Gondar City Research Articles

Second dose of measles-containing vaccine coverage and associated factors among children aged 24-36 months in Gondar city, Central Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023.

Measles caused 207,000 deaths worldwide in 2019. Ethiopia ranks among the top 10 countries in the world with the highest number of measles cases. However, the coverage of the second dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) remains low. To increase coverage, the government of Ethiopia launched a nationwide measles vaccination campaign. Despite this intervention, the coverage is still below target, and there is scarce information in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess MCV2 coverage and associated factors among children aged 24-36 months in Gondar city, Central Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 621 children aged 24-36 months using a systematic random sampling technique from 25 April to 25 May. A pre-tested, interviewer-administered, and structured questionnaire was used and collected using Kobo Toolbox and then transferred to Stata version 17 for further analysis. The binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors, and the presence of an association was declared using a p-value of <0.05. Similarly, an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to interpret the direction and strength of an association. A total of 621 children, with a response rate of 98.1%, participated in the study. The coverage of the second dose of MCV was 75.68% (95% CI: 72.1-78.9). The following factors were significantly associated with measles-containing vaccine second dose (MCV2) coverage: father as the household head (AOR: 3.06, 95% CI: 1.43-6.44), first birth order (AOR: 4.45, 95% CI: 1.21-16.3), four and above antenatal care (ANC) follow-ups (AOR: 5.18, 95% CI:1.62-16.5), postnatal care (PNC) service utilization (AOR: 2.57, 95% CI:1.27-5.15), at least two doses of vitamin A uptake (AOR: 6.39, 95% CI: 2.67-15.2), mothers having high awareness (AOR: 1.97, 95% CI:1.15-3.4), and good perception (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 2-6.47) about measles vaccination. The coverage of MCV2 in the study area is lower than the national and global target of above 95%. Head of household, birth order, ANC follow-up, PNC service utilization, vitamin A uptake, awareness, and perception of mothers about measles vaccination were significant factors for MCV2 coverage. Creating awareness, increasing the perception of mothers about measles vaccination, and strengthening the ANC and PNC services will increase the coverage.

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections and associated factors among prisoners in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

Globally, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) cause considerable morbidity and mortality from their acute and chronic infections. The transmission of the viruses within the prisons is high due to overcrowding, and other risk behaviors such as drug use, and unsafe sexual practices. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated factors of HBV and HCV infections among prisoners in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Gondar City Prison Center from May 1, 2022, to July 30, 2022. A total of 299 prison inmates were selected by using a systematic random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral and prison related factors. Five milliliters of blood sample were collected, and the serum was separated from the whole blood. The serum was tested for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibody by using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Data was entered using EpiData version 4.6.0 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was done to assess the association between the independent variables and HBV and HCV infections. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The overall seroprevalence of HBV or HCV infections was 10.4%. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections was 7.0% and 4.0%, respectively. It has been demonstrated that having several heterosexual partners, sharing sharp materials in prison, having longer imprisonment, and having a body tattoo are significantly associated with HBV infection. The presence of a body tattoo, a history of surgical procedures, and previous imprisonment are associated risk factors for HCV infection. The prevalence of HBV and HCV were high-intermediate and high, respectively. Therefore, preventative and control initiatives are needed in prisons to decrease the rate of infection and transmission.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Ethiopia: Evidence from a workplace cross-sectional study.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Shopkeepers are prone to developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, but they are largely overlooked in research and policy actions, particularly in developing countries. So far, there is a lack of data on the magnitude and factors influencing work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Ethiopia. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Gondar City, Ethiopia. A workplace-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2022, in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 625 shopkeepers. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Analysis was made using Stata version 14. Factors associated with the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were identified using the multivariable Poisson regression model. The adjusted prevalence ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p-value < 0.05 were applied to establish the significance of associations. The overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in the past 12 months was found to be 81.1% (N = 507). The most frequently affected body part was the lower back (46.6%), followed by the upper back (43.8%) and shoulder (35.4%). Being female (p = 0.043), being in the age group of ≥40 years (p = 0.028), being overweight (p = 0.035), experiencing job stress (p = 0.006) and prolonged sitting (p = 0.045) were significant factors for the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers. This study revealed that shopkeepers face an alarmingly high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Female, older, overweight, stressed and shopkeepers who sit in the same position for long periods of time were identified as particularly vulnerable groups. These findings call for the urgent development and implementation of preventive measures, including ergonomic adjustments, education and training programs, stress management techniques and the promotion of physical activity, to protect this vulnerable workforce from the debilitating effects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and to ensure their long-term health and well-being.

