Postoperative trachomatous trichiasis and associated factors among adults who underwent trachomatous trichiasis surgery in Ambassel District, North-East Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: In Trachoma endemic countries, many people who underwent Trichiasis surgery faced a recurrence of the disease. Postoperative Trichiasis is a significant problem for patients and health care providers because it puts the eye at renewed risk of sight loss. Despite the low utilization of Trachomatous Trichiasis surgery and the high recurrence rate, evidence that elucidate why it recurs after surgery is limited. This study was aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of postoperative Trichiasis among 18 years and above individuals who underwent Trachomatous Trichiasis surgery between 2013 and 2019 in Ambassel District, Northeast Ethiopia, 2020. METHODS: The community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 10 to March 23/2020 in selected kebeles of Ambassel District. The required sample size (506) was calculated using EPI-INFO Version 7. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to employ study participants. Data were collected through the interviewer-administered structured pre-tested questionnaire and entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 23.0 for analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of Postoperative Trachomatous Trichiasis. RESULTS: Four hundred ninety two individuals participated in this study with a response rate of 97.2%. In Ambassel district, the prevalence of postoperative Trichiasis was 23.8% (95% CI = 19.9-27.8). Among associated factors of postoperative Trachomatous Trichiasis: age 50-59 (AOR = 3.34, CI = 1.38-8.1), 60-69 (AOR = 3.24, CI = 1.38-7.61), ≥70 years (AOR = 6.04, CI = 2.23-16.41), duration since surgery (AOR = 1.7, CI = 1.35-2.14), complication (AOR = 2.98, CI = 1.24-7.2), washing the face two times (AOR = 0.25, CI = 0.13-0.47), washing the face three and more times (AOR = 0.1, CI = 0.41-0.25), taking Azithromycin following surgery (AOR = 0.19, CI = 0.09-0.41), pre-operative epilation history (AOR = 2.11, CI = 1.14, 3.9) and having a knowledge about TrachomaTtrichiasis (AOR = 0.21, CI = 0.08-0.58) showed a statistical significant association. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of postoperative Trichiasis in Ambassel District was higher than most Ethiopian studies. Age, frequency of face washing, medication following surgery, duration since the last surgery, knowledge about trachoma, pre-operative epilation history, and complication after surgery were identified to be independent factors. To minimize postoperative Trachomatous Trichiasis stakeholders need to consider health education for patients, provision of Azithromycin after surgery, and proper training for integrated eye care workers.

Patterns and short term neurosurgical treatment outcomes of neonates with neural tube defects admitted to Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Neural tube defects (NTDs) account for the largest proportion of congenital anomalies of the central nervous system and result from failure of the neural tube to close spontaneously between the 3rd and 4th weeks of in utero development. Prognosis and treatment outcome depends on the nature and the pattern of the defect. The nature of treatment outcomes and its pattern associated with grave prognosis is not well known in the study area. OBJECTIVE: The aim of study was to determine the patterns and short term neurosurgical management outcomes of newborns with neural tube defects admitted at Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital. METHODS: Institutional based retrospective cross-sectional study among neonates, who were admitted at Felege Hiwot Specialized Hospital with neural tube defects from January 1st to December, 30th, 2018 was conducted. All Charts of Neonates with confirmed diagnosis of neural tube defects were included as part of the study. Trained data collectors (medical interns) supervised by trained supervisors (general practitioners) collected the data using a pretested data extraction format. Data were coded, entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23 software. Frequency and cross tabulations were used to summarize descriptive statistics of data, and tables and graphs were used for data presentation. RESULT: About 109 patients had complete documentation and imaging confirmed neural tube defects. Myelomeningocele was the commonest pattern 70 (64.2%). Thoracolumbar spine was the commonest site of presentation 49(45%). The most common associated impairment was hydrocephalus 37(33.9%). Forty-five (41.1%) had multiple complications. The mortality rate was 7.3%, 44% were discharged with sequalae and 36.7% were discharged without impairment. The significant causes of death were infection 66.7% and Chiari crisis 33.3%. CONCLUSION: Myelomeningocele was the most frequent clinical pattern of neural tube defect and thoracolumbar spine was the commonest site. Isolated neural tube defect was the commonest finding. There were multiple complications after surgery accompanied with meningitis and hydrocephalus. The mortality rate among neonates with neural tube defects was considerably high. The commonest causes of death were infection and Chiari crisis.

