Dr. Abebe Muche Moges

Background. In Ethiopia traumatic dental injury (TDI) is seriously neglected, regardless of its current increased incidence rate. Objective. To determine the etiology and types of TDIs among traumatized patients admitted to Gondar University Hospital Dental Clinic (GUHDC) between September 2013 and August 2015. Methods. A retrospective descriptive study design was conducted using previous medical records of 309 patients. Records were retrieved, reviewed and analyzed. Results. A total of 309 dental traumatic patients with a mean age of 24.32±5.47 were admitted to the GUHDC. It was found that TDIs were most frequent in males (80.3%), 21–30 age range (47.2%) and rural residents (58.3%). Interpersonal violence (74.1%) and road traffi c accidents (23.3%) were the most common etiological factors. The study also revealed that maxillary central incisor was the most frequently affected tooth. Key words: Traumatic dental injury, interpersonal violence, etiology, pattern of fracture

Superficial veins in the cubital fossa are a common site for obtaining venous blood for analysis, transfusion, and intravenous therapy. These superficial veins are often visible through the skin, and are anatomically variable. These include cephalic vein, basilic vein, median cubital vein, and median antebrachial vein. The objective of this study is to assess variations of superficial veins arrangement in the cubital fossa. A tourniquet was applied 10 cm proximal to elbow crease for about three minutes with active flexion and extension of fingers until the veins are exposed for observation. Four types of superficial venous patterns were identified in cubital fossa. From the total of 800 studied arms 58.5%, 18.6%, 14%, 8.9% had type 1, type 2, type 3, and type 4 patterns, respectively. In the majority of studied subjects, the veins patterns go with the findings of former studies. However, some rare venous patterns were also identified. Key words: Cubital fossa; superficial veins; variations

Background: Anterior fontanelle is the largest, prominent and most important fontanelle, which is used for clinical evaluation. It is mainly characterized by its size and shape variation and is possibly influenced by gender, race and genetics. Understanding the variation of anterior fontanelle is used for recognition of different medical disorders and abnormal skeletal morphogenesis. Objective: To determine the mean size of anterior fontanelle among term neonates on the first day of life born at University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018. Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study design was undertaken in 384 term and apparently healthy neonates, using standard methods. Descriptive analysis, student t-test, one way ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient were implemented. Results: In this study, the mean size of anterior fontanelle in term neonates was 3.00 ± 0.62 cm (range 1.70-5.50 cm). The mean size of anterior fontanelle was 3.10 ± 0.66 cm for males, and 2.88 ± 0.57 cm for females. There was statistically significant difference in anterior fontanelle size in neonates of different genders (p<0.001), mode of delivery (p<0.001) and duration of labour (p = 0.006). However, the size of anterior fontanelle was not significantly affected by the birth order, onset of labour and socio-demographic variables of the mother except occupation of the mother (p = 0.01). There was a significant positive correlation between the mean size of anterior fontanelle with birth weight (r = 0.11; p = 0.04) and head circumference (r = 0.17; p = 0.001). Conclusions: At term, male neonates had significantly larger anterior fontanelle than female neonates and anterior fontanelle size has a direct relationship with birth weight and head circumference.

Introduction:The jugular foramen is a large irregular hiatus that lies on each side of the skull. It is subdivided into ante-rior, middle and posterior compartments.The shape and size of jugular foramen are related to the size of internal jugular vein and the presence or absence of a prominent superior jugular bulb. Objective:The aim of the present study was to assess variations of jugular foramenin Ethiopian dried adult skulls.To our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind on Ethiopian skulls. Methods and materials:Observation based descriptive study design was employed. The study was undertaken in 58 adult Ethiopian skulls. The diameters and areas of jugular foramen were determined using a sliding jaw vernier caliper. The pres-ence of dome and septation were also examined. Results: The mean anteroposterior and mediolateral diameters and the area of jugular foramen are larger on the right side.It has been observed that all the skulls had a jugular foramen bilaterally. Out of the examined 116 jugular foramina, a domed bony roof was present in 63.79%bilaterally, in 18.97% unilaterally on the right, in9.90% skulls unilaterally on the left side, and it was absent bilaterally in 6.90% of skulls. The presence of bilateral partial bony septation was common and detected in 62.01% of the skulls. Conclusions:The various measurements on the jugular foramen reported in our study sheds light on the size and shape of jugular foramen and provide a baseline for further research on the foramen in Ethiopian skulls. Keywords:Skull, jugular foramen, morphological variation, dome, septation

