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Tamiru Getachew,1 Masresha Mengistu,2 Firdawek Getahun3 1Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 2Department of Ophthalmology, Arba Minch General Hospital, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 3School of Public Health, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Tamiru Getachew, Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia, Email tamdeme@gmail.comBackground: Visual impairment is a functional limitation of the eye brought on by a disorder or disease that can make it more difficult to carry out daily tasks. Visual impairment causes a wide range of public health, social, and economic issues, particularly in developing nations, where more than 90% of the world’s visually impaired people reside. Although many studies conducted in Ethiopia related with the topic, there were focused on childhood visual impairments.Objectives: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with visual impairment among older adults.Methodology: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Arba Minch Zuria District. Systematic sampling technique was employed to select 655 adults aged 40 and above. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews and visual acuity measurements, and SPSS version 25 was used for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with visual impairment.Results: The overall prevalence of visual impairment was found to be 36.95% (95% CI=33.2– 40.8%). Factors associated with a higher odds of visual impairment included aged 51– 60 years (AOR=2.37,95%CI=1.29– 4.44), aged 61 and above (AOR=8.9, 95%CI=4.86– 16.3), low wealth index ((AOR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.14– 3.2), divorced and widowed (AOR=4.67, 95%CI:2.77– 7.86), no formal education (AOR=14.28, 95%CI: 2.82– 71.46), not utilizing eyeglass (AOR=3.94, 95%CI (1.65– 9.40). The most possible causes of visual impairment were found to be refractive error and cataract.Conclusions and Recommendations: The prevalence of visual impairment among study population was relatively high, and more than three-fifths of participants had unilateral visual impairment. Age, marital status, occupation, educational status, wealth index, and not wearing of prescribed eyeglasses were significantly associated with visual impairment. Refractive error is the leading cause of visual impairment. Awareness of spectacle use and expanding cataract surgery coverage are urgently needed in this area.Keywords: older adults, eye, visual system, visual impairment

Chuchu Churko,1 Alemayehu Bekele Kassahun,1 Tamiru Getachew,2 Belachew Bokicho,3 Haileyesus Deboch Terefe,3 Selamawit Dagne,4 Tsegaye Yohanes1 1Collaborative Research and Training Center for Neglected Tropical Diseases, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch Town, Southern Nation Nationality Region, Ethiopia; 2Department of Medical Anatomy, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch Town, Southern Nation Nationality Region, Ethiopia; 3Disease Prevention and health Promotion Directorate, Hawassa Town, Southern Nation Nationality Region, Ethiopia; 4Orbis International Ethiopia, Arba Minch Branch Office, Arba Minch Town, Southern Nation Nationality Region, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Chuchu Churko, Tel +251920315157, Email churkochuchu2005@gmail.comBackground: Post-operative trichiasis (PTT) is a major challenge following corrective eyelid surgery for trachomatous trichiasis. There is a scarcity of research on post-operative trichiasis in Southern Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of post-operative trichiasis in patients who underwent corrective surgery.Objective: To assess the prevalence of post-operative trichiasis in the Gamo Zone in Southern Ethiopia in 2021.Methods: A descriptive community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Dita district, Southern Ethiopia. The data were collected between 2014 and 2020. Three Qualified trachoma trichiasis (TT) graders working on a trachoma impact survey were recruited for this study. Eye examinations were performed by graders on all study subjects using a loupe to identify post-operative trichiasis. All patients underwent upper eyelid surgery only. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 459 participants from the TT Surgery Logbook.Results: Of the 459 study participants, more than three quarter 353 (76.9%) were female. The mean age of the study subjects was 48.38 years with a standard deviation of +-10.4. A total of 10 upper eyelids (7 bilateral and 3 left upper eyelids) underwent PTT. The prevalence of post-operative trichiasis in the study area was 2.2% (95% CI: 0.9– 3.5%. Fourteen (4.7%) unoperated upper eyelids developed trichiasis infection. A few patients had left and right lower eyelid trichiasis (6/459 [1.3%] and 3/459 [0.7%], respectively).Conclusion and Recommendation: The prevalence of post-operative trichiasis in the study area was similar to that recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation range. Trachoma trichiasis was observed on the lower and upper unoperated eyelids of the study participants. Therefore, sustainable interventions should be considered in the study area for all the components of the SAFE strategy, particularly on S component.Keywords: post-operative trichiasis, trachoma, Dita district

