Prevalence of Post-Operative Trichiasis in Southern Ethiopia, 2021: A Community Based Cross Sectional Study.

Background: Post-operative trichiasis (PTT) is a major challenge following corrective eyelid surgery for trachomatous trichiasis. There is a scarcity of research on post-operative trichiasis in Southern Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of post-operative trichiasis in patients who underwent corrective surgery. Objective: To assess the prevalence of post-operative trichiasis in the Gamo Zone in Southern Ethiopia in 2021. Methods: A descriptive community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Dita district, Southern Ethiopia. The data were collected between 2014 and 2020. Three Qualified trachoma trichiasis (TT) graders working on a trachoma impact survey were recruited for this study. Eye examinations were performed by graders on all study subjects using a loupe to identify post-operative trichiasis. All patients underwent upper eyelid surgery only. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 459 participants from the TT Surgery Logbook. Results: Of the 459 study participants, more than three quarter 353 (76.9%) were female. The mean age of the study subjects was 48.38 years with a standard deviation of +-10.4. A total of 10 upper eyelids (7 bilateral and 3 left upper eyelids) underwent PTT. The prevalence of post-operative trichiasis in the study area was 2.2% (95% CI: 0.9-3.5%. Fourteen (4.7%) unoperated upper eyelids developed trichiasis infection. A few patients had left and right lower eyelid trichiasis (6/459 [1.3%] and 3/459 [0.7%], respectively). Conclusion and Recommendation: The prevalence of post-operative trichiasis in the study area was similar to that recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation range. Trachoma trichiasis was observed on the lower and upper unoperated eyelids of the study participants. Therefore, sustainable interventions should be considered in the study area for all the components of the SAFE strategy, particularly on S component.

Burden of lower respiratory infections and associated risk factors across regions in Ethiopia: a subnational analysis of the Global Burden of Diseases 2019 study.

OBJECTIVE: This analysis is to present the burden and trends of morbidity and mortality due to lower respiratory infections (LRIs), their contributing risk factors, and the disparity across administrative regions and cities from 1990 to 2019. DESIGN: This analysis used Global Burden of Disease 2019 framework to estimate morbidity and mortality outcomes of LRI and its contributing risk factors. The Global Burden of Disease study uses all available data sources and Cause of Death Ensemble model to estimate deaths from LRI and a meta-regression disease modelling technique to estimate LRI non-fatal outcomes with 95% uncertainty intervals (UI). STUDY SETTING: The study includes nine region states and two chartered cities of Ethiopia. OUTCOME MEASURES: We calculated incidence, death and years of life lost (YLLs) due to LRIs and contributing risk factors using all accessible data sources. We calculated 95% UIs for the point estimates. RESULTS: In 2019, LRIs incidence, death and YLLs among all age groups were 8313.7 (95% UI 7757.6-8918), 59.4 (95% UI 49.8-71.4) and 2404.5 (95% UI 2059.4-2833.3) per 100 000 people, respectively. From 1990, the corresponding decline rates were 39%, 61% and 76%, respectively. Children under the age of 5 years account for 20% of episodes, 42% of mortalities and 70% of the YLL of the total burden of LRIs in 2019. The mortality rate was significantly higher in predominantly pastoralist regions-Benishangul-Gumuz 101.8 (95% UI 84.0-121.7) and Afar 103.7 (95% UI 86.6-122.6). The Somali region showed the least decline in mortality rates. More than three-fourths of under-5 child deaths due to LRIs were attributed to malnutrition. Household air pollution from solid fuel attributed to nearly half of the risk factors for all age mortalities due to LRIs in the country. CONCLUSION: In Ethiopia, LRIs have reduced significantly across the regions over the years (except in elders), however, are still the third-leading cause of mortality, disproportionately affecting children younger than 5 years old and predominantly pastoralist regions. Interventions need to consider leading risk factors, targeted age groups and pastoralist and cross-border communities.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Diabetic Patients in Arba Minch General Hospital, South West Ethiopia, 2021.

