Hosanna Town Research Articles

Cognitive and Metacognitive Reading Strategies for Ethiopian Students in English as a Foreign Language

Purpose. This study's purpose is to investigate the effects of explicit cognitive reading strategy training on reading performance and metacognitive reading strategy awareness of Grade 9 students of Heto Secondary School at Hosanna Town, 232, south-west of Addis Ababa. Methodology. For this quasi-experimental study, two parallel home-made tests, a pre-test and a post-test administered before and after the intervention, respectively, and a metacognitive reading strategy awareness questionnaire were used. Data were gathered from 100 participants of experimental and control groups, 50 students from each group, before and after 14 hours strategy training within 12 weeks. SPSS, version 25, was used to analyse data. Independent Samples Test to compare groups, and Paired Samples Test to compare variables/scores of the groups were employed during analysis. Results. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and the post-test scores of reading performance (p=.000) of each group. However, the Experimental Group made an increment in reading performance, whereas the Control Group made the opposite, a decrement in reading performance. The relationship of both groups was strong and positive. However, neither group showed significant changes in metacognitive reading strategy awareness. Conclusion. The study concluded that explicit cognitive reading strategy instruction empowered students to outperform reading comprehension and vice versa, though it did not change students’ strategy awareness. This implies that concerned bodies should give due attention to enhancing the explicit approach to cognitive reading strategy teaching.

Ocular protection practice and associated factors among welders in small-scale industries in Hosanna town, Southern Ethiopia, 2023

PurposeGood eye protection is the most important factor in preventing eye injuries. Most eye injuries are due to the improper use or lack of use of eye protection equipment. Therefore,...

Investigation of the impact of municipal solid waste disposal site leachate on surface water resources in Hosanna Town, Ethiopia.

Surface water resources are the most precious, yet they are also the most vulnerable to pollution. Consequently, maintaining the sustainability of water supplies is critical for livestock support to achieve SDG goals. Landfill leachate poses a significant threat to water resources in developing countries. This study aims to determine how the Hosanna town landfill site affects the Jewie River by analysing the quality of the Alela and Ajew streams and the landfill leachate in both wet and dry seasons. Furthermore, assess the suitability of the water quality for agricultural purposes. The leachate pollution index (LPI), Canadian Council Member of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCMEWQI), and irrigation water quality indices (IWQI) were computed for both seasons using two composite leachate samples and five flow-pace composite river samples. In the wet season, the leachate pollution indices for L1 and L2 ranged from 20.87 to 22.47, respectively. During the dry season, the leachate pollutant index of L1 and L2 was found to be 24.42 and 27.98. Only the Ajew River stream was affected during the dry season because the landfill site is only 46m away. Both the Ajew and Alela River streams are infested during the rainy season. Irrigation index concentrations revealed that the river water is suitable for cultivation. The early stages of landfill waste maturation are evident from the LPI results. Relocating the dump site is necessary to safeguard water resources because leachate has entered the river streams.

The nexus between household water insecurity, mother's handwashing practices, and diarrheal diseases among under-five children.

This study aimed to examine the association between household water insecurity (HWIS), mother's handwashing practices, and childhood diarrhea in the peri-urban and informal settlements of Hosanna town. A community-based cross-sectional study involving 424 mothers was carried out in Hosanna town, and the data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire, HWISE Scale, and an observational checklist. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the data. The study revealed that the prevalence of HWIS and diarrhea among under-five children was 68.6% and 16%, respectively. Only 42.2% of the mothers had good handwashing practices. Good knowledge of handwashing, positive attitudes toward handwashing, household water security (HWS), and the presence of handwashing facilities were significantly associated with good handwashing practices. Children aged 6-11 months, HWIS, uncovered and wide-mouthed water storage containers, unsafe child's stool disposal practices, and hands not washed with soap after defecation, before preparing food, and feeding a child were significantly associated with the occurrence of diarrhea. The prevalence of diarrhea and HWIS was very high. The majority of the mothers had poor handwashing practices. Therefore, findings suggest interventions to improve HWS and mother's handwashing practices, which could reduce the risk of diarrheal diseases.

