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Habtamu Sewunet Mekonnen,1 Helena Lindgren,2 Biftu Geda,3 Telake Azale,4 Kerstin Erlandsson5 1Department of Medical Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden; 3Department of Nursing, College of Health Science, Madda Walabu University, Shashemene Campus, Shashemene, Ethiopia; 4Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 5Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden and School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, SwedenCorrespondence: Habtamu Sewunet Mekonnen, Email habtsew@ymail.comBackground: As people grow old, they pass through various life courses. Thus, it is important to realize aging in the context of each of these stages, as aging is not only physiological and psychological processes. To understand the lifeworld experiences of the phenomenon “being an elderly person” from the individual perspective was important, in this study, within day-to-day life in Metropolitan cities of northwestern Ethiopia.Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the lifeworld of elderly persons living in Bahir Dar and Gondar Cities, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: A community based qualitative study conducted from October 29, 2021 to November 6, 2021. A purposive sampling technique and in-depth interviews were used for sampling and data collection, respectively. To explore the life experience /life-world/ of the elderly, a descriptive phenomenological study was conducted among 15 elderly persons. The audio records were transcribed and the field notes incorporated. Transcribed texts were translated into the English language, and a descriptive phenomenological analysis was done.Results: In this study, the essence of the phenomenon, being an elderly person, means, in an ebb and flow motion, balancing a life change characterized by changing perspective, ambiguity to body functions, and preparing for being released. The elderly experienced physical, mental, and psychosocial changes. They had encountered positive and negative situations throughout their life span. They also expressed that their time was over and wished to prepare for God’s Kingdom.Conclusion: The use of phenomenology for this research provided an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the experiences of elderly persons. With knowledge from this study, nurses and other health professionals can understand and support the elderly from an individual point of view.Keywords: elderly person, Ethiopia, lifeworld, phenomenology

Workie Zemene Worku,1 Telake Azale,2 Tadesse Awoke Ayele,3 Dawit Kassahun Mekonnen4 1Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Health Education and Behavioural Sciences, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 4Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Workie Zemene Worku, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia, Tel +251 9187713 63, Email workiezemene@gmail.comBackground: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has remained to be a significant public health problem worldwide mainly affecting women. Despite a 2 to 3 times higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, around 2 million HIV positive women give birth each year globally. However, there is a dearth of evidences in Ethiopia about the effect of maternal HIV infection on pregnancy outcomes where adverse birth outcomes are still a significant health problem. This study is, therefore, aimed to examine the effect of HIV on the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 704 pregnant women (352 women with HIV and 352 women without HIV infection). Systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data on socio-demographic, obstetric, clinical, as well as behavioral and psychosocial characteristics were collected using a validated tool. Data on the outcome variables were also collected following delivery. Modified Poisson regression was employed to estimate the relative risk (RR) of HIV on low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, and still birth at 95% confidence level. Attributable fraction (AF) was used to report the impact of HIV infection on pregnancy outcomes.Results: Of the total 704 pregnant women enrolled for the study, 96.3% (678) completed the study. The mean age of the study participants was 30.8 (SD ± 5.4) for HIV positive and 27 (SD ± 5.4) for HIV negative women. The cumulative incidence of low birth weight, preterm birth, and stillbirth were 21.4%, 9.4%, and 4.1%, respectively. The incidence of LBW was 24.7% among HIV positive and 17.8% among HIV negative women. The incidence of preterm birth was 10.7% among HIV positive and 7.9% among HIV negative women. And the incidence of stillbirth was 3.7% and 4.6% among HIV positive and those HIV negative women. New-borns from women with HIV infection had a higher risk of low birth weight and preterm birth than those HIV negative women (Adjusted Relative Risk (ARR) = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.06– 2.03) and (ARR = 1.74; 95% CI: 1.08– 2.79), respectively. The attributable risk of HIV on low birth weight was 32% (Attributable Fraction (AF) = 32%, 95% CI: 23– 46%), and 43% (AF = 43%, 95% CI: 23– 46%) for preterm birth.Conclusion: Maternal HIV infection increased the risk of low birth weight and preterm birth. This implies due attention is required while providing maternal health services primarily antenatal care and delivery services. These services should be aimed at reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes with more attention given to women with HIV infection. Moreover, reinforcement of HIV prevention intervention strategies should be considered at all levels.Keywords: HIV infection, low birth weight, preterm birth, stillbirth, Ethiopia

