North Central Ethiopia Research Articles

Prevalence of Anemia and Its Associated Factors Among Adult Diabetes Mellitus Patients at Debre Tabor General Hospital, Northcentral Ethiopia.

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a cluster of metabolic disorders which is characterized by hyperglycemia. The occurrence of anaemia is a significant public health problem among diabetic patients because of complication and dietary modifications. So, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of anaemia among adult diabetes mellitus patients in Debre Tabor General Hospital, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was conducted. A simple random sampling technique was employed to collect data from 297 adult diabetic mellitus patients. After taking venous blood, the haemoglobin level was determined by using HemoCue 301 machine. Anaemia among diabetic patients was determined by using the haemoglobin level (<13.0g/dL for male and <12.0g/dL for female). Data were entered using EpiInfo version 7.2 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. The binary logistic regression model was used to explore the association of independent variables with anaemia. Finally, p-value <0.05 was used to declare the level of statistical significance.ResultsThe prevalence of anemia among diabetic patient was 29.81% (95% CI: 24.27, 35.35). Diabetic patients unable to read and write (AOR = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.40, 8.75), able to read and write (AOR = 9.76, 95% CI: 3.15, 30.24), ≥4 family size (AOR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.99), intake of flesh meat (AOR=0.19, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.74), and parasitic infections (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.95) were more likely to develop anemia.ConclusionAnemia is a moderate public health problem among diabetic patients. Here, educational status, family size, intake of flesh meat, and intestinal parasite infections were the factors associated with the development of anaemia. So, working on these significant factors by health care providers during routine care is vital to prevent anaemia among diabetic patients.

Child dietary diversity and food (in)security as a potential correlate of child anthropometric indices in the context of urban food system in the cases of north-central Ethiopia

ObjectiveTo investigate the relation of child dietary diversity and household food insecurity along with other socio-demographic with child anthropometric indices in north-central Ethiopia, an area with a high level of food insecurity and inadequate diet quality.DesignA community-based cross-sectional study was used.SettingsThe study was conducted in Dessie and Combolcha towns of north-central Ethiopia from April to May 2018.ParticipantsRandomly selected 512 mother-child pairs with child’s age range of 6–59 months.ResultsThe mean (± SD) scores of weight-for-height/length, height/length-for-age, weight-for-age, and BMI-for-age Z-scores were 1.35 (± 2.03), − 1.89 (± 1.79), 0.05 (± 1.54), and 1.39 (± 2.06), respectively. From all anthropometric indicators, stunting and overweight/obesity remained the severe public issues hitting 43% and 42% of the children, respectively. In the model, mothers’ age and education and child’s age, sex, and dietary diversity were significantly related with child height-for-age Z-score while place of residence, sex of household head, child’s age, and dietary diversity score were the predictors of child BMI-for-age Z-score in the urban contexts of the study area. Nevertheless, food insecurity was not related to any of the child anthropometric indices.ConclusionThe double burden of malnutrition epidemics (stunting and obesity) coexisted as severe public health concerns in urban settings. Anthropometric statuses of children were affected by multidimensional factors and seek strong integration and immediate intervention of multiple sectors.

Determinants of survival time among HIV-infected patients receiving care at antiretroviral therapy (art) clinic of a public hospital, Ethiopia

Introduction: Even if there are different barriers to HIV testing in developing countries, timely access to care and early diagnosis improves the clinical course of the disease, reduces the transmission rates, and prolongs the survival time of patients. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the potential predictors of survival time in a cohort of HIV-infected patients on ART using the parametric survival model perspective. Data and Methods: A hospital-based retrospective cohort charts-review study design was conducted on 647 patients from a public referral hospital in North-Central Ethiopia from July 2012 to January 2017. Log-rank and Wilcoxon tests, and an Accelerated Failure time (AFT) parametric statistical model were used. Results: A mean of 22.13months (SD=13.16) and a median of 21.47months (IQR: 11.55-33.30) were found. The median age, baselineCD4 count, and BMI of patients at baseline were 30years (IQR: 25-38years), 247cells/µl (IQR: 120-375cells/µl) and 19.75kg/m2 (IQR: 17.5-22kg/m2); respectively. At baseline, the patients CD4 count values ranged from 11 to 1764 (mean=289, SD= 233). The study revealed that 192(29.68%) events occurred, while 455(70.32%) were censored. The Gamma model was selected as the best-fit parametric model for the data. The estimated shape parameter of the fitted Gamma model is 1.9983 with 95%CI (1.3426, 2.9741) indicating that significantly determined as the survival time increases over time. Conclusion: The fitted AFT parametric model (Gamma distribution), the factors such as: higher BMI, higher current CD4 count, being married, starting on AZT-3TC-EFV regimen class significantly increased the survival time of HIV-positive patients attending ART treatment, while; baseline CD4 count and ambulatory functional status reduces the survival time of HIV patients. Moreover, using ART treatment significantly improves the survival time of patients.

