Magnitude and determinant of healthcare-seeking behavior for childhood acute respiratory tract infections in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) remain a major public health concern which become the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children under the age of five. A large percentage of childhood deaths and complications can be avoided by seeking proper medical care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude, and individual and community-level determinants of mothers' healthcare-seeking behavior for their children under the age of five who had ARI symptoms in Ethiopia. METHOD: A secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys(EDHS) with a total weighted sample of 643 under-five children who had ARI symptoms within two weeks of the survey. Due to the hierarchical nature of the EDHS data, a multi-level logistic regression model was used to identify the individual and community-level factors influencing mothers' health care-seeking behavior for their children with ARI symptoms. In the multivariable multilevel analysis, those variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered to be significant predictors of the outcome variable. RESULTS: Healthcare-seeking behavior among mothers or caregivers for children with symptoms of ARIs was 32.61% (95% CI: 29.08-36.33%) in Ethiopia. The ICC in the null model indicated that about 55% of the total variability of treatment-seeking behavior was due to differences between clusters. Child aged > 24 months [AOR = 0.35; 0.19-0.63], having primary education [AOR = 3.25; 1.27-8.32], being media exposed [AOR = 2.49; 1.15, 5.38], female household head[AOR = 3.90; 1.35, 11.24], and delivery at health institution[AOR = 2.24; 1.00, 5.01] were significant predictors of health care seeking behavior of mother for their children with ARI symptoms. CONCLUSION: There is poor treatment-seeking behavior for children with symptoms of ARI in Ethiopia with significant community level variations. The multilevel logistic regression analysis showed that improving mothers' education, women's empowerment, facilitating institutional delivery and media accessibility are critical to promoting health-seeking behaviors among mothers or caregivers of under-five children with ARI symptoms. Hence, concerned bodies should design targeted interventions that increase mothers' or caregivers' treatment-seeking behavior for childhood ARI to reduce child morbidity and mortality.

Emergency contraceptive knowledge and associated factors among abortion experienced reproductive age women in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis using EDHS 2016 data.

BACKGROUND: Emergency contraceptives (EC) are used to avoid unintended pregnancy, hence avoiding its incidence and its effects. In Ethiopia, emergency contraception is commonly accessible, especially in the big cities. However, there is virtually little understanding of or awareness of EC and Ethiopia has a high abortion rate. Therefore this study was aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors for emergency contraceptive knowledge in Ethiopia. METHODS: The study was based on secondary data analysis of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data. A total weighted sample of 1236 reproductive age women was included. A multilevel mixed-effect binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify the significant associated factors of emergency contraceptive knowledge. Statistical significance was determined using Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Overall magnitude of emergency contraceptive knowledge was observed to be 17.19% (95% CI: 15.18, 19.40) with intra-class correlation (ICC) 57% and median odds ratio (MOR) 6.4 in the null model. Women's age 25-34 (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.2, 5.5), and 35-49 (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.06, 3.3), secondary and above educational level (AOR = 3.41; 95% CI: 2.19, 4.88), media exposure (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.56, 5.64), Being in metropolitan region (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.46, 4.74), and women being in urban area (AOR = 3.19; 95% CI: 1.20, 5.23) were associated with emergency contraceptive knowledge. CONCLUSION: Emergency contraceptive knowledge in this study was low. Women age, educational level, media exposure, residency, and region were significantly associated with emergency contraceptive knowledge. Therefore, to enhance understanding and use of ECs in the current Ethiopian setting, it is imperative to ensure exposure to EC information, particularly in rural regions.

Spatial variations and determinants of knowledge of ovulatory period among young women in Ethiopia: a spatial and multilevel analysis using 2016 EDHS.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of the ovulatory period enables women in avoiding and engaging in sexual intercourse either to avoid and to have pregnancy as desired. It has been reported that young people have less knowledge of the ovulatory period. There is limited evidence about the spatial variability of knowledge of the ovulatory period among young women in Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to assess the spatial variation and factors sociated with knowledge of the ovulatory period among youths in Ethiopia for providing geographically targeted interventions. METHOD: A secondary data analysis was carried out using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys with a total weighted sample of 6143 youths. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify factors influencing knowledge of the ovulatory period. ArcGIS version 10.7 software and Kuldorff's SaTScan version 9.6 was used for the spatial analysis. RESULTS: Being older youth [AOR = 1.98; 1.46, 2.70], youths having primary education [AOR = 1.70; 1.23, 2.35], youths having secondary & higher education [AOR = 2.30; 1.41, 3.74], youths whose husbands have primary education [AOR = 1.39; 1.02, 1.91], and youths who use contraception [AOR = 1.66; 1.24, 2.22] were significant predictors of knowledge of ovulatory period. Knowledge of the ovulatory period among youth had non random spatial distribution across Ethiopia, and the primary clusters of incorrect knowledge of the ovulatory period were observed in Somalia, SNNPR, Benishangul gumuz, and Gambella regions of Ethiopia. CONCLUSION: There was a non-random spatial pattern in the distribution of knowledge of the ovulation period among young women in Ethiopia. Age of youth, educational status, education of husband, and contraceptive use were significant predictors of knowledge of the ovulatory period among young women in Ethiopia. Hence, interventions should prioritize at-risk youths residing in regions with limited knowledge of the ovulatory period to enhance their awareness of the fertility window.