Covid-19 vaccine uptake and its associated factors among adult population in Dangila district, Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A mixed method study.

INTRODUCTION: Vaccination is the most cost-effective approach that significantly reduces morbidity and mortality related to Coronavirus disease -19 (COVID-19). Nevertheless, there is a lack of information on the COVID-19 vaccine uptake and related factors in Ethiopia including the research area. OBJECTIVE: To assess COVID-19 vaccine uptake and its associated factors among adult population in Dangila District, Awi Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023. METHODS: A community-based mixed-type study design was conducted from Oct, 15-Nov 15/2022. The study population was chosen using the multistage stratified random sampling technique for the quantitative study and the purposive sampling method for the qualitative inquiry. The collected data were managed and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were employed to identify factors associated with vaccine uptakes. In the qualitative part of the study, key informant interview was applied. After the interview was listened, the transcripts were coded and categorized into themes, and analyzed using Atlas.ti 7 software. Finally, the finding was triangulated with the quantitative results. RESULT: The vaccine uptake among the adult population was found to be 47% (95% CL: 42.7%, 51.0%). History of having test for COVID-19 (AOR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.84), good knowledge about COVID-19 vaccine (AOR; 3.12, 95% CI; 2.11, 4.59), no formal education (AOR: 1.78, 95%: 1.26, 2.58), good attitude (AOR: 3.21, 95% CI: 2.13, 4.89), being in poor Income category (AOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.08, 3.06), being female (AOR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.58) and living in rural area (AOR: 3.1, 95% CI: 1.87, 5.12) were significantly associated with vaccine uptake rate. The study also identified that misperceptions about the vaccine efficacy and safety, availability of vaccine, lack of knowledge about the vaccine, mistrust of the corona virus vaccine, fear of adverse effects, social media influence and religious beliefs were found to be barriers of COVID -19 vaccine uptake. CONCLUSION: In the Dangila district, adult population vaccination uptake for COVID-19 was comparatively low. To raise the rate of vaccination uptake, interventions must focus on the identified modifiable factors.

Determinants of early initiation of breastfeeding following birth in West Africa: A multilevel analysis using data from multi-country national health surveys.

BACKGROUND: Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), within the first hour of birth, is crucial for promoting exclusive breastfeeding and establishing optimal nursing practices. However, global EIBF rates remain low, with even lower rates observed in Africa. Despite existing research gaps, this study aims to determine the prevalence of EIBF and identify maternal and child-related factors associated with its practice in West Africa. METHODS: This study utilized West African Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 13 countries, including 146,964 children's records. To assess model fit, likelihood test and deviance were used. Similarly, intraclass correlation coefficient, median odds ratio, and proportional change in variance were employed for random effect. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to identify individual- and community-level factors influencing EIBF due to the hierarchical nature of the data. Variables with p-values ≤0.2 in the binary model and <0.05 in the final analysis were considered significantly associated with EIBF. RESULTS: The pooled prevalence of EIBF in West African nations was 50.60% (95% CI; 50.34-50.85%). The highest prevalence rate was observed in Serra Leone (75.33%) and the lowest prevalence was found in Senegal (33.94%). In the multilevel multiple logistic regression model, maternal education (AOR = 1.10, 95% CI, 1.03,1.16), marital status AOR = 1.07, 95% CI, 1.01,1.13), birth weight (AOR = 0.91, CI 0.86,0.96), birth orders (AOR = 1.09, CI 1.03,1.16), and (AOR = 1.11, CI 1.03,1.19), place of residence (AOR = 1.14, CI 1.07,1.21), and mode of delivery type (AOR = 0.26, CI 0.24,0.29) were significantly correlated with EIBF in West Africa. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of EIBF in West Africa was found to be low. The study emphasizes the need for targeted behavioral change communication programs to address timely breastfeeding initiation, specifically targeting mothers and child characteristics. Factors such as education, delivery mode, marital status, birth weight, birth order, and place of residence were significantly associated with EIBF. Special attention should be given to improving EIBF rates among women undergoing caesarean sections, infants with low birth weight, and primiparous mothers, along with structural improvements in the healthcare sector in West Africa.