Perceived Barriers and Preventive Measures of COVID-19 Among Healthcare Providers in Debretabor, North Central Ethiopia, 2020.

BackgroundHealthcare professionals are at the frontline facing the pandemic. Since the pandemic is new with sophisticated needs of resources, identifying perceived barriers of the healthcare institutions has an important input for the government in slowing the viral spread and prevents healthcare professionals from infection.ObjectiveThe study was aimed to assessperceived barriers and preventive measures of corona virus disease among healthcare providers in Debretabor Town, north central Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare providers working in Debretabor town, north central Ethiopia from May 1 to 15, 2020. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Data were coded, entered, cleaned, and checked using Epi data statistical software version 4.2.0.0 and analysis using STATA Version 14 statistical software. Descriptive statistics of different variables were presented in figures, text, and tables. Chi-square (chi2) test of independence was considered to examine the nonparametric association of factors with preventive practice, and association was considered at a P-value of less than 0.05.ResultsA total of 183 healthcare providers participated in the survey, of which 67.76% were males, and 80.87% were in the age range of 25–35 years. About 45% of participants were nurses. In the current study, overall preventive practice was 68.3%. Despite recommendations by the World Health Organization, avoidance of outdoor, physical distancing, and avoiding meeting a person with a coughwere not implemented by 32.24%, 24.18%, and 13.11% of healthcare providers, respectively. Insufficient training, lack of policy, less commitment to infection control, and limitations of resources were perceived as major barriers for practicing preventive measures during the pandemic.ConclusionPreventive measures taken by healthcare providers were poor. Multiple barriers, such as insufficient training related to the pandemic, limitation of resources, and less commitment of healthcare providers to infection prevention measures were reported. So, the government should work on reducing the pandemic propagation by fulfilling the barriers using different means or strategies.

Level of Happiness and Its Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in South Gondar Zone Hospitals, North Central Ethiopia.

BackgroundHappiness is the most indicator of good quality of life particularly for pregnant women. Reduced happiness of pregnant women can result in reduced maternal health services utilization and can result in adverse newborn and maternal outcomes. Assessing the level of happiness and its factors are important for pregnant women and the next generation. Hence, the current research paper aimed to assess the level of happiness and its associated factors among pregnant women who attended antenatal care follow-up in South Gondar Zone Hospitals.MethodsInstitution-based cross-sectional study was carried out from September 2018 to February 2019 among 1606 expectant pregnant women in the last 6 months. The Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) was used as a measure of the degree of happiness and used four as average person score. Besides, bivariate, multivariable logistic analyses were deployed to identify associations.ResultsA total of 1606 pregnant women were participating in this study. The prevalence of low level of pregnancy happiness in this study was 24% (95% CI: 20.7 −26.6). Mothers who exposed to unintended pregnancy (AOR; 1.94, CI 95% 1.86–4.52), reported intimate partner violence (AOR; 2.42, 95% CI 1.67–3.54) and being in the third trimester (AOR; 1.89 95% CI 1.19–3.01) were the most predictor variables with the low level of happiness.ConclusionApproximately one-fourth of the pregnant women had a low level of pregnancy happiness. Mothers who were exposed to unintended pregnancy encountered intimate partner violence, who were in the third trimester were the most significant variables associated with a low level of happiness. Governmental and non-governmental organizations work on women’s reproduction rights and the zonal health department with local health offices should educate on the prevention of intimate partner violence and unintended pregnancy and its consequences and also empower women to cope with changes and challenges of pregnancy and childbirth.

