Application of Noug (Guizotia abyssinica cass.) stalk activated carbon for the removal of lead (II) ions from aqueous solutions.

Due to the rise of industries worldwide, huge amounts of pollutants including heavy metals are released into the surroundings. Disposal of effluents containing heavy metals in higher concentrations without proper treatment is common in industries; lead is one of them. This study aims to determine and optimize the efficiency of Noug (Guizotia abyssinica Cass.) stalk porous carbon (NSAC) for the elimination of lead (II) from aqueous solutions. For studying the adsorption characteristics of Noug stalk activated carbon (NSAC) an adsorbate of lead (II) ions was used. The interaction and effect of the following parameters on Pb(II) adsorption were investigated using Design Expert version 7.0 software (central composite design) to determine the optimum adsorption condition: pH, initial concentration of Pb(II) ion, adsorbent dose, and contact time. The optimized condition for the elimination of lead (II) using Noug stalk porous carbon (98.77 %) was achieved at pH [4.87], initial concentration of Pb(II) [84.66 mg/L], adsorbent dose [18.43 g/L], and contact time [2.04 h]. The pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm model which had a maximum adsorption capacity of 89.25 mg/g, provided the best-fit models for Pb(II) adsorption, with R2 values of 0.99 and 0.98, respectively. Efficient elimination of Pb(II) from wastewater can be performed through the use of NSAC. Future research should delve more into column adsorption under continuous wastewater flow.

Stunting and its associated factors among children living with HIV/AIDS: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Growth failure is a common feature of children living with HIV/AIDS. This study was intended to assess the level of stunting and its associated factors among children living with HIV/AIDS. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 children living with HIV/AIDS. An interviewer-administered data collection tools and anthropometric measurements were used to collect data. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent variables. Adjusted odds ratio with a 95% CI at a P value of 0.05, which was considered to declare statistical significance. Result: The level of stunting among children infected with HIV/AIDS in selected northwest comprehensive specialized hospitals in western Amhara was 56.9%. Poor anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=6.15, 95% CI, (3.88-9.69)], lack of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis [AOR=2.0, 95% CI, (1.88-2.98)], opportunistic infection [AOR=4.66, 95% CI, (3.24-6.11), and feeding twice [AOR=3.88, 95% CI, (1.94-5.14)] and feeding three times [AOR=1.52, 95% CI, (1.23-3.89)] were significantly associated with stunting. Conclusion: Stunting among HIV/AIDS-infected children was very high. Poor ART adherence, lack of co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, opportunistic infection, and low feeding frequency were significantly associated to stunting among HIV/AIDS-infected children. Strategies need to be devised to address factors amenable to modification to improve the growth of children living with HIV/AIDS.

Work motivation and factors associated with it among health professionals in Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

Motivation is the level of a person's willingness to put forth and maintain an effort in support of organizational goals. However, motivation towards task execution is affected by the organization and individual goals. For instance, low morale among the staff can damage the quality of service delivery. Hence, this study was intended to assess the working motivation status and factors associated with it among health professionals at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was employed. Stratified sampling techniques were used to extract sample from each job category proportionally. To make the distribution fair, all health workers were grouped according to their job title and selected by using the lottery method from each group. A standardized, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was checked, coded, and entered into EpiData 3.1 and exported for analysis into SPSS 25. Variable in the multivariable logistic regression model with a p value of < 0.05 at 95% CI were taken as significantly associated to motivation status. A total of 319 people were involved, with a 100% response rate. 20.4% of health professionals were motivated at Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Job satisfaction (AOR 6.46, 95% CI 1.72, 24.35), the presence of adequate medical supplies (AOR 5.01, 95% CI 1.23, 25.37), work place security (AOR 6.78, 95% CI 1.498, 30.72), and the presence of training opportunities in health facilities (AOR 2.23, 95% CI 1.01, 4.96) were significant factors associated with motivation status. The proportion of motivated health professionals was very low compared to previous studies in Ethiopia. The presence of security at work, adequate medical equipment, drugs, and supplies, job satisfaction, and the presence of training opportunities were predominant motivational factors. The hospital administration needs to give priority and work to safeguard security, ensure adequate medical supplies, and offer training to improve their satisfaction and motivation.

Patterns, Clinical Outcome, and Factors Associated with Poisoning Outcomes among Poisoned Patients in Northwest Ethiopia.