Purpose of the Study: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and associated factors among diabetic patients in Arba Minch General Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the second most common cause of absence from work which causes functional loss of the hands and leads to disability. However, it is understudied among diabetic patients in Ethiopia. Patients and Materials: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to October 1, 2021. Systematic random sampling method was used to select 353 study participants. CTS-6 Evaluation tool was applied to assess carpal tunnel syndrome. The data was coded and entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 statistical packages and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression model was applied to assess the association between outcome variable and independent variables. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI and p-values <0.05 were used to identify significantly associated factors with an outcome variable. Results: The study was conducted among 353 diabetic patients. The cumulative prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among diabetes was 3.1%. CTS was statistically significantly associated with high body mass index; AOR=0.34 (0.12, 0.97, 95% CI) (p=0.04. Majority of participants 322 (91.2%) had type 2 DM. Mean fasting blood sugar level ± standard error of study participants was 157.52 ± 1.91 mg/dl. Conclusion: The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome was relatively low. High body mass index (BMI) was significantly but negatively associated with carpal tunnel syndrome compared to diabetic patients with normal BMI. Diabetic patients with normal BMI should be screened for CTS for early management of the disease and prevention of further complications. Further investigations are recommended.

Risk Perception and Behavioral Response of Teachers to COVID-19 in Southern Ethiopia, 2021.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious illness which was first identified in Wuhan China. The mode of transmission of COVID-19 is mainly from person-to-person by respiratory transmission and from contact with contaminated surfaces. Teachers may have a significant higher number of social interactions than other professions, putting them at greater risk of contracting the virus. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the risk perception and behavioral response of teachers to COVID-19 in Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: The study was conducted in Gamo zone from February to march, 2021. An Institution-based-cross sectional study design was employed and multi stage sampling technique was utilized to select 634 study participants. The data were collected using Kobo collect survey tool through interviewer administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 25. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify factor associated with risk perception and behavioral response. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance; in multivariable analysis, variables with a P value less than 0.05 with 95% confidence interval were considered as statistically significant. Results: About 79.1% and 75.1% of the teachers had high risk perception and good protective behavior, respectively. Having children ((AOR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.15-2.94), COVID-19 update (AOR=3.7, 95% CI: 1.66-8.59) and good protective behavior (AOR= 1.98, 95% CI: 1.18-3.34) were associated with high risk perception. On the other hand, educational status (AOR=9.42, 95% CI: 4.94-17.96) and availability of personal protective equipment (AOR=5.85, 95CI:2.27-15.02) were associated with good protective behavior. Conclusion: Although majority of the teachers had good protective behavior, some protective measures were not frequently adopted. There were few individuals who had low risk perception; this could be a potential cause for the occurrence of school outbreak. Therefore, the stakeholder should provide adequate resource and training on COVID-19 to enhance their risk perception and to promote adoption of protective methods.

Prevalence of podoconiosis and its associated factors in Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2021.

BACKGROUND: Podoconiosis is a chronic non-infectious preventable disease. Though not fatal, it may cause social, economic and physical disability. Ethiopia is projected to bear one-fourth (25%) of the global burden of podoconiosis. Despite its huge economic impact and chronic morbidity and disability, podoconiosis seems to be neglected. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of podoconiosis and its associated factors in Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 683 household members. A multistage sampling method was used to select study participants. Binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with podoconiosis. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance; in multivariable analysis, variables with a P value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of podoconiosis was 6.2% (95%CI: 4.3-8%). The significantly contributed factors for the prevalence of podoconiosis were wealth index (AOR = 0.249, 95%CI = 0.073-0.845), number of shoes owned (AOR = 6.199, 95% CI = 1.281-29.98), times when individual do not wear shoes (AOR = 2.448, 95%CI = 1.041-5.754), soap utilization during foot washing (AOR = 2.773, 95%CI = 1.210-6.355) and family history of leg swelling (AOR = 4.69, 95%CI = 2.215-9.935). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that there was significant burden of podoconiosis in the study area. Wealth index, times when individual do not wear shoes, number of shoes owned, soap utilization during foot washing, and family history of leg swelling were significantly associated with podoconiosis. It is recommended to practice secondary prevention which includes regular foot hygiene and wearing shoes, and the use of antiseptic soaks.

