Goba Town Research Articles

Land Suitability Analysis and Mapping Using Geospatial Technique and Multi Criteria Decision Analysis for Urban Green Area of Goba Town, Oromia, Ethiopia

Urban green areas have a significant role in improving human well-being in a variety of ways, providing ecosystem services, optimizing the health of urban residents, and making a great contribution to environmental health. However, there are very limited studies or not yet conducted on urban green area suitability analysis using geospatial technique and MCDA that support decision-makers, urban green area planners, and managements. The objective of this study is to analyze the factors that determine land suitability for urban green areas and to develop an urban green area suitability map for Goba Town using geospatial technique and the MCDA-AHP approach. In this study, GIS-based multi-criteria analysis (MCA) has been adopted to select suitable sites for urban green areas. The methodology involves a structured framework to identify and prioritize areas suitable for urban green development based on six key determinant factors: viz., land use land cover (LULC), elevation, proximity to settlements, distance to main rivers, slope, and distance to roads. The generated suitability map was validated by comparing it to existing green areas and conducting field surveys to verify the model's accuracy. The results of the study revealed that about 877.92 ha (18.31%), 1506.46 ha (31.41%), 1280.76 ha (26.71%), 756.05 ha (15.76%), and 373.71 ha (7.79%) were very low, low, moderate, high, and very high, respectively. The finding of the current study supports, as a baseline, assisting local governments and environmental agencies in sustainable urban development and forming resilient cities in advance of environmentally dynamic dynamics. Inclusion GIS and MCDA-based land suitability analysis provides a comprehensive framework for urban green area planning. Future studies might recommend using ecosystem service valuation as a factor in determining land suitability for green areas. Furthermore, various stakeholders need to work on the management of urban green areas and the community's awareness creation on urban green area ownership.

Effects of hormonal contraceptives on lipid profile among women attending family planning unit in Goba Town Public Health Facilities, Bale, Southeast Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundHormonal contraceptives are a widely used contraceptive method for the prevention of pregnancy in women. It is associated with change in lipid profile which results in congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina, deep vein thrombosis and stroke which are the major cause of premature death. We aim to investigate the effects of hormonal contraceptive use on lipid profile among women attending family planning unit in Goba Town Public Health Facilities.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted on 93 hormonal contraceptive users and 93 non-users’ women in Goba Town Public Health Facilities from September to November, 2022. Blood samples for the estimation of TC, TG, HDL-c and LDL-c levels were collected. Student's independent t-test was used to compare the results of lipid profiles. One-way ANOVA was used to identify the variation of lipid profile between progestin only pills, DMPA and implant users. Simple linear regression was used to determine the change in lipid profiles in relation to the duration of hormonal contraceptive use. P-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultThe mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c was significantly increases in hormonal contraceptive users in comparison with non-users. The mean serum level TC, TG, LDL-c and HDL-c was significantly different between DMPA, implanon and POP users. The mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c in implanon users was lower than DMPA and POP users. As the duration of DMPA and POP use increases, the serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c were significantly increased. But, the serum level of HDL-c was significantly decreased. LDL-c was significantly increased with the duration of implanon use.ConclusionThe mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c were significantly increased among hormonal contraceptive users. The mean serum level of lipid profile was significantly different between DMPA, implanon and POP users. The serum level of TC, TG, LDL-c were directly proportional to the duration of DMPA and POP use. Routine evaluation of lipid profiles is advisable before and after initiation of hormonal contraceptives.

Incidence and risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus in Goba town, Southeast Ethiopia: a prospective cohort study

ObjectiveGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is becoming a public health concern in low/middle-income countries, and is known to cause severe morbidity and mortality for mothers and newborns. However, evidence reported for...

Predictors of Intestinal Parasites among Food Handlers in Goba Town, Southeast Ethiopia, 2020.

