Gondar City Research Articles

Nearly Half of Women Have Experienced Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy in Northwest Ethiopia, 2021; The Role of Social Support and Decision-Making Power.

BackgroundIn developing countries, intimate partner violence is increasing alarmingly, though attention to this issue is rarely given. It has devastating effects on the general wellbeing of women, pregnancy outcomes, and the long-term health of children, and this needs to be addressed. Hence, this study was designed to assess intimate partner violence and associated factors in northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1st to August 30th, 2021, among 858 postpartum women in Gondar city. A cluster sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. EPI DATA version 4.6 and SPSS 25 were used for data entry, cleaning and analysis, respectively. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with intimate partner violence. The level of significant association was declared using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) and a p-value of ≤ 0.05.ResultsIn this study, 48.6% of women indicated having experienced intimate partner violence during pregnancy (95% CI: 45.3, 51.7). The odds of intimate partner violence during pregnancy were significantly higher among women who were not able to read and write (AOR = 4.96; 95% CI: 2.15, 11.41), were private workers (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.05, 3.02), and had low decision-making power (AOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.95), a poor social support (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.32, 3.02), and unsupported pregnancy by family (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.26, 4.24). Whereas a family size of ≥ 5 (AOR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.54, 0.98) appeared to be a protective factor for intimate partner violence.ConclusionThe magnitude of intimate partner violence was unacceptably high in the study area and connected to poor women's empowerment and social determinants of health. Thus, it is important to focus on interventions that improve women's access to social support and allow them to participate in all aspects of household decision-making through community-based structures and networks. It is also important to encourage women to improve their educational status and arrange risk-free employment opportunities.

Sexually transmitted infections and associated factors during pregnancy in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: A multicenter study

BackgroundSexually transmitted infections are one the most important public health problems in the developing countries that have been reported to have many adverse pregnancy outcomes. Despite the adverse pregnancy outcomes, studies on the prevalence and associated factors of sexual transmitted infection among pregnant women in Ethiopia, especially in our study setting are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of sexually transmitted infection among pregnant women in Gondar city, Ethiopia. MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 507 pregnant women who were attending antenatal care in public health facilities in Gondar city from September 1 to 30, 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants and data were collected using pretested and interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered using Epi-data version 4.6 and cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 25 software. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with sexual transmitted infection among pregnant women. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% of confidence interval and p value < 0.05 were used to declare the significant variables. ResultsA total of 507 pregnant women were included in this study, and making a response rate of 97.3%. The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among pregnant women was 15.2% (95% CI: 12.1%, 18.3%). Being rural resident (AOR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.43, 6.12), having history of stillbirth (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.08, 6.68), having history of sexually transmitted infections (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.10, 7.01) and husbands suspected of having other sexual partners (AOR = 4.73, 95% CI: 2.16, 10.38) were significantly associated with sexually transmitted infections. ConclusionIn this study, sexually transmitted infections were a public health problems because one sixth of pregnant women experienced sexually transmitted infections. Pregnant women with the identified factors need special focus to tackle the problem and its negative health consequences. Moreover, it is better to provide community-based education programmes focusing on changes to sexual behavior for male to tackle this public health important problem.

Knowledge about hypertension and associated factors among patients with hypertension in public health facilities of Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia: Ordinal logistic regression analysis.

BackgroundHypertension is a disease that imposes risks of diseases on multi-system. Failure to control hypertension leads patients to end up with unavoidable complications, including death. Noncompliance to treatment is the main factor to develop such devastating complications whereas knowledge of patients about their disease is a key factor for better compliance. Thus, the purpose of this study is to assess the level of knowledge about hypertension and associated factors among hypertensive patients in public health facilities of Gondar city.MethodsFacility-based cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2019 in Gondar town. A systematic sampling technique was applied to select a total of 389 patients. A structured interview questionnaire was used to gather the data. The data were analyzed using STATA version 14. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed at P < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval to identify statistically significant variables.ResultsA total of 385 respondents participated giving a response rate of 98.9%. The majority (55.3%) of the patients had a low level of, 17.9% had a moderate level of knowledge whereas 26.8% had a high level of knowledge about hypertension. Those working in government organizations had 5.5 times higher odds of having a high level of knowledge than other groups (AOR = 5.5; 95%CI = 1.21, 25). Patients who received longer than four years of treatment showed twice larger odds of knowledge than those with below two years of treatment (AOR = 2; 95%CI = 1.29, 3.22) Moreover, patients residing proximate to the hospital increases the odds of having a higher level of knowledge by 1.64 times versus patients living far away from the hospital (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.07–2.63).ConclusionsThis finding revealed that knowledge about hypertension and risk factors among patients with hypertension was low. Employment in governmental organizations, longer duration of treatment, and residential proximity to hospitals/ health centers were statistically significant predictors of the participants’ knowledge about hypertension. Therefore, it is important to give health education to patients working in non-governmental organizations and self-employed individuals about diseases and risk factors. In addition, emphasis should be given to patients receiving less than two years of treatment and coming from remote areas to improve their knowledge of the disease.