Erectile Dysfunction and Correlates Among Diabetic Men at Dessie Referral Hospital: North Central Ethiopia, 2020.

BackgroundErectile dysfunction is currently one of the most common sexual dysfunctions worldwide affecting the quality of life of men of all ages, but it is usually underestimated because it is not a life threatening condition.PurposeThis study aims to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction and the possible correlates among diabetic men in Dessie Referral Hospital, North Central Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetic men aged greater than 18 years, at Dessie Referral Hospital. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were entered in Epi Info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Logistic regression was applied to identify association between explanatory variables and the outcome variable. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-value less than 0.05 was computed to determine the level of significance.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in this study was 58.5% at 95% CI (0.548–0.622), and specifically 10.5%, 40.9%, 6.8% respondents had mild, moderate and severe erectile dysfunction, respectively. Age, duration of diabetes diagnosis, types of medication, types of complication and body mass index were significant unadjusted factors associated with erectile dysfunction, but following adjustment only age [AOR=5.5 (95% CI 2.06–14.744), duration of diabetes [AOR=20,(95% CI 5.663–75.0096) and types of medication [AOR=2.106 (95% CI 1.112–3.988) have independently statistically significant association with erectile dysfunction.ConclusionThis study showed that ED is high. Age, duration of diabetes mellitus and type of medication are independently associated with erectile dysfunction. Health policymakers need to consider including the training of health personnel to consider the relevant risk factors during the physical, social and psychological assessment of patients, and clinicians should pay attention to the sexual history of their client.

Prevalence and associated factors of birth asphyxia among live births at Debre Tabor General Hospital, North Central Ethiopia

BackgroundMore than one third of the neonatal deaths at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Debre Tabor General Hospital (DTGH) are attributable to birth asphyxia. Most of these neonates are referred from the maternity ward in the hospital. Concerns have also been raised regarding delayed intrapartum decisions for emergency obstetrics action in the hospital. However, there has been no recent scientific evidence about the exact burden of birth asphyxia and its specific determinants among live births at maternity ward of DTGH. Moreover, the public health importance of delivery time and professional mix of labor attendants haven’t been addressed in the prior studies.MethodsHospital based cross sectional study was conducted on a sample of 582 mother newborn dyads at maternity ward. Every other mother newborn dyad was included from December 2019 to March 2020. Pre-tested structured questionnaire and checklist were used for data collection. The collected data were processed and entered into Epidata version 4.2 and exported to Stata version 14. Binary logistic regressions were fitted and statistical significance was declared at p less than 0.05 with 95% CI.ResultsThe prevalence of birth asphyxia was 28.35% [95% CI: 26.51, 35.24%]. From the final model, fetal mal-presentation (AOR = 6.96: 3.16, 15.30), premature rupture of fetal membranes (AOR = 6.30, 95% CI: 2.45, 16.22), meconium stained amniotic fluid (AOR = 7.15: 3.07, 16.66), vacuum delivery (AOR =6.21: 2.62, 14.73), night time delivery (AOR = 6.01: 2.82, 12.79) and labor attendance by medical interns alone (AOR = 3.32:1.13, 9.78) were positively associated with birth asphyxia at 95% CI.ConclusionsThe prevalence of birth asphyxia has remained a problem of public health importance in the study setting. Therefore, the existing efforts of emergency obstetric and newborn care should be strengthened to prevent birth asphyxia from the complications of fetal mal-presentation, premature rupture of fetal membranes, meconium stained amniotic fluid and vacuum delivery. Moreover, night time deliveries and professional mixes of labor and/delivery care providers should be given more due emphasis.