Regasa Imana,1 Misra Abdullahi,1 Rahima Ali,1 Addis Eyeberu,2 Tamirat Getachew,2 Jemal Ahmed,3 Ibsa Mussa,3 Eyobel Amentie,4 Girma Wami,4 Betelhem Sime,5 Adera Debella2 1School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; 2School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 3School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 4School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 5Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, public health, Harari Regional Health Bureau, Harar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Addis Eyeberu, 138, Dire Dawa, Harar, Ethiopia, Tel +251910005436, Email addiseyeberu@gmail.comBackground: Female waiters are at higher risk of workplace violence including sexual coercion. Even though there are numerous studies on the prevalence of sexual coercion among students, nurses, adolescents, and young pregnant women, studies on the prevalence of sexual coercion among female waiters are limited. Furthermore, there is no evidence existed that show a relationship between sexual coercion and HIV risk behavior in Ethiopia.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sexual coercion and HIV risk behavior among female waiters in Jimma, southwest Ethiopia.Patients and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey from 1st April to 30, 2018, among 420 female waiters of reproductive age working in the licensed food and drinking establishments in Jimma town. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS version 21 statistical software. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine the association between independent variables and outcome variables.Results: The lifetime prevalence of sexual coercion among female waiters was 71.4% (95% confidence interval: 67.1– 76.8). More than two-thirds (71.6%) of female waiters engaged in HIV-related risk behaviors. Working in the bar (AOR 4.64, 95% CI: 2.15– 10.0), being a substance user (AOR 3.37, 95% CI: 1.7– 6.7), experiencing sexual coercion (AOR 7.6, 95% CI: 3.8– 15.3) were significantly associated with HIV risk behaviors.Conclusion: A significant number of female waiters experienced sexual coercion and engaged in HIV-risk behaviors. Workplace, substance use, and sexual coercion were significantly associated with HIV risk behavior. As a result, establishments, town health offices, and other stakeholders should work together to safeguard female waiters from the burdens of sexual coercion, HIV risk behavior, and sexually transmitted infections.Keywords: HIV-related risk behaviors, sexual violence, sexual coercion, female waiters, southwest Ethiopia

Seid Worku,1 Tamiru Getachew,1 Khaleel Nagarchi,1 Misgun Shewangizaw2 1Department of Anatomy, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 2School of Public Health, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Tamiru Getachew, Email tamdeme@gmail.comIntroduction: Refractive error is a vision-impairing condition due to light rays not being able to focus on the retina, resulting in the visual outcome of a cloudy image. It is one of the main causes of central vision impairment globally and in Africa, including Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess the magnitude of refractive error and its associated factors among patients attending ophthalmic clinics.Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was utilized. A systematic random sampling technique was applied to select 356 participants. The data were gathered using an interview-structured questionnaire and check list. Then, the data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 and transferred to SPSS version 25 for further clean up and analysis. Descriptive and analytical statistics were conducted. A binary logistic regression analysis was done, and variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 in univariate analysis were taken for bivariate analysis. Statistically significant was declared at a p-value of less than 0.05 with an adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval.Results: Among 356 participants, 96 (27.5%), with 95% CI (22.8, 32.1) had a refractive error, of which nearsighted is the most common type (15.8%). Regular use of electronic devices, near working distance (< 33cm), less or lack of outdoor activities, history of diabetes mellitus and family history of refractive error were factors significantly associated with refractive error.Conclusion and Recommendations: The magnitude of refractive error was 27.5%, which is relatively elevated than the previous studies. Clients need to get screened regularly so that refractive defects can be detected and corrected early. Eye care professionals shall make a big concern for patients with a history of diabetes and other medical illnesses since they are related to ocular refractive defects.Keywords: refractive errors, risk factors, magnitude, Southern Ethiopia

