Awareness Creation Activities Research Articles

Low long-lasting insecticidal net use in malaria elimination areas in Southern Ethiopia: results from community based cross-sectional study

BackgroundDespite remarkable progress in malaria burden reduction, malaria continues to be a major public health problem globally. Ethiopia has been distributing long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) for free and nationwide distribution was completed in 2016. However, evidence suggests that the utilization of LLINs varies from setting to setting and from time to time due to different factors, and up-to-date evidence is required for LLIN related decision-making. Hence, this study was designed to assess LLIN utilization and its determinants in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Southern Ethiopia in 2019. Using multi-stage sampling, a total of 2466 households were included. The region was stratified based on the annual malaria index as high, moderate, low, and free strata. Cluster sampling was then applied to select households from high, moderate, and low strata. Data on LLIN ownership, utilization and different determinant factors were collected using household questionnaire. SurveyCTO was used to collect data and data was managed using Stata 15. Descriptive statistics and multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression were performed to identify the determinants of utilization of LLINs. Effect measures were reported using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI.ResultsFrom a total of 2466 households, 48.7% of households had at least one LLIN. LLIN adequacy based on family size was 23% while it was15.7% based on universal access and 29.2% based on sleeping space. From 1202 households that possessed LLIN(s), 66.0% of households reported that they slept under LLIN the night preceding the survey. However, when the total population in all surveyed households were considered, only 22.9% of household members slept under LLIN the night preceding the survey. Malaria endemicity, educational status, wealth status, and knowledge about malaria were associated with LLINs utilization. In addition, reasons for non-use included perceived absence of malaria, side effects of LLIN, conditions of LLINs, inconvenient space and low awareness.ConclusionLow LLIN coverage and low utilization were noted. A low level of utilization was associated with malaria endemicity, wealth status and level of awareness. Distribution of LLIN and continuous follow-up with community awareness creation activities are vital to improve coverage and utilization of LLINs, and to ensure the country’s malaria elimination goal.

Pre-lacteal feeding practice and associated factors among mothers having children aged less than six months in Dilla town, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundPre-lacteal feeding, the introduction of liquids or non-breast milk foods before establishing regular breastfeeding, poses significant risks to newborns, depriving them of vital nutrients and the protective benefits of colostrum while exposing them to infection hazards. Despite breast milk being a renewable and comprehensive source of infant nutrition for the first six months of life, prevalent in many low income country are pre-lacteal feeds such as honey, sugar-water, jiggery water, castor oil, and goat’s milk. These practices, widespread in such regions, carry potential risks of infection and aspiration. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding and identify associated factors among mothers with children under six months in Dilla Town, Southern Ethiopia.MethodA community-based cross-sectional study took place in Dilla town, southern Ethiopia, spanning from June 20 to August 20, 2022. The study included a total of 372 participants, selected through simple random sampling for kebele and systematic random sampling for individual participants. Data was collected using interviewer-administered structured questionnaires and subsequently coded, entered, cleaned, and edited using SPSS version 23.0 software. The presentation of data utilized tables and figures, followed by a logistic regression analysis to identify potential factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding. The significance level was set at a p-value less than 0.05 for the final model.ResultThe prevalence of pre-lacteal feeding practice was 176 (47.3%) in the study area and having no maternal education (AOR = 3.68, 95% CI; [1.01–5.84] colostrum avoidance (AOR = 4.20, 95% CI; [2.03–6.86] and lack of breast feeding counseling (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI; 1.40–2.57), were factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding practices.Conclusion and recommendationPre-lacteal feeding practice among mothers of children aged less than 6 months in Dilla town was found to be higher than the national prevalence. No formal education, colostrum avoidance, lack of breastfeeding counseling, were factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding practices. So awareness creation activities on the risks of PLF (pre-lacteal feeding) and improving breastfeeding counseling targeted to all mothers and care givers including their families within the study area is vital.

Knowledge, practice of cervical cancer screening and associated factors among women police members of Addis Ababa police commission Ethiopia