BACKGROUND: Recently, not only the medical school curriculum but also medical students’ attitude towards cadaver-based learning of anatomy has changed. This investigation is therefore designed to analyse students’ attitudes towards human cadaveric dissection before and after exposure to dissection. METHODS: A longitudinal survey was conducted among second year medical students in 2010 at the college of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar. All second year medical students (n=147) were included in the study where their attitudes were surveyed at three time points (one week prior to dissection session, a week after the initiation of dissection and eight weeks after the second survey). Three standardized and pretested questionnaires prepared in English were used to collected relevant data from the subjects. RESULTS: Out of the 147 students 85.7% were males. The subjects’ age ranged between 18 and 23 with a mean and standard deviation of 19.5+1 years. This study has revealed that among majority of the students fear and nausea have decreased while their interest and excitement has increased on subsequent exposure to dissection (P<0.05). About 75% of students considered the dissection room as slightly or highly stressful. Smell of the cadaver and eye irritation as a result of the chemicals in it were the major aspects identified as making the dissecting room stressful. The result also showed that almost all (99%) considered cadaver dissection had very important educational value for anatomy learning. CONCLUSION: In the majority of the students fear and nausea had decreased while interest and excitement had increased on subsequent exposure to dissection. It also showed that chemical odour and eye irritations were the leading factors which create discomfort in the dissection room even though anatomical dissection by itself was not considered as a stressor. Thus, instructors are recommended to adequately prepare students mentally and emotionally before the commencement of the dissection session for an exciting and stress free anatomy learning though dissection. KEYWORDS: Cadaver, dissection, attitude, Ethiopia

Background: Intestinal parasitic infections (IPI) cause serious public health problem in Ethiopia. They are more prevalent in the poor segments of the population with low household income, poor handling of personal and environmental sanitation, over-crowding and limited access to clean water.Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and distribution of common IPs inMetema District Hospital (MDH). Methodology: This retrospective study was undertaken in MDH from September 14, 2005 to April 21, 2008. The study subjects were those who gave stool samples for IPs investigation in the laboratory. Stool specimens were examined microscopically for the presence of protozoan, cysts and trophozoites. Results: Of the total 2592 (44.5%) had one or more intestinal parasitic infections. E. histolytica, G. lamblia, the Hookworm species, and A. lumbricoides were detected as single infection in 1435(24.8%), 694(12.0%), 215(3.7%) and 112(1.9%) of the infected study subjects, respectively. Multiple infection was found in 125 (4.8%) of the total examined. The prevalence of amoe-biasis was significantly high in infants less than 1 year and teenagers than other age groups (P<0.05).In addition, higher pro-portions of teenagers were infected by Hookworm, 46 (13.3%). Conclusion: Intestinal parasitoses, particularly protozoan infections, were highly prevalent in the study area. Periodical de-worming (once in 3 to 6 months) in addition to health education on how to practice personal hygiene, food and water sanita-tion, and the proper use of the latrine should be given to reduce the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections. Keywords: intestinal parasite, protozoan, multiple infection

