Dabat District Research Articles

Posttraumatic stress disorder and its associated factors among people living in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia.

The conflict between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) in the Dabat district of Ethiopia has led to significant civilian casualties, instances of rape, sexual abuse, and property theft. These traumatic events contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among local residents. However, there is currently no available data on the prevalence of PTSD and its associated factors in this region. This study seeks to fill this gap by assessing PTSD prevalence and identifying related factors among residents of the war-affected Dabat district in northwest Ethiopia. A community-based correctional study was conducted in the Woken and China kebeles of Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia, spanning from July 13 to September 19, 2023. A total of 410 participants were selected using systematic random sampling, making a 100% response rate. The study utilized an interviewer-administered questionnaire, which included the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5) to assess PTSD. The research investigated the association between PTSD and various demographic and psychosocial characteristics using both bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses. Statistical significance was set at a P-value of 0.05. The majority of participants in the study were male (62%) with a mean age of 33 ( ± 1.67) years. The overall prevalence of PTSD was 30.7% (95% CI: 26.6-35.10). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified several factors significantly associated with PTSD: symptoms of depression (AOR=3.5; 95% CI: 1.13-6.89), age between 45 and 67 years (AOR=1.68; 95% CI: 1.04-5.78), experiencing stressful life events (AOR=1.63; 95% CI: 1.05-7.86), experiencing sexual abuse or rape (AOR=1.53; 95% CI: 1.07-6.75), chewing khat (AOR=1.48; 95% CI: 1.08-4.56), being female (AOR=1.43; 95% CI: 1.13-3.67), and having an income of 34.6 USD (AOR=1.28; 95% CI: 1.07-4.67). This study reported that the prevalence of PTSD was high. As a result, the study suggested that governments and other stakeholders should be involved in implementing efficient interventions and quick measures to mitigate the effects of war on mental health following the conflict. The government and nongovernmental organizations were also advised by these studies to continue providing humanitarian assistance, which should include access to food, clean water, clothing, shelter, and education. This study also suggested that people living in conflict zones should be legally protected from rape, sexual abuse, arson, detention without cause, and kidnapping.

Environmental Predictors of Undernutrition Among Under-5 Children at Dabat District Health Facilities, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023.

In Ethiopia, undernutrition remains a significant public health concern throughout the year due to persistent household food insecurit. The intensifying conflict in the Dabat district, involving the Ethiopian government and the Tigray Liberation Front, has increased the threat of undernutrition among under-5 children. The cessation of humanitarian aid has worsened food insecurity, increasing the vulnerability of the children in the region. However,there was no data showing the prevalence and environmental pridictors of undernutrition in the Dabat district, northwestern Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of undernutrition and identify environmental pridictors in this study setting. This institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2023. A total of 400 under-5 children were included in this study using systematic random sampling techniques with a 100% response rate. The study included all under-5 children who visited healthcare facilities during the data collection period. However, it excluded children under-5 who had physical deformities, were critically ill, or had congenital abnormalities or known chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, or chronic heart diseases. Binary logistic regression was used to determine environmental predictors of undernutrition, with statistical significance at a P-value of ⩽.05. The overall prevalence of undernutrition was found to be 12% (95% CI: 8.72-21.5). Among those affected, 32.8% (95% CI: 21.5-39.8) were stunted, 37.9% (95% CI: 28.8-47.50) were underweight, and 29.3% (95% CI: 21.3-29.7) were wasted. The environmental predictors of undernutrition were latrine use, recent diarrhea episodes, mothers' occupation and place of residence, water treatment before consumption, water sources and storage, water extraction methods, and mothers' handwashing habits. The study found a higher prevalence of undernutrition among under-5 children compared to the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey. This study recommended raising awareness about establishing private toilets, promoting water treatment, proper latrine use, and handwashing practices. Training on personal hygiene and economic support for households should also be provided. Healthcare providers should offer quality health services for under-5 children. Further research is needed to explore specific nutrient deficiencies using laboratory methods.

