SDG03 Good health and well-being

Development of guidelines for the utilization of health management information system for quality immunization service in Ethiopia

2025-12-01T00:00:00Z

Development of guidelines for the utilization of health management information system for quality immunization service in Ethiopia Feleke Fanta Tassew Health Management Information System (HMIS) is a major source of information for estimating immunisation service coverage; however, most studies argue that the Routine Health Management Information System (RHIS) inherently produces poor-quality data, which deters its wider use. Some literature asserts that no data from any source can prove the best quality; rather, using available information to provide quality service can sustain information use, thereby achieving higher data quality. This, in turn, promotes usability; nevertheless, the nexus between quality improvement and information use is not yet established. This study was intended to develop guidelines to improve HMIS use for quality immunisation service. The Performance of Routine Information System Management-Model For Improvement (PRISM-MFI) framework, guided by an explanatory sequential design, informed the mixed-methods data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The study was conducted in 42 health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, enrolling 412 participants among health and HMIS workers. A multistage cluster, stratified with Probability Proportion to the Size (PPS) sampling, was used. Data collected through a self-administered questionnaire were entered and cleaned with EpiInfo version 7.2.5 and thoroughly analysed using SPSS for Windows 28. Qualitative strand applied Nested Criterion sampling. Data collected from nine focus group interviews composed of Information Technicians (HITs), health professionals, and health managers. Each of the categories had three groups interviewed using a thematic guide, audio recordings, and notes were manually transcribed, and codes and themes were subsequently generated using the software ATLAS.ti version 24, and were detail-analysed applying a descriptive qualitative design. Integration of findings from two studies; used a narrative joint display table to generate meta-inferences. The result revealed weak data management and data quality, hence the need to use information to ensure quality immunisation services. RHIS processes are affected by the use of hybrid, disaggregated data tools, redundant entry into the District Health Information System (DHIS2), and parallel reporting; they fail to systematically assess data quality, perform timely analysis, and interpret gaps and mitigation plans. The feedback mechanism is not constructive. The system update neglects frontline staff participation, worsening the complexity of forms, DHIS2 software, and indicators. Subpar HMIS staffing, training resources, and data use for budgeting and staff appraisal negate accountability. Data demand prioritises monitoring program output over improving service quality. Health staff lack selfreliance in interpreting and using data to evidence the design and implementation of quality initiatives. In sum, information is underused for immunisation planning, resource optimisation, supportive supervision, and community engagement in services. The interlinked guidelines were developed to address current challenges in data quality assurance and in the use of information to improve immunisation service quality.

Characterisation and effectiveness of bioactive compounds from selected medicinal plants used in the treatment of malaria in Zimbabwe

2025-02-01T00:00:00Z

Characterisation and effectiveness of bioactive compounds from selected medicinal plants used in the treatment of malaria in Zimbabwe Makuvara, Zakio Background: Significant investments and efforts in the fight against malaria have resulted in a notable reduction in new cases and deaths globally. An important challenge is the emergence of Plasmodium falciparum strains resistant to antimalarial drugs, affecting prophylaxis. Limited published information exists on the use of herbal medicine against malaria. This study aims to identify and scientifically evaluate medicinal plants used in malaria treatment in Zimbabwe. Methodology: A comprehensive literature analysis and database mining were conducted to identify plants used in malaria treatment in Zimbabwe. Plant samples were air dried and exposed to ethanol, water, and ethyl acetate. The activities of plant extracts against Plasmodium falciparum and their toxicities against healthy erythrocytes were determined using modified Trager and Jensen (1976) method and MTT-based colorimetric assay. Crude extracts with selectivity index (SI) >7 were selected for phytochemical screening using qualitative and FTIR profiling. Plant extracts with SI >10 underwent further examination based on GC-MS analysis. Results: A total of 61 plant species belonging to 30 families were identified, with Fabaceae being the most represented family, accounting for 17% of the species recorded. Five categories of indigenous practices used in malaria treatment, including herbal medicines, were identified. Twenty-seven plant extracts assessed were active against Plasmodium falciparum, with IC50 below 100μg/ml. The most active extracts were from Tabernaemontana. elegans (IC50 below 5 μg/ml). Most crude extracts (24/27) exhibited good selectivity (SI > 2). Bioactive compounds like terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, and tannins were present in all screened plant extracts. Nineteen phytochemicals were identified, including 9-Octadecenamide, cis-Vaccenic acid, 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z) - and n-Hexadecanoic acid. Conclusion: This study provides scientific evaluation of selected medicinal plants used against malaria treatment in Zimbabwe and identifies T. elegans as a promising source of antiplasmodial compounds. The strong antiplasmodial activity, selectivity, and diverse phytochemical composition of its stem bark extract highlight its potential as a source of lead compounds for antimalarial drug discovery. These findings contribute to the growing search for plant-derived antimalarial agents and provide a foundation for future isolation and characterisation of bioactive molecules. Abstract and text in English