Unimproved source of drinking water and its associated factors: a spatial and multilevel analysis of Ethiopian demographic and health survey.

BACKGROUND: Drinking water quality has been a major public health concern in lower and middle income countries where access to improved water supplies is limited. Ethiopia is thought to have one of the worst drinking water infrastructures in the world. This study aimed to assess the spatial variation and determinants of using unimproved sources of drinking water in Ethiopia using recent nationally representative data. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was employed with the recent EDHS data of 2019. A total of 8663 households were sampled using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling method. Kuldorff's SaTScan version 9.6 software was used to generate spatial scan statistics. ArcGIS version 10.7 software was used to visualize the spatial patterns of unimproved drinking water sources. A multilevel multivariable mixed-effect logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the use of an unimproved drinking water source. In the multivariable multilevel analysis, those variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered to be significant predictors of using an unimproved source of drinking water. RESULT: Around 31% (95% CI: 30%, 32%) of the population in Ethiopia uses unimproved sources of drinking water with significant spatial variation across the country. Households aged 41-60 [AOR = 0.69; 95%CI; 0.53, 0.89] as compared to the households aged 10-25, households having middle wealth index [AOR = 0.48; 95%CI; 0.40, 0.59], and households having a rich wealth index [AOR = 0.31; 95%CI; 0.25, 0.39] as compared to the poor households, living in high community literacy level [AOR = 0.36; 95%CI; 0.16, 0.80], living in high-level community poverty [AOR = 3.03; 95%CI; 1.32, 6.98], rural residence [AOR = 7.88; 95%CI; 2.74, 22.67] were significant predictors of use of unimproved source of drinking water. Hot spot areas of use of unimproved drinking water sources were observed in Amhara, Afar, and Somalia regions and some parts of SNNPR and Oromia regions in Ethiopia. The primary clusters were found in Ethiopia's Somalia and Oromia regions. CONCLUSION: Around one third of the Ethiopian population utilizes unimproved source of drinking water and it was distributed non-randomly across regions of Ethiopia. The age of the household head, wealth status of the household, residence, community poverty level, and community literacy level were found to be significantly associated with utilizing unimproved drinking water source. State authorities, non-governmental organizations and local health administrators should work to improve the quality of drinking water particularly for high risk groups such as communities living in high poverty and low literacy, poor households, rural residents, and hot spot areas to decrease the adverse consequences of using unimproved drinking water source.

Spatial distribution and associated factors of severe malnutrition among under-five children in Ethiopia: further analysis of 2019 mini EDHS.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is both a significant cause and a result of poverty and deprivation. In developing nations, child malnutrition is still the main public health issue. Severe malnutrition affects every system of the body and leads to medical instability. The assessment of the burden of severe malnutrition is important for ready-to-use therapeutic foods and preparing therapy for these conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and spatial distribution of severe malnutrition and the factors associated with it. METHODS: Data from the 2019 Mini-EDHS (Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys) with stratified sampling techniques were used. The data were weighted using sample weight to restore the data's representativeness and provide accurate statistical estimations. A total of 5,006 weighted samples of children under the age of five were used to analyze the study. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was built, and a cutoff P-value of 0.05 was used. The wag staff normalized concentration index and curve as well as spatial analysis were used. RESULTS: The prevalence of severe malnutrition practice among under five years children in Ethiopia was 14.89% (95%CI: 13.93%, 15.91%), and ranges from 4.58% in Addis Ababa to 25.81% in the Afar region. Women with secondary and above education status as compared to uneducated [AOR = 0.17; 95%CI;[0.06, 0.48], high community women's education as compared to low [AOR = 0.54; 95%CI; 0.36, 0.78], women from richest household as compared to poorest [AOR = 0.63; 95%CI; 0.26, 0.94] and living in Oromia region as compared to Tigray [AOR = 0.33: 95%CI; 0.15, 0.74] were preventive factors. Whereas children 24-59 months of age as compared to under six months [AOR = 1.62; 95%CI; 1.50, 1.75], and being multiple births as compared to single [AOR = 5.34; 95%CI; 1.36,2 1.01] have significant risk factors for severe malnutrition. There was a pro-poor distribution of severe malnutrition among under-five children in Ethiopia with a concentration index of -0.23 [95%CI: -0.27, -0.19]. Severe malnutrition has significant spatial variation over regions in the country where the entire Afar, Eastern Amhara, Southern, and eastern Tigray regions were severely affected (RR = 1.72, P-value < 0.01). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The prevalence of severe malnutrition in Ethiopia is relatively high as compared to other studies and most of them were severe chronic malnutrition. Having an educated mother/caregiver, and living in a cluster with high community women's education were preventive factors for severe malnutrition in children. Whereas having an unmarried mother/caregiver, old age of the child, plurality of birth, and having double children in the family have a positive association with it. Moreover, it was disproportionately concentrated in poor households (pro-poor distribution). The spatial distribution of childhood severe malnutrition was not random. Regions like Tigray, Afar, Eastern parts of Amhara, and Somalia regions should be considered priority areas for nutritional interventions for reducing severe malnutrition. Equity-focused nutritional interventions could be needed to curb the wealth-related inequalities of childhood severe malnutrition.

