Background Depressive disorder is one of the severe and common mental illnesses in the general po... more Background Depressive disorder is one of the severe and common mental illnesses in the general population. Bipolar disorder is a severe, persistent mental illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder in our study area. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among adults in Kersa, Haramaya, and Harar Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,416 participants. A multi-stage sampling was employed to select the participants. DSM-5 diagnostic criteria was used to assess depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Data was collected using a standard questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done. Those with a p-value < 0.05 in the final model were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among our study participants was 6.7% (95% CI: 5.40, 8.20) and 2.1% (95% CI: (1.40, 3.00), respectively. The independent predictors of depressive disorder included a family history of mental illness, chronic medical illnesses, unemployment, low educational status, divorced or widowed, poor social support, and current alcohol use or khat chewing. Single, males, divorced or widowed, and current consumers of alcohol were independent predictors for bipolar disorder. The results of our investigation showed that bipolar illness and depression were significant public health issues. It was shown that although bipolar disorder is highly prevalent in the society, depression is a widespread concern. As a result, it is imperative that the relevant body grow and enhance the provision of mental health services. Furthermore, research on the effects and burdens of bipolar disorder in the community is required.
Background Depressive disorder is one of the severe and common mental illnesses in the general po... more Background Depressive disorder is one of the severe and common mental illnesses in the general population. Bipolar disorder is a severe, persistent mental illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder in our study area. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among adults in Kersa, Haramaya, and Harar Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,416 participants. A multi-stage sampling was employed to select the participants. DSM-5 diagnostic criteria was used to assess depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Data was collected using a standard questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done. Those with a p-value < 0.05 in the final model were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among our study participants was 6.7% (95% CI: 5.40, 8.20) and 2.1% (95% CI: (1.40, 3.00), respectively. The independent predictors of depressive disorder included a family history of mental illness, chronic medical illnesses, unemployment, low educational status, divorced or widowed, poor social support, and current alcohol use or khat chewing. Single, males, divorced or widowed, and current consumers of alcohol were independent predictors for bipolar disorder. The results of our investigation showed that bipolar illness and depression were significant public health issues. It was shown that although bipolar disorder is highly prevalent in the society, depression is a widespread concern. As a result, it is imperative that the relevant body grow and enhance the provision of mental health services. Furthermore, research on the effects and burdens of bipolar disorder in the community is required.
Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious brain and spine birth defects. Although NTDs ar... more Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious brain and spine birth defects. Although NTDs are primarily pregnancy complications, such as abortion and stillbirth, they also contribute to under-five morbidity and mortality, as well as long-term disability and psychological impact. Despite these negative outcomes, the determinants of NTDs are not widely studied in Ethiopia, particularly in the country's east. As a result, we sought to identify the risk factors for NTDs in neonates born in public referral hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based unmatched case-control study was carried out at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Sheik Hassen Yabare Jigjiga University Referral Hospital in Eastern Ethiopia. We included 59 cases identified in the selected facilities between September 10, 2021, and February 5, 2022, and 118 control neonates, with a case-to-control ratio of 1:2. Data were gathered through the use of interviewer-administered questionnaires and medical record review. To identify determinant factors of NTDs, a multivariable logistic regression model was used, which included all predictor variables from the bivariable analysis. The results were reported using an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results In total, 59 cases of NTDs were identified out of 2915 live birth total births registered in the two hospitals, making the incidence of NTDs 202.4/10,000 births. In the final model analysis, determinant factors such as gender of newborn [AOR = 2.97; 95%CI(1.27, 6.92)], having no history of antenatal care[AOR = 4.45;95%CI(1.30,15.20)], having a poor food consumption score (AOR = 3.38;95% CI;1.06,10.72), having history of monotonous diet consumption (AOR = 4.80; 95%CI: 1.09, 9.08; P = 0.038), and coffee consumption of three or more cups per day during pregnancy (AOR = 3.84:95% CI: 1.23, 11.97) were statistically associated with NTDs. Conclusion Modifiable and non-modifiable determinants were identified as major contributors of neural tube defect in this study. Early screening, dietary intervention counseling to increase consumption of a healthy diet, coffee consumption reduction, and pre-pregnancy supplementation programs should be developed to reduce NTDs in Ethiopia.
As part of a series of investigations on the control of fine finger movements in the macaque, spo... more As part of a series of investigations on the control of fine finger movements in the macaque, spontaneous use of the hand in grooming, scratching, and manipulation was observed before and after interruption of fasciculus cuneatus (FC). Videotaped observations were made of four stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides) living outdoors in social groups. The monkeys were followed for 1 to 3 years postoperatively. For the first 2 weeks following surgery, all monkeys neglected the affected hand and did not use it for support, locomotion, climbing, scratching, foraging, or grooming. Recovery of gross arm and hand movements occurred over a 1- to 3-month period. All the monkeys eventually used the hand for support, climbing, and object manipulation, but fine control of the fingers did not recover. Also, there was an apparent hypotonia of the fingers, imparting a &amp;amp;quot;floppy&amp;amp;quot; appearance to the hand. The animals coped with the loss of fine control by decreasing the frequency of some behaviors, eliminating others, and developing alternative strategies. Exploratory movements that were utilized for investigating the anogenital area or foraging for small food items were eliminated by FC interruption. There were obvious deficits in grip formation and grasp of small food objects (see Glendinning et al., this issue), but effects on similar movements during grooming only became obvious after repeated inspection of videotaped records. Self-scratching and sweeps of the hand in grooming were preserved but altered in form and frequency. The component movements in these behaviors were relatively uncoordinated, and the fingers were splayed (abducted). Often the hand was formed in a rigid posture throughout the sweeping motion, and the fingers did not stroke the skin individually. Frame-by-frame analysis of videotapes revealed that the morphology of the precision grip during grooming, in movements termed &amp;amp;quot;plucks,&amp;amp;quot; was permanently altered. Preoperatively, the monkeys kept the index finger and thumb closely apposed and routinely made contact on the distal surfaces of the digits, as has been described for precision grip in humans. Postoperatively, this relationship was altered. The index finger frequently missed the thumb tip and made contact on the proximal part of the phalanx, or missed the thumb altogether. Thus, the dorsal column input is important for proprioceptive guidance of movements that achieve &amp;amp;quot;tactile foveation,&amp;amp;quot; when objects or surfaces are actively contacted by the receptive areas of keenest sensitivity (on the fingertips).
