “ever been tested for HIV”. Bivariable and multivariable multi-level logistic regression analyses were employed. In the bivariable analysis, variables having a P-value of less than 0.2 were selected for multivariable analysis. Lastly, variables with a P-value of < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were declared as a significant factor associated with HIV testing and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with the 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed to determine the strength and direction of the association. Results The overall prevalence of HIV testing among men in eastern Africa was 60.5% (95% CI: 60.2, 60.7%). In the multivariable multilevel analysis; participant’s older age, being married, increased poverty, HIV knowledge, risky sexual behavior, and being covered by health insurance were positively associated with HIV testing coverage among men. However, men with higher community illiteracy levels, residing in rural settings, age at first sex ≥20 years, and higher stigmatized attitudes towards HIV/AIDS had lower odds of being tested for HIV. Conclusion The overall prevalence of HIV testing among men in eastern Africa was relatively higher than the previous studies. The study revealed that age, marital status, residence, age at first sex, community poverty level, community illiteracy level, HIV knowledge, HIV stigma indicator, risky sexual behavior, and health insurance were significantly associated with HIV testing coverage among men. Therefore, all the concerned stakeholders need to develop an integrated strategic plan through providing special attention to the factors that affect the uptake of HIV testing to raise awareness about the importance of HIV testing and to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission.

Traumatic brain injury is the main cause of injury-related deaths and disabilities throughout the world, which is characterized by a disruption of the normal physiology of the brain following trauma. It can potentially cause severe complications such as physical, cognitive, and emotional impairment. In addition to understanding traumatic brain injury pathophysiology, this review explains the therapeutic potential of stem cells following brain injury in two pathways: response of endogenous neurogenic cells and transplantation of exogenous stem cell therapy. After traumatic brain injuries, clinical evidence indicated that endogenous neural progenitor cells might play an important role in regenerative medicine to treat brain injury. This is due to an increased neurogenic regeneration ability of these cells following brain injury. Besides, exogenous stem cell transplantation has also accelerated immature neuronal development and increased endogenous cellular proliferation in the damaged brain region. Therefore, a better understanding of the endogenous neural stem cell’s regenerative ability and the effect of exogenous stem cells on proliferation and differentiation ability may help researchers to understand how to increase functional recovery and tissue repair following injury.

IntroductionNoise-induced hearing loss is a permanent sensorineural deficiency, which is caused by exposure to excessive noise sound. Although noise-induced hearing loss due to industrialization is a main public health problem in Ethiopia, studies on the prevalence and associated factors of hearing loss are scarce.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hearing loss among workers at a metal workshop in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was employed among 300 participants using a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted. In the multivariable logistic regression model, adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a p &lt; 0.05 were computed to determine the level of significance.ResultsThe prevalence of hearing loss among metal workshop workers was 30.7% [95% CI: (25.7, 35.7)]. Age between 30 and 44 years [AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 7.1], age between 45 and 65 years [AOR = 3.8; 95% CI (1.5, 9.5)], cigarette smoking [AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2, 4.5], working area noise level &gt;85 dB [AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 6.5], working experience of 6–10 years [AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.4, 6.0], working experience &gt;10 years [AOR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 4.3], and using ear protection devices [AOR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1, 0.6] were significantly associated with hearing loss.ConclusionThe prevalence of hearing loss was considerably high. This study revealed that advanced age, cigarette smoking, increased working area noise level, and working experiences were found to increase the odds of having hearing loss. Therefore, it is important to emphasize metal workshop workers that are at high risk of hearing loss and develop preventive strategies to reduce the burden of this problem. Besides, minimizing working area noise levels, proper utilization of ear protection devices, and creating awareness about the impact of hearing loss are recommended.

Background: Premature birth remains a serious public health problem in developing countries including Ethiopia. Ethiopia is one of the country with highest preterm birth rate in Africa. However, there is limited evidences on the prevalence and associated factors of premature birth. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of premature birth among newborns delivered in Amhara region referral hospitals, Northern Ethiopia.Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was undertaken from February 23rd to April 23rd, 2020, in the Amhara region. A total of 482 mother-newborn pairs were included in this study. The data were collected by interviewing the mothers and reviewing their charts using a structured and pretested questionnaire. The outcome variable was preterm birth. Data were entered using Epi-data version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA software (version 14). Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were done for the factors associated with premature birth. Results: In this study, the prevalence of premature birth was 11.41%(95% CI: 8.9, 14.6%). In multivariable logistig regression model; maternal age < 20 years (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 7.8: 95% CI 2.3 – 26 ), preeclampsia (AOR = 5: 95% CI 2.3 – 11 ), premature rupture of membrane (AOR=3.9: 95%CI 1.6- 9.0), chronic medical illness (AOR=4.6:95% CI2.1-10), and history of stillbirth (AOR = 2.7: 95% CI 1.1-7.3) were significantly associated with preterm birth.Conclusion: The finding of this study showed that the burden of premature birth is a public health concern among newborns delivered in Amhara region referral hospitals. Maternal age less than 20 years, preeclampsia, premature rupture of membrane, chronic medical illness, and history of stillbirth were factors associated with preterm birth. Therefore, efforts have to be made to reduce the burden of prematurity, and for early detection and management of preeclampsia. Premature rupture of membrane, and chronic medical illness. Obstetric care providers should give due attention to women with an age of less than 20 years and a history of stillbirth.