Exploring barriers for trachomatous trichiasis surgery implementation in gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Trachomatous trichiasis is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. The World Health Organization recommends eyelid surgery to reduce the risk of visual impairment from trichiasis. Unfortunately, the number of cases operated has grown less than expected. An understanding of barriers is fundamental for instituting measures to increase surgical uptake. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore barriers of TT surgery implementation. METHODS: A qualitative study design was employed in December 2019. Purposive sampling technique was used to select three districts from Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia. We conducted 9 FGDs and 12 in-depth interviews. Data was collected by audio tape recorder in Amharic and Gamogna languages and then transcribed to English language. The recorded interviews and focus group discussions were transcribed to verbatim (written text) and thematic analysis was done manually and reported accordingly. FINDINGS: we explored a number of barriers that hindered implementation of trichiasis surgery. The recurrence of trichiasis after surgery was the main challenges faced by operated individuals. The other barriers reported are negative perception towards trichiasis surgery, lack of logistic and supplies, transportation access problem for remote communities, inadequate trained health professional, less commitment from higher officials, lack of interest of integrated eye care workers due to incentive issues, believes of patients waiting supernatural power for healing service and carelessness of patients to undertake operation. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Post-surgical trichiasis, lack of commitment from government officials and negative perception of patients towards the disease were considered as the reported barriers for implementation of trachomatous trichiasis. Closely supervising the integrated eye care workers would be the first task for district health offices to increase the uptake and improve the quality of service. Logistics and supplies should be made available and adequate to address all affected people in the community.

Foot care practice and associated factors among patients with lymphoedema in Boreda district, Gamo zone, southern Ethiopia, 2020. Implications for elimination of podoconiosis and lymphatic filariasis.

BACKGROUND: Lymphatic filariasis is ranked as the second leading cause of disability world-wide. The current global programme to eliminate lymphatic filariasis is based on the interruption of transmission and the alleviation of disability and suffering. OBJECTIVE: to assess foot care practice and associated factors among lymphoedema patients in Boreda district, Gamo zone Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: a community based cross sectional study was employed from December 2020 to June 2021 in Boreda district. Simple random sampling technique was used for selecting participants. Pretested structured interviewer administered questionnaire was prepared in English and translated to local language. FINDINGS: a total of 280 lymphedema patients were involved in this study. More than half 153 (54.6%) had poor practice towards foot care practice with 95% CI (48.7, 60.4%). Patients who fetched 50 l of water or below and wore shoes at the age above 20 years were negatively associated with foot care practice, (AOR = 0.383, 95%CI: 0.155, 0.945) and (AOR = 0.261, 95%CI: 0.107, 0.63), respectively. Patients who owned only one pair and two pairs were negatively associated with foot care practice (AOR = 0.04, 95%CI: 0.009, 0.182) and (AOR = 0.27, 95%CI: 0.087, 0.85), respectively. On the other hand, attending LMMDP service and frequency of adenolymphangitis once and twice or more per month were positively associated with foot care practice (AOR = 3.339, 95%CI: 1.53, 7.285) and (AOR = 8.15, 95% CI: 3.157, 21.058) and (AOR = 9.35, 95% CI: 3.118, 28.059), respectively. CONCLUSION: this study indicated foot care practice among lymphedema patients in Boreda district was poor. Number of litre of water collected per day, age at which footwear first worn, number of shoes owned, attending LMMDP and frequency of adenolymphangitis were significantly associated with foot care practice. Standard foot care practice should be emphasized to control progression of lymphedema. Foot care practices like skin care, exercise and elevation, washing legs, bandaging and massaging are important factors that influence in reduction of lymphedema volume and acute attacks among people who are suffering from the diseases.

Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Associated Factors Towards Trachoma Among People Living in Arba Minch Zuria District, Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Trachoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world affecting the poorest communities. Despite many interventions undertaken on prevention and control for trachoma, Ethiopia has failed to achieve the 2020 elimination goal. OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge, attitude, practice and its associated factors toward trachoma infection among people living in Arba Minch Zuria district Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to June 2020. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire from 796 randomly selected individuals. Epi Info version 7 was used to enter and clean the data and exported to SPSS V20 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis model was fitted to identify factors associated with the outcome variables. FINDINGS: Among 796 interviewed participants, 611 (76.8%) had inadequate knowledge toward trachoma infection and 244 (30.7%) had unfavorable attitude. Individuals who had no formal education (AOR=0.365, 95%CI: 0.212-0.626) and primary education (AOR=0.58, 95%CI: 0.35-0.962) were negatively associated with adequate knowledge towards trachoma infection. Being a farmer (AOR=0.063, 95%CI: 0.008-0.52), merchant (AOR=0.022, 95%CI: 0.003-0.194), student (AOR=0.026, 95%CI: 0.003-0.225) or housewife (AOR=0.03, 95%CI: 0.004-0.256) were negatively associated with adequate knowledge. Those study subjects whose wealth index were lowest (AOR=0.49, 95%CI: 0.27-0.878), second (AOR=0.38, 95%CI: 0.21-0.69) and middle (AOR=0.36, 95%CI: 0.199-0.658) percentiles negatively associated with adequate knowledge. A short distance to fetch water (AOR=2.53, 95%CI: 1.18-5.415) was positively associated with adequate knowledge about trachoma infection. Environmental cleanliness (AOR=2.224, 95%CI: 1.518-3.257), being male (AOR=1.848, 95%CI: 1.332-2.565) and distance from home to health facility (AOR=1.845, 95%CI: 1.308-2.600) were significantly associated with attitude status. CONCLUSION: Considerable numbers of people have unfavorable attitude and inadequate knowledge about trachoma infection. Awareness creation through community mobilization and sensitization should be strengthened.

Health-care Waste Management and Risk Factors Among Health Professionals in Public Health Facilities of South Omo Zone, South West Ethiopia, 2018.

INTRODUCTION: Health-care waste is a great concern because, in addition to containing conventional toxic pollutants like mercury, chlorinated plastics, and solvents; it also includes a number of toxic materials not found in typical waste. There were no scientific data in Ethiopia that reveal practice toward management of health-care waste. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the management of health professionals toward health-care waste in South Omo zone public health facilities, South West Ethiopia, 2018. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was used with in the period of February 1-30, 2018. A total of 362 health-care workers were sampled using the lottery method. Coding and entry of data was done using Epi Info™ version: 7.2 and analyzed with SPSS version 20 computer software. Descriptive statistics were computed. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify predictor variables for practice of health-care providers. RESULTS: The overall finding of safe practice on health-care waste management among health-care workers was only 29.3%. Receiving training regarding medical waste management, work hours per day among respondents, availability and usage of color coded containers and yellow plastic bags for infectious waste had significant association with safe practice on health-care waste management. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION: The overall finding of safe practice on health-care waste management was only 29.3% among health-care workers. This study showed that most of health-care workers did not meet standard practice. Providing training on medical waste management is essential to encourage safe practices among health-care workers and more attention should be directed at the health-care attendants in order to close the yawning gap in their practice level of medical waste management.

Knowledge, attitude, practice and associated factors of health professionals towards podoconiosis in Gamo zone, Ethiopia, 2019.

BACKGROUND: Podoconiosis is entirely preventable, non-communicable disease with high potential of elimination. The prevalence of podoconiosis in Ethiopia was 7.45%. One of the pillars for elimination of podoconiosis is morbidity control and management. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, practices and associated factors of health professionals towards podoconiosis cause, prevention and treatments. METHODS: Facility based cross-sectional study was conducted. The source population was all health professionals currently working in public health facilities. The final estimated sample size was 349. A pretested self-administrated structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were coded, entered, and cleaned by using Epi.info version7, and analyzed by using SPSS version 20. RESULT: A total of 320 health professionals participated in the study. Sixty eight (23.1%) health professionals had poor knowledge towards podoconiosis. Seventy (21.9%) identified podoconiosis as infectious disease. Profession, address of health facility, service year and attitude of participants were significantly associated with knowledge towards podoconiosis. More than half (56%) had favorable attitude towards podoconiosis patients. Knowledge score (95%CI: 1.389, 4.059, p-value = 0.002) was the independent predictor for attitude status. Very few (11.6%) respondents treated podoconiosis patients. Age group 45 years old and above and training on lymphedema morbidity management and disability prevention were significantly associated with clinical experience in treating affected patients, (AOR = 17.345; 95%CI: 4.62, 65.119) and (AOR = 7.385; 95%CI: 2.5, 21.797), respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite, high percent of good knowledge of health professionals towards podoconiosis, clinical experience of health professionals in treating podoconiosis patients was very low. In-service trainings will be given for health professionals to improve treatment. In podoconiosis endemic districts hygiene supplies and other referencing materials should be made available for podoconiosis case management.

