Facility-based Cross-sectional Study Research Articles

Knowledge, practice, and associated factors towards postoperative wound care among nurses working in public hospitals in Ethiopia: A multicenter cross-sectional study in low resource setting area.

Background and AimPostoperative wound care is irrigating the surgical wound with normal saline solution and applying sterile gauze or bandage. Even though challenges related to postoperative wound care and its complications are high, information related to the knowledge and practice of nurses on postoperative wound care are minimal. Therefore, this study aimed to find levels of knowledge and practices of nurses on postoperative wound care management and contributing factors among nurses working at public hospitals of West Showa, Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2020.MethodA facility‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted among 465 Nurses working in public hospitals in West Showa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, from June 15 to July 10, 2020. Data were collected using a self‐administered structured questionnaire that was adapted from previous studies. Descriptive statistics were performed and results were presented using tables and graphs. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was undertaken, and variables with p < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered statistically significant.ResultOnly 44.3% (95% CI = 39.5%, 48.9%) and 48.0% (95% CI = 43.4%, 52.4%) of nurses have good knowledge and practice in postoperative wound care, respectively. Male nurses (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.90 (1.25–2.89), working in gynecology ward (AOR = 0.42 [0.18–0.95]), experience of ≥2 years in surgical units (AOR = 2.97 [1.10–8.02]), working in secondary hospital (AOR = 1.94 [1.16–3.26]), and working in tertiary hospital (AOR = 3.31 [1.81–6.08]) were significantly associated with the knowledge of nurses. An adequate supply of personal protective equipment (AOR = 3.38 [1.29–8.84]), using infection prevention guidelines (AOR = 5.03 [2.16–11.7]) and the presence of an adequate wound care materials (AOR = 3.67 [1.71–7.88]) were significantly associated with the practice of nurses.ConclusionLess than half of nurses had good knowledge and practice in postoperative wound care and several factors contribute to its improvement. Upgrading the nurse's knowledge and practice towards postoperative wound care is essential in preventing postoperative wound infection.

Practicing Level and Determinants of Safe Cord Care and Skin-To-Skin Contact Among Post-partum Women in Public Hospitals of Eastern Ethiopia

BackgroundEven though practicing levels of safe cord care and skin-to-skin contact among post-partum women are critical to reducing neonatal deaths, limited data revealed the low practice. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the level of practice and determinants of safe cord care and skin-to-skin contact among post-partum women in public hospitals of Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the public hospitals of Harari reginal state, eastern Ethiopia. A random sample of 820 post-partum women was included in the study. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data through a face-to-face interview. STATA version 14 was used for data analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to determine the association between independent and outcome variables.ResultsThe practicing level of safe cord care was 71.7% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 64.5, 81.7). While the practicing level of Skin-To-Skin contact was 53.2% (95% CI: 43.6, 58.8). Being in age of 20–29 [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.24, 6.96], attending tertiary education [AOR = 1.83, 95% CI (1.08, 3.13)], and having good knowledge about safe cord care [AOR = 11.3, 95% CI: (7.49, 17.18)] were determinants of safe cord care practice. While mothers aged 20–29, 30–39, and above 40 [(AOR = 11.17, 95% CI: 4.71, 26.5; AOR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.77, 9.55, and AOR = 14.3, 95% CI: 7.2, 28.6), respectively], Being married [AOR = 3.70, 95% CI (1.58, 8.70)], being a merchant and self-employed ([AOR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.34,0.87] and [AOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.86], respectively), having good knowledge about SSC [AOR = 2.11, 95% CI: (1.53, 2.92)], giving birth at gestational age of 37–42 weeks [AOR = 1.82, 95% CI (1.31, 2.5)], and multigravidity (AOR = 2.83, 95% CI (1.90,4.21) were significantly associated with skin to skin contact.ConclusionsThe practicing level of safe cord care and skin-to-skin contact was high. In this study, the age of mothers, educational status, and knowledge of post-partum women on safe cord care were determinants of a safe cord care practice. While the age of mothers, marital status, occupational status, knowledge of mother, and gestational age at birth were significantly associated with skin-to-skin contact practice. Safe cord care should be strengthened and intensified to reduce neonatal mortality due to avoidable umbilical cord infections. Furthermore, skin-to-skin contact practice should be strengthened to enhance the survival of at-risk neonates.