Introduction: Infertility is one of the public health problems affecting a significant number of ... more Introduction: Infertility is one of the public health problems affecting a significant number of women in the reproductive age group. Although female fertility is predominantly affected by gynecological and systemic diseases, lifestyle and nutritional factors also play an important role in secondary female infertility. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of secondary female infertility and its association with undernutrition using nationwide data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of eastern African countries. Methods: The data of ten East African countries that comprise a weighted sample of 38,020 women data were accessed from measure DHS. Data processing and analysis were performed using STATA 15 software. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model was fitted to examine the association between undernutrition and secondary infertility. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were declared as significant factors associated with secondary infertility. Model comparison was done based on Akaike and Bayesian Information Criteria (AIC and BIC). To measure variation (random effects), Community-level variance with standard deviation and intra-cluster correlation coefficient (ICC) was used. Result: The proportion of women who have secondary infertility was 16.32% with 95%CI (15.96, 16.69), of which 26.94% were undernourished. This study found that being undernutrition (AOR = 1.74; 95%CI: 1.54-1.98) and overweight (AOR = 1.72; 95%CI: 1.62-1.86) were significantly associated with secondary infertility. Women aged >35 years (AOR = 3.47; 95%CI: 2.66-4.55), and rural residents (AOR = 1.16; 95%CI: 1.02-1.37) are other factors that are positively associated with secondary infertility. However, primary education (AOR = 0.87; 95%CI: 0.77-0.97) and richer wealth index (AOR = 0.84; 95%CI: 0.73-0.97) are protective factors for secondary infertility. Abbreviations AOR, adjusted odds ratio; AIC, Akaike information criteria; BMI, body mass index; BIC, Bayesian information criteria; CI, confidence interval; COR, crude odds ratio; DHS, demographic and health survey; ICC, intra class correlation coefficient; SSA, sub-Saharan Africa; UN, united nations; WHO, world health organization.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Oct 11, 2017
Throughout many developing and tropical countries around the world, malaria remains a significant... more Throughout many developing and tropical countries around the world, malaria remains a significant threat to human health. One barrier to malaria elimination is the ability to safely administer primaquine chemotherapy for the radical cure of malaria infections in populations with a high prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. In the current study, a field trial of the world's first quantitative, point-of-care assay for measuring G6PD activity was conducted in Haiti. The performance of the CareStart Biosensor Analyzer was compared with the gold standard spectrophotometric assay and genotyping of the G6PD allele in schoolchildren (N = 343) from the Ouest Department of Haiti. In this population, 19.5% of participants (67/343) had some form of G6PD deficiency (< 60% residual activity) and 9.9% (34/343) had moderate-to-severe G6PD deficiency (< 30% residual activity). Overall, 18.95% of participants had the presence of the A-allele (65/343) with 7.87% (27/343) considered at high risk for drug-induced hemolysis (hemizygous males and homozygous females). Compared with the spectrophotometric assay, the sensitivity and specificity to determine participants with < 60% residual activity were 53.7% and 94.6%, respectively; for participants with 30% residual activity, the sensitivity and specificity were 5.9% and 99.7%, respectively. The biosensor overestimated the activity in deficient individuals and underestimated it in participants with normal G6PD activity, indicating the potential for a systematic measurement error. Thus, we suggest that the current version of the biosensor lacks adequate sensitivity and should be improved prior to its use as a point-of-care diagnostic for G6PD deficiency.
BackgroundThere is improved access to Sever Acute Malnutrition management in Ethiopia; however, s... more BackgroundThere is improved access to Sever Acute Malnutrition management in Ethiopia; however, studies have revealed an alarming rate of defaulters’ poor recovery and deaths, emphasizing the importance of researching to identify major causes. As a result, the goal of this research is to identify treatment outcome determinants and associated factors in severely malnourished children aged 6–59 months admitted to public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia’s stabilization centers.MethodsThis study used an institutional-based retrospective cohort study design with 712 children aged 6 to 59 months. Data was gathered using a Sever Acute Malnutrition registration logbook and patient charts. Participants were chosen at random from their respective healthcare facilities based on population proportion. Epi-data was entered and analyzed using STATA version 14. To identify associated factors, the Cox proportional hazard Ratio was calculated, and a p-value of 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval was co...
Background It is well known that the magnitude of undernutrition in Ethiopia is unacceptably high... more Background It is well known that the magnitude of undernutrition in Ethiopia is unacceptably high. The burden of co-occurrence of iron, folate, and vitamin A deficiency, on the other hand, has received less attention. Thus, in this study, we looked at the prevalence of iron, folate, and vitamin A deficiency in pregnant women in eastern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 397 pregnant women in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia. An interview-assisted questionnaire and blood serum were collected from pregnant women using standard techniques and shipped to an EPHI for micronutrient analysis. Factors associated with the co-occurrence of iron, folate, and vitamin A deficiency were identified using binary and multiple logistic regressions. Results According to this study, 81.6% of the participants were deficient in at least one micronutrient, and 53.53.2% were deficient in two or more. Women who did not receive iron-folic acid supplementation (AO...
Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious brain and spine birth defects. Although NTDs ar... more Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious brain and spine birth defects. Although NTDs are primarily pregnancy complications, such as abortion and stillbirth, they also contribute to under-five morbidity and mortality, as well as long-term disability and psychological impact. Despite these negative outcomes, the determinants of NTDs are not widely studied in Ethiopia, particularly in the country’s east. As a result, we sought to identify the risk factors for NTDs in neonates born in public referral hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based unmatched case-control study was carried out at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Sheik Hassen Yabare Jigjiga University Referral Hospital in Eastern Ethiopia. We included 59 cases identified in the selected facilities between September 10, 2021, and February 5, 2022, and 118 control neonates, with a case-to-control ratio of 1:2. Data were gathered through the use of interviewer-administered questionnaires and...
ObjectivesWe aimed to estimate the prevalence of folate deficiency and contributing factors among... more ObjectivesWe aimed to estimate the prevalence of folate deficiency and contributing factors among pregnant women.DesignA community-based, cross-sectional study.SettingHaramaya District, Eastern Ethiopia.ParticipantsFour hundred and forty-six pregnant women participated in the study.Primary outcome measureThe prevalence of folate deficiency and risk factors.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of folate deficiency was 49.3% (95% CI 44.6% to 54.1%). Pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia were 2.94 times more likely to develop folate deficiency (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.9, 95% CI 1.9 to 4.7). Respondents with good knowledge of folate-rich foods (AOR=0.3, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.7) and those who took iron and folic acid supplementation (AOR=0.6, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.9) during their pregnancy were less likely to develop folate deficiency.ConclusionsIn this study, a considerable proportion of pregnant women had folate deficiency during their pregnancy. Therefore, it is critical that nutritional treatment, e...
IntroductionInfertility is one of the public health problems affecting a significant number of wo... more IntroductionInfertility is one of the public health problems affecting a significant number of women in the reproductive age group. Although female fertility is predominantly affected by gynecological and systemic diseases, lifestyle and nutritional factors also play an important role in secondary female infertility. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of secondary female infertility and its association with undernutrition using nationwide data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of eastern African countries.MethodsThe data of ten East African countries that comprise a weighted sample of 38,020 women data were accessed from measure DHS. Data processing and analysis were performed using STATA 15 software. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model was fitted to examine the association between undernutrition and secondary infertility. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were declared as significant factors associated with secondary infertil...
Background: Medical malpractice, poor patient outcome and medical suits among health-care workers... more Background: Medical malpractice, poor patient outcome and medical suits among health-care workers result from improper consenting practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess practice and factors associated with the informed consenting process for major surgical procedures among health-care workers in public hospitals of Bale Zone, South Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 9 to 24, 2020, among all nurses, midwives, doctors (general physicians, surgeons, gynecologists), emergency surgery officers, anesthetists) who were working at Bale Zone public hospitals during the study period. A self-administered pretested questionnaire was employed. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 (age group, sex, educational profession, working unit, work experience, adequate content of consent form, training on informed consent, policy/regulation in institution, administrative support, average number of patient cared per shift, time spent for consent process, knowledge, attitude) at 95% confidence interval in the binary logistic regression analysis were considered for multivariable regression model to control for possible confounding effect. Results: Of the total sample size (639 health-care workers), 621 (97.2%) were included in this study, of which 311 (50.1%, 95% CI: 46.1-53.8) practiced proper informed consent during major surgical procedures. Being age above 35 (AOR: 3.032, 95% CI: 1.148-8.010), male (AOR: 1.607, 95% CI: 1.047-2.465), above 10 years of working experience (AOR: 2.339, 95% CI: 1.104-4.955), adequate content of consent form (AOR: 2.785, 95% CI: 1.772-4.377), having training on informed consent (AOR: 2.305, 95% CI: 1.204-4.414), spending more time (>30minutes) for consent process (AOR: 3.014, 95% CI: 1.095-8.298), having good knowledge (AOR: 1.808, 95% CI: 1.195-2.737) and favorable attitude (AOR: 2.188, 95% CI: 1.456-3.287) were significantly associated with good informed consent practice. Conclusion: Only half of health-care workers practiced good informed consent. Further emphasis needs to be given to improve consent practice.
Objective We aimed to assess the prevalences of foot ulcer and foot self-care practices, and iden... more Objective We aimed to assess the prevalences of foot ulcer and foot self-care practices, and identify associated factors in adult patients with diabetes attending a referral hospital in south-east Ethiopia. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study of 267 diabetic patients. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with diabetic foot ulcer and foot self-care practice. Results The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer was 11.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.42–15.05). One hundred and forty-four (53.9%; 47.9, 59.9) patients demonstrated good foot self-care. Living rurally (adjusted odds ratio 2.27; 95% CI: 1.86–6.97), lack of regular exercise (3.91; 1.51–10.10), peripheral neuropathy (2.77; 1.05–7.33) and foot calluses (5.69; 1.74–18.59) were associated with diabetic foot ulcer. Urban inhabitants (2.01; 1.09–3.69), patients with diabetes for >10 years (2.92; 1.48–5.77), women (2.95; 1.66–5.22), and patients with a glucometer at home (2.05; 1....
BackgroundAnemia and malnutrition remain a public health challenge in developing worlds. Anemia d... more BackgroundAnemia and malnutrition remain a public health challenge in developing worlds. Anemia during a nonpregnant state is one of the neglected medical conditions affecting reproductive-age women around the world. Globally, it is estimated that one-third of all reproductive-age women are anemic. Although it has negative consequences and extensive burden, anemia in nonreproductive-age women is rarely studied in Africa. In Ethiopia, studies investigating anemia and malnutrition among nonpregnant reproductive-age women are limited. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess intestinal parasitic infection, malnutrition, and predictors of anemia among nonpregnant reproductive-age women in Olenchity General Hospital, central Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 405 nonpregnant reproductive-age women in Olenchity General Hospital, central Ethiopia from February 14 to March 24, 2018. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered...