BackgroundCervical cancer is a public health problem. It is one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide and the second leading cause of female cancer-related deaths. Cervical cancer screening enables the detection of abnormal cervical cells, including precancerous cervical lesions, as well as early-stage cervical cancer. Routine cervical screening has been shown to reduce both the incidence and mortality of the disease.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess knowledge, practice of cervical cancer screening and associated factors among women police members at Addis Ababa police commission Ethiopia 2022.MethodAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Addis Ababa police commission in the Lidet Sub-city police department from December 1st to January 30th, 2022. The data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire from 361 randomly selected police officers. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software in descriptive statistics, binary, and multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with the outcome variable at PV = 0.05 with an AOR and 95% CI. Results: The complete response rate was 97.57% (361/371). This found that 59.5% of the total study participants were aged between 18 and 29 years old, and 47.3% were married in marital status. This study determined knowledge status of police commission towards cervical cancer screening revealed that 183(49.5%) had good knowledge, with identified factors which increases likelihood of good knowledge were attitude [AOR = 2.03, 95%CI;( 1.25–3.3)] and cervical cancer screening practice [AOR = 2.0, 95%CI (1.15–3.53)] respectively.This is determined the prevalence of cervical cancer screening practice was 68(18.4%)with 95% CI(14.3–22.4) with identified factors which increases likelihood of cervical cancer screening practice were age, [AOR = 3.24, 95% CI;( 1.08–9.75)], marital status [AOR = 3.88,95%CI,(1.55–9.73)] monthly income [AOR = 4.82,95%CI;(1.44–16.12)],religion[AOR = 8.65,95%CI,( 1.65–45.46)] and knowledge [AOR = 2.35,95%CI;( 1.22–4.52)] respectively. The main reason reported for not practice of cervical cancer screening was feeling healthy.Conclusion and recommendationThis study identified that the knowledge status of female police commissioners were poor and practice of cervical cancer screening were found to be very low. Some of the factors associated with the cervical cancer screening practice were age, marital status, monthly income and knowledge of the women. In addition, feeling being health was associated poor practice of cervical cancer screening. To alleviate this problem the health authorities at different level of the health system should take massive awareness creation activities through various communication channels about screening service prepare screening campaign.

Altering of the sprayed wall after indoor residual spraying and associated factors among households in Boricha district, Sidama regional state, Ethiopia, 2019: community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundIndoor residual spraying (IRS) has been the main tool used to control malaria. Reducing the life span and the density of the vector mosquitoes are direct effects of IRS towards restricting malaria transmission. Residents must not wash or re-plaster walls after the spray application for at least 6 months to fight against malaria with IRS. This study sought to assess the alteration of the sprayed wall after the IRS operation and associated factors among households in the Boricha district.MethodsCommunity-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 608 households selected using multi-stage sampling. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analysed by SPSS version 25. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done. Finally, the strength of the association was measured based on AOR with 95% CI and statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than 0.05.ResultFrom the total of 608 sprayed houses included in the study, 37.3% (95% CI: 33.41% – 41.15%) were found to have altered sprayed walls. The highest class of wealth index category (AOR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.19, 5.16), low level of comprehensive knowledge about IRS (AOR = 6.08; 95% CI: 3.37, 10.94), did not get information within 2 weeks before spray (AOR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.43, 3.05), absence of supervision after the spray operation (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.27, 2.73) and walking distance to nearest health facility (AOR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.63, 3.35) remained significant factors of altering of the sprayed wall after IRS.ConclusionThe prevalence of alteration was relatively high. The highest socio-economic status, poor knowledge about indoor residual spraying, lack of information about IRS within two weeks before spray, absence of supervision after IRS, and walking distance of more than 30 min to reach the nearest health post were the factors affecting the alteration status of the sprayed wall. Future efforts to focus on successive awareness creation activities should be done before and after IRS operation to the community by concerned bodies.

Diversity and role of woody non-timber forest products in Doba District, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract. Abebaw AF, Damme PV. 2023. Diversity and role of woody non-timber forest products in Doba District, Eastern Ethiopia. Nusantara Bioscience 15: 38-47. Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) play a pivotal role as local sources of medicine, household paraphernalia, and fodder and offer income opportunities that can mitigate poverty. This study was conducted in Doba District, West Hararghe Zone, Eastern Ethiopia, to analyze the diversity and economic contribution of non-timber forest products. Both ethnobotanical and vegetation data were cross-sectionally collected from February 2020 up to June 2021. A total of 422 informants selected randomly from forest inhabitants were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires to explore NTFP utilization and their economic contributions. Vegetation data were collected from 56 sample plots of each 20m x 20m (400m2) along transects lines. Vegetation data collected were analyzed for the relative density of species, Shannon-Wiener index, species evenness, and relative frequency. From the household survey, 58 plant species categorized in 55 genera and 35 families were identified as NTFP-bearing species. Analysis of the socio-economic data shows that NTFP collection is a day-to-day activity of the local communities. These communities use NTFPs in different types of use categories, namely medicinal plants (32, 55.17%), melliferous species (20, 34.48%), wild food and condiment species (22, 37.93%), farm implements (7, 12.06%), wood and flavoring (6, 10.34%), source of energy (20, 35.71%), and household utensils and construction materials (30, 51.72%). The market survey analysis showed that NTFPs account for about 15.77% of the annual household income. The vegetation survey showed that Ades Forest has a good status with an average density of 1,450 plants ha-1, high Shannon-Wiener index (H =3.299), and species evenness (E = 0.81). Ades Forest harbors a diverse number of NTFP-bearing species used for several categories. The study reveals the real experiences of the local communities in utilizing NTFPs for their livelihood. Forest dependency rates tend to be higher among poor households. However, further study on production potential and market chain analysis should be done together with awareness creation activities to get a sustainable product for the community and conserve the forest resource.

