Investigating the Impact of Irrigation on Malaria Vector Larval Habitats and Transmission Using a Hydrology-Based Model.

A combination of accelerated population growth and severe droughts has created pressure on food security and driven the development of irrigation schemes across sub-Saharan Africa. Irrigation has been associated with increased malaria risk, but risk prediction remains difficult due to the heterogeneity of irrigation and the environment. While investigating transmission dynamics is helpful, malaria models cannot be applied directly in irrigated regions as they typically rely only on rainfall as a source of water to quantify larval habitats. By coupling a hydrologic model with an agent-based malaria model for a sugarcane plantation site in Arjo, Ethiopia, we demonstrated how incorporating hydrologic processes to estimate larval habitats can affect malaria transmission. Using the coupled model, we then examined the impact of an existing irrigation scheme on malaria transmission dynamics. The inclusion of hydrologic processes increased the variability of larval habitat area by around two-fold and resulted in reduction in malaria transmission by 60%. In addition, irrigation increased all habitat types in the dry season by up to 7.4 times. It converted temporary and semi-permanent habitats to permanent habitats during the rainy season, which grew by about 24%. Consequently, malaria transmission was sustained all-year round and intensified during the main transmission season, with the peak shifted forward by around 1 month. Lastly, we evaluated the spatiotemporal distribution of adult vectors under the effect of irrigation by resolving habitat heterogeneity. These findings could help larval source management by identifying transmission hotspots and prioritizing resources for malaria elimination planning.

Adolescent's and youth's adherence to antiretroviral therapy for better treatment outcome and its determinants: multi-center study in public health facilities.

BACKGROUND: Low-adherence to Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) negatively affects the clinical, immunological, and virologic outcomes of patients. Adherence is the most important factor in determining Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) treatment success and long-term viral suppression which ultimately reduces morbidity and mortality. Thus, this study aimed to identify factors affecting adherence to antiretroviral therapy among adolescents and youth living with HIV. METHODS: Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 21 to April 30, 2020 among 316 respondents in selected five high-loaded hospitals with adolescent and youth clients using systematic random sampling technique. Patients' adherence was assessed when they had reportedly taken 95% or higher of their prescribed antiretroviral drugs in the five days before the interview. Data were collected, entered into EPI Data and exported to SPSS for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to see the association between dependent and independent variables. RESULTS: In this study, 316 respondents participated in the study, with a 99.7% response rate. The mean age of respondents were 17.94 years and majority of them (58.5%) were females. The overall ART adherence among adolescents and youths was found to be 70.6%. Being female (AOR = 0.323, 95% CI, 0.164-0.637), presence of opportunistic infection (AOR = 0.483, 95% CI, 0.249-0.936), taking additional medication beside ART (AOR = 0.436, 95% CI, 0.206-0.922) and availability of youth friendly services within the facility (AOR = 2.206, 95% CI, 1.031-4.721) were found to be predictors. CONCLUSION: The adherence rate in this study was low which is below the recommended adherence level. Being female, taking additional medication beside ART and presence of opportunistic infection were determinants of adherence. As a result, significant work must be done on opportunistic infection prevention through health education and promotion for screening and risk reduction. Similarly, adolescents and youths service integration with the ART Clinic is strongly advised.

A community-based cross-sectional study of eye care service utilization among the adult population in southern Ethiopia.

Background: Visual impairment, which is related to many eye diseases, is a major public health problem. If detected and treated early, it can be prevented; therefore, regular use of vision services is very important. Objective: This study aimed to assess the proportion of utilization of eye care services and associated factors among the rural community population in southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design with a two-stage cluster random sampling technique was conducted to collect data from adults aged 40 years and above using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Kebeles were randomly selected by the lottery method, and systematic random sampling with proportional distribution was used to select the households. An adult individual was randomly selected from a household when there was more than one adult available. A binary logistic regression model was used to establish the association between eye care service utilization and the variables that might affect it. Results: Of the 551 study population, 510 responded to this study, and the response rate was 92.6%. The mean age of the respondents was 52.2 years. The rate of eye care service utilization was 29% (95% confidence interval (0.25, 0.33)). The study shows that older participants, aged 65 and above (adjusted odds ratio: 4.04; 95% confidence interval (2.20, 7.43)), having previous eye problems (adjusted odds ratio: 10.04; 95% confidence interval (5.81, 17.33)), the presence of systemic illness (adjusted odds ratio: 2.52; 95% confidence interval (1.21, 5.21)), and having awareness about regular checkups (adjusted odds ratio: 11.75; 95% confidence interval (6.62, 20.84)) were found to be the predictors of eye care service utilization. Conclusion: In this study, utilization of eye care services was low. Older age, previous eye problems, systemic illness, and awareness about checkups were found to be predictors of eye care service utilization. Hence, there is a need to increase the absorption of existing ophthalmic services and create awareness of the use of ophthalmology services to reduce preventive blindness.

