Determinants of Health Care Providers' Attitudes Toward Safe Abortion Care in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Unsafe abortion is a serious reproductive health problem in developing countries including Ethiopia. The attitude of healthcare providers toward abortion is one of contributing factors to unsafe abortion. This study aimed to determine the pooled effect of healthcare workers' attitudes toward safe abortion care and its determinants factors in Ethiopia. Methods: Search engines such as Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and CAB Abstracts were used to find published studies where as Google and Google Scholar were used to find unpublished research. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. The analysis was performed using STATA 14 and the random-effects model was used to calculate the odds ratios of medical professionals' attitudes regarding safe abortion services. Study heterogeneity was assessed by using I2 and P-values. To evaluate the stability of pooled values to outliers and publication bias, respectively, sensitivity analysis and funnel plot were also performed. Results: A total of 15 published and unpublished articles with a sample size of 4060 were incorporated in this Review. The overall pooled prevalence of this study was 56% (95% CI: 45-67). Sex of participants (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.57, 3.58), having training (AOR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.58, 5.17), Professional type (AOR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.04, 4.46), and knowledge of abortion law (AOR:2.26; 95% CI: 1.14, 4.46) were the determinants factors that significantly associated with health care workers' attitude toward safe abortion care. Sensitivity analysis shows that the pooled odds ratios were consistently stable throughout all meta-analyses, and the funnel plot shows no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion: Half of health care providers sampled among the pooled studies have favorable attitudes toward abortion services in Ethiopia; which could hamper women's access to safe abortion care. Sex, training, type of profession, and knowing abortion law were determinants of health care workers' attitudes toward safe abortion services. Stakeholders should emphasize improving the attitude of healthcare workers toward safe abortion care which has a vital role in reducing maternal mortality. Moreover, working on modifiable factors like training, assigning personnel whose professions align with the service, and updating care providers about abortion law is also the essential key point to improve their intentions to deliver the services.

Predictors of congenital anomalies among neonates admitted to public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Over 8 million newborns worldwide have congenital anomalies; 3.2 million have resultant disabilities. Ethiopia has a high burden of neonatal congenital anomalies, but research on predictors is limited. This study investigated predictors of neonatal congenital anomalies in eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility-based unmatched case-control study on 387 mother-infant pairs (129 cases, 258 controls) in public hospitals was conducted. Data were obtained using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and a medical record review. Binary logistic regression with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) was used to identify predictors of congenital anomaly. RESULTS: Nervous system anomalies were most common 84 (65.1%), followed by gastrointestinal system anomalies 20 (15.5%). Maternal anemia (AOR: 4.37, 95% CI: 2.48-7.69), alcohol consumption during index pregnancy (AOR: 4.01, 95% CI: 1.88-8.54), khat chewing (AOR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.04-2.85), rural residence (AOR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.04-2.85) and antenatal care attendance (AOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22-0.84) were significant predictors of congenital anomaly. CONCLUSION: Several risk factors for congenital anomalies were identified. To reduce risk, antenatal care services should be improved and mothers encouraged to avoid harmful substances during pregnancy and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Intervention strategies are needed to target these risk factors.

Clinical practice competence and associated factors among undergraduate midwifery and nursing sciences students at Bahir Dar city, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Competence describes actions that will be demonstrated or observed and assessed while competency refers to the skill itself. Following appropriate theoretical and practical training, clinical experience is required to achieve the highest level of clinical competence. It is estimated that many women and newborns die each year due to a lack of qualified health professional around the world. As a result, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors influencing clinical competency in the study area. Methods: An Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 12 August to 12 September 2022, among 403 undergraduate health sciences students of Bahir Dar University. Participants were approached through simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire through a face-to-face interview, and entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 22. The prevalence was reported using proportion with 95% CI and summary measures. Predictors were assessed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis model and reported using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI. Statistical significance was declared at P value less than 0.05. Results: Overall, the prevalence of clinical practice competency was 36.5% [95% CI; 33.5, 39.1]. Students who were provided a logbook (AOR=5.40, 95% CI 2.91, 10.02), adequate clinical cases in the clinical practice placement (AOR=2.72, 95% CI 1.60, 4.60), preceptor show different procedures (AOR=2.50, 95% CI 1.33, 4.71), student's confidence during conducting procedure (AOR=4.16, 95% CI 1.67, 10.35) and the suitability of the way of teaching to the learning styles of students during skills demonstration (AOR=2.10, 95% CI 1.00, 4.40) were factors statistically associated with clinical practice competence. Conclusions: According to this study, more than three out of every five participants were found to be clinically incompetent. Providing logbooks, adequate clinical cases, preceptors showing different procedures, students' confidence, and suitability of the way of teaching to the learning styles of students were significantly associated with clinical practice competence. Implementing logbooks, selecting clinical sites, enhancing the confidence of students, preferred teaching/learning styles, and clinical preceptor support were important to improve the clinical competence of students.