Colostrum avoidance practice and associated factors among mothers of infants less than six months in Chencha District: cross-sectional study

BackgroundColostrum avoidance is failure to feed first breast milk to a newborn baby for the first 2 to 3 days after delivery. The problem of avoiding colostrum is prevalent in Ethiopia. But it is not adequately addressed yet. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess prevalence of colostrum avoidance practices and associated factors among mothers of infants aged less than six months; and to explore barriers for colostrum feeding in ChenchaZuria District.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study supplemented with a qualitative study was conducted in August 2020. The quantitative data were collected from 674 mothers selected by systematic sampling using a structured questionnaire. Both bi-variable and multi-variable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the colostrum avoidance practices. The statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. The qualitative data were collected using in-depth interviews from breastfeeding mothers and thematic analysis was done manually.ResultThe prevalence of the colostrum avoidance practice was 15.3% (95% CI: 11.4%- 18.2%). Late initiation of breastfeeding (AOR 4.15 95% CI 2.51–6.84), giving pre-lacteal feeding (AOR 3.16 95% CI 1.93–5.15), not using of postnatal care (PNC) service (AOR 1.79 95% CI 1.05–3.04), and having poor maternal knowledge regarding colostrum. (AOR 1.88 95% CI 1.14–3.08) were factors significantly associated with the colostrum avoidance practices. And in the qualitative part, cultural beliefs and misconceptions, community influence, and complementary feeding practices were found to be facilitators for the colostrum avoidance.ConclusionAbout one in seven mothers practiced colostrum avoidance. Factors that contributed to the colostrum avoidance practices were breastfeeding initiation, pre-lacteal feeding, PNC utilization, and maternal knowledge regarding colostrum. Thus, efforts to prevent colostrum avoidance practices should focus on strengthening and promoting PNC services utilization, timely initiation of breastfeeding, and improving awareness creation activities on the importance of colostrum feeding and risks of pre-lacteal feeding.

Prevalence of Diarrhea, Intestinal Parasites, and Associated Factors Among Under-Five Children in Dabat District, Northwest Ethiopia: Multicenter Cross-sectional Study.

Despite global interventions to prevent and control diarrhea, it remains a public health problem leading to childhood morbidity and mortality majorly in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization, data from 2021 indicated that diarrheal disease is responsible for 8% of deaths in children under the age of 5. In the world, more than 1 billion under-five children live in poverty, social exclusion, and discrimination affected by intestinal parasitic infections and diarrhea disease. In sub-Saharan African countries like Ethiopia, diarrheal diseases and parasite infections continue to cause significant and persistent morbidity and mortality in under-five children. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasites and diarrheal diseases in children under the age of 5 years in Dabat District, Northwest Ethiopia in 2022. A community-based, cross-sectional study was carried out from September 16 to August 18th 2022. Four hundred households with at least one child under the age of 5 years were recruited by simple random sampling technique. Sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral factors were also collected using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data was entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with diarrhea and intestinal parasitic infections. The level of significance was computed at a P-value ⩽ .05. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and other summary statistics were used for describing sociodemographic variables and determining the prevalence of diarrhea and intestinal parasites. Tables, figures, and texts were used to present the findings. The variables having a P-value of less than .2 in the bivariable analysis were entered into the multivariable analysis at a P-value of ⩽.5. According to this study, the prevalence of diarrhea and intestinal parasites among under-five children was 20.8% (95% CI: [16.8-37.8] and 32.5% (95% CI: [28.6, 37.8], respectively. In multivariable logistic analysis at a P-value of ⩽.5, the educational level of mothers (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.7, 95% CI: [1.52, 8.95], residence (AOR: 4.7, 95% CI: [1.52, 8.09]), undernutrition (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: [1.09, 11.3]), latrine availability (AOR:3.9, 95% CI: [1.23, 9.56]), types of the latrine (AOR: 5.9, 95% CI: [3.42, 11.66]), water treatment (AOR = 7.6; 95% CI: [6.4, 12.7]), eating uncooked vegetable or fruits (AOR = 4.6; 95% CI: [1.025, 15.2]), and source of water (AOR = 4.5; 95% CI: [2.32,8.92]) were significantly associated with diarrheal disease. Intestinal parasitic infection was also significantly associated with undernutrition (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: [1.09, 9.67]), latrine availability (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI:[1.32, 9.32]), types of the latrine (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: [1.92, 8.12]) residence (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: [1.52, 8.09]), water treatment, source of water for drinking (AOR = 4.5; 95% CI: [2.32, 8.92]), eating uncooked vegetables or fruits (AOR = 6.7:95% CI: [3.9, 9.8]), and deworming children with anti-parasitic medication (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: [1.34, 5.62]), washing hands after latrine used (AOR = 2.2: 95% CI: [1.06, 3.86]). The prevalence of diarrhea and intestinal parasite among under-five children was 20.8% and 32.5%, respectively. Undernutrition, latrine availability, types of latrines, residence, eating uncooked vegetables or fruits, and source of water for drinking and water treatment were associated with intestinal parasitic infection and diarrheal disease. Deworming children with antiparasitic medications and washing hands after latrine use was also significantly associated with parasitic infection. Hence, awareness creation activities on latrine utilization and building, keeping personal hygiene, safe water supply, feeding cooked vegetables or fruits, taking anti-parasitic medications, practice hand washing habit after toilet use are strongly recommended.