Less than one in four mothers get quality intrapartum health care services in Ethiopia.

Intrapartum care is a platform of comprehensive healthcare for pregnant women that is designed to improve birth outcomes for mother and child. However, complications during the intrapartum period continued to be the leading cause of death for women of reproductive age and newborns. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of quality of intrapartum care and its associated factors among mothers in Ethiopia. A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 4469 mothers who gave birth in the last 2 years. Quality of intrapartum care was analyzed based on the assessment of health facility delivery, skilled birth attendants and early initiations of breast-feeding. Stata version 14 software was used for data cleaning and analysis. A mixed effect multilevel logistic regression was conducted to determine factors associated with quality of intrapartum care. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and a P value of less than or equal to 0.05 was used for the identification of both individual and community level factors. Overall, the prevalence of quality intrapartum care in Ethiopia was 23.8% (95% CI 22.6, 25.13). Primary education (AOR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.14, 1.88), rich household class (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.98), history of ANC (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI = 2.18, 3.86), perceived distance to the health facility as not a big issue (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.30, 2.05), urban residence (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI = 1.93, 5.09), Tigray region (AOR = 5.01, 95% CI = 1.25, 20.59), community level poverty (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.41, 0.97), and having 2-4 children (AOR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.56, 0.97) were significantly associated with quality of intrapartum care. The finding conclude that less than one in four mothers received good quality intrapartum care. In order to optimize the quality of intrapartum care, the government should empower women through extensive education. It is also recommended for the Ministry of Health to evaluate the health facilities and community health workers to increase coverage of ANC and provide financial assistance to rural residents and the poor household class.

Determinants of podoconiosis among residents of Machakle District East Gojjam Zone Amhara Region Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Podoconiosis (endemic non-filarial elephantiasis) is a chronic disease characterized by the development of persistent swelling of plantar foot initially; which progresses to the dorsal foot and lower leg slowly or in a number of acute episodes to reach the knee. About 4 million people are said to be affected by the disease worldwide and it is deemed a serious public health problem in at least 10 African countries including Ethiopia. Therefore this study aimed to identify the determinants of podoconiosis among residence in Machakel district. METHOD: Unmatched case control study design was conducted at Machakel district from August 30 to September 30, 2022. The sample size calculated using Epi-info software yielded 211 controls and 106 cases (317 study participants). Simple random sampling technique was used to select the cases using registration books of the district. Data were entered to Epi info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 22 for statistical analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to identify explanatory variables. RESULT: A total of 312 study participants (104 cases and 208 controls) were included giving a response rate of 98.42%. Bare foot (AOR, 5.83 [95% CI: 2.34-14.50]), female sex (AOR, 4.25 [95% CI: 2.22-8.14]), family history of podoconiosis (AOR: 3.01(95% CI: 1.41-6.42) and age group 41-60 (AOR: 5.05(95% CI: 2.35-10.83), and 61-80 AOR 15.74 95% CI: (5.56-44.55) were determinants of Podoconiosis. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Barefoot, sex, family history of podoconiosis and age were determinants of Podoconiosis. District health office should encourage at risk populations especially older people and individuals with family history of podoconiosis about shoe wearing practice all the time and not to expose their skin and feet.