Psychometric properties of screening questionnaires to detect depression in primary healthcare setting in rural Ethiopia

BackgroundMuch of the research about the validity of depression screening questionnaires is on criterion validity. Evidence is scarce on the concurrent, convergent and construct validity of these measures, particularly from low-income countries. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of depression screening questionnaires in primary healthcare (PHC) in rural Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 587 participants recruited from patients attending three PHC facilities and two ‘Holy water sites’ (places where religious treatment is being provided). The psychometric properties of five mental health screening questionnaires were evaluated: the nine item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the two item version of PHQ-9 (PHQ-2), a version of PHQ-9 with two added items of irritability and noise intolerance (PHQ-11), the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and the World Health Organization-Five Well-being Index (WHO-5). Clinical diagnosis of depression was ascertained by psychiatrists. We analyzed data using exploratory factor analysis, Spearman’s rank order correlation coefficient (Rho), the Mann Whitney test of the equality of medians, univariate logistic regression and Cronbach’s alpha.ResultsPHQ-9, PHQ-11 and WHO-5 were found to be unidimensional, with items in each scale highly loading onto one factor (factor loadings ranging from 0.64 to 0.87). The items of each instrument were internally consistent, with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.72 (PHQ-2) to 0.89 (PHQ-11). Scores for all screening scales were moderately or highly correlated with each other (Rho = 0.58 to 0.98) and moderately correlated with anxiety and disability scores. Median scores of all screening scales were significantly higher in those diagnosed with depression. The association of items measuring emotional and cognitive symptoms with the diagnosis of depression was stronger than the association with items measuring somatic symptoms. Irritability and noise intolerance had higher association with depression diagnosis than PHQ-9 items.ConclusionEmotional and cognitive symptoms are more useful than somatic symptoms to predict the diagnosis of depression in the PHC context in Ethiopia. Future research should focus on testing the unidimensionality of PHQ-9, PHQ-11 and WHO-5 using confirmatory factor analysis; establishing the criterion validity of PHQ-11 and WHO-5; and on assessing test-retest reliability of all the measures.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Factors associated with decision-making power on family planning utilization among HIV-positive women attending public health facilities in Eastern Ethiopia

BackgroundFamily planning for HIV-positive women has numerous advantages. However, the need of family planning utilization is challenged by women’s nonautonomous decision-making power. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the level and associated factors of decision-making power to utilize family planning among HIV-positive married women.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2020 among 363 HIV-positive married women on ART, using systematic random sampling technique. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables that affect women’s decision-making power on family planning utilization. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05 with 95% confidence interval and strength of association was reported by adjusted odds ratio.ResultsOverall 55.2% (95% CI: 49.9–60.5) of the women had decision-making power on family planning utilization. Women’s having good knowledge (AOR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.52–5.40), favorable attitude (AOR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.13–3.38), women’s getting family planning counseling in ART clinics (AOR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.16–3.59), women who get integration service of FP and ART (AOR: 1.83, 95% CI:1.07–3.12) were factors independently associated with women decision-making power on family planning utilization.ConclusionDecision-making power to utilize family planning among married HIV-positive women was low. Factors like poor knowledge about family planning, dissatisfaction with family planning service, not getting counseling about family planning in ART clinics, and not receiving family planning service in ART clinics were independently associated with women's decision-making power on family planning. Infrastructure linked with the health facility, knowledge, and attitudinal factors should all be combined in future family planning programs.

Intention to Use and Predictors of Use of Maternity Waiting Home among Pregnant Women in Hargeisa City Health Centers, Somaliland.

BackgroundMaternity waiting homes (MWHs) can help women receive the necessary obstetric care and referral if needed. However, there is a lack of evidence on whether women have the desire to stay away from their homes and the sociocultural predictors of their decision in Somaliland.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to measure predictors of the intention of women to stay in MWHs using the theory of planned behavior in Hargeisa city, Somaliland.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from in April 2021 in Hargeisa health facilities among 422 randomly selected participants using an interviewer-administered and structured questionnaire. Data were transferred to Epi Data 4.6 and exported to SPSS 20 for further analysis. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used. ORs with 95% CIs were used to assess associations, and statistical significance was set at P<0.05.ResultsA total of 245 (58%, 95% CI 53.1%–62.8%) pregnant women intended to use an MWH. Multivariate analysis revealed that education (AOR 5.40, 95% CI 3.01–9.69), experience of using an MWH (AOR 3.80, 95% CI 2.32–6.27), multigravidity (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.16–4.29), subjective norms (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.05–3.11), indirect attitudes toward use of MWHs (AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.01–3.92), and indirect subjective norms (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.16–3.60) were significantly associated with intention to use an MWH.ConclusionUsing an MWH is not the preference of many women. Personal characteristics, such as education, multigravidity, and perceived social pressure are important predictors of intention to use MWHs. It is important to raise the awareness of women and the community about the benefits of using MWHs in the early management of obstetric complications.