Background: Medical malpractice, poor patient outcome and medical suits among health-care workers... more Background: Medical malpractice, poor patient outcome and medical suits among health-care workers result from improper consenting practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess practice and factors associated with the informed consenting process for major surgical procedures among health-care workers in public hospitals of Bale Zone, South Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 9 to 24, 2020, among all nurses, midwives, doctors (general physicians, surgeons, gynecologists), emergency surgery officers, anesthetists) who were working at Bale Zone public hospitals during the study period. A self-administered pretested questionnaire was employed. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 (age group, sex, educational profession, working unit, work experience, adequate content of consent form, training on informed consent, policy/regulation in institution, administrative support, average number of patient cared per shift, time spent for consent process, knowledge, attitude) at 95% confidence interval in the binary logistic regression analysis were considered for multivariable regression model to control for possible confounding effect. Results: Of the total sample size (639 health-care workers), 621 (97.2%) were included in this study, of which 311 (50.1%, 95% CI: 46.1-53.8) practiced proper informed consent during major surgical procedures. Being age above 35 (AOR: 3.032, 95% CI: 1.148-8.010), male (AOR: 1.607, 95% CI: 1.047-2.465), above 10 years of working experience (AOR: 2.339, 95% CI: 1.104-4.955), adequate content of consent form (AOR: 2.785, 95% CI: 1.772-4.377), having training on informed consent (AOR: 2.305, 95% CI: 1.204-4.414), spending more time (>30minutes) for consent process (AOR: 3.014, 95% CI: 1.095-8.298), having good knowledge (AOR: 1.808, 95% CI: 1.195-2.737) and favorable attitude (AOR: 2.188, 95% CI: 1.456-3.287) were significantly associated with good informed consent practice. Conclusion: Only half of health-care workers practiced good informed consent. Further emphasis needs to be given to improve consent practice.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Throughout many developing and tropical countries around the world, malaria remains a significant... more Throughout many developing and tropical countries around the world, malaria remains a significant threat to human health. One barrier to malaria elimination is the ability to safely administer primaquine chemotherapy for the radical cure of malaria infections in populations with a high prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. In the current study, a field trial of the world's first quantitative, point-of-care assay for measuring G6PD activity was conducted in Haiti. The performance of the CareStart Biosensor Analyzer was compared with the gold standard spectrophotometric assay and genotyping of the G6PD allele in schoolchildren (N = 343) from the Ouest Department of Haiti. In this population, 19.5% of participants (67/343) had some form of G6PD deficiency (< 60% residual activity) and 9.9% (34/343) had moderate-to-severe G6PD deficiency (< 30% residual activity). Overall, 18.95% of participants had the presence of the A-allele (65/343) with 7.87% (27/343) considered at high risk for drug-induced hemolysis (hemizygous males and homozygous females). Compared with the spectrophotometric assay, the sensitivity and specificity to determine participants with < 60% residual activity were 53.7% and 94.6%, respectively; for participants with 30% residual activity, the sensitivity and specificity were 5.9% and 99.7%, respectively. The biosensor overestimated the activity in deficient individuals and underestimated it in participants with normal G6PD activity, indicating the potential for a systematic measurement error. Thus, we suggest that the current version of the biosensor lacks adequate sensitivity and should be improved prior to its use as a point-of-care diagnostic for G6PD deficiency.
As part of a series of investigations on the control of fine finger movements in the macaque, spo... more As part of a series of investigations on the control of fine finger movements in the macaque, spontaneous use of the hand in grooming, scratching, and manipulation was observed before and after interruption of fasciculus cuneatus (FC). Videotaped observations were made of four stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides) living outdoors in social groups. The monkeys were followed for 1 to 3 years postoperatively. For the first 2 weeks following surgery, all monkeys neglected the affected hand and did not use it for support, locomotion, climbing, scratching, foraging, or grooming. Recovery of gross arm and hand movements occurred over a 1- to 3-month period. All the monkeys eventually used the hand for support, climbing, and object manipulation, but fine control of the fingers did not recover. Also, there was an apparent hypotonia of the fingers, imparting a &amp;amp;quot;floppy&amp;amp;quot; appearance to the hand. The animals coped with the loss of fine control by decreasing the frequency of some behaviors, eliminating others, and developing alternative strategies. Exploratory movements that were utilized for investigating the anogenital area or foraging for small food items were eliminated by FC interruption. There were obvious deficits in grip formation and grasp of small food objects (see Glendinning et al., this issue), but effects on similar movements during grooming only became obvious after repeated inspection of videotaped records. Self-scratching and sweeps of the hand in grooming were preserved but altered in form and frequency. The component movements in these behaviors were relatively uncoordinated, and the fingers were splayed (abducted). Often the hand was formed in a rigid posture throughout the sweeping motion, and the fingers did not stroke the skin individually. Frame-by-frame analysis of videotapes revealed that the morphology of the precision grip during grooming, in movements termed &amp;amp;quot;plucks,&amp;amp;quot; was permanently altered. Preoperatively, the monkeys kept the index finger and thumb closely apposed and routinely made contact on the distal surfaces of the digits, as has been described for precision grip in humans. Postoperatively, this relationship was altered. The index finger frequently missed the thumb tip and made contact on the proximal part of the phalanx, or missed the thumb altogether. Thus, the dorsal column input is important for proprioceptive guidance of movements that achieve &amp;amp;quot;tactile foveation,&amp;amp;quot; when objects or surfaces are actively contacted by the receptive areas of keenest sensitivity (on the fingertips).