Time management practice and associated factors among employees working in public health centers, Northwest Ethiopia: a mixed method study

BackgroundWhile progressing towards universal health coverage, poor time management in the healthcare system had significant effect on an individual such as imbalance, job dissatisfaction, and work ineffectiveness and finally poor productivity of the organization will be resulted. Information about time management practice in the healthcare system is limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess time management practice and associated factors among employees working in public health centers, Dabat District, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) study was conducted in Dabat District from May 27 to June 22, 2022. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 413 study subjects and for the qualitative data, six key informants were selected. Self-administered questionnaire was used for the quantitative study, and an interview guide was employed for the qualitative study. Epi-data version 4.6 and SPSS 26 software were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Open Code 4.6 software was used for qualitative data analysis. Variables with p-value of < 0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered as significant associated factors.ResultsA total of 396 employees participated in the study with a response rate of 95.8%. The result showed that overall, 54.8% (95% CI: 49.5–59.6) of health employees had practiced good time management. The likelihood of good time management was higher among those health workers who had planning experience (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.22–3.4), low procrastination habit (AOR = 1.65 95% CI: 1.04–2.65), satisfied with performance appraisal (AOR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.05–2.81), and satisfied with organizational policy and strategy (AOR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.6–4.3). The qualitative result also showed that the existing performance appraisal practices were not linked to rewards or sanction planning.ConclusionThe overall time management practice of public health center employees was low compared with prior studies. Organizational policies, prior planning experience, procrastination, and performance appraisal were all significantly associated factors with time management practice. Therefore, health center managers need to set an intervention to address all of the following factors to enhance employees’ time management skills at public health centers like evidence-based performance appraisals, sharing organizational policies, and engaging in capacity building activities such as training in time management and planning.

Magnitude of unmet need for family planning and associated factors among women in the extended postpartum period in Dabat district, Northwest Ethiopia. evidence from Dabat demographic health surveys

BackgroundDue to additional roles and emotional changes that occur during postpartum period, women use contraceptives differs from other times in their life. However, there is limited information about the unmet need for family planning (FP) among women in the extended postpartum period in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess magnitude of unmet need for family planning and associated factors among women in the extended postpartum period in Dabat district, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA secondary data analysis was performed using the Dabat Demographic and Health Survey 2021. A total sample of 634 women during the extended postpartum period was included in this study. Stata version 14 statistical software was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were described using frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Multicollinearity was tested using the variance inflation factor (VIF) and we computed Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine the association between independent variables and outcome variable. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value ≤ 0.05 with a corresponding 95% confidence interval.ResultsThe overall unmet need for FP during the extended postpartum women was 42.43% (95% CI: 38.62, 46.33), of which 33.44% was unmet need for spacing. Place of residence (AOR = 2.63, 95%CI: 1.61, 4.33), place of delivery (AOR = 2.09, 95%CI: 1.35, 3.24), and availability of radio and or TV (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22, 2.13) were significantly associated with unmet need for family planning.ConclusionThe magnitude of unmet need for family planning among women during the extended postpartum period in the study area was high when compared to the national average and the United Nations sphere standard of unmet need for family planning. Place of residence, place of delivery, and availability of radio and or TV were significantly associated with unmet need for family planning. Hence, the concerned bodies are recommended to promote intuitional delivery and give spatial attention to those who are residing in rural areas and to those who have had no media exposure in order to reduce the unmet need for family planning among postpartum women.

Factors affecting birth interval among mothers in Dabat district, Amhara Regional state, Northwest Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study, 2022

IntroductionBirth interval is the time period from live birth to a successive pregnancy or successive live birth which is the recommended to be at least 2 years or at least 33 months respectively. Both short and long birth intervals are associated with poor health outcomes for both mothers and babies. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to assess the length of birth intervals and its predictors among reproductive-age women in Dabat district.Methods: community-based cross-sectional survey conducted from December 10/2020 to January 10/2021. This study was done on 1262 multi para women. Five days training was given for the data collectors and supervisors. Bivariable and multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis were done. Those variables which had P-value less than 0.25 in the bi variable analysis were entered to multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and P-value less than 0.05 was used to determine significant determinants of birth interval. ResultThis study revealed that the magnitude of short and long birth interval was 30.59% and 22.82% respectively. Wealth status (poor: AOR = 0.72, CI: 0.53, 0.97), maternal education (Diploma and above: AOR = 2.79, CI: 1.18, 6.56), ANC follow up (having ante natal care: AOR = 2.15, CI: 1.72, 2.69), husband occupation (Employed: AOR = 1.77, CI: 1.03, 3.01) and history of abortion (abortion: AOR = 2.48, CI: 1.08, 5.66) were statistically significant factors. ConclusionHigher percentage of mothers have either short or long birth interval. Birth interval is affected by socio demographic characteristics of mothers and husbands.