Introduction: Poison is a substance that can hurt or cause dysfunction in the body due to its chemical action. Poisoning related to pesticides used in agriculture is a major public health issue in developing countries. However, there is a limited epidemiological data on poisoning in Ethiopia. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine poisoning patterns, clinical outcome, and factors associated with poisoned patients in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2021 to include data of 1 year period. Data of all poisoned patients were collected using a standardized checklist from the registration book and patient medical records. The association between variables and outcomes was analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered to declare a statistically significant association. Result: Over one-third of the poisoning cases (35.9%) were seen in the spring, according to a survey of 315 patient medical data. The majority of patients were in the age group of 21-30 years (44.1%). The most common form of poison consumed was organophosphate (OP), which accounts for 61.3% of all visits, and the least common was food poisoning, which accounts for 1.9%. About 82.5% of poisoning cases survived, while the remaining 17.5% were died. Time of arrival to the hospital ≥1 h (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 7.02; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16, 11.40), lack of oxygen support (AOR = 6.64; 95% CI: 3.56-6.78), and lack of adrenaline/dopamine medication (AOR = 3.57; 95% CI: 1.17-5.78) were all substantially linked with death of poisoned cases. Conclusions: Three-fourth of poisoning cases survived, while the remaining one-fourth died. Ingestion of OPs is the most prevalent type of poisoning, and most cases are intentional. Delayed arrival ≥1 h, lack of oxygen support, and adrenaline/dopamine treatment were all linked to death. On-time arrival, oxygen assistance, and adrenaline/dopamine treatment in a healthcare setting are all recommended.

Sexual partner referral and associated factors among patients with sexually transmitted disease in Jabi Tehnan district and Finote Selam town.

BACKGROUND: Partner referral (or contact tracing) is an essential approach for preventing sexually transmitted infections. Even though this approach has been used in Ethiopia, there is a scarcity of evidence in Ethiopia particularly in this study area. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 397 patients with curable sexually transmitted diseases. Factors associated to the practice of sexual partner referral were explored where variables having a p-value of <0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant. RESULT: Referrals for sexual partners were found to be 42.4% in this study (95% CI: 35.3, 45.3). Not expecting the end of the relationship among regular partnerships (AOR: 4.8; 95% CI: 1.9, 12.4), perceived risk of reinfection (AOR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.8, 5.3), perceived self-efficacy (AOR: 3.8; 95% CI: 2.4, 6.3), intention to refer partners (AOR: 3.7; 95% CI: 2.0, 6.4), and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (AOR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.8, 5.0) were significantly associated with sexual partner referral. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that sexual partner referral was low. Perceived risks of reinfection, perceived self-efficacy, anticipating the end of a relationship, intention to refer partners, and knowledge of sexually transmitted infections were significant predictors of sexual partner referral. Intervention endeavors need to consider factors pointed out in this study to improve sexual partner referral.

Mental illness in children and its determinants in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis, 2023.

INTRODUCTION: Young people are at risk of developing mental health disorders. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral problems are among the primary causes of illness and impairment among teenagers. Suicide is the fourth highest cause of mortality in those aged 15 to 29. This study aimed to assess the determinants of mental health among children in Ethiopia. METHODS: Online databases were searched from inception until March 2023. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 was used in this review. Subgroup analysis, I2 test, funnel plot, and Egger's test were performed. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated. RESULT: Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of mental illnesses among Ethiopian children was 24.68% (95% CI: 19.99%-32.38%). Having previous child abuse history (OR: 5.65; 95% CI: 4.32-7.39), poor socio-economic status (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.24-3.04), urban residence (OR: 1.93; 95% CI:1.39-2.67), and being male (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.15-2.38) were determinants of childhood mental illness in Ethiopia. CONCLUSION: and Recommendations: Mental disorders are highly prevalent in children with a history of child abuse, and a strong legislative body must be established to prosecute child abusers. Interventions that focus on gender equality in education and the creation of a safe environment for poor urban children are suggested.

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

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

Carpal tunnel syndrome and its associated factors among computer user bankers in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021: a cross sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: The use of information devices like computers is skyrocketed in recent years, leading injuries. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a leading cause of upper extremity MSDs specially to banking workers. Hence, this paper was intended to highlight its magnitude associated factors in the study area. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 13, 2021 to October 09, 2021. A total of 422 private and government owned computer user bankers were participated. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using Durkan's compression test, flexion and compression test, Phalen's test, and Tinel's test. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate the relationship between predictors and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. P-value less than 0.05 was considered to declare as a significant and Adjusted Odds Ration for strength association between risk factors and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. RESULT: Among 422 participants, the annual prevalence of CTS was 11.7%. Being smoker [AOR: 4.2; 95% CI: 1.76-10.26], having > 5-year work experience [AOR: 7.98; 95% CI: 3.7-17.33], movement repetition [AOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.66-9.4] and lack of ergonomics training [AOR: 5.2; 95% CI: 2.8-9.5] were independently associated risk factors to Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. CONCLUSION: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was high (11.7%) among bankers in this study area. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome was predicted by smoking, length of employment, movement repetition, and not received ergonomics training. Therefore, fore the banking industry, it would be better to maintain strict follow-up and provision of ergonomics training.