Background: Fontanel can be defined as a space where two or more sutures meet. There are six fontanels in the newborn skull, namely anterior, posterior, two mastoid, and two sphenoid fontanels. The anterior fontanel is the most important for clinical evaluation. In Ethiopia, there is a paucity of information regarding the size of anterior fontanel dimensions . Thus, this study aimed to determine and compare the average values of the length and width of the anterior fontanel and to identify the factors that affect the dimensions. Method: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on three hundred eighty-four healthy and term newborns. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study subjects. The data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire by interviewing the mothers of the neonates. The examination included assessment of the length and width of the anterior fontanel, birth weight, and head circumference. Socio-demographic, pregnancy, and labor variables were also recorded. Descriptive analysis, simple linear and multiple linear regression analysis were applied to analyze the data. Result: The mean length and width of the anterior fontanel was 3.07 ± 0.69 cm and 2.92 ± 0.61 cm, respectively. Cesarean mode of delivery (ABC (Adjusted B-Coefficient) = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.002, 0.18)), being daily laborer (ABC = -0.23, 95% CI: - 0.41, -0.05), width of anterior fontanel (ABC = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84, 0.98), and head circumference (ABC = 0.03, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.050) were independently associated with length of anterior fontanel. Age of the newborn (ABC= 0.01, 95% CI: 0.008, 0.02) was associated with width of the anterior fontanel. Conclusion: At birth, the mean length of the anterior fontanel was larger than the mean width of the anterior fontanel. This study provides an insight on the mean length and width anterior fontanel for term neonates in the study area. which can serve as a baseline for future larger sample size studies to set reference values for the area.. Keywords: Length of anterior fontanel, width of anterior fontanel, comparison, newborns.

Abstract Background Oral diseases are a public health concern with a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals. Children with special needs face significant challenges in carrying out oral hygiene due to their disability, and they are more prone to poor oral health and illnesses. This study assessed dental health problems and treatment-seeking behaviors of special needs school students in Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to April 2021, in eight special needs schools located in the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 443 randomly selected special needs students were included. Data were collected using a structured interview-administered questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with oral health problems and treatment-seeking behavior. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. Results The prevalence of self-reported dental health problems and treatment-seeking behaviors among special needs school students was 46.1% (95% CI: 41.4%, 50.7%) and 60.3% (95% CI: 53.4%, 66.8%), respectively. Place of residence, grade level, religious affiliation, years lived with disability, and knowledge of dental health-related risk behaviors were associated with dental health problems. Whereas, place of residence, being hearing impaired, and having prior information about dental health problems were associated with dental treatment-seeking behavior. Conclusions A significant number of special needs students reported dental problems and about 40% of them did not seek dental treatment. Oral hygiene practice and access to dental care services are important in the prevention of dental problems. Hence, oral hygiene promotion programs focusing on oral hygiene practice and dental treatment services are needed in special needs schools. It is also strongly suggested to incorporate oral health related information in health-related academic lessons to enhance optimum oral health among special needs students.

Background: Diarrheal diseases are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in developing world. Understanding the etiologic agents of diarrheal diseases and their association with socio-demographic characteristics of patients would help to design better preventive measures. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and enteropathogenic bacteria in diarrheic patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 384 consecutive diarrheal patients who visited Gondar teaching hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia from October 2006 to March 2007 was conducted. Stool specimens were collected and examined for intestinal parasites and enteropathogenic bacteria following standard parasitological and microbiological procedures. Results: Intestinal parasites were diagnosed in 36.5% of the patients. The most frequently encountered protozoan parasite was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (7.3%) followed by Giardia lamblia (5.0%), Cryptosporidium parvum (1.8%) and Isospora belli (1.3%). The dominant helminthic parasite identified was Ascaris lumbricoides (5.5%) followed by Strongyloides stercoralis and Schistosoma mansoni (3.1% each), hookworm infection (1.8%), and Hymenolepis species (1.3%). Multiple infections of intestinal parasites were also observed in 6.3% of the patients. Among the enteropathogenic bacteria Shigella and Salmonella species were isolated from 15.6% and 1.6%, respectively, of the patients. Escherichia coli O57:H7 was not found in any of the stool samples tested. Eighty eight percent and 83.3% of the Shigella and Salmonella isolates were resistant to one or more commonly used antibiotics, respectively. Intestinal parasitosis was higher in patients who live in rural area, in patients who were washing their hands after visiting toilet either irregularly with soap and without soap or not at all, in patients who used well and spring water for household consumption, and in patients who had nausea (P < 0.05). Statistically significant associations were also observed between Shigella infections and patients who were using well and spring water for household consumption, and patients who had dysentery and mucoid stool (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The high prevalence of intestinal parasites and Shigella species in diarrheic patients calls for institution of appropriate public health intervention measures to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases. The rational use of antibiotics should also be practiced. Keywords: Intestinal parasitosis, Shigellosis, Gondar