An unacceptably high burden of anaemia and it's predictors among young women (15-24 years) in low and middle income countries; set back to SDG progress.

BACKGROUND: Anaemia is a major global public health problem, considerably affects young women in resource limited countries. The available researches on anaemia focused on children, pregnant women, or all women of reproductive age. However, women's biology and life experiences vary dramatically across 15 to 49 years, putting young women bear the higher burden of anaemia, mainly in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Therefore, this study assessed the burden of anaemia among young women (15-24 years) in 24 LMICs which conducted Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) between 2016 and 2021. METHOD: Data analysis was carried out with STATA version 14. The forest plot was used to explore the pooled prevalence of anaemia. Multilevel binary logistic regression was fitted to accommodate the hierarchical nature of the DHS data. Accordingly, a model with lowest deviance (model III) was the best-fitted model. All variables with a p-value ≤ 0.2 in the bi-variable analysis were fitted in the multi-level multivariable model. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI and p < 0.05 were presented to declare statistical significance. RESULT: The pooled prevalence of anaemia among young (15-24 years) women in 24 LMICs was 41.58% (95%CI: 34.51, 48.65). Country wise, Mali (62.95%) and Rwanda (14.13%) constitute the highest and lowest prevalence of anaemia. In this study, young women who lived in the poorest wealth status, had no education, were underweight, perceived distance to the health facility a big problem, larger family size, and women who had ever terminated pregnancy were associated with increased odds of anaemia. Whereas, young women who were overweight and not breast feeding had decreased odds of anaemia. CONCLUSION: The unacceptably high burden of anaemia among young women setbacks the SDG target; to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030. Therefore, it is highly recommended to take relevant interventions to reduce the burden of anaemia targeted the young women who are uneducated, have low socio-economic status, limited access to health facilities, and lived in larger family size.

Socioeconomic inequality in modern contraceptive utilization among reproductive-age women in sub-Saharan African countries: a decomposition analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Family planning services allow individuals to achieve desired birth spacing, family size, and contribute to improved health outcomes for infants, children, women, and families, and prevent unintended pregnancy. Births resulting from unintended pregnancies can have negative consequences Children from unintended pregnancies are more likely to experience poor mental and physical health during childhood. Even though many international organizations work to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, reproductive health service utilization is concentrated among individuals with rich socioeconomic status. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the presence of socioeconomic inequality in modern contraceptive utilization and its contributors in sub-Saharan African countries. METHODS: A total of 466,282 weighted reproductive-aged women samples from DHS data SSA countries were included in the study. Erreygers normalized concentration index and its concentration curve were used to assess socioeconomic-related inequality in modern contraceptive utilization. Decomposition analysis was performed to identify factors contributing to socioeconomic-related inequality. RESULTS: The weighted Erreygers normalized concentration index for modern contraceptive utilization was 0.079 with Standard error = 0.0013 (P value< 0.0001); indicating that There is small amount but statistically significant pro rich distribution of wealth related in equalities of modern contraceptive utilization among reproductive age women. The decomposition analysis revealed that mass media exposure, wealth index., place of residency, and distance of health facility were the major contributors to the pro-rich socioeconomic inequalities in modern contraceptive utilization. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: In this study, there is a small amount but statistically significant pro rich distribution of modern contraceptive utilization. Therefore, give priority to modifiable factors such as promoting the accessibility of health facilities, media exposure of the household, and improving their country's economy to a higher economic level to improve the wealth status of the population.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of low back pain and its associated factors among school teachers in Africa.

