Gambella Town Research Articles

Delayed health care seeking is high among patients presenting with sexually transmitted infections in HIV hotspot areas, Gambella town, Ethiopia.

BackgroundDelayed health care seeking is one of the major impediments to successfully prevent and control sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. Gambella is one of the HIV hot spot areas and the most HIV prevalent region in the country. Considering the empirical knowledge of the link between STIs and HIV, gathering information on health-seeking behavior and the associated factors among STI patients is helpful to design interventions that enhance early seeking and treatment adherence.MethodologyA facility-based cross-sectional study was employed to collect data from 424 STI patients from February 15 to April 15, 2017, using a face-to-face interview. A consecutive sampling method was used until the allocated sample for each facility was fulfilled. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with health-seeking behavior.ResultsThe proportion of delayed health care seeking among patients treated for STIs was 56.8%. Knowledge, number of sexual partners, and perception variables were found significantly associated with early seeking behavior in multivariate logistic regression: patients who had better knowledge of STIs (AOR =1.74, 95% CI =1.10, 2.73), had single sexual partner (AOR =1.83, 95% CI =1.19, 2.78), those who perceived stigma for STIs (AOR =0.52, 95% CI =0.34, 0.79), and perceived severity of STIs (AOR =1.97, 95% CI =1.18, 3.29).ConclusionThis study reported a high proportion of delayed health care seeking. This may challenge the prevention and control effort and alarms the potential threat to the spread of STI/HIV in the region. Provision of intensive health education is crucial to improve awareness and to avoid risk behaviors and negative perceptions.

Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus and associated factors among pregnant women in Gambella hospital, South Western Ethiopia: facility based cross-sectional study

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus which causes death. More than 300 million people have chronic liver infections globally and about 600,000 people die annually from acute or chronic complications of hepatitis B infection. Recent studies conducted in Ethiopia showed moderate endemicity (3–7.8%) of HBV among pregnant women. However, there is paucity of information on sero- prevalence of HBV and associated factors among pregnant women at Gambella town. The aim of this study is to assess sero-prevalence of hepatitis surface antigen (HBsAg) and associated factors among pregnant women in Gambella Hospital.MethodsHospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in a total of 253 pregnant women from March 10–April 15, 2017. Socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors were collected through face to face interview using structured questionnaire. HBV infection was determined using Eugene strip test. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine association between HBsAg sero-positivity and various factors. Findings were presented using 95% CI of Crude Odds Ratios (COR) and Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR).ResultThe overall sero- prevalence of HBV infection was 7.9% (95% CI, 4.7–11.9), which indicates intermediate endemicity. History of abortion (AOR = 3.56:1: 95% CI, 1.24–10.22), occupation (AOR = 8.36:95% CI, 1.67–41.96) and multiple sexual partner (AOR = 17.38: 95% CI, 4.48–67.49) had statistical significant association with HBsAg sero-positivity.ConclusionHBV sero-prevalence in pregnant women shows intermediate endemicity. Hence health education on having single sexual partner and risk factors of abortion should be given. In addition, routine screening and immunization of pregnant women for HBV infection should be strengthen.

Prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and its associated factors among children in Gambella town, southwest Ethiopia, June 2018.

IntroductionVernal keratoconjunctivitis is a chronic bilateral severe form of allergic conjunctivitis which affects normal activities in school/work. It is a severe form of allergies in warm and dry tropical and sub-tropical countries. Its prevalence in Ethiopia ranges from 5.2% to7.3%. Most studies are institution based and do not address specific factors associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. There is no a study that shows the magnitude of vernal keratoconjunctivitis in the study area.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis and its associated factors among children in Gambella town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2018.Methods and materialsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 25 to May 12, 2018, in Gambella town. A total of 578 study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, torch, and magnifying loop were used to collect data. The data was entered into epidemiological information 7.1 and exported to statistical package for social science for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis model was fitted to identify factors associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Odds ratio with respected 95% CI was used to identify the direction and strength of association.ResultsA total of 574 children participated in this study representing a response rate of 99.30%. The mean age of the participants was 9.74±4.0 years. The prevalence of vernal keratoconjunctivitis was 11.10% (95% CI: 8.70, 13.90). Male sex (adjusted odds ratio = 4.12(95% CI: 1.42, 11.91)), close animal contact (adjusted odds ratio = 3.45(95% CI: 1.14, 10.41)), dust exposure (adjusted odds ratio = 3.38(95% CI: 1.31, 10.04)), and personal systemic allergy history (adjusted odds ratio = 4.82(1.40, 16.72) were independently associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis.ConclusionThe prevalence of VKC was high among children in Gambella town. Sex being male, close animal contact, personal systemic allergy history, and dust exposure were positively associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis independently.