Coverage Validation Survey for Lymphatic Filariasis Treatment in Itang Special District of Gambella Regional State of Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of the most debilitating and disfiguring diseases common in Ethiopia. In order to alleviate this problem Mass drug administration (MDA) has been given once a year for the public living in endemic sites. Despite this fact there might be a difference between reported coverage and the actual coverage on the ground due to various errors, so assessing the actual coverage through coverage validation survey appears imperative. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this survey was to assess the difference between the reported coverage and actual coverage of Ivermectin (IVM) and Albendazole (ALB) treatment given for Lymphatic Filariasis in Itang special district of Gambella regional state, Ethiopia. SETTING: The study was conducted in Itang special district of Gambella region, the district was purposively selected for lymphatic filariasis treatment coverage survey. Eligible individuals aged 5 and above were interviewed. Data about the children were collected from parents or guardians and analyzed using STATA. RESULTS: The survey showed that the coverage for LF treatment was 81.5%. From 825 individuals that reported that they were offered the treatment 823 (99.6%) swallowed the drug. The coverage in school age children (5-14) shows significant difference with treatment coverage in individuals aged 15 and above (p<0.001) in the last mass drug administration campaign. The main reason for not being offered preventive chemotherapy (PC) during the mass drug administration campaigns was missing class during the MDA (37.2%). CONCLUSION: The treatment coverage is higher than the recommended coverage of 65% of the target population. The coverage in school age children (5-14) showed significant difference with treatment coverage in individuals aged 15 and above. Improving the coverage level beyond this can significantly contribute to the LF elimination goal.

Ivermectin Treatment Coverage Validation in Two Onchocerciasis Endemic Districts in Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study, 2019.

BACKGROUND: Onchocerciasis is the second leading cause of blindness globally next to trachoma, thus eliminating the infection is an important health priority. It is estimated that 15.7 million people are at risk of infection in different parts of Ethiopia. Mass drug administration with ivermectin at community and school level is the basis for control and elimination of onchocerciasis. This study was aimed at validating onchocerciasis treatment coverage in the selected districts of Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was employed in Itang special and Wombera districts of Ethiopia, from April 1 to 30, 2019 G.C. We used a coverage validation survey builder tool to compute sample size. Individuals aged five years old and above were eligible population. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA 14 for cleaning and analyses. A chi-square test was used to note statistical association of the outcome variables with independent variables. MAIN FINDINGS: A total of 3765 individuals were interviewed. Of these, 3244 were offered onchocerciasis treatment. The overall treatment coverage of onchocerciasis in the two selected districts of Ethiopia was 85.9% of the eligible population (3235/3765) (95% CI, 84.8%, 87%). There was significant difference between the two districts in terms of ivermectin offering (X2=70.467, P<0.001). School attendance was also significantly associated with treatment offering and swallowing status (X2=77.29, P<0.001; and X2=30.581, P<0.001). The main reported reasons for not being offered ivermectin were "being absent" (40.86%) and "not knowing about the mass drug administration" (MDA) (25.29%). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the treatment coverage of onchocerciasis in this survey was higher than minimum national desired therapeutic coverage. Treatment coverage in Wombera was higher than Itang special district. In addition, children who attended school had a higher chance of swallowing the drug.

Magnitude of Self-Reported Syndromes of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Its Associated Factors Among Young Incarcerated Persons (18-29 Years) in Correctional Facilities of Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infection is an infection that is typically transmitted by sexual contact and may either end or develop into a sexually transmitted disease. Today, young people are recognized as groups with special health-related vulnerabilities like drug use, unprotected sex and sexually transmitted infections. Despitea number of strategies which focused on young people's health, there was limited evidence of sexually transmitted infection among young incarcerated persons. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the self-reported syndromes of sexually transmitted infections and associated factors among young incarcerated persons (18-29 years) in correctional facilities of the Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to 15, 2019. Simple random sampling was used to select a total of 414 prisoners. The data were entered into Epi.info version 7 and exported and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were carried out. Statistical significance was declared by using the p value of <0.05 at 95% confidence interval. THE RESULTS: In this study, 403 respondents participated with the response rate of 97.3%. The overall prevalence of self-reported STIs was 35 (8.7%). STI syndromes before incarceration (AOR: 5.267 (95% CI: 1.863, 14.893)), not having family support (AOR; 6.645 (95% CI: 2.327, 18.975)), history of imprisonment (AOR; 2.871 (95% CI: 1.065, 7.42)), not always using condom (AOR; 7.417, (95% CI 2.526, 21.781)), alcohol use (AOR; 5.926, (95% CI 2.282, 15.392)), chat use (AOR; 4.736, (95% CI (1.387, 16.172)) and having sex with commercial sex workers (AOR; 2.764, (95% CI 1.034, 7.388)) were significantly and independently associated with self-reported STIs. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of self-reported syndromes of STI was high. Attention is needed about sexually transmitted infections for incarcerated young people by concerned bodies, including governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Praziquantel treatment coverage among school age children against Schistosomiasis and associated factors in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional survey, 2019.