Early discontinuation of long-acting reversible contraceptives methods and its associated factors in Hosanna town, central Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method use is an ideal strategy for longer protection against unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, maternal morbidities, and mortalities related to pregnancies and childbirth. Despite low utilization of LARC methods in Ethiopia, early discontinuation remains a problem. This study aimed to assess prevalence of early discontinuation of LARC methods and associated factors in Hossana town. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 433 adult women of reproductive age who had a history of LARC use. Logistic regression model was considered for the analysis. Proportion of LARC methods discontinuation within one year was 24.5%, 95% CI (20.6, 26.8%). Women whose age ≥ 30 years (AOR = 3.16, 95% CI: 1.27, 7.89), who had < 3 live children (AOR = 5.17, 95% CI 2.30, 11.61), who had a desire for pregnancy (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI 1.14, 4.85), who did not get pre-insertion counseling on the benefits of LARC methods (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI 1.01, 3.21) and who experienced side effects (AOR = 3.63, 95% CI 2.07, 6.38) were more likely to discontinue LARC methods early than their counterparts. Nearly one-fourth of clients discontinued using the LARC methods within the first year of insertion, highlighting the need to promote longer use for improved protection and success of family planning programs.

Assessment of Bacterial Hand Contamination and Associated Factors Among Food Handlers Working in Catering Establishments of Hosanna Town, Hadiya Zone, South Ethiopia, 2023

Background: Hands are the major source of contamination, which can never be totally free of microorganisms, especially bacteria. Food can become contaminated by dirty hands if there is a lack of proper hygiene among the food handlers when handling food. Human hands are in regular contact with the surrounding environment, and a variety of pathogens can reach the mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, eyes, and genitals of humans through the hands and consequently contribute to foodborne illness outbreaks. Objective: This study assessed bacterial hand contamination and associated factors among food handlers working in catering establishments in Hossana Town, South Ethiopia. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among food handlers at catering establishments in Hosanna town, Hadiya zone, South Ethiopia, from March 2023 to May 2023. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to allocate study participants into their catering establishment, and then a random sampling technique was applied to recruit participants. After getting signed consent, a structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and potential risk factors. Data was entered using EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using the SPSS version 20 statistical package, and descriptive statistics were used to describe variables. Chi-square was used to identify factors associated with the outcome variable. Result: The overall prevalence of bacterial positivity is 18/156 (11.5%), and among the identified bacterial isolates, 10/156 (6.4%) were Staphylococcus aurous, followed by Escherichia coli (5/156 (3.2%)), and 3/156 (1.9%) were Salmonella typhi. The isolated pathogens had associations with those who were not trained in food preparation and handling, those who had no clean nails observed, poor hand washing after sneezing, poor hand washing after touching waste, and those who had no habit of hand washing after latrine usage (defecation) (p &lt; 0.001). The finding implies the need for strengthening the personal hygiene and redressal training of food handlers on personal hygiene guidelines to improve practice during food processing

Early Postnatal Care Utilization and Associated Factors Among Women Who Give Birth in the Last Six Weeks in Hosanna Town, Southern Ethiopia, 2022.

Background: The early postnatal period is defined as the first 48 h to 7 days after delivery. The early postnatal visit is especially the most critical time for the survival of mothers and newborns, particularly through early detection and management of postpartum complications. Despite the benefits, most mothers and newborns do not receive early postnatal care services from healthcare providers during the critical first few days after delivery. Objectives: This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of early postnatal care utilization and associated factors among mothers who gave birth within the last 6 weeks in Hosanna town, Southern Ethiopia, from April 20 to May 30, 2022. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Hadiya Zone, Hosanna town, Southern Ethiopia. A simple random sample technique was used to recruit 403 mothers who had given birth in the previous 6 weeks from a family folder. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a standardized questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between outcomes and explanatory variables, and the strength of the association was interpreted using an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. In our study, p values of 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of early postnatal care utilization among mothers who gave birth within 1 week of the study area was 25.8% (95% CI: 21.7-30.0). No formal and primary educational level of husband (AOR = 0.05, 95% CI: [0.02, 0.16]), antenatal care follow-up (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI: [1.11, 4.1]), length of hospital stay before discharge (≥24 h) (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI: [0.16, 0.55]), and information about early postnatal care utilization (AOR = 3.08, 95% CI: [1.72, 5.52]) were factors significantly associated with early postnatal care utilization. Conclusion: In comparison to World Health Organization standards, the study's overall prevalence of early postnatal care utilization was low. Early postnatal care use was significantly associated with antenatal care follow-up, the husband's educational level, knowledge of early postnatal care use, and length of stay at the health institution following birth. As a result, the strength of health facilities is to improve service provision, information education, and communication.

