School-age Children In Ethiopia Research Articles

Prevalence of iodine deficiency and associated factors among school-age children in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundCurrently, iodine deficiency has become a significant burden globally; where 2 billion people and 29.8% of school-age children are iodine deficient. It is a leading cause of preventable brain damage among children, resulting in impaired cognitive and motor development. Even though salt iodization was started to be implemented to alleviate this burden in Ethiopia, primary studies assessing iodine deficiency in the country show highly variable findings, and no systematic review was conducted to determine the pooled prevalence of the problem which makes it difficult to assess the effect of the intervention as well as to design appropriate and timely measures. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of iodine deficiency and the common factors affecting its occurrence among school-age children in Ethiopia.MethodTo obtain the eligible studies, databases (EMBASE, Scopus, Hinari, and PubMed), websites (Google and Google Scholar), and references of the eligible studies were searched systematically. Data were extracted using an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using the STATA 17 version. The I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity between the studies. A DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and pooled odds ratio. A funnel plot and Egger’s test were used to detect publication bias.ResultA total of 15 eligible studies, representing 15,611 school-age children, were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of iodine deficiency among school-age children in Ethiopia was found to be 58% (95%CI 44.00–77.00), while the highest prevalence was recorded in the Oromia Region, which was 64% (95% CI 49–79). Goitrogenic food consumption (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.93, 95% CI 1.60–5.35) and being female (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.87, 95% CI 1.43–2.44) showed a significant association with the prevalence of iodine deficiency.ConclusionIodine deficiency among school-age children in Ethiopia was noticeably high. Goitrogenic food consumption and the sex of the child were determinant factors for the occurrence of iodine deficiency among the children. Therefore, appropriate advice should be given to households to limit goitrogenic foods in the diet of their children by giving due attention to their female children.

Anemia and Associated Factors among Public Elementary School Children in Asella Town, Southeast Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Anemia has a negative impact on school children, including poor physical growth and reduced mental performance. Children show poor attentiveness, behavior, and memory and reduced school performance. There is limited evidence of the magnitude of anemia and associated factors in school-age children in Ethiopia, including the study area. To assess the magnitude of anemia and associated factors among public elementary school children in Asella Town, Southeast Ethiopia, in 2022. A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Asella Town from April 5 to May 5, 2022. A total of 442 school children aged 7-14 years were included in the study using the multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a pretested and semistructured questionnaire through a face-to-face interview technique. The hemoglobin concentration was determined by using the HemoCue 301+ analyzer. Anthropometric data and stool examinations were collected from participants. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6, transported, and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out. Adjusted odds ratios along with their 95% confidence interval were used, and a p value of ≤0.05 was used for declaring statistical significance. A total of 435 students with a mean age and standard deviation of 10.77 ± 2.21 years participated in the study. The magnitude of anemia was 78 (17.9%), with a 95% CI (14.3, 21.47). Of the participants, 63 (14.5%) were mild anemic and 15 (3.4%) were moderately anemic. Children whose mothers have no formal education (AOR = 3.94, 95% CI: 1.89, 8.21), underweight children (AOR = 3.83, 95% CI: 1.98, 7.40), and parasites in their stool (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI: 1.50, 9.20) were significantly associated with anemia in school-age children. Anemia among school-age children was found to be a mild public health problem. Uneducated mothers, intestinal parasite infections, and underweight children were found to be determinants of anemia among school-age children. Health professionals should provide health education for mothers about child-feeding practices and the consumption of dietary sources of iron.