Understanding the Exiting and Re-Entering Experiences of Street-Based Prostitution Among Young Women in Gondar City, Ethiopia

Although street-based prostitution is a rapidly growing social phenomenon in Ethiopian cities, there is little scholarly attention given to address the issue. This qualitative study aimed to understand the lived experiences of women who attempted to exit street prostitution in Gondar city. Thirteen study participants were chosen using the snowball sampling technique. In-depth interviews were used to gather qualitative data, which were then analyzed thematically. The study revealed formal support services, family support, spirituality, and saving money as important factors leading women to successfully exit from prostitution. However, some participants reported that structural problems, drug addiction, and societal attitudes led them to return to street prostitution. This study suggests that to help women successfully leave prostitution, interventions for exiting strategies should focus on economic strengthening activities as well as rehabilitation services including substance abuse treatment.

Evaluation of Seven Different Brands of Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets Available in the Market in Gondar City, Ethiopia.

WHO estimates that 15.8% of substandard or falsified medical products are used to treat non-communicable diseases which account for 80% of the global burden including diabetes. The increased level of use of metformin hydrochloride tablets in clinical practice creates the need to monitor and ascertain the quality of the various brands available in the drug market for quality control assessment and generic substitution. This study aims to assess the pharmaceutical quality of seven brands of metformin tablets circulating in pharmacy outlets in Gondar City, North West Ethiopia. Official Pharmacopoeia tests such as uniformity of weight, disintegration, assay, and dissolution tests were used to assess the physicochemical quality control parameters of metformin hydrochloride tablet brands. The unofficial tests conducted included crushing strength/hardness and friability. In all seven tests, the tested brands passed the BP official tests for uniformity of weight, friability, disintegration, and dissolution. Each product had a friability of less than 1% with a maximum of 0.385%. In contrast, none of the brands passed the non-official hardness test. Each product disintegrated in seven to twelve minutes, meeting the USP standards. Drug release rates in 45 min ranged from 78.9 to 92.6%, and drug content results were within the USP guidelines (96.55-102.76%). The current study demonstrated that all seven brands of metformin hydrochloride 500 mg tablets adhered to the quality control parameters specified in the pharmacopeia, except for the hardness test across all brands.

Medicinal plants and functional foods sold by market vendors and used by their clients for COVID-19 in Gondar City, Ethiopia

Background: Many Ethiopians use traditional medicines. However, little is known about the role of open markets as sources of alternative medicines in preventing and treating COVID-19. Objectives. The objectives of this study are to identify medicinal plants and plant products sold by vendors in the markets of Gondar City and used by their clients to treat the COVID-19-related symptoms of fever, cough, and headache. Methods and Materials: Questionnaires were used to interview vendors and clients. Results: The research identified 38 vendors who sold traditional medicines and 37 clients who reported using medicines for fever, cough, and headache. Of the 14 medicinal, food, and spice plants and plant products sold, the most common were garlic (Allium sativum) followed by black cumin (Nigella sativa) seeds, haregresa (Zehneria scabra) leaves, and basil (Ocimum trifolium) leaves. The plant materials most commonly used were haregresa leaves, garlic, and flax seeds. Four of the plants have active anti-coronavirus, immune-modulatory, and anti-inflammatory compounds. The sale and use of medicinal plants and functional foods reflects traditional cultural practices in Ethiopia. Conclusion: Open-air markets are a major source of indigenous foods and medicines that may be valuable in the management of COVID-19. Medicinal plant products sold for fever, headache, and cough in Gondar City may have mostly palliative and immuno-modulatory benefits. Several areas needing further study are identified.

Anxiety and associated factors in Northwest Ethiopian pregnant women: a broad public health concern.