Background: Spleen is a firm organ about the size of a clenched fist and is the largest member of lymphoid organs. Splenomegaly is enlargement of the spleen seen in a number of pathological conditions. These can be infections, haematological disorders, infiltrative states and immunological and malignant diseases. In Ethiopia, study of spleen size of the adult population was not reported previously. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the standard range of spleen size among different adult age groups in Northwest, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study design was performed at the University of Gondar, hospital from October 2017 to February 2018. By obtaining informed verbal consent sonographic measurements of spleen length, width and thickness were performed on 380 subjects. Results: A total of 380 adults comprising 180 (47%) males and 200 (53%) females were recruited. Of the subjects, 186 (49%) and 194 (51%) were urban and rural residents, respectively. The mean splenic length, width and thickness were 9.95 cm (±1.24), 4.3 (±.73), and 3.8 (±.87), respectively. Conclusion: The present study provided the normal reference value of adult spleen size for the adults of Northwest Ethiopia, which will be useful for clinical assessment of spleen under any pathological conditions. Keywords: Spleen, length, thickness, width, Sonography.

Background: Oral health care is the most common unmet need among individuals with a disability. Individuals with a disability may have compromised oral health needs due to neglect from parents, socioeconomic problems, and communication barriers. In Ethiopia, there is a lack of data on oral health status of the hearing-impaired population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the oral health status of hearing-impaired students in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to April 2021 on hearing-impaired students in Amhara region, Ethiopia. Data were collected using a pretested interview administered questionnaire and clinical examination. Oral cavity was evaluated using the simplified oral hygiene index, decayed, missed and filled teeth, and community periodontal index. Data analysis was done using SPSS 26.0, and logistic regression analysis was done to identify the risk factors of dental caries and periodontal disease. Results: A total of 149 hearing impaired students with an age range of 7-30 years were involved in the study. The prevalence of periodontal disease and dental caries was 22.8% (95% CI: 16.8, 30.4) and 38.9% (95% CI; 32.2, 46.9), respectively. Being grade 1-4 student (AOR = 3.94, 95%: 1.16, 13.38), lack of formal education (AOR = 4.98, 95% CI: 1.00, 24.65), dental caries (AOR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.08, 5.08) and bleeding on probing (AOR = 9.98, 95% CI: 3.69, 26.64) were statistically significant with periodontal disease. Grade level, parents' support during brushing, oral health status, and medication intake were independent factors for dental caries. Conclusion: In the present study, a significant number of hearing-impaired students had periodontal disease and dental caries. School oral health programs and caregivers assisted oral hygiene practices are essential to combat oral health problems in hearing-impaired students. Moreover, a nationwide prospective study with a large sample size will be required to reflect the oral health status of hearing-impaired individuals in the country. Keywords: DMFT; dental caries; hearing impairment; oral health status; periodontal disease.