Background Globally, around 1.9 million people were dying due to food-borne diseases annually, and intestinal parasites infected one-third of the population, according to estimates and more prevalent in developing countries due to poverty. This study assessed predictors of intestinal parasites among food handlers working in Goba towns. Methods A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020. Clean, dry, and leak-proof stool cups were used to collect the samples. The SPSS version 20 computer software was used to enter and clean the data, code it, and analyze it. The researchers performed binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses, with a p value of 0.05 considered significant. Result A total of 98 (34%) of the 288 food workers tested positive for various intestinal parasites. Giardia lamblia was the most common parasite, with 42 (14.6%), followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar with 31 (10.8%), Ascaris lumbricoides with 8 (2.8%), Taenia species with 5 (1.7%), and E. vermicularis with 4 (1.4%). Six (2%) of the 98 positive food handlers had two infections. E. histolytica and G. lamblia were the most common parasites found in mixed infections. Hand washing with soap and water before handling food (AOR: 3.06, 95% CI: 1.16, 7.26) and untrimmed fingernail status (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.14, 4.34) were found to be strongly linked to intestinal parasite infection. Conclusion In this investigation, intestinal parasite species were found in 34% of stool samples. Independent predictors of intestinal parasite infection were fingernail status and hand washing with water and soap use before food handling. To control intestinal parasite infection among food handlers in the research area, personal hygiene and ambient cleanliness should be improved.

Is Multilingualism as a Deficit or Opportunity? Teachers and Students Attitude in the Selected Primary School of Bale and West Arsi Zone

The focus of this study was to examine students and teachers attitude towards multilingualism in the selected primary school of Bale and west Arsi zone. The study employed mixed research method. On the basis of this eight primary schools from Goba, Robe, Shashemene and Ginir town were selected as a sample schools. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select schools, students’ grade level, teachers and community members, whereas random sampling was chosen to select students. In total of 377 (Grade 7 and 8) students and 48 language teachers filled the questionnaire survey and 8 focus group discussions was conducted among teachers. In order to get detailed information the researchers employed an individual interview with 16 community members. Mixed data analysis method is selected in reporting and analyzing the result. The data collected through interview and focus group discussion qualitatively analyzed. However, questionnaires are analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively ( average mean and standard deviation, independent t-test and partial correlations) because the questioners organized both open and close-ended question types. DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/86-02 Publication date: February 28 th 2022

Is Multilingualism as a Deficit or Opportunity? Teachers and Students Attitude in the Selected Primary School of Bale and West Arsi Zone

The focus of this study was to examine students and teachers attitude towards multilingualism in the selected primary school of Bale and west Arsi zone. The study employed mixed research method. On the basis of this eight primary schools from Goba, Robe, Shashemene and Ginir town were selected as a sample schools. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select schools, students’ grade level, teachers and community members, whereas random sampling was chosen to select students. In total of 377 (Grade 7 and 8) students and 48 language teachers filled the questionnaire survey and 8 focus group discussions was conducted among teachers. In order to get detailed information the researchers employed an individual interview with 16 community members. Mixed data analysis method is selected in reporting and analyzing the result. The data collected through interview and focus group discussion qualitatively analyzed. However, questionnaires are analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively ( average mean and standard deviation, independent t-test and partial correlations) because the questioners organized both open and close-ended question types. DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/11-7-01 Publication date: April 30 th 2021

Utilization of Long Acting and Permanent Contraceptive Methods and Associated Factors among Married Women of Reproductive Age Group in Goba Town, Southeast Ethiopia

Background: Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa. The total fertility rate of Ethiopia is 4.8 births per women with population growth rate of 2.13% per year and contraception prevalence rate of 29% while the unmet need for family planning is 25% for spacing 16% and 9% for limiting. Almost all of these users are using modern contraceptive method. The most widely used are injectable (21%) followed by implant (3%) and intrauterine contraceptive device (2%) and female sterilization (<1%) are the least used. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the utilization of long-acting and permanent family planning methods and associated factors among married women of reproductive age group in Goba town, Bale zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia 2017. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted. Data collection was performed using pre tested structured questionnaire. The households were chosen at regular interval using systematic sampling method. Data was analysed by SPSS version 22and association of dependent and predictors using variable was declared at 95%CI on P<0.05. Result: A total of 354 women during collection period were interviewed. The response rate was 98.9%. The overall prevalence of LAPMs contraceptives was 18.9%; the least used methods were female and male sterilization. Sixty three point six percent of women have knowledge about LAPMs and more than half of respondents (54.5%) have an intention to use LAPMs. The major source of modern contraceptive was governmental health facility (72.5%) and knowledge about LAPMs, support using LAPMs, partner attitude towards LAPMs, intention to use LAPMs, discussion with partner about LAPMs and knowledge about LAPMs have association with utilization of LAPMs. Conclusion: Utilization of LAPMs in Goba town was low. More than half of the respondents know about LAPMs. The majority of respondent support use of LAPMs. Therefore, Goba hospital should increase accessibility of contraceptive especially. Media should increase provision of accurate and continues information on LAPMs.

