Biomedical subjects

Alemayehu Mekonnen

Publications and source records attributed to Alemayehu Mekonnen.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2026

Smartphone apps for obesity management: A systematic review using self-determination theory.

BACKGROUND: While bariatric surgery and pharmacotherapy are effective treatments for obesity, ongoing supportive care remains a challenge. Smartphone applications (apps) may assist with symptom management, but their effectiveness and practical use in obesity treatment is unclear. This review evaluated the effectiveness, acceptability, and feasibility of these apps in supporting individuals following obesity treatment. To better understand how these apps may promote sustained engagement and behaviour change, their design was analysed using Self-Determination Theory (SDT). METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL databases. Eligible studies included randomised and non-randomised interventions involving adults (≥18 years) with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) who had undergone bariatric surgery or pharmacotherapy. Interventions had to include an app designed to support post-treatment symptom management. Findings were synthesised narratively, and app features were mapped to SDT constructs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. RESULTS: Five studies (three RCTs, two cohort studies) involving 1,133 participants were included (female: 78 %; median age: 47.63 years). Most apps targeted post-bariatric surgery care; only one focused on pharmacotherapy. Common features included tracking, reminders, and education, supporting autonomy and competence. Relatedness features such as communication and peer support were least represented. Two studies reported improvements in weight-related outcomes and one in medication adherence. Effects on quality of life, self-efficacy, and healthcare utilisation were not significant. Patient satisfaction was reported in one study, with 95 % expressing positive feedback, though formal assessments of feasibility and acceptability were limited. CONCLUSION: Smartphone apps show potential to support obesity management, particularly after bariatric surgery. While some evidence suggests benefits for weight loss and adherence outcomes, the limited studies and variability of reporting prevent conclusive observations in other outcomes. Future app development should integrate behavioural theory to address psychological needs, nutritional risks and promote holistic self-management beyond weight control.

Female↗

PubMed2004

HIV and syphilis infection among elderly people in northwest Ethiopia.

The prevalence of HIV has been continually increasing both in urban and rural Ethiopia. As yet, there has been no report on the magnitude of the problem in the elderly and rural population. This study assessed the seroprevalence of HIV and syphilis infection among 706 elderly and predominantly rural subjects in Northwest Ethiopia. Socio-demographic information was collected using a structured questionnaire. Venous blood was collected and the serostatus of HIV and that of syphilis were checked by ELISA and RPR, respectively. The total HIV-1 seroprevalence was 5% (35/706). Sex-specific prevalences of HIV for males and females were 5.6 and 4.7% respectively. A 4.2% difference in prevalence was observed by area of residence, which was statistically significant, P = 0.018. Only 6% of subjects positive for syphilis were also positive for HIV, while 4.9% of subjects negative for syphilis were positive for HIV. The data indicates that the prevalence of HIV among elderly people in Northwest Ethiopia was high. This indicates the importance of involving the elderly in HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs.

Aged↗

PubMed2002

Satisfaction on outpatient services in hospitals of the Amhara Region.

A cross sectional survey was conducted to assess patients' satisfaction on outpatient services in the hospitals of the Amara Region. A total of 898 patients from nine hospitals were interviewed on exit. The majority (95.9%) had come due to illness, and of which, 53.2% had illnesses that lasted for more than 30 days. Among those who were sick, 47.5% were non-paying (free) patients. Long waiting hours during registration, visiting of doctors after registration, laboratory procedures, and revisiting of the doctors for evaluation with laboratory results and obtaining drugs from pharmacies were associated with dissatisfaction. When logistic regression was applied, waiting time for registration, physician consultation/examination, obtaining the prescribed drugs from the pharmacies, and overall time taken to receive prescriptions were associated with dissatisfaction. Among the sociodemographic factors, age was associated with dissatisfaction. More than one-third of the patients did not get the medications prescribed in the hospital pharmacies. Failure to find the prescribed drugs was associated with dissatisfaction. Unnecessary patient delays should be reduced to the minimum by assessing hospitals' processes. Ensuring drug supply with facilitated administrative processes is recommended.

Adolescent↗