Abstract Background Periodontal disease is the most common oral health problem among individuals living with disabilities. Any physical impairment and/or mental handicap can compromise the capability to perform oral health care. Individuals with poor oral hygiene practice were prone to dental caries, periodontal disease, and upper respiratory tract infections. Despite the high prevalence of disabled people in Ethiopia, data are scarce about their periodontal status. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinant factors of periodontal disease among students living with disability in the Amhara region. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was done on eight special needs schools in Amhara regional state from November 30, 2020, to April 10, 2021. A simple random sampling technique using a computer random generator was employed to recruit the study participants. The participants were interviewed for sociodemographic characteristics, oral hygiene practice, type of disability, and medical condition through a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. The periodontal status of the participants was evaluated using the community periodontal index (CPI). Data entry was done using the Epi-data and analyzed using SPSS 26. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of periodontal disease at a 5% level of significance. Results A total of 443 study participants were involved with a mean age of 15.84 ± 3.882. Among these, 27.5% (95%CI 23.4–32.0) had a periodontal pocket depth of ≥ 4 mm, and 56.7% had bleeding on probing. The prevalence of periodontal disease was higher in participants with poor oral health status (52.2%), dental caries (34.8%), class-2 malocclusion (46.1%), and low monthly income (30.4%), visually impaired (30%), and mentally disorder (29.9%). Age of above 18 years (AOR = 3.41, 95%CI 1.40, 8.28), low family monthly income (AOR = 2.21; 95%CI 1.22, 4.03), malocclusion (AOR = 1.59, 95%CI 1.01, 2.54), poor oral health status (AOR = 9.41; 95%CI 4.92, 17.98), and dental caries (AOR = 1.85, 95%CI 1.21, 2.82) were independent predictors of periodontal disease. Conclusions A substantial amount of disabled school students in the study area had periodontal disease. The study found that there was a statistically significant association between age, family monthly income, malocclusion, oral health status, and dental caries with periodontal disease. The implementation of school oral health programs has a great benefit for the oral health status of disabled school students.

AbstractBackgroundCongenital anomaly is a partial or complete structural and/or functional defect during intrauterine life. Globally, major congenital anomalies account for 6% of all newborns among which about 94% of cases occurred in developing countries. In spite of its public health importance, very limited studies are reported in Ethiopia, and hardly any study in Arsi Zone.ObjectivesTo determine the predictors of congenital anomalies among newborns in Arsi Zone Public Hospitals, Southeast Ethiopia.MethodsA multi-center institutional-based case-control study was conducted in 418 (105 cases and 313 controls) of newborns in Arsi Zone Public Hospitals. Descriptive analysis, binary and multivariable logistic regressions were implemented.ResultsIn this study, women who have been drinking alcohol during pregnancy were 3.48 times more prone to have newborns with congenital anomalies than their counterparts (AOR = 3.48; 95% CI: 1.38, 8.74). The likelihood of having a newborn with congenital anomalies was six and four times higher for women who had a maternal illness (AOR = 6.10; 95%CI: 2.39, 15.57) and chewing khat during pregnancy (AOR = 4; 95%CI: 1.49, 10.65), respectively. Moreover, the lack of folic acid supplementation and pesticides during pregnancy were 3.25 and 4.76 times more likely to experience a newborn with congenital anomalies, respectively.ConclusionAlcohol drinking, maternal illness, khat chewing, and chemical exposure during pregnancy had a significant association with the occurrence of congenital anomalies. While, taking folic acid supplements had a protective effect. Health experts and the community should take these factors into consideration and act accordingly.

IntroductionGlobally, cancer is the second leading cause of death and was responsible for 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Worldwide, 2 million people experience pain every day, and cancer pain is one of the major neglected public health problems, especially in Ethiopia. Despite reporting the burden and risk factors of cancer pain as a principal importance, there are limited studies. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of cancer pain and its associated factors among adult patients evaluated at the oncology ward in the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 January to 31 March 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the total sample size of 384 patients. Data were collected using pretested and structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify the factors associated with cancer pain among patients with cancer. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% CI was computed to determine the level of significance.ResultsA total of 384 study participants were involved, with a response rate of 97.5%. The proportion of cancer pain was found to be 59.9% (95% CI 54.8–64.8). The odds of cancer pain were escalated by anxiety (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.02–6.19), patients with hematological cancer (AOR = 4.68, 95% CI 1.30–16.74), gastrointestinal cancer (AOR = 5.15, 95% CI 1.45–18.2), and stages III and IV (AOR = 14.3, 95% CI 3.20–63.7).ConclusionThe prevalence of cancer pain among adult patients with cancer in northwest Ethiopia is relatively high. Variables such as anxiety, types of cancer, and stage of cancer had a statistically significant association with cancer pain. Hence, to advance the management of pain, it is better to create more awareness regarding cancer-related pain and provide palliative care early on in the diagnosis of the disease.