Pre-hospital exposures to antibiotics among children presenting with fever in northern Uganda: a facility-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe rise in the indiscriminate use of antibiotics has become a major global public health problem and presents the biggest global health challenge in the twenty-first century. In developing countries, caregivers initiate treatment with antibiotics at home before presentation to a health facility. However, there is a paucity of evolving data towards surveillance of this trend in low-income countries. We investigated antibiotic use among febrile children presenting to a tertiary health facility in northern Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in a tertiary health facility in northern Uganda between March and September 2021. Children aged 6–59 months with fever were selected using systematic random sampling. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used the collect clinical data from the caregivers. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression models were applied. P-value < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance.ResultsEighty-three (39.5%) of the 210 children with fever in this study used antibiotics prior to the hospital visit, 55.4% of which were on a self-medication basis, while 44.6% were empiric prescriptions. The most commonly used antibiotics were amoxicillin 33/83 (39.8%), erythromycin 18 (21.7%), metronidazole 14 (16.9%), ciprofloxacin 13 (15.7%) and ampicillin 6 (7.2%). The main sources of the antibiotics included buying from drug shops 30/83 (36.1%), issuance from clinics (33.7%), remnants at home (12.0%), picking from a neighbour (7.2%) and others (10.8%). The factors associated with antibiotic use among the febrile children were residence (p < 0.001); distance from the nearest health facility (p = 0.005); caregivers’ gender (p = 0.043); cough (p = 0.012); diarrhoea (p = 0.007); duration of fever (p = 0.002); perceived convulsion complicating fever (p = 0.026), and caregivers’ perception that fever (p = 0.001), cough (p = 0.003), diarrhoea (p < 0.001) and any infection (p < 0.001) are indications for antibiotics.ConclusionsInappropriate use of antibiotics for childhood febrile illnesses is prevalent in the study setting, facilitated by the ease of access and use of leftover antibiotics. There is a need to address communities’ health-seeking behaviour and the health providers’ practice alike.

Magnitude of dual contraceptive method utilization and the associated factors among women on antiretroviral treatment in Wolaita zone, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundExpanding the contraceptive options based on desires of families and personal context is critical to address the needs of users. For instance, dual contraceptive methods were recommended for people with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients to prevent HIV transmission, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancies. Disclosure is one of the strategies to reduce the stigma related to HIV and use of contraception clandestinely. However, there is a dearth of evidence regarding the magnitude of and the factors affecting dual contraceptive method utilization among sexually active women on antiretroviral treatment (ART).There is limited evidence regarding the association between disclosure to community and dual contraceptive utilization. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the magnitude of dual contraceptive utilization and its associated factors among ART patients in this study area. Objectivethe primary objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of the dual contraceptive use. MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from a total of 556 respondents by using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were entered in EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was applied to determine the magnitude of dual contraceptive utilization and the factors associated with it. Variables with p-value<0.25 were considered as candidate for multivariable logistic regression. In multivariate logistic regression, variables with a p-value < 0.05 were reported to be statistically significant. ResultThe magnitude of dual contraceptive utilization was 28.6% (95%CI: 24.8, 32.4). HIV sero-status disclosure to community (AOR:7.1 (95%CI: 4.8,10.2)), disclosure to sexual partners (AOR:3.1 (95%CI:1.2,7.8)), sexual activity (AOR: 4.7 (95%CI: 2.5, 10.0)), fertility desire (AOR:4.3 (95%CI:2.4,7.5)), history of STI (AOR: 3.2 (95%CI: 1.6, 6.6)), partners’ sero-HIV status (AOR:3.7 (95%CI:1.7,8.1)), and discussion with sexual partners about dual contraceptive methods (AOR:5.8 (95%CI:2.2,8.5)) were significantly associated with dual contraceptive utilization. ConclusionThis study found that a substantial number of mothers did not use dual contraceptive methods. Disclosure to community increases the use of dual contraceptive methods. Integrating the family planning with STI and ART care, strengthening the partner involvement during posttest counseling is recommended to increase the uptake of dual contraceptive methods utilization. Moreover, encouraging PLWHIV to disclose their HIV status to the community should be advocated.

Magnitude of Anemia and Its Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital in Eastern Ethiopia.