BACKGROUND: World Health Organization estimated that 779 million people are at risk of getting schistosomiasis (SCH) and 240 million people were infected worldwide. SCH due to Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) is a wide public health problem in Ethiopia. The aim of the survey was to quantify national and district disaggregated treatment coverage status for SCH and compare validated coverage with the one reported. METHODS: Community based cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2019 among households with school age children (SAC) 5-14 years in seven purposively selected districts of the country. Segments to be surveyed were randomly selected and households to be interviewed from each segment were determined using systematic sampling technique. A total of 3378 households visited and 5679 SAC (5-14 years) were interviewed. RESULTS: Overall reported treatment coverage of Praziquantel (PZQ) against SCH was 4286 (75.5%). Males were 27% more likely to swallow the drug (AOR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.47) than females. SAC with age 10-14 years were 45% more likely to swallow the drug compared with their counter parts (5-9 years), (AOR =1.45; 95% CI: 1.25, 1.69). There is statistically significant association between PZQ swallowing status with school enrollment. (AOR = 20.90, 95% CI: 17.41, 25.08). Swallowing status of PZQ against SCH significantly higher for SAC treated in districts applied integrated treatment approach (87.5%) compared with SAC treated in vertical treatment approach (72.5%); P-value < 0.001. SACs were asked for reasons for not taking the drug and the main reported reason for not swallowing PZQ in the present study was none attending of the school. CONCLUSIONS: Over all treatment coverage of PZQ against SCH in the present study was 75.5%. Although it is in accordance with WHO recommendation for Ethiopia, national programmatic improvements are necessary to achieve higher coverage in the future. To increase treatment coverage for PZQ against SCH in Ethiopia, school based training should target all schools. Moreover, mobilization, sensitization and implementation of the community wide treatment need to be improved.

Preventive chemotherapy coverage against soil-transmitted helminth infection among school age children: Implications from coverage validation survey in Ethiopia, 2019.

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain the most common neglected tropical diseases among children living mainly in low-resource settings. Preventive chemotherapy (PC) has been implemented as one of the main public health interventions to control and eliminate STH infections. Although data on routine coverage of PC against STH are available at different level of the health system; these data are unreliable as they are subject to errors and manipulation and evidence is lacking on validated treatment coverage. Thus, this study aimed to determine anthelminthic coverage among school age children (SAC) to inform decision made in PC program implementation. METHODS: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional coverage survey in ten districts of Ethiopia; in April 2019. Sample size was computed automatically using Coverage Survey Builder (CSB) tool in Microsoft excel. Thirty segments were randomly selected per each selected districts. Collected data were cleaned and analysed using SPSS software (IBM, version 25). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In all, 8154 SAC participated in the study. The overall anthelminthic coverage was found to be 71% (95%confidence interval (CI) = 70-71.9%). The reported coverage was lower than the surveyed coverage only in Guagusa district. The PC coverage among males (71.9%) was slightly higher than females' coverage (70%); and the coverage in the age group between10 and 14 years (77%) was higher compared with the age group between 5 and 9 years (64.3%). In addition, the PC coverage in school attending children (81.1%) was much higher than coverage in non-enrolled children (28.3%). Moreover, the most frequently mentioned reasons for not swallowing drugs were drug not given (24.75%) and not attending school (19.75%). CONCUSSION: This study showed that only five out of ten districts met the target threshold (minimum 75%) for effective coverage. Hence, implementations of preventive chemotherapy should be improved in those districts with low coverage data.