Southern Ethiopia Research Articles

Household food insecurity predictors and coping strategies in Basketo Special District, Southern Ethiopia: using the double hurdle model

Household food insecurity predictors and coping strategies in Basketo Special District, Southern Ethiopia: using the double hurdle model

Prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among bank workers at Hawassa city, Northern Zone, Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundLower back pain (LBP) is a public health threat that affects people who frequently experience sedentary working conditions. Few studies reported on low back pain among bank workers in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the magnitude and associated factors of low back pain among bank workers in Hawassa City, Sidama Region, Ethiopia.MethodsThis institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 20, 2023, to June 30, 2023. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select participants, and data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire, entered into Epidata version 4.6, and transferred to SPSS version 25 for further analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent predictors of lower back pain.ResultsOf the 627 total study participants, six hundred seven bank workers participated in the study, with a response rate of 96.8%. The overall magnitude of lower back pain among the study population was 55.2%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI 51.1–59). Based on the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, being in a manager position (AOR = 3.85; 95% CI = (1.2,12), a level 2 banker (AOR = 3.8; 95% CI = (1.9,8.9), age 30–39 years (AOR = 4; 95% CI = (2,12.4), an age ≥ 40 years (AOR = 5.4; 95% CI= (3.04,16.3), working in sufficient space (AOR = 0.4; 95% CI = (0.3,0.9), and physical activity (AOR = 0.2; 95% CI = (0.1,0.8)) were significantly associated with low back pain.ConclusionThe prevalence of low back pain among the bank workers was high in the study area. Being in a managerial position, being a level two banker, being aged 30–39 years, being aged ≥ 40 years, working in sufficient space, and engaging in physical activity were significantly associated. Therefore, it is essential to establish a health screening team, create awareness programs for the benefit of physical activity, provide sufficient working space, and give special attention to elderly and senior bankers and bank managers to reduce the risk of developing low back pain.

Completion and predictors of maternity continuum of care among women in the post-partum period in Gedeb district, southern Ethiopia: A community based cross-sectional study.

Maternal and neonatal complications related to pregnancy and childbirth pose a significant risk of morbidity and mortality to both the mother and the child. Despite its benefits in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity associated with pregnancy and childbirth, the majority of Ethiopian mothers were dropped from the maternal continuum of care. Furthermore, there is a dearth of data regarding the status of the maternal continuum of care and its underlying factors in southern Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the completion of the maternity continuum of care and its predictors among postpartum women who had given birth in the previous six months in the Gedeb district of Gedio Zone, southern Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 625 postpartum women selected by simple random sampling from June 1 to 30, 2022. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews using pretested, structured questionnaires. The association between the explanatory variables and the maternity continuum of care was examined using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval was employed to measure the strength of association and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. In this study, only 32.00% (95% CI: 28.45, 35.77) of the women completed the maternal continuum of care. Attending primary education (AOR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.23, 3.55), secondary and above education (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.01, 3.87), receiving counseling during ANC (AOR = 1.89; 95% CI: 1.22, 2.92), being well prepared for birth and complications readiness (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 2.23, 7.62), and having good knowledge of pregnancy danger signs (AOR = 4.13; 95% CI: 2.60, 6.55) were all significantly associated with completing the maternity continuum of care. Nearly one-third of the women completed the maternity continuum of care. Enhancing women's knowledge, offering counseling during prenatal visits, ensuring women's awareness of pregnancy danger signs, and implementing health promotion programs targeted at enhancing birth preparedness and complications readiness for all are crucial.

Disclosure of diagnosis by parents and caregivers to children infected with HIV in Hawassa, southern Ethiopia: a multicentre, cross-sectional study.