INTRODUCTION: Low back pain (LBP) is a key social, economic, and public health problem in the world. The impact of LBP is given less priority and is empirically unrepresented in low- and middle-income countries as a result of the focus on more pressing and life-threatening health issues, including infectious diseases. In Africa, the prevalence of LBP is irregular and increasing among schoolteachers on account of teaching activities performed under suboptimal working conditions. Therefore, the objective of this review was to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of LBP among school teachers in Africa. METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed based on the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive systematic literature search focused on LBP in African school teachers was conducted using the PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, and CABI databases, regardless of publication timelines, from October 20 to December 3, 2022. In addition, gray literature was searched using Google Scholar and Google Search. Data were extracted in Microsoft Excel by using the JBI data extraction checklist. The overall effect of LBP was estimated using a random effect model via DerSimonian-Laird weights. The pooled prevalence and odds ratio of associated factors with 95% CI were computed using STATA 14/SE software. The I2 test and Egger's regression test were used to assess heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 585 articles were retrieved, and 11 eligible studies involving a total of 5,805 school teachers were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of LBP in African school teachers was found to be 59.0% (95% CI: 52.0%-65.0%). Being female [POR: 1.53; 95% CI (1.19, 1.98)], being older [POR: 1.58; 95% CI (1.04, 2.40)], being physically inactive [POR: 1.92; 95% CI (1.04, 3.52)], having sleep problems [POR: 2.03; 95% CI (1.19, 3.44)] and having a history of injury [POR: 1.92; 95% CI (1.67, 2.21)] were factors significantly associated with LBP. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled prevalence of LBP was high among school teachers in Africa compared to developed nations. Sex (female), older age, physical inactivity, sleep problems, and a history of previous injury were predictors of LBP. It is suggested that policymakers and administrators ought to gain awareness of LBP and its risk factors to put existing LBP preventive and control measures into action. Prophylactic management and therapeutic strategies for people with LBP should also be endorsed.

Magnitude and associated factors of intimate partner violence among youth women in Ethiopia: multilevel analysis based on 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: The period of youth is important for the foundation of healthy and stable relationships, women's health and well-being. Youth women face a higher risk of experiencing violence than older women. Intimate partner violence (IPV) against youth women is a significant public health concern. Despite paramount negative health consequences of IPV for the survivor, as per our knowledge, research study on IPV and associated factors among youth women in Ethiopia is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of IPV among youth women in Ethiopia. METHODS: The data was accessed from 2016 Ethiopia demographic and health survey (EDHS) which was a cross sectional population based household survey. It was also conducted using a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling approach. The data were cleaned, weighted, and analyzed using STATA Version 14 software. The total weighted sample of 1077 youth women were used in this study. Multilevel logistic regression modeling was used to determine factors associated with IPV among youth women. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and p value < 0.05 were used to declare the significant variables. RESULTS: Among the total participants, 30.27% (95% CI 27.59, 33.09) of youth women experienced IPV. Individual level variables such as: Being widowed/divorced/separated (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI 1.33, 3.91), having a partner who drinks alcohol (AOR = 5.76; 95% CI 3.42, 9.69), witnessing inter-parental violence during childhood (AOR = 3.45; 95% CI 2.21, 5.37), being afraid of partners (AOR = 7.09; 95% CI 4.30, 11.68), and from community level variables, youth women residing in communities with a low proportion of educated youth women (AOR = 0.31; 95% CI 0.13, 0.78) were significantly associated with having experience of IPV. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of intimate partner violence among youth women in Ethiopia was relatively high as compared to the global estimate of IPV. Individual and community level variables such as currently widowed/divorced/separated women, having a partner who drinks alcohol, witnessing inter-parental violence, being afraid of partner, and women from a low proportion of community level youth women's education were significantly associated with intimate partner violence. To decrease this public health problem, it is better to strengthen legislation on the purchase and sale of alcohol, provide legal protection for separated/divorced women, establish effective legal response services for IPV, promote gender equality, and provide psychological support for those who witnessed inter-parental violence during childhood to reduce IPV.

Community and individual level determinants and spatial distribution of deworming among preschool age children in Ethiopia: spatial and multi-level analysis.

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminths caused millions of morbidity of preschool age children in sub-Saharan Africa with low socio-economic status and lack of clean water and sanitation. In Ethiopia, nearly half of children are affected by intestinal parasites. Despite this prevalence, deworming medication utilization among preschool age children is low. Hence, this study aimed to assess the community and individual level determinants and spatial distributions of deworming among preschool age children in Ethiopia. METHODS: Crossectional collected 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey datasets with a total weighted 8146 children 12-59 months old were used for this study. The data were cleaned, extracted, and analyzed using STAT Version 16 software and exported to MS excel for spatial analysis. In addition, ArcGIS and SaTScan software were used to detect the geographic distribution of deworming utilization among preschool age children. RESULTS: The magnitude of deworming among preschool age children in Ethiopia was 13.32% (95% CI: 12.60, 14.08) and ranges from the lowest 3.34% (95% CI: 1.01, 10.45) Afar region to the highest 28.66% (95% CI:24.95, 32.69) Tigray region. In multilevel multivariable logistics regression analysis; variables such as secondary and above women education [AOR = 1.89; 95%CI; 1.32, 2.73], women who have occupation [AOR = 1.47; 95%CI; 1.23, 1.76], child with 12-23 months old [AOR = 2.00; 95%CI; 1.62, 2.46], having ANC visit [AOR = 1.68; 95%CI; 1.35, 2.08], households that have media exposure [AOR = 1.50; 95%CI; 1.22, 1.85] were significantly associated with deworming among preschool age children. Afar, Eastern Amhara, Dire Dewa, Harari, Somalia, and Eastern SNNPE regions were cold spot regions with Global Moran's I value 0.268 (p < 0.0001) for deworming of preschool age children. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of deworming among preschool age children in Ethiopia is relatively low. Individual-level factors such as; maternal education and occupation, having ANC visit, child age, household media exposure, and community-level variables such as; community media usage had a significant association with deworming among preschool age children in Ethiopia. These findings highlight that, the Ministry of Health (MOH) Ethiopia should prepare a regular campaign for deworming programs for preschool age children. Mass media promotion of deworming should be strengthened. The Ministry of Education should work to strengthen women's education, household and community media exposure. Prior attention should be given to low deworming regions such as Afar, Somalia, Diredewa, and Harari regions.