Late Initiation of Antenatal Care and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Southeast Ethiopia

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) also known as prenatal care given for women during pregnancy, and it is important for both maternal and fetal health. Pregnant women with late initiation of antenatal care are more likely to attain poor outcomes of pregnancy. Therefore; this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of late initiation of antenatal care and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care unit in Goba town, southeast Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to April 28/2018 among 379 pregnant women. Systematic sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using interview based pre tested and structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20; bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used. Bivariate analysis was carried out to examine the relationship between dependent and independent variables of the study; in addition, multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to see independent effect of the predictor variables on the dependent variable by adjusting the effect of potential confounding variables. Adjusted Odds ratio with 95% CI was used to show strength of association between dependent and predictor variables. Result: .Out of 379 pregnant mothers included in the study, 232(61.2%) pregnant women had started their first antenatal care (ANC) early in the first trimester, while the remaining 147(38.8%) pregnant mothers had started late. Educational level of respondents, monthly income, and obstetrics history of stillbirth were significantly associated with late initiation of first ANC among pregnant mothers. Conclusion: In this study a high occurrence of late initiation of ANC was found among pregnant women compared other studies conducted in Ethiopia. Factors such as no formal education, monthly income of <= 400 EB, and no obstetrics history of stillbirth were significantly associated with higher level of late initiation of first ANC among pregnant women. So, timely strategic actions should be implemented by government as well non-governmental stake holders at predictors’ of late early initiation of first ANC

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on UnsafeAbortion among Female Students in Batu TeraraPreparatory School Goba Town, SoutheastEthiopia

Background: Globally, unsafe abortion is a public health problem, which accounts approximately 20 million each year, resulting nearly 80,000 maternal deaths and hundreds of disabilities and the problem is more severe in developing countries. In Africa the risks of dying from unsafe abortion is one in hundred fifty, and unsafe abortion accounts for up to 25-35% of maternal deaths in Ethiopia being a critical public health problem with possible complication like hemorrhage, sepsis, incomplete abortion and damage to internal organs. Objective: The aim of the study wasto assess knowledge, attitude and practice of unsafe abortion among female students in Batu Terara Preparatory school, Goba town in April, 2013. Methodology: Aschool based descriptive cross sectional study were conducted to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of female students in Batu Terara preparatory school Goba town on unsafe abortion in April, 2013. The data were collected by using self-administer closed ended structural questionnaires and systematic sampling technique. The data were processed using SPSS version 16. Results: Out of 182 respondents 108(59.34%) were knowledgeable 85(47.5%) of them had good attitude, in addition to this 22(12.08%) were experienced abortion of which 19(16.48%) were faced bleeding. Conclusion and recommendation: Majority of the respondents’ who practiced induce abortion 16(8.8%) were under 20 years of age and of those who induce abortion, most 15.9% were by traditional healer and themselves, so health professionals should give health education at school and community level.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Unsafe Abortion among Female Students in Batu Terara Preparatory School Goba Town, Southeast Ethiopia

Background: Globally, unsafe abortion is a public health problem, which accounts approximately 20 million each year, resulting nearly 80,000 maternal deaths and hundreds of disabilities and the problem is more severe in developing countries. In Africa the risks of dying from unsafe abortion is one in hundred fifty, and unsafe abortion accounts for up to 25%-35% of maternal deaths in Ethiopia being a critical public health problem with possible complication like hemorrhage, sepsis, incomplete abortion and damage to internal organs. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of unsafe abortion among female students in Batu Terara Preparatory school, Goba town in April, 2013. Methodology: A school based descriptive cross sectional study were conducted to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of female students in Batu Terara preparatory school Goba town on unsafe abortion in April, 2013. The data were collected by using self-administer closed ended structural questionnaires and systematic sampling technique. The data were processed using SPSS version 16. Results: Out of 182 respondents 108(59.34%) were knowledgeable 85(47.5%) of them had good attitude, in addition to this 22(12.08%) were experienced abortion of which 19(16.48%) were faced bleeding Conclusion: majority of the respondents’ who practiced induce abortion 16(8.8%) were under 20 years of age and of those who induce abortion, most 15.9% were by traditional healer and themselves, so health professionals should give health education at school and community level.