In recent years, the life expectancy of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children has increased with the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART). Regardless of the clinical recommendations encouraging HIV status disclosure, the practice of caregiver disclosure is frequently challenging due to many constraints associated with caregivers and healthcare personnel. As studies suggest, disclosure of the HIV-positive status of children is low, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of infected children reside. Thus the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HIV-positive status disclosure to infected children and the pertinent factors associated with caregivers of these children. Moreover, unlike previous studies conducted in Ethiopia, this study included children residing in orphanages. We assessed HIV-positive status disclosure and associated factors among infected children in Hawassa, southern Ethiopia, from 25 May to 20 July 2021. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in six public health facilities that provide HIV treatment and care. Data were collected from 355 randomly selected caregivers using interviewer-administered questionnaires and record reviews. Binary and multiple logistic regression was used to explore the association between independent variables and the outcome. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed to determine the strength of the association and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of the 355 children, 132 (37.2%) were informed about their HIV-positive status. Being of young age (≤12y) (aOR 0.52 [95% CI 0.28 to 0.98]), having caregivers who were not familiar with anyone who disclosed children's HIV status (aOR 0.28 [95% CI 0.16 to 0.49]), children with a family that had a primary education (aOR 0.46 [95% CI 0.23 to 0.89]) and being a child who has taken ART for <5y (aOR 0.47 [95% CI 0.28 to 0.80]) had a significant association with non-disclosure of HIV-positive status to infected children. The findings show that disclosure of HIV-positive status to infected children is low. This suggests the need to provide support and education to caregivers, facilitate experience-sharing sessions between caregivers who disclosed the HIV status to infected children and implement age-specific disclosure interventions for young children. In addition, it is important to provide support and counselling to the children when their HIV status is disclosed.

Serological and Community Awareness Study of Lumpy Skin Disease in Different Agro-Ecological Zones of Sidama Regional State, Southern Ethiopia.

The lumpy skin disease (LSD) vaccination status and epidemiological distribution remain unknown in some parts of Ethiopia, including the Sidama regional state. In this study, a serological survey of LSD was performed using a specific virus neutralization assay in selected districts of the Sidama regional state representing three agroecological zones from September 2021 to June 2022. Moreover, an assessment of community awareness and LSD vaccine-related problems was conducted using a questionnaire. Our results showed an overall animal and herd level seroprevalence of 40.8% (95%CI = 35.8, 45.8) and 81% (95%CI = 77, 85), respectively. High and low seroprevalence were observed in lowland (48%) and highland (28%) areas, although they were not statistically significant. However, risk factors such as management systems and breeds showed substantial differences in their LSD prevalence. The results obtained through the questionnaire showed that a small portion of respondents (29.2%) know about LSD and vaccinate their cattle (23.3%) against this disease. Only 20.8% of the respondents stated that there was LSD occurrence in their vaccinated cattle. In conclusion, both qualitative and quantitative study results showed the need for intervention in terms of community-based awareness creation about LSD clinical signs and vaccination advantages together with the frequently updated information on LSD prevalence.

Factors associated with self-reported medical errors among undergraduate health science students in southern Ethiopia

IntroductionMedical errors are not uncommon, but they are seldom reported. Patient safety practices are among the key areas for service improvement. This study aimed to assess factors associated with self-reported medical errors among undergraduate health science students in southern Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among health science students of Arba Minch University in 2018. The sample size was calculated using a single population proportion formula. A total of 287 medical students in their fourth year and above, nursing and midwifery students in their second year and above, and other health science students in their third year and above were included.ResultsThe majority (82.1, 95%CI: 77.63–86.67) of the study participants had a ‘good’ knowledge score on patient safety. Approximately 62.5% (95%CI: 56.8–68.2) of the participants had a ‘favorable’ patient safety attitude. Only 38.6% (95%CI: 32.8–44.3) of the study participants had ‘good’ patient safety practices. At adjusted analysis, the practical attachment unit, having ever managed a patient independently, having ever witnessed harm to patients by colleagues or other healthcare workers, and having ever witnessed harm to a close friend or family member were statistically significantly associated with self-reported medical errors. Participants who were doing their practical clinical attachment in the surgical and obstetric units were three times more likely to self-report medical errors as compared to those practicing in the pediatrics, internal medicine, and other units (AOR = 2.72, 95%CI: 1.16–6.39.97). Students who had never managed a patient independently were less likely to self-report medical error (AOR = 0.24, 95%CI: 0.08–0.72). The odds of self-reporting medical errors were less among among participants who had not ever witnessed harm to patients by colleagues or other healthcare workers (AOR = 0.12, 95%CI: 0.05–0.29) and participants who had not ever witnessed harm to a close friend or family member (AOR = 0.36, 95%CI: 0.16–0.80).ConclusionOne in five of the participants reported having harmed patients while practicing. Most of the students had good patient safety knowledge, while approximately two-thirds of the participants had a favorable attitude toward patient safety. Only 38.6% of the study participants had good patient safety practices. Having worked in surgical and obstetrics units, having managed a patient independently, and having witnessed harm to a patient were associated with self-reporting of medical errors.