Postpartum intra-uterine contraceptive device utilization among mothers who delivered at debre tabor general hospital: cross sectional study design

Introduction: Rapid population growth is a major concern of many states globally including our country Ethiopia. The intrauterine device (IUD) is a long term reversible contraceptive method that is suitable for women of all reproductive ages, and represents the most cost effective reversible method for preventing unwanted pregnancies. However, its utilization in Ethiopia is very low as compared to other contraceptive methods. Objective: To assess postpartum intra-uterine contraceptive device utilization among mothers who delivered and seek immunization service at DTGH, North Central Ethiopia. Methods: Facility based cross sectional study design was conducted from November 17, 2017, to January 01, 2018. A total of 182 respondents were interviewed. Systematic random sampling procedure was used to select each eligible study unit as a participant. Data were collected by Midwifery professionals through face to face interview through structured questionnaires under supervision. The data collectors and supervisors were trained prior to data collection. Pretest was conducted on 5% of the study population to check for the accuracy of tools. Confidentiality was also protected by making the data collection procedure anonymous. The association between dependent and independent variables were determined by descriptive statistics of chi square test using SPSS version 20.0 software and p-values of &lt;0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Result: One hundred eighty two mothers were interviewed to assess IUCD utilization after giving birth at DTGH with a response rate of 97%. Only 6 respondents (3.3%) are currently using IUCD after giving birth to 9 months of their post partum period. Acceptances of IUCD with P of 0.004 and Reasons for refusal of IUCD with P value of 0.035 were some of statistically associated variables for utilization of PP IUCD. Conclusion: PP IUCD utilization in the study area is low as compared to other similar studies (3.3%). There are major discrepancy between acceptance level (37.91%) and PP IUCD utilization. Responsible bodies should address the reason for this major discrepancy to minimize the gap.

Small bowel volvulus (SBV) in Northcentral Ethiopia

BackgroundSmall bowel volvulus (SBV) is a benign gastrointestinal surgical condition in which there is a torsion of all or parts of a segment of small bowel on its mesenteric axis. It has been contributed significant burden of surgical emergency as cause of small bowel obstruction in developing countries. The main objective this study was to explore clinical and epidemiological profile of Small bowel volvulus in Northcentral Ethiopia.MethodThe study was conducted at Debre Tabor General Hospital, South Gondar in Northcentral Ethiopia. The medical records of patients with a discharge diagnosis of small bowel volvulus were reviewed. The patients were seen for a 4-year period from Jan1, 2016-Dec31, 2019. The study was hospital-based retrospective cross-sectional and data were collected with a standardized structure questioner tool. The collected data checked for any inconsistency, code, and enter SPSS version 23 for data processing and analysis. Descriptive analyses were represented as frequency, percent, mean ± standard deviation for normal distribution, and Median ± Interquartile range for skewed data. Cross tabulation analysis was done for risk factors contributed for mortality and morbidity of SBV.ResultThere were 148 patients with Small bowel volvulus as a cause of small bowel obstruction was admitted within 4 years. The annual occurrence rate was 35cases per year. It represented 59% of small bowel obstruction and 36.3% of bowel obstruction. The majority were males (N = 125, 84.5%) and females were (N = 23, 15.5%). The age ranged from 15 to 78 years. The mean age was 41.14 ± (SD = 15.4). The most common clinical presentation was abdominal pain 98% and vomiting 91.2%. The median time of hospital stay was 5 days (± IQR = 2). The mean duration of illness before hospital admission was 2 days (± SD = 1.4) and median was 1 day (± IQR = 2). The morbidity rate was 5.4% (N = 8) and the mortality rate was 3.4%(N = 5).ConclusionAnnual occurrence of SBV was 37 cases per year. The prevalence of SBV was 59% of small bowel obstruction and 36.3% of bowel obstruction respectively.

Frequency of ABO and Rh Blood Group Distribution at Debre Tabor Blood Bank, Amhara Region, North-Central Ethiopia. A Six-Year Retrospective Survey.

IntroductionBlood is arranged into four groups based on their surface antigen (A, B, AB, and O). In addition to this classification based on the Rhesus factor, each blood group clustered into RH positive and RH negative. This study was done to identify the distribution of blood group and rhesus factors on the local blood bank.ObjectiveTo identify the frequency of ABO blood group and RH factors distribution on voluntary blood donator at Debre Tabor blood bank from May 2014 to May 2020.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted to identify the frequency of ABO and Rh factor distribution on voluntary blood donors at Debre Tabor town blood bank. The data was collected at Debre Tabor blood bank. A six-year data and a total of 19,901 bags collected blood samples were used for summarization of the data. The data was analysed by using SPSS version 21.ResultsBlood group ”O” was the dominated one with 39.6% followed by blood group “A”, “B” and “AB” with 29.48%, 24.06%, and 6.7%, respectively. When we see the RH classifications, RH positive accounts the highest percentage 92.77% and the remaining 7.23% was Rh negatives.ConclusionIn this survey, the majority of blood groups were found “O” followed by “A”, “B”, and “AB”. Among the collected blood unities, 92.77% was RH positive. The leading blood donators were male.

