Awareness and care seeking for long COVID symptoms among Coronavirus disease survivors in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: phenomenological study.

BACKGROUND: Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) has long-term sequels that persisted for months to years and manifested with a spectrum of signs and symptoms. Presentations of long COVID-19 symptoms are heterogeneous, vary from person to person, and can reach up to over 200 symptoms. Limited studies are conducted on the awareness of long COVID-19. So, this study aimed to explore the awareness about and care seeking for long COVID-19 symptoms among COVID survivors in Bahir Dar City in 2022. METHODS: A qualitative study with a phenomenological design was used. Participants of the study were individuals who survived five months or longer after they tested positive for COVID-19 in Bahir Dar city. Individuals were selected purposively. An in-depth interview guide was prepared and used to collect the data. Open Cod 4.03 software was used for coding and synthesizing. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcripts. RESULTS: The themes emerged from the data were awareness, experience of symptoms and their effects, and care practices of long COVID-19. Although only one participant mentioned the common symptoms of long COVID-19 the survivors experienced general, respiratory, cardiac, digestive, neurological, and other symptoms. These symptoms include rash, fatigue fever, cough, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, and abdominal pain, loss of concentration, loss of smell, sleep disorder, depression, joint and muscle pain. These symptoms brought various physical and psychosocial effects. The majority of the respondents described that long COVID-19 symptoms will go off by themselves. To alleviate the problems some of the participants had taken different measures including medical care, homemade remedies, spiritual solutions, and lifestyle modification. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study revealed that participants have a significant deficit of awareness about the common symptoms, risk groups, and communicability of Long COVID. However, they experienced the majority of the common symptoms of Long COVID. To alleviate the problems, they had taken different measures including medical care, homemade remedies, spiritual solutions, and lifestyle modification.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among bank workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are dramatically increased in the world due to the advancement of technology and competitiveness of markets. There were limited studies carried out regarding WMSDs among bank workers in Africa particularly in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and associated factors among bank workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed in the study. Multi-stage sampling techniques were used to select 838 bank workers from 62 banks in Addis Ababa. Self-administered standard Nordic questionnaires were used as well. Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with WMSDs. Moreover adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval (CI) and p value < 0.05 was used to show the strength of association between explanatory variables and dependent variable. RESULTS: Out of 838 total numbers of participants, 755 bank workers returned their questionnaires responding with a rate of 90%. Of these, 77.6% (N = 586) suffered WMSDs with a 95% CI [75-81%]. Based on the final multivariate logistic regression analysis being female [AOR = 2.98, 95% CI 1.91-4.65], sitting back in a twisted position [AOR = 3.59, 95% CI 2.13-6.08], sitting back bent [AOR = 4.06, 95% CI 2.48-6.66], work on fixed position [AOR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.17-2.71], no work time break [AOR = 3.33, 95% CI 1.44-7.71], type of chairs [AOR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.19-5.75] and job stress [AOR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.19-4.54] were factors significantly associated with WMSDs. CONCLUSION: From the study's findings, the magnitude of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among bank workers was high. Being female, awkward posture, no work time break, fixed position, type of chairs, and job stress are the factors significantly associated with WMSDs. So bank workers should use proper types of chairs, practice proper work posture, increase healthy working conditions, and create awareness programs on how to maintain beneficial health conditions which may lead to increased leisure time.

Diarrhea Prevalence and Associated Factors among Children in Azezo Sub-City, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Globally, diarrheal disease continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children under 5 years of age, especially in low-income countries such as Ethiopia. However, there is still limited evidence in the study area quantifying the burden of diarrheal disease among children under 5 years. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2019 to estimate the prevalence of childhood diarrhea and to identify its associated factors in Azezo sub-city, northwest Ethiopia. A simple random sampling technique was applied to recruit the eligible cluster villages with children under 5 years. Data were collected by interviewing mothers or guardians using structured questionnaires. The completed data were entered into EpiInfo version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with diarrheal disease. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI was used to measure the strength of association between the dependent and independent variable. The period prevalence of diarrheal disease among children under 5 years was 24.9% (95% CI: 20.4-29.7%). Age group between 1 and 12 months [AOR: 9.22, 95% CI: (2.93-29.04)] and 13 and 24 months [AOR: 4.44, 95% CI: (1.87-10.56)], as well as low monthly income (AOR: 3.68, 95% CI: (1.81-7.51)] and poor handwashing practice [AOR: 8.37, 95% CI: (3.12-22.52), were significantly associated with high risk of childhood diarrhea. In contrast, small family size [AOR: 0.32, 95% CI: (0.16-0.65)], and immediate consumption of prepared meals [AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: (0.19-0.81)] were significantly associated with low risk of childhood diarrhea. Diarrheal diseases were a common health problem among children under 5 years of age in Azezo sub-city. Therefore, an appropriate hygiene intervention program through health education is recommended with a focus on identified risk factors to reduce the burden of diarrheal diseases.