Uncovering community needs regarding violence against women and girls in southern Ethiopia: An explorative study.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a significant global public health problem and a violation of human rights experienced by one in three women worldwide. This study explores community perceptions of and responses to VAWG and challenges in accessing support services among female violence survivors in Arbaminch City. We adopted a phenomenological explorative qualitative study design. A total of 62 participants including female violence survivors, religious leaders, service providers, police, women, and men in participated in interviews, focus group discussions, and observations in August 2022. Participants were selected purposively, and the findings were analyzed thematically. We applied data source and respondent triangulation to increase the findings' trustworthiness. Community perceptions of VAWG, specifically of intimate partner violence (IPV) and non-partner sexual violence (NPSV), varied depending on gender, age, and social position. IPV and NPSV were normalized through tolerance and denial by young and married men, while resistance to all forms of violence was common among women. Survivors of violence responded to the act of violence by leaving their homes, separating from their husbands, or taking harsh actions against their husbands, such as murder. Support for VAWG survivors was available through health care, free legal services, and a temporary shelter. Yet factors ranging from individual to societal levels, such as fear, lack of knowledge, lack of family and community support, and social and legal injustice, were barriers to accessing existing services. Nonetheless, violence survivors desired to speak about their experiences and seek psychosocial support. Our qualitative evidence gathered here can inform tailored VAWG prevention and response services such as interventions to shift social norms and the perception towards VAWG among different population group through raising awareness in schools, health care settings, faith-based venues, and using social media.

Barriers and enablers to improving integrated primary healthcare for non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions in Ethiopia: a mixed methods study

BackgroundThe Ethiopian Primary Healthcare Clinical Guidelines (EPHCG) seek to improve quality of primary health care, while also expanding access to care for people with Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health Conditions (NCDs/MHCs). The aim of this study was to identify barriers and enablers to implementation of the EPHCG with a particular focus on NCDs/MHCs.MethodsA mixed-methods convergent-parallel design was employed after EPHCG implementation in 18 health facilities in southern Ethiopia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 primary healthcare clinicians and one healthcare administrator. Organisational Readiness for Implementing Change (ORIC) questionnaire was self-completed by 124 health workers and analysed using Kruskal Wallis ranked test to investigate median score differences. Qualitative data were mapped to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science (CFIR) and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) were employed to select implementation strategies to address barriers.ResultsFour domains were identified: EPHCG training and implementation, awareness and meeting patient needs (demand side), resource constraints/barriers (supply side) and care pathway bottlenecks. The innovative facility-based training to implement EPHCG had a mixed response, especially in busy facilities where teams reported struggling to find protected time to meet. Key barriers to implementation of EPHCG were non-availability of resources (CFIR inner setting), such as laboratory reagents and medications that undermined efforts to follow guideline-based care, the way care was structured and lack of familiarity with providing care for people with NCDs-MHCs. Substantial barriers arose because of socio-economic problems that were interlinked with health but not addressable within the health system (CFIR outer setting). Other factors influencing effective implementation of EPHCG (TDF) included low population awareness about NCDs/MHCs and unaffordable diagnostic and treatment services (TDF). Implementation strategies were identified. ORIC findings indicated high scores of organisational readiness to implement the desired change with likely social desirability bias.ConclusionAlthough perceived as necessary, practical implementation of EPHCG was constrained by challenges across domains of internal/external determinants. This was especially marked in relation to expansion of care responsibilities to include NCDs/MHCs. Attention to social determinants of health outcomes, community engagement and awareness-raising are needed to maximize population impact.

Chloroquine has shown high therapeutic efficacy against uncomplicated Plasmodium vivax malaria in southern Ethiopia: seven decades after its introduction

BackgroundPlasmodium vivax malaria is a leading cause of morbidity in Ethiopia. The first-line treatment for P. vivax is chloroquine (CQ) and primaquine (PQ), but there have been local reports of CQ resistance. A clinical study was conducted to determine the efficacy of CQ for the treatment of P. vivax malaria in southern Ethiopia.MethodsIn 2021, patients with P. vivax mono-infection and uncomplicated malaria were enrolled and treated with 25 mg/kg CQ for 3 consecutive days. Patients were followed for 28 days according to WHO guidelines. The data were analysed using per-protocol (PP) and Kaplan‒Meier (K‒M) analyses to estimate the risk of recurrent P. vivax parasitaemia on day 28.ResultsA total of 88 patients were enrolled, 78 (88.6%) of whom completed the 28 days of follow-up. Overall, 76 (97.4%) patients had adequate clinical and parasitological responses, and two patients had late parasitological failures. The initial therapeutic response was rapid, with 100% clearance of asexual parasitaemia within 48 h.ConclusionDespite previous reports of declining chloroquine efficacy against P. vivax, CQ retains high therapeutic efficacy in southern Ethiopia, supporting the current national treatment guidelines. Ongoing clinical monitoring of CQ efficacy supported by advanced molecular methods is warranted to inform national surveillance and ensure optimal treatment guidelines.