Prevalence and surgical outcomes of stage 3 and 4 pelvic organs prolapse in Jimma university medical center, south west Ethiopia

BackgroundPelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects about half of the women and affects their quality of life. The current study is, therefore, aimed at determining the prevalence and surgical outcomes of severe stage POP at Jimma University medical center from November 2016 to May 2018.MethodA Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on all patients with stage 3 and 4 POP, who were admitted, and had surgery. Data were collected from the patient’s chart, and logbooks, which were filled up from entry till her discharge. A Simplified POPQ(S-POPQ) was used to stage the prolapse at admission, at discharge, and three months follow-ups.ResultsAmong 92 patients who were analyzed, POP accounts for 10.6% of all gynecologic admissions, and 43.8% of all gynecologic surgeries. The mean age of patients is 46 (± 12) years, and nearly 34% of the patients had stage 3 and 66% had stage 4 POP. Based on the type of prolapse, 93.5% of patients had stage 3 and more anterior vaginal wall prolapse (AVWP) and apical prolapse, while 57.6% had stage 3 or more posterior vaginal wall prolapse.Out of 72 patients who had anterior colporrhaphy, 58.7% had anterior colporrhaphy with colposuspension. Out of 83 patients who had apical suspension, 48.2%, 39.8%, and 12% had uterosacral, sacrospinous, and Richardson respectively.Ninety-seven patients had stage 0 or 1 POP at discharge while 90% of 20 patients who returned for follow-up at three months had stage 0 or 1 POP. Eight patients had surgery-related complications; bladder injury, urinary retention, Hemorrhage during SSLF, and rectal injury.ConclusionThe prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse is high and the majority of patients presented with advanced-stage pelvic organ prolapse, with a long duration of symptoms and associated problems. The surgical techniques used have resulted in a high immediate success rate of 97% and 90% at discharge and three months follow up respectively. Therefore, awareness creation activities are important to facilitate an early presentation for treatment to improve the quality of life and the current surgical technique; native tissue vaginal repair (NTVR), being practiced in the setup has had better success.

Menstrual hygiene practice among adolescent girls in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Adolescent girls face several challenges relating to menstruation and its proper management. Lack of adequate sanitary products, inadequate water supply, and privacy for changing sanitary pads continue to leave adolescent girls with limited options for safe and proper menstrual hygiene in many low-income settings, including Ethiopia. These situations are also compounded by societal myths, stigmas surrounding menstruation, and discriminatory social norms. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled proportion of safe menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia using the available studies. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal Online (AJOL), Hinari, Science Direct, ProQuest, Direct of Open Access Journals, POPLINE, and Cochrane Library database inception to May 31, 2021. Studies reporting the proportion of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls in Ethiopia were considered. The Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 tests were used to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. Since the included studies revealed considerable heterogeneity, a random effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of menstrual hygiene management (MHM). Of 1,045 identified articles, 22 studies were eligible for analysis (n = 12,330 participants). The pooled proportion (PP) of safe MHM in Ethiopia was 52.69% (95%CI: 44.16, 61.22). The use of commercial menstrual absorbents was common 64.63% (95%CI: 55.32, 73.93, I2 99.2%) followed by homemade cloth 53.03% (95%CI: 22.29, 83.77, I2 99.2%). Disposal of absorbent material into the latrine was the most common practice in Ethiopia 62.18% (95%CI: 52.87, 71.49, I2 98.7%). One in four girls reported missing one or more school days during menstruation (PP: 32.03%, 95%CI: 22.65%, 41.40%, I2 98.2%). This study revealed that only half of the adolescent girls in Ethiopia had safe MHM practices. To ensure that girls in Ethiopia can manage menstruation hygienically and with dignity, strong gender-specific water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities along with strong awareness creation activities at every level are needed.

