Reproduction is fundamental to population growth and the social and economic well-being of societies. Hormonal disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which result from hormonal imbalances, may disrupt ovulation and lead to infertility. Various factors, including genetics, mental health, insulin resistance, and nutrition, contribute to the development of this syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the associations among polycystic ovary syndrome, personality type, and adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern in infertile women. In this descriptive analytical case-control study, 180 non-pregnant women aged 18 to 45 years with a history of infertility were evaluated, including 90 women with PCOS and 90 infertile women without PCOS. Demographic information was collected using a general characteristics questionnaire. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and adherence to the Mediterranean diet was quantified by calculating a Mediterranean Diet Score derived from FFQ data, while personality type was evaluated using the NEO-FFI questionnaire. The relationship between PCOS, personality type, and adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern was analyzed using SPSS version 23, with a significance level set at 0.05. Regarding personality type, no statistically significant differences were observed between the case and control groups in the variables of conscientiousness (p = 0.87), Eagerness for new experiences (p = 0.26), extraversion/introversion (p = 0.14), agreeableness (p = 0.44), and neuroticism (p = 0.81). Similarly, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of personality type or Mediterranean diet adherence scores. Furthermore, no statistically significant relationship was found between adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern and the presence of PCOS (p = 0.87). The findings of this study did not demonstrate statistically significant associations among polycystic ovary syndrome, personality traits, and adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern among the infertile women. However, because BMI, physical activity, insulin resistance, and other major metabolic and lifestyle variables were not assessed, the absence of an observed association between Mediterranean diet adherence and PCOS should be interpreted with caution and should not be regarded as evidence of an association independent of these potential confounders. Future investigations employing longitudinal designs, mediation analysis, or structural equation modeling are warranted to better elucidate these complex interrelationships.
The burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is rapidly increasing in developing countries, where effective prevention and treatment are urgently needed to reduce its substantial economic and healthcare costs. This study aimed to estimate the 10-year risk of CVD and its predictors in the urban setting of northern Ethiopia using the latest World Health Organization (WHO) CVD risk prediction charts. A total of 223 participants aged 40 + years were selected using a systematic random sampling technique from Mekelle City. Socio-demographic, lifestyle, anthropometric, and biochemical data were collected. CVD risk scores were estimated using the updated 2020 WHO CVD risk prediction charts. The predicted CVD risk scores were determined using the laboratory-based and non-laboratory-based charts. Linear regression was applied to estimate the beta coefficients and identify predictors of CVD risk scores. More than half (53.4
Milk is a highly nutritious food and an important source of income for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. Ensuring the safety and quality of raw milk is essential for public health and consumer confidence. However, milk quality may deteriorate along the dairy value chain due to poor handling, storage conditions, and possible adulteration practices. This study assessed the physicochemical characteristics of raw cow milk collected along the dairy value chain in and around Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Between June and September 2022, milk samples were obtained from four dairy-producing areas, Sebeta, Sheno, Sululta, and Bishoftu, and transported to the Veterinary Drugs and Feed Administration and Control Authority (VDFACA) laboratory for analysis. A Lactoscan milk analyzer was used to determine key physicochemical parameters including fat, solids-not-fat, protein, lactose, density, freezing point, and mineral content. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 95
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, where rapid urbanisation and dietary changes contribute to poor glycaemic control among diabetic patients. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, little is known about how dietary practices affect glycaemic control among diabetic adults. This study assessed dietary patterns and their associations with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) among adults with T2DM in Kinshasa, with a focus on socioeconomic factors influencing diet. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a random sample of 540 adults with T2DM attending 27 primary and 27 secondary health facilities in April 2025. Dietary practices were assessed using an adapted qualitative 7-day food-frequency questionnaire covering 20 food groups. Principal component analysis identified dietary patterns, and survey-clustered generalised linear models were used to examine associations between dietary pattern quintiles and mean HbA1c, adjusting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and food-insecurity variables. Overall, 442/509 (86.8
Ethiopia is currently in a severe food crisis, with conflict, drought, high living costs, and natural disasters leading to widespread acute food insecurity. This study analyzes the extent and characteristics of rural household food insecurity in the Southwest Districts of South Wollo, Ethiopia, where recurrent shocks and livelihood instability continue to undermine food access and utilization. Using primary data from 366 randomly selected households, food security status was assessed through two internationally recognized indicators: the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and the Food Consumption Score (FCS). The results reveal a severe food insecurity situation: 51.09