Assessment of Family Tuberculosis Contact Screening Practice and its Associated Factors Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Positive Patients in South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and the associated factors of family contact screening practice. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 randomly selected pulmonary tuberculosis index cases from 1st May to 30th June 2020. Data were collected through a face-to-face interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was performed. Results: The prevalence of family contact screening was 55.3%, (CI: 60-50). Having family support for care and treatment (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.16-4.21), waiting time of less than 60 min (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.28-3.21), receiving health education on TB prevention and treatment (AOR = 1.86), 95% CI: 1.05-3.29), and having good knowledge about TB prevention (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.77-4.294) were factors associated with family TB contact screening practice. Conclusion: This study revealed that the prevalence of family contact screening was low as compared to national and global targets. Factors associated with family contact screening practice were: the presence of family support, shorter waiting time, health education offered by healthcare workers, and a good level of knowledge of the index cases.

Traditional bone setting service users and associated factors among people with trauma in Mecha district, Ethiopia.

World Health Organization stated that traditional medicine is an important part of health care and countries need to consider integrating it into their primary health care system. Traditional bone setting has a long history in Ethiopia and it enjoys enormous acceptance in the community. However, these methods are raw, there is no standardized training and at the same time, complications are common. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the prevalence of traditional bone setting service utilization and associated factors among people with trauma in Mecha district. Methods A Community- based cross-sectional study design was employed from January 15 to February 15, 2021. A total of 836 participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Binary and multiple logistic regressions were employed to assess the association between the independent variables with traditional bone setting service utilization. Results The prevalence of traditional bone setting service utilization was 46.05%. Factors significantly associated with TBS utilization were: Age ≥ 60 years (AOR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03- 0.43), rural residence (AOR = 3.63, 95% CI: 1.76 -7.50), occupation (merchant (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.07 -0.61), and housewife (AOR = 4.12, 95% CI: 1.33 -12.70), type of trauma: dislocation (AOR = 6.40, 95% CI: 3.69-11.10), and strain (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.05- 4.14)), site of trauma: extremity (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.37), trunk (AOR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03-0.22), and shoulder (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.11-0.37), cause of trauma: fall down and natural deformity (AOR = 9.87, 95% CI: 5.93-16.42) and household annual income greater than > 36,500 (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.29-4.22). Conclusion The prevalence of traditional bone setting practice is high in the study area, despite recent advancements in the practice of orthopedics and trauma in Ethiopia. Since TBS services are more accepted in society, the integration of TBS into the health care delivery system is recommended.

Incidence and Predictors of Aspiration Pneumonia Among Stroke Patients in Western Amhara Region, North-West Ethiopia: A Retrospective Follow Up Study.

Background: Aspiration pneumonia is one of the major complications among hospitalized stroke patients, with global incidence ranging from 5-83% and hospital mortality rate of up to 70%. This study aimed to assess the incidence and identify predictors of aspiration pneumonia among stroke patients in Western Amhara region, North-West Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted on a simple random sample of 568 stroke patients in Western Amhara region admitted at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital. Log binomial regression model, a generalized linear model with log link, was applied to identify significant predictors of aspiration pneumonia. Results: Cumulative incidence of aspiration pneumonia among the 568 sampled patients was 23.06%. Males were 1.71 times more at risk to acquire aspiration pneumonia than females (ARR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.07-2.74). Patients with vomiting and dysphagia were at more risk of acquiring aspiration pneumonia as compared with patients without vomiting and dysphagia (ARR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.04-3.14 and ARR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.10-3.48, respectively). Patients who received antibiotic prophylaxis and patients with Glasgow Coma Scale greater than 12 had less risk of acquiring aspiration pneumonia as compared with those who did not receive antibiotic prophylaxis and patients with Glasgow Coma Scale less than 8 (ARR = 0.10, 95% CI 0.04-0.28 and ARR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.22-0.94, respectively). Conclusion: The cumulative incidence of aspiration pneumonia among sampled patients was 23.06%. Vomiting, dysphagia, antibiotic treatment and Glasgow Coma Scale showed significant correlation with the acquiring of aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, we recommend health-care providers should give special attention for patients with these risk factors to prevent aspiration pneumonia.