Pregnancy-related anxiety is a prevalent mental health issue that mostly affects women in low-income countries such as Ethiopia. It has been linked to unfavorable pregnancy outcomes, such as miscarriage, prematurity, and low birth weight. However, it has often received less attention, and community-based evidence lacks its prevalence and associated factors. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anxiety in Northwest Ethiopian pregnant women in Gondar city. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 July to 30 August 2021 in Gondar city. A cluster sampling technique was used to select a sample of 872 pregnant women, and in-person interviews were conducted to gather data. Descriptive and analytical statistical procedures were carried out. Of the participants, pregnancy-related anxiety was reported in 29.4% (95% CI: 26.3, 32.4) of women. The likelihood of having anxiety was higher among women who had known medical illness (AOR = 3.16; 95% CI: 1.8, 5.35), loneliness (AOR = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.34, 4.73), depression (AOR = 2.38; 95% CI: 1.48, 3.85), poor social support (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.21, 3.07), and intimate partner violence (AOR = 2.87; 95% CI: 2.04, 4.04). In this study, three out of ten women have suffered from anxiety. It is strongly advised to identify and treat known medical illnesses early in pregnancy, enhance social support, diagnose and treat depression, and limit intimate partner violence through multimodal and integrative activities with concerned bodies.

Variation in macroinvertebrate assemblages and water quality as a test for different levels of ecological impairment across an Ethiopian highland river system

ABSTRACT The Ethiopian highlands is an area under high anthropogenic pressure. Despite being a hotspot for freshwater biodiversity, the ecological status of local rivers is not monitored. Physicochemical and nutrient water quality parameters and macroinvertebrate assemblages were sampled monthly from the Megech River and its tributaries from January to March 2021. Sampling locations were designated as either upstream or downstream of the Gondar City urban area. We tested for temporal (monthly) and spatial (location, river) variation in water quality and spatial (location, river) variation in macroinvertebrate assemblage structure to examine which water quality parameters were most associated with patterns in macroinvertebrate assemblages. Water quality varied significantly between locations and months but not between rivers. Water quality differences were particularly driven by higher nutrient, salinity, dissolved solids, and conductivity levels downstream, and higher pH and dissolved oxygen levels upstream. Despite the more abundant and diverse macroinvertebrate assemblages downstream, biotic index scores generally indicated slightly increased ecological impairment downstream. A clear spatial pattern emerged in macroinvertebrate assemblages between locations; we detected a significant difference between rivers, with pairwise differences between sampling locations, particularly due to high dissimilarity between the upstream and downstream locations of the Angereb, Shinta, and Qeha rivers. BIO-ENV Pearson correlations indicated that variation in macroinvertebrate assemblages were mostly explained by dissolved oxygen, salinity, and nutrient parameters including nitrate, ammonium, and sulphate. Our findings confirm the need for more rigorous monitoring of Ethiopian highland rivers and improved management of nutrient inputs.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C, and its associated risk factors among clinically suspected patients attending poly and Maraki Health Centers, Gondar City, North West Ethiopia.

Hepatitis B and C viruses are major global health problems with a high mortality rate, mostly due to serious liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of the hepatitis B and C viruses and associated risk factors among clinically suspected patients attending Poly and Maraki Health Centers in Gondar City. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted to recruit 422 clinically suspected patients attending Poly and Maraki Health Centers between June and August 2020. The blood sample was tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-Hepatitis C virus antibodies using commercially available rapid test kits. We used logistic regression and chi-square analysis to assess factors associated with Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus infections. The overall prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-Hepatitis C virus antibodies was 29 (6.9%) and 5 (1.2%), respectively. The prevalence of Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus was found to be significantly higher at Maraki Health Center. Multiple sexual partners (adjusted odd ratio (AOR = 12.299; 95% CI = 2.515-60.142), history of delivery by traditional birth attendants (AOR = 6.284; 95% CI = 2.373-16.637), surgical history (AOR = 3.679; 95% CI = 1.009-13.417), previous hepatitis infections (AOR = 10.374; 95% CI = 1.128-95.444), and upper abdominal pain (AOR = 3.382; 95% CI = 1.215-9.414) were significantly associated with an increased risk of Hepatitis B virus infections. On the other hand, a history of blood transfusion (AOR = 43.132; 95% CI = 1.385-1343.176) and a history of kidney dialysis (AOR = 71.199; 95% CI = 2.074-2444.646) were significantly associated with Hepatitis C virus infection. According to the WHO endemicity classification, the prevalence of the hepatitis B virus was intermediate, while that of the hepatitis C virus was low. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the efforts to control and prevent Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus infections.

