http://repository.iphce.org/xmlui/handle/123456789/832 2026-05-20T18:15:12Z http://repository.iphce.org/xmlui/handle/123456789/5193 Visual Acuity outcome comparison of 3 Anti-VEGF injections for age related macular degeneration (AMD) and other retinal diseases and associated factors in patients who visited private health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia between 2020 - 2023 Zelalem Eshetu Background: In Ethiopia, the prevalence of blindness (1.6%) and VI (3.7%) represents a substantial public health burden. Currently three anti-VEGF drugs are available to treat patients with retinal problems in private eye health facilities in Ethiopia. Why ophthalmologist inject expensive drugs while the effectiveness of the 3 drugs are comparable in many studies ? Objectives: To compare real life visual acuity outcomes at 2 & 6 months of three anti-VEGF injections for wet-AMD and other retinal diseases as well as identify factors associated with treatment response among patients visited private eye facilities in Addis Ababa. Methods: Study was conducted in two private eye health facilities in Addis Ababa who were injected with anti-VEGF injections for patients that are diagnosed b/n 2020 and 2023. A retrospective cohort study design was used. The sample size was calculated using a two-proportion formula and a total of 409 patients included. Visual outcomes variable categorized as benefited and worsened based on predefined definition. Results: The mean age was 70.5 ±9.18 with a range of 50 to 96 years. Males constituted 228 (51.9%) of the participants and females were 211 (48.1%). The finding of our research showed that the proportion of patients who benefited from treatment was 89.1%, 89.25% and 97.1% for BVZ, RBZ and AFL respectively. Multivariate logistic regression at 6 months baseline VA with AOR = 0.97, CI 0.95 .98 ( p = 0.000) and AFL drug with AOR = 6.1, CI 1.37 27.73 (p = 0.018) was statistically significant . Conclusion: Our findings showed that treatment with anti-VEGF agents benefit our patients in vast majority of the cases. There is no strong evidence to prefer between RBZ over BVZ. However, Aflibercept (AFL) showed better success rate and is preferred drug of choice in our case Thesis available at ACIPH Library 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.iphce.org/xmlui/handle/123456789/5192 Sexual and reproductive health knowledge and knowledge - seeking behavior among Adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Yordanos Yoseph Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental phase where young people face numerous sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges. Comprehensive SRH knowledge is crucial in empowering adolescents to make informed decisions, adopt safe practices, and access SRH services effectively. This research aims to identify the gaps found in these areas by quantitatively assessing the levels of SRH knowledge among adolescents and the factors influencing their knowledge-seeking behaviors. Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of sexual and reproductive health knowledge and knowledge seeking behavior among adolescents in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Method: This study uses a secondary data from DASH project which was a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted in July 2024, in Addis Ababa. Descriptive analyses were used to calculate frequencies and percentages, and binary logistic regression was used to identify associated risk factors with statistical significance set at p<0.05 using STATA version 14. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for potential confounders. Result: A total of 1,384 adolescents participated in the study, of whom 697 (50.4%) were females and 735 (53.1%) were aged 10–14 years, with a mean age of 14.42 years (SD ± 2.70). Overall, 870 (62.86%) were found to be knowledgeable about sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues, and 1,305 (94.29%) were actively seeking SRH knowledge. The odds of adolescents aged 15–19 being knowledgeable about SRH were 3.27 times higher than those aged 10–14, after adjusting for other variables in the model (AOR = 3.27; 95% CI: 2.10–5.10; p < 0.001). Additionally, the odds of being knowledgeable were 2.07 times higher among adolescents whose fathers had a higher education level compared to those whose fathers had no schooling (AOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.20–3.58). The odds of adolescents aged 15–19 actively seeking SRH knowledge were also about 10.98 times higher than their younger counterparts (AOR = 10.98; 95% CI: 1.39–86.75). Conclusion: The study revealed that about one- third of adolescents lack adequate SRH knowledge. Adolescents between the age of 15-19 years demonstrated significantly higher SRH knowledge and higher odds of seeking SRH related information compared to their younger counterparts. While most adolescents expressed a preference for parents as SRH information