Prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among nurses working in public hospitals of Hawassa city, southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Low back pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal ailment that affects numerous individuals, particularly those in the workforce. Nurses, in particular, are highly susceptible to this condition. In developing countries, nurses may encounter physically demanding environments requiring them to lift or transfer patients or equipment without access to proper lifting aids. Such circumstances increase their chances of developing low back pain. Hence, it is crucial to determine the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain to assess the effect and suggest preventive measures. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of low back pain and associated factors among nurses working in public hospitals in Hawassa City, Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 15 to Jun 15, 2021, among randomly selected 398 nurses working in public hospitals of Hawassa City, southern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a standard, modified Nordic Musculoskeletal assessment tool. The data was entered into EPI-Data version 4.6.0.2 and exported to STATA version 14.0 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the prevalence of low back pain. Significance was considered at p < 0.05 with a 95 % confidence interval. Results: The study was conducted among 391 nurses, giving a response rate of 98.2 %.The one-year prevalence of low back pain was 242(61.9 %) with (95 % CI: 57%-66 %). Being female [AOR 1.82; 95%CI (1.07-3.08)], body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 [AOR 2.17; 95 %CI (1.24-3.79)], not getting assistance from coworkers [AOR 1.80; 95 % CI (1.07-3.02)] and not using of the assistive device were [AOR 1.77; 95 % CI (1.04-3.01)] were factors significantly associated with low back pain among nurses. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, a high proportion of nurses reported having low back pain among nurses in Hawassa public hospitals. The study suggests emphasizing the accessibility of assistive devices for patient care, having a balanced body weight, and working in collaboration among nurses to reduce the risk of low back pain among nurses.

Aerobic vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and vaginal candidiasis among women of reproductive age in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia.

Reproductive tract infections (RTIs) are a persistent public health threat worldwide, particularly among women in low-income countries of Africa, including Ethiopia, where drug resistance is also a growing problem. It is crucial to address this problem to ensure women's health and well-being. A cross-sectional study was carried out among a cohort of 398 women of reproductive age who sought medical attention at the Gynecology Department of the Arba Minch General Hospital, southern Ethiopia, from January to June 2020. They were chosen through systematic random sampling, and a pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. The collection of vaginal and/or cervical swabs were done to diagnose bacterial vaginosis (BV) and aerobic vaginitis (AV) using Nugent and AV score analyses, respectively. The swabs were subjected to standard microbiological culture techniques to detect the isolates causing AV and vaginal candidiasis (VC). The susceptibility profiles of the causative agents of AV were checked by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were also done. Aerobic vaginitis was the predominantly diagnosed RTI (n = 122, 30.7%), followed by BV (n = 117, 29.4%) and VC (n = 111, 27.9%). The prominent bacteria of AV were Escherichia coli (n = 36, 34.2%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 30, 28.5%). The overall rate of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria was 65.71% (n = 69). History of abortion (p = 0.01; AOR = 4.0, 95% CI = 2.1, 7.7) and the habit of using vaginal pH-altering contraceptives (p = 0.01; AOR = 4.7, 95% CI = 2.5, 8.8) have the greatest odds of RTI. The high prevalence of RTIs in our study warrants an urgent intervention to minimize the associated morbidities and complications. The overall rate of MDR bacterial isolates necessitates the implementation of an effective surveillance program in the study setting.

Maternal delay for institutional delivery and associated factors among postnatal mothers at Southeastern Ethiopia: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Maternal delay in timely seeking health care, inadequate health care and the inability to access health facilities are the main causes of maternal mortality in low and middle income countries. The three-delay approach was used to pinpoint responsible factors for maternal death. There was little data on the delay in decision making to seek institutional delivery service in the study area. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the extent of the first maternal delay for institutional delivery and its associated factors among postpartum mothers in the Bale and east Bale zones. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 postpartum mothers from April 6 to May 6, 2022. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. The data were collected electronically using an Open Data Kit and exported to SPSS window version 25 for cleaning and analysis. Both bivariate and multivariable analysis was done by using binary logistic regression model to identify factors associated with maternal delay for institutional delivery services. Statistical significance was declared at P-value < 0.05. RESULTS: In this study, the magnitude of the first maternal delay in making the decision to seek institutional delivery service was 29.2% (95% CI: 24.9, 33.9). Previous pregnancy problems (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.06, 3.08), knowing the danger signs of labor and childbirth (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.11, 2.85) and decision-making (AOR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.85) were significantly associated with the first maternal delay. CONCLUSION: This study identified a significant number of postnatal mothers experienced delay in making decisions to seek institutional delivery service in the study area. Promoting women's empowerment and building on key danger signs should be emphasized.