Non-adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment and associated factors among TB patients in public health facilities of Hossana town, Southern Ethiopia, 2022.

Non-adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment is one of the crucial challenges to improving TB treatment outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. The prevalence of non-adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment is not well documented in the study context. Therefore, this study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of non-adherence to anti-tuberculosis treatment and associated factors among TB patients attending TB clinics in Hosanna town, Southern Ethiopia, in 2022. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2022. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 233 study subjects from all four public health facilities. According to the order of arrival, every second person was interviewed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that was created using several works of literature. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with non-adherence to anti-TB drugs. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated. The study included 233 tuberculosis (TB) patients with a response rate of 100%. The prevalence of non-adherence was 18% (95% CI: 15.39, 21.82). Being in the continuation phase (AOR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.16, 8.23), not attending formal education (AOR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.12, 5.42), not disclosing TB status to their family (AOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 0.11, 5.04) and having poor TB knowledge (AOR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.48, 6.48) were significantly associated with non-adherence to TB treatment. Among TB patients, there was a significant prevalence of non-adherence to anti-TB medications. Interventions that target patients with low education status, are in the continuation phase, and do not disclose their TB status to their families are required to improve TB treatment adherence. In addition, improving health education is important to enhance TB knowledge, which has an impact on TB treatment adherence. The need for good drug adherence should be emphasized while counseling TB patients.

Hematological Parameters of Gasoline Station Workers at Hosanna Town, Southwest Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Human exposure to benzene is associated with many adverse health effects. It is mainly related to impairment of the hematopoietic system and bone marrow suppression, causing abnormalities in hematological parameters. However, the reports obtained from different studies are contradictory, and there are little data regarding the hematological parameters of gas station workers in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the hematological parameters of gas station workers in Hosanna town, southwest Ethiopia, from May 01 to June 15, 2020. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted by involving 180 (60 gas-stations workers and 120 controls) participants. Socio-demographic and related data of the study participants were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire through face-to-face-interviews. All phases of quality assurance were maintained, and hematological parameters were determined using Uni-Cel DxH 800 automated hematological analyzer. Independent sample T-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Statistical significance was declared at P<0.05. Statistically significant difference was observed in hematological parameters of gasoline-workers and control groups. The mean of red blood cell count among gasoline-workers was significantly reduced as compared to control groups (p=0.007). In addition, the median of hemoglobin levels among gasoline-workers was significantly decreased as compared to the control groups (p=0.001). In contrast, a significant increase was observed in median of absolute eosinophil count among the gasoline-workers as compared to control groups (p=0.01). The mean of mean cell volume was significantly decreased with respect to the duration of work experience (p=0.04). In this study, a statistically significant difference was observed in some hematological parameters of gas station workers compared to the control group. Therefore, medical observation and periodic medical check-ups of the hematological profile should be considered to prevent the development of medical complications.

Seasonal Variations in Household Water Use, Microbiological Water Quality, and Challenges to the Provision of Adequate Drinking Water: A Case of Peri-urban and Informal Settlements of Hosanna Town, Southern Ethiopia.

Several studies have been conducted on household water use and microbial water quality globally. However, studies that considered seasonal variability of household water use and microbial water quality were limited. Therefore, this study investigated the seasonal variability of household water use, microbiological water quality, and challenges to the provision of adequate water in the peri-urban and informal settlements of Hosanna town, Southern Ethiopia. A longitudinal study was conducted on 288 households. The data was gathered using a pretested structured questionnaire, laboratory-analysis, interviews, storage-container inventories, focus group discussions, key-informant interviews, and an observational checklist. The data was analyzed using stepwise-multiple linear regression, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression, thematic-analysis, t-tests, and non-parametric-tests. Households were visited for 7 consecutive days during the dry and rainy seasons to account for changes in daily and seasonal variation of water use. 440 stored water and 12 source samples were analyzed for E. coli presence during dry and rainy seasons. The prevalence of stored water contamination with E. coli was 43.2% and 34.5% during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. The per capita water consumption was 19.4 and 20.3 l during the dry and rainy seasons, respectively. Piped water on-premises, small family size, volume, and number of water storage containers were significant predictors of per capita water consumption in both seasons. Piped water off-premises, storing water for more than 3 days, uncovered, and wide-mouthed water storage containers were significantly associated with the presence of E. coli in water in both seasons. Seasonal variability of household water use and microbiological water quality was statistically significant, which is a significant public health concern and needs intervention to enhance water quantity and quality to mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases. Findings also suggest seasonal monitoring of the safety of drinking water to ensure that the water is safe and healthy.