&lt;p&gt;Magnitude and Its Predictors of Minimum Dietary Diversity Feeding Practice Among Mothers Having Children Aged 6–23 Months in Goba Town, Southeast Ethiopia, 2018: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study&lt;/p&gt;

Magnitude and Its Predictors of Minimum Dietary Diversity Feeding Practice Among Mothers Having Children Aged 6&ndash;23 Months in Goba Town, Southeast Ethiopia, 2018: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Is Multilingualism as a Deficit or Opportunity? Teachers and Students Attitude in the Selected Primary School of Bale and West Arsi Zone

The focus of this study was to examine students and teachers attitude towards multilingualism in the selected primary school of Bale and west Arsi zone. The study employed mixed research method. On the basis of this eight primary schools from Goba, Robe, Shashemene and Ginir town were selected as a sample schools. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select schools, students’ grade level, teachers and community members, whereas random sampling was chosen to select students. In total of 377 (Grade 7 and 8) students and 48 language teachers filled the questionnaire survey and 8 focus group discussions was conducted among teachers. In order to get detailed information the researchers employed an individual interview with 16 community members. Mixed data analysis method is selected in reporting and analyzing the result. The data collected through interview and focus group discussion qualitatively analyzed. However, questionnaires are analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively ( average mean and standard deviation, independent t-test and partial correlations) because the questioners organized both open and close-ended question types. DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/11-7-01 Publication date: April 30 th 2021

Prevalence of premarital sexual practice and associated factors among Goba town high school students, South East-Ethiopia

<strong>Background:</strong> Premarital sexual practice significantly attributes for increase adolescent’s risk of unintended pregnancy, early marriage, abortion and STIs. In Ethiopia adolescents were intended to engage at early initiation to sexual intercourse without having proper protection has been one of the concerns. Study aimed to assess the prevalence of premarital sexual practice and associated factors among high school students.

Factors Affecting Immunization Status of Children Aged 12-23 Months in Goba Town, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia

Background: Immunization is a proven vaccination tools in preventing and eradicating communicable disease. Even though increase in global immunization coverage many children around the world especially in developing countries still left unvaccinated. About one million children in Ethiopia were unvaccinated in 2007 and only 20% of the countries children are fully vaccinated in 2005. Objectives: To assess immunization status and factors affecting it among children aged 12-23 months in Goba town. Method: A cross sectional community based study was conducted from April 28 to May 04, 2016 in Goba town, Bale zone, southeast of Ethiopia using pretest, structured questioner and a systematic random sampling was used and data collected through face to face interview. A total of 280 children of aged between 12-23 months from 280 household were selected. Data was by using SPSS 20 software. Result: In this study 94.6% of children were vaccine. About 99.6% 0f mothers heard about vaccination and vaccine preventable disease and 94.6% awarded correctly the benefit of immunization. About 52.1% of children were fully vaccinated by card plus recall, and 5.4% children were unvaccinated. Conclusion: There is low immunization coverage among children aged 12-23 months in the town. Antenatal care follow up, institutional delivery and awareness of mothers about the age at which child begins and finishes the vaccination are significant predictor of child immunization status.

Practices of Implementing Functional Adult Education Program in Robe and Goba Cities of Bale Zone

The purpose of this study was to identify practices of implementing Functional Adult Education program in Goba and Robe cities of Bale Zone. Descriptive Survey design with mixed, qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed. Questionnaires, interviews and document analysis were used as data gathering instruments. The populations of the study were 60 facilitators (Newly hired 10 th complete and formal school teachers) who work at Robe Town 4 centers and Goba town 2 centers. From the 60 facilitators, 30(50%) were selected proportionally through simple random sampling technique. Whereas,4 experts (Goba(2),Robe(2)) education offices and 4 Supervisors (Goba(2),Robe(2)) of Functional Adult Education Centers were selected for interview sessions through purposive sampling techniques. Annual reports and documents were used as secondary source. The data collected through questionnaire, interview and document review were analyzed through frequency, percentage, and mean value and thematically through narrative respectively. Results indicated that, the roles of supervisors and facilitators were not accomplished at high level of performance. In addition, it has set out and was judged by both facilitator respondents and interviewees that, lack of managerial skills, lack of community participation, lack of training and professional support, lack of monitoring and evaluation, lack of accountability and responsibility were some of the factors that highly affect the implementation of Functional Adult Education program. Thus, from the finding it is possible to conclude that the implementation of program in both administrative cities were not carried out according to the principles and guide lines of FAL program. Therefore, selection and training of facilitators, awareness creation and Institutional supervision should be carried out according to the principles and guide lines of Functional Adult Literacy program. Keywords: Adult Education, Facilitators, Functional Adult Literacy, Implementing Practices DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-34-04 Publication date: December 31 st 2019

Male involvement in prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV in the context of partner testing in Goba town, Ethiopia: A facility-based cross-sectional study.

