Search

Background Fatalities of road traffic accidents have become a huge global public health and development problem killing nearly 1.3 million people and disabling between 20–50 million people annually; and lost 518 billion US $ globally. Of these, 85% occurred in low- and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia road traffic accident is considered as manmade disaster. Since fatalities of road traffic accident is highly prevalent in Burayu town but no research was ever under taken; this research is necessary to identify fatalities and associated factors of road traffic accidents. Objective The aim of this study was therefore to assess the magnitude of fatality and associated factors of road traffic accidents in Burayu Town, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using relevant police reports obtained from three police stations found in Burayu town. The study included reports from July 2010 to June 2015 and the study period was from June 1st to 15th, 2016. Both quantitative and qualitative techniques were employed. Bivaraite and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with fatalities of road traffic accidents. Results From July 2010 to June 2015, 533 road traffic accidents were registered in Burayu town, though the outcomes of 18 accidents were not recorded. About 462 individuals were affected by these accidents. Among these accidents, 117 (25%) resulted in death, 345 (75%) caused injuries. About 12.4 million birr resource was damaged. Fire following accidents [AOR 6.1, 95% CI; 1.94–19.4, failure to give priority for other vehicle 2.65 times more likely to cause fatality of road traffic accidents with [AOR 2.65, 1.41, 5] and driving without using seatbelt [AOR 2.3, 95% CI; 1.4.–4.7], were the most determinants of fatalities of road traffic accidents in Burayu town. Conclusions Fatalities of traffic accidents were steadily increased in the studies of five fiscal years. Ensuring fire sting usher for all vehicles as well one car fire fighter as the town, giving priority for other vehicle as recommended by law, ensuring drivers using seatbelt and availing first aid service immediately after the accident occurred appear to be the most critical parts of necessary interventions.

Background. Assessing maternal satisfaction on delivery service has significant public health importance to measure the quality of maternal and child care services in a country. Therefore, the objective of this study was to further investigate the determinants of maternal satisfaction on delivery service provided at the Woliata Sodo University Teaching and Referral Hospital, Ethiopia. Methods. An institutionally based cross-sectional study was employed at the Wolaita Sodo University Hospital, Ethiopia. All mothers who gave birth between March and May 2018 were included in the study. Data were collected through using a pretested and structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. A P value of Result. A total of 398 delivered mothers were included in the study. The rate of maternal satisfaction on existing delivery care was found to be 67.3%. Being less educated (AOR=5.06, [2.22-11.53]), primigravida (AOR=3.59, [1.17-11.04]), planned and wanted pregnancy (AOR=2.74, [1.21-6.18]), having antenatal care follow-up for current pregnancy (AOR=4.48, [2.04-9.83]), ever used family planning service (AOR=3.83, [1.95-67.52]), labor duration of less than 6 hours (AOR=5.96, [2.61-13.57]), and spontaneous vaginal delivery (AOR=2.82, [1.07-7.42]) were factors significantly associated with maternal satisfaction. Conclusion. In this study setting, maternal satisfaction was lower compared to other studies. Unreserved effort should be considered for future interventions.

Background: The rapid increases in prevalence of diabetes mellitus is a great cause for concern and poor adherence to diabetic medication treatment is common problem which causes severe health complications and increased mortality. Measuring the level of adherence and associated factors on treatment is needed to evaluate the overall treatment outcome of chronic illness including diabetes. This study aimed to assess medication adherence among ambulatory patients with type 2 Diabetes mellitus in Zewditu memorial hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional based cross sectional study was employed in Zewditu Memorial hospital. The data were collected from March-April, 2016 on 275 systematically selected patients that are already registered and have follow up. A structured questionnaire was used to interview respondents and a retrospective patient medical record review was also made. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 for windows software. A p-value of 0.05 or lower was considered statistically significant. Ethical clearance was obtained from Jimma university institutional review board and permission from respective heads of internal medicine department at diabetic clinic in Zewditu memorial hospital. Results: Among 275 respondents adherence to anti-diabetic drugs was sub-optimal 141 (51.3%). The mean age for the studied population was 53.07 (SD ± 12.784) years (range from 24-87 years). And females were 59 (51.3%). Income (AOR=141, 95%CI: 0.46-1.430), lack of patients physician relationship and communication (AOR=3.432, 95% CI: 1.695-6.948), patient education (AOR=3.854, 95%CI: 2.156-6.888) and exercise (AOR=3.12, 95%CI: 1.607-6.116) were factors that had a significant association to medication non adherence. Conclusion: Adherence to anti-diabetic drugs was sub-optimal. The patient physician relationship and communication is low. Health professionals should educate diabetic patients on the importance of medication adherence. Collaborative relationship between patient and provider may improve adherence.