Prevalence and associated factors of prelacteal feeding among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units, North central Ethiopia, 2019

BackgroundPrelacteal feeding compromises the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, thereby increasing neonatal malnutrition, infection and mortality. About 26% of the Ethiopian neonates are given prelacteal feeds and nearly 48% of whom are attributed to Amhara region. Besides, prior Ethiopian studies have shown significance of the problem at different community settings in the country. However, the prevalence and associated factors of prelacteal feeding among neonatal admissions has been overlooked in the country in general and in the study area in particular. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of prelacteal feeding among neonatal admissions in the study setting.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 321 mother-neonate pairs admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Debre Tabor General Hospital between September 2018 and February 2019. Every fourth mother neonate pair was included to the study. Multivariable logistic regressions were fitted to find out adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of factors associated with pre-lacteal feeding.ResultsThe prevalence of prelacteal feeding was 20.2% [95% CI: 15.31–26.75%]. Plain water was the most common prelacteal food (32.3%). Factors associated with prelacteal feeding include rural residence (AOR = 4.07, 95% CI: 1.30, 12.81), primiparity (AOR = 4.50, 95% CI: 1.30–12.81), less than four ANC visits (AOR = 4.71, 95% CI: 1.23–17.84), spousal accompany to ANC (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05–0.75), home delivery (AOR = 5.94, 95% CI: 1.80–19.67), having twin newborns (AOR = 6.69, 95% CI: 1.25, 35.91) and maternal belief on the purported advantages of prelacteal feeding (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI: 2.09–25.39).Conclusion and recommendationOne out of five sick neonates was given prelacteal feeds. Twin neonates, home delivered neonates, rural neonates, neonates born to primiparous mothers, neonates delivered from mothers who had less than four ANC visits, neonates born to mothers who weren’t accompanied by their spouse during ANC and those born to mothers who believe on the purported advantages of prelacteal feeding had higher odds of receiving prelacteal feeds. Therefore, mothers of these vulnerable neonates should be provided with more emphasis about counseling of infant and young child feeding practice during their stay at NICU.

Determinants of First Aid Knowledge and Basic Practice Among Elementary School Teachers in Debre Tabor Town, Northcentral Ethiopia

Background: Pre-hospital school-based Emergency Medical Service (EMS) at school by school personnel is mandatory for saving the pupils from disability and death attributed to injury-related problems. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the determinant factors of first aid knowledge and basic practice among elementary school teachers in Debre Tabor, Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was employed in Debre Tabor among 216 elementary school teachers. A simple random sampling technique with proportional allocation was applied for the selection of the study participants. Data entry was done by Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 21 for cleaning and analysis. Descriptive statistics was performed by using frequency, percentage, and table. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine the significance and strength of association at a 95% confidence interval. P-value &lt;0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results and Discussion: Our study revealed that 45.8% of study subjects were knowledgeable on first aid. More than 75% of study participants reported that they have encountered a child who needs first aid. Among these, 64% of them provide first aid. The multivariable analysis revealed that service year (AOR=3.51, 95%CI: (1.06, 11.59)), educational status (AOR=12.15, 95%CI: (3.17, 46.67)), previous first aid training (AOR=0.43, 95%CI: (0.21, 0.87)) and information about first aid (AOR=0.12, 95%CI ;(0.03, 0.48)) were found to be significantly associated with having knowledge on first aid. Conclusion: School teachers have low knowledge of first aid. Educational status, service year, previous first aid training and information on first aid were the predictors of first aid knowledge. Introducing essential first aid training in the curriculum during teachers’ training shall be considered.