Neonatal jaundice and associated factors in public hospitals of southern Ethiopia: A multi-center cross-sectional study.

Background: Neonatal jaundice is one of the most prevalent problems, affecting over a million newborns globally every year. It increases the likelihood of hospitalization, lifetime disability, and death, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Despite its impact and diverse risk factors, neonatal jaundice remains underappreciated in developing nations such as Ethiopia. As a result, this study aimed to determine the magnitude and associated factors of jaundice in newborns admitted to public hospitals in south Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 417 newborns from October 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021. The data was collected using pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire and checklist. Jaundice and its severity were assessed using the physician's diagnosis and the Kramer scale. Open data kit tools and Stata version 16.0 were used for data collection and analysis, respectively. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify factors associated with neonatal jaundice. An odds ratio with a 95 % confidence interval was used to assess the direction and strength of the association. Results: Out of the newborns, 24.46 % [95 % CI: 20.42-28.88] encountered neonatal jaundice. Being male [AOR: 1.81, 95 % CI: 1.06, 3.12], birth injuries [AOR: 3.01, 95 % CI: 1.27, 7.12], perinatal asphyxia [AOR: 2.10, 95 % CI: 1.18, 3.76], hyaline membrane disease [AOR: 2.16, 95 % CI: 1.16, 4.00], sepsis [AOR: 3.30, (95 % CI: 1.67, 6.54], the combined effect of low birth weight and prematurity [AOR: 1.88, 95 % CI: 1.06, 3.35], and maternal alcohol abuse during pregnancy [AOR: 2.46, 95 % CI: 1.02, 5.94] were significantly associated with neonatal jaundice. Conclusion: The burden of neonatal jaundice was high in the hospitals studied. Early detection and treatment of neonatal problems, counseling pregnant women to avoid consuming any level of alcohol, strict monitoring of labor and delivery, improving antenatal care utilization, and pre-discharge universal bilirubin screening of newborns are essential to reduce the incidence and complications of jaundice. The findings of this study will be used as input to initiate interventions and conduct further studies.

Bacteriological Quality and Antimicrobial Resistant Patterns of Foodborne Pathogens Isolated from Commonly Vended Street Foods in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia.

Background: Ready-to-eat foods sold by street vendors act as potential sources for the spread of various foodborne infectious diseases. Thus, local determination of the level of foodborne bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance pattern is essential. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 5th, 2022 to December 31th, 2022. The required data were collected by a structured questionnaire and observation checklist. Randomly selected street-vended foods were aseptically collected, and the bacteriological quality was assessed by using culture techniques. Different biochemical tests were used to identify and characterize bacterial isolates. The antimicrobial-resistant test for isolated foodborne bacterial pathogens was carried out by using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: A total of 34.2% (113/330) with a 95% CI of 29.1-39.4 of commonly consumed street-vended foods were identified as having unsatisfactory total mean aerobic bacterial counts (>105 CFU/g; 4.3 × 105 CFU/g). The mean total Enterobacteriaceae, coliform, and staphylococcal counts were found to be 1.4 × 105 CFU/g, 2.4 × 104 CFU/g, and 3.4 × 104 CFU/g, respectively. A total of 12.7% (42/330) of foodborne pathogens were recovered attributed to Staphylococcus aureus (31, 9.4%), Salmonella species (6, 1.8%), and E. coli O157:H7 (5, 1.5%). 6.5% and 16.1% of isolated S. aureus were found to be methicillin-resistant and multidrug-resistant (MDR), respectively. Additionally, 33.3% of Salmonella isolates and 40% of E. coli O157:H7 isolates were found to be MDR. Conclusion: Street-vended foods in this setting have a considerable number of unsatisfactory bacterial qualities, along with drug-resistant foodborne pathogens. Thus, more effective health education and training for vendors, regular inspections of vending sites, and regular surveillance of drug resistance patterns of foodborne pathogens are all essential.

Decision to Delivery Interval, Perinatal Outcome and Factors Following Emergency Cesarean Section in Southern Ethiopia.