Time to initiation of modern contraceptive method use after childbirth and its predictors in Southern Ethiopia: a retrospective follow-up study

BackgroundTimely initiation of modern contraceptive use is vital to prevent unintended pregnancy and its related morbidities and mortalities. However, there is a scarcity of evidence about the duration of time elapsing from childbirth to initiating modern contraceptive use following childbirth and its associated factors in the study area for evidence-based interventions. Therefore, we aimed to assess the time to initiation of modern contraceptive method use and its predictors in Hossana town, southern Ethiopia.MethodsA retrospective follow-up study was conducted at public health facilities in Hosanna town. A total of 503 study participants were included in the study using a systematic random sampling technique. The Box and Whisker plot was used to estimate the time to initiation of modern contraceptive use. A Weibull regression model was applied to identify predictors of time to initiation of modern contraceptive use. Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to interpret the strength of the association.ResultsThe median time to initiation of modern contraceptive use was 6 months, with an interquartile range of 3 months. Husband/partner attending higher education [AHR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.57], women who had parity of more than two [AHR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.67], and women who had communicated with their husband/partner about modern contraceptive methods [AHR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.41, 6.67] were more likely to initiate modern contraceptive method use within six months after childbirth. In contrast, women with an older age of greater than or equal to 30 years [AHR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.82] and who did not resume sexual intercourse after childbirth [AHR = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.03] were less likely to initiate modern contraceptive method use within six months after childbirth.ConclusionsThe median time to initiation of modern contraceptive method use after childbirth in the postpartum period was delayed from the World Health Organization recommendation of at most 6 weeks. Emphasis should be given to older women, women with lower parity, and men’s participation in contraceptive communication to improve timing for initiation of modern contraceptive use after childbirth and to curb the five-month lag periods.

Geophysical Based Groundwater Potential Zone Mapping: Perspectives and Inferences from Lisana Area along the Guder River, Western Margin of the Central Main Ethiopian Rift

Vertical electrical soundings and magnetic data were used to map the groundwater aquifer system in the Lisana area along the Guder River, northeast of Hosanna town, near the western margin of the Central Main Ethiopian Rift. The surveys were used to map a potential aquifer zone and investigate the groundwater potential for the current and future development of the resource in the Lisana area. The VES data were used to map the depth of a potential aquifer zone and its distribution over the area. The magnetic survey was used to delineate contacts between lithologic units and geological structures. Two-dimensional magnetic forward modeling and one-dimensional electrical modeling were used to identify fractures and lithological units containing potential groundwater. The magnetic and electrical resistivity modeling indicated that a potential aquifer occurs at a depth range from 115m to 142m. The potential aquifer occurs within weathered and fractured ignimbrite and a pumice layer containing sandy soil. This latter lithological unit is the main water-bearing horizon.

Depression and Associated Factors among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Attending Antiretroviral Therapy in Public Health Facilities, Hosanna Town, Southern Ethiopia.

