Determinants of default from completion of child immunization among children aged 15-23 months in Kacha Bira district, Kembata Tembaro zone, South Ethiopia: a case-control study.

Background: Child immunization is crucial to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases. However, if a child defaults from completing immunization, they are at a greater risk of contracting such diseases. Previous studies have evaluated various factors that contribute to defaulting from immunization, but they did not consider the fear of COVID-19 as a variable. Additionally, there is inconsistency in the factors identified across different areas. This study aimed to examine the determinants of defaulting from child immunization among children aged 15-23 months in Kacha Bira district, Kembata Tembaro zone, South Ethiopia. Methods: A study was conducted using a community-based unmatched case-control design to identify the determinants of child immunization completion. The study included 255 children aged 15-23 months in the Kacha Bira district from 3 May 2022 to 1 June 2022, using a multi-stage sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews of mothers or immediate caretakers of the child were conducted using a mobile device, and the questionnaire was developed using the Kobo Toolbox. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the determinants, and the adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI and a p < 0.05 were considered statistical significant. Results: The multivariable logistic regression analysis identified four independent predictors of immunization defaulting. Antenatal care (ANC) follow-up [AOR = 5.40, 95% CI (2.24-13.52)], postponing vaccination schedule [AOR = 2.28, 95% CI: (1.05-4.93)], parity of the mother [AOR = 3.25, 95% CI: (1.45-7.27)], and knowledge of the mother about vaccination [AOR = 6.77, 95% CI: (2.33-19.64)] were determinants of immunization defaulting. Conclusion: In this study, lack of ANC follow-up, postponement of the vaccination schedule, mothers with parity of greater than four, and poor knowledge of the mothers about immunization were identified as determinants of immunization defaulting.

Scabies prevalence and its associated factors among prisoners in southern Ethiopia: An institution-based analytical cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Scabies is an ectoparasitic infestation that can easily spread during close human contact and in overcrowded areas such as prisons and public places where sanitation is a problem. Globally, as many as 300 million people are infested with scabies each year. Within Ethiopia, its burden in institutions like prisons is not well-studied. As a consequence, we sought to estimate the prevalence of scabies and also identify factors associated with it among prison inmates in southern Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based analytical cross-sectional study design was employed. We used, a simple random sampling technique to select 422 prisoners. A pretested-structured questionnaire was used to collect the necessary information. EpiData version 4.2.0.0 and Statistical Packages for Social Science version 25 software were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were computed. The model fitness was checked using the Hosmer-Lemeshow and omnibus tests. The association between the independent and outcome variables was presented in the form of a table showing the crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with their 95% confidence interval (CI). The level of statistical significance was declared at P.value ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 418 prisoners were interviewed, yielding a 99.1% response rate. The age of the participants ranged from 17 to 60 years. As many as 381 (91.1%) participants were male. The prevalence of scabies was found to be 8.9%. A history of sexual contact in the past two months, before imprisonment (AOR: 9.92 (95% CI 3.07, 32.02), P <0.001), a period of stay less than two months duration in the prison (AOR: 4.54 (95% CI 1.51, 13.54), P = 0.007), poor ventilation (AOR: 3.36 (95% CI 1.07, 10.58), P = 0.038), lack of hygiene soap (AOR: 5.53 (95% CI 1.45, 21.17), P = 0.012), and sharing clothes among each other (AOR: 3.81 (95% CI (1.09, 13.29), P = 0.036) were factors independently associated with a scabies infestation. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found the prevalence of scabies was high among prison inmates in Wolaita Zone prison. Furthermore, scabies infestations were associated with a previous history of sexual contact, poorly ventilated rooms, lack of hygiene soaps for washing, and sharing clothes amongst the inmates. Prison administrations should be encouraged to improve sanitary and screening and isolation of prisoners during imprisonment.

