IntroductionMost HIV-positive persons in sub-Saharan Africa initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) with advanced infection (late ART initiation). Intervening on the drivers of late ART initiation is a critical step towards achieving the full potential of HIV treatment scale-up. This study aimed to identify modifiable factors associated with late ART initiation in Ethiopia.MethodsFrom 2012 to 2013, Ethiopian adults (n=1180) were interviewed within two weeks of ART initiation. Interview data were merged with HIV care histories to assess correlates of late ART initiation (CD4+ count <150 cells/µL or World Health Organization Stage IV).ResultsThe median CD4 count at enrolment in HIV care was 263 cells/µL (interquartile range (IQR): 140 to 390) and 212 cells/µL (IQR: 119 to 288) at ART initiation. Overall, 31.2% of participants initiated ART late, of whom 85.1% already had advanced HIV disease at enrolment. Factors associated with higher odds of late ART initiation included male sex (vs. non-pregnant females; adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.02; 95% CI: 1.50 to 2.73), high levels of psychological distress (vs. low/none, aOR: 1.96; 95% CI: 1.34 to 2.87), perceived communication barriers with providers (aOR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.24 to 4.75), diagnosis via provider initiated testing (vs. voluntary counselling and testing, aOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.07 to 2.04), tuberculosis (TB) treatment prior to ART initiation (aOR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.43 to 3.25) and a gap in care of six months or more prior to ART initiation (aOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.72). Testing because of partner illness/death (aOR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.95) was associated with lower odds of late ART initiation.ConclusionsProgrammatic initiatives promoting earlier diagnosis, engagement in pre-ART care, and integration of TB and HIV treatments may facilitate earlier ART initiation. Men and those experiencing psychological distress may also benefit from targeted support prior to ART initiation.

HIV status disclosure can help patients obtain support which may influence treatment adherence and subsequent healthcare needs. We examined the extent of disclosure and correlates of non-disclosure among 1180 adults newly initiating antiretroviral treatment (ART). While 91 % of those in a relationship shared their status with their partners, 14 % of the overall sample had not disclosed to anyone. Non- disclosure was positively associated with older age; control over household resources; and concerns about unintended disclosure, life disruptions, and family reactions. Knowing other HIV-positive people and longer time since diagnosis were associated with lower odds of non-disclosure. Most respondents reporting disclosure experienced supportive responses, frequently including decision to get an HIV test by confidants who had not known their own status. Although HIV status disclosure prior to ART initiation was high, some individuals cited concerns about unintended disclosure, gossip, and partner violence, and may benefit from additional disclosure support.

Ethiopian anesthetists have low levels of job satisfaction, with work environment and years of experience being factors that predict their satisfaction positively. Motivation and retention of this cadre will require emphasis on creating a safe and conducive work environment, and interventions designed to motivate junior anesthetists.

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COVID-19 started in Wuhan province of china and spread in a faster rate covering all continents in the world. The pandemic has affected the socio-economic, political fabric of all countries, and exacerbated undernutrition and food insecurity problems of Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). COVID-19 has also disrupted the health system, resulted in low level utilization of essential services, such as childhood immunization, labor and childbirth, and treatment for children with serious illness. Unless the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic slows down, Ethiopia and other low income countries are at the verge of losing all the progresses made in health and wellbeing over the last two decades.