Community pharmacy professionals' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward nutrition and lifestyle counseling in Gondar City, Ethiopia.

Community pharmacy professionals play a vital role in health care, have a greater impact on public health programs, and play a critical role in patient counseling for both non-pharmacological and pharmacological management. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of community pharmacy professionals toward nutrition and lifestyle counseling in Gondar City, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in Northwestern Ethiopia from May to June 2021. Face-to-face structured interviews were performed to collect data using a specially created questionnaire. Descriptive, independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA analyses were used. A significant difference was defined as a p-value of less than 0.05. This survey drew 100 community pharmacy professional from a pool of 105 participants, with a 95.2% response rate. More than a third of the participants (n = 43, 43%) defined medical nutrition therapy as the use of food to prevent disease, and almost half of the participants (n = 51, 51%) viewed therapeutic nutrition to be part of their job responsibilities. More than half (64%) believe that patients should be provided a combination of nutritional and pharmacological treatments in the majority of cases. The majority of participants (75%) gave patients counseling on drug-food interactions. The majority of community pharmacy professionals said they knew a lot about medical nutrition therapy and were enthusiastic about nutrition evaluation and medical nutrition therapy, they see these tasks as part of their job, and they practiced dietary counseling that was limited to pregnancy and chronic diseases.

Prevalence of sickness presenteeism and associated factors among primary school teachers in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia.

Sickness presenteeism, the phenomenon of people going to work despite being ill, is an occupational and psychosocial condition that hurts both the health of workers and organizational productivity. It negatively affects health, increases health-related costs, and the risk of contagious diseases. Primary school teachers are particularly vulnerable to this problem, although little is known about its scope and associated factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with sickness presenteeism among school teachers in Northwest Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was employed and the study period was from April 18 to May 18, 2023. A sample of 633 primary school teachers was recruited using two-stage stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires. Epi-data version 4.6 and STATA version 14 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was used. A multivariable logistic regression model with an adjusted odds ratio was fitted for statistical significance. A total of 603 school teachers participated in this study, with a response rate of 95.26%. The overall prevalence of sickness presenteeism in the last 12 months was 54.7% (N = 330) [95% CI (50.9, 58.7)]. Private school teachers [AOR: 2.21, 95% CI (1.14, 4.28)], low supervisor support [AOR: 1.53, 95% CI (1.06, 2.20)], lack of staff replacement availability [AOR: 2.74, 95% CI (1.85, 4.06)], low colleague support [AOR: 2.17, 95% CI (1.40, 3.37)], unsuitable household conditions [AOR: 1.49, 95% CI (1.08, 2.34)], and strict attendance control [AOR: 2.54, 95% CI (1.67, 3.85)] were factors significantly associated with sickness presenteeism. The prevalence of sickness presenteeism was relatively high among primary school teachers because of factors such as low support from supervisors and colleagues, strict attendance control, lack of staff replacement, unsuitable household conditions, and private school type. Strategies to promote teachers' health include fostering a culture of support and collaboration among colleagues, recruiting adequate staff, and implementing liberal attendance policies.

Prevalence of traditional uvulectomy and its associated factors among parents who had less than 6 months of infants in Gondar City, north-west Ethiopia: Mixed study design.