Knowledge of Malaria and Its Uncomplicated Treatment with Argemone mexicana L. in Selected Districts of Jimma Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross Sectional Survey.

Background: With the problems of increasing levels of drug resistance and difficulties to afford and access effective antimalarial drugs in poor and remote areas, herbal medicines could be an important and sustainable source of treatment. Argemone mexicana L. (AM) is a medicinal plant known long ago in several countries for treatment of numerous diseases including malaria. The aim of this study was to conduct a survey on the use of AM in the prevention and treatment of uncomplicated malaria in selected districts of Jimma Zone, Oromia Regional state, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in two selected districts in Jimma Zone, southwest Ethiopia. In total, 552 participants from 17 kebeles (villages/communities) and 18 traditional healers of the districts were interviewed. Data collection was conducted from April 27 to May 18, 2020 using pre-tested structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using Epi Info 7.0 and the descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results. Results: The study indicated that AM is available, known by 39.8% of the respondents and used for prevention and treatment of malaria by 5.7% of the population. All traditional healers interviewed knew the plant, and 44.4% use it for treatment of malaria. In addition, AM is especially used to treat malaria, amoebiasis, diarrhea, cough, and tuberculosis. Conclusion: The availability and use of AM to treat malaria was verified in both community and traditional healers. AM, which was found effective as antimalarial plant in high Plasmodium falciparum endemicity in Mali, is also well known and accepted in these areas of Ethiopia for the treatment of malaria. Further research is needed to assess wether AM is also effective against malaria in Ethiopia where P. vivax and P. falciparum coexist.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Associated Factors among Diabetic Patients at the Diabetic Clinic in a Police Hospital, Addis Ababa.

Background: Diabetes mellitus remains the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in most countries in the world. In Ethiopia, renal complications of diabetes may remain unrecognized due to limited diagnostic resources. As a result, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease among adult diabetics in Ethiopia has not been well described. Hence, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and associated factors among diabetic patients who attended the federal police hospital diabetic clinic in Addis Ababa. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 362 Diabetes Mellitus. Data were collected using face-to-face interviewing questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors. Results: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease diagnosed by Cockcroft-Gault equation and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation was 14.6% and 7.7% respectively. This finding shows the prevalence of chronic kidney disease among Diabetic patients was low. Age 50-59 years [(AOR= 4.0; 95% CI:(1.2, 13)] by Cockroft-Gault equation (CG), age 60-69 years [(AOR=5.8 95% CI:(1.5,21.0)] by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) and (AOR;22.9 95%CI:7.1,74.2) by CG, age 70 years and above (AOR=4.7; 95 CI: 1.1, 19.7) by MDRD and (AOR= 22.9; 95%CI:7.1,74.2) by CG, BMI (AOR=0.2; 95% CI:0.1,0.4) by CG, and previous kidney disease (AOR=6.2 95%CI:2.0,8.4) by MDRD and (AOR;4.6 95%CI:1.9,10.8) C-G equation have a significant association with chronic kidney disease after an adjustment done. Conclusion: The prevalence of chronic kidney disease among Diabetic patients in this study was lower. Age, BMI, and previous recurrent kidney disease were associated with chronic kidney disease. Preventive measures like giving health education and screening of patients with risk factors should get more attention.