Utilization of Latrine and Associated Factors Among Rural Households in Takussa District, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The use of sanitation facilities is known to interrupt the transmission of fecal-oral related diseases. However, the evidence was limited about the utilization of latrines within the rural community of Takussa district. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the utilization of latrines and associated factors among households in Takussa district, northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed to survey 801 rural households among initially computed 812 participants from February 15 to March 15, 2019. A structured questionnaire with face-to-face interviews was used to collect the data. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the completed data. A binary logistic regression model was used to process bivariate and multivariable analysis of the data. The adjusted odds ratio was used for the interpretation of the data after controlling for the confounders. Results: The proper latrine utilization rate was 41.9%, with a 95% confidence interval of (38.8, 45.3). Households with school-aged children (AOR: 2.27, 95% CI: (1.44, 3.56), a clean latrine (AOR: 3.34, 95% CI: (1.26, 4.93), the optimal distance from the living room (AOR: 1.56, 95% CI: (1.09, 2.25), and perceived benefit (AOR: 3.64, 95% CI: (1.13, 11.67) were statistically associated factors. Conclusion: The Proper utilization of latrines was low among rural households in the Takussa district. School children, distance, cleanliness, and the benefit of latrines were statistically associated factors. As a result, encouraging health extension workers integrated into district schools to pay special attention to frequent follow-up in order to promote proper latrine utilization at the household level.

Low prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1-9 years in rural communities of Metema District, Northwest Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Trachoma is an infectious disease of the eye caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and transmitted via contact with eye discharge from infected persons and leading to blindness worldwide. Children less than 9 years of age affected more seriously. The disease is common where access to water and sanitation are limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among children aged 1-9 years in rural communities of Metema District, West Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. METHOD: A community based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from 792 children aged 1-9 years old in Metema district from April to May 2018. Multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Pretested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and eye examination using binocular loupe to differentiate trachoma cases was the data collection methods and tools. The bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression model was employed for analysis. P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 752 children aged l-9 years were enrolled in this study with response rate of 94.9%. The overall prevalence of active trachoma among the study participants was 11.8% (95% CI, 9.5-13.9). Unprotected source of water (AOR = 4.7; 95% CI: 2.5-8.9), lower household water consumption (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3-6.0), improper latrine utilization (AOR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.5-6.7), and frequency of face washing once per day (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI: 1.2-26.6) were the factors significantly associated with active trachoma. CONCLUSION: The current study revealed a lower overall prevalence of active trachoma (11.8%) than the WHO threshold prevalence (20%) used to declare it as a severe public health problem. All residents and health professional should collaborate on trachoma prevention by implementing the WHO SAFE strategy- surgery for trichiasis, antibiotics, facial cleanliness and environmental improvement for further trachoma elimination.

Level of Faecal Coliform Contamination of Drinking Water Sources and Its Associated Risk Factors in Rural Settings of North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Community Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Today, close to a billion people mostl living in the developing world do not have access to safe and adequate water. Several studies in Ethiopia indicate that the majority of the drinking water sources had coliform count beyond the WHO standard. Therefore, Regular quality control mechanisms need to be in place. The objective of this study is therefore to determine the level of faecal coliform contamination of drinking water and its associated factors in North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural parts of North Gondar Zone from April to July, 2016. Water samples were taken from water sources using standardized water sampling techniques. Face-to-face interview with structured questionnaires were used to collect socio-economic and behavioral data. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done using logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 736 households participated in the study. The prevalence of positive faecal coliform at water sources in North Gondar Zone was found to be 56.5% (n=416) with [95% CI (53-60)]. In multivariate analysis, educational status [(AOR): 0.28, 95% CI (0.1-0.8], sanitary risk of contamination [AOR): 513, 95%CI (51-511)] and water shortage experience [AOR: 0.25, 95% CI (0.12-0.5)] are variables identified as predictors for faecal coliform contamination of water in the source. CONCLUSION: In this study, the prevalence of positive faecal coliform at water source was high. Educational status, sanitary Risk of contamination at the water source, water shortage experience had significant associations with the presence of faecal coliform in drinking water sources.