BackgroundAnemia is a significant public health issue, accounting for 20–40% of maternal deaths. Despite the government's commitment and the interventions of various stakeholders, the magnitude and major risk factors of anemia remain unabated. Though there are few documented studies on anemia among pregnant women in eastern Ethiopia in general, in the study area in particular, some of the variables such as helminthics and history of caesarian section in relation to anemia need to be studied. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the magnitude of anemia and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in University Hospital in eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 456 clients who were attending antenatal care in Hiwot Fana specialized university hospital from 01 to 30 June 2021. Systematic sampling was used to select the study participants. A pretested and structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and sample collection were used to collect the data. The data were coded, double-entered to Epi data version 3.1, cleaned, and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to present frequency distributions. Variables with p-value < 0.25 during bivariate analysis were entered into the multivariate logistic regression models to control for all possible confounders to identify the factors associated with a magnitude of anemia. Odds ratio along with 95% CI were estimated to measure the strength of the association. The level of statistical significance was declared at a p-value of < 0.05.ResultA total of 456 participants were interviewed, with a response rate of 96.9%. The magnitude of anemia among pregnant women was 112 [(25.3%) 95%CI: (21.5–29.2%)], of which, 27 (6.10%), 36 (8.13%), and 49 (11.08%) had mild, moderate, and severe anemia, respectively. Birth interval < 2 years [AOR: 3.24, (95% CI: (1.88, 4.32)], number of children ≥2 [AOR: 2.54, (95% CI: (1.12, 4.64)], monthly income < 1,000 birr [AOR: 2.89, (95% CI: (1.31, 5.58)], third trimester pregnancy [AOR: 2.89, (95% CI: 4.86, 12.62)], and abnormal menstrual history [AOR: 2.28, (95% CI: (1.69, 5.24)] were the factors significantly associated with anemia.ConclusionAnemia among pregnant women was relatively high compared to previous studies. Birth intervals, number of children, history of menstrual disorder, monthly income, and trimester of pregnancy were all significantly associated with anemia in pregnant women.

Risk factors associated with depression among HIV positive women at Mama Lucy Kibaki hospital in Nairobi County, Kenya

Background: Globally, 280 million people are estimated to have depression. Depression has been associated with negative treatment outcomes and reduced quality of life. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of depression among HIV-positive women at Mama Lucy Kibaki hospital in Kenya.Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional analytical study design that employed a mixed-method approach. The study employed systematic random sampling to select 183 HIV-positive women. The patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to screen for depression. Data analysis used statistical package for social sciences. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to test and measure association.Results: The prevalence of possible depression was 35.6%. Depression was significantly associated with food insecurity (AOR=8.186, C.I=2.950-22.718), low income (AOR=3.766, CI=1.088-13.030), physical exercise (AOR=64, CI=0.039-0.627), maladaptive coping style (AOR=9.585, CI=3.100-29.634), stressful life event (AOR=47, CI=0.005-0.088), intimate partner violence (AOR=36, CI=0.086-0.857), opportunistic infections (AOR=5.8, CI=0.081-0.366) and side effects of antiretroviral (AOR=7.6, CI=0.029-0.601). Themes from qualitative findings were; low socioeconomic status, stigma and opportunistic infectionsConclusions: The study revealed a high prevalence of depression but they were more likely to be depressed if they were food insecure, had low income, adopted maladaptive coping styles, experienced a stressful event, intimate partner violence, had opportunistic infections and experienced side effects of antiretroviral. Future mental health interventions should focus on these factors in the prevention and management of depression among HIV-positive women.

Neonatal mortality and associated factors among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit at public hospitals of Somali Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia: A multicenter retrospective analysis.