Guideline for implementation of Jacobson’s progressive muscle relaxation technique as non-pharmacological management of hypertension at selected hospitals in Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

2026-01-14T00:00:00Z

Guideline for implementation of Jacobson’s progressive muscle relaxation technique as non-pharmacological management of hypertension at selected hospitals in Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia Aliye Kediro Adem Hypertension is a leading cause of premature cardiovascular deaths and is rising in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. Relaxation-based stress management can lower blood pressure, yet Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation remains under-researched as a non-pharmacologic therapy in Ethiopia. The study aimed to identify the prevalence, associated factors of hypertension and evaluate Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation for lowering blood pressure in adult hypertensive patients at Arsi Zone hospitals and formulated guidelines for its use as a non-pharmacological strategy in hypertension management. A multi-phase sequential mixed-methods design was employed, integrating cross-sectional analysis, a quasi-experimental study, and guideline development among adult patients in Arsi Zone hospitals, carried out across three distinct phases. Phase I included 840 participants. Phase II involved 102 participants, with 51 in the pre-test group and 51 in the post-test group. In Phase III, guidelines were developed based on findings from earlier phases, existing literature, the researchers’ reflections, and expert input. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 29, applying multivariable logistic regression; variables with p < 0.25 were entered into the model, and statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Hypertension prevalence was 28.7% (n=241). Multivariate logistic regression identified several significant risk factors. Increasing age markedly raised odds, especially 60–70 years. Lifestyle factors such as current smoking, alcoholism, high fat and salt intake, not consuming fruits or vegetables, physical inactivity, use of vehicles for transportation, working more than 8 hours daily, and sleeping less than 6 hours nightly were strongly associated with hypertension. Overweight, obesity, and abdominal obesity substantially increased risk, as did a family history of hypertension. The intervention produced large reductions in blood pressure in the experimental group, with mean systolic and diastolic decreases of 20.863 and 13.784 mmHg, respectively, both highly significant by t-test values. In conclusion, the study showed that Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation effectively reduces blood pressure, and the prevalence of hypertension was high. Guidelines were developed to promote Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation as a non-pharmacological therapy for hypertension management in the studied population. Guideline implementation helps prevent hypertension complications and reduces premature hypertension-related deaths.

The food safety knowledge of street food vendors and the enforcement of food safety policies and procedures in Oyo State, Nigeria

2025-03-01T00:00:00Z

The food safety knowledge of street food vendors and the enforcement of food safety policies and procedures in Oyo State, Nigeria Alawode, Oluwatoyin Wumi Inadequate food safety knowledge, insufficient enforcement and compliance with food safety regulations, and the lack of hygienic food safety regulation resources at street food vending sites may result in food contamination risk and outbreaks of foodborne diseases. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of food safety of street food vendors and the implementation of food safety policies and procedures in Oyo State, Nigeria. This research study uses a cross-sectional survey design and a quantitative method for data analysis. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was employed, and fifteen local government areas (LGAs) were randomly selected from the three senatorial zones, with 40 street food vendors per LGA, totaling 600 respondents. The data were collected through a structured interview schedule. A quasi-experimental approach was used for the pre-and post-training assessment of 42 street food vendors on food safety knowledge. Findings revealed that 75.7% of street food vending sites had low compliance with food safety requirements, while 90% had weak enforcement. Nearly all street food vendors (96.5%) had inadequate food safety knowledge, and 80.7% had never attended any food safety training course. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.72, p≤0.05) existed between food safety knowledge and awareness. Additionally, no significant difference in sanitary compliance or enforcement was found between licensed and unlicensed street food vendors, and 85.7% of street food vending sites were uninspected. In the pre-and post-training assessment, street food vendors' food safety knowledge dropped from 85.7% to 14.3 %. The assessments show that food safety training programmes can enhance food safety knowledge among street food vendors.