Antenatal care (ANC) is an entry point for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), particularly when a man accompanies his spouse for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), even though this seldom happens in Ethiopia. To study the role of male partners in improving PMTCT/ANC, which is essential to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission in this country. Our study focused on identifying barriers for the low involvement in PMTCT/ANC among male partners whose spouses received ANC. A total of 422 male partners in Goba town, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia, were recruited in September - October 2014 and enrolled by a systematic sampling method. A facility-based cross-sectional study and two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Binary logistic regression and odds ratios were calculated to ascertain sociodemographic and other important information compared with the outcome variable and PMTCT/ANC, while the findings of the FGDs were grouped according to the emerging themes and analysed manually by means of a thematic approach. The percentage of male partners (22.7%) accompanying their spouses for HIV testing and counselling at antenatal clinics improved three-fold when an invitation letter was introduced as a new initiative to increase male participation. Individuals in the age group 15 - 29 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 5.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.66 - 17.85), and whose duration of marriage was ˂5 years (AOR 5.6, 95% CI 1.83 - 17.30), were more likely to be tested than their referent groups. Men without a higher education (AOR 0.1, 95% CI 0.02 - 0.50), who disagreed with legal enforcement (AOR 0.1, 95% CI 0.07 - 0.32), were less likely to be tested, while those who did not notify their partners (AOR 8.4, 95% CI 1.92 - 37.12) were more likely to use the service. Being busy, proxy testing, fears of testing HIV-positive, neglecting the importance of VCT, and inadequate knowledge about the PMTCT/ANC programme were other barriers that came to the fore in the FGDs. Identified barriers have to be addressed, and helpful practices, such as using invitation letters to increase the uptake of the service by male partners, have to be instituted.

Cognitive function and associated factors among school age children in Goba Town, South-East Ethiopia

This study aimed to assess cognitive function and associated factors among school age children in Goba Town, South-Eastern Ethiopia. School based cross-sectional study was employed on 131 school children age 8–11 years. Cognitive function was assessed by Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC-II) and Ravens colored progressive matrices (Raven’s CPM) test. Descriptive statistics, independent t test, one way ANOVA and logistic regression were used in statistical analysis. The mean (±SD) score of Raven’s CPM test and triangles test was 22.02(±4.79) and 15.17 (±3.24) respectively. The mean (±SD) for short term memory measures such as word order, hand movement number recall was 15.66 (±3.03), 9.09 (±2.88) and 8.91 (±2.19) respectively. The mean score (±SD) of pattern score was 9.63 (±4.43). There was a statistically significant mean difference in hand movements and pattern score between those children who currently used iodized salt and non iodized salt(p<0.05). Wealth index was associated with rovers score (P=0.044). Breakfast consumption was statistically associated with triangles (P<0.001). Those children who had eaten breakfast less than seven days in last week had above 3 times higher odd to score RPM below average(AOR=3.05; 95% CI: 1.07–8.68). This might implicates that promotion of iodized salt intake, improving dietary diversity, improving breakfast eating habit, and improving wealth index are important modifiable factors of cognitive function.

Height for age z score and cognitive function are associated with Academic performance among school children aged 8-11 years old.