Factors influencing access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in schools of Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene services is the most effective mechanism to reduce many infectious diseases. WASH in schools related to better educational outcomes although adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene services were unavailable to millions of school-age children in Ethiopia. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the level of WASH coverage and identify factors affecting access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 82 school facilities. A structured questionnaire and an observational checklist were used to gather the data. Water samples were taken from the schools' water storage. Descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data. In this study, 74.7%, 61. 3% and 37.3% of the schools had access to basic drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services, respectively. Additionally, 21.3%, 29.4%, and 30.7% of the schools had access to limited drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services, respectively. However, 4%, 9.3%, and 32% of the schools lacked water, sanitation, and hygiene services, respectively. We discovered that schools with male heads were 7% less likely to have access to basic hygiene services (AOR = 0.07 with 95% CI 0.01–0.5) than those with female directors. In addition, schools with hygiene and environmental health clubs had an 11.8-fold higher access rate to basic hygiene services (AOR = 11.8 with 95% CI 1.35–104) than schools without such clubs. Besides, schools that conduct WASH lessons at least once a week were 8.63 times more likely to use basic hygiene services (AOR = 8.63; 95% CI 1.18–63.22) than schools that did not. This study offers scientific evidence that could be used for sound decisions to fill the school WASH gaps. This is a unique study in determining the level of WASH coverage and identifying factors affecting access to basic hygiene services. The investigation provides some insights into how access to WASH services can be improved at the grassroots level. Federal and regional governments should implement effective interventions that assist schools to attain Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030. School administrators and other partner organizations should take proactive measures to enhance and maintain the WASH services.

Prevalence of myopia in school-age children in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of myopia among school-age children in Ethiopia. Eligible articles were searched from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. In addition, Google Scholar and reference lists of the retrieved articles were searched from 30 July 2022 to 02 January 2023. The preferred reporting of items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis was used to report the search results. Microsoft Excel was used to keep the data. The qualities of eligible studies were checked using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for prevalence studies. Analysis was held using STATA Version 11. The degree of heterogeneity was checked using I² statistics. The possible sources of heterogeneity were examined using meta-regression and subgroup analyses. The funnel plot and Egger's test were used to assess the potential publication bias. A correction was made for publication bias using Duval and Twee Die's trim-and-fill analysis. The systematic review registration number is PROSPERO (#CRD42022330541). We identified 21 eligible articles including 20,757 subjects. Of those participants, 10,601 (51.1%) and 10,156 (48.9%) were males and females, respectively. A total of 15,152 (73%) participants were urban residents. The estimated prevalence of myopia among school-age children in Ethiopia was found to be 5.26% (95% confidence interval: 4.09-6.42). The prevalence of myopia among school-age children in Ethiopia is considerable, affecting one in 20 school-age children. Therefore, the authors recommend the stakeholders take extra steps to speed up the implementation of the school vision screening program and its integration plan into the existing school nutrition program.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Amblyopia Among School Age Children at Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

IntroductionWorldwide, amblyopia prevalence among children is in the range of 0.13% to 12.9%. However, there are no known community-based data regarding amblyopia prevalence and its associated factors among school age children in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of amblyopia and to identify factors associated with amblyopia among school age children in Bahir Dar city, northwest Ethiopia.Methods and MaterialsA cross-sectional study among a school age community of Bahir Dar city was conducted from April 1 to May 29, 2018. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and checklist through interview and physical examination. Bivariable logistic regression was done, and variables with p value <0.2 were entered to multivariable logistic regression using SPSS 20. Variables with p value of <0.05 in the multivariable binary logistic regression were considered as significant predictors.ResultsIn total 601 (94.8%) subjects participated. Amblyopia was prevalent in 6.5% of school age children in Bahir Dar city. The odds of being amblyopic among participants who had anisometropia >2D were about 9.3 times (AOR=9.35, CI: 2.86–30.60) more as compared to those who had no anisometropia. The odds of being amblyopic among participants having a refractive error >+5D hypermetropia were about 22 times (AOR=21.77, CI: 7.15–66.34) more as compared to participants who had no hypermetropia.ConclusionThe prevalence of amblyopia among school age children at Bahir Dar city is higher than the World Health Organization cut point. Having anisometropia greater than 1 diopter, anisometropia >2 diopter, having anisometropia less than 1 diopter, having a history of strabismus, having a hyperopia of > +5 diopter, > +2 diopter, having a positive history of visual deprivation and having a positive history of strabismus in the family were the significant factors positively associated with amblyopia.