Determinants of hypertension among diabetic patients in southern Ethiopia: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension, among diabetic patients, is a worldwide public-health challenge and a number one modifiable risk factor for other cardiovascular diseases and death. The prevalence of hypertension among the diabetic population is nearly twice of nondiabetic patients. Screening and prevention of risk factors for hypertension based on evidence from local studies is required to minimize the burden of hypertension among diabetic patients. This study is aimed at assessing the determinants of hypertension among diabetic patients in Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia, 2022. METHODS: Facility-based unmatched case-control study design was conducted from March 15 to April 15, 2022, at the outpatient diabetic clinic, Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A total of 345 diabetic patients were selected using systematic random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire by interviewing and extracting from the medical chart of patients. Bivariate logistic regression followed by multiple logistic analysis was used to identify the determinants of hypertension among diabetic patients. A p-value less than 0.05 is considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: The significant determinants of hypertension among diabetes patients were being overweight [AOR = 2.06, 95% CI (1.1, 3.89), P = 0.025], being obese [AOR = 2.64, 95% CI (1.22, 5.70), P = 0.013], lack of Moderate intensity exercise [AOR = 2.41, 95% CI (1.36,4.24), P = 0.002], age [AOR = 1.03, 95% CI (1.01, 1.06), P = 0.011], Type 2 diabetes mellitus [AOR = 5.05, 95% CI (1.28, 19.88), P = 0.021], duration of diabetes mellitus ≥ 6 years [AOR = 7.47, 95% CI (2.02, 27.57), P = 0.003], diabetic nephropathy [AOR = 3.87, 95% CI (1.13, 13.29), P = 0.032], and urban residence [AOR = 2.11, 95% CI (1.04,4.29), P = 0.04]. CONCLUSION: Being overweight and obese, lack of moderate-intensity exercise, age, type 2 diabetes mellitus, duration of Diabetes ≥ 6 years, presence of diabetic nephropathy, and being urban residents were significant determinants of hypertension among diabetic patients. These risk factors can be targeted by health professionals for prevention and earlier detection of hypertension among diabetic patients.

Ethiopians' knowledge of and attitudes toward epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Epilepsy remains one of the world's most common neurological diseases, but it appears to be widely misunderstood, particularly in under-resourced countries like Ethiopia. Improving individuals' knowledge and attitude toward epilepsy is critical for reducing the multifaceted impacts of epilepsy. Therefore, in this study, we sought to estimate the pooled levels of good knowledge and a favorable attitude toward epilepsy and also identify the associated factors using available data collected from different segments of the population. Methods: Articles were searched in international electronic databases. A standardized Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and STATA software version 16 were used for data extraction and analysis, respectively. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist was used to write this report. The random-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate Der Simonian-Laird's pooled effect. Statistical heterogeneity of the meta-analysis was checked via Higgins and Thompson's I 2 statistics (0-100%), and Cochran's Q test at P < 0.10. Subgroups, based on the study regions, and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Publication bias was examined subjectively using funnel plots and objectively using the nonparametric rank correlation test of Begg and the regression-based test of Egger for small study effects with P < 0.05 considered to indicate potential publication bias. Furthermore, the Trim-and-fill method of Duval and Tweedie was used to explore sources of publication bias for the favorable level of attitudes toward epilepsy. Result: A total of 12 studies with 6,373 study participants and 10 studies with 5,336 study participants were included to estimate the pooled level of good epilepsy knowledge and favorable attitudes respectively. The overall estimated levels of good epilepsy knowledge and favorable attitudes toward epilepsy among Ethiopians were 47.37% [(95% CI: 35.00, 59.74), I 2 = 99.2, P < 0.001] and 46.83%[(95% CI: 32.75, 60.90), I 2 = 99.2, P < 0.001] respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that the pooled level of good epilepsy knowledge was 48.51% [(95% CI: 38.95, 58.06), I 2 = 95.6%, P < 0.001] in the Amhara region. Conclusion: In the current review, we found out that there is a huge knowledge gap and an unfavorable level of attitudes towardepilepsy, which demand immediate public health action as well as a targeted policy intervention.

Vaccine Cold Chain Management and Associated Factors in Public Health Facilities and District Health Offices of Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia.