Effects of community-led total sanitation and hygiene implementation on diarrheal diseases prevention in children less than five years of age in South Western Ethiopia: A quasi- experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Lack of improved sanitation is the most important contributing factor to diarrheal disease among under-five children in low and middle-income countries. There was no study to identify the effect of Community-Led Total Sanitation and Hygiene intervention on diarrheal diseases in the study area. Hence, this study was designed with the aim of finding the effects of Community-led Total Sanitation and Hygiene implementation for preventing diarrhea among under-five children. METHODS: A community-based Quasi-Experimental study was conducted among a sample of 846 households selected from intervention (kersa) and comparison (mana) districts using the four-stage random cluster-sampling method. A Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The collected data was cleaned, coded, and entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Difference-in Difference method with McNemar's tests was used to compare the prevalence of diarrhea between the intervention and comparison districts, and the significance of change between the pre-test and post-test was declared at p-value less than 0.05 with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The intervention led to decreased diarrhea prevalence [pp = -8.2, 95% CI: -15.9, -0.5], increased latrine ownership [pp = 5.6, 95% CI: 0.5, 10.8], and increased latrine utilization [pp = 10.7, 95% CI: 4.7, 16.6] in intervention district at post-test compared to the baseline; while the presence of handwashing facility near the latrine, home-based water treatment, and proper water storage and handling practice were decreased at post-test compared to the baseline. CONCLUSION: Implementation of Community-Led Total Sanitation improved sanitation and hygiene status of community that resulted in the reduction of diarrhea diseases in under-five children. Further implementation, evaluation, and scale-up of the interventions are needed to reduce diarrheal disease in under-five children.

Magnitude and associated factors of early Implanon discontinuation among rural women in public health facilities of central Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Advocating for and promoting contraception use is critical in reducing mother and child morbidity and mortality. Early Implanon discontinuation may result in unwanted pregnancies and induced abortions. Although there has been research in Ethiopia on long-acting reversible contraceptives, there has been none on early Implanon removal among rural women who have used and removed it. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the magnitude of Implanon discontinuation and related characteristics among women who had the Implanon removed in central Ethiopian public health facilities. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among all women of the reproductive age group who had removed Implanon after using it. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 373 women after proportional allocation to each health facility. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from previous studies. Data were entered using EpiInfo and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine the association between the outcome variable and independent variables. A p-value less than 0.25 was used as a cutoff point to select candidate variables for the final model. Then, a p value less than 0.05, AOR, and a 95% confidence level were used to declare statistical significance. RESULT: A total of 360 participants responded to the questionnaires, making a response rate of 96.5%. In this study, the early discontinuation rate was 42% (95% CI 36.9-47.7). No formal education (AOR = 0.53 [95% CI 0.3-0.94], having medium monthly income (AOR = 3.02 [95% CI 1.38-6.6]), inadequate pre-insertion counseling (AOR = 0.55 [95% CI 0.31-0.98]), lack of appointment for follow up (AOR = 0.16 [95% CI 0.05-0.54]), didn`t satisfy with service provided (AOR = 0.067 [95% CI 0.015-0.29] and developed side effect (AOR) = 4.45 [95% CI 2.37-8.36] were significantly associated with Implanon discontinuation. CONCLUSION: The discontinuation rate of Implanon among those who removed it after using it in this study was high. Lack of formal education, having a medium-income, inadequate pre-insertion counseling, lack of appointments for the follow-up, poor satisfaction, and problems with side effects were the factors associated with early discontinuation rate. Hence, quality family planning service provision is essential to reduce the discontinuation rate.

Predictors of mortality among neonates hospitalized with neonatal sepsis: a case control study from southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal sepsis, which resulted from bacterial, viral, and fungal invasions of the bloodstream, is the major cause of neonatal mortality and neurodevelopmental impairment among neonates. It is responsible for more than one-third of neonatal deaths in Ethiopia. Frequently neonates referred to health facilities are at high risk of death. Hence, assessing and preventing the predictors of mortality in neonatal sepsis helps to reduce the burden of neonatal mortality. OBJECTIVES: To determine predictors of mortality among neonates admitted with sepsis at Durame general hospital, southern Ethiopia, 2020. METHODS: Institution-based unmatched case-control study was carried out from March 8 to 30, 2020, among 219 neonates in Durame general hospital in southern Ethiopia. Neonates admitted with sepsis and died were considered as cases and neonates admitted with sepsis and survived (discharged alive) as controls. Cases were selected by taking the deaths of neonates consecutively among those neonates admitted with the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. The next immediate three corresponding controls were selected by lottery method from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) case registration book. Data was collected by using structured pretested checklists from neonates' records and then entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20. Logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of mortality. Statistical significance was declared at P < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 55 cases and 164 controls were included in this study. More than three quarters (81.8%) of cases had early onset sepsis. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that predictors of mortality in this study were; poor feeding [AOR = 4.15; 95% CI (1.64, 10.49)], respiratory distress [AOR = 2.72; 95% CI (1.31, 5.61)], estimated gestational age less than 37 weeks [AOR = 4.64; 95% CI (2.17, 9.91)], and convulsion [AOR = 3.13; 95% CI (1.12, 8.76)]. CONCLUSION: This study showed that prematurity, convulsion, poor feeding, and respiratory distress were the predictors of sepsis-related neonatal mortality. It is important to pay attention to septicemic babies with any of the identified predictors to reduce sepsis-related mortality.