Married women pre-marital HIV testing status in Ethiopia: Individual and community level factor analysis.

Introduction: Marriage between serodiscordant individuals accounts for 65-85% of new infections. Pre-marital Human Immune Virus (HIV) testing opens the door for HIV infection prevention and control. There are no studies that have evaluated the coverage and factors influencing pre-marital HIV testing at the community level in Ethiopia. Methods: This study was conducted using 10,008 samples of data extracted from Ethiopian demographic and health surveys (EDHS), 2016. To identify individual and community level factors a multi-level binary logistic regression model was used. Among fitted models, "full" model was taken as the best model. To declare the presence or absence of significant association with pre-marital HIV testing, a p-value < 0.05 with confidence interval (CI) was used. Results: In Ethiopia, 21.4% (95% CI: 20.6, 22.2%) of study participants had pre-marital HIV testing. Age 35-49 years (AOR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.66), educated (AOR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.79), rich (AOR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.13, 3.55), having media exposure (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.30, 4.71), and high community level literacy (AOR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.66) were factors significantly associated with pre-marital HIV testing. Conclusion: The low coverage of pre-marital HIV testing in Ethiopia is insufficient to have a significant influence on the HIV/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. Information dissemination to create awareness about human rights and public health implications of pre-marital HIV testing áre necessary while it is made mandatory.

Factors associated with the level of Knowledge and self-reported Practice toward safety precautions among Factory Workers in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: According to the International Labor Organization, occupational accidents and diseases kill millions of workers every year. Objective: To assess factors associated with the level of knowledge and self-reported practice toward safety precautions among factory workers in the East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted on 420 randomly selected factory workers. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires and an observation checklist. The data were analyzed using the descriptive statistical method and using bivariate binary and multivariable logistic regression models. Variables with a p-value <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval were considered to have statistical significance. Results: The study had a response rate of 99.0%, with a total of 416 respondents. 53.4% of respondents were aware of safety precautions, and 56.0% of them rated the use of personal protective equipment as an indicator of the practice of safety precautions. Factory workers' educational status (adjusted odds ratio: 4.3, 95% confidence interval: 2.4, 7.8), job satisfaction (adjusted odds ratio: 4.7, 95% confidence interval: 2.1, 10.4), and having training on safety issues (adjusted odds ratio: 12.8, 95% confidence interval: 6.3, 26.1) were determinant factors of knowledge regarding safety precautions, while the type of factory (adjusted odds ratio: 16.0, 95% confidence interval: 5.8, 44.1), the presence of regular supervision (adjusted odds ratio: 3.8, 95% confidence interval: 2.1, 6.8), and overall knowledge about safety precautions (adjusted odds ratio: 7.2, 95% confidence interval: 3.9, 13.2) were the independent determinants of the practice of safety precautions. Conclusions: Workers' knowledge and practice regarding safety precautions were low as compared to studies in developing countries. Interventions targeted at the provision of training, promotion, and enforcement of issues regarding safety precautions should be in place. Employers, the government, and employees should work together to address these workplace safety issues.

Magnitude of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Associated Factors Among Computer User Bankers in South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are the leading cause of workplace health problems; affect workers, employers, and society as a whole following direct and indirect cost. Bankers are expected to perform at computer workstations for long periods of time. As a result, they are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Hence, this study intends to assess magnitude of work related musculoskeletal disorders and its predictors among computer user bankers in this study area. Material and methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2021. A total of 422 private and Public own computer user bankers were participated. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Binary logistic regression model was used to investigate the relationship between dependent and independent variables. P value less than .05 at 95% CI was considered as a significant association between dependent and independent variables. Result: Overall, 245 (58.8%) of computer-user bankers were suffered work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the previous 12 months. Aged 30 and above [AOR:6.5 (1.7-24.6)], no regular physical exercise [AOR: 6.03 (2.2-16.3)], not received ergonomics training [AOR: 5.46 (2.2-13.1)] and working in awkward posture [AOR: 8.76 (2.9-25.9)] were significantly associated to work related musculoskeletal disorders in the previous 12 months. Conclusion: The magnitude of musculoskeletal disorders among computer user bankers was high. Implementing proper working posture, regular physical exercise, avoiding prolonged use of computer and receiving ergonomics training will reduce the burden of musculoskeletal disorders among computer user bankers. The implications of the findings enhance the need for training supervision, cascading tasks taking the age of workers in to account, sustained supply of work station materials and promoting physical exercise by banks to their workers uninterruptedly.