Determinants of household dropout from community-based health insurance program in northwest Ethiopia; A community-based case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) is an evolving program for delivering financial protection against the cost of illness and enhancing access to quality health services for low-income informal households. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to identify determinants of household dropout from a CBHI program in Mecha district, North West Ethiopia, 2019. METHODS: A community-based case-control study was conducted in the Mecha district from March 10 to June 10, 2018. The final sample was 634 (317 cases and 317 controls) determined by the two-population proportion formula, and these samples were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. The collected data was entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed using R version 4.0 software. Descriptive statistics computed. A simple logistic analysis was run (at 95% CI and p-value < 0.05) to identify the determinants for the dropout from CBHI. RESULTS: Poor perceived quality of care (AOR = 3.66; 95%CI: 2.35, 5.69), low knowledge of community-based health insurance (AOR = 6.02; 95%CI: 2.97, 12.26), no active community communication (AOR = 5.41; 95%CI: 3.29, 8.90) no chronic illness (AOR = 10.82; 95%CI: 5.52, 21.21) premium fee is not affordable (AOR = 2.35; 95%CI: 1.47, 3.77), and out of pocket money not reimbursed (AOR = 9.37; 95%CI: 4.44, 19.77) were the determinants for the dropout from CBHI. CONCLUSIONS: Poor perceived quality of care, low knowledge of CBHI, no active community participation, no chronic illness, premium fees are not affordable, and out-of-pocket money not reimbursed were the determinants for the dropout from CBHI.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease and associated factors among patients with underlying chronic disease at Dessie Referral Hospital, East Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Background: Chronic kidney disease is defined as a reduction in glomerular filtration rate below 60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and presence of albuminuria over a period of time. Globally, 10%-15% of populations are affected by chronic kidney disease. Studies conducted in Jimma, Addis Ababa, and the Tigray region were conducted on a single chronic disease and did not include human immune viruses. In addition, there has been no such study conducted in the Amhara region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the magnitude and associated factors of chronic kidney disease among chronic patients who are followed up at an outpatient department. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study of 480 chronic patients was conducted at Dessie Referral Hospital, Dessie, Ethiopia between 15 March and 16 April 2020. Data were entered into Epidata and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression models were performed to identify factors associated with chronic kidney disease. The variables with a p-value ≤0.25 were considered to be a candidate for multivariable logistic regression. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered a statistically significant association. Results: The magnitude of chronic kidney disease among the study participants was 21.3%. Variables such as hypertension [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.6, 95% CI: 1.58-4.27], use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.41-3.97), smoking (AOR: 4.4, 95% CI: 2.65-7.34), routine physical activity (AOR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.35-0.94), and obesity (AOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.76-5.05) were significantly associated with the chronic kidney disease. Conclusion: This study found that the magnitude of chronic kidney disease in the study area was high. Hypertension, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, smoking, routine physical activity, and obesity were found to be significant factors for chronic kidney disease.

Developing and validating a risk prediction model for preterm birth at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, North-West Ethiopia: a retrospective follow-up study.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a risk prediction model for the prediction of preterm birth using maternal characteristics. DESIGN: This was a retrospective follow-up study. Data were coded and entered into EpiData, V.3.02, and were analysed using R statistical programming language V.4.0.4 for further processing and analysis. Bivariable logistic regression was used to identify the relationship between each predictor and preterm birth. Variables with p≤0.25 from the bivariable analysis were entered into a backward stepwise multivariable logistic regression model, and significant variables (p<0.05) were retained in the multivariable model. Model accuracy and goodness of fit were assessed by computing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (discrimination) and calibration plot (calibration), respectively. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This retrospective study was conducted among 1260 pregnant women who did prenatal care and finally delivered at Felege Hiwot Comprehensive Specialised Hospital, Bahir Dar city, north-west Ethiopia, from 30 January 2019 to 30 January 2021. RESULTS: Residence, gravidity, haemoglobin <11 mg/dL, early rupture of membranes, antepartum haemorrhage and pregnancy-induced hypertension remained in the final multivariable prediction model. The area under the curve of the model was 0.816 (95% CI 0.779 to 0.856). CONCLUSION: This study showed the possibility of predicting preterm birth using maternal characteristics during pregnancy. Thus, use of this model could help identify pregnant women at a higher risk of having a preterm birth to be linked to a centre.