Health professionals' perception of pharmaceuticals procurement performance in public health facilities in Southwestern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Pharmaceutical's procurement is a core component of logistics management, and has a significant influence on product availability, and total supply chain costs. In Ethiopia, there are few studies on this topic where almost all of them were from suppliers' perspectives and entirely quantitative. This study, therefore, aimed to assess health professionals' perceptions about pharmaceuticals procurement performance in public health facilities in southwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study complemented with a qualitative method was conducted from March 20 and April 30, 2019. We collected the quantitative data through self-administered structured questionnaires from pharmacy staff and document review using checklists. EpiData version 3.1 and SPSS version 20 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Descriptive statistics were done for quantitative data. Qualitative data were gathered through face-to-face in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis technique. RESULTS: Regarding respondents' perception of accountability in pharmaceutical procurement, 110 (57.9%) agreed or strongly agreed that their facilities adopt and use standard treatment guidelines and facility-specific medicine lists. Concerning competitiveness, 139 (62.6%) of the participants either disagreed or strongly disagreed that their facilities used formal suppliers' qualifications based on service reliability and financial capacity. Regarding efficiency, 146 (76.8%) disagreed or strongly disagreed that their facilities develop a mechanism for prompt, reliable payment to lower medicine prices. The qualitative analysis identified staff workforce and competency, budget shortages, suppliers' uncertainty, and pharmaceutical non-availability as challenges for procurement management performance. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that participants perceived procurement performance of their facilities as poor. Therefore, staff development, fundraising options, monitoring and evaluation, coordination and collaboration can improve procurement practice and performance.

Epidemiology of survival pattern and its predictors among HIV positive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Southern Ethiopia public health facilities: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In resource poor countries like Ethiopia, little is known about the survival of patients treated with antiretroviral therapy which depends on different factors. Evidence shows that mortality has been high particularly in the first 3 to 6 months of initiating antiretroviral therapy. Hence, the study aimed to assess the Epidemiology of survival pattern and its determinants among adult HIV positive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study was employed among a total of 455 records of patients who were enrolled on antiretroviral therapy from September 2006 to August 2010. Socio-demographic, clinical, immunological, behavioral, and date of antiretroviral treatment initiation including date of follow up status were extracted. Significant predictor variables were identified by fitting Cox's proportional hazard model using a backward stepwise method and statistical significance variables were declared based on a p-value less than 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 455 adult HIV/AIDS patients on ART contributed to 886.05-person-year of observation and 65.7% were alive and on treatment, 17.1% were lost to follow up and 7.5% died. The study showed that the estimated mortality was 4.4%, 5.3%, 6.1%, 7%, 7.5% and 7.5% at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months of follow up period, respectively. The overall incidence rate of mortality was 4.2 per 100 person-years of observation. In multivariate analysis age 45 and above (AHR: 3.72, 95% CI 1.21-11.4), bedridden functional status (AHR: 17.4, 95% CI 6.21-48.79), poor ART drug adherence (AHR: 4.52,95% CI 2.05-9.96), Tuberculosis co-infection (AHR: 4.1, 95% CI 1.84-9.13), non-disclosure (AHR: 4.9, 95% CI 1.82-12.89) and severe anemia (AHR: 5.1, 95% CI 1.81-14.21) were found predictors. CONCLUSION: Patients with older age, tuberculosis infection, bedridden patients and severe anemia were predictors. Tracing poorly adhered patients and giving drug counseling as well as encouraging them for disclosure to their families is crucial to improve their survival.

Epidemiology of orthodontic treatment need in southwestern Ethiopian children: a cross sectional study using the index of orthodontic treatment need.