Background Depressive disorder is one of the severe and common mental illnesses in the general po... more Background Depressive disorder is one of the severe and common mental illnesses in the general population. Bipolar disorder is a severe, persistent mental illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder in our study area. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among adults in Kersa, Haramaya, and Harar Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,416 participants. A multi-stage sampling was employed to select the participants. DSM-5 diagnostic criteria was used to assess depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Data was collected using a standard questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done. Those with a p-value < 0.05 in the final model were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among our study participants was 6.7% (95% CI: 5.40, 8.20) and 2.1% (95% CI: (1.40, 3.00), respectively. The independent predictors of depressive disorder included a family history of mental illness, chronic medical illnesses, unemployment, low educational status, divorced or widowed, poor social support, and current alcohol use or khat chewing. Single, males, divorced or widowed, and current consumers of alcohol were independent predictors for bipolar disorder. The results of our investigation showed that bipolar illness and depression were significant public health issues. It was shown that although bipolar disorder is highly prevalent in the society, depression is a widespread concern. As a result, it is imperative that the relevant body grow and enhance the provision of mental health services. Furthermore, research on the effects and burdens of bipolar disorder in the community is required.
Background Depressive disorder is one of the severe and common mental illnesses in the general po... more Background Depressive disorder is one of the severe and common mental illnesses in the general population. Bipolar disorder is a severe, persistent mental illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder in our study area. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among adults in Kersa, Haramaya, and Harar Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,416 participants. A multi-stage sampling was employed to select the participants. DSM-5 diagnostic criteria was used to assess depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Data was collected using a standard questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done. Those with a p-value < 0.05 in the final model were considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among our study participants was 6.7% (95% CI: 5.40, 8.20) and 2.1% (95% CI: (1.40, 3.00), respectively. The independent predictors of depressive disorder included a family history of mental illness, chronic medical illnesses, unemployment, low educational status, divorced or widowed, poor social support, and current alcohol use or khat chewing. Single, males, divorced or widowed, and current consumers of alcohol were independent predictors for bipolar disorder. The results of our investigation showed that bipolar illness and depression were significant public health issues. It was shown that although bipolar disorder is highly prevalent in the society, depression is a widespread concern. As a result, it is imperative that the relevant body grow and enhance the provision of mental health services. Furthermore, research on the effects and burdens of bipolar disorder in the community is required.
Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious brain and spine birth defects. Although NTDs ar... more Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious brain and spine birth defects. Although NTDs are primarily pregnancy complications, such as abortion and stillbirth, they also contribute to under-five morbidity and mortality, as well as long-term disability and psychological impact. Despite these negative outcomes, the determinants of NTDs are not widely studied in Ethiopia, particularly in the country's east. As a result, we sought to identify the risk factors for NTDs in neonates born in public referral hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based unmatched case-control study was carried out at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Sheik Hassen Yabare Jigjiga University Referral Hospital in Eastern Ethiopia. We included 59 cases identified in the selected facilities between September 10, 2021, and February 5, 2022, and 118 control neonates, with a case-to-control ratio of 1:2. Data were gathered through the use of interviewer-administered questionnaires and medical record review. To identify determinant factors of NTDs, a multivariable logistic regression model was used, which included all predictor variables from the bivariable analysis. The results were reported using an Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results In total, 59 cases of NTDs were identified out of 2915 live birth total births registered in the two hospitals, making the incidence of NTDs 202.4/10,000 births. In the final model analysis, determinant factors such as gender of newborn [AOR = 2.97; 95%CI(1.27, 6.92)], having no history of antenatal care[AOR = 4.45;95%CI(1.30,15.20)], having a poor food consumption score (AOR = 3.38;95% CI;1.06,10.72), having history of monotonous diet consumption (AOR = 4.80; 95%CI: 1.09, 9.08; P = 0.038), and coffee consumption of three or more cups per day during pregnancy (AOR = 3.84:95% CI: 1.23, 11.97) were statistically associated with NTDs. Conclusion Modifiable and non-modifiable determinants were identified as major contributors of neural tube defect in this study. Early screening, dietary intervention counseling to increase consumption of a healthy diet, coffee consumption reduction, and pre-pregnancy supplementation programs should be developed to reduce NTDs in Ethiopia.
As part of a series of investigations on the control of fine finger movements in the macaque, spo... more As part of a series of investigations on the control of fine finger movements in the macaque, spontaneous use of the hand in grooming, scratching, and manipulation was observed before and after interruption of fasciculus cuneatus (FC). Videotaped observations were made of four stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides) living outdoors in social groups. The monkeys were followed for 1 to 3 years postoperatively. For the first 2 weeks following surgery, all monkeys neglected the affected hand and did not use it for support, locomotion, climbing, scratching, foraging, or grooming. Recovery of gross arm and hand movements occurred over a 1- to 3-month period. All the monkeys eventually used the hand for support, climbing, and object manipulation, but fine control of the fingers did not recover. Also, there was an apparent hypotonia of the fingers, imparting a &amp;amp;quot;floppy&amp;amp;quot; appearance to the hand. The animals coped with the loss of fine control by decreasing the frequency of some behaviors, eliminating others, and developing alternative strategies. Exploratory movements that were utilized for investigating the anogenital area or foraging for small food items were eliminated by FC interruption. There were obvious deficits in grip formation and grasp of small food objects (see Glendinning et al., this issue), but effects on similar movements during grooming only became obvious after repeated inspection of videotaped records. Self-scratching and sweeps of the hand in grooming were preserved but altered in form and frequency. The component movements in these behaviors were relatively uncoordinated, and the fingers were splayed (abducted). Often the hand was formed in a rigid posture throughout the sweeping motion, and the fingers did not stroke the skin individually. Frame-by-frame analysis of videotapes revealed that the morphology of the precision grip during grooming, in movements termed &amp;amp;quot;plucks,&amp;amp;quot; was permanently altered. Preoperatively, the monkeys kept the index finger and thumb closely apposed and routinely made contact on the distal surfaces of the digits, as has been described for precision grip in humans. Postoperatively, this relationship was altered. The index finger frequently missed the thumb tip and made contact on the proximal part of the phalanx, or missed the thumb altogether. Thus, the dorsal column input is important for proprioceptive guidance of movements that achieve &amp;amp;quot;tactile foveation,&amp;amp;quot; when objects or surfaces are actively contacted by the receptive areas of keenest sensitivity (on the fingertips).