Complete childhood vaccination and associated factors among children aged 12–23 months in Dabat demographic and health survey site, Ethiopia, 2022

IntroductionChildhood immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health strategies to prevent children’s mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases, but the Covid-19 pandemic and associated disruptions have strained health systems, and worldwide 25 million children missing out on vaccination in 2021. Of the 25 million, more than 60% of these children live in 10 countries including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess complete childhood vaccination coverage and associated factors in the Dabat district.MethodA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 10/2020 to January 10/2021Gregorian Calendar. The data for this study was extracted from information collected for the assessment of maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health and health services utilization in the Dabat demographic and health survey site. Vaccine-related data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to identify the presence and the direction of the association.ResultsBased on vaccination cards and mothers/caretakers’ recall 30.9% (95%CI: 27.9-34.1%) of children aged 12–23 months in the Dabat district were completely immunized. Urban residency [AOR 1.813, 95% CI: (1.143, 2.878)], delivered in the health facility [AOR = 5.925, 95% CI: (3.680, 9.540)], ANC follow-up during their pregnancy [AOR 2.023, 95% CI: (1.352, 3.027)], rich wealth index [AOR = 2.392, 95% CI: (1.296, 4.415)], and parity [AOR 2.737, 95% CI: (1.664, 4.500)] were significantly associated with complete child vaccination.Recommendation and conclusionComplete vaccination coverage among children aged 12–23 months in the Dabat district was lower than the Global vaccine plan and Ethiopian ministry of health goal in 2020. Therefore, Health care providers and other stakeholders should mobilize the community to improve mothers’ health-seeking behavior toward pregnancy follow-up and health facility delivery to improve childhood vaccination. Besides, expanding the service to remote areas are necessary to increase the immunization access.

The effect of land use type on selected soil physicochemical properties in Shihatig watershed, Dabat district, Northwest Ethiopia

Different land use practices have a substantial influence on soil quality. An inappropriate land use system in Ethiopia leads to extensive deforestation which aggravates the loss of soil fertility. Even though there are various studies conducted on the effect of land use type on soil physicochemical properties, it is inadequate in the northern highlands of Ethiopia, in particular in the Dabat district. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effect of land use type and soil depth on selected soil physicochemical properties in the Shihatig watershed, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 24 undisturbed core and disturbed composite soil samples were collected from the four land use types (natural forest, grazing, cultivated, and Eucalyptus lands) and two depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm) with three replications. The physicochemical properties of the soil were determined using standard operating procedures. The two-way analysis of variances was conducted using SAS software, Version 9.4. The result showed that the texture and soil organic carbon were affected by land use type, soil depth, and the interaction of the two factors; while bulk density, soil moisture content, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, and level of Mg2+ were significantly affected by both land use and soil depth, whereas pH and electrical conductivity were affected by only the land use type. The highest clay, pH, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+) were recorded in the natural forest land, while the lowest values of the same parameters were found under cultivated land. The mean values of most of the soil properties were low in the cultivated and Eucalyptus lands. Therefore, adopting sustainable cropping systems such as crop rotation and the addition of organic manure, and minimizing planting the Eucalyptus tree is vital to improve the existing soil quality and enhance crop productivity.

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.

Affirmative Action Policy in Bridging the Gender Gaps in Governmental Institutions of Ethiopia: Implementation, Successes and Challenges