BACKGROUND: The planning of orthodontic treatment within a public health system requires information on the orthodontic treatment needs of the population. It is important to have epidemiological data to estimate the total need for orthodontic care in any region. The present study aimed to determine the orthodontic treatment need in 12 years old Southwestern Ethiopian children. METHODS: The institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted which involved 347 twelve years old school children randomly selected from seven different public schools in Jimma Town, Southwestern Ethiopia. A structured interview and clinical examination were used to assess the subjects. One examiner used Dental Health Component (DHC) and Aesthetic Component (AC) of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) to estimate the treatment need. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for data analysis with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: According to the DHC of IOTN, almost half of the subjects in the sample were in moderate to the great need for orthodontic treatment. About 15% of the children had a great need for orthodontic treatment based on IOTN-AC. The most prevalent occlusal traits for defining the DHC categorization include increased Overjet (30.8%) and Crowding (23.3%). There was no statistical difference in the distribution of DHC grades and AC scored based on gender. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the need for orthodontic treatment was high. The percentage of the need for orthodontic treatment is higher in comparison to most of the studies conducted in African regions. Therefore, publicly subsidized orthodontic treatment should be planned and provided to those who are in great need for orthodontic treatment. Besides, awareness about orthodontic treatment should also be considered.

Determinants of diabetic retinopathy in Southwest Ethiopia: a facility-based case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the serious complications patients' diabetic patients suffer from. Little is known about which risk factors are associated with this complication. The aim of this study was therefore to identify determinants of Diabetic Retinopathy in Jimma University Medical Center. METHODS: A facility-based case-control study was conducted. Cases were Diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy and who were on follow up at the Jimma University Medical Center while controls were Diabetic patients but free of diabetic retinopathy and who were on follow up at the Jimma University Medical Center. Cases and controls were identified and 311 of them were recruited using systematic random sampling. Data were entered into the Epi-Data version 4.1 and analyzed using SPSS Version 20. Binary Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify determinants of diabetic retinopathy. RESULT: A total of 106 cases and 205 controls diabetic participated in the study. Being ≥60 years of age (AOR = 5.04,95%CI: 1.83,13.87),being illiterate (AOR = 7.17, 95% CI: 2.61,19.7), poor adherence to medication (AOR =3: 95% CI: 1.29,6.95),having high systolic blood pressure (AOR = 3.38:95% CI: 1.26,9.05), having family history of Diabetes Mellitus (AOR = 3.95: 95% CI: 1.64,9.54), having other micro vascular complications (AOR = 3.76,95% CI: 1.33,10.66), poor glycemic control (AOR = 9.08, 95%CI: 3.7,22.29), poor cholesterol control (AOR = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.08,0.51) and being anaemic (AOR = 2.8, 95%CI: 1.05,7.47) were the independent determinants of diabetic retinopathy. CONCLUSION: This study found that poor adherence to medication, being at the age of 60 years and above, being illiterate patients, having high systolic blood pressure, having a family history of Diabetes Mellitus, having other micro vascular complication, poor glycemic control, poor cholesterol control and being anemic patient were the independent determinants of diabetic retinopathy. Therefore, more attention should be given to older age and illiterate patients. Giving more emphasis for patients poorly adhered to anti-diabetic medications and giving advice for diabetic patients with high systolic blood pressure to follow their blood pressure regularly are also vital. Diabetic patients should also control their Blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels to prevent diabetic retinopathy or reduce its further complications.

Epidemiology of occupational injuries in Ethiopian hotel industry in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: An occupational injury is a global health issue, and in hotel industries, little is known about it. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the epidemiology of occupational injuries in international brand hotels. METHOD: An institutional cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 workers using a systematic random sampling method. Using EpiData and SPSS, respectively, data were entered and analyzed. The final results were explained and presented with the adjusted odds ratio and the 95% confidence interval, and the results of the qualitative data were triangulated with quantitative data. RESULTS: Of the 330 study participants, 125 (37.9%; 95% confidence interval (32.7%, 43.8%)) reported having sustained an occupational injury. The study showed those who had four or less family members (adjusted odds ratio: 0.484, 95% confidence interval (0.286, 0.818)), those who had low educational background (adjusted odds ratio: 1.466, 95% confidence interval (1.098, 1.959)), those who had 2 years or less work experience (adjusted odds ratio: 1.065, 95% confidence interval (1.023, 1.108)), those who were working in shifts (adjusted odds ratio: 2.559, 95% confidence interval (1.197, 5.474)), and those who had sleep disturbance (adjusted odds ratio: 1.797, 95% confidence interval (1.025, 3.151)) were factors significantly associated with occupational injury. CONCLUSION: The study found that the prevalence rate was very high. Among the variables included in the analysis, having four or less family sizes, low educational background, having work experience of 2 years or less, working in shifts, and having sleep disorders/problems were statistically significant. It is therefore recommended that health and safety training and reinforcement be provided to increase awareness and understand the risk factors at the workplace.