Introduction Hemorrhoidal disease is a very common benign anorectal disease. It affects millions of people around the world, and represent a major medical and socioeconomic problem. However, studies that determine the magnitude and risk factors are limited. Therefore, the aim this study is to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hemorrhoid among adult patients visiting the surgical outpatient department at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (UoGCSH) Northwest Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select a total of 403 participants. The data were collected then entered using EPI DATA version 3.1 and exported to the STATA 14 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval was used as a measure of association. Variables having P-value < 0.05 from the multivariable analysis were considered to have a significant association with the outcome. Result Out of the 403 study participants, 13.1% (95%CI; 10.1, 16.8) had hemorrhoids. Constipation (AOR = 4.32, 95% CI; 2.20, 8.48) and BMI ≥25kg/m2 (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI; 1.08, 6.23) had a statistically significant association with hemorrhoid. Conclusion The overall prevalence of hemorrhoid was high and its prevalence was higher in male subjects. Constipation and being overweight were found to increase the odds of having hemorrhoids. Screening for early identification and intervention of hemorrhoids, especially for risk groups is better to be practiced by health professionals.

Background:Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) is the common way for the measurement of heart size, diagnosis of heart disease, and screening of cardiomegaly. The aim of the study was to assess CTR and the factors altering its measurement. Materials and Methods:Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients coming for a chest x-ray at Gambi Teaching General Hospital. A total of 250 adult study subjects selected by a systematic random sampling method were included in our study. Thesociodemographic and radiographicdata were collected using a pre-tested standardized questionnaire and measurements and analyzed using SPSS version-21. One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test was implemented and P<0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results:The average values of CTR, transverse cardiac diameter (TCD), and transverse thoracic diameter (TTD) were 46.08 ± 3.34%, 12.53 ± 1.63 cm, and 27.05 ± 2.24 cm, respectively. The average values of male TCD and TTD were significantly greater than the mean values of female TCD and TTD (P=0.000) and the reverse holds true for the CTR. TCD and TTD values increased withage and level of monthly income. In all age groups, the CTR was less than 50%. Conclusion:The CTR of females was greater than the males (P> 0.05) and compared with other African studies. Age, monthly income, and occupation of the study subjects appeared to alter the values of TCD, TTD, and CTR. Further research on the association between CTR and anthropometric measurements should beconducted. Keywords: Cardiothoracic ratio, radiograph, transverse cardiac diameter, transverse thoracic diameter

Background: An observational study was done on 380 patients (180 male and 200 female) whose abdominal USG was found normal and no disorder was diagnosed which alters the size of spleen to estimate normal linear dimensions of spleen in North-west Ethiopa adult population. Methods: The study was conducted between October 2017 and February, 2018 in the University of Gondar Hospital, Ethiopia. Informed verbal consent was taken. The sonographic measurements of spleen length, width and thickness were performed on both genders. Results: Two – tailed t-test analysis indicated a statistically significant difference (p<0.0001) between mean splenic dimensions (length, width, thickness, and volume) of male and female subjects. In all measurements, the mean spleen dimensions of male were greater than female. Conclusion: The present study provided the normal reference value and range of adult spleen size in both genders for the adults of Northwest Ethiopia, which will be useful for clinical assessment of spleen under any pathological conditions. Keywords:Ultrasonography, Spleen, Sexual dimorphism

