Living in a large family and low daily water consumption substantially expose for human scabies in rural Ethiopia: a matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Scabies has been added to the neglected tropical diseases portfolio for large-scale disease control action since 2017 and is part of the WHO roadmap for NTDs 2021-2030, targeted at ending the neglect to achieve the sustainable development goals. Previous studies have not fitted matched analysis to identify predictors of scabies infestation in Ethiopia. Information is also scarce about predictors of scabies infestation in this area. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictors of scabies infestation in rural Aneded District, northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based matched case-control study involving 183 cases and 549 controls was undertaken from March 1 to May 31, 2021, in rural Aneded District. A two-stage sampling technique with a house-to-house census for the screening of scabies cases was employed. A structured questionnaire with questions on sociodemographics, behavior, water supply, sanitation, and hygiene, and delivery of scabies-specific interventions was used. Pretesting, training of data collectors and supervisors, and supervision were applied to keep the data quality. A multivariable conditional logistic regression model was fitted to identify predictors of scabies. RESULTS: Unmarried individuals or those in separated families (adjusted matched odds ratio (AmOR = 2.71; 95% CI 1.30-5.65); those unable to read and write or in illiterate families (AmOR = 5.10; 95% CI 1.81-14.36); those in large families (AmOR = 6.67; 95% CI 2.83-15.73); households that had longer travel times for water collection (AmOR = 2.27; 95% CI 1.08-4.76); those that had low daily water consumption (AmOR = 6.69; 95% CI 2.91-15.37); households that disposed of solid wastes in open fields (AmOR = 5.60; 95% CI 2.53-12.40); and households that did not receive scabies-specific interventions (AmOR = 2.98; 95% CI 1.39-6.39) had increased odds of scabies. CONCLUSIONS: Being unmarried, illiteracy, large family, long travel time for water collection, low daily water consumption, open dumping of solid wastes, and inaccessibility of scabies-specific interventions are predictors of scabies. This information is instrumental for redesigning improved scabies-specific interventions that consider educational status, marital status, family size, water collection time, daily water consumption, solid waste disposal, and equity and optimization in delivering existing interventions in rural Ethiopia.

Household water treatment practice and associated factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The provision of potable water is crucial to ensuring the health and dignity of individuals. In many developing countries, including Ethiopia, waterborne disease has become a major public health problem. There is a significant gap in accessing comprehensive national-wide evidence on Household Water Treatment (HWT) practices and associated factors in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aims to assess the pooled HWT practice and associated factors in Ethiopia. A comprehensive search of published studies before October 15, 2022, was identified using databases and other sources. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel, and analysis was performed using STATA 14/SE software. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of HWT practices and the odds ratio of associated factors. The funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to assess publication bias, and I2 test statistics was used to assess heterogeneity. Duval and Tweedie's "trim and fill" method was performed to adjust the pooled estimate. A subgroup analysis was also conducted to identify the sources of heterogeneity. In this study, a total of 708 articles were retrieved, and 16 eligible studies were included. The pooled proportion of HWT practice in Ethiopia was found to be 21% (95% CI: 17-24). Having a formal education (OR: 2.42, 95% CI (2.11-2.74)), being male (OR: 1.32, 95% CI (1.13-1.51)), owning radio (OR: 1.33, 95% CI (1.18-1.47)), having a higher income (OR: 1.73, 95% CI (1.41-2.04)), unimproved water source (OR: 1.71, 95% CI (1.41-2.01)), fetching water at more frequently (OR: 3.31, 95% CI (1.99-4.64)), dipping methods of water drawing (OR: 2.08, 95% CI (1.66-2.51)), and taken training of water treatment (OR: 2.15, 95% CI (1.55-2.75)) were all found to be associated with HWT practice. Based on the findings of this study, the pooled proportion of HWT practice in Ethiopia was found to be one-fifth, which indicated that it was significantly low. Therefore, the authors recommend that households could better receive adequate information about HWT practices through strengthened health education and intensive training on HWT.