Examining Tour Guides’ Service Quality in the World Heritage Sites of Gondar City, Northwest, Ethiopia

Examining Tour Guides’ Service Quality in the World Heritage Sites of Gondar City, Northwest, Ethiopia

Knowledge, attitude and practices of residents toward antimicrobial usage and resistance in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundAntimicrobials are essential for human and animal health. Drug resistance to an antimicrobial agent follows the introduction of a new antimicrobial agent. Evidence suggests that the public plays an important role in the risk, increase, and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the Gondar City residents regarding antimicrobial use and resistance.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2021 on 400 randomly selected Gondar city residents using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The descriptive and chi-square tests were used to analyse the data.ResultsThe response rate was one hundred percent. Approximately 75% of respondents were men, with 32% having completed secondary school. Nearly 74% and 35% of participants were married and worked in various government jobs. Furthermore, 48%, 54%, and 50% of respondents, respectively, had moderate knowledge, a positive attitude, and good practice concerning antimicrobial use and resistance. The chi-square analysis revealed a significant (p < 0.05) disparity between knowledge and educational level, marital status, and position in the house. The respondents’ attitude levels were also significantly associated (p < 0.05) with their educational level, marital status, occupation, and position in the house. Respondents’ practice levels were also significantly associated (p < 0.05) with their educational level and occupation. The study also found a significant relationship between respondents’ knowledge and attitude (χ2 = 215.23, p ≤ 0.01), knowledge and practice (χ2 = 147.2, p ≤ 0.01), and attitude and practice (χ2 = 116.03, p ≤ 0.01).ConclusionThis study found that study participants had some misconceptions about antimicrobial use and resistance. As a result, both enforcing antimicrobial regulation and educating people about antimicrobial use are advised.

Prevalence and risk factor for mistreatment in childbirth: In health facilities of Gondar city, Ethiopia.

Providing compassionate and respectful maternity care to mothers is a vital intervention to improve health outcomes of women and newborns. However, there is less data of compassionate and respectful maternity care in Gondar city. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of mistreatment and associated factors among mothers who gave birth at the public health facilities in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2019 in Gondar city public nine health facilities. A total of 584 randomly selected women in the postpartum period were recruited in this study. A binary logistic regression analysis was done to see whether there was an association between mistreatment and independent variables. Finally, the logistic regression analysis was done by stratifying type of parity and mode of delivery. Overall, 73.2% (95% CI: 69.7-76.7%) of the women were mistreated during their childbirth care. Non-consented care was the most commonly experienced form of mistreatment (63.6%, 95% CI: 59.6-67.6%). Having less than four antenatal care follow-up visits (AOR = 3.58, 95% CI: 2.04-6.29), giving birth in the hospital (AOR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.52-5.27), and facing complications during delivery (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.52-3.98) were significantly associated with mistreatment among postpartum mothers. This study showed a lower proportion of mistreatment than other studies in Ethiopia. Having less than four ANC follow up, place of current delivery, and facing complication during delivery were identified as the determinants of mistreatment. Therefore, this calls for strengthening actions, like providing maternity education during antenatal care and appropriate management of complications to improve the quality of maternity care at health facilities, and enhancing hospital working health workers capacity on compassionate and respectful maternity care.