Among those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, depression is one of the most prevalent mental health issues. Despite its high incidence, depression goes undiagnosed and untreated in the majority of HIV/AIDS patients, which has a negative impact on how well they adhere to their antiretroviral regimen. To assess the magnitude of depression and associated factors among people attending antiretroviral therapy in public health facilities of Hosanna town, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2019. Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at public health facilities of Hosanna town from June 6 to July 6, 2019, among people living with HIV/AIDS aged 18 years and older who were on ART. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 392 participants. Data were collected using a pretested and standardized structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Variables having a p value less than 0.2 in bivariate analysis were entered into the multiple logistic regression model. Odds ratio with 95% CI was computed, and variables with p value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significantly associated with depression. The prevalence of depression among HIV patients was 37.8%. Being female (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI (1.21, 3.84)), not disclosing their HIV status (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI (1.57, 4.89)), rural dwellers (AOR = 2.69, 95% CI (1.58, 4.57)), poor ART adherence (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI (1.10, 3.24)), having HIV-perceived stigma (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI (1.01, 2.88)), and poor social support (AOR = 1.85, 95% CI (1.11, 3.09)) were significantly associated with depression. The magnitude of depression was high among PLWHIVs. Being female, rural dwellers, not disclosing HIV status, poor ART adherence, HIV-perceived stigma, and poor social support were significantly associated with depression. Enhancing adherence, counseling, and linking those patients who had poor social support to the concerned relatives for care and support is recommended. Providing health education both at the facility level and at the community level may reduce stigma and subsequently depression. Encouraging disclosing HIV status may help to prevent depression.

Voluntary blood donation knowledge, attitude, and practice among adult populations of Hosanna Town, South Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

Even though blood donation has increased in the past decades, it remains a challenge worldwide. An adequate blood supply can only be assured through voluntary blood donation. There is inadequate information on the level of blood donation practice in the current study area. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice, and associated factors toward voluntary blood donation among Hosanna town adult populations. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 May 2022 to 30 June 2022, on a total of 422 adult populations of Hosanna town. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the study subjects. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a structured pre-tested questionnaire. The levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice of participants toward voluntary blood donation were measured using a set of questions. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Chi-square and odds ratios were calculated, and the results were presented with words and tables. In this study, a total of 422 participants enrolled with a response rate of 96.6%. Of the total respondents, 204 (48.3%), 209 (49.5%), and 123 (29.15%) study participants had good knowledge, favorable attitude, and experience of blood donation, respectively. Participants' sex being male and having favorable attitudes were found to have significant associations with blood donation practice. Furthermore, it was found that male participants were more than two and a half times more likely to donate blood than female participants (AOR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.54, 4.15). Those who had favorable attitudes were found more than three and a half times more likely to donate blood than those having unfavorable attitudes (AOR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.32, 9.46). A large proportion of adult populations had poor knowledge, unfavorable attitudes, and low practice toward voluntary blood donation. Therefore, local and national blood banks and transfusion agencies should design strategies that can be implemented to improve the knowledge or attitude of the adult population and motivate the population to donate blood voluntarily.

Unmet need for long-acting and permanent contraceptives and associated factors among married women in Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundLong-acting and permanent methods (LAPMs) prevent women from having unintended pregnancies. Globally, unintended pregnancies, both mistimed and unwanted, occur every year. In developing countries, maternal mortality and unsafe abortions result from unintended pregnancies. This study aimed to assess the unmet need for LAPMs of contraceptives and associated factors among married women of the reproductive age group (15–49 years) in Hosanna Town, Southern Ethiopia, in 2019.MethodsA community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from March 20 to April 15, 2019. Data were collected on 672 current married women in the reproductive age group (15–49) through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Study participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were entered into the computer using EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with the unmet need for LAPMs. An odds ratio with 95% CI was used to assess the association between the independent and dependent variables.ResultsThe unmet need for LAPMs for contraception in Hossana town was 234 (34.8%) (95% CI: 29.8, 39.8). Factors significantly associated with the unmet need for LAPMs of contraception were: women’s age 35–49 [AOR = 9.01, 95% CI: 4.21, 19.32]; education of women [AOR = 8.64, 95% CI: 1.65, 45.42]; lack of discussion between partners [AOR = 4.79, 95% CI: 3.11, 7.39]; lack of proper counseling for women [AOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.41, 3.23]; having a daily laborer occupation [AOR = 7.08, 95% CI: 2.44, 20.51]; and attitude of women toward LAPMs of contraception [AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.56].ConclusionsThe unmet need for LAPMs was high in the study area. Age of women, discussions with partners, women ever counseled by health professionals, respondents’ educational status, husband’s educational status, women’s attitude toward LAPMs, and respondents’ occupational status were contibutes for high unmet need. High unmet need contributes to an unintended pregnancy and risky abortions. Proper counseling of women and women’s discussions with their husbands is fundamental areas of intervention.

Knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy and their associated factors among pregnant women in Hosanna Town, Hadiya Zone, southern Ethiopia.

Danger signs in pregnancy can warn of maternal health problems. In developing African countries, including Ethiopia, the rate of maternal mortality is high. There is little knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy and their associated factors at the community level in the study area. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge about danger signs among pregnant women in Hosanna Zuria Kebeles between 30 June and 30 July 2021. A simple random sampling method was used to select eligible pregnant women. The sample size was proportionally allocated based on the number of pregnant women in each kebele. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews using a pretested questionnaire. The descriptive results were presented as proportions, whereas the analytic results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR). The prevalence of good knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy was 259/410 (63.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 58.3-67.8). The most common known danger signs during pregnancy were severe vaginal bleeding (n = 227, 55.4%), followed by blurred vision (n = 224, 54.6%). In the multivariable analysis, the age of the respondent (AOR = 3.29, 95% CI 1.15-9.38), the tertiary education of the mother (AOR = 5.40, 95% CI 2.56-11.34), and the number of live births (AOR = 3.95, 95% CI 2.08-7.48) were statistically significant factors. There was an adequate prevalence of knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy among pregnant mothers compared with different studies in Ethiopia and different countries. Advanced maternal age, the respondent's level of education, and the number of live births were found to be independent determining factors for the level of knowledge on danger signs in pregnancy among pregnant mothers. Health facilities and healthcare providers should focus on antenatal care and the age and parity of the mother when giving information about danger signs in pregnancy. The Ministry of Health should provide reproductive health services in rural areas and encourage education for women. Further studies need to be conducted and include danger signs in the three trimesters using a qualitative study design.

Marital dissolution and associated factors in Hosanna, Southwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundMarriage dissolution, divorce, or separation from a spouse or common-law partner is a serious public health concern due to its increasing prevalence and devastating health and socio-economic consequences. Evidence suggests an increased risk of marital instability in Ethiopia. In addition, the extent of marital dissolution and other related factors have increased in the study area. Despite these, the prevalence of marital dissolution and the influence of associated factors (main reason for marriage, and parental history of marital dissolution) on marital dissolution has not been assessed in the study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of marital dissolution and its associated factors among residents of Hosanna town in southwestern Ethiopia in 2022.MethodsWe conducted a community-based cross-sectional study among 459 randomly selected Hosanna Township residents. We used structured questionnaires to collect data. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were performed to describe the data and test-associated factors, respectively. A p-value less than 0.05 was used to define statistical significance. We used STATA 14 and IBM SPSS 25.0 computer packages to process data.ResultsOut of the 459 potentially eligible individuals, 450 participants properly responded to the questionnaires yielding a response rate of 98.04%. Of these, 218 (52.9%) were female. The commonly reported reason for marriage was to have children 150 (36.9%). The prevalence rate of marital dissolution was 26.0% (95% CI: (21.7%, 30.3%)). The participant's level of education and the primary reasons (motives) why they get married were statistically significantly associated with marital dissolution. The odds of marital dissolution was higher among participants who completed secondary education (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.26–8.17) compared to those having no formal education. The participants who married for companionship reasons (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.11–0.83) had significantly lower odds of marriage dissolution compared with those who married for financial security.ConclusionsIn this study, the prevalence of marital dissolution was high. The participant’s level of education and the primary reasons (motives) why they getting married were significantly associated with marital dissolution. Therefore, an integrated, community-based approach should be developed to prevent marital dissolution.

Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cattle in and Around Hosanna Town, Southern Ethiopia.