Bacterial hazard identification and exposure assessment of raw milk consumption in Jimma zone, South West Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Raw milk may contain pathogenic microorganism that can sometimes fatally affect the health of consumers. However, risks related to raw milk consumption in Southwest Ethiopia are not well studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of five target pathogenic bacteria including Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Campylobacter jejuni in raw milk and to assess exposure associated with the consumption of raw milk. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out between November 2019 and June 2020 to in Jimma zone, Southwest Ethiopia. Laboratory analysis was conducted on milk samples collected from Seven Woreda towns, including, Agaro, Yebu, Sekoru, Serbo, Shebe, Seka, Sheki and Jimma town administration. Semi-structured interview questions were administered to collect data on the amount and frequency of consumption. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize laboratory results and questionnaire survey data. RESULT: Among 150 total raw milk samples, about 61.3% were found contaminated by one or more types of pathogens along the dairy value chain. The highest and the least bacterial counts recorded were 4.88 log10cfu/ml and 3.45 log10cfu/ml from E. coli and L. monocytogenes respectively. The mean concentrations of pathogens demonstrated significant statistical difference (p < 0.05) using 95% confidence interval where the prevalence percentage of isolates increased as the milk was transported from farms to the retail outlets. Except for C. jejuni; all other pathogens were detected in the range of unsatisfactory level of milk microbiological quality along the chain. The estimated mean annual risk of acquiring intoxication of E. coli across retailer outlets is 100% whereas salmonellosis, S. aureus intoxication, and listeriosis are 84%, 65% and 63% respectively. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the significant health risks associated with the consumption of raw milk due to its unacceptable microbiological quality. The traditional production and consumption patterns of raw milk are the primary reasons for the high annual probability of infection. Therefore, regular monitoring and implementation of hazard identification and critical control point principles are necessary from raw milk production to retail points to ensure the safety of consumers.

Drinking water contamination potential and associated factors among households with under-five children in rural areas of Dessie Zuria District, Northeast Ethiopia.

Objective: More than half of the 700 million people worldwide who lack access to a safe water supply live in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Globally, approximately 2 billion people use drinking water sources that are contaminated with fecal matter. However, little is known about the relationship between fecal coliforms and determinants in drinking water. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential for contamination of drinking water and its associated factors in households with children under 5 years of age in Dessie Zuria district in northeastern Ethiopia. Methods: The water laboratory was conducted based on the American Public Health Association guidelines for water and wastewater assessment using a membrane filtration technique. A structured and pre-tested questionnaire was used to identify factors associated with the potential for contamination of drinking water in 412 selected households. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with the presence or absence of fecal coliforms in drinking water, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a value of p ≤ 0.05. The overall goodness of the model was tested using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and the model was fit. Results: A total of 241 (58.5%) households relied on unimproved water supply sources. In addition, approximately two-thirds 272 (66.0%) of the household water samples were positive for fecal coliform bacteria. Water storage duration ≥3 days (AOR = 4.632; 95% CI: 1.529-14.034), dipping method of water withdrawal from a water storage tank (AOR = 4.377; 95% CI: 1.382-7.171), uncovered water storage tank at control (AOR = 5.700; 95% CI: 2.017-31.189), lack of home-based water treatment (AOR = 4.822; 95% CI: 1.730-13.442), and unsafe household liquid waste disposal methods (AOR = 3.066; 95% CI: 1.706-8.735) were factors significantly associated with the presence of fecal contamination in drinking water. Conclusion: Fecal contamination of water was high. The duration of water storage, the method of water withdrawal from the storage container, covering of the water storage container, the presence of home-based water treatment, and the method of liquid waste disposal were factors for fecal contamination in drinking water. Therefore, health professionals should continuously educate the public on proper water use and water quality assessment.

Evaluation of the Effect of Wastewater Irrigation on the Microbiological Quality of Vegetables in Northeast Ethiopia: Implication for Food-Borne Infection and Intoxications.

background: Cultivation of vegetables using untreated wastewater is a common phenomenon in many drought-prone areas of the world. Consumption of such microbiologically unsafe vegetable increase the risk of food-borne diseases. As a result, evaluating the effect of wastewater irrigation on the microbiological quality of vegetables would be beneficial to consumers' health. method: A total of 192 vegetable samples (lettuce, cabbage, carrot, and tomato) and 64 irrigation water samples were collected and analyzed for total bacteria and coliform count using a standardized protocol over a 4 month period. One-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the data. Statistical significance was defined at a P-value of less than 0.05. result: Carrots were the least polluted vegetable, according to the study, while cabbage had the highest contamination levels. The mean bacterial count among the vegetables differs significantly (P < 0.05). The fecal coliform counts of the irrigation wastewater exceed the international wastewater irrigation standards. The mean microbial count between vegetables and water samples showed a significant positive relationship (P < 0.05). All of the analyzed vegetable samples were of borderline microbial quality for fecal coliform bacteria. conclusion: Irrigation wastewater has a low microbiological quality, which significantly contributes to the contamination of vegetables grown on it. recommendation: Measures should be taken to improve the microbial quality of wastewater as well as the quality of vegetables grown in order to protect consumers' health from food-borne diseases.

COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance and Associated Factors Among College Students in Dessie City, Northeastern Ethiopia.