Mohamed Aden,1 Telake Azale,2 Chalie Tadie3 1Ministry of Plan and National Development, Hargeisa, Somaliland; 2Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Health Systems and Policy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Telake Azale, Email atelake07@gmail.comBackground: Maternity waiting homes (MWHs) can help women receive the necessary obstetric care and referral if needed. However, there is a lack of evidence on whether women have the desire to stay away from their homes and the sociocultural predictors of their decision in Somaliland.Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure predictors of the intention of women to stay in MWHs using the theory of planned behavior in Hargeisa city, Somaliland.Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from in April 2021 in Hargeisa health facilities among 422 randomly selected participants using an interviewer-administered and structured questionnaire. Data were transferred to Epi Data 4.6 and exported to SPSS 20 for further analysis. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used. ORs with 95% CIs were used to assess associations, and statistical significance was set at P< 0.05.Results: A total of 245 (58%, 95% CI 53.1%– 62.8%) pregnant women intended to use an MWH. Multivariate analysis revealed that education (AOR 5.40, 95% CI 3.01– 9.69), experience of using an MWH (AOR 3.80, 95% CI 2.32– 6.27), multigravidity (AOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.16– 4.29), subjective norms (AOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.05– 3.11), indirect attitudes toward use of MWHs (AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.01– 3.92), and indirect subjective norms (AOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.16– 3.60) were significantly associated with intention to use an MWH.Conclusion: Using an MWH is not the preference of many women. Personal characteristics, such as education, multigravidity, and perceived social pressure are important predictors of intention to use MWHs. It is important to raise the awareness of women and the community about the benefits of using MWHs in the early management of obstetric complications.Keywords: maternity waiting home, intention, Somaliland, pregnant women, theory

Dawed Ali,1 Telake Azale,2 Melese Wondie,1 Jinenus Tadesse1 1University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Telake AzaleUniversity of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, PO Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia, Tel +251 918771951, Email atelake07@gmail.comBackground: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of a traumatic event and dissociative reactions. Little is known about post-traumatic stress disorder in low and middle income countries such as Ethiopia where armed conflict, human rights violations, and ethnic-based violence are becoming everyday occurrences.Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and associated factors among residents of Maikadra, North West Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was employed in April 2021. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. A post-traumatic stress disorder checklist (PCL-5) was used to assess post-traumatic stress disorder through a face-to-face interview. Bivariate and multi-variable binary logistic regression analyses were carried out to examine the association between posttraumatic stress disorder and several demographic and psychosocial variables. Statistical significance was declared at a P-value < 0.05.Results: A total of 610 participants were interviewed with a response rate of 98.8%. The prevalence of PTSD in this study was 59.8% with a 95% CI of 55.7– 63.9. Female sex (AOR=1.93, 95% CI=1.64– 3.24), having a close family member killed or seriously injured (AOR=1.96, 95% CI=1.1– 3.48), having moderate (AOR=3.35, 95% CI=1.98– 5.68) and high perceived threat to life (AOR=3.66, 95% CI=1.85– 6.95), having depression (AOR=1.67, 95% CI=1.13– 2.47) and anxiety disorder (AOR=1.85, 95% CI=1.21– 2.83), and being directly exposed to the event (AOR=3.27, 95% CI=1.09– 9.83) were significantly associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.Conclusion: The majority of the residents of Maikadra town where the November 2020 massacre took place experienced posttraumatic stress disorder. Female sex, having a family member or a friend murdered or seriously injured, having depression and anxiety disorders and being directly exposed to the trauma were found to be significant predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder. People who have been exposed to such an intense traumatic event need psychosocial support to help them recover from the horrible experiences.Keywords: PTSD, prevalence, Maikadra, survivors, Ethiopia