Neonatal mortality remains a public health problem in the developing world. Globally, around 2.5 million neonatal deaths are reported annually with the highest mortality concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. In comparison with countries demonstrating the lowest neonatal mortality, the risk of mortality is over 30 times higher in sub-Saharan Africa. Ethiopia is among the countries with a high neonatal mortality rate, and the burden of this mortality remains unreported in many pastoralist areas such as Somali Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia. We aimed to investigate factors associated with neonatal mortality in public Hospitals of the Somali Regional State in Eastern Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1st to 30th, 2020 in three public Hospitals of Somali Regional State in Eastern Ethiopia. A total of 510 neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units from January 2018 to December 2019 were enrolled in the study. The charts of neonates were randomly selected and retrieved. Data were collected using a pretested and validated structured questionnaire. The collected were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 22 (IBM SPSS Statistics, 2013) for further analysis. Descriptive statistics were carried out using frequency tables, proportions, and summary measures. Predictors were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis model and reported using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Statistical significance was considered at a p-value <0.05. Overall, the neonatal mortality was 18.6% [95%CI (15.31, 22.30)], equating to a rate of 186 per 1000 live births. The most common causes of mortality were prematurity (44.6%), low birth weight (33.5%), and birth asphyxia (27.6%). In the final model of multivariable analysis, predictors such as: lack of antenatal care follow-up[AOR = 3.71, 95%CI (2.13, 6.44)], neonatal sepsis [AOR = 1.84, 95%CI (1.07, 3.19], preterm birth [AOR = 2.20, 95%CI (1.02, 4.29], and birth asphyxia [AOR = 2.40, 95%CI(1.26,4.43)], and birth weight of less than 2500gms[AOR = 3.40, 95%CI(1.92, 6.01)] were statistically associated with neonatal mortality. In this study, the neonatal mortality rate was high compared to national and global targets because one in five neonates dies due to preventable causes. Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors were identified as predictors. This result calls for all stakeholders to provide due attention to low birth weight and premature babies. Early identification and management of birth asphyxia and neonatal sepsis are also very crucial to reduce the risks of neonatal deaths.

Depressive symptoms and associated factor among public school teachers in Jimma town, Southwest, Ethiopia 2020: a multi-disciplinary, cross-sectional study

BackgroundDepression is a common mental disorder and the leading cause of disability globally. Depression has a significant impact on the quality of life, cognition, emotion, and daily functioning and leads individuals to 39% of suicide globally. Previous studies reported that the magnitude of depression is higher among teachers than in the general population. However, little is known in the case of Ethiopia. Therefore this study aimed to assess the magnitude of depressive symptoms and associated factors among public school teachers in Jimma town.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study using was conducted a multistage random sampling technique. Depressive symptoms were assessed by using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress 21 items scale. The data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using STATA V 14.2. Variables with p < 0.25 in the bi-variable logistic regression analysis were entered into a multivariable binary logistic regression to identify predictors. A statistically significant association was declared at a p-value < 0.05.ResultThe prevalence of depressive symptoms in this study was found to be 44.7% (95% CI: 40–49.3). Moderate and severe level of occupational stress (AOR; 2.63 CI; 1.32, 5.28 and AOR; 4.15 CI; 1.83, 9.45) respectively, having stress, (AOR; 2.40 CI; 1.48, 3.90), having Anxiety symptoms (AOR; 4.43 CI; 2.79, 7.06) and consumption of alcohol (AOR; 2.21 CI; 1.11, 4.37) were identified as a significant predictor for depressive symptoms.Conclusion and recommendationThe study revealed that there is a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among participants. Moderate and severe levels of occupational stress, having stress, having anxiety, and consumption of alcohol were factors that are significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Therefore, giving awareness and routine screening of depressive symptoms among teachers is crucial in early detection and management.

UTILIZATION OF HEALTH MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN HEALTH INSTITUTIONS OF KEMBATA TEMBARO ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Background: Health Management Information System (HMIS) is one of the six building blocks of a health system designed to provide important data for continuous quality improvement at all levels of health care administration. It is a major source of information for monitoring and adjusting policy implementation and resources use. Some studies have been conducted in health data collection and ways to improve data quality, but little is known about utilization of HMIS in health services organization. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the utilization of HMIS and associated factors in the study area.&#x0D; Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study conducted in public health institutions of Kembata Tembaro zone from March 1 to March 30, 2018. The sample size was calculated using single population proportion formula,and a total of 317 heads of units/departments of district health offices and health facilities were included. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, observational check-lists and interview guide by trained data collectors. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed using Enter method to identify factors independently associated with dependent variable. Statistical significant variables were declared at P-value less than 0.05 and Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were used for data interpretation.&#x0D; Result: In this study, overall data utilization was 131(41.59%) with 95% CI of 38.9-46.1%. The data utilization was found to be 98(38.73%) and 33(53.23%) in the health facilities and health administrative units respectively. Training for HMIS [AOR (95% CI)=3.06(2.15-6.75)], availability of procedure manuals [AOR (95% CI)=3.67(1.78-9.01)], and Supportive supervision[AOR (95% CI)=5.30(3.05-11.53)] were found to be significant with HMIS utilization.&#x0D; Conclusion: Utilization of HMIS in public health institution was lower compared to previous studies. HMIS training, supportive supervision and availability of procedure manuals were positively associated with utilization of HMIS. Health facilities and offices should avail HMIS manuals and capacity building of health workers through training and supportive supervision was recommended.&#x0D; &#x0D; Peer Review History: &#x0D; Received: 7 March 2022; Revised: 11 April; Accepted: 27 April, Available online: 15 May 2022&#x0D; Academic Editor: Dr. Marwa A. A. Fayed, University of Sadat City, Egypt, maafayed@gmail.com&#x0D; UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. &#x0D; Received file: Reviewer's Comments:&#x0D; Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10&#x0D; Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10&#x0D; Reviewers:&#x0D; Dr. Awofisayo, O Abosede, University of Uyo, Nigeria, shalomgirl08@yahoo.com&#x0D; Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com&#x0D; Similar Articles: &#x0D; INVESTIGATING THE OBSTACLES OF IMPLEMENTING HEALTH INFORMATION SYSTEMS FROM VIEWPOINT OF PERSONNEL OF MEHRIZ HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN 2017