AIDS-duration predictors of HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy at Debre Berhan referral hospital, north-central Ethiopia

Background: Receiving ART treatment prolongs the life of HIV/AIDS patients by increasing substantially their CD4 count, even though the level is different from one individual patient to the other. The aim of this study was to identify the potential predictors of death of HIV-infected patients attending ART treatment. Methods: A hospital-based retrospective cohort chart review study design was conducted on 647 HIV-infected patients at a public hospital in North-Central Ethiopia from July 2012-January 2017. Kaplan-Meier plots, Log-rank and Wilcoxon tests, and Cox-proportional hazard model were employed. Data analysis was done with the help of statistical software (R version 3.2.2). 95% confidence interval for hazard ratio (HR) and p-value ≤ 0.05 was used to statistically associate with time till event occurred. Results: Among the total of 647 patients on 192(29.68%) event were occurred; while 455(70.32%) were censored. HIV-infected patients were followed for a total of 54 months, with a mean of 22.13(13.16) and a median of 21.47months. The prevalence of event was about 30 out of 100 HIV patients. According to the present study, the median CD4 count at the initial time of ART was 247 (IQR:120-375)cells/µl, whereas the median CD4 count at the time of event was 362 (IQR:225-532)cells/µl. Patients with higher baselineCD4 count,&gt;200cells/µl were 32.10% lower in risk of death than patients with lower baselineCD4 count, &lt; 200cells/µl (HR:0.679; 95%CI:0.537-0.857; p-value=0.001). Conclusions: ART treatment is effective enough in slowing down the progression of HIV-infection to AIDS and decreasing the mortality rate of patients significantly. Being Widowed/ divorced, bedridden, ambulatory began with lower baseline CD4 count and being on TDF-3TC-EFV regimen were the predictors of mortality in HIV-infected patients on ART. It is recommended that HIV patients start antiretroviral treatment early, track the progression of HIV to AIDS.

The burden of traditional neonatal uvulectomy among admissions to neonatal intensive care units, North Central Ethiopia, 2019: A triangulated crossectional study.

Traditional neonatal uvulectomy is unsupervised, unscientific and potentially dangerous cultural malpractice. It is often accompanied with life threatening neonatal morbidities such as infection, septicemia, anemia, aspiration and oropharyngeal injury. However, there is no current regional and even national data of its public health importance in the health care system. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the burden, associated factors and reasons of traditional uvulectomy among neonatal admissions at Debre Tabor General Hospital, North Central Ethiopia, from September 2018 to August 2019. A quantitative cross sectional study supplemented with phenomenological study was employed on 422 mother-neonate pairs. Eight mothers who were not included in the quantitative part were involved as key informants of the qualitative study. Systematic and purposive sampling techniques were used to select study participants for the quantitative and qualitative parts of the study respectively. Multivariable logistic regressions were fitted to investigate significant predictors of traditional neonatal uvulectomy at p-value ≤ 0.05 and 95% CI. Moreover, the qualitative data were carefully transcribed, coded, screened, thematized, synthesized and then triangulated with the quantitative results. The burden of postuvulectomy admission was 67 (15.88%). Most of these admissions had post uvulectomy sepsis [59 (88.1%)] followed by anemia (55.23%). From multivariable analysis, factors that had significant odds of association with traditional neonatal uvulectomy include: having male neonate [AOR = 4.87; 95% CI: 1.10, 21.59], antenatal couple counseling about traditional neonatal uvulectomy [AOR = 0.053; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.35], home delivery [AOR = 6.02; 95% CI: 1.15, 31.61], postnatal couple counseling about traditional neonatal uvulectomy [AOR = 0.101; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.65], prior history of traditional neonatal uvulectomy [AOR = 7.15; 95% CI: 1.18, 43.21] and knowing at least one adverse effect of traditional neonatal uvulectomy [AOR = 0.068; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.44]. Furthermore, maternal perception of "there is no modern medicine to treat elongated and swollen neonatal uvula' was the most explained reason to practice traditional neonatal uvulectomy. The burden of traditional neonatal uvulectomy was high. Fortunately, its predictors are modifiable. Therefore, several advocacy teams of neonatal health consisting of mainly women health development armies, elders, religious fathers, health professionals and criminal prosecutors should be actively mobilized against traditional neonatal uvulectomy. Besides, parental couple counseling about the adverse effects of traditional neonatal uvulectomy should be properly implemented in the routine antenatal and postnatal continuum of care in South Gondar Zone, North Central Ethiopia.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis in north-central Ethiopia: trend, clinical forms, geographic distribution, and determinants

BackgroundCutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), being among the neglected tropical diseases, catches little attention despite its considerable influence. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence and associated factors of CL in Boru Meda Hospital, Dessie town, north-central Ethiopia.MethodsMedical records of patients who attended the Dermatology Department of the Hospital in 2012–May 2018 were assessed. In addition, dermatological patients who were visiting the hospital during the data collection period (November 2017–May 2018) were interviewed to capture socio-demographic, environmental variables, and related factors. The source population was individuals who visited the hospital for skin problems in the stated years and CL positives were the targets. The association between CL and its determinants was tested by logistic regression.ResultsCL prevalence was 1.5% showing increasing trend with the year of examination. Localized, diffused, and mucosal CL was evident across the years. Dessie town had the highest prevalence, 291 (32.8%) patients out of 888 cases. The number of examined (29,701) and positives (543, 1.8%) for males was comparable with females, 28,459 and 345 (1.2%), respectively, increasing with age but without significant difference. Dessie town residence (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 12.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2–18.6, p = 0.01), no bed net (AOR 9.9, 95% CI 2.7–16.7, p < 0.01), nearby irrigation (AOR 8.1, 95% CI 1.9–12.4, p < 0.01), and travel to CL endemic areas (AOR 13.9, 95% CI 4.4–14.3, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with CL.ConclusionCL is a growing health problem in Dessie and its surroundings. Known risk factors prevail. Comprehensive parasitological, entomological, and social studies are warranted to better manage the disease.

Determinants of maternal knowledge of neonatal danger signs among postnatal mothers visiting neonatal intensive care unit, north Central Ethiopia, 2019: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSick neonates can be early readmitted if and only if their mothers have good knowledge of the key neonatal danger signs at first discharge. Thus, it was aimed to assess the level and determinants of maternal knowledge on these signs at first discharge from NICU.MethodsA hospital based cross sectional study design was employed at Debre Tabor General Hospital, South Gondar Zone. A sample of 363 participants was included to the study from September 2018 to February 2019 through systematic selection of every other eligible mother baby pair. Data were collected through face to face interview at time of discharge from NICU. Knowledge score of neonatal danger signs was computed by adding the total number of correct spontaneous responses to 9 key danger signs with a minimum score of 0 and maximum of 9 [0 when a mother named none of the key danger signs and 9 when the mother named all the signs]. Mothers who scored ≥3 points were considered to have good knowledge whereas those scoring less than 3 points had poor knowledge.Results224(61.70%) mothers had good knowledge of neonatal danger signs at discharge from NICU. Secondary and above level of education [AOR = 4.62], receiving danger sign information during stay at NICU [AOR = 3.64], four and above antenatal visits [AOR = 3.04], well preparedness of birth [AOR = 13.70], institutional delivery [AOR = 6.46] and good knowledge of essential newborn care [AOR = 4.41] were significant factors.ConclusionsAt discharge time, maternal knowledge of neonatal danger signs wasn’t comparable to their exposure of NICU environment. Therefore, danger sign education should be routinely given during maternal stay at NICU. Moreover, existing efforts should be enhanced to improve number of antenatal visits, institutional delivery rate and postnatal services along the continuum of maternal and child health care in South Gondar Zone.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Utilization of Traditional Medicine among the Communities of Debre Tabor Town, Amhara Regional State, North Central Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Traditional medicine is used by about 80% of the Ethiopian people to meet their healthcare needs. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of the community on traditional medicine in Debre Tabor town. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from November 1, 2018, to December 30, 2018, with a face-to-face interview method and involved 402 participants recruited by systematic random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. The association of independent and dependent variables was determined by binary logistic regression. Results Among the participants, 294 (73.13%) were females and 108 (26.87%) were males. The ages of participants ranged from 18 to 80 (mean age of the participants was 35.73 ± 0.59 years). Above three-fourths, 322 (80.1%) of the participants had good knowledge. 158 (39.3%) of the participants had a good attitude and 145 (36.1%) of the participants used traditional medicines in their lifetime for different ailments. From all the participants who use traditional medicine, 41 (28.3%) encountered minor adverse effects. Conclusions The study participants in Debre Tabor have good knowledge but poor attitude and utilization of traditional medicine.

