Biology subjects

Medhin, G.

Publications and source records attributed to Medhin, G..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2019

Impact of permagarden intervention on improving fruit and vegetable intake among vulnerable groups. A quasi-experimental study conducted in seven cities of Ethiopia

BackgroundIncreasing nutrient intake through home gardening is a sustainable strategy that can address multiple micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. This study investigated the impact of permagarden intervention in increasing the frequency and diversity of vegetable and fruit consumption among vulnerable families. MethodA quasi-experimental study was conducted from August 10 to September 30, 2015. A total of 884 care givers (427 from intervention and 457 control) participated in the study. Data was collected through face to face interview with caregivers of highly vulnerable children. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted using STATA software, and the program impact on the frequency and diversity of households vegetable consumption between intervention and control groups was assessed using chi square test. ResultIntervention participants had a 13% greater increase frequency of one-week vegetables and fruits consumption compared with control participants (p<0.01). The diversity (consumption of 2 and more groups of vegetable and fruit) is higher among intervention groups than control groups (percentage difference=9, p-value<0.05). A significant higher percentage of participants in the intervention group reported getting the one-week vegetable and fruits mainly from their own garden (percentage difference 58.3, p<0.05). A significantly larger proportion of participants in the intervention group compared to the control group reported "high likelihood" on intention to grow vegetable in the future (percentage difference = 30%, and P<0.01). Perceived importance to include vegetables in every day meal is higher among intervention groups than control groups (percentage difference = 11.5%, P<0.01). ConclusionsThe observed higher frequency and diversity of household vegetable consumption among intervention group compared to control group suggests that nutrition and health programs need to promote household vegetable gardening as the means for address improve micro nutrient intake for vulnerable societies in least and middle developed countries.

epidemiology↗

bioRxiv2019

Community-based Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Infections in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundHepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) are the leading causes of liver-related morbidity and mortality throughout the world. The magnitude of HBV and HCV infections in Ethiopia has not been well studied at community level. This study aimed at investigating the sero-prevalence and associated risk factors of HBV and HCV among HBV unvaccinated community members in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in three districts from March to May 2018. Structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant clinical and socio-demographic data. Three milliliter of blood sample was collected from each study participant and screened for HBV and HCV using one step hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test strip and one step HCV test strip, respectively. Samples found positive for HBsAg were further tested using immunoassay of Alere DetermineTM HBsAg (Alere Inc., USA). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. ResultsA total of 625 (51.4% males, age 6-80 years, mean age {+/-} SD = 30.83 {+/-} 13.51 years) individuals participated in the study. The sero-prevalence for HBV infection was 8.0% as detected using one step HBsAg test strip, while it was 7.2% using Alere DetermineTM HBsAg test. The sero-prevalence for HCV infection was 1.9%. Two (0.3%) of the participants were seropositive for both HBV and HCV infections. High sero-prevalence for HBV infection was associated with weakness and fatigue (AOR = 5.20; 95% CI: 1.58, 17.15), while high sero-prevalence of HCV infection was associated with age group between 46 and 65 years (AOR = 13.02; 95% CI: 1.11, 152.41). Conclusionthis study revealed higher-intermediate endemicity level of HBV infection and low to intermediate endemicity level of HCV infection in the study area. Clinical symptoms like weakness and fatigue were found to be indictors for HBV infection, while individuals in the age group between 46 and 65 years were at higher risk for HCV infection. Provision of community-based health education, vaccination, mass screening and providing treatment would have utmost importance in reducing the transmission of these diseases in the present study area.

epidemiology↗