Fertility desires of antiretroviral therapy-attending HIV-positive women and its associated factors in Harari region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The desire to have children among mothers living with HIV remains a serious public health issue in nations with low coverage for antiretroviral therapy and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission, even if it is feasible to have an HIV-negative child. Therefore, this study aimed to assess fertility desire and associated factors among antiretroviral therapy-attending HIV-positive women at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, in Harari, Ethiopia. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 639 anti retro-viral therapy attending HIV - positive women by systematic random sampling method selected from June 15 to November 30, 2020. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify the associated factors with fertility desire. Descriptive results were presented in percentages, whereas analytical results were reported in adjusted ORs (AORs) with a 95% CI. At p=0.05, statistical significance was declared. RESULTS: A total of 639 participants were included in the study; 69.5%(95% CI 65.7 to 72.9%) of the participants had fertility desire. Younger age (<35 years) (AOR=2.35, 95% CI 1.27 to 4.35), married women (AOR=3.02, 95% CI 1.32 to 12.25), childless women (AOR=2.86, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.82) and women whose duration of HIV diagnosis was ≤5 years (AOR=0.41, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.71) were significantly associated with fertility desire. CONCLUSION: The majority of the study participants have a desire to have children. In light of the high prevalence of fertility desire among antiretroviral therapy-attending HIV-positive women, it is recommended to counsel younger women on reproductive planning and encourage partner testing.

Neonatal pain management practice in the neonatal intensive care unit of public hospitals: a survey of healthcare providers in eastern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Newborns experience multiple painful and stressful procedures during their hospitalization in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Repeated or untreated pain can have negative consequences for the health and development of newborns. Despite the growing knowledge of pain assessment and intervention, several studies have shown that the practice of neonatal pain management among healthcare providers is poor. Therefore, data regarding neonatal pain management practice and affecting factors are essential for taking appropriate actions. This study assessed neonatal pain management practice and associated factors among healthcare providers working in the NICUs of public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia from 1 January to 28 February 2022. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used among 372 randomly selected healthcare providers working in the NICUs of public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured self-administered questionnaire and an observation checklist. The collected data were reviewed, coded and entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify the associations between outcome and predictor variables at a 95% confidence level and P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study found that 185 (53.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 48.4 to 59.2) of the 343 respondents had good neonatal pain management practice with a mean of 11.38 (standard deviation 3.64). Receipt of in-service training in neonatal pain management (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.12 [95% CI 1.15 to 3.91]), availability of protocols and guidelines in the NICUs (AOR 2.94 [95% CI 1.74 to 4.91]) and accessibility of analgesics in the NICUs (AOR 4.302 [95% CI 2.46 to 7.53]) were significantly associated with good neonatal pain management practice. CONCLUSIONS: The overall practice of healthcare providers in neonatal pain management in public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia is relatively high compared with previous studies conducted in Ethiopia. Improving the availability of analgesics as well as neonatal pain management protocols and guidelines in NICUs will aid in the promotion of good neonatal pain management practices. In addition, providing ongoing in-service training on neonatal pain management will allow healthcare providers to better care for newborns in pain.

Utilization of preconception care and associated factors among pregnant mothers in Fiche Town, Central Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study 2021.