Risky Sexual Practice and Associated Factors Among Youth Preparatory Students in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundRisky sexual practices can negatively affect the health of youths by predisposing them to a variety of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancy, which, in turn, would lead to serious lifelong deleterious health, social, and economic consequences. While youths tend to be less well-informed and require more information, little has been known in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of risky sexual practices and associated factors among youth students in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 414 regularly attending youth students in Gondar city from April to May 2019. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected by using a pre-tested, structured, and self-administered questionnaire. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed, and a multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify the effect of independent variables on the outcome variable at p < 0.05 with its 95%CI.ResultThe prevalence of risky sexual practices was 49.3%. Peer pressure (AOR = 1.99, 95%CI: 1.21, 3.26), drinking alcohol (AOR = 4.88 95%CI: 3.06, 7.79), and watching pornography (AOR = 2.82, 95%CI: 1.74, 4.56) were positively associated with the risky sexual practice of youths. Whereas, age, gender, and pocket money did not have any association with risky sexual practice in this study.ConclusionIn this study, the prevalence of risky sexual practices was found to be high. Thus, multisector collaboration efforts are needed from parents, schools, health facilities, and the government to tackle the exposure of in-school youth toward peer pressure, drinking alcohol, and watching pornographic films, which in turn helps to bring about healthy sexual practices among them.

Children of the street: The cause and consequence of their social exclusion in Gondar city,North West Ethiopia

Children of the street: The cause and consequence of their social exclusion in Gondar city,North West Ethiopia

Streetism: The effects and coping mechanism of street children in Gondar City, Ethiopia

As one of the metropolitan cities in Amhara’s national regional state, Gondar is being beleaguered by the problem of street children. The present study attempted to highlight the effects of streetism and the coping mechanisms of street children. The qualitative research approach was adopted and data were collected from 15 selected street children. The majority of street children were discovered to be between the ages of 8 and 12 years. Thematic analysis was conducted to further understand the lives of street children. Street children suffer from the burden of having to handle responsibilities at an early age. Thus, the findings of the study illustrate that the issue of street children cannot be viewed as an economic phenomenon alone but as a social and psychological one as well. Consequently, the study highlights that even in settings where street children are standardised, leaving home very early is related to negative outcomes. Keywords: Administration, coping mechanism, street, streetism;

Determinant factors for the expansion of informal settlement in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia

This study examines determinant factors for the expansion of informal settlements in Gondar, a historical city in Ethiopia. In order to address this study objective, quantitative data were employed from 196 randomly selected households in four sites. The study indicated that a single factor is not determinant for the expansion of informal settlements in the city. The results of the study revealed that socio-economic, political and legislative, administrative, and demographic factors are statistically significant. These four dimensions together accounts 61.4 percent of all factors that facilitate the formation of informal settlement in Gondar city of Ethiopia. More specifically, socio-economic dimension is the first influential factor with 30.9%; political and legislative dimension is the second dominant factor with 15.7% followed by administrative dimension (10.2%); and demographic factors are contributed the least(4.6%) for the expansion of informal settlements. The study emphasized the need to implement appropriate urban planning, land and housing policy aimed at improving the efficient use of urban land. Improving the efficient use of urban land is imperative to address land prices and housing shortages, protecting farmland and ecosystems, and mainly to tackle land hoarding, urban sprawl and informal settlements.

Willingness to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine and Associated Factors Among College Students in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundThe increasing incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to cause morbidities, mortalities, and economic crises worldwide. College students are among the high-risk groups to acquire the disease for many reasons. Thus, the COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective and safe method to control this deadly disease. Although World Health Organization advocates vaccination is the best approach to tackle COVID-19, refusal of vaccination is a global problem. Evidence of reaching out to college students is scarce in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among college students in northwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 626 participants from January 12–26, 2021. Data were collected using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire, and a multistage sampling technique was used. Data were entered into Epi Info version 7.1.5.2 and exported into SPSS version 20 for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify associated factors. The level of significance was determined based on a p-value &amp;lt; 0.05.ResultsIn this study, the student’s willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccine was 34.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 30.9–38.1]. Being third-year student [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.27–2.77], being male (AOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.02–2.09), being married (AOR = 2.07; 95% CI: 1.28–3.33), ever watching TV (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.24–0.65), and having a positive attitude toward COVID-19 prevention (AOR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.61–3.39) were the factors significantly associated with the willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.ConclusionWillingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among college students was low. Sensitization of students about COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness before directly giving the vaccine is recommended. Moreover, concerned bodies should provide improved health education to students to bring a favorable attitude toward the COVID-19 vaccine.