Background: The COVID-19 vaccine is regarded as an effective measure for reducing the pandemic's impact. But, COVID-19 disease burden reduction efforts are being affected by the rising vaccine resistance. Objective: To assess the COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated factors among college students in Dessie city, Northeastern Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was carried out among college students in Dessie town from July 1-20, 2021. The association between independent and dependent variables was assessed by binary logistic regression analysis using crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio. Variables having p values of less than 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval were regarded as potential determinants of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Results: A total of 422 college students participated in the study with a response rate of 95.6%. More than half 226 (56.2%) of the participants had willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccine. Respondents who had history of chronic medical illness (AOR: 4.340, 95% CI: 1.166, 16.149), training on COVID-19 vaccine (AOR: 4.755, 95% CI: 2.606, 6.674), history of regular vaccine uptake (AOR: 2.534, 95% CI: 1.412, 4.549), perception of COVID-19 severity (AOR: 4.109, 95% CI: 2.190, 7.710), perception that COVID-19 can be prevented by vaccine (AOR: 2.420, 95% CI: 1.160, 5.049), and development of herd immunity against COVID-19 vaccines (AOR: 2.566, 95% CI: 1.431, 4.599) were factors significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Conclusion: The acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among college students was low. The history of chronic medical illness, training on COVID-19 vaccine, history of vaccine uptake, perception that COVID-19 can be prevented by vaccine, perception of herd immunity development against COVID-19, and severity of COVID 19 infection were factors significantly associated with the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine. Hence, it is necessary to promote COVID-19 vaccination among college students through health education and vaccine outreach.

Access to and challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene in healthcare facilities during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia: A mixed-methods evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in healthcare facilities (HCFs) have an impact on the transmission of infectious diseases, including COVID-19 pandemic. But, there is limited data on the status of WASH facilities in the healthcare settings of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess WASH facilities and related challenges in the HCFs of Northeastern Ethiopia during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2020. About 70 HCFs were selected using a simple random sampling technique. We used a mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative study. The quantitative data were collected by an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and observational checklist, whereas the qualitative data were collected using a key-informant interview from the head of HCFs, janitors, and WASH coordinator of the HCFs. The quantitative data were entered in EpiData version 4.6 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 for data cleaning and analysis. The quantitative data on access to WASH facilities was reported using WHO ladder guidelines, which include no access, limited access, and basic access, whereas the qualitative data on challenges to WASH facilities were triangulated with the quantitative result. RESULTS: From the survey of 70 HCFs, three-fourths 53 (75.7%) were clinics, 12 (17.2%) were health centers, and 5 (7.1%) were hospitals. Most (88.6%) of the HCFs had basic access to water supply. The absence of a specific budget for WASH facilities, non-functional water pipes, the absence of water-quality monitoring systems, and frequent water interruptions were the major problems with water supply, which occurred primarily in clinics and health centers. Due to the absence of separate latrine designated for disabled people, none of the HCFs possessed basic sanitary facilities. Half (51.5%) of the HCFs had limited access to sanitation facilities. The major problems were the absence of separate latrines for healthcare workers and clients, as well as female and male staffs, an unbalanced number of functional latrines for the number of clients, non-functional latrines, poor cleanliness and misuse of the latrine. Less than a quarter of the HCFs 15 (21.4%) had basic access to handwashing facilities, while half 35 (50%) of the HCFs did not. The lack of functional handwashing facilities at expected sites and misuse of the facilities around the latrine, including theft of supplies by visitors, were the two most serious problems with hygiene facilities. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that the majority of HCFs had basic access to water, there were problems in their sanitation and handwashing facilities. The lack of physical infrastructure, poor quality of facilities, lack of separate budget to maintain WASH facilities, and inappropriate utilization of WASH facilities were the main problems in HCFs. Further investigation should be done to assess the enabling factors and constraints for the provision, use, and maintenance of WASH infrastructure at HCFs.