Background: The interval between the decision for an emergency cesarean section and the delivery of the fetus should be made within 30 minutes. In a setting like Ethiopia, the recommendation of 30 minutes is unrealistic. Decision to delivery interval should, therefore, be considered as vital in improving perinatal outcomes. This study aimed to assess the decision to delivery interval, its perinatal outcomes, and associated factors. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was employed, and a consecutive sampling technique was used. Both the questionnaire and the data extraction sheet were used, and data analysis was done using a statistical package for social science version 25 software. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with decision to delivery interval. P-value < 0.05 level of significance with a 95% Confidence interval was considered statistically significant. Results: Decision-to-delivery interval below 30 minutes was observed in 21.3% of emergency cesarean sections. Category one (AOR=8.45, 95% CI, 4.66, 15.35), the presence of additional OR table (AOR=3.31, 95% CI, 1.42, 7.70), availability of materials and drugs (AOR=4.08, 95% CI, 1.3, 12.62) and night time (AOR=3.08, 95% CI, 1.04, 9.07) were factors significantly associated. The finding revealed that there was no statistically significant association between prolonged decisions to delivery interval with adverse perinatal outcomes. Conclusions: Decision-to-delivery intervals were not achieved within the recommended time interval. The prolonged decision to delivery interval and adverse perinatal outcomes had no significant association. Providers and facilities should be better equipped in advance and ready for a rapid emergency cesarean section.

Health-Related Quality-of-Life and Associated Factors Among Post-Partum Women in Arba Minch Town.

BACKGROUND: It is generally accepted that pregnancy and childbirth are natural physiological processes. However, these significantly affect the quality of mothers' lives. Little is known about the level of quality-of-life and associated factors among postpartum women in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 randomly selected post-partum women who were living in Arba Minch town. Systematic random sampling was employed to select the study participants. The standard quality-of-life assessment tool which is known as the short-form SF 36 tool was used to assess health-related quality-of-life. The logistic regression model was used to identify associated factors. Statistically significant variables at a p-value<0.25 in the bi-variable analysis were candidate variables for multi-variable analysis and statistical significance which was declared at a p-value<0.05. RESULTS: Among the study participants, 255 (62.3%) had lower level health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL). About 46.2% of the study participants had lower physical HRQoL and about 79% of the study participants had lower mental HRQoL. The overall mean score of HRQoL was 45.15 (±8.13). Factors associated with lower overall HRQoL were age group 17-24 years (AOR=2.73, 95% CI=1.22-6.10), no formal education [AOR 2.02, 95% CI (1.05-3.89)], and cesarean delivery (AOR=0.49, 95% CI=0.24-0.97). A factor associated with lower physical HRQoL was cesarean delivery (AOR=0.34, 95% CI=0.13-0.88). Factors associated with lower mental HRQoL were age group 17-24 (AOR=3.37, 95% CI=1.60-7.04), not receiving antenatal care (AOR=3.65, 95% CI=1.45-9.16), and having postpartum depression (AOR=2.27, 95% CI=1.30-3.93). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the majority of post-partum women had a lower HRQoL, particularly women's mental health was compromised. In this study, a suggestion is made that the respective bodies need to give particular attention to mothers during the post-partum period to prevent poor quality-of-life.

Acceptability and Factors Associated with Immediate Postpartum Intrauterine Contraceptive Device Use Among Women Who Gave Birth at Government Hospitals of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2019.

BACKGROUND: An intrauterine contraceptive device is suitable for women of all reproductive age groups for preventing unwanted pregnancies. Immediate postpartum family planning (PPFP) services need to be emphasized when the woman leaves the hospital. Despite the accepted demand for PPFP, many women do not access the services. Therefore, this study aimed to assess acceptability and factors associated with immediate postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device use among women who gave birth at government hospitals of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to 30, 2019 with 452 participants studied using systematic random sampling technique. Data was collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire from March 1 to 30, 2019. The data were coded, cleaned and entered into Epi-data manager version 4.2.2.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for advanced analysis. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify associated factors of immediate PPIUCD acceptability. RESULTS: This study revealed that about 161 (35.6%) in 95% CI (31.0, 39.6) of the study participants accepted immediate PPIUCD. Multiparty (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI, (1.29, 4.20)), completed antenatal follow up (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI, (2.22, 5.99)), counselling (AOR= 8.38, 95% CI, (4.85, 14.48)) and prior discussion (AOR=2.57, 95% CI, (1.51, 4.36)) were statistically significant. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Even though 58% of the mothers were counselled about PPIUCD during the important cascade of pregnancy and 53% of the mothers completed antenatal service, efforts need to improve antenatal care services and integrate counselling services through the whole cascade of pregnancy.