Late initiation of antenatal care and associated factors among pregnant women in Jimma Zone Public Hospitals, Southwest Ethiopia, 2020

BackgroundLate antenatal care initiation is linked to a higher risk of maternal death. Women who do not start ANC at an early stage may experience the effects of pregnancy-related health difficulties, as well as long-term health issues and pregnancy complications. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the prevalence of late initiation of antenatal care and associated factors among pregnant women in Jimma Zone public Hospitals.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed in Jimma zone public hospitals from February 1 up to 30 March 2020 and 409 pregnant women were participated in the study by using a systematic random sampling method. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data that contain socio demographic variables, socio cultural variables, pregnancy related factors and predisposing factor related variables. The data was entered into EPI data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for statistical analysis. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed by using 95%CI and significance was declared at P < 0.05.ResultForty-eight percent of pregnant women were initiated their first ANC late. Primary education (AOR = 0.242; 95% CI, 0.071–0.828) and college diploma and above was (AOR = 0.142; 95% CI, 0.040- 0.511), mothers with an unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 11.290; 95%CI, 4.109–31.023), time taken to arrive the health facility greater than sixty (60) minutes (AOR = 8.285; 95% CI, 2.794–24.564) and inadequate knowledge about ANC service (AOR = 4.181; 95%CI, 1.693–10.348) were associated with late first Antenatal care initiating.ConclusionThe prevalence of late initiation of ANC still remains a major public health concern in the study area. Level of education, unplanned pregnancy, distance from house to health facility, and lack of understanding about ANC services were all found to be significant variables in late ANC starting. As a result, healthcare workers can provide ongoing health education on the need of starting antenatal care visits early to avoid unfavorable pregnancy outcomes by considering all identified factors.

Unmet need for contraception and associated factors among women with cardiovascular disease having follow-up at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundUnmet need for contraception refers to the proportion of women who want to postpone or stop childbearing but are not using a contraceptive method. Addressing unmet need is especially important for women with medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). Preventing unintended pregnancy is crucial to improve pregnancy outcomes and minimize complications of CVD during pregnancy. However, unmet need for contraceptives continues to undermine the potential benefits of contraceptive use. This research aimed to determine the rate of unmet need for contraceptives and associated factors among women with cardiovascular disease having follow-up at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 1 to May 31/2020. A total of 284 reproductive age women with cardiovascular disease having follow-up at the cardiac clinic of SPHMMC were enrolled consecutively until the desired sample size was reached. Data was collected through an exit interview using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable methods were used to analyze the level of unmet need and its associated factors.ResultsThe overall unmet need for contraception was 36.0% (95% CI: 30.4–41.5). The majority of the respondents lack counseling on contraception use. The most common reasons for non-use of a contraceptive method were fear of drug side effects and drug interaction. Unmet need for contraception was found to be more likely among those who have not been counseled on contraceptive utilization (AOR 6.7, CI 1.8–24.7) and those who lack partner support on contraception use (AOR = 6.2, CI: 1.91–19.8). Unmet need was also found to be more likely among women who have never used contraception before (AOR = 3.2, CI 1.12–8.92).ConclusionUnmet need for contraception was high in this high-risk population group. The cardiac follow-up clinic should implement client-centered counseling by a multidisciplinary team to address the needs of women and prevent consequences of unintended pregnancy. Furthermore, there is a need to initiate interventions that encourage communication between couples and increase male partner involvement through a renewed focus on couples counseling.