Prevalence and associated factors of needle stick and sharps injuries among healthcare workers in northwestern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Needle stick and sharp injuries (NSSIs) are a common problem among healthcare workers (HCWs). Although the factors related to NSSIs for HCWs are well documented by several studies in Ethiopia, no evidence has been reported about the magnitude of and factors related to NSSIs in hospitals in northwestern Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out from January to March 2019 among 318 HCWs in three randomly-selected hospitals of the eight hospitals found in South Gondar Zone. Sample sizes were proportionally allocated to professional categories. Study participants were selected by systematic random sampling methods using the monthly salary payroll for each profession as the sampling frame. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The outcome of this study was the presence (injured) or absence of NSSIs during the 12 months prior to data collection. A binary logistic regression model with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for data analysis. Variables from the bi-variable analysis with a p-value ≤ 0.25 were retained into the multivariable analysis. From the multivariable analysis, variables with a p-value less than 0.05 was declared as factors significantly associated with NSSIs. MAIN FINDINGS: The prevalence of NSSIs was 29.5% (95% CI: 24.2-35.5%) during the 12 months prior to the survey. Of these, 46.0% reported that their injuries were moderate, superficial (33.3%) or severe (20.7%). About 41.4% of the injuries were caused by a suture needle. Factors significantly associated with NSSIs were occupation as a nurse (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.18-4.26), disposal of sharp materials in places other than in safety boxes (AOR = 3.93, 95% CI: 2.10-5.35), recapping of needles (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.13-4.56), and feeling sleepy at work (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.14-4.41). CONCLUSION: This study showed that almost one-third of HCWs had sustained NSSIs, a proportion that is high. Factors significantly associated with NSSIs were occupation as a nurse, habit of needle recapping, disposal of sharp materials in places other than in safety boxes and feeling sleepy at work. Observing proper and regular universal precautions for nurses during daily clinical activities and providing safety boxes for the disposal of sharp materials, practicing mechanical needle recapping and preventing sleepiness by reducing work overload among HCWs may reduce the incidence of NSSIs.

Occurrence, Risk Factors, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test of Thermophilic Campylobacter Species of Bovine Carcass at Municipal Abattoir and Butcher Shops of Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Although Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) and Campylobacter coli (C. coli) cause acute diarrheal diseases in people all over the world, they are most commonly seen in other mammalian species and are a seemingly healthy carrier condition. Humans in Ethiopia, on the other hand, are largely unaware of the existence of Campylobacter in food animals as potential sources of infection. OBJECTIVE: To determine the occurrence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of thermophilic Campylobacter species in bovine raw meat from the abattoir and butcher shops. METHODS: Swab samples were collected from 177 cattle carcasses (from abattoir 93 and butcher shops 84) and cultured using standard methods. An antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the disk diffusion method towards eleven antimicrobial agents. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter species was 14 (7.9%). From these, 11 (78.6%) were identified to be C. jejuni and 3 (21.4%) were C. coli. Lack of handwashing before meat processing and after visiting the toilet, meat contact with floors, walls, or soiling during preparation, and lack of training were the most important factors independently associated with (p<0.05) the prevalence of Campylobacter species contamination. The highest level of antimicrobial resistance of the Campylobacter isolates was recorded to ampicillin (10µg) (100%), followed by amoxicillin (30µg) (78.6%) and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (57.1%) while the least resisted antimicrobials were streptomycin (25µg), erythromycin (15µg), oxytetracycline (30µg) (each 28.6%), kanamycin (30µg) 14.3%, chloramphenicol (30µg) and gentamycin (10µg) (each 7.1%). CONCLUSION: Despite the low prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter in the current investigation, it may pose a significant public health threat. As a result, it is vital to give retailers and customers extensive education, training, and knowledge about the correct handling and cooking of animal-derived goods. Furthermore, antimicrobials should be used with caution in both veterinary and human treatment regimens as well as a wider examination of antimicrobial resistance patterns for the use of well-targeted antimicrobials.

Antenatal care dropout and associated factors among mothers delivering in public health facilities of Dire Dawa Town, Eastern Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: More than two-thirds of the pregnant women in Africa have at least one antenatal care contact with a health care provider. However, to achieve the full life-saving potential that antenatal care promises for women and babies, four visits providing essential evidence-based interventions - a package often called focused antenatal care are required. Hence, identifying the factors associated with dropout of maternal health care utilization would have meaningful implications. The study aimed to assess antenatal care dropout and associated factors among mothers delivering in the public health facilities of Dire Dawa town, Ethiopia. METHODS: Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to 30, 2020. Proportionate sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 230 women. Data were collected using a structured and pretested interview administered questionnaire during delivery. The data were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. A binary logistic regression model with a 95 % confidence interval was used to analyze the results. Bivariable analysis (COR [crude odds ratio]) and multivariable analysis (AOR [adjusted odds ratio]) was used to analyze the results. From the bivariable analysis, variables with a p-value < 0.25 were entered into the multivariable logistic regression analysis. From the multivariable logistic regression analysis, variables with a significance level of p-value < 0.05 were taken as factors independently associated with ANC dropout. RESULT: The proportion of antenatal care dropouts was 86 (37.4 %) (95 % CI: 31.3-43.9). In logistic regression analyses, those who had no past antenatal care follow up were more likely to have ANC dropout (AOR = 7.89; 95 % CI: 2.109-29.498) and those who had no professional advice were more likely to have antenatal care dropout (AOR = 4.64 95 % CI: 1.246-17.254). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that a high number of women had antenatal care dropout. Having no past ANC follow-up and professional advice were the major factors of ANC service utilization dropout. Hence, giving more information during the ANC visit is important to reduce the dropout rate from the maternity continuum of care.