Assessment of glaucoma awareness, uptake, and satisfaction with a free, targeted glaucoma screening program Southwest in Nigeria.

Glaucoma is a global public eye health concern, being the number one cause of irreversible blindness. It is commoner, has an earlier onset, and is more aggressive in people of African descent. Awareness creation and screening activities have been identified as key components of the glaucoma care pathway. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study with analysis. The screening took place at the eye clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan. Participants comprised all consenting adults aged 40 years and above who presented following a prescheduled telephone appointment during the 2021 World Glaucoma Week (WGW) activities. The main outcome variables were the awareness of glaucoma, and the uptake of and satisfaction with the free screening program. The associations between participants' prior awareness of glaucoma and their socio-demographic and clinical features were explored using the Chi-squared test. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. A total of 94 (47%) participants presented for the screening out of the 200 people who scheduled an appointment through the telephone appointment booking system. Forty-nine (52.1%) were males, and the mean (SD) age of participants was 55 years (10.9) with a range of 40-80 years. Fifty-eight (61.7%) participants had heard of glaucoma before the 2021 WGW awareness programs and 75.9% (44) gained some new knowledge from the programs. Newly diagnosed glaucoma was 9.6% (n = 9) of which seven (77.8%) had advanced glaucoma (CDR ≥0.9) in at least one eye. One hundred percent of the participants reported that they would recommend the screening to others. Targeted eye screening can help with the early detection of glaucoma. Patient satisfaction should be at the fore of eye health services to improve uptake.

Prevalence and its predictors of intimate partner violence against pregnant women amid COVID-19 pandemic in Southwest Ethiopia, 2021: A cross-sectional study.

Objectives:Preventive measures like staying-at-home and social distancing are among the top strategies on the list to avert the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 and its consequences. However, this strategy brings off another shadow pandemic of intimate partner violence against women, and no study has been done to assess the magnitude of intimate partner violence against pregnant women during the pandemic in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence and its predictors in Southwest Ethiopia amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted, from 15 June 2021 to 15 August 2021, on a total of 590 pregnant women recruited by systematic random sampling techniques. Pretested structured questionnaires were used to collect data, and the data were entered using EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 24. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of intimate partner violence. Finally, statistical significance was declared at a p-value <0.05.Results:The prevalence of intimate partner violence was 39.2%. Of this, 29.8%, 26.8%, and 22.2% of the pregnant women had experienced physical, sexual, and emotional intimate partner violence, respectively. Being illiterate (adjusted odds ratio = 2.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.33–4.19), having illiterate husbands (adjusted odds ratio = 4.79, 95% confidence interval: 2.69–8.55), household decisions made by the husband alone (adjusted odds ratio = 4.91, 95% confidence interval: 3.74–9.33), and pandemic-induced economic downturns (adjusted odds ratio = 9.03, 95% confidence interval: 5.18–15.98) were the predictors that were significantly associated with intimate partner violence.Conclusion:The prevalence of intimate partner violence against pregnant women during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has been found to be high in the study area. Thus, more efforts should be tried to integrating intimate partner violence screening in maternal and child healthcare services, and early identification of high-risk individuals, and continuous community-based awareness creation activities are recommended.

Determinants of rural livelihood diversification strategies among Chewaka resettlers\u2019 communities of southwestern Ethiopia

BackgroundLivelihood diversification plays a decisive role for the reduction of poverty, food insecurity and to improve the welfare of rural communities. However, inadequate research attention has been given to explore the determinants of livelihood diversification strategies in resettlement areas of Ethiopia. This study attempts to investigate determinants of livelihood diversification strategies among the resettler households in Chewaka district of Ethiopia.MethodsThe study utilized both primary and secondary data which are qualitative and quantitative in their nature. Through multistage sampling procedure, a total of 384 households were selected from seven sample kebeles of Chewaka district. Data were collected using interview schedule, focus group discussions and field observations. The collected data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Descriptive and inferential statistics along with multinomial logit model have been employed to analyze the data.ResultsThe results showed that agriculture (43.2%), agriculture plus non-farm (25.5%), agriculture plus off-farm (19.3%) and a combination of agriculture plus non-farm plus off-farm (12%) activities are the most pertinent livelihood strategies in the study area. It was found that agriculture has a leading contribution to the total households’ income (72.5%) followed by non-farm (20%) and off-farm activities (7.5%). Multinomial logit model result revealed that land holding size, educational status, livestock holding, sex, age, market distance, credit access, annual income, access to training and household sizes were the major determinants of livelihood diversification strategies. Moreover, poor infrastructural development, lack of working capital, absence of technical support, inadequate skill training and lack of awareness are constraints to livelihood diversification in the area.ConclusionsThe study concludes that agricultural sector alone cannot be relied upon as the core activity for rural households and as a means of reducing poverty, achieving food security and improving livelihoods in the study area. Thus, a comprehensive development plan that enhances successful livelihood diversification is found to be imperative and most urgent. Policies and actions directed towards improving livelihood of the resettlers’ communities should focus on expanding rural infrastructures, enhancing awareness creation activities and cooperation of stakeholders to bring sustainable livelihood outcome in the area.