Rabies prevention practices and associated factors among household heads in Bure Zuria district, North West Ethiopia.

Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease that can occur in all warm blooded animals including humans. Vaccinating dogs can protect people from contracting rabies. Despite the availability of effective human and animal rabies vaccines, rabies prevention and control efforts are inadequate. The aim of the study was to determine the level of rabies prevention practices and associated factors among household heads in Bure Zuria district, North-west Ethiopia. Community based cross-sectional study was conducted at Bure Zuria from June 1 to 30, 2020. A total of 609 participants were selected using simple random sampling technique. Simple and multiple binary logistic regressions were applied to identify associated factors of rabies prevention practices. Of 609 participants, 413 (67.8%) were male and 289 (47.5%) were 30-45 years old. The level of good prevention practices of rabies at Bure Zuria district was 43.3%. Being males (AOR = 2.69 (1.72-4.22)), age group 18-29 years (AOR = 2.70 (1.20-6.10)), ever bitten by dog, (AOR = 2.40 (1.56-3.68)), got training (AOR = 1.70 (1.08-2.68)), had dog (AOR = 2.92 (1.62-5.26)), with good knowledge AOR (95% CI) = 3.42 (2.19-5.32), with good attitude AOR (95% CI) = 1.78 (1.16-2.73) and have 1001-2000 AOR (95% CI) = 2.29 (1.39-3.79) and > 2000 AOR (95% CI) = 2.02 (1.28-3.18)) monthly income were more likely to have good prevention practices of rabies. In this study, we found that the level of good prevention practices of rabies was low in Bure Zuria district. Therefore; awareness creation trainings and multi-sectoral collaborations to prevent rabies are needed in the district, zone and at large region level.

Cancers preventive practice and the determinants in Amhara regional state, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. In Ethiopia, 5.8% of deaths are attributed to cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the cancers preventive practice and associated factors in North West Ethiopia, 2019. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among Bahir Dar city residents. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 845 study participants. Data were collected through a validated interviewer administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was adapted from the American cancer association cancer prevention toolkit. Descriptive statistics were computed and presented in charts and texts. The model fitness was checked using Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit (P > 0.05). Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with cancer preventive practice. A p-value < 0.2 at bivariate analysis was candidate variables for multivariable logistic regression analysis. Finally, p-value of < 0.05 was considered as a statistically significant predictor for cancer preventive practice at the 95% confidence interval. RESULT: A total of 845 study participants took part in the study. Nearly 63% of the respondents were females. About 28% (95%CI: 24, 30) of the study participants had good preventive practice. Age ≥ 45 years (AOR = 0.31; 95%CI: 0.15, 0.62), female (AOR = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.35, 0.71) family member with cancer (AOR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.07, 2.62) and had good knowledge (AOR = 1.66, 95%CI: 1.14, 2.42) were the identified determinants of cancer preventive practices. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the level of cancer preventive practices was low. Family member with cancer, knowledge about cancer, older age, and being female were significantly associated with cancer preventive practices. This finding underscores the importance of interventions to enhance cancer preventive practices.