Abdi Birhanu,1 Tilahun Bete,2 Addis Eyeberu,3 Tamirat Getachew,3 Elias Yadeta,3 Abraham Negash,3 Magarsa Lami,3 Tegenu Balcha,3 Addisu Sertsu,4 Adera Deballa3 1School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 3Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 4Department of Nursing, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Abdi Birhanu, Haramaya University, P.O. Box: 235, Harar, Ethiopia, Email abdiibiree@gmail.comIntroduction: Psychoactive substance use is a growing health problem in both developing and developed countries. Despite adolescents being at high risk of practicing risky behaviors including substance use, there is no adequate information on the problem in the Harari Region, in the Eastern part of Ethiopia. Hence, the present study aimed to identify the burden of current substance use in high school adolescent students of Harari Region, Ethiopia, from 10th April to 10th May 2022.Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was employed on a total of 1498 randomly selected adolescent students. Poisson regression was used for the assessment of substance use over the last three months among adolescent students. The substance use burden was reported by IRR (incidence rate ratio) at a 95% Confidence interval. The final model fitness was checked using Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) reports. The variables that had less than 0.05 P-value were declared to be statistically significant.Results: The overall psychoactive substance use was 373 (24.9%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI); 22.8– 27.1%). The substances included khat (21.6%, 95% CI; 18.6– 23.6%), alcohol drinking (1.8%; 95% CI; 1.3– 2.6%), and smoking (1.2%, 95% CI; 0.75– 1.9%). Being male (IRR (Incidence Rate ratio) = 1.21, 95% CI; 1.11– 1.38), availability of the substance (IRR (Incidence Rate ratio) = 2.02, 95%; 1.53– 2.66), having substance user friends (IRR=1.60: 95% CI: 1.30– 2.01), and being at a younger age (IRR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02– 1.44) increased the psychoactive substance use rate in the adolescents.Conclusion and Recommendation: One out of four adolescents was a current psychoactive substance user. Being male, substance availability, having substance-user friends, and being at younger age increased the psychoactive substance use rate in school adolescents in Eastern Ethiopia. The intervention that involves the schools’ community, students’ families, and executive bodies should be strengthened to overcome the substance use-related burdens among high school adolescent students.Keywords: psychoactive substance use, adolescents, students, Ethiopia

Tsegalem Birlie,1 Biniam Biresaw,2 Elias Yadeta,3 Tamirat Getachew,3 Adera Debella,3 Addis Eyeberu3 1School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 2School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; 3School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Elias Yadeta, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O. Box: 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, Tel +251924899107, Email yelias218@gmail.comBackground: The incidence of femur fractures in young and elderly people has increased, particularly in countries with limited resources like Ethiopia. Intra-medullary nailing (IM) has been an effective and cost-effective method of treating long bone shaft fractures, but it can lead to complications such as knee pain.Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate knee pain and its associated factors following retrograde intramedullary nailing for femur fractures.Patients and Methods: The study followed 110 patients diagnosed with femur fractures and treated with retrograde SIGN Standard Nail or Fin Nail from January 2020 to December 2022 at two hospitals in Ethiopia. The patients were followed up for at least 6 months, and data were collected from medical charts, patient interviews, and phone calls to patients who did not attend the follow-up appointment. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with knee pain.Results: The study showed that 40 patients reported knee pain at 6-months follow-up, making a prevalence of 36.4%. Factors significantly associated with knee pain were a time of injury to nailing (AOR=4.23, 95% CI: 1.28– 13.92), use of a screw to the medial cortex (AOR=9.30, 95% CI: 2.90– 12.74), and fracture site (AOR= 2.67, 95% CI: 14.01– 7.03). Specifically, the longer the time from injury to nailing, the higher the risk of knee pain. The use of a longer screw to the medial cortex and a fracture site were also positively associated with knee pain.Conclusion: This study concludes that although retrograde intramedullary nail fixation is an effective method for femur fractures, it often results in knee pain. Approximately 4 of 10 patients suffered from knee pain in this study. Avoiding delayed surgical management and minimizing the use of prominent metalwork may reduce knee pain.Keywords: knee pain, intramedullary nailing, Ethiopia