Spatial exploration of non-resilience to food insecurity, its association with COVID-19 and household coping strategies in East Gojjam districts, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020.

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a significant multifaceted threat to the global community. Ethiopia, as a Sub-Saharan African country, is suffering from chronic food insecurity, and the emergence of such a pandemic will exacerbate the situation. As a result, this study investigated the spatial variation of non-resilience to food insecurity, its relationship with COVID-19, and household coping strategies to become resilient in the long run among households in the East Gojjam Zone of Northwest Ethiopia. From September 22 to December 24, 2020, an agro-ecological-based cross-sectional study of 3532 households was conducted to assess the spatial distribution and associated factors of non-resilience to household food insecurity. The enumeration areas (EAs) and households were chosen using a multistage sampling technique. Data were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire and checklist using an Android device loaded with an Open Data Kit (ODK) template. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the specific factors associated with household non-resilience to food insecurity. A thematic analysis was conducted to investigate the opportunities and challenges of resilience for household food insecurity. Nearly two-thirds (62.5%) of the households were farmers, 67.9% lived in rural areas, and nearly three-quarters (73.8%) earned less than or equal to ETB 2100 per month. Males headed more than four-fifths of the households (81.7%). We found that nearly two-thirds of the households (60.02%), 95% CI 58.40, 61.64) were food insecure. After bivariate logistic regression, we found that households who were divorced (AOR = 2.54 (1.65, 3.87)), daily laborers (AOR = 2.37 (1.15, 4.87)), government employees (AOR = 2.06 (1.05, 4.05)), residents of highland and hot areas (AOR = 11.5 (5.37, 16.77)) and lowland areas (AOR = 1.35 (1.02, 3.15)) were frustrated by COVID-19 (AOR = 1.23 (1.02, 1.50)) and price inflation (1.89 (AOR = 1.42, 2.56))) were at higher odds of being non-resilient to household food insecurity at a 95% confidence level. Geospatial hot spot analysis revealed that Kurar kebele (the lowest government administrative unit) in Dejen District and Debre Markos town were the red-hotspot areas of household non-resilience to food insecurity. Less than a quarter of the households attempted to cope with food insecurity by adjusting their food consumption, while more than 60% of the households chose none of the coping strategies tested. According to the thematic analysis, the degree of poverty (lack of asset ownership), the COVID-19 pandemic, farm decreased variety, and low crop productivity were identified as challenges to coping with the hardship of resilience to food insecurity. During the COVID-19 pandemic and public emergency, the proportion of households that were unprepared for food insecurity reached its peak. It was recognized that a segment of the population with low economic capacity was more vulnerable to food insecurity and less resilient. Tough developmental gains will be undermined in this case. As a result, each responsible body and stakeholder should develop and implement solid corrective plans for the local context.

Hygienic Child Feces Disposal Practice and Its Associated Factors among Mothers/Caregivers of Under Five Children in West Armachiho District, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Children's feces are 5 times more dangerous than that of adults. Unhygienic disposal of child feces has been reported as one of the major sanitation problems in Sub-Saharan African countries. However, there is a scanty of information in the study area and evidences are insufficient in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study intends to assess child feces disposal practices and associated factors among Mothers/Caregivers of Under Five Children in West Armachiho District, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the West Armachho district from March 10, 2019 to April 10, 2019 by using a multistage cluster sampling method. Binary and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated to child faces disposal practice. The adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a P-value of ⩽.05 were used to declare statistical significance. Result: The proportion of safe child feces disposal practice was 37.8% (95% CI: 34.6-40.89). Child feces disposal practice was significantly associated with the age of the child (AOR = 5.07, 95% CI: 2.52-10.21), the educational status of fathers (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.05-5.25), getting health education (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.84-4.16), utilization of basic type of latrine (AOR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.55-5.02), knowledge of feces disposal technology options (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.88-3.96), and media exposure about child feces (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.22-2.99). Conclusion: The practice of safe CFD was low. Age of the child, fathers' educational status, receiving health education, basic type of latrine, feces disposal technology options used, and media exposure were independent predictors of safe CFD practice. Interventions need to be designed targeting safe CFD practices taking into account different media outlets and advocacy of improved sanitation technology use by policy makers.