Introduction: Preconception care is an important preventive intervention for adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is recognized as a strategy to optimize women's health and pregnancy outcomes in Western countries. However, preconception care is underutilized in sub-Saharan Africa, like Ethiopia, where maternal mortality is high. Evidence is scarce in the study area about the prevalence and factors associated with preconception care utilization. Therefore this study aimed to assess the proportion of preconception care utilization and associated factors among pregnant mothers in Fiche town, central Ethiopia, 2021. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was done from May 10 to June 25, 2021. A systematic random sample technique was used to choose 393 pregnant women for the study. A structured, pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and then exported into SPSS version 25 for analysis. A Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to check for the association. Odds ratio along with 95% was used to describe the association. Finally, a significant association was declared at a p-value less than 0.05. Results: 388 respondents participated in this study, making the response rate 98.7%. Of total study participants only 84 (21.6%; 95% CI, 18, 25.8) utilized preconception care. The study found that diploma or higher level of education (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.27, 9.53), psychological and financial support from a partner (AOR = 3.86, 95% CI: 2.1, 7.10), joint discussion and plan with a partner (AOR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.55, 7.13), history of chronic disease (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.67, 7.25), and good knowledge about preconception care (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.34, 4.38) were significantly associated with preconception care utilization. Conclusions: Overall, less than a quarter of the pregnant mothers utilized preconception care, indicating that awareness is very low. Pregnant mothers who have a higher educational level, have good communication and support from their partners, have chronic health problems, and have good knowledge about preconception care were more likely to utilize the service. Preconception care is a better opportunity to intervene and maintain the mother in the continuum of care.

Adherence to diabetic foot care recommendations and associated factors among people with diabetes in Eastern Ethiopia: a multicentre cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the level of adherence to foot care recommendations and associated factors among people with diabetes on follow-up in public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia. SETTING: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted in public hospitals found in Eastern Ethiopia from 25 February to 25 March 2022. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 419 patients with chronic diabetes who visited diabetic clinics in public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia for follow-up were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The level of adherence to diabetic foot care recommendations and associated factors. RESULTS: The findings indicated that 44.3% (95% CI: 39.3, 49.0) of people with diabetes had inadequate adherence to diabetic foot care recommendations. Age between 28-37 (adjusted OR (AOR)=1.10; 95% CI: 1.27, 5.63) and 38-47 years (AOR=2.19; 95% CI: 2.74, 8.89), rural residence (AOR=1.71; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.57), absence of comorbidity (AOR=2.22; 95% CI:1.34, 5.14), obesity (AOR=1.43; 95% CI: 1.10, 5.05) and inadequate foot care knowledge (AOR=2.10; 95% CI: 1.52, 4.35) were factors significantly associated with inadequate adherence to diabetic foot care recommendations. CONCLUSION: More than two-fifths of people with diabetes had inadequate adherence to diabetic foot care recommendations. Younger age, rural residence, absence of comorbidity, obesity and inadequate foot care knowledge were significantly associated with inadequate adherence to diabetic foot care recommendations. It is very essential to educate people with diabetes about the importance of foot care recommendations in preventing and delaying the risks of foot-related problems and complications.

Prevalence and Patterns of Neonatal Birth Trauma in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction. Neonatal death is still alarming in low-income countries including Ethiopia, accounts 30 death per 1000 alive births. Birth trauma is the second most common contributing factors for the death. Nevertheless, there is no aggregate evidence on the prevalence and patterns of neonatal birth trauma in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence and patterns of neonatal birth trauma in Ethiopia. Methods. Searching databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Popline, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINHAL (EBSCO), Google, Google Scholar, and lists of references were used to search literatures in Ethiopia. STATA version 14 was used for analysis, and the odds ratios of the outcome variable were determined using the random-effects model. Heterogeneity among the studies was assessed by computing values for I2 and P-values. Also, sensitivity analysis and funnel plot were done to assess the stability of pooled values to outliers and publication bias. Results. A total of 6 studies with a sample size of 3663 were included in this study. The overall prevalence of neonatal birth trauma was 15% (95% CI: 13-16). Subgaleal hemorrhage (39%), cephalohematoma (27%), and caput succedaneum (24%) were the most common neonatal birth trauma in Ethiopia. Meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses showed the stability of the pooled odds ratios, and the funnel plots did not show publication bias. Conclusion. This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a high prevalence of neonatal birth trauma in Ethiopia. Moreover, most of the neonatal birth injuries were severe and life-threatening that need medical attention to safe the neonates and its life long complications.