Addisu Alemu,1 Elias Yadeta,2 Alemayehu Deressa,1 Adera Debella,2 Abdi Birhanu,3 Helina Heluf,2 Ahmed Mohammed,3 Fila Ahmed,1 Andinet Beyene,3 Tamirat Getachew,2 Addis Eyeberu2 1School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 2School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 3School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Addis Eyeberu, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Haramaya University, 138, Dire Dawa, Harar, Ethiopia, Tel +251910005436, Email addiseyeberu@gmail.comBackground: Uterine rupture is the most dangerous complication of labor and contributes to high maternal mortality. Despite efforts to improve basic and comprehensive emergency obstetric treatment, women continue to suffer from disastrous maternal outcomes.Purpose: This study aimed to assess the survival status and predictors of mortality among women with uterine rupture at public hospitals in the Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia.Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among women with uterine rupture in public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia. All women with uterine rupture were followed for 11 years retrospectively. Statistical analysis was conducted with STATA version 14.2. Kaplan–Meier curves together with a Log rank test were used to estimate the survival time and show the presence of differences among groups. Cox Proportion Hazard (CPH) model was used to determine the association between independent variables and survival status.Results: There were 57,006 deliveries in the study period. We found that 10.5% (95% CI: 6.8– 15.7) of women with uterine rupture have died. The median recovery and death time for women with uterine rupture were 8 and 3 days with interquartile range (IQR) of 7– 11 days and 2– 5 days, respectively. Antenatal care follow-up (AHR: 4.2, 95% CI: 1.8– 9.79), education status (AHR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02– 0.85), visiting health center (AHR: 4.89; 95% CI: 1.05– 22.88), and admission time (AHR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.89– 10.18) were the predictors of survival status of women with uterine rupture.Conclusion: One out of ten study participants died due to uterine rupture. Factors including not having ANC follow-up, visiting health centers for treatment, and being admitted during the night time were predictors. Thus, a great emphasis has to be given to the prevention of uterine rupture and the linkage within health institutions has to be smooth to improve the survival of patients with uterine rupture with the help of different professionals, health institutions, health bureaus, and policymakers.Keywords: emergency obstetrics, uterine rupture, predictors, mortality, Ethiopia

Tamiru Getachew,1 Eyayou Girma,2 Misgun Shewangizaw,3 Chuchu Churko,4 Mustefa Glagn,3 Firdawek Getahun3 1Department of Medical Anatomy, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 2Department of Biomedical Science, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 3School of Public Health, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 4Collaborative Research and Training Center for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Tamiru Getachew, Email tamdeme@gmail.comIntroduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious illness which was first identified in Wuhan China. The mode of transmission of COVID-19 is mainly from person-to-person by respiratory transmission and from contact with contaminated surfaces. Teachers may have a significant higher number of social interactions than other professions, putting them at greater risk of contracting the virus.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the risk perception and behavioral response of teachers to COVID-19 in Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia.Methods: The study was conducted in Gamo zone from February to march, 2021. An Institution-based-cross sectional study design was employed and multi stage sampling technique was utilized to select 634 study participants. The data were collected using Kobo collect survey tool through interviewer administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 25. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify factor associated with risk perception and behavioral response. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance; in multivariable analysis, variables with a P value less than 0.05 with 95% confidence interval were considered as statistically significant.Results: About 79.1% and 75.1% of the teachers had high risk perception and good protective behavior, respectively. Having children ((AOR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.15– 2.94), COVID-19 update (AOR=3.7, 95% CI: 1.66– 8.59) and good protective behavior (AOR= 1.98, 95% CI: 1.18– 3.34) were associated with high risk perception. On the other hand, educational status (AOR=9.42, 95% CI: 4.94– 17.96) and availability of personal protective equipment (AOR=5.85, 95CI:2.27– 15.02) were associated with good protective behavior.Conclusion: Although majority of the teachers had good protective behavior, some protective measures were not frequently adopted. There were few individuals who had low risk perception; this could be a potential cause for the occurrence of school outbreak. Therefore, the stakeholder should provide adequate resource and training on COVID-19 to enhance their risk perception and to promote adoption of protective methods.Keywords: COVID-19, teachers, school outbreak, Ethiopia