Survival and predictors of mortality among chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis in Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2021.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high economic and mortality burden of chronic kidney disease, studies on survival and predictors of mortality among patients on hemodialysis in Ethiopia especially in the Amhara region are scarce considering their importance to identify some modifiable risk factors for early mortality to improve the patient's prognosis. So, this study was done to fill the identified gaps. The study aimed to assess survival and predictors of mortality among end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis in Amhara regional state, Ethiopia, 2020/2021. METHOD: Institution-based retrospective record review was conducted in Felege Hiwot, Gonder, and Gambi hospitals from March 5 to April 5, 2021. A total of 436 medical records were selected using a simple random sampling technique. A life table was used to estimate probabilities of survival at different time intervals. Multivariable cox regression was used to identify risk factors for mortality. RESULT: Out of the 436 patients 153 (35.1%) had died. The median survival time was 345 days with a mortality rate of 1.89 per 1000 person-days (95%CI (1.62, 2.22)). Patients live in rural residences (AHR = 1.48, 95%CI (1.04, 2.12)), patients whose cause of CKD was hypertension (AHR = 1.49, 95%CI (1.01, 2.23)) and human immune virus (AHR = 2.22, 95%CI (1.41, 3.51)), and patients who use a central venous catheter (AHR = 3.15, 95%CI (2.08, 4.77)) had increased risk of death while staying 4 h on hemodialysis (AHR = 0.43, 95%CI (0.23, 0.80)) decreases the risk of death among chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis. CONCLUSIONS: The overall survival rate and median survival time of chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis were low in the Amhara region as compared with other developing Sub-Saharan African counties.

Association between antenatal care utilization pattern and timely initiation of postnatal care checkup: Analysis of 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Despite significant public health intervention, maternal mortality remains high in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. Effective postnatal care is a critical service to reduce maternal mortality. In Ethiopia, only 17% of mothers received postnatal care services in 2016. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association between antenatal care and timely postnatal care checkup among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. METHODS: The study used the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data. The current study included 4,081 women who give birth in the two years preceding the survey. Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between antenatal care and timely initiation of postnatal care. RESULTS: Postnatal care services within 2 days of delivery were received by 16.5% of women. Women who had at least four timely antenatal care visits had higher odds of timely postnatal checkups compared to women who had no antenatal care [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 2.50; 95% CI 1.42-4.42]. Women who had at least four antennal care visits without timely initiation also had higher odds of postnatal check-up than their counterparts (aOR: 2.46; 95%CI: 1.22-4.97). Other factors significantly associated with timely initiation of PNC were secondary and above education (aOR: 1.64; 95%CI: 1.03-2.60), perceived distance to the nearby health facility as a significant barrier (aOR: 1.55; 95%CI: 1.15-2.09), primiparous (aOR: 0.34; 95%CI: 0.19-0.61) and institutional delivery (aOR: 14.55; 95%CI: 2.21-95.77). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of timely initiation of postnatal care in Ethiopia is very low. Women who received recommended antenatal care services had higher odds of timely initiation of postnatal care. Thus, strengthening the existing maternal and child health programs to adhere to the recommended ANC care guidelines may improve the timely initiation of postnatal care.

Dietary diversity among pregnant women and associated factors in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUNDS: Pregnancy related complications are major causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Diversified food consumption is essential to produce hormones during pregnancy and it reduced complications. In Ethiopia, many researchers were investigated about the proportion of pregnant women with dietary diversity and its determinant factors. However, those studies are inconsistent and fragmented. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the pooled proportion of pregnant women with dietary diversity practice and its associated factors in Ethiopia. METHODS: We conducted a systematic electronic web-based search of PubMed/ /MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Google online databases for identifying studies on proportion of pregnant women with dietary diversity practice and its associated factors in Ethiopia using pre-defined quality and inclusion criteria. STATA version 14 statistical software was used to analyze the data. We extracted relevant data and presented in tabular form. The I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity across studies. Funnel plot asymmetry and Begg's test were used to check for publication bias. The final effect size was determined by applying a random-effects model. RESULTS: Our search identified 170 studies. Of which, 23 were included in the final analysis stage. The pooled proportion of dietary diversity among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 41% (95% CI: 33, 49). Mothers can read and write (OR = 1.82 (95% CI: 1.25, 2.64)), maternal primary school and above educated (OR = 2.11 (95% CI: 1.10, 4.05)), nutritional information (OR = 4.1 (95% CI: 2.1, 7.99), dietary diversity knowledge (OR = 3.4 (95% CI: 2.73, 4.73)) and household had rich wealth index (OR = 3.45 (95% CI: 1.19, 10.1)) were significantly associated with dietary diversity practice during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: In this meta-analysis; we found that low proportion of pregnant women with adequate dietary diversity in Ethiopia (41%). Maternal education, nutritional information, dietary diversity knowledge and wealth index level of household were significantly associated factors of pregnant woman with dietary diversity practice. This finding implies that improving the awareness of woman about dietary diversity during pregnancy and empowering women economically would play a significant role to improve dietary diversity practice.