Awareness regarding presbyopia among the patients presenting to eye OPD at Tertiary care center

The study was conducted to assess the awareness of presbyopia among the patients presenting to Eye OPD at Tertiary Care Center. This was a facility based cross sectional study conducted for a period of 1 month on patients belonging to age greater than 35 years presenting to Department of Ophthalmology. Detailed ophthalmic examination including visual acuity, BCVA, refraction, slit lamp examination and Fundus examination was done and findings were noted. About 74.1% participants in present study never heard of near vision loss. Most common reason for not using glasses for near vision was lack of felt need and image distortion. Most common problem faced by males was reading newspaper (78.6%) whereas that among females was threading needle (69.2%). Difficulty in reading newspaper and threading needle were significantly higher in urban residents as compared to rural population. Awareness regarding presbyopia in present study was found to be above average; however awareness regarding cause of presbyopia was poor. Presbyopia affect activities of daily living and most of the participants avoid wearing glasses because of poor quality glasses and difficulty in maintaining spectacles while working.

Access to maternal health services during COVID-19 pandemic, re-examining the three delays among pregnant women in Ilubabor zone, southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundAll women require access to high-quality care during pregnancy, labor, and after childbirth. The occurrence of delay at any stage is one of the major causes of maternal mortality. There is, however, a scarcity of data on women’s access to maternal health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess the magnitude of delays in maternal health service utilization and its associated factors among pregnant women in the Ilubabor zone during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 pregnant women selected by systematic random sampling. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Descriptive and summary statistics were used to describe the study population. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the outcome variables. Adjusted odds ratio with respective 95% CI was used to report significant covariates.ResultsA total of 402 pregnant women participated in this study. The median age of the respondents was 25 years (IQR = 8). On average, a woman stays 1.76 hours (SD = 1.2) to make a decision to seek care. The prevalence of first, second and third delay were 51%, 48%, and 33.3%, respectively. Being unmarried [AOR (95% CI)], [0.145 (0.046–0.452)], being unemployed [AOR (95% CI)], [4.824 (1.685–13.814)], age [AOR (95% CI)], [0.227 (0.089–0.0579)], fear of COVID-19 [AOR (95% CI)], [1.112 (1.036–1.193)], urban residence [AOR (95% CI)], [0.517 (0.295–0.909)], and lack of birth preparedness [AOR (95% CI)], [6.526 (1.954–21.789)] were significantly associated with first delay. Being unmarried [AOR (95% CI)], [5.984 (2.930–12.223)], being unemployed [AOR (95% CI)], [26.978 (3.477–209.308)], and age [AOR (95% CI)], [0.438 (0.226–0.848)] were significantly associated with second delay. Having lengthy admission [AOR (95% CI)], [7.5 (4.053–13.878)] and non-spontaneous vaginal delivery [AOR (95% CI)], [1.471 (1.018–1.999)] were significantly associated with third delay.ConclusionThis study identified a significant proportion of mothers experiencing delays, although there were no data to suggest exacerbated delays in utilizing maternal health services due to fear of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of maternal delay varies with different factors. Improving the decision-making capacity of women is, therefore, essential.

High Prevalence of Morphological Abnormality on Peripheral Blood Cells Among Patients in Public Hospitals, Southern Ethiopia

Introduction: Morphologically abnormal blood cells in peripheral blood of a person reflect underlying pathological condition affecting formation, function, and lifespan of these cells. A properly identified morphological defect in peripheral blood cells is important to manage anemia, leukemia and other disorders of blood. This study aimed to assess magnitude and severity of morphological abnormality in blood cells of patients with abnormal complete blood count in public hospitals found in southern Ethiopia. Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 01 to March 31, 2019 among five public hospitals in Southern Ethiopia. Peripheral blood sample and socio-demographic data were collected from 423 patients with abnormal complete blood count. Thin blood smear was prepared by Wedge method, stained with Wright’s Stain, and examined under microscope by 1000X magnification to detect and characterize abnormality in blood cells’ morphology. Descriptive statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0, and results are presented in tables and figures. Result: Prevalence of blood cell morphological abnormality was 63.8%. From this, 21.8% is marked and 78.2% is moderate abnormality. In 41.9% of the affected patients, the defect involved at least two blood cell types mainly affecting red blood cells. Females (73.8%), children (70.1%) and elderly (82.1%) carried higher prevalence of the abnormality. Conclusion: High prevalence of abnormality in PBS morphology was observed, chiefly among female, children and elderly. Stakeholders should work to alleviate the high prevalence, with particular attention to women, children and old-age people.