This research addresses the knowledge gaps by examining i) the relationship between socio-demographic variables and the implementation status of affirmative action policy in bridging the gender gaps, ii) the successes of affirmative action policy, and iii) the challenges facing the implementation of affirmative action policy. To examine these objectives, this research draws on a sample of women (n= 113) from the Dabat district’s civil service sectors, using binary logistic regression, multiple linear regression, and the Chi-square test. The findings demonstrate that affirmative action policy did not close the gender wage, education, and administrative position discrepancies without the discrimination of demographic variables such as age, education, religion, and level of income. In contrast to other groups, unmarried women with diplomas and 5–10 years of work experience still encounter gender gaps due to high levels of discrimination. The implementation of affirmative action policy has also been unsuccessful in bringing psychological change in governmental institutions (97.3%, χ 2 = 75.4***, df = 1), which was higher than the predicted proportion of 40%. The effectiveness of affirmative action policies as a source of cognition, however, increased. Besides, affirmative action policy implementation in governmental institutions was also often hampered by a lack of follow-up training, the absence of a monitoring and evaluation process, and the lack of training for women and institution leaders. The findings of the current study have policy implications. They can help mitigate the difficulties of this policy in closing the gender gaps in governmental institutions by providing information for micro, meso, and macro-level intervention initiatives.

Determinants of incomplete childhood immunization among children aged 12-23 months in Dabat district, Northwest Ethiopia: Unmatched case- control study.

Despite the effort to increase access to routine immunization, majority of children in low-resource countries including Ethiopia are still either unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. In Ethiopia for the past four decades, the completion rate of routine childhood immunization remains low particularly in a rural area. In this study setting, evidence regarding the socio-economic, maternal continuum care, and caregiver characteristics effect on child immunization is limited. Hence, this study aimed to identify the determinants of incomplete vaccination among children aged 12-23 months in Dabat district, Northwest Ethiopia. A community-based unmatched case-control study design was employed among 132 cases and 262 controls. Multi-stage sampling method was used to recruit eligible study participants. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the determinants to children's incomplete vaccination. Caregivers' attitude towards vaccine (AOR: 6.1, 95% CI 3.4 to 11.1), knowledge on the schedule of vaccination (AOR: 4, 95% CI 2.2 to 7.1), Place of delivery (AOR: 2.7, 95% CI 1.3 to 5.5), and marital status (AOR: 2.36, 95% CI 1.22 to 4.56) were statistically significant association with incomplete childhood vaccination. Home delivery, caregivers' poor knowledge on the schedule of vaccination, caregivers' negative perception towards vaccine and unmarried marital status were predictors to incomplete vaccination. Therefore, to enhance full vaccination coverage, immunization health education program needs to address vaccine related safety enquiries in a meaningful method to caregivers, in order to improve the perception of caregivers towards vaccine. Moreover, improving maternal continuum care coverage is crucial.

Prevalence and associated factors of alcohol intake in the first trimester of pregnancy in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundNow a day, the consumption of alcohol among pregnant women is increasing from time to time, and it has become one of the increasingly serious public health and socio-economic problems. In addition, cause miscarriages, stillbirths, and a range of physical, behavioural, and intellectual disabilities for the baby that can last a lifetime. There is also limited evidence. Therefore, the objective of this study was to prevalence and associated factors of alcohol intake in the first trimester of pregnancy in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the magnitude of alcohol intake within the first three months of pregnancy at the Dabat Demographic and Health Survey Site. A census of pregnant women in Dabat demographic and health survey sites was employed. A total of 579 pregnant women were found and participated in this study. The Data were entered and analyzed using EPI INFO and STATA version 14, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors related to alcohol intake during the first trimester of pregnancy. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval was used to show the strength of the association, and P value < 0.05 was used to confirm the significance of the association.ResultsThe prevalence of alcohol intake in the first trimester of pregnancy was 58% (95%CI (54.1, 61.8)). Rural residence (AOR = 6.83, 95% CI, 2.55, 18.32), being married (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.14, 4), being a housewife occupation (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI, 1.54, 3.26) and having a history of stillbirth ((AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.14) were significantly associated with alcohol intake in the first trimester.ConclusionsThe prevalence of alcohol consumption in the first trimester of pregnancy was high in the study area. Pregnant women’s’ sociodemogrphic characteristics and history of stillbirth are associated with alcohol consumption. Therefore, increasing maternal awareness of the negative effects of alcohol consumption among mothers living in rural areas is important to modify higher rates of alcohol intake in the first trimester. Mothers with a history of stillbirth should pay attention.

Utilization of maternal waiting home and associated factors among women who gave birth in the last one year, Dabat district, Northwest Ethiopia.