Integration of geospatial analysis, frequency ratio, and analytical hierarchy process for landslide susceptibility assessment in the maze catchment, omo valley, southern Ethiopia

This investigation was conducted in southern Ethiopia's Maze watershed in the Omo River Valley. Frequency ratio (FR) and analytic hierarchy process (AHP) techniques were used to assess landslide susceptibility in the region. Identifying causative components and landslide inventory data achieved the goal. Remote sensing and on-site investigations found 793 landslide polygons. To assess vulnerability, the landslide inventory information is categorized into two groups: the training dataset (70%) and the validation dataset (30%). This study examined “slope, aspect, curvature, lithology, land use and cover, normalized vegetation index, and proximity to fault lines, rivers, and distance to road as landslide controlling factors”. The spatial analysis capabilities in Arc GIS were used to overlay the weights of all landslide-causing components to create the susceptibility map. A final landslide susceptibility map is produced using FR and AHP methods and categorized as “very low,” “low,” “moderate,” “high,” and “very high.” The frequency ratio method divides the region into susceptibility classes by frequency. The very low, low, medium, high, and very high susceptibility groups cover 25%, 20%, 18%, and 19% of the territory. The analytical hierarchical process technique shows that 3%, 7%, 26%, 36%, and 28% of the area are very low, low, medium, moderate, and very high landslide susceptibility. The receiver operating characteristic curve was employed to validate the area-underlayer susceptibility maps. The success rates were determined using the FR and AHP approaches, resulting in AUC numbers of 0.873 and 0.87. Similarly, the prediction rates were determined to be 0.81 and 0.80. The landslide susceptibility maps will significantly influence land resource allocation.

Determinants of home delivery among reproductive age women in Bore District, East Guji Zone, Ethiopia: a case-control study.

Home delivery, which is the process of childbirth at one's residence rather than in a health facility, is a major reason for maternal mortality caused by obstetric complications, such as sepsis, hypertensive disorders, and hemorrhage. Maternal and child mortality remains high in developing countries despite efforts made to reduce these outcomes. This is mainly due to poor utilization of institution-based healthcare services. Moreover, there is a limited number of studies that have addressed the determinants of home delivery in Ethiopia, including the study area. This study aims to identify the determinants of home delivery in Bore District, East Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia, in 2022. A community-based unmatched case-control study was conducted from 18 May to 5 July 2022 among 498 women (249 cases and 249 controls) who gave birth in Bore District. The case group included women who gave birth at home, while the control group included those who gave their last birth at health institutions. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data were collected using the KoboToolbox digital software and exported to SPSS Version 26.0 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to declare the statistical significance of the association of the the independent variables and home delivery. The study included a total of 496 respondents with a mean age of 32.5 (SD = ±5.5) for the case group and 33.7 (SD = ±5.2) for the control group. Among the assessed determinants of home delivery were not attending antenatal care (ANC) visits [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.6, 95% CI: 2.0-15.16], missing pregnant women's conferences (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.65-8.32), not receiving health education on pregnancy-related complications (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.3), inadequate knowledge of pregnancy-related danger signs (AOR = 6.0, CI: 3.0-11.9), inadequate knowledge about pregnancy-related complications (AOR = 3.0, CI: 1.55-6.13), and unfavorable attitude (AOR = 6.9, 95% CI: 2.16-22.6). In this study, not attending ANC visits, missing pregnant women's conferences, not receiving health education on pregnancy-related complications, inadequate knowledge of pregnancy-related danger signs, inadequate knowledge about pregnancy-related complications, and unfavorable attitudes were identified as determinants of home delivery. The district health office and other stakeholders should work on strengthening maternal health service delivery through appropriate ANC visits and participation in pregnant women's conferences and improving community awareness about pregnancy at all levels.