Awareness regarding risk factors and determinants of cancers among Bahir Dar city residents, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world. Knowing the cancer risk factors could help the policy-makers to design appropriate preventive and control strategies. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the awareness regarding risk factors and determinants of cancers among Bahir Dar city residents, northwest, 2019. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was employed. A systematic random sampling technique was carried out to select 845 study participants from May 1 to June 30, 2019. A validated structured cancer awareness measuring tool was used to collect the data. The data were entered into the Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. A simple logistic regression was run, and AOR (adjusted odds ratio) at a 95% confidence interval was used to identify the determinants of awareness regarding risk factors of cancers. RESULTS: Nearly twenty percent of the respondents had a good awareness regarding risk factors of cancers. An orthodox Christian (AOR = 3. 2; 95%CI: 1.8, 5.6), college graduated (AOR = 2. 3; 95%CI:1.1, 4.9), a family member with cancer (AOR = 2. 0; 95%CI: 1.3, 3.3), and living in a rental house (AOR = 0. 6; 95%CI: 0.4, 0.9) were significantly associated with awareness regarding risk factors of cancers. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that awareness regarding risk factors of cancers was very low in the study area. Being Orthodox Christian, college graduated, a family member with cancer, and living in the rental house were the determinants of awareness regarding risk factors of cancers.

Prevalence of depression and associated factors among elderly people in Womberma District, north-west, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a common mental disorder that suffers many elderly people who are neglected, their problems are overlooked, and no efforts are made to mitigate their suffering. It is a mental health problem which is both underdiagnosed and under treated in primary care settings. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depression among elderly people in Womberma District, Ethiopia. METHODS: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 10/2020 - April 08/2020. From a 2269 study population, 959 study participants were selected by using computer-generated simple random sampling techniques from selected kebeles. Data were collected using Geriatric depression scale item 15 through face-to-face interviews. Then, entered into EpiData version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 23.0 for analyses. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of depression. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was reported and statistical significance was declared at P-values < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression among elderly people was 45% [95% CI: 41.7-48.5%]. Being female [AOR = 1.60, 95% CI [(1.15-2.23)], (age > =75 years [AOR = 7.95, 95% CI (4.98-12.68)], age 70-74 years [AOR = 5.52, 95% CI (3.52-8.66)], age 65-69 years [AOR = 2.39,95% CI (1.54-3.70)]; divorced [AOR = 2.53, 95% CI (1.59-4.03)], widowed [AOR = 2.65, 95% CI (1.61-4.34)]; poor social support [AOR = 3.32, 95% CI (1.77-6.23)] and presence of known chronic disease [AOR = 1.91, 95% CI (1.30-2.81)] were significantly associated factors with depression. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the prevalence of depression among elderly people was high compared with previous studies done in other parts of Ethiopia. Older age, being female, marital loss, presence of known chronic disease, and poor social support were contributing factors for depression among elders. Early screening and co-morbidity management of depression should be comprised in basic primary health care packages. And also, ensuring adequate social support by establishing the Geriatrics care center could play a crucial role to mitigate the suffering of the elders from marital loss provoked loneness and depression.