Adherence to COVID-19 preventive practice and associated factors among pregnant women in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia, 2021: Community-based cross-sectional study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causes more than five million deaths worldwide. Pregnant women are at high risk for infection due to the physiologic change in the immune and cardiopulmonary system and also it increases the risk of severe disease, intensive care unit admission, and receive mechanical ventilation when compared with non-pregnant women. It is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. So pregnant women need to have adhered to preventive measures to prevent COVID-19 related consequences. Therefore, this study aimed to assess adherence toCOVID-19 preventive practice and associated factors among pregnant women in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1st to 30th, 2021, in Gondar city. A cluster sampling technique was employed to select 678 pregnant women. Data were collected using a pre-tested, face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into EPI DATA version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was fitted to identify associated factors. Adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to report the association between covariates and the outcome variable. The prevalence of good adherence to COVID-19 preventive practice was 44.8% (95% CI: 41.3, 48.7). Maternal age (≤24 years) [AOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.37, 6.10], maternal education (secondary school) [AOR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.58, 5.53] and (college and above) [AOR = 4.57,95% CI: 2.42, 8.62], having ANC follow up [AOR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.35, 6.46] and adequate knowledge towards COVID-19 [AOR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.41] were significantly associated with good adherence to COVID-19 preventive practice. In this study, adherence towards COVID-19 preventive practice in pregnant women is low. Hence, it is important to strengthen women's awareness about COVID-19 through different media and health education. In addition, empowering women to attain ANC and special consideration should be given to women who had no formal education.

Risk factors of dropout from institutional delivery among HIV positive antenatal care booked mothers within one year postpartum in Ethiopia: a case\u2013control study

BackgroundThe uptake of maternal healthcare services remains suboptimal in Ethiopia. Significant proportions of antenatal care attendees give birth at home in the context of HIV. However, in Ethiopia, evidence is scarce on the predictors of dropout from maternity continuum of care among HIV-positive mothers. Therefore, this study aimed to supply valuable information on risk factors regarding dropout of HIV-positive mothers for institutional delivery services in northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA multicenter case–control study was conducted at governmental health facilities in Gondar City from May one to June 30/2018. A total of 222 HIV-positive women were included in the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and checklists through face-to-face interview and chart review; entered into EPI INFO version seven, and then exported to SPSS version 25. Both descriptive and analytical procedures were performed. Binary logistic regression analysis was undertaken. A significant association was declared based on the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% CI and p-value of ≤ 0.05.ResultsThis study illustrates that maternal age of ≥ 35 years (AOR = 2.37; 95%CI: 1.13,5.13), unmarried marital relation (AOR = 3.28; 95%CI: 1.51, 7.13), unemployed spousal occupation (AOR = 3.91; 95%CI: 1.54, 9.91), family monthly income of ≤ 36 US dollar (AOR = 4.87; 95%CI: 2.08, 11.42) and no obstetric complication in the index pregnancy (AOR = 13.89; 95%CI: 2.73, 27.71) were positively associated with dropout from institutional delivery among HIV positive antenatal care booked mothers.ConclusionIn this study, the risk factors of dropout from institutional delivery in the context of HIV-positive women were connected to social determinants of health such as advanced maternal age, unmarried marital status, unemployed husband occupation, and low family income. Therefore, interacting with the health system by focusing on these women in lower socio-economic strata and unmarried HIV-positive ANC attendees, and increasing access to information on obstetric complications during the antenatal care visit would retain clients in the continuum of maternity services.

Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study on Perceptions and Roles of Community Pharmacists in the Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular Disorders in Northwest Ethiopia.