Traditional uvulectomy is widely practiced in Africa especially in sub-Saharan countries including Ethiopia. Limited Studies conducted in different times and areas of the world have shown that the prevalence of uvulectomy and its associated factors are varied from country to country. There is limited evidence to determine the prevalence and reasons of malpractice in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of traditional uvulectomy, and its associated factors among parents who had children aged less than 6 months. A community-based cross-sectional mixed study design was conducted among 630 participants selected by a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Epi-data, and analyzed by using STATA version 14software. Descriptive statistics were computed and presented using tables, figures and texts. Factors associated with the prevalence of uvulectomy were selected for multiple logistic regressions at the probability value (p-value) of less than 0.2 in the X2- analysis. Statistically significant associated factors were identified at the probability value (p-value) less than 0.05 and adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI. A total of 10 individual depth interviewees and 5 key informants were included using purposive sampling techniques. For the qualitative study, and thematic content analysis was employed to analyze the data, which were transcribed, translated, coded, screened, thematized, analyzed, synthesized, and finally supplemented the quantitative finding. The prevalence of traditional uvulectomy was 84.60% (CI: 81.77%n-87.42%). Being rural residence (adjusted OR = 2.08, CI = 1.06-4.12), mothers aged 30 to 34 years (adjusted OR = 2.9, CI = 1.28-6.60), having no antenatal care visit (adjusted OR = 3.91, CI = 1.33-11.47), having no bad obstetric history (adjusted OR = 2.11, CI = 1.12-3.98), having no postnatal care visit (adjusted OR = 3.88, CI = 1.36-11.12) and mothers' poor attitude (adjusted OR = 3.32, CI = 2.01-5.47) were statistically significant associated factors of traditional uvulectomy. Seeking traditional uvulectomy, lack of information and third-party pressure were the main themes of the qualitative study that support the findings of the quantitative study. The prevalence of traditional uvulectomy was high. Being rural residents, mothers aged 30 to 34 years, having no antenatal care visit, having no complications of obstetric history, having no postnatal care visit and mothers with poor attitude were statistically significant associated factors of traditional uvulectomy. Lack of information about uvulectomy and third-party pressure was the reason for seeking traditional uvulectomy.

HIV/AIDS Care and Support Services Satisfaction for Orphan and Vulnerable Children in Northwest Ethiopia: Mixed Method Study

Background: The provision of comprehensive care and support services to orphans and disadvantaged children that are individualized and tailored through the use of child- and family-centered information is critical but little if any information is available on satisfaction with HIV/AIDS care among orphans and vulnerable children in Gondar. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the satisfaction of HIV/AIDS care and support service delivered to caregivers of Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Gondar City, 2023. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study design with explanatory concurrent mixed methods was applied. A total of 424 Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s caregivers for interviewer-administered questionaries, 5 key informant interviews, and 385 Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s document reviews were conducted. The data were entered into the Kobo toolbox software and exported to STATA version 16 for analysis. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant variables. The qualitative data were transcribed, translated, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: In this study, the Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s/ caregivers satisfaction of HIV/AIDS C&amp;S services was 68.20% with (95%CI=63.20%,71.10%). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, separate waiting rooms (AOR=0.05, 95% CI: 0.005, 0.52), materials for Orphans and Vulnerable Children to take home (AOR=1.76, 95%CI: 1.67, 7.59), and provisions of attractive and friendly services to Orphans and Vulnerable Children (AOR=2.24, 95%CI: 1.08, 4.64) were significant variables. Conclusion: Orphan and vulnerable children caregiver satisfaction to HIV/AIDS C&amp;S service was 68.20% with (95%CI=63.20%,71.10%). Separate waiting rooms, attractive and friendly service, and materials to take home were factors that affected Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s caregiver satisfaction to the HIV/AIDS C&amp;S service. Rigorous efforts to build systems that apply the policy and principles of HIV C&amp;S services are recommended. Therefore, the government, partners, programmers, and implementers should give attention to improving the HIV C&amp;S services.

Evaluation of Quality of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV Service Provision and Its Determinants: The Case of Health Facility Readiness and Mothers' Perspectives.

Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) is a comprehensive intervention aimed at reducing vertical transmission. More than 90% of pediatric AIDS cases are caused by MTCT. However, the quality of care has lagged in terms of service integration, client satisfaction, and facility readiness, although improvements have been observed. Evidence on the quality of PMTCT services is required by clinicians, and policymakers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PMTCT services provided by public health facilities in Northwest Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study was conducted at nine public health facilities in Gondar city between June 1 and July 17, 2022. A total of 334 mothers were participated. The Structure-Process-Outcome components were used to evaluate service quality. About 135 counseling sessions were observed. The SPSS 26 software was used for statistical analyses. To identify mothers' satisfaction with the service, P-values < 0.25, and < 0.05 were considered in the binary and multiple logistic regression analyses to identify significant variables, respectively. The overall performance of the health facilities was 74.09% (72.19-76.01 CI 95%). In 88.89% of cases, the output quality was higher and rated as good. However, the quality of the input and process services was 60.40% and 72.97%, respectively. Women's satisfaction was 67.09%. Women aged 15-24 years (AOR= 0.31; 95% CI:0.06, 0.79), formally educated (AOR=0.59; 95% CI:0.35, 0.67), > one hour of arrival (AOR=0.71; 95% CI:0.55, 0.93), > 30 minutes waiting time (AOR=0.23; 95% CI:0.11, 0.37), sufficient time for counseling (AOR=2.83; 95% CI:1.72, 3.97), and opening hours (AOR=4.27; 95% CI:2.09, 6.67) were factors associated with satisfaction in women. The quality of PMTCT service provision and mothers' satisfaction were low. Reducing waiting time, punctuality of service providers, adequate counselling, and availability of basic resources can boost mothers' satisfaction.

Effects of Cohesion Analysis-Based Instructions (CABI) on English as Foreign Language (TEFL) Students’ Reading Comprehension and Self-Efficacy

This study examined effects of CABI on grade 11 EFL students’ reading comprehension and self-efficacy using reading self-efficacy as mediating variable at Azezo Secondary School, Gondar City Administration. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with quantitative approach. Thus, intact groups were selected using simple random sampling technique, and one out of these groups was assigned as an experimental group (n=52) while the other as a control group (=52) by lot; both of them were selected using lot method. Then, the experimental group was taught using CABI, whereas the control one was taught using conventional way of teaching reading. In order to collect the data, reading comprehension test and reading self-efficacy questionnaire were used as data collecting instruments. The data were analyzed using chi square, independent samples t-test and SEM. The results of the study indicated that there was a direct significant difference (B = 1.781, CR = 5.844 (&gt;±1.96), p &lt; .05) between the control and experimental group students’ reading comprehension posttest scores in favor of the experimental group participants. Besides, the result showed that there is significant effect (β = .533, CR = 4.630 (&gt;±1.96), p &lt; .05) of CABI on experimental group students’ reading self-efficacy beliefs posttest score in comparison to the control one. In the same vein, the result (β = .825, CR = 3.855(&gt;±1.96), p &lt; .05) unveil that CABI had positive effect on experimental group participants’ reading comprehension posttest score through reading self-efficacy compared to the control group students. Hence, the instruction has a positive effect on reading comprehension both directly and indirectly (through reading self-efficacy). This implies that reading self-efficacy partially mediates the causal relationship between CABI and reading comprehension.

Magnitude and predictors of pre-diabetes among adults in health facilities of Gondar city, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

Impaired glucose tolerance currently affects 374 million (7.5%) people worldwide, and by 2030, this number is predicted to affect 454 million (8%). Urban inhabitants have an increased risk of developing pre-diabetes. Thus, the study aimed to assess the magnitude of pre-diabetes and associated factors among adults attending outpatient departments of the health facilities of Gondar, Ethiopia. From 3 March to 18 April 2020, an institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 992 participants. Data were gathered using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and fasting blood glucose was assessed using capillary blood. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were fitted to check the association between independent variables and pre-diabetes. Statistical significance was declared at a level of P of <0.05. The prevalence of pre-diabetes was 16.6% (95% CIs: 14.3-18.8%). Age [AOR = 3.66, 95% CIs (2.05, 6.52)], a family history of diabetes mellitus [AOR = 3.46, 95% CIs (2.16, 5.52)], waist circumference [AOR = 3.6, 95% CIs (2.26, 5.88)], physical activity [AOR: 5.02, 95% CIs (2.87, 8.77)], dietary diversity [AOR = 3.07, 95% CIs (1.95, 4.84)], and smoking [AOR = 2.9, 95% CI (1.42, 6.05)] were factors associated with pre-diabetes. From our study, we can conclude that one in six adults in the health facilities have pre-diabetes. Age, family history of diabetes, waist circumference, physical activity, dietary diversity, and smoking were the factors associated with pre-diabetes. Therefore, it is recommended that adults should be educated on modifying their lifestyle, including their diet, and substantial care should be provided for older adults.