Limited handwashing facility and associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa: pooled prevalence and multilevel analysis of 29 sub-Saharan Africa countries from demographic health survey data.

INTRODUCTION: Handwashing is fundamentally an inexpensive means of reducing the spread of communicable diseases. In developing countries, many people die due to infectious diseases that could be prevented by proper hand hygiene. The recent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a threat to people who are living in resource-limited countries including sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Effective hand hygiene requires sufficient water from reliable sources, preferably accessible on premises, and access to handwashing facility (water and or soap) that enable hygiene behaviors. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of limited handwashing facility and its associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS: Data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) were used, which have been conducted in 29 sub-Saharan African countries since January 1, 2010. A two-stage stratified random cluster sampling strategy was used to collect the data. This study comprised a total of 237,983 weighted samples. The mixed effect logistic regression model with a cluster-level random intercept was fitted. Meta-analysis and sub-group analysis were performed to establish the pooled prevalence. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of limited handwashing facility was found to be 66.16% (95% CI; 59.67%-72.65%). Based on the final model, household head with age group between 35 and 60 [AOR = 0.89, 95% CI; 0.86-0.91], households with mobile type of hand washing facility [AOR = 1.73, 95% CI; 1.70-1.77], unimproved sanitation facility [AOR = 1.58, 95% CI; 1.55-1.62], water access more than 30 min round trip [AOR = 1.16, 95% CI; 1.13-1.19], urban residential area [AOR = 2.08, 95% CI; 2.04-2.13], low media exposure [AOR = 1.47, 95% CI; 1.31-1.66], low educational level [AOR = 1.30, 95% CI; 1.14-1.48], low income level [AOR = 2.41, 95% CI; 2.33-2.49] as well as lower middle-income level [AOR = 2.10, 95% CI; 2.14-2.17] and households who had more than three children [AOR = 1.25, 95% CI; 1.20-1.31] were associated with having limited handwashing facility. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The pooled coverage of limited handwashing facility was high in sub-Saharan Africa. Raising awareness of the community and promoting access to handwashing materials particularly in poorer and rural areas will reduce its coverage.

Sexually transmitted infections related care-seeking behavior and associated factors among reproductive age women in East Africa: a multilevel analysis of demographic and health surveys.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections are serious global public health issue, and their consequences contribute significantly to population morbidity and mortality, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is limited information about the sexually transmitted infections related care-seeking behavior in East Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of sexually transmitted infections related care-seeking behavior, and associated factors among reproductive-age women in East Africa using the recent Demographic and Health Survey. METHODS: This study was based on recent Demographic and Health Survey of 8 East African countries from 2008/09 to 2018/2019. A total weighted sample of 12,004 reproductive-age women who reported sexually transmitted infections or symptoms of sexually transmitted infections in the last 12 months wereincluded. A multi-level mixed-effect logistic regression model was used and a P-value of < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant level for identification of individual and community level factors and AOR with a 95% l CI was computed. RESULT: The overall prevalence of sexually transmitted infections related care-seeking behavior among reproductive-age women in East African countries was 54.14% [95% CI: 53.25%, 55.03%]. In multilevel analysis: being age 25-34 [AOR = 1.27 95%CI: 1.15-1.41], 35-49 [AOR = 1.26 95%CI: 1.13-1.41], women who attained secondary or above education [AOR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.47], being in rich household [AOR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.14, 1.41], women who were currently pregnant [AOR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.13, 1.47], who had been tested for HIV [AOR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.70, 2.33], women who had one and more than one sexual partner [AOR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.05, 1.34], women who lived in urban area [AOR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.31] and who perceived distance from the health facility was not a big problem was [AOR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.04, 1.23] were significantly associated with sexually transmitted infections related care-seeking behavior. CONCLUSION: sexually transmitted infections related care-seeking behavior is relatively low as compared with other studies.. This study revealed that individual-level variables such as women's age, educational status, household wealth index, pregnancy status, ever been tested for HIV, number of sexual partners, and community-level variables such as residence and distance from a health facility were associated with sexually transmitted infections related care-seeking behavior. Therefore, public health interventions targeting uneducated women, poor households, and adolescents, as well as improving counseling and awareness creation during HIV/AIDS testing and Antenatal care visits, are vital to improving sexually transmitted infections care seeking behavior.