Preference of Traditional Bone Setting and associated factors among trauma patients with fracture at Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: institution based cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the access and availability of modern health care, Traditional Bone Setting (TBS) has a big place as alternative health care. Hence, this study was aimed to assess the preference of Traditional Bone Setting and associated factors among patients with a fracture. RESULTS: A total of 224 patients known to have fractured at Black Lion Hospital, Addis Ababa was included in the study. This study revealed that 29.9% of the study participants had a preference for the Traditional Bone Setting. Hospital admission (AOR = 8.158, 95% CI 1.179, 56.439), Traditional Bone Setting center as first port of call after injury (AOR = 0.004, 95% CI 0.001, 0.090), knowledge (AOR = 9.448, 95% CI 1.481, 60.251) and perception (AOR = 0.026, 95% CI 0.003, 0.215) were statistically significant. The preference for the Traditional Bone Setting is high. Hospital admission, Traditional Bone Setting center as a first port of call after injury, knowledge, and perception were significantly associated with the preference of Traditional Bone Setting. In addition to deployment of trained in trauma professionals, working more on awareness creation and training are recommended.

Impacts of working environment and benefits packages on the health professionals' job satisfaction in selected public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia: using principal component analysis.

BACKGROUND: World Health Organization (WHO) predicted that there will be a shortfall of skilled healthcare by 2035 with the greatest shortfall in Africa and Southeast Asia due to satisfaction with payment and incentives. Low job satisfaction of health workers can result in increased staff turnover and absenteeism, which affects the efficiency of health services. Ethiopia has been affected by a shortage of health professionals due to a brain drain of health professionals. Our study, therefore, aimed at assessing the impact of the working environment and benefits packages on the level of satisfaction among health professionals working in selected public Health facilities in Eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: Institutional based Cross-sectional study design was conducted among 422 selected health professionals in Bale Zone Public Health Facilities. After selecting 2 hospitals and 32 health centers by lottery method, proportional allocation of the sample was done for selected Hospitals and Health Centers. Then, to select individual health professional from each health center and hospital, a systematic sampling method was employed using the worker's registration log book. Then, data were collected, cleaned and entered into EpiData software version 3.1 and then exported to IBM SPSS version 21 for analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were done. The principal component analysis was employed for all Likert scale instruments to extract factor(s) representing each of the scales and have factor scores, which facilitate treatment of the variables as continuous during further analysis. Using this regression factor score, multiple linear regression analysis was performed and the effect of independent variables on the regression factor score of the outcome variable was quantified. A significance level of less than 0.05 was used in all cases to judge statistical significance. RESULT: This study showed that the prevalence of job satisfaction of health professionals was 38.5% (95%CI: 33.82-43.2%). Age of health professionals ((ß = 0.252, (95% CI: 0.067, 0.437))), type of health facility (ß = - 0.280, (95% CI; - 0.519, - 0.041), service year (ß = 0.487, (95%CI: 0.025, 0.998)), supply they need to do their job (ß = 0.10, (95% CI: 0.009 to 0.19)), perception of health professional on allowances (ß = - 0.216, (95% CI: - 0.306, - 0.125)) and perception of health professionals on employment benefits (ß = 0.225, (95% CI: 0.135 to 0.315)) were statistically significant that affect job satisfaction factor score. CONCLUSION: level of job satisfaction of health professionals was found to be low. Level of job satisfaction was influenced by the age of the health professionals, type of health facility in which they were working, years of service they had in the health sectors, their working environment, professional allowance and benefits like financial rewards and benefits of being employed. Hence, policy makers and health managers need to pay special attention to increase the satisfaction of the health workforce at all levels in the health system. Moreover, special emphasis should be given for the benefits packages of health workers at different levels.