BackgroundAcademic achievement of school age children can be affected by several factors such as nutritional status, demographics, and socioeconomic factors. Though evidence about the magnitude of malnutrition is well established in Ethiopia, there is a paucity of evidence about the association of nutritional status with academic performance among the nation’s school age children. Hence, this study aimed to determine how nutritional status and cognitive function are associated with academic performance of school children in Goba town, South East Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 131 school age students from primary schools in Goba town enrolled during the 2013/2014 academic year. The nutritional status of students was assessed by anthropometric measurement, while the cognitive assessment was measured by the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (KABC-II) and Ravens colored progressive matrices (Raven’s CPM) tests. The academic performance of the school children was measured by collecting the preceding semester academic result from the school record. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable linear regression were used in the statistical analysis.ResultsThis study found a statistically significant positive association between all cognitive test scores and average academic performance except for number recall (p = 0.12) and hand movements (p = 0.08). The correlation between all cognitive test scores and mathematics score was found positive and statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the multivariable linear regression model, better wealth index was significantly associated with higher mathematics score (ß = 0.63; 95 % CI: 0.12–0.74). Similarly a unit change in height for age z score resulted in 2.11 unit change in mathematics score (ß = 2.11; 95 % CI: 0.002–4.21). A single unit change of wealth index resulted 0.53 unit changes in average score of all academic subjects among school age children (ß = 0.53; 95 % CI: 0.11–0.95). A single unit change of age resulted 3.23 unit change in average score of all academic subjects among school age children (ß = 3.23; 95 % CI: 1.20–5.27).ConclusionNutritional status (height for age Z score) and wealth could be modifiable factors to improve academic performance of school age children. Moreover, interventions to improve nutrition for mothers and children may be an important contributor to academic success and national economic growth in Ethiopia. Further study with strong design and large sample size is needed.

Coverage of Iodized Salt and Associated Factors at Household Level in Goba Town, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia, 2015

Background: Iodine Deficiency Disorder is one of the biggest worldwide public health problems of today. Fortification of salt with iodine is recognized as the most simple and cost effective strategy to achieve recommended daily intake of iodine. Hence this study wanted to assess coverage of adequately iodized salt & associated factors at household level in Goba town. Methods: Community based cross-sectional survey conducted among 598 households using concurrent qualitative & quantitative method in Goba town, South East Ethiopia from August 1-30, 2013. Data were collected by trained diploma nurses supervised by BSC nurses. Interviewer administered questionnaire & rapid field test kits were used to collect the data. Data were cleaned, coded & entered in to EPI Info and exported to SPSS for analysis. Data were summarized in tables & charts. Variables having p value ≤ 0.2 in univariate analysis were entered into multivariate logistic regression to test association between the outcome and predictable variables at p value ≤ 0.05. Results: From a total of 596 households included in the study, only 30% of the households were covered by adequately iodized salt. Regarding the associated factors, about coverage of adequately iodized salt, not exposing to sunlight, purchasing from supermarkets or big shops & perceived cheap were found to be statistically significant with AOR (95% CI) = 2.20 (1.31, 3.60), 1.91 (1.10, 3.34), 1.70 (1.10, 2.0) respectively. Conclusion: Coverage of adequately iodized salt at household level was low (30%) in Goba town. The main associated factors were not exposing to sun light, purchased from big shop or supermarket & perceived cheap. Households’ should be educated about proper handling of iodized salt at household level.

Perinatal depression and associated factors among reproductive aged group women at Goba and Robe Town of Bale Zone, Oromia Region, South East Ethiopia.

BackgroundIn sub Saharan Africa little progress has been made towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Lack of achievement of MDGs is reflected in only minor changes in maternal mortality and child health – this is especially true in Ethiopia. Perinatal depression is common in developing countries where one in three women has a significant mental health problem during pregnancy and after childbirth. Perinatal depression is associated with inadequate prenatal care and poor maternal weight gain, low infant birth weight, and infant growth restriction. This study determined the prevalence of perinatal depression and its associated factors among reproductive age group women at Goba and Robe town of Bale zone; Oromia Region, South East Ethiopia. A cross sectional study with Simple Random sampling was employed to include 340 eligible subjects. The WHO self reporting questionnaire with 20 items with a cut off point 6 and above was used to separate non-cases/cases of perinatal depression. Data were collected by trained data collectors. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS Version 16. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of perinatal depression at 95% CI and P value of ≤ 0.05.ResultsPrevalence of perinatal depression was about 107(31.5%). About 20(5.9%), 86(25.3%) were current smokers and alcohol consumers respectively. Two hundred seventy seven (71.2%) of the respondents reported husband support during their pregnancy and after birth and 195(59.3%) were reported support from the husband’s family/relatives. Maternal perceived difficulty of child care, family History of mental illness, family visit during the perinatal period, history of child death and husband smoking status were found as independent predictors of perinatal depression.ConclusionThis study found that 1 in 3 women in this region of Ethiopia have depression. Depression screening is not currently routine care, but should be given due attention due to the high prevalence of depression in these populations. Public health agencies could organize special training events for Health care workers, including Health Extension workers on Mental Health and has to provide screening service to strengthen mental health in the pregnant and postpartum family.