Prevalence of drinking or eating more than usual and associated factors during childhood diarrhea in East Africa: a multilevel analysis of recent demographic and health survey.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea is the second most common cause of death in under-five children. Fluid and food replacement during diarrheal episodes have a paramount effect to avert morbidity and mortality. However, there is limited information about feeding practices. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of drinking or eating more and associated factors during diarrhea among under-five children in East Africa using demographic and health surveys (DHSs). METHODS: Secondary data analysis was done on DHSs 2008 to 2018 in 12 East African Countries. Total weighted samples of 20,559 mothers with their under-five children were included. Data cleaning, coding, and analysis were performed using Stata 16. Multilevel binary logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with drinking or eating more during diarrheal episodes. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% CI, and p-value < 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance. RESULTS: Prevalence of drinking or eating more than usual during diarrhea disease in East Africa was 26.27%(95% CI: 25.68-26.88). Mothers age > 35 years (AOR: 1.14, 95% CI: (1.03, 1.26), mothers primary education (AOR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06,1.28), secondary education (AOR: 1.43,95% CI: 1.27,1.61), and higher education (AOR: 1.42,95% CI: 1.11,1.81), occupation of mothers (agriculture, AOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3-3.6), sales and services, AOR = 1.20, CI:1.07,1.34), manual, AOR =1.28,95% CI: 1.11,1.44), children age 1-2 years (AOR =1.34,95% CI: 1.22,1.46) and 3-4 years (AOR =1.36,95% CI: 1.20,1.55), four and more antenatal visits (AOR: 1.14,95% CI: 1.03,1.27), rich wealth status (AOR:1.27,95% CI: 1.16,1.40), birth in health facility (AOR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.10, 1.30) and visit health facility (AOR = 1.12, 95%CI: 1.03, 1.22) were associated with drinking or eating more. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of drinking or eating more is low in East Africa. Maternal age, occupation, antenatal care visit, marital status, educational status, wealth status, place of delivery, visiting health facility, and child age were significantly associated with drinking or eating more during diarrheal episodes. Health policy and programs should focus on educating mothers, improving the household wealth status, encouraging women to contact health facilities for better feeding practices of children during diarrheal episodes.

Spatiotemporal distribution and determinants of delayed first antenatal care visit among reproductive age women in Ethiopia: a spatial and multilevel analysis.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal care (ANC) is one of the four pillars of the initiative for safe motherhood. ANC helps to improve the health of pregnant women and reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. First ANC is used to know the health status of the mothers and the fetus, to estimate the gestational age and expected date of delivery. Our research aims to investigate the Spatio-temporal distribution of delayed first ANC visit and its predictors using multilevel binary logistic regression analysis. METHOD: A total of 10,184 women (2061 in 2005, 3366 in 2011, and 4757 in 2016) were included for this study. The data were cleaned and weighted using STATA version 14. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify significant predictors of delayed first ANC visit. ArcGIS software was used to explore the spatial distribution of delayed first ANC visits and a Bernoulli model was fitted using SaTScan software to identify significant clusters of delayed first ANC visits. RESULTS: Overall, 77.69, 73.95, and 67.61% of women had delayed their first ANC visit in 2005, 2011, and 2016 EDHSs respectively. Women education [AOR = 0.71; 95%CI; 0.60, 0.84], unwanted pregnancy [AOR = 1.41;95%CI; 1.04, 1.89], and rural residence [AOR = 1.68;95%CI; 1.19, 2.38] have significantly associated with delayed first ANC visit. The spatial analysis revealed that delayed first ANC visit varies in each EDHS period. The SaTScan analysis result of EDHS 2005 data identified 122 primary clusters located between the border of Oromia and Eastern SNNPR regions (RR = 1.30, LLR = 32.31, P-value< 0.001), whereas in 2011 EDHS, 145 primary clusters were identified in entire Tigray, B/Gumuz, Amhara western part of Afar and northwest Oromia regions (RR = 1.30, LLR = 40.79, P-value< 0.001). Besides in 2016 EDHS,198 primary clusters were located in the entire SNNPR, Gambella, Northen B/Gumuz, and western Oromia regions. (RR = 1.35, LLR = 83.21, P-value< 0.001). CONCLUSION: In Ethiopia delayed first ANC visit was significantly varied across the country over time Women's education, wanted the last child, and residence were significantly associated with delayed first ANC booking. The effect of each predictor was found to be different across regions of Ethiopia. Therefore, a targeted intervention program is required in highly affected areas of Ethiopia.

Prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Ethiopia: Evidence from a workplace cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are the leading cause of disability worldwide. Shopkeepers are prone to developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders, but they are largely overlooked in research and policy actions, particularly in developing countries. So far, there is a lack of data on the magnitude and factors influencing work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Ethiopia. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in Gondar City, Ethiopia. METHODS: A workplace-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2022, in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 625 shopkeepers. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Analysis was made using Stata version 14. Factors associated with the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were identified using the multivariable Poisson regression model. The adjusted prevalence ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p-value < 0.05 were applied to establish the significance of associations. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers in the past 12 months was found to be 81.1% (N = 507). The most frequently affected body part was the lower back (46.6%), followed by the upper back (43.8%) and shoulder (35.4%). Being female (p = 0.043), being in the age group of ≥40 years (p = 0.028), being overweight (p = 0.035), experiencing job stress (p = 0.006) and prolonged sitting (p = 0.045) were significant factors for the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among shopkeepers. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that shopkeepers face an alarmingly high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Female, older, overweight, stressed and shopkeepers who sit in the same position for long periods of time were identified as particularly vulnerable groups. These findings call for the urgent development and implementation of preventive measures, including ergonomic adjustments, education and training programs, stress management techniques and the promotion of physical activity, to protect this vulnerable workforce from the debilitating effects of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and to ensure their long-term health and well-being.

Multilevel modelling of factors associated with eight or more antenatal care contacts in low and middle-income countries: findings from national representative data.

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is the care provided by skilled healthcare professionals to pregnant women in order to ensure the best health conditions for both mother and baby. Antenatal care provides a platform for important healthcare functions including risk identification, prevention and management of pregnancy-related diseases. Inadequate ANC utilization is a global problem especially for low and middle-income countries. The 2016 WHO ANC model with a minimum of eight ANC visits was aimed to provide pregnant women with person specific care at every contact. However, there are limited studies that investigate the associated factors of inadequate ANC after the endorsement of the WHO 2016 guideline. Therefore, to enrich the evidence in the low and middle-income countries (LMICs), this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence and associated with eight or more ANC contacts during pregnancy. Methods: This study used data from 20 LMICs that have a recent Demographic and Health Survey. About 43 720 women aged 15-49 years who had live births within the year prior to the surveys were included. To identify associated factors of 8 or more ANC contacts, we used multilevel binary logistic regression, and four models were constructed. The results have been presented as odds ratios with 95% CIs, and P values less than 0.05 were considered significant factors for greater than or equal to 8 ANC contacts. Results: In LMICs, the pooled utilization of 8 or more ANC contact was 18.11% (95% CI: 12.64, 23.58), and it ranged from 0.27% in Rwanda to 76.62% in Jordan. In the final multilevel logistic regression model, women with higher education [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=3.83, 95% CI: 3.32, 4.41], husbands with higher education (AOR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.72, 2.28), women who have access to media (AOR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.45), women with decision-making autonomy (AOR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.39, 1.66), women aged 35-49 years (AOR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.5, 1.91), women from communities with high media access (AOR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.53), and husbands residing in communities with high literacy (AOR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.55, 1.98) were associated with higher odds of greater than or equal to 8 ANC contacts. Conversely, women with a birth order of greater than or equal to 6 (AOR=0.65, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.76), women who perceive the distance to a health facility as a significant problem (AOR=0.90, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.96), those with unwanted pregnancies (AOR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.93), delayed initiation of ANC (AOR=0.26, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.3), women from households with the richest wealth index (AOR=0.45, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.52), and rural residents (AOR=0.47, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.51) were associated with lower odds of ≥8 ANC contacts. Conclusion and recommendations: In compliance with the WHO guideline, the number of ANC contacts is low in LMICs. Individual-level, household-level, and community-level variables were associated with greater than or equal to 8 ANC contacts. Therefore, implementation strategies should focus on the identified factors in order to achieve the new WHO recommendation of greater than or equal to 8 ANC contacts.

Correction: Spatial pattern and associated factors of timely vaccination in Ethiopia using EDHS-2016 data: A multilevel and spatial analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296123.].