Maternal mortality and adverse pregnancy outcomes are still challenges in developing countries. In Ethiopia, long distances and lack of transportation are the main geographic barriers for pregnant women to utilize a skilled birth attendant. To alleviate this problem, maternity waiting homes are a gateway for women to deliver at the health facilities, thereby helping towards the reduction of the alarming maternal mortality trend and negative pregnancy outcomes. However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the utilization of maternity waiting homes in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess utilization of maternity waiting home services and associated factors among mothers who gave birth in the last year in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 5 to February 30, 2019. A total of 402 eligible women were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, and interviewer-administered questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Data were entered into EPI info version 7.1.2 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted. Statistically significant associations between variables were determined based on the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval and p-value of ≤ 0.05. Maternity waiting home utilization by pregnant women was found to be 16.2% (95% CI: 13, 20). The mothers' age (26-30 years) (AOR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.08,0.69), primary level of education (AOR = 9.05; 95% CI: 3.83, 21.43), accepted length of stay in maternity waiting homes (AOR = 3.15; 95% CI: 1.54, 6.43), adequate knowledge of pregnancy danger signs (AOR = 7.88; 95% CI: 3.72,16.69), jointly decision on the mother's health (AOR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.08,7.05), and getting people for household activities (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.21, 5.52) had significant association with maternity waiting home utilization. In this study, maternity waiting home utilization was low. Thus, expanding a strategy to improve women's educational status, health education communication regarding danger signs of pregnancy, empowering women's decision-making power, and shortening the length of stay at maternity waiting homes may enhance maternity waiting home utilization.

Community cervical cancer screening: Barriers to successful home-based HPV self-sampling in Dabat district, North Gondar, Ethiopia. A qualitative study.

To explore the barriers to successful home-based human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling in North Gondar, Ethiopia. The study participants were women who had previously participated in a community-wide home-based HPV self-sampling pilot study, community health workers, women's development army leaders, and the sample collectors of the home-based HPV self-sampling pilot study. A community based qualitative descriptive study was conducted. We applied purposive and convenience sampling. In total, 47 women participated in the study (in-depth interviews n = 22, four focus group discussions n = 25, 6-7 participants each). The study employed thematic analysis for clustering the emerged themes. Husband disapproval was identified as the main barrier to the acceptance of home-based HPV self-sampling. Social influence, lack of knowledge about cervical cancer and screening, lack of health education on cervical cancer and HPV-based screening, feeling healthy, and religious influence were identified as additional barriers. Fear of using Evalyn brush® for self-sampling was found to be the main barrier to the provision of a quality sample. The inability of the sample collectors to check the proper utilization of Evalyn brush® and the difficulty in understanding the instructions did also contribute to the low-quality. Providing health education concerning cervical cancer and HPV self-sapling to women, male involvement in the screening program, and linking the screening service to existing local health facilities were suggested to guarantee the success of home-based HPV self-sampling. Educating women regarding cervical cancer and HPV testing, providing clear instructions on how to collect self-sample, and male involvement in the screening program are prerequisites for a successful implementation of home-based HPV testing. Women empowerment should also be focused to overcome the identified sociocultural barriers. Furthermore, the screening program should guarantee the timely provision of the test results and offering women follow-up examinations and treatment for abnormal findings.

Prevalence and determinants of incomplete or not at all vaccination among children aged 12–36 months in Dabat and Gondar districts, northwest of Ethiopia: findings from the primary health care project

ObjectiveEthiopia is one of the Africa’s signatory countries for implementation of the primary healthcare strategy including immunisation. In Ethiopia, however, 16% of child death is due to vaccine-preventable disease. Thus,...

High Hidden Burden of Diabetes Mellitus among Adults Aged 18 Years and Above in Urban Northwest Ethiopia