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

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

Prevalence of postpartum family planning utilization and associated factors among postpartum mothers in Arba Minch town, South Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Contraception allows women to realize their human right to decide if and when to have children and helps people to attain their desired family size. Yet 214 million women of a reproductive age in developing countries who want to avoid pregnancy are not using a modern contraceptive method. Women who have recently given birth are among the group with the highest unmet need for contraception. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence of postpartum family planning use and associated factors among postpartum women in Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted. A structured and pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data from study participants. Study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique by allocating proportionally to each health facility. The data was entered using EPI data version 3.1statistical software and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 22.0 for further analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors. P values < 0.05 with 95% confidence level was used to declare statistica significance. RESULT: Overall, 44% of postpartum women utilize postpartum family planning. Having an antenatal care visit [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =1.89(95%CI, 2.42-7.90), having planned pregnancy [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.17(95%CI, 1.60-2.28)], being married (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =2.86(1.94-8.73), and having a college and above level educational status (AOR) =1.66(1.28-3.55) were significantly associated with utilization of postpartum family planning. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the prevalence of postpartum family planning was 44%. Marital status, educational status of mothers, the status of pregnancy, and having an antenatal care follow-up during pregnancy were some factors associated with postpartum family planning utilization. Therefore, strengthening family planning counselling during antenatal and postnatal care visits, improving utilization of postnatal care services and improving women's educational status are crucial steps to enhance contraceptive use among postpartum women.

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

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

Factors affecting enrollment status of households for community based health insurance in a resource-limited peripheral area in Southern Ethiopia. Mixed method.

BACKGROUND: Despite the efforts made by the government of Ethiopia, the community-based health insurance (CBHI) enrollment rate failed to reach the potential beneficiaries. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the enrollment status of households for community-based health insurance and associated factors in peripheral areas of Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: We conducted a community based cross-sectional study design with both quantitative and qualitative methods. Systematic random sampling was employed to select 820 households from 27, April to 12 June 2018. A pretested structured questionnaire, in-depth interview, and focus group discussion guiding tool were used to obtain information. A binary logistic regression model was used to assess the association between independent and outcome variables. A P-Value of less than 0.05 was taken as a cutoff to declare association in multivariable analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed manually using the thematic analysis method. RESULTS: Out of 820 households, 273[33.30%; 95% CI: 29.9-36.20] were enrolled in the community based health insurance scheme. Having good knowledge [AOR = 13.97, 95%CI: 8.64, 22.60], having family size of greater than five [AOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.06], presence of frequently ill individual [AOR = 3.90, 95% CI: 2.03, 7.51] and presence of chronic illness [AOR = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.67, 7.79] were positively associated with CBHI enrollment. In addition, poor quality of care, lack of managerial commitment, lack of trust and transparency, unavailability of basic logistics and supplies were also barriers for CBHI enrollment. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The study found that lower community based health insurance enrollment status. A higher probability of CBHI enrollment among higher health care demanding population groups was observed. Poor perceived quality of health care, poor managerial support and lack of trust were found to be barriers for non-enrollment. Therefore, wide-range awareness creation strategies should be used to address adverse selection and poor knowledge. In addition, trust should be built among communities through transparent management. Furthermore, the quality of care being given in public health facilities should be improved to encourage the community to be enrolled in CBHI.

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

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

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

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

Socio-demographic correlates of availability of adequate iodine in household salt: a community-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the availability of adequately iodized salt at a household level and associated factors in Arba Minch town, South Ethiopia using the gold standard technique, the iodometric titration. RESULTS: 41.8% (95% CI (confidence interval) 38.6 to 45.1) of households had inadequately iodized salt, and 9.3% (95% CI 7.5 to 11.4) had an iodine content below 10 ppm (parts per million). Compared to households with a monthly income of greater than 2000 ETB (Ethiopian Birr), households with a monthly income between 1000 ETB to 2000 ETB (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.52, 95% CI 0.390.36 to 00.77) and main food handlers aged 30 years or above compared to those aged less than 20 years of age (aOR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.91) had higher odds of having adequately iodized salt. Food handler's knowledge and practice were not found to be correlated with the availability of adequately iodized salt in household salt.