Trend, prevalence and predictors of successful vaginal birth after caesarean section in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) is an alternative to a caesarean section (CS) in the absence of repeat or new indications for primary CS. There is a knowledge gap regarding the trend and successful VBAC in Ethiopia. Therefore this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the trend, pooled prevalence of successful VBAC and its predictors in Ethiopia. METHODS: Electronic databases (SCOPUS, CINAHL, Embase, PubMed and Web of Science), Google Scholar and lists of references were used to search works of literature in Ethiopia. Stata version 14 was used for analysis and the odds ratios of the outcome variable were determined using the random effects model. Heterogeneity among the studies was assessed by computing values for I2 and p-values. Also, sensitivity analyses and funnel plots were done to assess the stability of pooled values to outliers and publication bias, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies with a sample size of 2080 were included in this study. The overall success rate of VBAC was 52% (95% confidence interval 42 to 65). Cervical dilatation ≥4 cm at admission, having a prior successful vaginal delivery and VBAC were the predictors of successful VBAC. CONCLUSIONS: Meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses showed the stability of the pooled odds ratios and the funnel plots did not show publication bias. The pooled prevalence of successful VBAC was relatively low compared with existing evidence. However, the rate was increasing over the last 3 decades, which implies it needs more strengthening and focus to decrease maternal morbidity and mortality by CS complications. Promoting VBAC by emphasizing factors favourable for its success during counselling mothers who previously delivered by CS to enhance the prevalence of VBAC.

Prevalence of common mental disorders and associated factors among adults living in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia: a community based cross-sectional study.

Background: Common mental disorders are highly prevalent in the population, affecting people across all regions of the world. In Ethiopia, mental disorders are the leading non-communicable disorders. World Health Organization (WHO) report shows that 4,480,113 (4.7%) and 3,139,003 (3.3%) people in Ethiopia are estimated to suffer from depression and anxiety, respectively. However, there are only limited studies conducted on common mental disorders in Africa including Ethiopia. Even if there was a previous study conducted among Harari regional state residents 7 years back, nowadays there are many possible factors that could increase the prevalence of common mental disorders in the community like the novel coronavirus pandemic, ethnic war, and current socio-economic crises in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the prevalence of common mental disorders and associated factors among adult residents of Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to March 30, 2022. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 1,192 study participants. Data were collected by interviewer-administered structured and semi-structured questionnaires. A common mental disorder was assessed by the Self-Reporting Questionnaire of 20-Item (SRQ-20) questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.2 and exported to Stata Version 16 for analysis. The multivariable binary logistic regression analysis with a 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05 was used to identify factors associated with common mental disorders. Result: From a total of 1,192 eligible participants, 1,168 responded to this survey, giving a response rate of 97.98%. The prevalence of common mental disorders among adults in the Harari Region of this study was 21.31% (95% CI, 18.8-23.60). Being female with Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR = 1.31, 95%CI, 1.09-2.09), single (AOR = 2.03, 95%CI, 1.37-3.01), divorced (AOR = 3.06, 95%CI, 1.97-4.76), widowed (AOR = 1.79, 95%CI, 1.23-3.26), unemployed (AOR = 1.97, 95%CI, 1.18-3.31), having family history of mental illness (AOR = 3.17, 95%CI, 1.54-6.96) and age greater or equal to 55 years (AOR = 105, 95%CI, 1.69-3.54) were statistically associated with common mental disorders. Conclusion: The prevalence of common mental disorder in the study area was sharply increased. Being female, single, divorced, widowed, family history of mental illness, being unemployed and age greater or equal to 55 years old were statistically positively associated with common mental disorder. Considering these determinants, screening, early identification, and providing appropriate intervention for common mental disorders in the community should be of great concern.

Prevalence and determinants of maternal near miss in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis, 2015-2023.

BACKGROUND: One of the most challenging problems in developing countries including Ethiopia is improving maternal health. About 303,000 mothers die globally, and one in every 180 is at risk from maternal causes. Developing regions account for 99% of maternal deaths. Maternal near miss (MNM) resulted in long-term consequences. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the prevalence and predictors of maternal near miss in Ethiopia from January 2015 to March 2023. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis cover both published and unpublished studies from different databases (PubMed, CINHAL, Scopus, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library) to search for published studies whilst searches for unpublished studies were conducted using Google Scholar and Google searches. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. Duplicated studies were removed using Endnote X8. The paper quality was also assessed based on the JBI checklist. Finally, 21 studies were included in the study. Data synthesis and statistical analysis were conducted using STATA Version 17 software. Forest plots were used to present the pooled prevalence using the random effect model. Heterogeneity and publication bias was evaluated using Cochran's Q test, (Q) and I squared test (I2). Subgroup analysis based on study region and year of publication was performed. RESULT: From a total of 705 obtained studies, twenty-one studies involving 701,997 pregnant or postpartum mothers were included in the final analysis. The national pooled prevalence of MNM in Ethiopia was 140/1000 [95% CI: 80, 190]. Lack of formal education [AOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.09, 3.10], Lack of antenatal care [AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.33, 3.03], history of cesarean section [AOR = 4.07, 95% CI: 2.91, 5.24], anemia [AOR = 4.86, 95% CI: 3.24, 6.47], and having chronic medical disorder [AOR = 2.41, 95% CI: 1.53, 3.29] were among the predictors of maternal near misses from the pooled estimate. CONCLUSION: The national prevalence of maternal near miss was still substantial. Antenatal care is found to be protective against maternal near miss. Emphasizing antenatal care to prevent anemia and modifying other chronic medical conditions is recommended as prevention strategies. Avoiding primary cesarean section is recommended unless a clear indication is present. Finally, the country should place more emphasis on strategies for reducing MNM and its consequences, with the hope of improving women's health.