Obstetrics care providers attitude and utilization of non-pharmacological labor pain management in Harari regional state health facilities, Ethiopia

BackgroundIn a woman’s life, labor pain is the most severe pain that they have ever faced. In Ethiopia, the provision of pain relief in labor is often neglected. Furthermore, evidence strongly urged that further research is needed on non-pharmacological labor pain management. Therefore, obstetrics care providers’ attitudes and utilization of non-pharmacological labor pain management need to be assessed.MethodA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 20 to June 10, 2021, in Harari regional state health facilities, Ethiopia. All obstetric caregivers in Harari regional state health facilities were included in the study. A structured questionnaire adapted from the previous studies was used to collect data. The data was entered into Epi-data version 3.1 statistical software. Statistical analysis was carried out by using SPSS for windows version 22. Multivariate linear regression analysis was employed to determine the association between independent variables and the outcome variable.ResultThe overall utilization of non-pharmacological labor pain relief methods was 59.3% [(95% CI (53.9,63.4)]. Three hundred five (65.5%) of the study participants had unfavorable attitudes. Females compared to males (β = − 0.420; 95% CI: − 0.667, − 0.173), clinical experience (β = − 0.201; 95% CI: − 0.268, − 0.134), knowledge sum score (β =0.227: 95%; CI: 0.18,0.247), and attitude sum score (β = 0.376; 95% CI: 0.283, 0.47) were showed significantly association with utilization of non-pharmacological labor pain management.ConclusionThe overall utilization of non-pharmacological labor pain relief methods was relatively good compared to other studies done in Ethiopia but all women’s need for labor relief methods should not be ignored. In this study sex of the respondents, clinical experience, individual preference, attitude and knowledge were factors associated with the utilization of non-pharmacological labor pain management. All stake holds need to work together to improve the attitude of health providers and to increase the utilization of non-pharmacologic labor pain management.

Why Does COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Rate Remain Low Among Patients with Chronic Diseases? Evidences from Public Hospitals of Ethiopia.

BackgroundElders and patients with chronic diseases are more vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. In Ethiopia, these groups of people are given vaccination priorities amongst others. However, there is limited information on the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among patients with chronic diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among patients with chronic diseases visiting public hospitals in West Guji zone (Ethiopia).Methods and MaterialsFacility-based cross-sectional study was employed among 408 chronic disease patients visiting two public hospitals in Ethiopia from September to October 2021. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was computed to identify factors associated with acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine. Independent variables with p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significantly associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine.ResultsThe acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among patients with chronic diseases was 39.5% (95% CI: 35–44). Factors positively associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine were age ≥40 years (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.53–5.28), urban residence (AOR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.38–0.95), having upper respiratory tract infection (AOR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.03–2.8), previous COVID-19 infection (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.22–3.47), having health insurance (AOR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.23–5.28), those not drinking alcohol (AOR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.24–3.06), those not chewing Khat (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.27–3.2), and having good knowledge (AOR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.03–2.87) and positive attitude (AOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.26–3.33) towards the vaccine.ConclusionThe overall proportion of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance is low among patients with chronic diseases. Therefore, to improve the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine, the government and health professionals should provide continuous health education.

Association of Placental Parameters with Low Birth Weight Among Neonates Born in the Public Hospitals of Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia: An Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

IntroductionPlacenta indices are the significant determinants of perinatal outcome and neonatal mortality. A clinician can predict neonatal status based on the findings from the placental indices. However, there are limited studies on the relationship between placental parameters and neonatal birth weight in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess placental parameters and their association with birth weight among neonates born at public hospitals in southern Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 249 systematically selected placentae with the attached umbilical cord from normal singleton live birth with known gestational age. A weighing scale, long needle, and standard non-elastic tape were used to measure placental parameters. Maternal and neonatal characteristics were obtained from the medical charts. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions analyses were done to assess the association between placental indices with neonatal birth weight. Finally, an adjusted odds ratio with the corresponding 95% CI was used to declare the statistical significance.ResultsIn this study, the mean placental weight, diameter, and thickness were 475.9gm, 17.73cm, and 4.43cm, respectively, and the prevalence of low birth weight was 10% (95% CI: 6–14%). Low placental weight (AOR: 6.57; 95% CI: 2.47–17.48), low placental thickness (AOR: 4.94; 95% CI: 1.42–17.22), and gestational age (AOR: 4.73; 95% CI: 1.49–14.99) were associated with low birth weight.ConclusionThis study revealed that placental parameters, particularly weight and thickness, and gestational age have a significant influence on low birth weight. Therefore, proper examination of the placenta should be performed routinely following delivery for better newborn care.