Comprehensive Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviors, and Associated Factors of HIV/AIDS in Gondar City Public Health Facilities Among HIV Testing and Counselling Service Users, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022; an Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis

Comprehensive Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviors, and Associated Factors of HIV/AIDS in Gondar City Public Health Facilities Among HIV Testing and Counselling Service Users, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022; an Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis

Comprehensive Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviors, and Associated Factors of HIV/AIDS in Gondar City Public Health Facilities Among HIV Testing and Counselling Service Users, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022; an Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis [Letter

Comprehensive Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviors, and Associated Factors of HIV/AIDS in Gondar City Public Health Facilities Among HIV Testing and Counselling Service Users, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022; an Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis [Letter

Fusion of sentinel-1 SAR and sentinel-2 MSI data for accurate Urban land use-land cover classification in Gondar City, Ethiopia

Effective urban planning and management rely on accurate land cover mapping, which can be achieved through the combination of remote sensing data and machine learning algorithms. This study aimed to explore and demonstrate the potential benefits of integrating Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 MSI satellite imagery for urban land cover classification in Gondar city, Ethiopia. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from Sentinel-1A and Multispectral Instrument (MSI) data from Sentinel-2B for the year 2023 were utilized for this research work. Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) machine learning algorithms were utilized for the classification process. Google Earth Engine (GEE) was used for the processing, classification, and validation of the remote sensing data. The findings of the research provided valuable insights into the performance evaluation of the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) algorithms for image classification using different datasets, namely Sentinel 2B Multispectral Instrument (MSI) and Sentinel 1A Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. When applied to the Sentinel 2B MSI dataset, both SVM and RF achieved an overall accuracy (OA) of 0.69, with a moderate level of agreement indicated by the Kappa score of 0.357. For the Sentinel 1A SAR data, SVM maintained the same OA of 0.69 but showed an improved Kappa score of 0.67, indicating its suitability for SAR image classification. In contrast, RF achieved a slightly lower OA of 0.66 with Sentinel 1A SAR data. However, when the datasets of Sentinel 2B MSI and Sentinel 1A SAR were combined, SVM achieved an impressive OA of 0.91 with a high Kappa score of 0.80, while RF achieved an OA of 0.81 with a Kappa score of 0.809. These findings highlight the potential of fusing satellite data from multiple sources to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of image classification algorithms, making them valuable tools for various applications, including land use mapping and environmental monitoring.

Assessment of knowledge and attitude of pregnant women towards antenatal ultrasound in University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital at antenatal care clinic, Northwest Ethiopia.

Obstetric ultrasound is one of the most important advances in antenatal tests. Despite the importance of knowing the knowledge status of ultrasound and the category of attitude, there is no similar study done in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude and associated factors toward ultrasound examination at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia from May 15, 2022, to Jun 30, 2022. Data was collected and transferred from the Open data Kit server and analyzed using STATA version 14. The strength of the association, presented using an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and p-value ≤0.05, is considered to declare statistically significant variables. A total of 422 pregnant women participated, with a response rate of 100%. Of the total pregnant women, only 39% of them are knowledgeable about obstetric ultrasound whereas 52% of them have a favorable attitude. Being a housewife, government employee, and private employee (AOR = 17, 95% CI = 2.12, 151), (AOR = 10, 95% CI = 1.2, 85) and (AOR = (13, 95% CI = 1.5, 115), respectively were associated positively with knowledge about ultrasound. However, residing in a rural (AOR = 0.07; 95%CI = 0.02, 0.21), never been pregnant before (AOR = 0.59 95% CI = 0.38, 0.94), and having information (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1, 2.9) were negatively associated with knowledge about ultrasound. Whereas, attaining primary education (AOR = 2.61; 95%CI = 1.1, 6.4) was positively associated with favorable attitudes while living in rural areas was negatively associated with a favorable attitude (AOR = 0.42; 95%CI = 0.18, 0.97). In this study, knowledge and attitude about ultrasound among pregnant women in Gondar City are low. Residence, occupation, being pregnant before, and having information were significantly associated factors of knowledge. While residence and educational status of the respondents were significant factors of attitude. Therefore, health information about obstetric ultrasound shall be given to women who live in rural areas, women who are students, merchants and farmers, illiterate, and primigravida.