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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 pr

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=