Background: The biliary tree is a three-dimensional system of channels that bile flows from the hepatocytes to the gallbladder and to the intestine. Size of the common bile duct (CBD) is a predictor of biliary obstruction and, therefore, its measurement is an important component of biliary system evaluation. Factors like age, height, weight, BMI, previous cholecystectomy, drugs, and type of imaging modality affect CBD diameter, but the duct significantly dilated due to obstructive biliary pathology. Objective: To measure the normal CBD diameter and its association with age, sex, and anthropometric measurement at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and selected private imaging center, Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019. Methods and materials: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on 206 subjects without any history of hepatobiliary abnormality. The CBD measured at the proximal part just caudal to the porta hepatis. Descriptive analysis, student t-test, one way ANOVA, correlation and both bivariable and multivariable linear regression analysis were implemented. In bivariable linear regression variables with p-value, less than 0.2 were selected for multivariable analysis and in multivariable linear regression analysis variables with P-Value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 39.4 (range 18–87). The mean diameter of the CBD was 3.64mm 95%CI (3.52, 3.77), which ranges from 1.8 to 5.9 mm, with 65% of the participant having CBD diameter less than 4mm. The diameter of CBD significantly associated with age with a linear trend. The mean diameter in a rural area was greater than subjects living in an urban area. Independent t-test showed no statistically significant difference in CBD diameter between male and female subjects. Conclusion: The lower limit of the CBD diameter for this study was similar to most of the studies, but the upper limit was found to be slightly lower. The diameter was significantly associated with age along the linear trend and it was progressively increased from the lower age group onwards. The diameter of CBD did not show statistically significant association with any of the anthropometric measurement.

AbstractObjectivesPeople living with disability are more vulnerable to dental caries and have a high decayed, missed, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) index and untreated dental disease than nondisabled individuals. In Ethiopia, there is a dearth of information on the oral health status of the disabled population. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of dental caries and its predictors among special needs school students in the Amhara region, Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution‐based cross‐sectional study was done on special needs school students in the Amhara region from November 2020 to April 2021. The study participants were recruited using a simple random sampling technique using a computer random generator. Data collection was done using the World Health Organization oral health survey tool. Data entry was done using Epi‐data 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS 26. A logistic regression model was used to identify the possible predictors of dental caries.ResultsFour hundred and forty‐three students with a mean age of 15.8 ± 3.8 were included in the study. The prevalence of dental caries was 41.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 36.3, 46.0) in permanent dentition with a mean DMFT score of 1.3 ± 1.6. The prevalence of dental caries in primary dentition was 23.1% (95% CI: 11.9, 32.1) with a mean decayed, missed, and filled primary teeth (dmft) score of 1.9 ± 0.2.Being 7–12 years old (adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.6, 8.3), lower grade level (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI:1.3,4.4), poor oral hygiene status (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3, 4.8), and lack of parental support during tooth brushing (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.1) were independent predictors of dental caries.ConclusionsA significant amount of special needs school students in the study area had dental caries. Age, grade level, oral hygiene status, and lack of parent support during tooth brushing were independent predictors of dental caries.

Background: In Gondar University Teaching Hospital standardized tuberculosis prevention and control programme, incorporating Directly Observed Treatment, Short Course (DOTS) started in 2000. According to the proposal of World Health Organization (WHO), treatment outcome is an important indicator of tuberculosis control programs. This study investigated the outcome of tuberculosis treatment at Gondar University Teaching Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: We analyzed the records of 4000 tuberculosis patients registered at Gondar University Teaching Hospital from September 2003 to May 2008. Treatment outcome and tuberculosis type were categorized according to the national tuberculosis control program guideline. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression model was used to analyse the association between treatment outcome and potential predictor variables. Results: From the total of 4000 patients, tuberculosis type was categorized as extrapulmonary in 1133 (28.3%), smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis in 2196 (54.9%) and smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis in 671 (16.8%) cases. Of all patients, treatment outcome was classified as successfully treated in 1181(29.5%), defaulted in 730 (18.3%), died in 403 (10.1%), treatment failed in six (0.2%) and transferred out in 1680 (42.0%) patients. Males had the trend to be more likely to experience death or default than females, and the elderly were more likely to die than younger. The proportion of default rate was increased across the years from 97(9.2%) to 228(42.9%). Being female, age group 15-24 years, smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis and being urban resident were associated with higher treatment success rate. Conclusion: The treatment success rate of tuberculosis patients was unsatisfactorily low (29.5%). A high proportion of patients died (10.1%) or defaulted (18.3%), which is a serious public health concern that needs to be addressed urgently.