Nearly One-Fourth of Eastern Ethiopian Adolescents are Current Psychoactive Substance Users: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Psychoactive substance use is a growing health problem in both developing and developed countries. Despite adolescents being at high risk of practicing risky behaviors including substance use, there is no adequate information on the problem in the Harari Region, in the Eastern part of Ethiopia. Hence, the present study aimed to identify the burden of current substance use in high school adolescent students of Harari Region, Ethiopia, from 10th April to 10th May 2022. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was employed on a total of 1498 randomly selected adolescent students. Poisson regression was used for the assessment of substance use over the last three months among adolescent students. The substance use burden was reported by IRR (incidence rate ratio) at a 95% Confidence interval. The final model fitness was checked using Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) reports. The variables that had less than 0.05 P-value were declared to be statistically significant. Results: The overall psychoactive substance use was 373 (24.9%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI); 22.8-27.1%). The substances included khat (21.6%, 95% CI; 18.6-23.6%), alcohol drinking (1.8%; 95% CI; 1.3-2.6%), and smoking (1.2%, 95% CI; 0.75-1.9%). Being male (IRR (Incidence Rate ratio) = 1.21, 95% CI; 1.11-1.38), availability of the substance (IRR (Incidence Rate ratio) = 2.02, 95%; 1.53-2.66), having substance user friends (IRR=1.60: 95% CI: 1.30-2.01), and being at a younger age (IRR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02-1.44) increased the psychoactive substance use rate in the adolescents. Conclusion and Recommendation: One out of four adolescents was a current psychoactive substance user. Being male, substance availability, having substance-user friends, and being at younger age increased the psychoactive substance use rate in school adolescents in Eastern Ethiopia. The intervention that involves the schools' community, students' families, and executive bodies should be strengthened to overcome the substance use-related burdens among high school adolescent students.

Prevalence of child marriage and associated factors among reproductive age women in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia, 2022: a community-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Child marriage is a union before the age of 18 and a violation of human right. Around 21% of young women in the world married before reaching the age of 18. Every year, 10 million girls under the age of 18 are married. Child marriage causes lifetime suffering, and its abolition was one component of the Sustainable Development Goal to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls. However; abolition of child marriage by 2030 will not happen because its prevalence in the community has remained stable. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of child marriage and its associated factors among reproductive-age women from March 7 to April 5, 2022 in Harari Regional State, eastern Ethiopia. METHODS: Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 7 to April 5, 2022 among the reproductive age group in the Harari Region state, Eastern Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was used to find study participants. Data were obtained by face-to-face interview using a pre-tested structured questionnaire, input into EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using Stata version 16. The proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) and the summery measure were used to report the prevalence. A multivariable logistic regression analysis model was used to examine associated factors, and the results were provided as an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval. RESULT: In this study 986 were responded to the interview, making response rate of 99.6%. The median age of study participants was 22 years. The prevalence of child marriage was 33.7% [95% CI: 30.8-36.7] in this study. Being a Muslim (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.26, 4.19), diploma or higher level of education (AOR = 0.26, 95%CI = .10, 0.70), rural residence (AOR = 5.39, 95% CI = 3.71, 7.82), a marriage arranged by others (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.49, 4.82) and not knowing legal age of marriage (AOR = 4.49, 95% CI = 2.57, 7.85) were significantly associated with child marriage. CONCLUSION: According to this report, nearly one out of every three women engages in child marriage. The practice was more common among those with lower educational attainment, those who lived in rural areas, people who were unaware of the legal age of marriage, and those whose engagement was decided by others. Focusing on strategies that allow for intervention in these factors is beneficial in ending child marriage, which has a direct and indirect impact on women's health and educational achievement.