Predictors of HIV/AIDS preventive behavior among college students in Gambella town, Southwest Ethiopia using health belief model

Safer sex behaviors (sexual abstinence, correct and consistent condom usage) are important for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS among college students. The purpose of this article was to review studies addressing determinants of safer sex behaviors among college students. In Ethiopia little or no data existed on the preventive behaviors of HIV/AIDS among college students. Therefore, this study aimed to assess HIV/AIDS preventive behavior and associated factors among college students in Gambella town. An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from 2nd to 4th March, 2015 using self-administered questioners. Pretest was conducted before the actual data collection and reliability test was performed. EPI DATA version 3.1 and SPSS version 21 software were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Descriptive statistics were computed and a multivariate logistic regression model was fitted. P-value less than 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. 670 college students participated in this study. The study identified that, 72.1% of the students had HIV/AIDS preventive behaviors. Among sexually active students, 83(30.6%) were using condom consistently in the last 12 month and 59.7% of the college students had no sexual intercourse. Being engaged in HIV/AIDS, preventive behavior was determined by age ≤19 years (AOR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.29, 2.77), good HIV related knowledge (AOR=2.48, 95% CI: 1.46, 4.09) and drinking alcohol (AOR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.73). High perceived severity toward HIV/AIDS and high perceived benefit of engaging in HIV/AIDS preventive behavior (using of condom) also predicted HIV/AIDS preventive behavior (AOR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.59) and (AOR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.36, 2.93), respectively. HIV/AIDS preventive behavior of college students in Gambella was high. However, inconsistent condom use among sexually active students was highly practiced. Age, knowledge of HIV/AIDS preventive behavior, alcohol use, perceived severity and benefit had a significant effect on HIV/AIDS preventive behavior of the college students. Key words: HIV/AIDS, college students, health belief model.

Household Food Insecurity, Low Dietary Diversity, and Early Marriage Were Predictors for Undernutrition among Pregnant Women Residing in Gambella, Ethiopia

Background. Maternal undernutrition affects the health of both mothers and children and, as a result, has broad impacts on economic and social development. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess magnitude of undernutrition and associated factors among pregnant women in Gambella town, 2014. Methods. Community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 338 randomly selected pregnant women from March to April 2014. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used for data analysis. Result. The prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women in Gambella town was 28.6%. Pregnant women who were married before their age of eighteen, who were from food insecure households, and who had low dietary diversity score were nearly four (AOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 2.2–6.9), two (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI : 1.2–3.6), and two (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3–4.16) times more likely to be undernourished as compared to their counterparts, respectively. Conclusion. Prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women in Gambella town was unacceptably high. Stake holders should give due consideration to health education to delay age at first marriage and mainstreaming and strengthening nutritional activities that contribute to reduction of food insecurity and consumption of unbalanced nutrients.

Prevalence of Tuberculosis in Gambella Regional Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study to Assess the Progress towards Millennium Development Goals for Tuberculosis (2006-2015)

A retrospective study was carried out to evaluate the progress towards millennium development goals and to generate preliminary epidemiological information on tuberculosis (TB) in Gambella town hospital and its surroundings in Southwestern Ethiopia. The medical records of all TB patients registered from 2009 to 2014 were assessed retrospectively. A total of 2519 TB patients were registered for the last 6 years and treated in Gambella Regional Hospital. The sex proportion of male TB patients was 60.18 % (1516/2519). The mean and the standard deviation of age was 23.8±13.18. The age group between 15-44 years in both sexes was most frequently affected with both forms of TB (pulmonary tuberculosis and extra pulmonary tuberculosis), 1660 (65.9%) followed by 0-14 years of age 508 (20.2%). Of 2519 tuberculosis cases registered in the last 6 years, 637(25.3%) of them were extra pulmonary tuberculosis cases and the rest 1884 (74.79%) were pulmonary tuberculosis cases. Out of 2519 TB cases registered during the six years, 1516 (60.18%) were males, and higher tuberculosis cases were registered (χ2 =4.191; p=0.022). The annual trends of TB for both sexes were gradually declined in the last six years. In conclusion, the retrospective study showed that although there was reduction in the number of both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis cases in the study area, what should not be undermined is the importance of regular prognostic evaluation among tuberculosis cases. Hence, we re-emphasize that Tuberculosis Control Program should give attention to control of tuberculosis and HIV-TB co-infection in Gambella Region.

Determinants of leadership skills among the board of directors of primary multipurpose cooperatives societies in Gambella town, Ethiopia

Now a day cooperatives act in a very different environments. The need to compete in an open and globalized market has obliged them to rationalize structures and professionalize many boards of directors. The most important reason for the down fall and dormancy state of many multipurpose cooperatives in the region currently is the absence of effective leadership qualities and skills among their cooperative leaders. With this backdrop, the study investigated the leadership skills among the leaders of multipurpose cooperatives. Out of 31 primary multipurpose cooperatives operating in the town, 16 primary cooperatives were selected purposively as the study units. By adopting census method all the 128 board of directors representing from 16 primary multipurpose cooperatives were selected as study population. The study was heavily dependent on primary data which was collected from the board of directors by administering structured questionnaire. Econometric model viz., binary logistic regression was used to assess the determinants of leadership skill among the board of directors. The results of binary logistic regression analysis shows that variable such as: age, access to training, leadership experience, media exposure, leader member relations and government interference were found to be the major variables that strongly determines the leadership skills. Those variables such as: age, and leader member relations were found to have negative significant effect whereas leadership experience, media exposure, access to training, and government interference were found to have positive significant effect on leadership skills. Based on the findings it is suggested that the leaders of cooperatives need to be given training on leadership qualities, skills and on the functionalities of cooperatives.