Multilevel negative binomial analysis of factors associated with numbers of antenatal care contacts in low and middle income countries: Findings from 59 nationally representative datasets.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal care (ANC) is one of the recommended interventions to reduce stillbirth, maternal, neonatal, and child mortality through early identification and management of pregnancy complications or pre-existing conditions. Although increasing number of ANC is a key priority of the 2016 WHO recommendations, ANC uptake in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs) is insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate factors associated with the number of ANC contacts in LMICs. METHODS: Data for the study were drawn from 59 recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in LMICS. We included a total sample of 520,377 mothers who gave birth in the five years preceding the survey. A multilevel negative binomial regression model was applied to identify factors that may affect number of ANC. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (AIRR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were reported to show association. RESULTS: This study found that mothers and their partner with higher educational attainment, mothers aged >35 years, mothers who had decision making autonomy, mothers from female headed household, mothers from richer and richest household, mothers exposed to media, and residing in urban areas had significantly more ANC contacts. However, number of ANC contacts were significantly lower among mothers who initiated ANC after 12 weeks of gestation and perceived healthcare access to be a big problem. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that individual, household, and community-level factors were associated with number of ANC contacts among pregnant mothers in LMICs. Hence, local and international policymakers, and programmers should focus on improving community awareness about maternal health care services through mass media and outreach programs with especial emphasis on women's and their partners educational attainment, rural mothers, women's empowerment, and household socioeconomic status.

Information sharing across institutions: Practices and barriers during public health emergencies in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Rapid, integrated information exchange between stakeholders is critical for effective emergency preparedness and response. However, many low- and middle-income countries face barriers to seamless data sharing. While information accessibility is recognized as important for evidence-based decision-making and resource allocation in Ethiopia, factors influencing current health information sharing practices among stakeholders involved in public health emergency management programs are unclear. This study aims to examine multi-sectoral stakeholders' perspectives and experiences with health data sharing during emergencies in Ethiopia, to identify opportunities and challenges influencing practices to strengthen the national public health emergency response system. METHODS: A mixed-methods study was conducted between June and August 2023, involving a survey of 169 stakeholders actively involved in PHEM programs in Ethiopia as well as 23 in-depth interviews with key informants in senior leadership or advisory roles. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS and thematic analysis of qualitative transcripts. RESULTS: During emergencies, it was observed that data sharing between different entities occurred. Quantitative findings showed the predominant types of health data shared between stakeholders during emergencies included hospital data (109, 64.5 %), clinical case information, and laboratory results. Challenges limiting effective coordination included issues like limited functionality of digital health systems (75, 44 %), incompatible data formats (13, 34 %), and financial constraints (83, 49 %) and and socio-cultural barriers constrain current practices in Ethiopia. Qualitative interviews identified five themes around risk communication and inclusive alert systems. Experts emphasized tailored, multichannel outreach but noted infrastructure gaps and digital divides currently limit poorer communities' engagement. CONCLUSION: While collaborative health information exchange during emergencies is recognized as important, systemic, financial, and socio-cultural barriers constrain current practices in Ethiopia. Targeted strategies including capacity building, investment in integrated data infrastructure, economic optimization through innovative financing models, trust-based relationship development, and locally relevant communication channels informed by stakeholder perspectives can optimize information accessibility, coordination, quality, and equity of healthcare services during public health emergencies.

Women in low- and middle-income countries receive antenatal care at health institutions, yet not delivered there: a multilevel analysis of 2016-2021 DHS data.

BACKGROUND: The institutional delivery dropout (IDD) is a major problem that disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It is associated with increased risks of adverse birth outcomes among pregnant women. Hence, this study assessed the pooled estimate and determinants of IDD after antenatal care (ANC) visit among women in LMICs. METHOD: The Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 29 LMICs were used for this study. Data analysis was performed with STATA version 14. The forest plot was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of IDD. Multilevel binary logistic regression was fitted to identify determinants of IDD. The statistical significance level between the outcome and independent variables was determined through the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI and p-value less than 0.05. RESULT: The pooled prevalence of IDD after ANC booking among reproductive age women in LMICs was 22.25% (95%CI: 18.25, 26.25). Additionally, the prevalence of IDD was highest (29.83%) among women from the South and Central Europe and the Caribbean countries and lowest (13.72%) in Central/Western Asia and the Oceania. In the multilevel analysis; no education (AOR = 2.92; 95% CI: 2.72, 3.13), poorest wealth index (AOR = 3.46; 95% CI: 3.28, 3.66), inadequate ANC visits (AOR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.39, 1.77), no media exposure (AOR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.23, 1.30), rural (AOR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.43, 1.54), distance a big problem (AOR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.25, 1.31), and women located in the South/Eastern Europe and Caribbean region 6.67 (AOR = 6.67; 95% CI: 6.20, 7.20), women lived in low-income countries 7.05 (AOR = 7.05; 95% CI: 6.57, 7.56), and women from lower middle-income countries 5.34 (AOR = 5.57; 95% CI: 4.93, 5.78), had increased odds of IDD after ANC among women in LMICs. However, women who had ever born one child (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.31), and women from Central and Western Asia and the Oceania (AOR = 0.78; 95%CI: 0.74, 0.82) had decreased odds of IDD. CONCLUSION: The IDD was high among women in LMICs and significantly increased among women with no education, from poorest household, had inadequate ANC visit, no media exposure, rural, distance a big problem. Hence, interventions to reduce IDD should focus on addressing the gaps related to maternal education, access to media, and number of ANC visits among women in LMICs.