Community's Mask Wearing Practice and Its Associated Factors for COVID-19 prevention in Metropolitan city, Northwest, Ethiopia

Background: Corona virus Disease, 2019 has been pandemic all over the world due to its strong human to human transmission. A number of measures have been put in place to prevent its spread among the population. However, for these preventive measures to be effective, the population should practice an appropriate COVID-19 prevention method. To our knowledge, there is no study yet done in the Amhara region. Thus, this study was aimed at assessing mask wearing practice and its associated factors for COVID-19 prevention among residents of metropolitan towns in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 20 to July 10, 2020. A total of 413 residents of metropolitan towns of the Amhara region, Ethiopia were enrolled in the study. A systematic sampling technique was used to collect data from selected households. Data were entered into EPI-DATA version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 24.0 for analysis. To identify the factors of mask wearing practice for COVID-19 prevention, multiple binary logistic regression analysis was used. Statistical significance was declared at p-value<0.05. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals was used to assess the direction and strength of associations. Results: Four hundred thirteen residents were participated in the study with a response rate of 97.6%. Of these, 234 (56.6%) were female, 229 (55.4%) were lay in the age group of 31–45 years old, and 321 (77.7%) were married. The proportion of residents who had good mask wearing practice in the current study was 57.1% [(95%CI: 52.35%, 61.94%)]. Having formal education [AOR = 5.046, 95% CI (2.713, 9.385], employed [AOR = 1.827, 95% CI (1.172, 2.848)], having good knowledge [AOR = 3.125, 95% CI (1.361, 7.178)], and having positive attitude [AOR = 2.279, 95% CI (1.09, 4.767)] were significantly associated with mask wearing practice. Conclusion: more than half of the study respondents had good mask wearing practice regarding COVID-19 prevention. Having formal education, being employed, having good knowledge, and having positive attitude were significantly associated with mask wearing practice. It is recommended that local health authorities should implement interventions such, residents training and awareness creation activities to enhance residents to develop mask wearing practice.

Knowledge of Zika Virus Disease Prevention Methods, among Female Caregivers That Bring Babies for Immunization in a Teaching Hospital, Southeast Nigeria

Zika virus disease is a disease of public health importance and was declared a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern”, by the World Health Organization on February 1, 2016. It is mostly transmitted through the bite of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitos. Transmission can also occur through blood transfusion and sexual intercourse. It could cause microcephaly and other neurological problems in newborns and adults, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome. It could also lead to abortion and stillbirth in pregnant women. Prevention methods are essentially targeted at transmission routes, which are mosquito bite, sexual intercourse, and blood transfusion. The study was of observational, descriptive, cross-sectional design, and conducted in a tertiary health institution in the Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Two hundred and fifty-six female caregivers participated in the study, with most of them being within the childbearing age group, and educated up to tertiary level. The objective was to assess the knowledge of Zika virus infection prevention methods, among female caregivers that bring babies for immunization in a Teaching Hospital, Southeast Nigeria. Out of the eight questions that sought to assess the knowledge level of the respondents, they scored 50% and above only in three, which were on prevention through protection against mosquito bite (60.5%), avoiding unnecessary blood transfusion in endemic areas (53.9%), and avoidance of oily meals not being a preventive measure (51.2%). Respondents in the childbearing age group, and those with higher educational qualifications, generally exhibited higher knowledge level than the other respondents. Scores on questions that sought to assess their knowledge on prevention aspects related to sexual behavior, and vaccination were poor. Sensitization, or awareness creation activities for persons in this study area, ought to be designed to address the observed gaps.

Prevalence of Abnormal Cervical Lesions and Associated Factors Among Women in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia.