Gastrointestinal parasites are ubiquitous parasitic agents of cattle all over the world, and cause both clinical and subclinical parasitism that results in significant financial losses. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and the risk variables related to gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites in cattle in Hossana town and the nearby area. On a total of 400 faecal samples, a cross-sectional investigation with a random sampling technique was carried out utilizing a coprologic parasitological examination. Two hundred and sixty-nine (67.2%) of the 400 faecal samples analyzed had one or more gastrointestinal parasites. Of this, 163 (40.75%) cattle had two or more parasites while a single infection was recorded in 106 (26.5%) cattle. Mixed infection of Strongyle+Fasciola (14%) was found a higher prevalence followed by Strongyle+Paramphistomum (7.75%) as compared to other GIT parasite combination. Major classes of parasites recorded include Trematodes, Nematodes, Cestodes, and Protozoa. The major parasites observed were Strongyle type (18.25%), Paramphistomum (9.5%), Fasciola (8.25%), Toxocara (3.25%) and Eimeria (2.75%). Strongyle type eggs were the most predominant type of eggs identified while Trichuris (2.25%) and Moniezia (1.5%) were observed to have relatively lowprevalence. There was a high relationship between risk factors such as age, body condition, and management system with the prevalence of GIT parasites. The high frequency of GIT parasite infection in cattle in the research area necessitates the strategic deworming and effective management practices necessary for gastrointestinal parasite eradication.

Access to Drinking Water, Sanitation, and Hand Hygiene Facilities in the Peri-Urban and Informal Settlements of Hosanna Town, Southern Ethiopia.

Access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities and practices have been extensively studied in urban and rural areas. However, there is a paucity of information on the coverage of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in the peri-urban and informal settlement areas, which could potentially exacerbate the spread of water, sanitation, and hygiene-related diseases. Therefore, this study was designed to examine access to drinking water, sanitation, and hand hygiene facilities and their determinant factors in the peri-urban and informal settlements of Hosanna town. A community-based cross-sectional study involving 292 households was conducted in 3 kebeles of Hosanna town. The primary data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. All the households (100%) had access to piped water on and off-premises, but the reliability of the water sources was a big challenge. Findings revealed that only 35.1% and 16.8% of the households had basic sanitation and basic handwashing facilities, respectively. Households with a middle income were identified as a determinant factor for the presence of piped water on premises (AOR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.24-4.00), improved sanitation (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.17-4.03) and handwashing facilities (AOR = 4.36; 95% CI = 1.98-9.62). Piped water on premises was also another strong predictor of the availability of improved sanitation (AOR = 3.34; 95% CI = 1.99-5.62) and handwashing facilities (AOR = 8.18; 95% CI = 4.08-16.42). The majority of the studied households living in the selected peri-urban and informal settlements had access to unreliable drinking water sources. The study also revealed that households had poor access to basic sanitation and basic handwashing facilities. Hence, the findings call for solid government interventions to improve the reliability of the drinking water sources, basic sanitation coverage, and availability of basic handwashing facilities.

Contraceptive utilization and associated factors among youths in Hossana town administrative, Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia.

In low-income countries out of, 60.7 million unintended pregnancies, 19% of them are subjected to abortion of which 11% of were unsafe. Surprisingly, about 2.5 million occur in women under the age of 20 years. Aim of this study is to measure the level of contraceptive utilization and associated factors among youths in Hosanna town administration. Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted in Hossana town administration, Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia. A multistage sampling procedure was employed by clustering health facilities into reproductive health clubs and health facilities to select 781 study participants. Data was collected by using structured pre-tested, self-administered questionnaires. All coded and cleaned data were entered into EPI-info version 3.5.1 and it was exported to SPSS version 16.0 for recoding and further analysis. Among youths who had been sexually active within the last 12 months, 67.6% had used contraceptives prior to the survey. Multivariate analysis was found statistically significant association between contraceptive utilization and education status of mothers who attained university AOR = 4.57 [95% CI (1.29, 16.19)], utilization of sexual and reproductive health services within last 12 months AOR = 2.26 [(95% CI: 1.33, 3.86)], age initiation of first sex between 15-19 year OR = 2.63 [(95% CI 1.48,4.64)], discussion with sexual partner AOR = 1.99 [(95% CI: 1.27, 3.13)], good knowledge on contraceptive advantage AOR = [1.89 (95%CI: 1.07, 3.32)]. Whereas educational status: being secondary level decrease utilization of contraceptives by 51% AOR = 0.49 [95% CI (0.27, 0.94)]. The findings of our study imply that level of contraceptive utilization is higher than as compared to the previous studies. Discussion with a sexual partner as well as with a spouse, having awareness on contraceptive advantages, early age initiation of sexual intercourse, maternal educational status and getting sexual and reproductive health services recently were identified as predictors of contraceptive utilization.