STROBE Statement. (PDF 176Â kb)

Back ground: Currently in health facility, provider-initiated human immunodeficiency virus testing is the key entry point to prevention, care, treatment and support services but most people remains unaware of their HIV status due to various reasons. In many high-prevalence countries, fewer than one in ten people with HIV are aware of their HIV status.HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, "has become one of the world’s most serious health and development challenges. Reaching individuals with HIV who do not know their serostatus is a global public health priority. Objective: To assess utilization of provider initiated HIV testing and counseling and associated factors among adult outpatient department patients. Methods: Health facility based cross-sectional study was conducted among 392 adult outpatient department patients in Wonchi woreda from February 24 to March 24, 2013. The study participant was recruited patients from all adult outpatient department patients of all four public health facilities of wonchi woreda using systematic sampling. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to elicit all important variables from the study participants and multiple logistic regression analysis was used. Result: A total of 371 adult outpatient department patients aged between 15 to 64 years were actively participated in the study and 291 (78.4%) of them utilized provider initiated HIV testing and counseling and 80 (21.6%) of them refused. Knowledge on HIV is low in the study population; majority of the participants didn’t have comprehensive knowledge (64.7%) and (35.3%) fail to reject misconception about means of HIV transmission and prevention. Utilization of provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling were associated with divorced/widowed marital status [AOR (95%CI) = 0.32 (0.15, 0.69)], being male sex [AOR (95% CI) = 1.81 (1.01, 3.24)], having comprehensive knowledge on HIV [AOR (95%CI) = 0.408 (0.220,0.759)], having awareness about provider initiated HIV testing and counseling [AOR (95%CI) = 2.89 (1.48,5.66)] and receiving test on HIV before [AOR (95%CI) = 4.15 (2.30, 7.47)]. Conclusion: Utilization of provider initiated HIV testing and counseling among adult outpatient departments in wonchi woreda public health facility was [(78.4%)]. Strengthening health information through mass media and peer education on HIV to address barrier to testing in the community such as low awareness on PITC, to increase up take of PITC among adult OPD patients.

In-depth interview guide. (PDF 79Â kb)

Focus Group Discussion guide. (PDF 78Â kb)

Structured questionnaire for mothers/caregivers. (PDF 156Â kb)

Background The prevention of child mortality through immunization is one of the most cost-effective and widely applied public health interventions. In Ethiopia, the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) schedule is rarely completed as planned and the full immunization rate is only 24 %. The objective of this study was to identify determinant factors of incomplete childhood immunization in Arbegona district, Sidama zone, southern Ethiopia. Methods A community based unmatched case-control study was undertaken among randomly selected children aged 12 to 23 months and with a total sample size of 548 (183 cases and 365 controls). A multi-stage sampling technique was used to get representative cases and controls. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 16 statistical software. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were done to identify independent factors for incomplete immunization status of children. Qualitative data were also generated and analyzed using thematic framework. Results The incomplete immunization status of children was significantly associated with young mothers (AOR = 9.54; 95 % CI = 5.03, 18.09), being born second to fourth (AOR = 3.64; 95 % CI = 1.63, 8.14) and being born fifth or later in the family (AOR = 5.27; 95 % CI = 2.20, 12.64) as compared to being born first, a mother’s lack of knowledge about immunization benefits (AOR = 5.51; 95 % CI = 1.52, 19.94) and a mother’s negative perception of vaccine side effects (AOR = 1.92; 95 % CI = 1.01, 3.70). The qualitative finding revealed that the migration of mothers and unavailability of vaccines on appointed immunization dates were the major reasons for partial immunization of children. Conclusion To reduce the number of children with incomplete immunization status, the Arbegona district needs to consider specific planning for mothers with these risk profiles. A focus on strengthening health communication activities to raise immunization awareness and address concerns of vaccine side effects at community level is also needed. This could be achieved through integrating the immunization service to other elements of primary health care. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2678-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Introduction: Immunization is an effective public health intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality among children and it will become more effective if the child can receive the full course of recommended immunization doses. However this, due to various reasons many fail to complete the full course of immunization. Therefore the objective of the study was to identify factors associated with incomplete childhood vaccinations among children 12-23 months of age in Machakel Woreda, East Gojjam Zone, Northeast Ethiopia. Method: Community based unmatched case control study design with quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection were conducted in Machakel district, North east Ethiopia from March20 – April 30, 2014. Quantitative data were collected from mothers who had 12-23 months aged children. Census was done to identify all cases and controls. For quantitative method, a sample of 154 cases and 154 controls were selected using stratified multistage random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire using interview data collection technique and data were entered into Epinfo software and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences for windows version 16 and logistic regression methods were used. Result: predictors of defaulting from completion of childhood vaccination were being delivered at home [AOR=4.113, (95% CI: 2.263, 7.475)], children born from mothers who had no antenatal care visit during pregnancy [AOR=2.549, (95% CI: 1.312, 4.955)], Mothers/caretakers of child who had misperception on vaccine contraindication (AOR: 2.834, 95%CI :( 1.558, 5.156)) and children born from mothers who had no Post natal care visit (AOR=2.512, 95%CI :( 1.184, 5.330)). Conclusion: Health service related factors like child place of delivery, antenatal care and postnatal care service; knowledge related factors like Misconception on vaccine contraindication were independent predictors for incomplete vaccination. So mothers should be educated on vaccine contraindication and on provision of maternal health service.