IntroductionCommunity pharmacy professionals are among the initial healthcare providers and could play crucial roles in preventing and managing cardiovascular disorders. This study aimed to assess perceptions and involvements of community pharmacy professionals in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disorders in Gondar city and nearby rural towns, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA multi-centered cross-sectional survey was conducted on community pharmacy professionals in Gondar city and the nearby rural towns from June to July 2021. Independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to show mean score differences of pharmacists towards the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. A 95% confidence interval with a P-value of < 0.05 in the tests was considered statistically significant.ResultsOf the 223 initial samples, 210 completed the survey and resulted in a 94.2% response rate. The average perception and involvement scores of the community pharmacy professionals towards the prevention and treatment of the cardiovascular syndromes were 4.1 and 3.8, respectively. Numerous professionals (>86%) agreed on weight reductions, alcohol consumption restrictions and physical exercises to decrease cardiovascular risks. Pharmacy professionals recruited from Gondar city had significantly higher mean scores compared with pharmacy professionals involved from rural towns (P < 0.001). A significant difference in mean involvement score was also noted in regarding the numbers of clients serving/day (P = 0.026).ConclusionCommunity pharmacy professionals had good perceptions on prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. However, their level of involvement in measuring weight, blood pressure and glucose level, dispensing equipment for home blood pressure and glucose monitoring and keeping records of patients needs to be encouraged. Professionals might benefit from enhanced training to increase their knowledge and confidence.

Husband Involvement in Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Care among Women who Have a Child Less Than one Year in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021.

BackgroundImproving maternal, neonatal and child health is one of the major components of Sustainable Development Goal and countries implement different strategies to achieve this goal. In spite of this, maternal, neonatal and child mortality remains a public health burden in the developing countries, including Ethiopia. World Health Organization recommend active involvement of men during pregnancy, child birth and the postpartum period as an effective strategy to improve maternal as well as newborn health. Therefore, this study aimed to assess husband involvement in maternal, neonatal and child health care among women who have child less than one year in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 870 married women who have a child less than one year in Gondar city. A cluster sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Data were entered into Epi Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was done and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to report the association between covariates and the outcome variable.ResultsHusband involvement in Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) care was 66.2% (95%CI: 63, 69.3). Maternal age (18-25years) and (26-35years), having diploma and above education, husband occupation (government employee), (merchant) and (self-employed), planned pregnancy and cesarean delivery were significantly associated with husband involvement in MNCH care.ConclusionIn this study, nearly two thirds (66.2%) of women had husband involvement in MNCH care. Therefore, it is important to improve women's educational attainment and actions should be taken to prevent unplanned pregnancy.

Knowledge and Attitude towards COVID-19 Vaccination and Associated Factors among College Students in Northwest Ethiopia,2021.

BackgroundIt is imperative to ensure optimal vaccine uptake at the population level to combat the deadly COVID-19 pandemic disease. However, refusal of the COVID-19 vaccine, poor knowledge, and a negative attitude towards vaccination are the challenges of the world. College students are among the high-risk subgroups of the population to COVID-19 infection and the main source of information and trust in vaccines to the society. Also, their judgement on vaccine affect the public attitude towards vaccination. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination and associated factors among college students in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 626 study participants in Gondar city. A multistage sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. The level of significance was claimed based on a p-value < 0.05.ResultsIn this study, 46.8% (95% CI: 43.3, 50.6) of study participants had good knowledge and 50% (95% CI: 45.9, 53.7) had a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination. Having comorbidity disease and being male were significantly associated with good knowledge. In addition, being married, being a health science student, being exposed to mass media, having a good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccination, and having paternal primary education were significantly associated with a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination.ConclusionIn general, knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination among college students are low. Comorbidity disease and sex were predictors of COVID-19 vaccination knowledge, whereas, marital status, category of college students, mass media, paternal education and knowledge about COVID-19 vaccination were predictors of COVID-19 vaccination attitude. Alleviating participants’ concerns and improving their confidence through health education is crucial.