One-sixth of women experienced obstructed labor among those delivered at public hospitals in Southern Ethiopia: A multicenter study.

Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of obstructed labor and associated factors among women delivered at public hospitals in Southern Ethiopia. Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was employed among 704 systematically selected postnatal women. The data were collected by the structured and pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science version 20. Multivariable logistic regression with a 95% confidence level was used to determine the associated factors. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. Result: The prevalence of obstructed labor was 15.8% (95% confidence interval: 13.1-18.5). Age (adjusted odds ratio = 5.23, 95% confidence interval: 2.98-11.12), antenatal care follow-up (adjusted odds ratio = 1.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-3.39), duration of labor (adjusted odds ratio = 4.41, 95% confidence interval: 2.56-7.67), and experiencing complications (adjusted odds ratio = 4.21, 95% confidence interval: 2.63-6.98) were significantly associated with obstructed labor. Conclusion: The study revealed that one-sixth of women experienced obstructed labor. Regional health sectors and non-governmental organizations need to collaborate with healthcare providers in providing improved maternal health services with special emphasis on teenage women with optimum and proper follow-up throughout the pregnancy, by early identifying complications during labor and delivery to manage the problem early.

Reproductive health service utilization and associated factors among secondary school students in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia, 2022: a multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Reproductive health encompasses all conditions relating to the reproductive system and goes beyond simply being free from disease or infirmity. Several socioeconomic and socio-cultural factors affect reproductive health service utilization. OBJECTIVES: To assess reproductive health service utilization and its associated factors among government secondary school students in Harari regional state, Eastern Ethiopia 2022. METHODS: A school-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 1275 secondary school students in six randomly selected secondary schools in Harari Regional state, in eastern Ethiopia. The study participants were chosen using a simple random sampling method. Data was gathered using self-administered questionnaires, entered into Epi Data version 3.1, and exported to SPSS version 25 for cleaning and analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to compute the frequency of each independent variable and the magnitude of the outcome variables, then to identify factors associated with the outcome variable, respectively. To declare a significant association, an adjusted odd ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of 0.05 were used. RESULTS: Our finding indicated that 25.3% (95% CI:22.9, 27.7) of the secondary school students utilized reproductive health services. Being in grade 11-12 (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.18, 2.38), having a history of sexually transmitted infection (AOR = 6.11, 95% CI: 2.20, 16.99), presence of a health facility nearby (AOR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.99), discuss voluntary counseling and testing with family (AOR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.90, 3.94), and discussing about contraceptive with friends (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.65) were the elements that had a strong correlation with reproductive health service utilization. CONCLUSION: In this study, only one-fourth of secondary school students utilized RH service during the past year. The student's educational level, having a history of STI, the presence of a health facility nearby, and discussing RH service with family/friends were the factors significantly associated with reproductive service utilization among secondary school students.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated factors among adult clients at public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia using the health belief model: multicentre cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Immunization is still one of the best ways to reduce viral-related morbidity and mortality . Therefore, this study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated factors among adult clients at public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia. METHOD: A multicentred facility-based cross-sectional study design was utilised. The systematic random sampling technique was used to select 420 study participants. The characteristics of individuals were described using descriptive statistical analysis such as frequency, median and IQR. Mean was used for health belief model components. The association was assessed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression and described by the OR along with a 95% CI. Finally, a p-value<0.05 in the adjusted analysis was used to declare a significant association. OUTCOME MEASURE: COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated factors. RESULT: A total of 412 adult clients were interviewed, with a response rate of 98.1%. Of the total study participants, 225 (54.6%; 95% CI: 50.0% to -59.7%) were willing to accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Age≥46 (adjusted OR, AOR=3.64, 95% CI: 1.35- to 9.86), college and above level of education (AOR=2.50, 95% CI: 1.30- to 4.81), having health insurance (AOR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.11- to 2.87) and experiencing chronic disease (AOR=1.96, 95% CI: 1.02- to 3.77) were predictor variables. Also, components of the health belief model were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among the adult population was low compared to other study. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance were age, college and above level of education, having a chronic disease, having health insurance, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefit and perceived barrier.Improving awareness about COVID-19 among all sections of the population is crucial to improving vaccine acceptability.