Determinants of neural tube defect among newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units of teaching hospitals in Gedeo Zone and Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia: a case–control study

BackgroundNeural tube defects are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality that can occur in the early pregnancy periods. Though the burden is high, it gains only limited attention. In...

Effects of integrated land management technology adoptions on soil properties, evidence from the Goyrie watershed, Southern Ethiopia

Effects of integrated land management technology adoptions on soil properties, evidence from the Goyrie watershed, Southern Ethiopia

Prevalence of depression and associated factors among primary caregivers of adult cancer patients, Sidama region Southern Ethiopia: cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe effect of cancer diagnosis affects the psychological well-being of the caregivers of cancer patients and results in a risk of psychiatric morbidity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of depression among primary caregivers of adult cancer patients.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the magnitude of depression and associated factors among primary caregivers of adult cancer patients.MethodologyHospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among primary caregivers of adult cancer patients. The convenient sampling method used to recruit caregivers of cancer patients. The data was collected by using the Amharic version patient health questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the prevalence of depression and bivariable and multivariable regression models were used to determine the net effect of each independent variable on depression.ResultsThe overall prevalence of depression among adult cancer patient caregivers was 54.1% (95% CI 47.6, 60.6). Household size < 3; (AOR = 4.5, 95% CI: 1.1–13), Monthly income < 600 (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI:2.5–15.9), Caring hours ≥ 9 (AOR = 9, 95% CI:4–21), Burden level ≥ 20 ;(AOR = 10.7, 95% CI:9.3–11.6) were independent factors of depression among primary caregivers of cancer patients.ConclusionThe results of this study showed a higher prevalence of depressed symptoms among primary caregivers of cancer patients. Long caring hours, small household size, low-income level, and higher burden level were independent factors of caregiver depression, indicating the urgent necessity to investigate and deal with it through interdisciplinary approaches.

Multiple indicators-based assessment of rural food security status in landslide-prone areas of Southern Ethiopia

Landslide hazards significantly threaten rural communities, impacting various aspects of livelihoods, including food security. The Gamo Highlands in southern Ethiopia is vulnerable to landslide hazards. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the effect of landslide hazards on rural households’ food security status in the Gacho Baba district, Gamo Highlands, southern Ethiopia. The study employed a mixed approach, to collect and analyze data collected from 289 households, community leaders, and early warning and food security experts. Purposive and multistage sampling techniques were deployed. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Food Consumption Score (FCS), and Reducing Coping Strategies Index (RCSI) were food in/security indicators used. The HFIAS reveals significant worries regarding stable access and availability of food, with 62% of sample households categorized as mildly, moderately, and severely food-insecure. FCS indicates prevalent challenges in achieving adequate food consumption levels among the surveyed households, with a significant portion falling into the poor consumption category (51.3%). while the investigation of coping strategies using RCSI categorized (53.3%) of study samples into high coping strategies. The study also reveals varying levels of awareness and preparedness among households, with a significant proportion expressing uncertainty about landslide occurrence and prevention mechanisms. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational and awareness initiatives, as well as comprehensive risk reduction strategies, to enhance household resilience and safeguard food security in landslide-prone areas.

White yam (Dioscorea rotundata) plants exhibiting virus-like symptoms are co-infected with a new potyvirus and a new crinivirus in Ethiopia.

White yam (Dioscorea rotundata) plants collected from farmers' fields and planted at the Areka Agricultural Research Center, Southern Ethiopia, displayed mosaic, mottling, and chlorosis symptoms. To determine the presence of viral pathogens, an investigation for virome characterization was conducted by Illumina high-throughput sequencing. The bioinformatics analysis allowed the assembly of five viral genomes, which according to the ICTV criteria were assigned to a novel potyvirus (3 genome sequences) and a novel crinivirus (2 genome sequences). The potyvirus showed ~ 66% nucleotide (nt) identity in the polyprotein sequence to yam mosaic virus (NC004752), clearly below the demarcation criteria of 76% identity. For the crinivirus, the RNA 1 and RNA 2 shared the highest sequence identity to lettuce chlorosis virus, and alignment of the aa sequence of the RdRp, CP and HSP70h (~ 49%, 45% and 76% identity), considered for the demarcation criteria, revealed the finding of a novel virus species. The names Ethiopian yam virus (EYV) and Yam virus 1 (YV-1) are proposed for the two tentative new virus species.