Predictors of virological treatment failure among adult HIV patients on first-line antiretroviral therapy in Woldia and Dessie hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Virological treatment failure is a problem that a Human Immune Virus patient faces after starting treatment due to different factors. However, there were few studies done on the predictors of virological treatment failure among adult patients on first-line antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia in general, and no study was done in the study area in particular. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify predictors of virological treatment failure among adult patients on first-line antiretroviral therapy in Woldiya and Dessie Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia. METHOD: Hospital based case-control study was conducted in Woldia and Dessie Hospitals from from 12 August 2016-28 February 2018 on 154 cases and 154 controls among adult patients on first-line antiretroviral treatment. All cases were included and comparable controls were selected using stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected by document review using checklists and entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 21. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify the independent predictors of virological treatment failure. RESULTS: In this study, statistically higher odds of virological failure was observed among patients who had current CD4 T-cell count of < 200 mm3 (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.35, 4, 18) compared withCD4 T-cell count of > 200 mm3, current body mass index(BMI) < 16 kg/m2 (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI:1.85, 9.51) compared with BMI > 18.5 kg/m2, BMI between 16 and 18.5 kg/m2 (AOR = 3.72, 95% CI: 1.75, 7.92) versus BMI > 18.5 kg/m2, poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (AOR = 5.4, 95% CI: 2.95, 9.97) compared with good adherence. CONCLUSION: This study showed that low current CD4 T-cell count and body mass index, as well as poor adherence for ART treatment predicts virological failure. Therefore, deliberate efforts are urgently needed in HIV care through improving their nutritional status by enhancing nutritional education and support, and by strengthening enhanced adherence counseling.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards mental illness service provision and associated factors among health extension professionals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Mental, neurological and substance use disorders are highly prevalent in Ethiopia which are known to result in substantial disability. Improving the knowledge, attitude and practice of the primary health care workers is important to reduce this problem. Hence, this study aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude, and practice towards mental illness service provision and associated factors among urban health extension professionals (UHEPs) of Addis Ababa City Administration. METHODS: A cross sectional study design was used. Data was collected from 455 study participants using structured and pre-tested self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables which have significant association with the outcome variables. The level of significant association was determined by adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: This study showed that 44.0% of urban health extension professionals (UHEPs) had adequate knowledge, 93.4% did not have positive attitude and 75.2% had good practice towards mental illness. Age 30 years and above [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 95% CI 0.55 (0.34, 0.90)], having diploma educational status [AOR 95% CI 0.49 (0.32, 0.78)], and personal history of mental illness [AOR 95% CI 0.10 (0.01, 0.89)] were found to have a negative association with knowledge. Presence of job aid (AOR 95% CI 4.30 (2.59, 7.15)) and having good knowledge (AOR 95% CI 0.52 (0.32, 0.85) were increased the practice of service provision of UHEPs. CONCLUSION: Less than half of UHEPs had adequate knowledge, most had unfavorable attitude and about three-fourth of them had good practice. Presence of job aid and having good knowledge were increased the UHEPs practice of mental health service provision. Hence, providing refresher training to UHEPs and fully implementing the national mental health strategy as well as proper clinical supervision and support to improve behavioral change is vital.

Community based cross sectional study of podoconiosis and associated factors in Dano district, Central Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Podoconiosis, affects lower limb, is an entirely preventable non-communicable tropical disease common in low income countries. Globally it is estimated that there are 4 million peoples with podoconiosis and nationally it is estimated that there are 1.56 million cases of podoconiosis. Even though nationwide mapping has been conducted including the current district under investigation, there are no studies conducted to identify factors associated with podoconiosis in the district. Hence, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of podoconiosis and associated factors in the west Shewa of Dano district community. METHOD: A community based cross sectional study was conducted from March 1 to 26, 2018. Seven kebeles out of the total of twenty-three kebeles found in the district were selected randomly. The total sample size was allocated by probability proportional to size to each kebele based on the number of households they had. Then, systematic random sampling was employed to select 652 study participants from the seven kebeles. Data was collected using interviewer administered structured questionnaire and observation. In addition, a blood sample was collected from the study subjects who had leg swelling for ruling out lymphedema due to lymphatic filarasis by using Immunochromatographic test card. Podoconiosis case was defined as bilateral but asymmetric swelling which develop first in the foot often confined to the lower leg and negative result for immune-chromatographic test (ICT card). The prevalence of podoconiosis was determined and multiple logistic regression model was fitted using SPSS version 23 to identify factors associated with podoconiosis. RESULT: The prevalence of podoconiosis in Dano district was found to be 6.3% (95%CI: 5.8, 6.8). Age at first shoe wearing (AOR = 1.08,95% CI = 1.06-1.11), washing practice of feet by water only (AOR = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.47-9.24) and not wearing shoe daily (AOR = 9.32, 95% CI = 4.27-20.4) were found to be significantly associated with increased odds of podoconiosis. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that there was significant burden of podoconiosis in the study area. Age at first shoe wearing, washing practice and frequency of shoe wearing were associated with the development of podoconiosis disease. Modalities to enhance the shoe wearing behaviour of the communities should be planned by high level decision makers working in the area of Health. Moreover, collaboration between local government and non-government stakeholders, and integration with existing programs addressing foot hygiene which involves washing feet with soap and water needs to be addressed.

