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This study examined the trend of early marriage among adolescent girls in eastern Ethiopia. We analyzed data extracted from the Kersa community-based surveillance database for girls in the age group of 10 to 17 for the decade ending in 2018. The Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance System (Kersa HDSS) is a demographic and health surveillance and research center established in 2007 by Haramaya University to serve as a research center and source of health and demographic data in Eastern Ethiopia. The annual incidence of early marriage was calculated per 1,000 person-time. Chi-square test for linear trend was done using Epitools Software to examine the change in rates over time. The overall incidence of early marriage among the study participants was 40.48/1,000 per year (95% confidence interval [CI], 39.1–41.9) with an increasing incidence rate from 32.38/1,000 girls per year in 2008 (95% CI, 27.4–38.3) to 40.18/1,000 girls per year in 2018. A relatively high incidence of early marriage was observed among rural girls, those who had no formal education, and unemployed girls. Empowering rural girls through increased access to education is needed to reduce the incidence of early marriage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron deficiency anemia is a public health problem among adolescents that could be addressed by weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (IFAS). The Ethiopian government piloted weekly IFAS in schools, where its effectiveness depends on compliance. We assessed the determinants of compliance with the weekly IFAS in Ethiopia. A school-based survey was conducted in 506 adolescent girls on weekly IFAS. Compliance was considered when girls reported WIFAS for at least three months without discontinuation. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were modeled, with odds ratios reported. Out of 506, 25.8% had limited access to educational resources, and 79.4% had no information on IFAS. Among these, 47.9% (95% CI: 45.5–49.9%) had poor compliance with weekly IFAS. Non-compliance was mainly due to school absenteeism (55.9%). Important predictors of poor compliance were adolescent girls' marital status (AOR = 5.21; 1.55–17.6), academic standing (AOR = 4.37; 2.20–8.70), family income (AOR = 1.85; 1.09–3.15), access to health education materials (AOR = 1.57; 1.02–2.40), problems with IFAS (AOR = 2.44; 1.26–4.74), a discouraging home environment for the program (AOR = 2.27; 1.54–3.34), and a lack of knowledge of the IFAS program (AOR = 1.40; 0.97–2.03). Compliance with weekly IFAS is optimal, which could be improved via strong adherence support and feasible supplementation schedules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional uvulectomy is a harmful procedure in which the entire or a portion of the uvula is removed by traditional practitioners. It causes complications like septicemia, transmission of infectious diseases, anemia, excessive bleeding, infection, tetanus, meningitis, and death. A summary of national data was lacking, thus, the study aimed to determine the pooled national burden and determinants of traditional uvulectomy in Ethiopia. Studies were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, CINHAL (EBSCO), Google Scholar, Web of Sciences, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, and Google databases. Finally, 19 studies were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the JBI checklist. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were conducted using STATA Version 17 software. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Forest plots were used to present the pooled and summarized with random-effects meta-analysis models. Totally 19 articles with 23,559 study participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of uvulectomy in Ethiopia was 44 % (95 % CI: 31%–57 %). The highest prevalence was observed among studies conducted in the Tigray region (63 % (95 % CI: 34%–94 %), between the year 2011–2014 (58 % (95 % CI: 29%–87 %)) and, community setting (57 % (95 % CI: 36%–78 %). Mothers' educational status (AOR: 1.66, 95 % CI: 1.31–2.01) and residence (AOR: 1.70, 95 % CI: 1.16–2.23) were found to be significantly associated with traditional uvulectomy in Ethiopia. Frequently cited reasons for traditional uvulectomy were to prevent swelling, pus, and rupture of the uvula, for better care, prevention of sore throats and coughs, religion, and culture. The pooled result revealed that almost half of children are still subjected to traditional uvulectomy in Ethiopia. There is a need to intensify awareness creation campaigns against the practice by giving special attention to rural residents and uneducated ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]