Sero-epidemiological study of brucellosis in cattle under pastoral/agro-pastoral and mixed crop-livestock systems in South Omo, southern Ethiopia

BackgroundIn the pastoral/agro-pastoral communities in Ethiopia, like in South Omo, brucellosis constitutes a serious health threat for livestock and the public. The public health risk is especially high in these communities, as their way of life is highly linked with their herds. ObjectiveThe study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence and identify potential risk factors of cattle brucellosis in South Omo zone in southern Ethiopia. MethodsA total of 614 traditionally managed local zebu female cattle, above six months old, were bled and data on hypothesized risk factors were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. The preliminary screening of the sera for Brucella antibodies was done using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and positive sera were further subjected to complement fixation test (CFT). ResultsThe overall animal level seroprevalence of brucellosis was 2.8 % (95 % CI: 1.72–4.41) while herd level prevalence was 11.3 % (95 % CI: 6.5–19.0). Among the risk factors considered, seroprevalence was associated with herd size, new animal introduction, district, history of occurrence of abortion, and retained fetal membranes (RFM), at both individual- and herd-level (p < 0.05). Higher seroprevalence of brucellosis was observed in cows than heifers and in animals older than 4 years (p < 0.05). Brucella seroprevalence was higher in herds in lowland areas than those in mid-altitude and highlands (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe individual and herd level prevalence observed in our study indicates endemicity of brucellosis and the potential public health threat it poses in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of southern Ethiopia. The results of the study also suggest that the disease might be responsible for significant losses in cattle productivity due to impaired reproductive performance.

Time to initiation of antenatal care and its predictors among pregnant women who delivered in Arba Minch town public health facilities, Gamo Zone, southern Ethiopia, 2023: a retrospective follow-up study

BackgroundEarly antenatal care visit is important for optimal care and health outcomes for women and children. In the study area, there is a lack of information about the time to initiation of antenatal care. So, this study aimed to determine the time to initiation of antenatal care visits and its predictors among pregnant women who delivered in Arba Minch town public health facilities.MethodsAn institution-based retrospective follow-up study was performed among 432 women. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to estimate the survival time. A Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression model was fitted to identify predictors of the time to initiation of antenatal care. An adjusted hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to assess statistical significance.ResultsThe median survival time to antenatal care initiation was 18 weeks (95% CI = (17, 19)). Urban residence (AHR = 2.67; 95% CI = 1.52, 4.71), Tertiary and above level of education of the women (AHR = 1.90; 95% CI = 1.28, 2.81), having pregnancy-related complications in a previous pregnancy (AHR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.08, 2.16), not having antenatal care for previous pregnancy (AHR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.21, 0.71) and unplanned pregnancy (AHR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.48, 0.91) were statistically significant predictors.ConclusionHalf of the women initiate their antenatal care visit after 18 weeks of their pregnancy which is not in line with the recommendation of the World Health Organization. Urban residence, tertiary and above level of education of the women, having pregnancy-related complications in a previous pregnancy, not having previous antenatal care visits and unplanned pregnancy were predictors of the time to initiation of antenatal care. Therefore, targeted community outreach programs including educational campaigns regarding antenatal care for women who live in rural areas, who are less educated, and who have no previous antenatal care experience should be provided, and comprehensive family planning services to prevent unplanned pregnancy are needed.

Effectiveness of couple education and counseling on uptake of cervical cancer screening among women in Southern Ethiopia: a cluster randomized trial

Cervical cancer is a major public health problem worldwide. Women die of the disease due to low early screening practices and its detection at advanced stages particularly in developing countries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of couple education and counseling on the uptake of cervical screening among women. The study employed random allocation of 16 clusters into two study arms. A total of 288 women participated in the study. Structured home-based education and counseling were provided to the intervention group, while the control group received standard of care. Surveys were completed at baseline and end line. This study demonstrated that the proportion of women who had been aware of cervical cancer and screening grew from 22.9 to 100%, participants’ mean knowledge scores showed improvement from 3.18 to 11.99, and cervical screening uptake increased from 2.1% to 72.5% in the intervention group (p < 0.001). Also, the difference in differences of screening uptake between the study groups was statistically significant (p = 0.021).The study shows the effectiveness of the intervention package in improving the uptake of cervical screening in the study setting. Therefore, we recommend that creating awareness, increasing knowledge, and improving women’s perceptions through structured home-based couple education and counseling is important to improve cervical screening uptake among the target women.

Genotype by environment interaction and stability study in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes in Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Genotype by environment interaction and stability study in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes in Guji Zone, Southern Ethiopia