Introduction: Infertility is one of the public health problems affecting a significant number of ... more Introduction: Infertility is one of the public health problems affecting a significant number of women in the reproductive age group. Although female fertility is predominantly affected by gynecological and systemic diseases, lifestyle and nutritional factors also play an important role in secondary female infertility. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of secondary female infertility and its association with undernutrition using nationwide data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of eastern African countries. Methods: The data of ten East African countries that comprise a weighted sample of 38,020 women data were accessed from measure DHS. Data processing and analysis were performed using STATA 15 software. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model was fitted to examine the association between undernutrition and secondary infertility. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were declared as significant factors associated with secondary infertility. Model comparison was done based on Akaike and Bayesian Information Criteria (AIC and BIC). To measure variation (random effects), Community-level variance with standard deviation and intra-cluster correlation coefficient (ICC) was used. Result: The proportion of women who have secondary infertility was 16.32% with 95%CI (15.96, 16.69), of which 26.94% were undernourished. This study found that being undernutrition (AOR = 1.74; 95%CI: 1.54-1.98) and overweight (AOR = 1.72; 95%CI: 1.62-1.86) were significantly associated with secondary infertility. Women aged >35 years (AOR = 3.47; 95%CI: 2.66-4.55), and rural residents (AOR = 1.16; 95%CI: 1.02-1.37) are other factors that are positively associated with secondary infertility. However, primary education (AOR = 0.87; 95%CI: 0.77-0.97) and richer wealth index (AOR = 0.84; 95%CI: 0.73-0.97) are protective factors for secondary infertility. Abbreviations AOR, adjusted odds ratio; AIC, Akaike information criteria; BMI, body mass index; BIC, Bayesian information criteria; CI, confidence interval; COR, crude odds ratio; DHS, demographic and health survey; ICC, intra class correlation coefficient; SSA, sub-Saharan Africa; UN, united nations; WHO, world health organization.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Oct 11, 2017
Throughout many developing and tropical countries around the world, malaria remains a significant... more Throughout many developing and tropical countries around the world, malaria remains a significant threat to human health. One barrier to malaria elimination is the ability to safely administer primaquine chemotherapy for the radical cure of malaria infections in populations with a high prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. In the current study, a field trial of the world's first quantitative, point-of-care assay for measuring G6PD activity was conducted in Haiti. The performance of the CareStart Biosensor Analyzer was compared with the gold standard spectrophotometric assay and genotyping of the G6PD allele in schoolchildren (N = 343) from the Ouest Department of Haiti. In this population, 19.5% of participants (67/343) had some form of G6PD deficiency (< 60% residual activity) and 9.9% (34/343) had moderate-to-severe G6PD deficiency (< 30% residual activity). Overall, 18.95% of participants had the presence of the A-allele (65/343) with 7.87% (27/343) considered at high risk for drug-induced hemolysis (hemizygous males and homozygous females). Compared with the spectrophotometric assay, the sensitivity and specificity to determine participants with < 60% residual activity were 53.7% and 94.6%, respectively; for participants with 30% residual activity, the sensitivity and specificity were 5.9% and 99.7%, respectively. The biosensor overestimated the activity in deficient individuals and underestimated it in participants with normal G6PD activity, indicating the potential for a systematic measurement error. Thus, we suggest that the current version of the biosensor lacks adequate sensitivity and should be improved prior to its use as a point-of-care diagnostic for G6PD deficiency.
BackgroundThere is improved access to Sever Acute Malnutrition management in Ethiopia; however, s... more BackgroundThere is improved access to Sever Acute Malnutrition management in Ethiopia; however, studies have revealed an alarming rate of defaulters’ poor recovery and deaths, emphasizing the importance of researching to identify major causes. As a result, the goal of this research is to identify treatment outcome determinants and associated factors in severely malnourished children aged 6–59 months admitted to public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia’s stabilization centers.MethodsThis study used an institutional-based retrospective cohort study design with 712 children aged 6 to 59 months. Data was gathered using a Sever Acute Malnutrition registration logbook and patient charts. Participants were chosen at random from their respective healthcare facilities based on population proportion. Epi-data was entered and analyzed using STATA version 14. To identify associated factors, the Cox proportional hazard Ratio was calculated, and a p-value of 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval was co...
Background It is well known that the magnitude of undernutrition in Ethiopia is unacceptably high... more Background It is well known that the magnitude of undernutrition in Ethiopia is unacceptably high. The burden of co-occurrence of iron, folate, and vitamin A deficiency, on the other hand, has received less attention. Thus, in this study, we looked at the prevalence of iron, folate, and vitamin A deficiency in pregnant women in eastern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 397 pregnant women in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia. An interview-assisted questionnaire and blood serum were collected from pregnant women using standard techniques and shipped to an EPHI for micronutrient analysis. Factors associated with the co-occurrence of iron, folate, and vitamin A deficiency were identified using binary and multiple logistic regressions. Results According to this study, 81.6% of the participants were deficient in at least one micronutrient, and 53.53.2% were deficient in two or more. Women who did not receive iron-folic acid supplementation (AO...
Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious brain and spine birth defects. Although NTDs ar... more Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are serious brain and spine birth defects. Although NTDs are primarily pregnancy complications, such as abortion and stillbirth, they also contribute to under-five morbidity and mortality, as well as long-term disability and psychological impact. Despite these negative outcomes, the determinants of NTDs are not widely studied in Ethiopia, particularly in the country’s east. As a result, we sought to identify the risk factors for NTDs in neonates born in public referral hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based unmatched case-control study was carried out at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Sheik Hassen Yabare Jigjiga University Referral Hospital in Eastern Ethiopia. We included 59 cases identified in the selected facilities between September 10, 2021, and February 5, 2022, and 118 control neonates, with a case-to-control ratio of 1:2. Data were gathered through the use of interviewer-administered questionnaires and...
ObjectivesWe aimed to estimate the prevalence of folate deficiency and contributing factors among... more ObjectivesWe aimed to estimate the prevalence of folate deficiency and contributing factors among pregnant women.DesignA community-based, cross-sectional study.SettingHaramaya District, Eastern Ethiopia.ParticipantsFour hundred and forty-six pregnant women participated in the study.Primary outcome measureThe prevalence of folate deficiency and risk factors.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of folate deficiency was 49.3% (95% CI 44.6% to 54.1%). Pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia were 2.94 times more likely to develop folate deficiency (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.9, 95% CI 1.9 to 4.7). Respondents with good knowledge of folate-rich foods (AOR=0.3, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.7) and those who took iron and folic acid supplementation (AOR=0.6, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.9) during their pregnancy were less likely to develop folate deficiency.ConclusionsIn this study, a considerable proportion of pregnant women had folate deficiency during their pregnancy. Therefore, it is critical that nutritional treatment, e...
IntroductionInfertility is one of the public health problems affecting a significant number of wo... more IntroductionInfertility is one of the public health problems affecting a significant number of women in the reproductive age group. Although female fertility is predominantly affected by gynecological and systemic diseases, lifestyle and nutritional factors also play an important role in secondary female infertility. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of secondary female infertility and its association with undernutrition using nationwide data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of eastern African countries.MethodsThe data of ten East African countries that comprise a weighted sample of 38,020 women data were accessed from measure DHS. Data processing and analysis were performed using STATA 15 software. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model was fitted to examine the association between undernutrition and secondary infertility. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were declared as significant factors associated with secondary infertil...
Background: Medical malpractice, poor patient outcome and medical suits among health-care workers... more Background: Medical malpractice, poor patient outcome and medical suits among health-care workers result from improper consenting practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess practice and factors associated with the informed consenting process for major surgical procedures among health-care workers in public hospitals of Bale Zone, South Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 9 to 24, 2020, among all nurses, midwives, doctors (general physicians, surgeons, gynecologists), emergency surgery officers, anesthetists) who were working at Bale Zone public hospitals during the study period. A self-administered pretested questionnaire was employed. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 (age group, sex, educational profession, working unit, work experience, adequate content of consent form, training on informed consent, policy/regulation in institution, administrative support, average number of patient cared per shift, time spent for consent process, knowledge, attitude) at 95% confidence interval in the binary logistic regression analysis were considered for multivariable regression model to control for possible confounding effect. Results: Of the total sample size (639 health-care workers), 621 (97.2%) were included in this study, of which 311 (50.1%, 95% CI: 46.1-53.8) practiced proper informed consent during major surgical procedures. Being age above 35 (AOR: 3.032, 95% CI: 1.148-8.010), male (AOR: 1.607, 95% CI: 1.047-2.465), above 10 years of working experience (AOR: 2.339, 95% CI: 1.104-4.955), adequate content of consent form (AOR: 2.785, 95% CI: 1.772-4.377), having training on informed consent (AOR: 2.305, 95% CI: 1.204-4.414), spending more time (>30minutes) for consent process (AOR: 3.014, 95% CI: 1.095-8.298), having good knowledge (AOR: 1.808, 95% CI: 1.195-2.737) and favorable attitude (AOR: 2.188, 95% CI: 1.456-3.287) were significantly associated with good informed consent practice. Conclusion: Only half of health-care workers practiced good informed consent. Further emphasis needs to be given to improve consent practice.
Objective We aimed to assess the prevalences of foot ulcer and foot self-care practices, and iden... more Objective We aimed to assess the prevalences of foot ulcer and foot self-care practices, and identify associated factors in adult patients with diabetes attending a referral hospital in south-east Ethiopia. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study of 267 diabetic patients. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with diabetic foot ulcer and foot self-care practice. Results The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer was 11.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.42–15.05). One hundred and forty-four (53.9%; 47.9, 59.9) patients demonstrated good foot self-care. Living rurally (adjusted odds ratio 2.27; 95% CI: 1.86–6.97), lack of regular exercise (3.91; 1.51–10.10), peripheral neuropathy (2.77; 1.05–7.33) and foot calluses (5.69; 1.74–18.59) were associated with diabetic foot ulcer. Urban inhabitants (2.01; 1.09–3.69), patients with diabetes for >10 years (2.92; 1.48–5.77), women (2.95; 1.66–5.22), and patients with a glucometer at home (2.05; 1....
BackgroundAnemia and malnutrition remain a public health challenge in developing worlds. Anemia d... more BackgroundAnemia and malnutrition remain a public health challenge in developing worlds. Anemia during a nonpregnant state is one of the neglected medical conditions affecting reproductive-age women around the world. Globally, it is estimated that one-third of all reproductive-age women are anemic. Although it has negative consequences and extensive burden, anemia in nonreproductive-age women is rarely studied in Africa. In Ethiopia, studies investigating anemia and malnutrition among nonpregnant reproductive-age women are limited. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess intestinal parasitic infection, malnutrition, and predictors of anemia among nonpregnant reproductive-age women in Olenchity General Hospital, central Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 405 nonpregnant reproductive-age women in Olenchity General Hospital, central Ethiopia from February 14 to March 24, 2018. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered...