Level of Hand Hygiene Compliance and Its Associated Factors Among Health Care Workers at Eka Kotebe General Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Background: Poor hand hygiene is an important source of infection, but maintaining hand hygiene is the most important measure to prevent infections. Hand hygiene compliance and its associated factors are not well recognized in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was intended to determine hand hygiene compliance and its associated factors among health care workers in Eka Kotebe General Hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among health care workers at Eka Kotebe General Hospital. A self-administered questionnaire supplemented by a World Health Organization Hand Hygiene Technical Reference Manual was used to collect data. Data was entered using Epi Info 7.2.0.1 and exported to SPSS 23 for analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical significance was determined using a P-value of ⩽.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Results: Hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers was 22.2%. Hand hygiene training (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.13-7.52), presence of hand hygiene indication poster (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI: 1.18-9.66), hand hygiene promotion by IPC team (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 2.53-8.58)), working experience ⩾5 years of a health care providers (AOR = 3.96, 95% CI: 1.12-13.9), being midwife (AOR = 17.1, 95% CI: 2.8-10), being nurse (AOR = 5.3, 95% CI: 2.09-7.8) by profession, and presence of water (AOR = 2.50, 95% CI: 2.20-11.78) were significantly associated factors to hand hygiene compliance. Conclusion: The level of hand hygiene compliance among health care providers was found to be low. Training about hand hygiene, the presence of hand hygiene indication posters, hand hygiene promotion by the IPC team, working experience of health care providers, being a nurse and midwife, and the presence of water were independent predictors of hand hygiene compliance. Health care workers need to be given training on hand hygiene as well as hand hygiene facilities shall be installed and supplied by the hospital in a sustained manner.

Spatio-Temporal Variation of Malaria Incidence and Risk Factors in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.

Introduction: Malaria is a life-threatening acute febrile illness which is affecting the lives of millions globally. Its distribution is characterized by spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Detection of the space-time distribution and mapping high-risk areas is useful to target hot spots for effective intervention. Methods: Time series cross sectional study was conducted using weekly malaria surveillance data obtained from Amhara Public Health Institute. Poisson model was fitted to determine the purely spatial, temporal, and space-time clusters using SaTScan™ 9.6 software. Spearman correlation, bivariate, and multivariable negative binomial regressions were used to analyze the relation of the climatic factors to count of malaria incidence. Result: Jabitenan, Quarit, Sekela, Bure, and Wonberma were high rate spatial cluster of malaria incidence hierarchically. Spatiotemporal clusters were detected. A temporal scan statistic identified 1 risk period from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2015. The adjusted incidence rate ratio showed that monthly average temperature and monthly average rainfall were independent predictors for malaria incidence at all lag-months. Monthly average relative humidity was significant at 2 months lag. Conclusion: Malaria incidence had spatial, temporal, spatiotemporal variability in West Gojjam zone. Mean monthly temperature and rainfall were directly and negatively associated to count of malaria incidence respectively. Considering these space-time variations and risk factors (temperature and rainfall) would be useful for the prevention and control and ultimately achieve elimination.

Prevalence of active trachoma and associated factors among school age children in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2019: a community based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Trachoma is an infectious eye disease caused by Chlamydial trachomatis. It is a major health problem in poor nations, notably in Sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the severity of the problem, there was a scarcity of data on trachoma prevalence and associated factors among school-aged children in Debre Tabor town following SAFE and MDA. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of active trachoma and its associated factors among school-aged children in Debre Tabor, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2019. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was used among school-aged children. Structured interview questionnaires, an observational checklist, and a physical examination were used to collect data from study participants who were chosen using a systematic random sampling procedure. IBM SPSS 20 was used to enter data, which was then transferred to IBM SPSS 20 for bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULT: A total of 394 children aged 5-15 had been screened and took part in the study, with 9.9% (95% CI: 6.9, 12.7) testing positive for active trachoma. Having an unimproved larine type (AOR = 5.18; 95%CI: 1.96, 13.69), improper solid waste disposal (AOR = 3.026; 95%CI: 1.17, 7.8), family size greater than four (AOR = 3.4; 95%CI: 1.22, 9.49), not using soap for face washing (AOR = 4.48; 95%CI: 1.46, 13.72) and an unclean face of the child during examination (AOR = 23.93; 95%CI: 8.25, 69.38) were found to be significant predictors of active trachoma. CONCLUSION: Active trachoma among school-age children was high compared to the WHO's definition of trachoma as a public health problem. A family size of four, poor solid waste management, an unimproved type of latrine, an unclean child's face, and not using soap when washing one's face were all significant predictors of active trachoma. Promotion of behavioral determinants through health education programs like keeping facial cleanliness by washing their child's face with soap, managing solid waste properly, and installing improved latrines to reduce active trachoma needs to be in place.