Household Food Insecurity and its Association with Nutritional Status among Preschool Children in Gambella Town, Western Ethiopia

Introduction: Food insecurity and malnutrition among children are common in developing countries including Ethiopia. Food insecurity is probably one of the determining factors of malnutrition in children but results are inconclusive. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of household food insecurity and its association with the nutritional status of children in Gambella town. Method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted on children in April 2016 in Gambella town, west Ethiopia. Data including household food insecurity were collected from 284 households having children 6-59 months by the face to face interview using structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were measured using standard procedures to determine nutritional status of children. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the association between household food insecurity and nutritional status of children. Results: The overall prevalence of household food insecurity was 59.5% with 20.1%, 23.6%, and 15.8% households were mildly, moderately, and severely food insecure, respectively. Prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting were 23.2%, 12.0% and 13.4% respectively. Household food insecurity was independently associated with stunting, but not with wasting and underweight after adjusting for possible confounders using multivariable logistic regression model. The odds of stunting were highly pronounced in those children who were from severely and moderately food insecure households. Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest high prevalence of both household food insecurity and malnutrition among children in Gambella town. Household food insecurity was significantly associated with stunting. The finding implies nutrition interventions targeting children need to address household food security.

Molecular Epidemiology of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle and its Public Health Implications in Gambella Region, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted from December 2014 to May 2015 in Gambella town municipal abattoir and health centers to investigate the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis, isolation and molecular characterization of its causative agents, and to assess its public health implications in Gambella, Ethiopia. Postmortem examination, bacteriological culturing, RD deletion typing, and spoligotyping were used for investigation. The overall prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in cattle was 13.2% (66/500) on the basis of detailed postmortem examination. Statistical significant difference was observed in the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis among different body conditioned animals (χ2 = 39.105, P=0.000 and breeds (χ2 = 24.996, P=0.000). Molecular characterization of 11 mycobacterial isolates from human patients using RD9 deletion typing showed that all were M. tuberculosis , and further spoligotyping of the isolates revealed that SIT289, SIT134, SIT1634, SIT142 and one new strain (not found in the spoligotype databases). Of these M. tuberculosis strains identified, SIT 289 and SIT134 were found in cluster with 45.5% (5/11) cluster rate. Lineage of the human isolates indicated that 27.3% (3/11) were in Euro-American, and 9.1% (1/11) Indo-oceanic family in TB-insight database. Interestingly, one isolate from animal taken from mediastinal lymph node was confirmed to be M. tuberculosis using RD4 deletion typing and spoligotyping, in which the isolate was identified as SIT523 with Indo-oceanic lineage family. Awareness of cattle owners for bovine tuberculosis was found insufficient (22%), and the results also revealed the presence of potential risk factor for zoonotic transmission. In conclusion, isolation of M. tuberculosis in cattle, and occurrence of various strains of M. tuberculosis in the communities warrants further systematic investigation on the transmission of the disease in Gambella region of Ethiopia.

A community based study on knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) on HIV/AIDS in Gambella town, western Ethiopia

Background: HIV/AIDS is the major public health problem in our country. Studies need to be conducted to assess the behavioral risk factors of its transmission and prevention. Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of HIV/AIDS in the study population. Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was done to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice on HIV/AIDS among individuals aged 15 years and above in Gambella town in November, 2000. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: A total of 359 individuals were interviewed among whom 53.8% were males. Fifty-five percent of them were between 20 and 30 years of age. Majority of the study population were government employee. Sixty six percent were married while 25% were single. Oromos (32.9%), Agnuaks (21.4%), Amharas (16.7%) and Nuers (12.5%) were the major ethnic groups in the study population. About ninety six percent of the interviewed population reported to have heard about HIV/AIDS for whom the main source of information was the mass media (82.8%). The majority reported unprotected sex (79.7%) and unsafe blood transfusion (64.2%) as common ways of HIV transmission. About eighty six percent and 80% agreed on screening before marriage and voluntary testing respectively. Eighty six percent practiced sex at a mean age of first sexual contact of 16.6 and 18.4 years of females and males, respectively. Among those who had sexual contact with nonregular partner in the last one year, 39.6% did not use condoms. Males had higher rate of STDs as compared to females (21.1% and 12.2% respectively). Males were also observed to have significantly higher frequencies of sexual contact with non-regular partner in the last one year (p=0.00). Conclusions: The findings of the study showed that sexual practice often begun as early as eleven years of age with the mean of age 16 and 18 years for females and males, respectively. The respondents were observed to have adequate knowledge although risky behavior is prevailing. Therefore, we recommend that health education should target elementary school children and those children who are not at school as early as the age of ten years. The knowledge of mother to child transmission in the region is limited. Hence, emphasis also needs to be given to improve the knowledge on mother to child transmission of HIV. Information dissemination should also be designed in such a way to bring about behavioral change. Regular assessment on the impact of the intervention should also be done. Ethiop. J.Health Dev .2003;17(3):205-213