PurposeThe primary objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of abnormal cervical lesions and associated factors and the secondary objective was to assess adherence to post-cryotherapy treatment recommendations, among women in Harari region, eastern Ethiopia.Materials and MethodsThis study was conducted in two public hospitals in Harar city from January 1 to May 30, 2019. A facility-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted and a total of 1181 women were included in the study. Structured face-to-face interviews with women aged 25–49 years were used to collect information on precancerous cervical lesion screening and adherence to post-cryotherapy treatment. Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) method was used to screen women for precancerous cervical lesions. The collected data were entered into Epi Info software and then exported to SPSS software for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to check the association between independent variables and abnormal cervical lesions.ResultsThe prevalence of abnormal cervical lesions among the participants screened was 24.5% (95% CI = 20.8–27.9%). Having no formal education (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.32–5.46), lack of awareness of cervical cancer, (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI = 1.68–4.23) and having a husband with history of multiple sexual partners (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.13–2.7) were independently associated with abnormal cervical lesions. From the respondents who received cryotherapy treatment prior to the study, the majority, 92.9% (95% CI = 76.5–99.1), adhered to the post-cryotherapy treatment recommendations.ConclusionWe found that the prevalence of abnormal cervical lesions in this area was high. Having no formal education, lack of awareness of cervical cancer and having a husband with history of multiple sexual partners were independently associated with having abnormal cervical lesions. The federal ministry of health and other stakeholders should focus on the primary prevention method (HPV vaccination) at an earlier stage to reduce the prevalence of abnormal cervical lesions in the study area. Harari regional health bureau should provide awareness creation activities and special attention should be given to uneducated women.

Active TB case finding in a high burden setting; comparison of community and facility-based strategies in Lusaka, Zambia.

We conducted an implementation science study to increase TB case detection through a combination of interventions at health facility and community levels. We determined the impact of the study in terms of additional cases detected and notification rate and compared the yield of bacteriologically confirmed TB of facility based and community based case finding. Over a period of 18 months, similar case finding activities were conducted at George health facility in Lusaka Zambia and its catchment community, an informal peri-urban settlement. Activities included awareness and demand creation activities, TB screening with digital chest x-ray or symptom screening, sputum evaluation using geneXpert MTB/RIF, TB diagnosis and linkage to treatment. A total of 18,194 individuals were screened of which 9,846 (54.1%) were screened at the facility and 8,348 (45.9%) were screened in the community. The total number of TB cases diagnosed during the intervention period were 1,026, compared to 759 in the pre-intervention period; an additional 267 TB cases were diagnosed. Of the 563 bacteriologically confirmed TB cases diagnosed under the study, 515/563 (91.5%) and 48/563 (8.5%) were identified at the facility and in the community respectively (P<0.0001). The TB notification rate increased from 246 per 100,000 population pre-intervention to 395 per 100,000 population in the last year of the intervention. Facility active case finding was more effective in detecting TB cases than community active case finding. Strengthening health systems to appropriately identify and evaluate patients for TB needs to be optimised in high burden settings. At a minimum, provider initiated TB symptom screening with completion of the TB screening and diagnostic cascade should be provided at the health facility in high burden settings. Community screening needs to be systematic and targeted at high risk groups and communities with access barriers.

Disability Mainstreaming: Practices and Challenges among Selected Governmental Organizations of Bahir Dar City Administration

Disability mainstreaming program is a newfangled strategy devised to enhance the rights of PWDs and create disability-inclusive development. As the program is new, in Ethiopia researches on its practice are limited. Therefore, to increase body of knowledge towards the program, this case study research conducted on the practice of disability mainstreaming in account of challenges for implementation among three selected government organizations of Bahir Dar city. Interview and FGDs were used to collect data. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis technique. As the findings revealed, there are visible and encouraging trends regarding the practice of disability mainstreaming. Study sectors strive for disability-inclusive development through devising appropriate programs, building human capacity, creating linkages, appointing disability focal person and developing manuals and checklists. Although, there are the aforementioned initiations in practicing disability mainstreaming, some deterring factors put a shadow on these efforts. Factors like, absence of ministry for disability issues, dearth of involvement of PWDs and DPOs, absence of budgeting and institutional and team loafing restrained the practice of mainstreaming. Besides, in the study sectors the practice of mainstreaming affected by lack of awareness, slack follow-up and nominal power of responsible organizations, poor documentation and reporting and hopelessness and sentimentality. The study recommends awareness creation activities have to be done to change the pejorative attitudes of service providers and passive character of service users. Collaborative efforts should be implemented by different stakeholders to realize the effectiveness of the program. Besides, newfangled and all-inclusive trainings should be given for managers, disability focal persons, staffs and service users to facilitate opportunities for disability equality. Keywords: Disability Mainstreaming, Disability, Peoples with Disabilities, Inclusive Development, Bahir Dar DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/61-04 Publication date: September 30 th 2020

Determinants of VIA Positivity Among Women Screened for Cervical Precancerous Lesion in Public Hospitals of Oromia Region, Ethiopia: Unmatched Case-Control Study.