Samuel Mobae Berhe,1 Telake Azale,2 Tolesa Fanta,1 Wubit Demeke,1 Amare Minyihun3 1Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 2Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Health Systems and Policy, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Telake AzaleDepartment of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaEmail atelake07@gmail.comcBackground: Depressive disorders place an enormous burden on society and ranked fourth in the global disease burden accounting for 4.4% of the total disability-adjusted life years and 11.9% of total years lived with disability. Depression is associated with high level of morbidity and it is the most common contributor to suicide. Refugees have higher rates of mental disorders, in particular depression than those usually found in the non-war affected general population. There is a dearth of evidence in Ethiopia regarding the mental health of refugees.Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and associated factors among Eritrean refugees in Tigray North Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Maiayni refugee camp. A total of 800 participants were interviewed using systematic random sampling method. Pretested, structured and interviewer administered questionnaire that included socio demographic, clinical, behavioral, Harvard trauma questionnaire, and the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses were carried out.Results: With 786 (98.3%) of response rate, the prevalence of depression was found to be 37.8%, 95% confidence interval (34.2, 41.2). The odds of depression was higher in females [(AOR=8.92 95% CI (5.21, 15.25)], older age [(AOR=2.72 95% CI (1.03– 7.16)], those who never attended school [(AOR=3.09 95% CI (1.16– 8.24)], among the unemployed [(AOR=2.36 95% CI (1.16– 4.83)], those with poor social support [(AOR=8.67 95% CI (4.24– 17.77)], past psychiatric history [(AOR=4.76 95% CI (1.94– 11.67)], family history of a psychiatric disorder [(AOR=3.96 95% CI (1.93– 8.13)], those who were using substances [(AOR=4.08 95% CI (2.51– 6.65)], and among those who stayed for longer than a year at the camp [(AOR=4.18 95% CI (2.47– 7.08))].Conclusion: The study revealed that depression is a major mental health and public health problem among Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia. Several socio-demographic, psychosocial, behavioral and clinical factors were significant predictors of depression among the study participants. Mental health service provision for the refugees needs to be part of the support.Keywords: Eritrean refugee, depression, PHQ-9, trauma, internally displaced, Ethiopia

Ali D, Azale T, Wondie M, Tadesse J. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2022;15:251–260. The authors have advised there is an error in the author list on page 251. The author name “Melese Wondie” should read “Mesele Wondie.

Shegaye Shumet,1 Telake Azale,2 Dessie Abebaw Angaw,3 Getachew Tesfaw,1 Messele Wondie,1 Wondale Getinet Alemu,1 Tadele Amare,1 Tilahun Kassew,1 Gebremeskel Mesafint4 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Health Education and Behavioral Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 4Mizan-Tapi University, College of Health Science, Department of Nursing, Mizan Aman, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Gebremeskel MesafintMizan-Tapi University, College of Health Science, Department of Nursing, Mizan Aman, EthiopiaTel +251918209867Email mulegeta111@gmail.comBackground: Globally, 350 million people are suffering from depression. Many people suffering from depression use different sources of help for their problems. People with different mental health problems seek help from formal and/or informal sources. This gives crucial information on community beliefs and perception regarding their preference for help. This study helps to guide effective planning and provision of mental health services, and health policy of the country to explore the community’s preference to different sources of help.Objective: The aim was to contrast patterns of formal and informal help-seeking preferences for depression among residents of Aykel town, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: This cross-sectional population-based study included 832 participants. We used a major depressive disorder case vignette and general help-seeking questionnaire (GHSQ) to assess preference to seek help. Study participants were selected by multistage cluster sampling technique. An independent sample t-test and analysis of variance test (ANOVA) was performed.Results: A total of 656 subjects (78.8%) showed high propensity to intimate partner, and 655 (78.7%) of the study subjects had high propensity to mental health professional. The mean score of the residents’ preference to seek help from informal sources was 3.41± 0.60. The mean score of preference to seek help from formal sources was 3.18± 0.75. A total of 276 (33.2%) subjects showed high propensity to both informal and formal sources of help. The results also showed there was a mean score difference in preference for informal help between subjects with strong social support and low and moderate social support (P< 0.001).Conclusion: The result suggests that the majority of the residents had a higher preference to seek help from informal sources than formal sources of care. Providing and strengthening both formal and informal sources of help in conjunction are crucial to get a more qualified and effective care for depressed patients.Keywords: depression, preference to seek help, Ethiopia