Background: Interruption of iodization of salt is reported to accelerate thyroid dysfunction in goiter endemic areas Objective: To determine household goiter prevalence among children aged 6-12 years, together with salt iodization levels. Methods: A cross sectional household (HH) survey was conducted in Assosa town, Beni Shangul Gumuz region, west Ethiopia, from May 10- May 20/2012 G.C. A total of 395 HH, in which children aged 6-12 years resided were sampled. The HH were selected from a list of all house numbers in the town by using simple random sampling technique. The data was collected using standard questionnaire and data collection format. At each selected HH, interview of mothers/care givers was conducted, thyroid enlargement was ascertained by palpation and thyroid size was graded according to the joint criteria of WHO/UNICEF/ ICCIDD, and salt iodization level was qualitatively determined by the use of rapid test kit (RTK) which was then compared against the national standard that states salt iodine content of at least 15 part per million (PPM) be considered as adequately iodized and that below 15 PPM as inadequately iodized. Result: A total of 395 children were included in the study, of which 205(52.2%) were males. The mean age and standard deviation (SD) of the children was 8.86+2.01years. The overall prevalence of goiter was 104(26.3%). The prevalence of HH with adequately iodized salt, inadequately iodized salt, and non-iodized salt were 103(26.1%), 219(55.4%) and 73(18.5.0%) respectively. During data analysis, 37(35.9%) of HH with non-iodized salt samples had also child having goiter, 50(22.8%) of HH with salt iodine 15 PPM salt iodine also had child having goiter. Conclusions: In Assosa town, the prevalence of goiter was high. The prevalence of HH with non-iodized salt was high. Majority of children having goiter were living in HH having inadequately iodized salt- during the study period.

Background: Adolescent girls are at the highest risk of maternal mortality compared to women in their twenties. Reproductive health service utilization among adolescent females is lower when compared with other age groups in Ethiopia. Objectives: The study was aimed to assess the reproductive health service utilization and associated factors among female adolescents of kachabirra district. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted in Kachebirra district. A total of 844 female adolescents participated from 8 randomly selected kebeles (the smallest administrative unit). A pretested structured interview was used. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess the association. Statistical significance was declared by 95% confidence interval of odds ratio. Results 812 female adolescents with response rate of 96.2% participated in the study. In this study, 383 (47.2%, 95% CI: 43.7-50.6%) of the female adolescents utilized the reproductive health services. Female adolescent reproductive health service utilization was significantly associated with; living with both parents (AOR=9.63, 95% CI: 1.237-74.983), age 15-19 years (AOR=3.295, 95% CI: 1.411-7.696), excellent attitudes of health providers (AOR=3.816, 95% CI: 1.561-9.324) and adequate consultation time (AOR=2.450, 95% CI: 1.178-5.094). Conclusions: There is low level of female adolescent reproductive health service utilization. Age, living arrangement, attitude of reproductive health service providers and consultation time in the nearby health facilities were significantly associated with female adolescent reproductive health service utilization.