Diarrhea Prevalence and Sociodemographic Factors among Under-Five Children in Rural Areas of North Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Diarrheal disease remains one of the principal causes of morbidity and mortality in infants and children in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Risk factors for diarrhea vary by settings and have important implications for developing intervention strategies to reduce the burden of the disease. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess diarrhea prevalence and sociodemographic factors among under-five children in rural areas of North Gondar Zone. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2016 among 736 randomly selected households with one child under five years old. A structured questionnaire was used for collecting information on sociodemographic characteristics and diarrheal occurrence. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. The bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to determine the association between risk factors and diarrheal occurrence, and a p value < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 736 under-five children and their respondents were enrolled during the study period. Almost all respondents were biological mothers 96.4% (709/736), married 94.2% (693/736), and house wives 86% (632/736). The overall prevalence of diarrheal disease among under-five children was 22.1% (163/743). Of these, children with age group of less than one year old, 7.7 % (57/736), were commonly infected with diarrheal diseases. Children less than or equal to one year [AOR=1.82, 95% CI= (1.39, 4.63)], guardians [AOR=4.37, 95% CI= (1.73, 11.1)], and children with no breast feeding practice [AOR=3.13, 95% CI= (1.62, 6.03)] were the major risk factors for the occurrence of diarrhea. CONCLUSION: Childhood diarrhea remains an important health concern in the study area. Occurrence of diarrhea was statistically associated with child age less than or equal to one year, educational status of mother/guardians, and breast feeding. To minimize the magnitude childhood diarrhea, various designing and implementing strategies, such as health education, child care, breast feeding, and weaning practice, integrated with the existing national health extension are quite essential.

Environmental factors of diarrhea prevalence among under five children in rural area of North Gondar zone, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: In the sub-Saharan countries, many of the children including found in health facilities are not having sufficient care of diarrhea. Diarrheal disease in these countries is one of the main causes of deaths for under-five children. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study design was used to collect data from May-June, 2016 to determine environmental factors of diarrhea prevalence among under five children in North Gondar Zone. Structured interview questionnaire and observational checklist were used to collect data. Using probability proportion to size, number of households was determined in each district. The multivariable binary logistic regression analysis with a 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05.was used to identify environmental factors associated with childhood diarrheal disease. RESULTS: Of the total 736 individuals surveyed from 736 households, a total of 163 (22.1%) with [95% CI (19.1-25.1)] under -five children had 2 week period diarrhea prevalence. Roof material [AOR: 1.99, 95% CI (1.1-3.82)], hand washing facility [AOR: 0.52, 95%CI (0.33-0.82)], presence of Latrine facility [AOR: 1.65, 95% CI (1.01-2.72)], presence of feces around the pit hole [AOR: 1.65, 95% CI (1.01-2.72)], presence of feces around the house compound [AOR: 1.65, 95% CI (1.01-2.72)] and risk of contamination of household storage had significant associations with diarrheal morbidity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of childhood diarrheal disease among under - five children in rural settings of northwest Ethiopia was high. Type of roof material, hand washing facility, presence of Latrine facility, presence of feces around the pit hole, presence of feces around the house compound and risk of contamination of household storage had significant associations with diarrheal morbidity.

Cotton dust exposure and self-reported respiratory symptoms among textile factory workers in Northwest Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Cotton dust induced respiratory disorders are dramatically increased over the globe, especially the problem is serious in developing countries. Respiratory symptoms, such as cough, phlegm, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, chronic bronchitis, and byssinosis are common among workers exposed to cotton dust. However, in Ethiopia, the magnitude of the problem is not well known and information is limited about the risk factors. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and associated factors. METHODS: A Comparative cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 413 (276 exposed and 137 unexposed) participants were included in the study. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select exposed and unexposed groups to cotton dust respectively. Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses was performed to identify variables associated with respiratory symptoms and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was used to determine the strength of associations. Significance level was obtained at 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value ≤0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms was 47.8% (95% CI: 41.3, 53.7%) and 15.3% (95% CI: 9.6, 22.3%) among exposed and control groups respectively. Sex (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.45), service year (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.19, 4.71) and ventilation (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.17, 4.91) were factors significantly associated with respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, working department such as; ginning (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI: 2.13, 12.16), spinning (AOR = 4.96, 95% CI: 2.18, 11.29), weaving (AOR = 5.9, 95% CI: 2.46, 14.27) and blowing working departments (AOR = 5.14, 95% CI: 1.4, 18.94) were significantly associated with respiratory disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms was higher among workers exposed to cotton dust than unexposed workers. Sex, service year, working department and work unit ventilation were predictor variables for respiratory symptoms. Thus, reducing exposure to dust, adequate ventilation and improving the hygiene of working departments are needed to reduce respiratory symptoms.