Predictors of Time to Viral Load Suppression of Adult PLWHIV on ART in Arba Minch General Hospital: A Follow up Study.

BACKGROUND: Access to antiretroviral drugs for all infected persons in need is a global health priority. The viral load and CD4 counts should be monitored regularly. The plasma viral load should be reduced by as much and for as short as possible. Identifying factors that predict time to viral load suppression of patients on antiretroviral therapy regimens is thus vital to optimizing therapeutic success. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the time to viral load suppression and identify predictors of time to viral load suppression of patients on antiretroviral therapy at Arba Minch general Hospital. METHODS: This study was observational study using data abstracted from medical records, patient interviews and laboratory work-up during 6 months of follow up. The data were collected from 152 naive to anti-retro viral drug patients. The univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were done to identify predictors. RESULT: The median survival time of viral load suppression among adult patients living with HIV was 3 months with 95% CI (2.68, 3.32). The Cox-proportional hazard analysis shows baseline CD4 count of <200cells/mm3 (AHR=0.683, CI:0.471, 0.990), baseline viral load of <10,000 copies/ml (AHR=4.135, CI:1.835, 9.317), having baseline Cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (AHR=1.997, CI:1.108, 3.600), having baseline Isoniazid preventive therapy (AHR=3.085, CI:1.721, 5.529) and good adherence level to ART (AHR=2.648, CI: 1.202, 5.834) significantly predict the time to viral load suppression. CONCLUSION: Early improvement and maintenance of CD4 count and viral load to normal level should be attained through streamlining and strengthening monitoring and counseling of patients on adherence to ART, Cotrimoxazole and Isoniazid drugs.

Determinants of premature rupture of membrane in Southern Ethiopia, 2017: case control study design.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the determinants of term premature rupture of membrane in Southern Ethiopia public hospitals, 2017. RESULTS: Seventy-five cases and 223 controls women were enrolled for the study. Two hundred eighty-four (95.3%) participants were admitted at the gestational age of above 40, and the rest, 14 (4.7%), were admitted at 37-40 weeks of gestation. The current study identified wealth index and inter-birth interval as preventive predictors, but smoking and hypertension during pregnancy were identified as positive determinants of premature rupture of membrane. This finding is supported by multiple logistic regression analysis result of wealth index (AOR: 0.102, 95% CI [0.033, 0.315]), inter-birth interval (AOR: 0.251, 95% CI [0.129, 0 0.488]), smoking (AOR: 17.053, 95% CI [2.145, 135.6]), and hypertension (AOR: 8.92, 95% CI (1.91, 41.605]). The association between PROM and its determinants indicated that evidence-based interventions should be needed and designed to have very high wealth index, and optimal interbirth interval, and prevent smoking and hypertension during pregnancy to decrease PROM occurrence in the study settings. Hence, we recommended that integration of prevention mechanism of modifiable determinants to the obstetrics health care system will reduce premature ruptures of a membrane.

Perinatal Depression and Associated Factors among Mothers in Southern Ethiopia: Evidence from Arba Minch Zuria Health and Demographic Surveillance Site.

Background. Perinatal depression is a serious mental health problem that can negatively affect the lives of women and children. The adverse consequences of perinatal depression in high-income countries also occur in low-income countries. Objective. To assess the perinatal depression and associated factors among mothers in Southern Ethiopia. Methods. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among selected 728 study participants in Arba Minch Zuria HDSS. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using STATA version 12 software. Descriptive statistical methods were used to summarize the characteristics of the mothers. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used for analysis. Results. The prevalence of perinatal depression among the study period was 26.7%. In the final multivariable logistic regression, monthly income AOR (95% C.I): 4.2 (1.9, 9.3), parity [AOR (95% C.I): 0.14 (0.03, 0.65)], pregnancy complications AOR (95% C.I): 5 (2.5, 10.4), husband smoking status [AOR (95% C.I): 4.12 (1.6, 10.6)], history of previous depression AOR (95% C.I): 2.7 (1.54, 4.8), and family history of psychiatric disorders were the independent factors associated with perinatal depression. Conclusion. The study showed a high prevalence of perinatal depression among pregnant mothers and mothers who have less than a one-year-old child.