COVID-19 Prevention Practices and Associated Factors among Diabetes and HIV/AIDS Clients in South-Wollo Zone, Ethiopia: A Health Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) is affecting many people. Chronic patients are highly vulnerable to contracting an infection. Most people recover within a week, but chronic patients can face severe illness or death. The increasing of cases, complications, and mortality demands compulsory preventive measures. Therefore, this study was designed to identify major preventive practices and associated factors. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was employed from November to December 2020 among diabetics and HIV/AIDS follow-up clients in Dessie referral hospital. Data were entered into EpiData manager 4.6.0 version and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0 for data cleaning and analysis. Logistic regression analysis was done and an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for determining the strength of association. RESULTS: Data were collected from 426 participants with a mean age of 46.54 years. The overall poor prevention practice rate of COVID-19 among diabetic and HIV/AIDS follow-up clients was 68.8% 95% CI (64.6-72.8%). Factors significantly associated with poor prevention practice were femaleness (AOR; 1.61; 95% CI; 1.03-2.51), illiterate [AOR; 2.59; 95% CI; 1.33-5.09]), family size greater than four (AOR; 2.06; 95% CI; 1.32-3.23), absence of health professional in the household (AOR; 1.79; 95% CI; 1.13-2.84), not having health insurance (AOR; 1.85; 95% CI; 1.18-2.89) and urban residence (AOR; 0.38; 95% CI; 0.18-0.79). CONCLUSION: The overall proportion of prevention practice towards COVID-19 among diabetic and HIV/AIDS follow-up clients was poor. Illiteracy, having a family size greater than four, not having health professionals in the household, not having health insurance and urban residency were associated with poor prevention practices. Therefore, continuous health educations about good preventive behavioral practice should be enhanced by the health professionals.

COVID-19 Prevention Practices and Determinant Factors Among Healthcare Professionals Working in Hospitals of South Gondar Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a global public health crisis since December 2019. Health care professionals (HCP) are highly vulnerable for contracting the disease. Due to the absence of known treatment, prevention is the best option for controlling its transmission. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess COVID-19 prevention practices and determinant factors among HCP working in hospitals of South Gondar ZoneH, Northwestern Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study design was used from July 1 to 30, 2020 among 372 HCPs. The participants were selected on random sampling technique basis. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS V.25) software for data cleaning and analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between independent variables and prevention practice of COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 372 HCPs participated in the study with a response rate of 94.9%. Less than one-third 112 (30.1%) of the participants were females. About 308 (82.8%), 285 (76.6%), and 224 (60.2%) of the participants had good knowledge, positive attitude, and good prevention practice towards COVID-19, respectively. Being male (AOR =2.68; 95% CI (confidence interval): 1.50,4.81), 2-5 years working experience (AOR= 4.61; 95% CI: 1.70,12.47), greater than five years working experience (AOR= 5.86; 95% CI: 2.01,17.05), age of 31-40 years old (AOR= 2.49; 95% CI; 1.41,4.41), above 40 years (AOR= 6.94; 95% CI: 2.33-20.71), use of COVID-19 guideline (AOR= 4.79; 95% CI: 2.17-10.53), and using peers as sources of information about COVID-19 (AOR= 2.06; 95% CI: 1.07-3.94) were factors of COVID-19 prevention practices. CONCLUSION: Less than two-thirds of the participants had good COVID-19 prevention practices. Sex, work experience, age, use of COVID-19 guideline, and using peers as sources of information were factors of COVID-19 prevention practices. Hence, continuous information dissemination and experience sharing on COVID-19 prevention should be done continuously.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Preventive Practices Towards COVID-19 Among Students of Ethiopian Higher Education Institutions.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 has been a global public health problem since December 2019. Higher education institutions are risky areas for the transmission of COVID-19. But, still there is insufficient information on the prevention of the disease in this setting. OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices towards COVID-19 among students of Ethiopian higher education institutions. METHODS: Institutin  -based cross-sectional study design was conducted from December 1 to 30, 2020 among randomly selected 407 undergraduate students from higher education institutions in Ethiopia. The outcome variables were knowledge, attitude, and practices towards COVID-19. Binary logistic regression models at 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to determine the factors affecting knowledge, attitude, and practices towards COVID-19. In multivariable analysis, variables with a p-value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant and independently associated with outcome variables at 95% CI. RESULTS: About 75.9% (95% CI: 72.2-79.9%) of University students had a good knowledge, 62.4% (95% CI: 58.2-67.1%) had a positive attitude, and 56.8% (95% CI: 52.6-61.9%) had a good COVID-19 prevention practices. Students over the age of 30 (AOR=5.8; 95% CI: 1.5, 10.6), third-year students (AOR=3.1; 95% CI: 1.1, 8.9), and being health science students (AOR=4.4; 95% CI: 2.2, 8.9) were significantly associated with a good knowledge towards COVID-19. Urban residents (AOR=0.6; 95% CI: 0.3-0.9), having an average family monthly income of $75USD (AOR=3.5; 95% CI: 1.8-6.7), use of at least one type of social media (AOR=4.7; 95% CI: 1.7-12.9), and having a positive attitude (AOR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.3-3.5) were significantly associated with COVID-19 prevention practices. CONCLUSION: Despite three-fourths of the participants had a good knowledge, the attitude and prevention practices were low. Age, study year, College of study, presence of chronic illnesses, use of social media, family income, and residence were factors of knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices towards COVID-19. Hence, multiple information dissemination strategies using multiple media outlets should be implemented continuously.

Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccine and Determinant Factors Among Patients with Chronic Disease Visiting Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeastern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Despite the implementation of different COVID-19 prevention measures, the incidence of the disease continues to rise. Hence, vaccines have been taken as the best option for controlling the transmission of the disease. Although the approved COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and effective, multiple beliefs and misconceptions still exist influencing its acceptance. OBJECTIVE: To assess the acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine and determinant factors among chronic patients visiting Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeastern Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study design was used among patients with chronic diseases visiting Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from May 1 to 20, 2021 using a consecutive sampling technique. Binary logistic regression analysis using crude odd ratio (COR) and adjusted odd ratio (AOR) was performed to assess the association between independent and dependent variables. Variables having p values of less than 0.05 at the 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered as factors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. RESULTS: A total of 416 respondents participated in the survey, with a response rate of 98.6%. About 59.4% of the respondents were willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants who had health insurance (AOR=1.812; 95% CI: 1.703-3.059), knew anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 (AOR=2.482; 95% CI: 1.427-4.317), having good knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccine (AOR=6.890; 95% CI: 3.900-120.17), and having a positive attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine (AOR=7.725; 95% CI: 4.024-14.830) were factors affecting the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSION: The acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine was low. Use of health insurance, knowing anyone who had been diagnosed with COVID-19, knowledge, and attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine were factors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Healthcare professionals should conduct continuous awareness creation campaigns on the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine, safety, and its efficacy. Further studies like longitudinal and qualitative studies should be conducted to identify additional barriers to vaccine acceptance particularly in high-risk groups.

COVID-19 Prevention Practices and Associated Factors Among Farmers in Peri-Urban Areas of Northeastern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is a global health threat due to its rapid spread and ability to kill millions of people. The majority of pandemic-fighting approaches rely on prevention activities, which can be influenced by a variety of factors. Farmers are more vulnerable to COVID-19, so evaluating existing prevention practices and associated factors is critical to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: To assess COVID-19 prevention practices and associated factors among farmers in peri-urban areas of Northeastern Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 409 selected farmers. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews and on-the-spot-observational checklist. Data were analyzed using bivariable logistic regression model at 95% CI (confidence interval). During the bivariable analysis (crude odds ratio [COR]), varibales having a p-value of less than 0.250 were included into the multivariable analysis (adjsuted odds ratio [AOR]). Factors associated with COVID-19 preventive practices were determined using a multivariable analysis at a p-value of 0.050. RESULTS: Of 409 participants, 206 (63.6%), 157 (38.4%), and 117 (28.6%) of them had satisfactory knowledge, positive attitude, and good prevention practices about COVID-19, respectively. Age of the farmers with greater than or equal to 45 years (AOR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.7-6.1), educational status of secondary school and above (AOR: 3.1; 95% CI: 1.4-6.6), and income level of having greater than or equal to 2,001.00 Ethiopian birr (ETB) (AOR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1-3.4) were all found to be significantly associated with the COVID-19 prevention practices. CONCLUSION: Even though the majority of farmers had satisfactory knowledge, a considerable proportion of them had a negative attitude and poor COVID-19 prevention practices. Age, educational status, and income level are factors associated with COVID-19 prevention practices. Hence, health education should be given to improve the farmers' knowledge, attitudes and prevention practices to minimize the risk of COVID-19 among farmers in semi-urban areas of northestern Ethiopia.