Violence against girls during COVID-19 pandemic and associated factors in Gondar city, North West Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia, the magnitude of violence against girls during COVID-19 in the study area is not known. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the violence and associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic among Gondar city secondary school girls in North West Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to February 2021. Data were collected from four public and two private Gondar city secondary schools. Investigators used stratified simple random sampling to select participants and the investigators used roster of the students at selected schools. Investigators collected the data using self-reported history of experiencing violence (victimisation). Investigators analysed data using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression. Investigators invited a total of 371 sampled female students to complete self-administered questionnaires. The proportion of girls who experienced violence was 42.05% and psychological violence was the highest form of violence. Having a father who attended informal education (AOR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.08-3.51), ever use of social media 1.65 (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.02-2.69), ever watching sexually explicit material (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.24-3.36) and use of a substance (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.17-3.15) were significantly associated variables with violence. Almost for every five girls, more than two of them experienced violence during the COVID-19 lockdown. The prevalence of violence might be under reported due to desirability bias. Therefore, it is better to create awareness towards violence among substance users, fathers with informal education and social media including user females.

Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms and Risk Factors Among Street Sweepers in Gondar City Northwest, Ethiopia, 2021: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Street sweepers are exposed to a variety of risk factors such as dust, bioaerosols, and volatile organic matter, which are responsible for the development of various respiratory symptoms and lung function impairments. However, there is a limited data on the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and associated factors among street sweepers in Ethiopia, especially in the study area. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and associated factors among street sweepers in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia, in 2021. Using simple random sampling technique, a total of 391 workers were selected between August 10 and September 15, 2021. The data was entered and analyzed using the Epi Info Version 7 and Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 22 software, respectively. Descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression model were used. P ⩽ .05 and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to declare the statistical significance. A total of 391 respondents, with a response rate of 99.2% participated. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among street sweepers was 35.3% (95% CI: 30.2, 40.5). History of respiratory illness (AOR = 7.75, (95% CI: 3.45, 17.45), washing personal protective equipments (PPE) after use (AOR = 4.77; 95% CI: 2.02, 11.28), previous work in cement (AOR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.32, 7.34), and flour factories (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 2.02, 4.43), and alcohol drinking (AOR = 3.77, 95% CI: 1.94, 7.29) were associated with respiratory symptom among street sweepers. The overall prevalence of respiratory symptoms among street sweepers was 35.3%. Previous respiratory illness, washing personal protective equipment after use, previous work in a cement and flour factory, and drinking alcohol were independently associated with respiratory symptoms. To reduce the respiratory symptoms among street sweeper, it is advisable implementing safe work practice measures and behavioral changes among workers.

Prevalence of HIV infection and associated factors among infants born to HIV-positive mothers in health institutions, northwest Ethiopia, 2021

Background:Mother-to-child transmission of the HIV remains the main source of HIV infection in children. Targeting pregnant women attending antenatal care follow-up provides a unique opportunity for implementing prevention of mother-to-child transmission programs against HIV infection in newborn babies.Objective:The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of HIV infection and associated factors among infants born to HIV-positive mothers in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission clinic in the Gondar city health institutions, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021.Methods:Documents were reviewed at the facility. Infants who had been exposed to HIV were enrolled in the study from 1 May–20 June 2021 prevention of mother-to-child transmission service in Gondar health institutions. To collect data from the charts, a structured data extraction tool was developed. The data were entered and analyzed with SPSS version 25 software. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with HIV infection. The crude and adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval were calculated to determine the significance level.Result:The prevalence of HIV infection among infants born to HIV-positive mothers at the prevention of mother-to-child transmission level was found to be 8.1% (95% confidence interval = 7.3–12.9). Mixed infant feeding practice (adjusted odds ratio = 5.15, 95% confidence interval = 1.82–14.56), mothers’ lack of education (adjusted odds ratio = 3.43, 95% confidence interval = 2.26–5.0), absence of antenatal care follow-up (adjusted odds ratio = 1.82, 95% confidence interval = 1.17–4.02), and home delivery (adjusted odds ratio = 2.24, 95% confidence interval = 2.10–7.45) were statistically significantly associated with infants’ HIV infection.Conclusion:The prevalence of HIV infection in babies born to HIV-positive mothers was found to be high. Significant factors include mixed infant feeding practice, mothers’ lack of education, antenatal care follow-up, and home delivery. We also proposed that skilled delivery care and community education could reduce HIV transmission from mother to child.

Assessment of Risk Management Practice in Construction Projects Using RII Method: A Case Study of Gondar City, Ethiopia

Assessment of Risk Management Practice in Construction Projects Using RII Method: A Case Study of Gondar City, Ethiopia