sources, only a small fraction had discussed SRH topics with them, highlighting a disconnect between preferred and actual communication practice. Recommendation: Efforts should prioritize age-appropriate and topic-specific SRH education, especially for younger adolescents, to narrow the knowledge gap. Programs that foster open parent-child communication on SRH issues are essential with a particular focus on empowering fathers as influential figures in adolescents’ heath education. Key words: SRH, SRH knowledge, SRH knowledge-seeking, adolescent Thesis available at ACIPH Library 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.iphce.org/xmlui/handle/123456789/5191 Substance use and Associated factors among adolescents and youth (15-24 years) in Yeka sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Yordanos Fekadu Background: Substance use is a significant global public health concern, with adolescents facing a particularly elevated risk. Many young individuals explore alcohol and tobacco during adolescence. This substance use is linked to various risky behaviors, including poor academic performance, absenteeism, serious injuries, depression, anxiety, and negative physical health outcomes. Objective: The study aims to determine the magnitude of substance use and associated factors among adolescents and youth (15-24 years) residing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: This study utilized secondary data sourced from community-based cross-sectional studies conducted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The original studies used Addis-HDSS as the sampling frame and involved 3035 households. The extracted data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the association between substance use and a set of independent variables while controlling for potential confounders. Results: Overall prevalence of Substance use was 26.06% (95% CI:0.24-0.28). Older age (19-24) participants (AOR=2.46, 95% CI: 1.92 - 3.15), Males (2.574 (AOR 95% CI: 2.04 - 3.23), being out of school, (AOR=1.72, 95% CI:1.30-2.24), Depression (AOR=1.62,95%CI:1.26-2.08) and Anxiety (AOR=1.303,95%CI:1.01-1.67) had increased odds of substance use. Individuals who reported resilience (AOR=0.34, 95% CI: 0.16 - 0.67) had less odds to engage in substance use than those not resilient. Conclusion: The study highlighted the highly prevalent use of substances among adolescents. Age, Gender, depression, and anxiety were identified as significant risk factors, indicating a need for targeted interventions to address these vulnerabilities. Further research is warranted to explore the complex interplay of these factors and to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies. Key words: Adolescents, Youth, Substance use, Alcohol, Smoking, Mental Health 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z http://repository.iphce.org/xmlui/handle/123456789/5190 Basic life support knowledge, Attitude and associated factors among medical school interns in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Yeabsra Amare Background: Basic Life Support (BLS) is a critical life-saving skill that is essential and expected for every healthcare professional, particularly medical interns who are often the first responders in emergencies. This study aimed to assess the level of BLS knowledge, attitudes, and associated factors among medical school interns in Addis Ababa. Objective: To assess the status of basic life support knowledge, attitude and associated factors among medical interns in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 333 interns found working in different hospitals in Addis Ababa from December 2024 to February 2025. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaires. Knowledge and attitude scores were then calculated, and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with BLS knowledge and attitudes. Results: The majority of interns (90.1%) reported receiving Basic Life Support (BLS) training, but only 19.8% indicated a good understanding of BLS. Factors found to be significantly associated with good BLS knowledge included being female (AOR=2.50, 95% CI: 1.25-4.98), having recent BLS training (AOR=13.51, 95% CI: 1.49-122.01), real-time BLS experience during internship (AOR=3.75, 95% CI: 1.22-11.23) and fewer number of internship rotations (AOR=7.65, 95% CI: 2.11-27.73 and Two: AOR= 5.45, 95% CI: 1.36-21.75). A positive attitude towards BLS was reported by 62.2% of interns, with the self-rated ability to deliver effective BLS being the most significant predictor of a positive attitude (AOR=1.68, 95% CI: 0.68-1.95). Conclusion: Despite widespread BLS training among interns, persistent knowledge and skill gaps call for more frequent, practical refreshers to boost emergency preparedness and effective response. Key words- Basic Life Support (BLS), Medical Interns, Knowledge, Attitude, Training Thesis available at ACIPH Library 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z