Temesgen Yihunie Akalu,1 Kassahun Alemu Gelaye,1 Mulat Addis Bishaw,2 Sewbesew Yitayih Tilahun,3 Yigizie Yeshaw,4 Telake Azale,5 Tewodros Tsegaye,2 Daniel Asmelash,6 Yonas Akalu4 1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 4Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Science, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 5Department of Health Education and Behavioral Science, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 6Department of Clinical Chemistry, School of Biomedical and Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Temesgen Yihunie AkaluDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, PO.Box: 196, Gondar, EthiopiaTel +251929390709Email temesgenyihunie@gmail.comPurpose: An acute respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID) was identified in late 2019. COVID-19 triggered a wide range of psychological problems, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. However, studies on mental health status in developing countries including Ethiopia related to COVID-19 are very limited. Therefore, this study was aimed at determining the magnitude of depression, anxiety, and stress, and their associated factors among Gondar town population during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.Patients and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 660 residents of Gondar town in April 2020. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select study participants. A 21 item depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS-21) was used. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 in the final model were declared as statistically significant. Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit test was used to check the model fitness.Results: In this study, the prevalence of depression was 32.0% (95% CI: 28.4– 35.5), anxiety 25.8% (95% CI: 22.4– 29.1), and stress 14.7% (95% CI: 12.0– 17.4), respectively. The odds of developing depression was higher among female respondents (AOR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.01, 3.83) and ever smokers (AOR=2.8, 95 CI: 1.23, 6.28) as compared to their counterparts. Besides, history of medical illness and ever smoking increase the odds of anxiety by 2.3 (AOR=2.3; 95% CI: 1.42– 3.76), and 2.8 (AOR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.23– 3.83), respectively. Furthermore, being unemployed and family size of < 5 increase the odds of stress by 2.1 (AOR=2.1; 95% CI: 1.17– 3.83) and 1.8 (AOR=1.8; 95% CI: 1.09– 2.81), respectively.Conclusion: In this study, the overall depression, anxiety, and stress were significantly high. There are number of factors associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Designing and implementing tailored strategies for COVID-19 prevention and control could be supremely important to reduce mental health problems in the community.Keywords: depression, anxiety, stress, COVID-19, Gondar

Hewan Tirukelem,1 Solomon Gedlu Nigatu,2 Dessie Abebaw Angaw,2 Telake Azale1 1Department of Health Education and Behavioral Science, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Solomon Gedlu Nigatu Email sol.gondar@gmail.comBackground: Epilepsy, defined as seizure activity that is recurrent, unpredictable, and typically unprovoked. It is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system. Sociocultural attitudes in many African nations continue to have a negative impact on epilepsy management. It has been found that stigma and discrimination against people with epilepsy are more devastating and harmful than the illness itself. This is mainly attributed to misconceptions about the disease with fear and fright of the public on confronting an epileptic seizure. So, the current study assesses the community’s attitude toward epilepsy patients and associated factors towards epilepsy in South Achefer District, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study triangulated with the qualitative method was conducted from March 1 to May 30, 2020 in South Achefer District. A systematic sampling technique was used to select a total of 762 individuals. Data were collected by face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Logistic regression analysis was performed and P < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval was considered to measure statistically significant variables. For the qualitative study participants were selected purposively. Focus Group Discussion, key Informant Interview, and Individual Depth Interview were conducted until it reaches the point of saturation. Thematic analysis was done by using an open code software version 4.2.Results: A total of 753 respondents participated which gave a 98.8% response rate. Among those 60.8% (95% CI: 57.2– 64.3) were found to have a favorable attitude towards epilepsy patients. Being informed about epilepsy (AOR=1.47; 95% CI, 1.02– 2.11), witnessing seizure in the past (AOR=1.6; 95% CI, 1.14– 2.27), and having good knowledge about epilepsy (AOR=2.08; CI, 1.49– 2.89) were the variables that showed statistically significant association with a favorable attitude.Conclusion: The favorable attitude of the community towards epilepsy patients was found high in the study area. Information about epilepsy, witnessing seizure, and knowledge about epilepsy showed a significant association with attitude. Therefore, health professional and health extension workers should provide a larger and comprehensive community-based education to enhance people’s knowledge about epilepsy to bring attitude change against a negative attitude towards epilepsy.Keywords: attitude, epilepsy, Ethiopia