Alehegn Bekele,1 Getachew Abebe,1 Tadiwos Hailu,2 Teshale Fekadu,3 Abinet Gebremickael,1 Tamiru Getachew,1 Chuchu Churko,3 Dagninet Alelign,4 Biresaw Wassihun,5 Daniel Teshome,6 Zekarias Bukala1 1Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 2Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 3Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 4Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 5Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 6Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Alehegn Bekele, Department of Anatomy, Arba Minch University, P.O Box: 21, Arba Minch, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples, Ethiopia, Tel +251921575427, Email bekelealehegn@gmail.comPurpose of the Study: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and associated factors among diabetic patients in Arba Minch General Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the second most common cause of absence from work which causes functional loss of the hands and leads to disability. However, it is understudied among diabetic patients in Ethiopia.Patients and Materials: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to October 1, 2021. Systematic random sampling method was used to select 353 study participants. CTS-6 Evaluation tool was applied to assess carpal tunnel syndrome. The data was coded and entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 statistical packages and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression model was applied to assess the association between outcome variable and independent variables. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI and p-values < 0.05 were used to identify significantly associated factors with an outcome variable.Results: The study was conducted among 353 diabetic patients. The cumulative prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among diabetes was 3.1%. CTS was statistically significantly associated with high body mass index; AOR=0.34 (0.12, 0.97, 95% CI) (p=0.04. Majority of participants 322 (91.2%) had type 2 DM. Mean fasting blood sugar level ± standard error of study participants was 157.52 ± 1.91 mg/dl.Conclusion: The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome was relatively low. High body mass index (BMI) was significantly but negatively associated with carpal tunnel syndrome compared to diabetic patients with normal BMI. Diabetic patients with normal BMI should be screened for CTS for early management of the disease and prevention of further complications. Further investigations are recommended.Keywords: diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, body mass index, musculoskeletal disorder

Merga Dheresa,1 Yadeta Dessie,2 Belay Negash,2 Bikila Balis,1 Tamirat Getachew,1 Galana Mamo Ayana,2 Bedasa Taye Merga,2 Lemma Demissie Regassa2 1School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia; 2School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Bedasa Taye MergaSchool of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O.Box: 235, Harar, EthiopiaTel +251917723961Email tbadhaasaa@gmail.comBackground: Every year, immunization prevents about 4– 5 million child fatalities from vaccine preventable morbidities. Conversely, in Ethiopia, achieving full coverage of vaccination has continued to be challenging. Socio-demographic, caregivers and child related factors determine vaccination coverage. Therefore, this study aimed to find out recent coverage, trends in coverage, and its predictors in eastern Ethiopia.Methods: A population-based longitudinal study design was conducted among 14,246 children aged 12– 24 months from 2017 to 2021 in Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance System site (KHDSS). The data were collected from caregivers of the child by face to face interview. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to identify predictors of vaccination. The association between vaccination coverage and its predictors was presented by adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. A p-value of < 0.05 was used to establish statistical significance.Results: From the 14,198 included children, only 39% of children were fully vaccinated, with highest proportion in 2020 (45%) and lowest proportion in 2019 (32%). In comparison to fully vaccinated, being partially vaccinated was positively associated with older maternal age, rural residence, unemployment, rich wealth index, no antenatal care, facility delivery, and birth order whereas negatively associated with semi-urban residence. In compared to fully vaccinated, being not vaccinated was positively associated with older maternal age, rural residence, maternal education, unemployment, and no antenatal care whereas negatively associated with semi-urban residence, poor wealth index, multipara, grand multipara, and facility delivery.Conclusion: Less than two-fifths of children aged 12 to 24 months were fully vaccinated. Socio-demographic factors and maternity care utilization were found to be predictors of vaccination coverage. Therefore, strategies that emphasize women’s empowerment in terms of education, economy, and employment status, and enhancing maternal healthcare utilization may improve vaccination coverage.Keywords: immunization, vaccination, coverage, trends, Kersa HDSS, Ethiopia