Background Ethiopia is one of the sub-Saharan African countries with a rapidly increasing burden of diabetes mellitus (DM). There is limited updated information about the community-based burden of the disease and its associated factors in Ethiopia which is very crucial to plan effective prevention and control measures against the disease. This study is aimed at determining the burden of DM and its associated factors in urban northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2019 among residents aged ≥ 18 years in Gondar town and urban kebeles (lowest administrative units of the country) of Health and Demographic Surveillance System site (HDSS) in Dabat district. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 773 participants. World Health Organization (WHO) stepwise approach for noncommunicable disease surveillance was used to collect the data. Fasting blood glucose (FBS) ≥ 126 mg/dl was used to diagnose DM. Descriptive statistics were done to describe the variables of the study. Prevalence with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated. Binary logistic regression model was fitted, variables with p value < 0.05 were considered to have a significant association with the outcome, and odds ratio (OR) was used to measure the strength of association. Result Of the total participants, 6.34% (95% CI; 4.82, 8.29) were found to be diabetic. Of these, 40 (81.6%) were newly diagnosed. Besides, the prevalence of prediabetes was 9.31% (95% CI: 7.45, 11.58). Increased age (AOR = 1.06, 95% CI; 1.04, 1.09) and eating vegetables one to three days per week (AOR =0.29, 95% CI; 0.13, 0.65) were significantly associated with diabetes. Conclusion The overall prevalence of DM is a bit higher than the national estimate, while the proportion of undiagnosed DM which can easily progress to disabling and life-threatening complications was alarmingly high. Age and frequency of eating vegetables per week were associated with diabetes. In light of this finding, future prevention and control measures against the diseases should consider the identified factors. There should also be improved access to screening services.

Seed Rates and Row Spacing on Yield and Yield Components of Linseed: The Case of Dabat District of North Western Ethiopia

Seed Rates and Row Spacing on Yield and Yield Components of Linseed: The Case of Dabat District of North Western Ethiopia

Magnitude of Child Food Insecurity, Its Association with Child Immunization and Huosehold wealth Status, and Coping Strategies In Dabat Demographic and Surveillance System North West Ethiopia.

Background The magnitude of food insecurity in Ethiopia ranges from 38.7% to 82.3% among the general population. Children under the age of five years were more prone to food insecurity and its serious consequences like anemia, low bone density, frequent episodes of common cold, stomachache, poor educational performance, and dental carries in developing countries like Ethiopia. However, there is no any research finding that documented the magnitude of child food insecurity, coping strategies, and associated factors in the study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was estimating the magnitude of child food insecurity, major coping strategies, and factors associated with child food insecurity in the study area. Methods A community-based cross-sectional survey has been conducted in Dabat demographic and health surveillance site among 7152 mothers/caretakers of children under the age of five years. Data were collected by experienced data collectors working for the demographic and health surveillance site, and the collected data were entered into EpiData template and then transported to Stata 14 software for data cleaning and analysis. The ordinal logistic regression model was fitted to identify predictors for child food insecurity. Results About 21.42% of children under the age of five years were food insecure in Dabat district of whom 57.8%, 38.6%, and 3.6% had experienced mild, moderate, and severe levels of child food insecurity, respectively. All most all 1391 (92%) of the mothers/caretakers of food insecure children had practiced food insecurity coping strategies. More than half (57%) of mothers/caretakers reduces the size of child meal as insecurity coping strategy. Child food insecurity was associated with household wealth status, parent's education status, and maternal and child health service utilization and child feeding practices. Conclusion A large segment of under-five children had experienced food insecurity in Dabat district, and the major coping strategy for child food insecurity was reducing meal size. Therefore, working on household wealth improvement and expansion of basic health services would improve child food security.

Cervical Cancer Screening Acceptance among Women in Dabat District, Northwest Ethiopia, 2017: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Cervical cancer is a global health problem. It is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, and it is the most frequent form and the leading cause of cancer mortality among Ethiopian women. Cervical cancer screening can reduce at least 50% of cervical cancer deaths. In Ethiopia, practice of cervical cancer screening is below 1%. Hence, this study aimed at assessing cervical cancer screening acceptance and determinant factors among women in Dabat district of Northwest Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Dabat district in Northwest Ethiopia, 2016. The multistage sampling method was used to recruit 790 women from the selected rural and urban kebeles. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression analysis method was employed to determine factors significantly associated with the acceptance of cervical cancer screening with a 95% CI at p value <0.05. Results The overall awareness of cervical cancer screening was 12.1% (95% CI: 9.6, 14.5), and 17.1% (95% CI 14.4, 19.8) of them accepted the screening. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, having knowledge about cervical cancer (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.7, 3.8), parity women who had more children (AOR = 3.1, 95% CI: 1.7, 5.5) and those who perceived the severity of the disease (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI (1.3–3.1)) were statistically significant factors for acceptance of cervical cancer screening. Conclusions Most of the women had poor awareness and acceptance of cervical cancer screening. The findings also revealed that women of multiparous, knowledge about cervical cancer, and perceived the disease as severe were shown to be significant factors of acceptance for cervical cancer screening. Hence, continuous health education and appropriate counseling to women should be performed.