Background: Vaccines are medical products with a short shelf life and are easily damaged by deviations in temperature from the recommended ranges. Vaccines lose their quality if the cold chain system is not properly managed. Cold chain management is still a major challenge in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess vaccine cold chain management and associated factors at public health facilities and district health offices. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study design was applied from March 1-28, 2021. One hundred and thirty-six health institutions were selected by simple random sampling method. Data was collected using the observation check list and interviewer-administered pre-tested structured questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25. The binary logistic regression was employed and those variables with a p-value less than 0.25 in the bivariate analysis were used for multivariable logistic regression. Then multivariate analysis at a p-value <0.05 and AOR with 95% CI was used to measure the degree of association between independent variables and the outcome variable. Results: The study indicates that 83 (61%) public health facilities had good cold chain management practice at 95% CI (52.2-68.4). Experience greater than 2 years (AOR=2.8, 95% CI=1.13-6.74), good knowledge on cold chain management (AOR=3.02, 95% CI=1.2-7.4), training on cold chain management (AOR=1.86, 95% CI=1.36-9.84), and supportive supervision on cold chain management (AOR=2.71, 95% CI=1.1-7.14) were statistically significantly associated with good cold chain management practice. Conclusion: The result of the study indicated that there was low cold chain management practice in the study area. Strengthening the knowledge of healthcare workers and supportive supervision on cold chain management by giving training and monitoring their practice toward cold chain management may help to improve the cold chain management practice.

Episiotomy Practice and Its Associated Factors in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Episiotomy, a surgical procedure that enlarges the vaginal opening during childbirth, was common practice until the early 2000s. Other sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO), advocate for the selective use of episiotomy. Episiotomy rates, on the other hand, have remained high in developing countries, while declining in developed countries. As a result, the current study sought to determine the overall prevalence of episiotomy in Africa as well as the risk factors associated with its practice. Methods: Articles were searched in international electronic databases. A standardized Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and STATA software version 14 were used for data extraction and analysis, respectively. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist was used to write this report. A random-effects meta-analysis model was used to determine the pooled prevalence of episiotomy. A heterogeneity test was conducted using I-Squared (I 2) statistics. Egger's test and funnel plots were conducted to detect publication bias. Subgroup analysis was also conducted. Association was expressed through a pooled odds ratio (OR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Result: A total of 21 studies with 40,831 participants were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of episiotomy practice was 41.7% [95% CI (36.0-47.4), I 2 = 99.3%, P < 0.001). Primiparity [OR: 6.796 (95% CI (4.862-9.498)), P < 0.001, I 2: 95.1%], medical doctors- assisted delivery [OR: 3.675 (95% CI (2.034-6.640)), P < 0.001, I 2: 72.6%], prolonged second stage of labor [OR: 5.539 (95% CI (4.252-7.199)), P < 0.001, I 2: 0.0%], using oxytocin [OR: 4.207 (95% CI (3.100-5.709)), P < 0.001, I 2: 0.0%], instrument -assisted vaginal delivery [OR: 5.578 (95% CI (4.285-7.260)), P < 0.001, I 2: 65.1%], and macrosomia [OR: 5.32 (95% CI (2.738-10.339)), P < 0.001, I 2: 95.1%] were factors associated with episiotomy practice. Conclusion: In this review, the prevalence of episiotomy among African parturients was high. A selective episiotomy practice should be implemented to reduce the high episiotomy rates. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021293382, identifier: CRD42021293382.

Pattern of skin diseases in children attending a dermatology clinic in a referral hospital in Wolaita Sodo, southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies to determine the pattern of skin diseases among children are important for proper health care planning and management. The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of skin diseases among pediatric patients seen at a dermatology outpatient clinic of Wolaita Sodo Teaching and Referral Hospital, southern Ethiopia. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective hospital-based, cross-sectional study between January 2016 and December 2017 at a teaching and referral hospital dermatology outpatient department. All children younger than 15 years presenting with newly-diagnosed skin diseases were included. Diagnosis was mainly made clinically, with some laboratory support. RESULTS: A total of 1704 children with 1869 new skin diagnoses were included, of whom 139 (8.2%) had more than one disease. Of the children, 52.4% were males and 44.9% within the age-group 5-10 years. Eczematous dermatitis accounted for the largest group (23.9%, n = 447) of skin conditions followed by bacterial infections (21.3%, n = 398), fungal infections (18.8%, n = 351) and infestations (9.9%, n = 185). Seasonal variation was demonstrated, with eczematous conditions and bacterial infections being higher during autumn and winter. CONCLUSION: Overall, eczema, bacterial and fungal infections were the three major pediatric skin diseases occurring among children attending this hospital's outpatient department. There was seasonal variation in some of the skin diseases. This study gives a snapshot of skin disorders presenting to hospital in children in southern Ethiopia and may help to plan dermatology service expansion, educational programs and preventive measures.