Developmental Toxicity of Ethanolic Extracts of Leaves of Achyranthes aspera, Amaranthaceae in Rat Embryos and Fetuses.

INTRODUCTION: Achyranthes aspera is one of the medicinal plants widely used for fertility control in the local health system of Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE: Assessment of developmental toxicity of ethanolic extracts of leaves of Achyranthes aspera in rat embryos and fetuses. METHODS: Fresh leaves were extracted by mixing the grinded powder with 70% ethanol. Then, the extract was given orally to gravid Wistar rats at doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg from day 6-12 of gestation. On gestational days 12 and 20, embryos and fetuses were examined for developmental and gross malformations. RESULTS: On day 12 embryos, the number of implantation sites and somites in 1000 mg/kg treated rats were significantly reduced. The number of implantation sites in pair-fed control and 1000 mg/kg groups was 11.2±0.86 and 8.34±0.65, respectively. Retarded development of hindlimb, forelimb, optic and olfactory systems was detected at a high dose. In addition, the number of branchial bar was significantly reduced in 1000 mg/kg dose. In near-term fetuses, significant reduction of litter weight and crown-rump length was seen at 1000 mg/kg dose. Crown-rump length in pair-fed control and 1000 mg/kg treated groups was 2.82±0.17 cm and 2.31±0.11 cm, respectively. Fetal resorptions and deaths in 1000 mg/kg were 1.45±0.65 and 0.81±0.67, respectively. However, external anomalies were not detected for all offspring at all doses. CONCLUSION: The finding suggests that ethanolic leaf extracts of A. aspera have detrimental effects on the development of rat embryos and fetuses at a higher dose. The possible teratogenic effects were indicated with the substantial retardation in embryonic and fetal development, decrease in number of implantation sites and rise in fetal resorptions and death. Moreover, it resulted in significant reduction in litter weight and crown-rump length at a higher dose.

Menstrual hygiene practices among high school girls in urban areas in Northeastern Ethiopia: A neglected issue in water, sanitation, and hygiene research.

BACKGROUND: Poor menstrual hygiene practices influence school girls' dignity, well-being and health, school-absenteeism, academic performance, and school dropout in developing countries. Despite this, menstrual hygienic practices are not well understood and have not received proper attention by school WASH programs. Therefore, this study examined the extent of good menstrual hygiene practices and associated factors among high school girls in Dessie City, Amhara Region, northeastern Ethiopia. METHODS: A school-based cross-sectional study was employed to examine 546 randomly selected high school students in Dessie City, northeastern Ethiopia. Pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires and a school observational checklist were used for data collection. EpiData Version 4.6 and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 25.0 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Bivariate and multivariable logistics regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with good menstrual hygiene practices. During bivariable analysis, variables with P-values less than 0.25 were retained for multivariable analysis. In the multivariable analysis, variables with a P-value less than 0.05 were declared to be significantly associated with good menstrual hygiene practices. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 53.9% (95% CI [49.6, 58.2]) reported good menstrual hygiene practices. The following factors were found to be significantly associated with good menstrual hygiene practices: age range 16-19 years (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI: [1.22-3.06]); school grade level 10 (AOR = 1.90, 95% CI: [1.18-3.07]); maternal education (primary) (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI: [1.81-7.63]), maternal education (secondary) (AOR = 8.54, 95% CI: [4.18-17.44]), maternal education (college) (AOR = 6.78, 95% CI: [3.28-14.02]) respectively]; having regular menses [AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: (1.03-3.32); good knowledge regarding menstruation (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: [1.32-3.09]); discussing menstrual hygiene with friends (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI: [1.12-2.86]), and obtaining money for pads from the family (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI: [1.15-3.78]). CONCLUSION: We found that more than half of high school girls had good menstrual hygiene practices. Factors significantly associated with good menstrual hygiene practices include high school girls age 16-18 years, girls grade level 10, maternal education being completed primary, secondary and college level, having regular menses, good knowledge regarding menstruation, discussing menstrual hygiene with friends and obtaining money for pads from the family. Therefore, educating of high school student mothers about MHP should be a priority intervention area to eliminate the problem of menstrual hygiene among daughters. Furthermore, in order to improve the MHP among high school girls, further attention is needed to improving knowledge regarding menstruation among high school girls, encouraging high school girls' families to support their daughters by buying sanitary pads and promoting discussions among friends about menstrual hygiene. Schools need to focus on making the school environment conducive to managing menstrual hygiene by increasing awareness of safe MHP and providing adequate water/sanitation facilities.

Effect of Microbial Quality of Washing Water on Hand Hygiene Status of Food Handlers in Jimma Town: Implication for Food Hygiene and Safety.