Barriers and Enabling Factors Associated with the Implementation of Household Solar Water Disinfection: A Qualitative Study in Northwest Ethiopia.

Household water treatment including solar disinfection (SODIS) is recognized worldwide as an important intervention for prevention and control of diarrheal and other waterborne diseases. However, in Ethiopia's countryside, SODIS is not being practiced. Therefore, the objective of this qualitative study conducted in villages of Dabat district in northwest Ethiopia was to explore barriers to and enabling factors for consistent and wider implementation of SODIS. This phenomenological study design included four focus group discussions with 25 parents of children younger than 5 years and interviews with four key informants to elicit their experiences and opinions. ATLAS.ti 8.0 software (GmbH, Berlin, Germany) was used for data organization, and the content was analyzed thematically. Enabling factors were categorized into four themes, such as supportive values for SODIS (positive attitude, advantage of SODIS, and cultural acceptance of SODIS), consistent use of SODIS (community's interest, health education, availability of bright sunlight, and simplicity of the method), participation of family and community in daily implementation of the SODIS process (controlling theft of bottles and recognizing the importance of SODIS technology), and willingness to pay for new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. On the other hand, barriers were grouped into three themes such as sociocultural (poor knowledge, hesitation to leave SODIS bottles unguarded outdoor, less attention, and unplanned social events), environmental (cloud, shadow over SODIS bottles, turbidity and leeches in source water, and geographical settings), and behavioral (mishandling of SODIS bottles and drinking water). The analysis of the data revealed that all the participants had positive attitude toward the implementation of SODIS, and it was culturally accepted. They identified the barriers to and enabling factors for the implementation of SODIS. Promoting enabling factors and mitigating barriers are substantially important for consistent implementation of SODIS as a long-term interventional measure widely in rural Ethiopia for the achievement of the goal of safe drinking water for all.

Effects of seed rates and row spacing on yield and yield components of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L) at Dabat district of North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

The area coverage and productivity of linseed decreased from time to time; even there is no crop package and recommended row spacing and seed rate at regional level due to lack of attention by researchers and also by farmers. In Ethiopia, linseed has been cultivated for two primary purposes, seed and oil use. Its production in Ethiopia country is characterized by low input, low yield and poor product quality mainly due to attitude and poor management practices such as lack of proper weed management system, poor seed and field hygiene, poor seed bed preparation, inadequate plant nutrition, inappropriate seeding rate and spacing (mostly broad casting), improper threshing ground and improper cleaning. Field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of seed rate and row spacing on the yield and yield components of linseed, during 2017/2018 cropping season at Dabat district, North Western Ethiopia. KULUMSA1 (CHILALO) was used as test crop. Factorial combinations of three row spacing, (20, 25, and 30 cm) and three seed rates, (40, 45 and 50kgs) were laid out in RCBD with three replications. Data regarding different parameters were recorded from days to sowing up to different stages. Statistical analysis of data showed that most of the parameters were affected by the main effects of Seed Rates and Row spacing. The main effect of seed rate was highly significant for days maturity, thousand seed weight and harvest index of linseed. More over it was significant for days to flower and number of capsule per plant, but it was not significant to plant height and bio mass yield. The main effect of row spacing was significant for days to maturity. The interaction of seed rate and row spacing was highly significance (p&lt;0.05) for number of primarily branch per plant and seed yield. It was not significant on number of seeds per capsule, number of capsule per plant and thousand seed weight. The main finding of this research is highest seed yield (1771 kg ha-1 ) was obtained at 40kg ha-1 x 25 cm of row spacing while the lowest seed yield (752kg ha-1) was recorded at 50 kg ha-1 x 30 cm. 40kg ha-1 and 25cm is recommended to increase yield of linseed and its components. In conclusion the effect of seed rate and row spacing affects the important yield components of linseed.