Tigest Getachew,1 Tadesse Hailu,2 Megbaru Alemu2 1Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia; 2Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Tadesse Hailu Email tadessehailu89@gmail.comBackground: Coccidian parasites are opportunistic intestinal parasites that cause diarrhea in immunocompromised individuals. Although the impacts of coccidian infection are significant among HIV/AIDS infected cases, proper diagnosis and management of coccidian infection is limited in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia.Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of coccidian parasitic infections among HIV/AIDS cases before and after commencement of antiretroviral treatment.Methods: An institution-based longitudinal study was conducted among 304 randomly selected HIV/AIDS cases from February to July 2018 before and after commencement of antiretroviral therapy. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and associated factors data. Stool and blood samples were collected before and three months after treatment. Coccidian detection and CD4+ count were conducted via modified acid fast stain technique and fluorescence-activated cell scanning, respectively. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were used to compute coccidian prevalence. Logistic regression was used to compute possible association between associated factors and coccidian parasitic infection. Variables with P< 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.Results: Among 304 HIV/AIDS cases, prevalence of coccidian parasitic infection before and after antiretroviral treatment was 23.4% and 8.9%, respectively. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. (19.7%) and Isospora belli (4.3%) before antiretroviral treatment were higher than Cryptosporidium spp. (7.9%) and Isospora belli (1.0%) after treatment. Drinking unprotected water (AOR: 7.41; 95%CI: 1.64– 33.45), poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS and coccidian parasite (AOR: 4.19; 95%CI: 1.69– 10.40), and CD4+ count below 200 cells/mm3 (AOR: 62.49; 95%CI: 25.32– 154.21) were significantly associated with coccidian infection.Conclusion: Prevalence of coccidian parasites among HIV/AIDS cases decreases after antiretroviral treatment. Drinking unsafe water, limited knowledge of HIV/AIDS and coccidian parasite and low CD4+ cell count are factors associated with coccidian infection. Therefore, proper detection and treatment of coccidian parasites among HIV/AIDS cases should be prioritized.Keywords: Cryptosporidium spp., Isospora belli, antiretroviral treatment, HIV/AIDS

Abinet Teshome,1 Mustefa Glagn,2 Mulugeta Shegaze,2 Beemnet Tekabe,2 Asmare Getie,3 Genet Assefa,3 Dinkalem Getahun,3 Tesfaye Kanko,1 Tamiru Getachew,4 Nuhamin Yenesew,5 Zebene Temtmie,5 Kabtamu Tolosie6 1Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 2School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 3School of Nursing, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 4Department of Anatomy, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 5Department of Psychology, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia; 6Department of Statistics, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Mustefa GlagnSchool of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Arba Minch University, P.O. Box 21, Arba Minch, EthiopiaTel +251 913976776Email mustesami02@gmail.comBackground: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are among the many groups of people who are in the frontline caring for people and facing heavy workloads, life-or-death decisions, risk of infection, and have been facing various psychosocial problems. So, monitoring mental health issues to understand the mediating factors and inform evidence-based interventions in a timely fashion is vital.Purpose: This study aimed to assess generalized anxiety disorder and its associated factors among HCWs fighting COVID-19 in Southern Ethiopia.Patients and Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 798 HCWs from 20 May to 20 June 2020. A pre-tested and structured interviewer-administered KOBO collect survey tool was used to collect data. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique by allocating a proportion to each health institute. The association between the level of generalized anxiety disorder and its independent variables was examined by ordinal logistic regression. Assumptions for the proportional odds model were checked using parallel line tests. An adjusted proportional odds ratio with a 95% CI was used to calculate the strength of the statistical association between the independent and dependent variables.Results: The prevalence of mild and moderate anxiety disorder among HCWs was 29.3% and 6.3%, respectively. Contact with confirmed or suspected cases (aPOR =1.97; 95% CI: 1.239, 3.132), no COVID-19 updates (aPOR=4.816, 95% CI=2.957, 7.842), no confidence on coping with stresses (aPOR=2.74, 95% CI=1.633, 4.606), and COVID-19-related worry (aPOR=1.85, 95% CI=1.120, 3.056) were positively associated with higher-order anxiety disorder. However, not feeling overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life (aPOR=0.52, 95% CI=0.370, 0.733) and feeling cannot make it (aPOR=0.44, 95% CI=0.308, 0.626) were negatively associated with a higher order of anxiety.Conclusion: The study revealed that the prevalence of anxiety disorder among HCWs was high in the study area. The findings of the current study suggest immediate psychological intervention for health care workers in the study area is vital. Therefore, proactive measures should be taken by the stakeholders at different hierarchies to promote the psychological wellbeing of HCWs in order to control the impact of the pandemic on the HCWs, and containing the pandemic.Keywords: anxiety, health care workers, associated factor, Ethiopia