Wallelign Alemnew, Getu Debalkie, Telake Azale Department of Health Education & Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Wallelign Alemnew Tel +251 942 33 16 08Email wallelignaleminew@gmail.comBackground: Cervical cancer screening is consistently effective in reducing the incidence and mortality rates associated with cervical cancer. However, very few women have received cervical cancer screening in the developing countries including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to assess cervical cancer screening intention and its predictors among child bearing age women in Bahir Dar city, North-West Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 832 child bearing age women using a multistage sampling technique between March and April, 2018. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. Data were entered and analyzed using EpiData and SPSS version 20.0, respectively. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were done to identify predictors of intention, and P< 0.05 was used as a cutoff to determine statistical significance at multiple regressions.Results: Eight hundred and thirty-two (98%) respondents participated in this study. The mean age of the participants was 31±SD 7.23 years, ranging from 18– 49 years. The majority (61.4%) of the participants were married. The mean score of intention to receive cervical cancer screening was 10.5± 2.03, with a minimum and maximum sore of 5 and 15, respectively. Four hundred and fifty-eight (55%) (95% CI=51.7– 58.3) respondents scored above the mean score. Direct perceived behavioral control (β=0.19, P< 0.001), direct subjective norm (β=0.06, P< 0.001), direct attitude (β=0.15, P< 0.001), and past screening experience (β=0.64, P< 0.001) were found to be significant predictors of intention.Conclusion: Perceived behavioral control, attitude towards the behavior, subjective norm, and past screening experience were the predictors of intention, and perceived behavioral control was the strongest predictor. Hence, behavioral change communication interventions are crucial to change their attitude and empower them to evaluate their control and normative beliefs.Keywords: cervical cancer, human papilloma virus, theory of planned behavior, Ethiopia

Animut Tagele Tamiru,1 Bayew Kelkay Rade,1 Eden Bishaw Taye,2 Zelalem Nigussie Azene,3 Mehari Woldemariam Merid,4 Atalay Goshu Muluneh,4 Getahun Molla Kassa,4 Melaku Kindie Yenit,4 Asefa Adimasu Taddese,4 Kassahum Alemu Gelaye,4 Demiss Mulatu Geberu,5 Sewbesew Yitayih Tilahun,6 Habtamu Sewunet Mekonnen,7 Abere Woretaw Azagew,7 Chalachew Adugna Webneh,8 Getaneh Mulualem Belay,8 Nega Tezera Assimamaw,8 Chilot Desta Agegnehu,9 Telake Azale,10 Zewudu Andualem,11 Henok Dagne,11 Kiros Terefe Gashaye,12 Gebisa Guyasa Kabito,11 Tesfaye Hambisa Mekonnen,11 Sintayehu Daba,11 Jember Azanaw,11 Tsegaye Adane,11 Mekuriaw Alemayehu11 1Department of General Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Clinical Midwifery, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Women’s and Family Health, School of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 4Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 5Department of Health Systems and Policy, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 6Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 7Department of Medical Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 8Department of Pediatric and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 9School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 10Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 11Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia; 12Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Bayew Kelkay Rade Email bayekelkay@yahoo.comBackground: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging respiratory infection, and the crisis has become a worldwide issue, and society has become concerned in various aspects. Good information exposure related to transmission, prevention, and risk factors of COVID-19 can be the best means to reduce the risk of disease exposure and mitigate further spread. The countries that have well practiced this strategy (society information exposure) were controlling disease progression, but there is a low practice in sub-Saharan countries, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the information exposure level about COVID-19 and influencing factors among northwest community of Ethiopia.Methods and Materials: Community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among the community of Gondar city from April 20 to 27, 2020. A total of 623 study participants were involved in this interview, and a systematic sampling technique was applied to select the households. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and then exported to STATA version 14 for analysis. A multivariable binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with good information exposure about COVID-19. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated to show the strength of association. A p-value < 0.05 was a cut-off point to declare statistical significance.Results: The overall rate of information exposure about COVID-19 was 44.9%. Age 18– 26 years [AOR=0.53; 95% CI (0.28– 0.99)] and 34– 45 years [AOR=0.44; 95% CI (0.24– 0.80)], elementary school [AOR=2.48; 95% CI (1.20– 5.15)], secondary school [AOR=3.98; 95% CI (1.99– 7.99)], college and above [AOR=8.38; 95% CI (4.10– 17.26)], browsed or follow social media [AOR=2.21; 95% CI (1.44– 3.38)] and those having a discussion with their family members [AOR=2.37; 95% CI (1.44– 3.90)] and friends [AOR=2.15; 95% CI (1.38– 3.34)] were the factors significantly associated with good information exposure towards COVID-19.Conclusion: Communities total level of good information exposure from different information platforms about COVID-19 in this study area remains low. Age, high level of education, browsing social media, and those having interpersonal (family and friends) discussion were the factors that significantly influence communities who have good information exposure related to COVID-19. Therefore, efforts on community mobilization through regional/national mass media and other information conveying platforms are recommended.Keywords: COVID-19, information exposure, Northwest Ethiopia