Incidence and factors associated with postoperative sore throat for patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation at Debre Tabor General Hospital, North central Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundIdentifying the factors associated with post-operative sore throat is important for better patient outcome. Supportive evidence towards it is not well-established in developing countries like Ethiopia. ObjectiveTo assess the incidence and factors associated with postoperative sore throat among patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. MethodsHospital based cross-sectional study design was employed. Binary and multivariable logistic regression were used to measure association between the factors and the outcome at 95%CI using Adjusted Odds ratio (AOR). P-value <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. ResultsA total of 123 patients were included in this study and the incidence of postoperative sore throat within 24 h after operation was 48.8%. In multivariate logistic regression, being female (AOR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.13, 5.85) and multiple number of attempts (AOR = 3.81, 95% CI: 1.51, 9.62) had significant association with post-operative sorethroat. The ETT sizes of 6.5, 7.0 and 7.5 in millimeter were the factors statistically significantly associated with post-operative sore throat with p values of 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03 respectively. ConclusionsLarger ETT size and multiple number of attempts of laryngoscopy might increase the risk of developing postoperative sore throat.

Nutritional status and associated factors among high school adolescents in Debre Tabor Town, South Gondar Zone, Northcentral Ethiopia

BackgroundAdolescents are among the nutritionally vulnerable group due to their nutritional demand for pubertal spurt. At this age, adequate nutrition, nutritional education, and counseling are very important to halt the consequence and its impact on this segment of the population. So, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and its associated factors of nutritional status among high school adolescents aged 10–19 years in Debre Tabor Town, South Gondar Zone, and North central Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2017. A total of 349 high school adolescents were selected by using simple random sampling. Data were collected through face to face interview and physical measurement. The data were entered into Epi info version 7 software and then exported into SPSS version 20 software for further analysis. A p-value < 0.2 was used to select independent variables for multivariable logistic regression. A p-value ≤0.05 was used to declare the statistical significance. Also, odd ratios were calculated with a 95% of the confidence interval to check the existence of the association.ResultA total of 327 adolescents participated in this study with the overall response rate of 93.69%. The magnitude of stunting and thinness was 15% (95% CI: 11, 19) and 4.9% (95% CI: 2.4, 7.4) respectively. Sex (AOR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.15, 4.36), residency (AOR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.28, 4.82), and family size (AOR: 3.41, 95% CI: 1.65, 7.05) were the associated factors for stunting. Residence (AOR: 3.67, 95% CI: 1.16, 11.56), and living away from the family (AOR: 4.37, 95% CI: 1.20, 15.95) were the associated factors for the development of thinness.ConclusionStunting is a mild public health problem but not thinness. Sociodemographic variables were the determinant factors for the development of stunting and thinness. To halt this, integrated adolescent related school and nutrition services is very important with adequate and quality food access to adolescents. In addition to this the government shall have to increase the access of education.

Estimating access to drinking water supply in Farta district rural community, Amhara Region, North Central Ethiopia, 2017: a community based cross-sectional study

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Water is an essential for lives and development. Ethiopia is endowed with enormous water resources potential but access to water is limited. An uneven spatial distribution of water sources and drinking water demand is big challenge. Therefore objectives of this study were to estimate access for water supply among household of Farta district, Ethiopia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A community based cross-sectional study design was employed in 758 households of Farta district. Interview and observational check lists were used to collect data. Systematic sampling technique was used to select households. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The community has access to improved water supply which was estimated to be 57.1%. The rest 42.9% of the households used unimproved water sources from other unprotected sources like unprotected dug well and river. Nearly the third quartile (74.5%) of the households had access to water within a distance of 1.5 km or less from dwelling. Majority (86%) of households had no access to water within a time of 30 minutes or less. Nearly 92.3% of the households used less than 20 liters per capita per day.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; There was a significant gap in accessing water supply for the community within 1.5 km in the district. Nearly half of households used protected well water sources. The per capita water consumption of the households were extremely low. Hence local administrator should expand protected well in all members. The community participation should be encouraged to prepare and maintain the water sources.&lt;/p&gt;