Prevalence of Schistosomiasis (S. mansoni and S. haematobium) and its association with gender of school age children in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundSchistosomiasis (S. mansoni and S. haematobium) is an important neglected tropical disease in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. In Ethiopia, Schistosomiasis has been prioritized as neglected tropical disease and remained among major public health burden on school age children of the country. Few studies conducted on the association between prevalence of Schistosomiasis and gender of school age children have inconclusive finding about the association between these two variables. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was done to determine the pooled prevalence of Schistosomiasis and its association with gender of school age children in Ethiopia. MethodsIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, databases such as: Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central library, Google Scholar, and HINARI were systematically searched. STATA version 14 was used to estimate pooled prevalence of Schistosomiasis using random effects model with 95% confidence interval. The results were presented by using forest plot and statistical heterogeneity was checked by using the Cochran Q test (chi-squared statistic), I2 test statistic and by visual examination of the forest plot. ResultsFrom the total of 427 studies identified for this review, 50 studies were included in the final analysis. The analysis noted that pooled prevalence of Schistosomiasis in Ethiopia was 28.78% (95% CI: 23.81, 33.74). The subgroup analysis indicated that extreme variability was observed in the prevalence of Schistosomiasis across the regions of the country. The highest (39.77%) prevalence of Schistosomiasis was reported from the southern region, whereas the lowest (14.95%) prevalence of Schistosomiasis was reported from Afar region. Male school age children were 58% more likely infected with Schistosomiasis than female school age children in Ethiopia (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.33, 1.83). ConclusionsThe Prevalence of Schistosomiasis was higher than the 2018 report of the Ethiopian federal ministry of health. The prevalence of Schistosomiasis was predominant among male gender of the school age children. Therefore, sustainable control of Schistosomiasis requires the approaches that must go beyond current deworming program. Complementary prevention strategies including health education, safe water and adequate sanitary facilities provision should be simultaneously implemented. The underlining causes of variation in risk factors of Schistosomiasis among males and females should be further studied.

Epidemiology of intestinal parasitic infections in preschool and school-aged Ethiopian children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundNumerous studies have been carried out on assessing the prevalence of intestinal parasites infections (IPIs) amongpreschool and school-age children in Ethiopia, but there is lack of study systematically gathered and analyzedinformation for policymakers. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide a summary on prevalence, geographical distribution and trends of IPIs among preschool and school-age childrenin Ethiopia.MethodsThe search were carried out in Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from 1996to July2019 for studies describing prevalence of IPIs among preschooland school-age children. We conducted meta-regression to understand the trends and the source of heterogeneity and pooled the prevalence using ‘metaprop’ command using STATA software version 14.ResultsEighty-three(83) studies examining 56,786 fecal specimens were included. The prevalence of IPIs was 48%(95%CI: 42 to 53%) and showedsignificantly decreasing trends 17% (95% CI: 2.5 to 32%) for each consecutive 6 years) and was similar in males and females. The pooled prevalence in years 1997–2002, 2003–2008, 2009–2014 and > 2014 was 71% (95% CI: 57 to 86%), 42% (95% CI: 27 to 56%), 48% (95% CI: 40 to 56%) and 42% (95% CI: 34 to 49%), respectively. Poly-parasitism was observed in 16% (95% CI: 13 to 19%,) of the cases.ConclusionIntestinal parasite infections are highly prevalent among preschool and school-age children and well distributed across the regional states of Ethiopia. Southern and Amhara regional states carry the highest burden. We observed significant decreasing trends in prevalence of IPIs among preschool and school-ageEthiopian children over the last two decades. Therefore, this study is important to locate the geographical distribution and identified high risk areas that should be prioritized further interventions, which complement global efforts towards elimination of IPIs infections by 2020.