Background Though birth interval has beneficial effects on health status of the mother and their children, it is affected by range of factors some of which are rooted in social and cultural norms and the reproductive behaviors of individual women. However, there was limited data showed the determinants of birth intervals in rural pastoral communities of South Ethiopia. Therefore, the study was aimed to assess the determinants of inter birth interval among women’s of child bearing age in Yaballo Woreda, Borena zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods A community based unmatched case–control study with multi stage sampling technique was conducted from January to March 2012. Cases were women with two subsequent birth intervals of less than three years and controls were women with two subsequent birth intervals between three and above years. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select six hundred fifty two (326 cases and 326 controls) study subjects. All explanatory variables that were associated with the outcome variable (birth interval) during bivariate analysis were included in the final logistic model. Multivariable backward logistic regression when P values less than or equal to 0.05 and 95% CI were used to determine independent determinants for the outcome of interest. Results The median duration of birth interval was 31 & 40 months among cases and controls respectively. Variables such as number of children (AOR 3.73 95% CI: (1.50, 9.25), use of modern contraceptives (AOR 5.91 95% CI: (4.02, 8.69), mothers’ educational status (AOR 1.89 95% CI: (1.15, 3.37), and sex of the child (AOR 1.72 95% CI: (1.17, 2.52) were significantly associated with birth intervals. Conclusions Concerted efforts to encourage modern contraceptive use, women education, and breastfeeding should be made.

BACKGROUND: Determinants of active tuberculosis among People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) are not well elucidated in countries with limited resources. The objective of this study was to assess distal and proximate determinants of active tuberculosis among people living with HIV/AIDS in southwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted from January to March, 2009 in South West Ethiopia. The study population consisted of 162 cases and 647 controls. Cases were adult people living with HIV/AIDS who developed active pulmonary tuberculosis and controls were people living with HIV/AIDS without active tuberculosis. An interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used to collect information on potential risk factors. RESULTS: After adjustment for potential confounders, male gender (OR=1.7; 95%CI: 1.1, 2.7), a low level of education (OR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.1, 7.1), a body mass index less than 18.5 kg/m2 (OR=4.1; 95% CI: 2.3, 7.4), hemoglobin level less than 10.0 g/dl (OR=2.8; 95%CI: 1.5, 5.2), a CD4 lymphocyte count less than 200 cells/μL (OR=9.8‘95% CI: 5.5, 17.5), a WHO clinical stage IV (OR=4.3; 95% CI: 2.6, 6.8), not taking antiretroviral treatment (OR=3.1; 95%CI: 1.9,4.9), an infection with helminthes (OR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.4, 3.4), a history of contact with a tuberculosis patient in the family (OR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.3), and living in a house made of mud wall (OR=3.7; 95% CI: 1.5, 7.5) were independently associated with the development of active tuberculosis in people living with HIV/AIDS. CONCLUSION: All people living with HIV/AIDS should be screened for tuberculosis but in the presence of the risk factors mentioned above, intensified screening is recommended. KEYWORDS: Active TB, HIV, risk factors, case control study, Southwest Ethiopia

Esayas Kebede Gudina,1 Yadani Michael,1 Sahilu Assegid2 1Department of Internal Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia; 2Department of Epidemiology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia Background: Hypertension is a common medical condition worldwide. It is an important public health challenge because of the associated morbidity, mortality, and the cost to the society. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among attendants of adult outpatient departments at Jimma University Specialized Hospital in southwest Ethiopia. Materials and methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 734 participants aged 15 years or older from May 2012 to June 2012. A pretested structured questionnaire consisting of characteristics related to sociodemographic profiles and risk factors for hypertension was used for data collection. Three separate measurements of blood pressure and relevant anthropometric evaluation were taken according to current recommended standards. Chi-square test and other statistical analyses were done to employ appropriate interpretations of the findings. P-values of

Background Stunting is one of the major causes of morbidity among under-five children Knowledge about risk factors of stunting is an important precondition for developing and strengthening nutritional intervention strategies. The purpose of this study was to assess factors associated with stunting among children of age 24 to 59 months in Meskan District of Gurage Zone, South Ethiopia. Methods Community based case-control study was conducted among children of age 24 to 59 months. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Cases were stunted children while controls were not stunted children. A total of 121 cases and 121 controls were studied.. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 statistical software. Results Children living in households with eight to ten [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 4.44, 95% CI: 1.65, 11.95] and five to seven [AOR = 2.97, 95% CI: 1.41, 6.29] family members were more likely to be stunted than those living in households with two to four family members. Similarly, children living in households with three under-five children [AOR = 3.77, 95% CI: 1.33, 10.74] were more likely to develop stunting than those living in households with one under-five child. Children whose mothers worked as merchants [AOR = 4.03, 95% CI: 1.60, 10.17] were more likely to be stunted than children whose mothers worked as house wives. Children who breast fed for