Prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1 to 9 years in rural communities of Lemo district, southern Ethiopia: community based cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Trachoma, caused by Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading infectious cause of blindness. It is transmitted via personal contact with infected ocular and nasal secretions by hands, fomites and eye- seeking flies. Active trachoma is more common among children aged 1 to 9 years. The objective of this study was determining the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1 to 9 years in rural community of Lemo district. METHODS: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April, 2018 in rural community of Lemo district. Multistage sampling technique was used to select 589 study participants. Data were collected by using structured pre-tested questionnaire, physical examination and observation. Binocular loupe was used to identify active trachoma cases. The data were entered by using EPi-data version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS. Binary logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with active trachoma. Variables with p-value < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were used to declare significance of association. RESULT: Eighty seven (15.2%) children were positive for active trachoma. Absence of solid waste disposal pit (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI (1.12-4.37), do not use latrine as reported by respondent (AOR = 7.53, 95% CI (2.86-19.84), do not use soap for face washing as reported by respondent (AOR =2.3, 95% CI (1.32-4.12), washing face frequency as reported by respondent (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI (1.06-3.26), and family size greater than five (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI (1.06-3.67) were significantly associated with active trachoma. CONCLUSION: Active trachoma among children aged 1 to 9 years is high. Do not use latrine, do not use soap for face washing, and face washing frequency in a day as reported by respondents and family size were associated with active trachoma. Access to adequate water and sanitation can be important components in working towards eliminating trachoma as a public health problem. Therefore, prompt measures must be taken by concerned bodies to increase access to adequate water and sanitation facilities.

Prevalence of Early Removal of Long-Acting Contraceptive Methods and Its Associated Factors in Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Long-acting reversible contraceptive methods, IUD and sub-dermal implant, offer women the most effective method to control fertility. Yet, reports on high early removal rates were emerged, prompting concern among service providers and highlighting the need to review removal rates and its reasons. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of early removal rates of LARCs and its associated factors in Sidama Regional State, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS:  Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia from June 1 to June 30, 2019. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 21 administrative units in the first stage. Then, systematic sampling was used to select 475 women who have ever used implants or IUD 3 years preceding the data collection period. Data were entered into Epi Info version 3.4.3 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression were computed. P-value <0.05 was used to declare a significant association. RESULTS: The mean (±SD) of the participant's age was 29.81 (±5.69) years. The prevalence of early removal rate of LARCs was 10.3%, ie, 43 (10.8%) among Implanon/jadelle users and 6 (7.8%) among IUD users. Eleven (22.4%) discontinued within the first six months and 38 (77.6%) utilized for more than six months and discontinued before the 12th month. Women who were not advised about advantage [OR= 2.81 (95% CI: 1.23-6.40)] and effectiveness of contraceptive [OR= 2.70 (95% CI: 1.30-5.60)] and those who were satisfied with the family planning service [OR= 2.24 (95% CI: 1.10-4.57)] were identified as factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of early removal rate was considerably high among the study subjects. Providing appropriate counseling about the advantage and effectiveness of family planning and improving client satisfaction need to be considered to reduce the early removal rate.

Trend Analysis of Malaria Occurrence in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Background. Malaria is a major public health problem in Ethiopia. The trend of malaria occurrence remains unknown in the study area. This study is aimed at determining the last five years' trend of malaria occurrence from 2008/09 to 2012/13 in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. A health facility-based retrospective study was conducted in Wolaita Zone from March to August, 2014. Five years' laboratory confirmed malaria record review was made from six health centers. Result. A total of 105,755 laboratory confirmed malaria cases were reported, with total slide positivity rate of 33.27% and mean annual occurrence of 21,151 cases. Malaria occurred with a fluctuating trend in the study area, with its peak occurring at the year 2011/12. Overall, no remarkable decline in the total laboratory confirmed malaria was observed in the last five years. P. falciparum was the predominantly reported species, accounting for 75,929 (71.80%) of cases. The highest slide positivity rate was observed in the age group of 5-14 years (40.5%) followed by 1-4 years (35.5%). Two malaria peak seasons occurred: one from September to December and the other from April to June. Conclusion. No remarkable decline in laboratory confirmed malaria in the last five years was observed.