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Making contextual gender analysis helps to design strong evidence-based institutional strategies for reversing stereotypes that are embedded in the organizational culture. Hence, an institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 401 participants to assess gender equality and workplace harassment among staff members of Haramaya University, College of Health and Medical Sciences, and Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia from November 1 to 30, 2021. Data were collected through a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. We measured gender equality perception by indicators as a latent variable. To identify predictors of gender equality, a structural equation model fit and a coefficient of regression with 95% CI were used to report the association. Of the total participants, more than 85.5% were female, 36.7% had a bachelor's degree, and about 56.6% were administrative staff. Only 0.5% had a managerial role. The perception of gender equality was predicted positively by political (β =.21, 95% CI: [0.10, 0.31]), institutional (β =.32, 95% CI: [0.09, 0.55]), and sociocultural (β =.18, 95% CI: [0.11, 0.26]) factors. The proportion of workplace harassment in one form of violence ranged from 15.2% to 39%. Preferring dialog to get a solution (9.7%) and the unavailability of a gender office at the hospital (7.5%) were the main reasons for not reporting acts of violence. The findings of this study fortify gender inequality in the health and medical institute of Haramaya university but these disparities were not reported by the participants. A decent workplace, free from harassment and discrimination, has to be set up by implementing the existing gender policies and by designing contextualized strategies. Plain language summary: Gender Equality and Work Place Harassment in Health Institutions Gender refers to culturally specific arrangements and presumptions on the nature and character of men and women. These are manifested in several ideas and practices, which influence the identity, social opportunities, and life experiences of human actors. As a result, institutional cultures, mission statements, strategies, leadership styles, coordination, and staff profile are often gendered and dominated by patriarchal beliefs and attitudes to different degrees. Therefore, gender equity and equality can be ensured with the consideration of the gendered consequences of all actions, the gendered social relation, and power relations. Moreover, Gender-Based Violence is highly prevalent among health professionals, health sciences students, and patients. However, the health sector is lacking conceptual clarity and practical tools to address key challenges to gender mainstreaming. Therefore, this study aimed to assess gender equality and workplace harassment among staff members at health institutions in eastern Ethiopia. The result of this study showed the perception of gender equality was predicted by political, institutional, and sociocultural factors. The proportion of workplace harassment in one form of violence ranged from 15.2% to 39%. Preferring dialog to get a solution and the unavailability of a gender office at the hospital were the main reasons for not reporting acts of violence. The findings of this study fortify gender inequality in the health and medical institute of Haramaya university but these disparities were not reported by the participants. A decent workplace, free from harassment and discrimination, has to be set up by implementing the existing gender policies and by designing contextualized strategies. This survey was strong in presenting gendered analysis and gender-based violence in health and medical institutions in higher education sectors. However, the impacts of gender equality determinants could not be seen in this short study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inadequate water supply, poor sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools, insufficient puberty education and a lack of hygienic menstrual hygiene management (MHM) items (absorbents) cause girls in developing countries like Ethiopia to view menstruation as shameful and uncomfortable. However, there was little evidence of female MHM practice and associated factors among secondary school girls in eastern Ethiopia. Objective: To assess MHM practice and associated factors among secondary school girls in eastern Ethiopia. Design: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. Methods: A total of 473 secondary schoolgirls were selected using a stratified sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire, double-entered to Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Descriptive analysis was computed using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviations. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to assess the association of the school water, sanitation and hygiene facilities with MHM. Adjusted odd ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval was computed to show the strength of the association between dependent and independent variables. The goodness of fit of the model was tested by the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test. Results: Out of 473 study participants, 72.93% of them (95% CI: 68.74–76.76) reported good MHM practices. The study also found that availability of continuous water supply (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI: (1.42–4.01)); types of toilet (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: (1.20–3.40)), confined space (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI: (1.49–4.76)) and having females' toilets alone inside in the school (AOR = 2.70, 95% CI: (1.20–4.40)) were significantly associated with female students' good MHM practice. Conclusion: The survey revealed that some of the secondary schoolgirls practiced poor menstrual hygiene management (MHM), which needs further improvement. The study also found that the availability of continuous water supply in the school, types of toilet facility in the school, availability of private space to manage periods at school, learning about MHM in schools and availability of female toilets kept locked inside were factors significantly associated with MHM practice of students, which require integration of Zonal Health and education bureau to jointly work towards the improvement of school WASH facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Perception of caring behavior is very necessary to enhance human life, and the provision of health care, and is considered a basic key in the provision of healthcare facilities. Even though all nursing interventions are verified through nurse caring behaviors, poor perception of caring behaviors reduces the well-being of the patients. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the perception of caring behaviors and associated factors among nurses working in Harar Hospitals, Eastern Ethiopia Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 465 randomly selected nurses. Data were collected by using a pretested and structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics including frequency table, mean, standard deviation, and percentage were employed. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the good perception of caring behaviors. Variables with a p -value of <.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: This study revealed that the proportion of nurses who had a good perception of caring behaviors was found to be 63.4% (95% CI: 58.5–68.2%). High-level education (AOR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.28–4.34), low workload (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.16–3.05), satisfied with a job (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.42–4.01), good relation with coworkers (AOR = 4.56, 95% CI: 2.15–9.67) were significantly associated with a good perception of caring behaviors. Conclusions: This study reported that the proportion of nurses who had a good perception of caring behaviors was 63.4%. Educational level, workload, job satisfaction, and joint participation in the decision-making process were factors significantly associated with good perceptions of nurses caring behavior. Therefore, nurses caring behavior is enhanced by increasing educational levels, creating a conducive working environment, and making nursing active in the decision-making process to improve the perception of nurses toward nurses caring behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, fresh fruit juices are widely consumed as a drink worldwide due to their nutritional values and health benefits. Fresh fruit juices are an important source of nutrients, vitamins, and fibers that are important for human health. Fruit juices are nutritious and perishable food that can serve as an ideal medium for the growth and multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the bacteriological quality of locally prepared fresh fruit juices sold in juice houses of eastern Ethiopia from 4 April to 12 June 2020. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used that included administrative questionnaires and laboratory-based investigations. A total of 78 fruit juice samples that include mango, avocado, papaya, and mixed juices were collected aseptically from the juice houses. The most probable number method was used to determine the total coliform, fecal coliform and Escherichia coli. The pour plate count method was used to determine the total viable bacteria count. Finally, data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests that included analysis of variance, Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. A P -value of.05 was considered as a cut-off point for statistical significance. Results: Among the 78 juice samples analyzed, 85.9% of the samples had total viable bacterial count, 64.1% had total coliform count, 60.3% had fecal coliform, and 33.3% of the samples had Escherichia coli higher than the maximum permitted level of Gulf standard 2000. The study found a significant association between bacterial contamination and educational status (χ2 = 31.663), training in food hygiene and safety (χ2 = 23.04), method of fruit preservation (χ2 = 17.98), place to keep the juice (χ2 = 13.7), action done with the juice gone bad (χ2 = 12.78), frequency of cleaning materials used to keep the juice (χ2 = 12.78), type of dish washing (χ2 = 19.75), availability of hand washing equipment (χ2 = 12.78), and types of waste receptacles (χ2 = 26.25) (P -value <.05) (Table 5). Conclusion: In general, majority of fruit juice samples were contaminated with one or more different bacteria species higher than the maximum permitted level. Furthermore, the study found the association between bacterial contamination and other variables such as hygienic and safety conditions. Therefore, the implementation of adequate hygiene and safety practices is very important to prevent the consumption of contaminated fruit juices, which leads to foodborne illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare providers are in high occupational risk of Hepatitis B virus infection than that of the general population because of the high risk of occupational exposure to patients' body fluids and accidental sharp injuries. There are no large facility-based studies conducted on the prevalence of HBV infection and its associated factors among health care providers in eastern Ethiopia. Objective: This study aimed at investigating the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and its associated factors among the healthcare providers in public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 438 randomly selected healthcare providers in eastern Ethiopia from March to June 2018. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and other risk factors. In addition, a 2.5 ml blood was collected and the serum was analyzed for Hepatitis B surface antigen using the Instant Hepatitis B surface antigen kit. Data were entered using Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS statistical packages version 22. Descriptive summary measures were used. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was conducted at 95% CI. An association at P -value <.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 438 (92.02% response rate) health care providers have participated in this study. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection was 9.6%. There were no significant differences in the HBV infection rates among healthcare providers with respect to socio-demographic characteristics (P -value >.05). After adjusting for some variables, the following variables remained statistically significantly associated with HBsAg positive result in the multivariable analysis: exposure to body fluids (AOR = 3.0; 95% CI [1.25, 7.05]), history of needle stick injury (AOR = 4.70; 95% CI [2.10, 10.55]), history of operation/surgery (AOR = 4.88, 95% CI [1.43, 16.62]), history of multiple sexual partner (AOR = 7.48; 95% CI [2.08, 26.96]), and being unvaccinated (AOR = 6.09; 95% CI [2.75, 13.51]). Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of HBV infection among health care providers in eastern Ethiopia. This is significant because health professionals may be at increased risk of chronic complications and may also be source of infection for their clients and general population during their healthcare practice. Management commitment that should focus on occupational safety and health promotions is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is a condition characterized by reduction in the number of red blood cells and/or hemoglobin concentration. It affects 24.8% of the world population. There is little evidence on burden of anemia among adolescents in low income countries like Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of anemia and factors associated with anemia among school adolescents in eastern Ethiopia. Methods: School based cross-sectional study was conducted among 493 school adolescents in Haramaya town during February 1 to 28, 2017. Multi stage cluster sampling technique was used. We collected anthropometric data (weight and height) and hemoglobin level of all study participants. The hemoglobin level was adjusted for altitude. Data were entered into EpiData and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with anemia. Level of statistical significance was declared at P <.05. Results: In this study, the prevalence of anemia was 29.4% [95% CI: (25.6, 33.5)]. Being female adolescent (AOR = 2.31, 95 % CI: [1.51, 3.54]), adolescents attending grades 9th to 10th (AOR = 1.66, 95% CI: [1.004, 2.77]), adolescents born to illiterate mothers [AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: (1.02, 4.89)], and low dietary diversity score (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI: [1.12, 4.86]) were factors that increased the likelihood of getting anemia. Conclusion: Anemia among school adolescents was a moderate public health problem in the study area. Being female, lower grade levels (9th to 10th), low dietary diversity score and illiterate maternal educational status increased the likelihood of getting anemia. School based Iron/Folic acid supplementation, nutrition education and promotion of diversified foods consumption should be given attention with particular focus on female adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of cardiovascular disease risk factors among adult diabetic patients at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital and Jugal Hospital, eastern Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional based cross sectional study was conducted on a total of 416 study participants (age ≥18 years) from February to March 2017. Data were collected using: structured questionnaires, measurements of weight, height, and blood pressure, and laboratory examination of blood lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and fasting blood glucose. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 software packages. The association of cardiovascular disease risk factors with diabetes type, age, and sex was assessed by chi-square test. Result: The mean age of study participants was 52 years and 44% were male. Dyslipidemia (90.6%), physical inactivity (76%), and hypertension (62.7%) were the most common cardiovascular disease risks factors identified among diabetic patients. It was also observed that 68.5% of the study participants had uncontrolled blood glucose level. Hypertension was significant in patients over 65 compared to those ≤65 years of age (p<0.023). Females were considered to be significantly physically inactive compared to males (p<0.001). Conclusion: Dyslipidemia is the most common risk factor of CVD in individuals with Types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus. Identification and treatment of lipid abnormalities is very important. Controlling hypertension among older patients and lifestyle modification among female diabetic patients are also recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salmonella and Shigella infections are a common public health problem throughout the world. The risk of getting infections is high, where asymptomatic street food vendors are preparing foods and vending. Current knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility pattern is essential for appropriate treatment and management of these infections. Objective: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern, and associated factors of Salmonella and Shigella among asymptomatic street food vendors in the Dire Dawa city, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 randomly selected asymptomatic street food vendors in the Dire Dawa city, Eastern Ethiopia from May to July 2017. Data on the sociodemographic and associated factors were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. The stool specimens collected were examined for Salmonella and Shigella using recommended culture methods. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was done using the disk diffusion technique. Data were described using descriptive statistical tools. Logistic regression models were used to identify the factors associated with Salmonella and Shigella infections. A P -value ⩽.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of Salmonella and Shigella was 8.7% (95% confidence interval: 5.6, 10.3). The most common isolates were Salmonella (6%). Most of the isolates were resistant to amoxicillin (97.7%), ampicillin (89.5%), and tetracycline (68.4%). Almost half (47.4%) of Salmonella isolates were multidrug resistant. Food vendors who did not wash hands with soap after the use of the toilet (adjusted odds ratio: 3.3, 95% confidence interval: 1.2, 7.9), and who had untrimmed fingernails (adjusted odds ratio: 4.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.5, 9.3) had higher odds of Salmonella and Shigella compared with their counterparts. Conclusions: The carrier rate of Salmonella and Shigella was relatively low. Most isolates have developed resistance to amoxicillin, ampicillin, and tetracycline. The odds of Salmonella and Shigella was high among those who lack a habit of hand washing with soap after the use of the toilet and with untrimmed fingernails. Regular screening and appropriate hygienic control measures are needed in place to reduce the risk of infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]