Background: Medical malpractice, poor patient outcome and medical suits among health-care workers... more Background: Medical malpractice, poor patient outcome and medical suits among health-care workers result from improper consenting practices. Therefore, this study aimed to assess practice and factors associated with the informed consenting process for major surgical procedures among health-care workers in public hospitals of Bale Zone, South Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 9 to 24, 2020, among all nurses, midwives, doctors (general physicians, surgeons, gynecologists), emergency surgery officers, anesthetists) who were working at Bale Zone public hospitals during the study period. A self-administered pretested questionnaire was employed. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 (age group, sex, educational profession, working unit, work experience, adequate content of consent form, training on informed consent, policy/regulation in institution, administrative support, average number of patient cared per shift, time spent for consent process, knowledge, attitude) at 95% confidence interval in the binary logistic regression analysis were considered for multivariable regression model to control for possible confounding effect. Results: Of the total sample size (639 health-care workers), 621 (97.2%) were included in this study, of which 311 (50.1%, 95% CI: 46.1-53.8) practiced proper informed consent during major surgical procedures. Being age above 35 (AOR: 3.032, 95% CI: 1.148-8.010), male (AOR: 1.607, 95% CI: 1.047-2.465), above 10 years of working experience (AOR: 2.339, 95% CI: 1.104-4.955), adequate content of consent form (AOR: 2.785, 95% CI: 1.772-4.377), having training on informed consent (AOR: 2.305, 95% CI: 1.204-4.414), spending more time (>30minutes) for consent process (AOR: 3.014, 95% CI: 1.095-8.298), having good knowledge (AOR: 1.808, 95% CI: 1.195-2.737) and favorable attitude (AOR: 2.188, 95% CI: 1.456-3.287) were significantly associated with good informed consent practice. Conclusion: Only half of health-care workers practiced good informed consent. Further emphasis needs to be given to improve consent practice.
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Throughout many developing and tropical countries around the world, malaria remains a significant... more Throughout many developing and tropical countries around the world, malaria remains a significant threat to human health. One barrier to malaria elimination is the ability to safely administer primaquine chemotherapy for the radical cure of malaria infections in populations with a high prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. In the current study, a field trial of the world's first quantitative, point-of-care assay for measuring G6PD activity was conducted in Haiti. The performance of the CareStart Biosensor Analyzer was compared with the gold standard spectrophotometric assay and genotyping of the G6PD allele in schoolchildren (N = 343) from the Ouest Department of Haiti. In this population, 19.5% of participants (67/343) had some form of G6PD deficiency (< 60% residual activity) and 9.9% (34/343) had moderate-to-severe G6PD deficiency (< 30% residual activity). Overall, 18.95% of participants had the presence of the A-allele (65/343) with 7.87% (27/343) considered at high risk for drug-induced hemolysis (hemizygous males and homozygous females). Compared with the spectrophotometric assay, the sensitivity and specificity to determine participants with < 60% residual activity were 53.7% and 94.6%, respectively; for participants with 30% residual activity, the sensitivity and specificity were 5.9% and 99.7%, respectively. The biosensor overestimated the activity in deficient individuals and underestimated it in participants with normal G6PD activity, indicating the potential for a systematic measurement error. Thus, we suggest that the current version of the biosensor lacks adequate sensitivity and should be improved prior to its use as a point-of-care diagnostic for G6PD deficiency.
As part of a series of investigations on the control of fine finger movements in the macaque, spo... more As part of a series of investigations on the control of fine finger movements in the macaque, spontaneous use of the hand in grooming, scratching, and manipulation was observed before and after interruption of fasciculus cuneatus (FC). Videotaped observations were made of four stumptail macaques (Macaca arctoides) living outdoors in social groups. The monkeys were followed for 1 to 3 years postoperatively. For the first 2 weeks following surgery, all monkeys neglected the affected hand and did not use it for support, locomotion, climbing, scratching, foraging, or grooming. Recovery of gross arm and hand movements occurred over a 1- to 3-month period. All the monkeys eventually used the hand for support, climbing, and object manipulation, but fine control of the fingers did not recover. Also, there was an apparent hypotonia of the fingers, imparting a &amp;amp;quot;floppy&amp;amp;quot; appearance to the hand. The animals coped with the loss of fine control by decreasing the frequency of some behaviors, eliminating others, and developing alternative strategies. Exploratory movements that were utilized for investigating the anogenital area or foraging for small food items were eliminated by FC interruption. There were obvious deficits in grip formation and grasp of small food objects (see Glendinning et al., this issue), but effects on similar movements during grooming only became obvious after repeated inspection of videotaped records. Self-scratching and sweeps of the hand in grooming were preserved but altered in form and frequency. The component movements in these behaviors were relatively uncoordinated, and the fingers were splayed (abducted). Often the hand was formed in a rigid posture throughout the sweeping motion, and the fingers did not stroke the skin individually. Frame-by-frame analysis of videotapes revealed that the morphology of the precision grip during grooming, in movements termed &amp;amp;quot;plucks,&amp;amp;quot; was permanently altered. Preoperatively, the monkeys kept the index finger and thumb closely apposed and routinely made contact on the distal surfaces of the digits, as has been described for precision grip in humans. Postoperatively, this relationship was altered. The index finger frequently missed the thumb tip and made contact on the proximal part of the phalanx, or missed the thumb altogether. Thus, the dorsal column input is important for proprioceptive guidance of movements that achieve &amp;amp;quot;tactile foveation,&amp;amp;quot; when objects or surfaces are actively contacted by the receptive areas of keenest sensitivity (on the fingertips).
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Papers by Tara Wilfong