PurposeGlobally, cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer among women. An estimated 570,000 cases of cervical cancer representing 6.6% of all female cancers were reported in the year 2018. Approximately, 90% of deaths from cervical cancer occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Screening cervical cancer at an early stage and providing access to effective treatment can significantly improve the likelihood of survival. Hence, this study aimed to assess the determinants of visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid (VIA) positivity among women screened in public hospitals of Oromia region, Ethiopia.MethodsA hospital-based un-matched case-control study was conducted in Oromia region, Ethiopia. Cases were women who have a positive result for the VIA test, and controls were women with a negative result. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Multiple binary logistic regressions were conducted to assess the determinants of VIA positivity. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported to describe the strength of associations. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value <0.05.ResultsA total of 74 cases and 148 controls were included in this study. The mean age of cases and controls was 40.5 ± 13.3 years and 37.1 ± 11.9 years, respectively. Women with parity of four or more children had two times higher odds being positive for VIA test compared to their counterparts (AOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3–4.0). Women with a history of post-coital bleeding had three times higher odds of VIA positivity compared to their counterparts (AOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.2–8.0). History of sexually transmitted infection (AOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.5), having multiple sexual partners (AOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.2–8.0), and history of smoking (AOR: 8.9, 95% CI: 1.6–48.0) were also found to be determinants of VIA positivity.ConclusionThis study found that women with parity greater than four children, post-coital bleeding, history of sexually transmitted infections, having multiple sexual partners, and history of smoking were significantly associated with VIA positivity. Women with the mentioned characteristics should be encouraged to have a close follow-up for the screening. Additionally, awareness creation activities on the identified risk factors are strongly recommended for all women.

Prevalence of Undernutrition and Associated Factors among Children Aged 6- 59 Months in Bishoftu Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Malnutrition is decreasing during the two-decade but still in a major public health problem in the world especially in developing countries including Ethiopia. The study was aimed to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and associated factors among children of aged 6 months - 59 months of Bishoftu town, Oromia region. Community based cross-sectional design was employed in the randomly selected five kebele. The sample size was determined by using single population proportion formula then adjusted by finite population correction factor to draw the final 410 sample children and then allocated proportionally to each Kebele in the town. The survey was conducted using standard procedures developed questionnaires with experienced enumerators. Anthropometric measurement was used to collect height, weight and MUAC following the standard measurement tools and procedures. Information was entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and anthropometric measurements were converted into Z scores by WHO Anthro version 3.2.2., 2011 software. Then exported to STATA 13 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The result revealed that the prevalence of overall malnutrition was (46.1%); specifically, stunting was (16.1%), underweight (22.6%) and wasting (7.4%). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model was employed to analyze prevalence of child malnutrition. The result of multivariate model revealed that Family size, Birth interval, Child age and Frequency of breast feed as significant determinants for wasting. While for stunting, family size, level of mother’s education, birth order, currently breast feeding, exclusive breast feeding and monthly income were found as statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) determinants of child malnutrition. Additionally, age of child and household who hadn’t got advice and visited by health extension workers were more than five as likely to be underweight compared to those who are frequently advised? Thus, the studied households need continues training, awareness creation activities, special attention for child and maternal healthcare services by the Health Office and other practitioners in different income generating activities to improve child nutrition.

Prevalence of nematode parasite, Contracaecum, in Nile tilapia, African catfish and Barbus species in Lake Hawassa, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to March 2018 at Lake Hawassa to determine the prevalence of larval Contracaecum infestation in Nile tilapia, (Oreochromis niloticus), African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Barbus species (Barbus intermedius). Fifty-two point six per cent (52.6%) previous prevalence and 5% precision were used to estimate the sample size. Accordingly, a total of 383 randomly sampled fish species comprising of 163 (42.6%) C. gariepinus, 159 (41.5%) O. niloticus and 61(15.9%) B. intermedius were examined. The length and weight of each sampled fish were recorded. All the sampled fish were examined for the evidence of Contracaecum parasites in Hawassa University Veterinary Parasitology and Pathology Laboratory. Chi-square values and comparison of proportions were used to analyse the data. The overall prevalence of Contracaecum parasites of fish population was 31.6%. The distribution of parasite was significantly affected by fish species (p = .000), sexes (p = .018), length (p = .003) and weight classes of fish (p = .026). As a hygienic problem and gutting activity conducted at the sides of the Lake Hawassa and distribution of discarded fish wastes for surrounding piscivorous birds by butchers and other people, the life cycle of Contracaecum parasite was perpetuated. Thus, the parasite is of zoonotic significance. Therefore, awareness creation activities for societies and control of fish parasites should be conducted in the study area.