Impaired glomerular filtration rate, high grade albuminuria and associated factors among adult patients admitted to tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), the worldwide Public Health problem, is also one of the rising non-communicable diseases in low and middle-income countries. Its early detection and treatment using readily available, inexpensive therapies can slow or prevent progression to end-stage renal disease. Hence, this study was aimed at assessing impaired estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), high grade albuminuria, and associated factors among adult patients admitted to Jimma University Medical Center in South west Ethiopia. METHODS: Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted from November 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017. Consecutive sampling method was used to select study participants. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to generate factors associated with impaired estimated GFR and albuminuria. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study involved 422 patients admitted to Jimma University Medical Center who had at least one test result for urinalysis and serum creatinine level during the study period. Fifty two (12.3%) of the study subjects had high grade albuminuria, 19.2, 19.4, and 32.7% had impaired estimated glomerular filtration rate according to Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD-4), Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology (CKD-EPI), and Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equations respectively. Old age (AOR = 2.4;95%CI:1.4-4.01), male sex (AOR = 2.1;95%CI:1.16-3.7), and hypertension (AOR = 2.23; 95%CI:1.24-4.01) were independently associated with impaired eGFR using one of the two equations while diabetes mellitus (AOR = 2.8; 95%CI:1.33-5.82) and BP measurement above optimal (AOR = 4.7; 95%CI:1.9-11.53) were associated with high grade albuminuria. CONCLUSIONS: High grade albuminuria and impaired eGFR were found in significant proportion of adults admitted to the hospital for various medical conditions. Old age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and male gender were independently associated with these alterations. These findings necessitate routine urinalysis and estimation of GFR for all hospitalized adults with known CKD risk factors.

Patients' satisfaction towards radiological service and associated factors in Hawassa University Teaching and referral hospital, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction, one of the main components of quality of care, is a crucial phenomenon for the overall health care delivery system. Even though a number of studies have been conducted about patient satisfaction in different health services, studies in radiology services are flimsy in Ethiopia. This study aimed at assessing patient satisfaction towards radiological service and associated factors in Hawassa University Teaching and Referral hospital. METHODS: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 321 adult patients presented for radiological service in the study area using stratified sampling technique. Patient satisfaction was measured using SERVQUAL (Service Quality) tool that consisted of seven items: accessibility, quality of radiological service, courtesy of radiology staff, existence of good communication with service provider and desk worker, physical environment and privacy technique. Exit interviews of patients were conducted using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Data was collected by three grade ten completed trained data collectors from May 12 to May 28, 2016. Multiple logistic regressions were used to identify independent factors associated with patient satisfaction on radiological services using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: The overall patient satisfaction towards radiological service was 71.6%. Satisfaction to accessibility of the service was 84.5% while it was 80.6% to courtesy of the staff. Similarly, 81.6% reported satisfied with quality of the service and 59.4% and 71% of reported satisfied with physical environment and radiological service provider respectively. On the other hand, 99.7% of the respondents were dissatisfied with privacy of the service. The study revealed that patients who attended primary school (AOR = 0.317, 95% CI: 0.11-0.88), unemployed patients (AOR = 0.067, 95% CI: 0.007-0.622) and patients who had short waiting time to enter into examination room less than one hour (AOR = 4.12, 95% CI: 1.4-11.62) were factors associated with patients satisfaction. CONCLUSION: This study found that majority of respondents was satisfied with the radiological services. Respondent's education level, occupation as well as duration of time taken to enter into examination room were important factors influencing the satisfaction condition. Hence, concerted effort is needed to constantly improve on patient satisfaction to better radiology returns arising from improved patient patronage. It is recommended to give great care and attention to clients during radiological examination procedure and also suggested that the department should decrease time taken to enter into examination room. On the other hand, the reasons behind more educated clients were less satisfied with radiologic service than more educated respondents need further investigation.