Analysis of salivary level Lactobacillus spp. and associated factors as determinants of dental caries amongst primary school children in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia

BackgroundLactobacillus spp. play a major role in the development of dental caries. Although effective methods are known for the prevention and management of dental caries, its prevalence of dental caries is increasing amongst school-age children in Ethiopia. Hence, this study is aimed to determine the association of salivary Lactobacillus spp. level and oral health factors as determinants of dental caries amongst primary school children in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted amongst primary school children (n = 407) using a questionnaire survey, clinical DMFT (decayed, missing, filled tooth number) examination and enumeration of salivary level Lactobacillus spp. Data were analyzed by SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science software- version 25.0). The odds ratio was used to determine the predictors of the outcome. The data were expressed as mean ± SD. Statistical significance was defined as a p-value of less than 0.05.ResultsThe prevalence of dental caries was found to be 36.9% amongst primary school children. The mean DMFT value of the participants was 0.95 ± 1.57. The dental decay component was the primary observation that accounted for 84.6% of the DMFT. Almost, 67% of the saliva culture revealed a significant amount of Lactobacillus spp. count. The mean bacterial count was found to be 14.92 × 105 ± 22.92 × 105. Among various parameters analysed for association with dental caries, a number of them show positive associtation, incluing reduction in academic scores in the prevous academic year (p = 0.034), grade levels of school children 1–4 (p = 0.041), sweet food consumption habit (p = 0.003), absence of daily teeth cleaning habit (p = 0.002), absence of toothpaste use (p = 0.001), dental ache history (p = < 0.001), significant microbial load of salivary Lactobacillus spp. (p = < 0.001), acidic (p = 0.028) and basic salivary pH (p = 0.025).ConclusionA significant salivary Lactobacillus count associated with lower grade level, sweet diet, and poor oral hygiene were found to be the determinant factors for dental caries. Thus, dissemination of oral health information is obligatory to prevent dental caries amongst primary school children in the study area.

Prevalence of anemia among school-age children in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAnemia continued to become a major public health problem in developing nations including Ethiopia. Especially, school children are more vulnerable for anemia and consequences of anemia. Generating accurate epidemiological data on anemia in school children is an important step for health policy maker. There are limited evidences on anemia prevalence in school-age children in Ethiopia. This study aimed to synthesize the pooled prevalence of anemia in school-age children in Ethiopia.MethodsThis systematic review and meta-analysis was followed the PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searched was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, HINARI, and Ethiopian Journal of Health Development for studies published before 2016, supplemented by manual searches to identify relevant studies. Two review authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed quality of studies. The Cochrane Q test and I2 test statistic were used to test heterogeneity through studies. The overall prevalence was calculated using random-effects model of DerSimonian–Laird method.ResultsFrom 831 obtained studies, 13 articles included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of anemia among school children in Ethiopia was 23% (95% CI 18–28%). The prevalence of anemia in male and female school-age children was 27% (95% CI 20 and 34%) and 24% (95% CI 18 and 30%), respectively.ConclusionsThis study found that prevalence of anemia was a moderate public health problem in school children. Due to the complications of anemia for school children, preventative planning and control of anemia among school children in Ethiopia is necessary.

Today's Children, Tomorrow's Leaders: Are We Neglecting the Agents of Change?

There is an abundant body of knowledge suggesting that early experience influences later human behavior. Based on the literature, this article suggests that human development at the individual level has far-reaching consequences for the social, economic, and political development of a people. For instance, education, one measure of human development, has been inaccessible to more than 50 percent of school age children in Ethiopia. To effect fundamental change in Ethiopia, attention and resources must be dedicated to children's well-being and potential. The article also discusses the role that current environmental conditions may play in the development of learned helplessness in Ethiopian children. Because of the country's limited resources, nonformal education that taps traditional Ethiopian resources for fostering children's development is proposed.