BACKGROUND: In most cases, people pay more attention to the microbial quality of drinking water than the quality of water they used to wash hands. This may lead to the occurrence of various foodborne illnesses through the introduction of pathogenic microbes during preparation and serving of food. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of microbial quality of washing water on the hand hygiene status of food handlers in Jimma town. METHODS: Laboratory-based cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 150 food handlers were selected randomly for hand hygiene examination, and 150 water samples were collected aseptically from water storage tanks, food handlers used to wash their hands. The samples were subjected for microbiological analysis using standardized protocol. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to summarize the data and to determine the effect of microbial quality of water on hand hygiene of food handlers, respectively. RESULTS: Among 150 food handlers included in the study, 104 (69.0%) of them were males and 64 (43.0%) of them aged between 35 and 50 years. On the other hand, 64 (42.7%) of the study participants had not attended formal education. About three-fourth of them used stored water to wash their hands, and almost similar proportion of them were waiters. The mean coliform bacteria of water and hand rinsate samples were 4.2 ± 0.8 and 4.1 ± 0.8 log CFU/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the microbial quality of water used to wash hands significantly affects the hand hygiene status of the food handlers. Hence, improving the microbial quality of washing water is important to improve the hand hygiene status of food handlers and consequently to prevent the occurrence of food-borne illness in the town.

Medical Students' Attitude and Perception Towards Basic Medical Science Subjects at Wollo University, Northeast Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: The knowledge of basic medical science could help to remember a fact and be used to understand causal mechanisms of disease process that improve the accuracy of diagnostic formulations. OBJECTIVE: To assess the perception and attitude of medical students towards basic medical science subjects along with retention rate and clinical relevance in Wollo University. METHODS: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed in Wollo University from September, 2020 to October, 2020. A pre-tested and structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. All opinions were rated using a positive-point Likert scale, which ranges from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree." The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. RESULTS: A total of 153 students participated with a 100% response rate. Among them, 45 (29.4%), 38 (24.8%), 39 (25.5%), and 31 (20.3%) were PC-II, C-I, C-II, and Intern students, respectively. Ninety-six (62.7%) of medical students were very much interested in basic medical science subjects. But, 113 (73.9%) of them did not have plans to join the subjects as a future career. The main reasons in more than half 85 (55.7%) of the respondents were less financial growth followed by less chance of promotion 31 (20.3%). There were 66.7% of the students who considered anatomy as clinically relevant, whereas 53.6% and 47.1% considered physiology and biochemistry, respectively, to be clinically relevant. The number of students who could recall anatomy and physiology during relevant clinical discussions was 102 (66.7%) and 85 (55.6%), respectively. This percentage was relatively less for biochemistry (26.8%). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, medical students have a positive attitude towards basic medical science subjects. However, they are hesitant to join the field because it offers them less financial growth and few chances of promotion. Moreover, anatomy and physiology were highly relevant subjects during clinical practice. But, the retention rate of basic medical science knowledge during their clinical year was low.

Microbial quality of raw cow milk and its predictors along the dairy value chain in Southwest Ethiopia.

Raw milk may contain pathogenic microorganism that can seriously affect the health of consumers. In Southwest Ethiopia, raw cow milk is consumed more than the processed products, but its microbiological quality and its predictors are not studied well. The aim of this study was to determine the microbial quality of raw cow milk and its predictors along the dairy value chain in Southwest Ethiopia. A total of 150 milk and 300 environmental samples were collected randomly from dairy farms, milk distribution centers, and retailer outlets for microbiological analysis using standard protocols. One milk handler from each milk production or distribution stage was also interviewed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding milk handling. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression models were used to summarize the data and to identify predictors of milk microbial quality, respectively. As the milk transported from dairy farm to milk retailer outlet, the mean total bacterial count has increased from 5.0 ±â€¯0.3 to 7.2 ±â€¯0.1 log CFU/ml respectively. The mean coliform count of the milk sample was 4.4 ±â€¯0.4 log CFU/ml at the dairy farm and 7.0 ±â€¯0.2 log CFU/ml at milk selling points, indicating the deterioration of milk quality along the dairy value chain. All of the analyzed water samples were positive for fecal coliform bacteria. The highest coliform bacteria were reported from milk storage equipment found at milk retailer outlet with the count of 4.8 ±â€¯0.5 log CFU/ml. Educational status and attitude of milk handlers and the quality of water used to wash milk equipment and hands of milk handlers were the major factors affecting the microbial quality of raw cow milk. The findings of this study revealed that the microbial quality of raw milk in the study area was poor. Hence, improving the attitude and educational status of milk handlers, and the quality of water is an important step to enhance milk quality and consequently to prevent milk borne diseases.