Current alcohol, tobacco, and khat use and associated factors among adults living in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Background: Psychoactive substance use becomes a major public health and socioeconomic problem worldwide. Despite its burden and consequences, there is no community-based study conducted on psychoactive substance use and associated factors in eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and determinants of current alcohol, tobacco, and khat among adults living in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 955 adults living in Harari regional state. Participants were randomly recruited using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected by interviewer-administered structured and semi-structured questionnaires. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 14.0 for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the outcome and independent variables, and the statistical significance was declared at a p < 0.5. Results: Of 955 eligible participants, 95.29% participated in the study. The overall prevalence of current alcohol use, tobacco use, and khat use in this study was 8.24, 14.5, and 63.30%, respectively. The availability of alcohol, being unemployed, and being a current khat user were significantly associated with current alcohol use. Being male, having a low level of education, having peer pressure, having a common mental disorder, being a current alcohol user, and being a khat user were identified as significant predictors for current tobacco use. The age between 31 and 40 years, being a Muslim religion follower, being a farmer, being a current tobacco user, and availability of khat were significantly associated with current khat use. Conclusion and recommendations: The prevalence of psychoactive substance use in the study area was relatively high compared with that of previous studies. By considering these determinants, screening, early identification, and developing appropriate intervention strategies to prevent and tackle current alcohol, tobacco, and khat use in the community should be of great concern.

Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine and associated factors among health care workers at public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia using the health belief model.

Introduction: Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination among Health Care Workers is mandatory to lessen and curve the spread of transmission of COVID-19. Even though the Health Belief Model is one of the most widely used models for understanding vaccination behavior against COVID-19 disease, COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among Health Care Workers in Ethiopia was not adequately explored by using the Health Belief Model domains. Purpose: This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and associated factors among Health care workers in eastern, Ethiopia. Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used among 417 health care workers selected by a systematic random sampling method from June 1- 30/2021. The data were collected by face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using STATA version 14 statistical software. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis with a 95% confidence interval was carried out to identify factors associated with willingness to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and a statistical significance was declared at a P-value < 0.05. Results: The willingness of health care workers to accept the COVID-19 vaccine was 35.6%. Age 30-39 (AOR = 4.16;95% CI: 2.51, 6.88), age ≥ 40 years (AOR = 3.29;95% CI: 1.47, 7.39), good attitude (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.00, 3.55), perceived susceptibility (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.12, 3.32), and perceived severity (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.10) were factors significantly associated with Health Care Workers acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion: The willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine among HCWs was low. Factors significantly associated with the willingness to accept the COVID-19 vaccine were age, good attitude, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity of the disease. The low willingness of Health Care Workers to accept the COVID-19 vaccine was alarming and it needs more emphasis from the government in collaboration with other stakeholders to provide reliable information to avert misconceptions and rumors about the vaccine to improve the vaccine status of Health Care Workers to protect the communities.

Magnitude of episiotomy practice and associated factors among women who gave birth at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia.

Background: Episiotomy is an intentional surgical incision made on the perineum with the aim of enlarging the introits during the second stage of labor or just before delivery of the baby. It sometimes also interferes with the mother's comfort during the postpartum period and has associated complications especially when it is done without indication. However, there is limited information regarding episiotomy practice in the study area. Objective: This study aimed to determine the magnitude of episiotomy practice and associated factors among women who gave birth at the Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 408 systematically selected mothers who gave birth at the Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, from 1 January to 30 December 2021. Datas were collected from delivery medical records using a pretested checklist. The extracted data were checked, coded, and entered into the Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to the STATA version 16 software for analysis. Binary logistic regression was fitted to identify factors associated with episiotomy practice. P-values < 0.05 were considered to declare the presence of statistical significance. Results: The overall prevalence of episiotomy practice was found to be 43.4 % (95% CI: 38.7, 48.9), and mediolateral was the most commonly practiced episiotomy type (41.4%). Parity [AOR: 6.2; 95% CI (3.8-17.6)], 1st min Apgar score [AOR: 1.6; 95% CI (1.04-2.67)], presence of maternal medical disease [AOR: 3.3; 95% CI (1.09-6.9)], and induced labor [AOR: 1.6; 95%CI (1.12, 4.13)] were significantly associated with the episiotomy practice. Conclusion: The prevalence of episiotomy practice in the study area was high. Parity, presence of maternal medical disease, induction of labor, and 1st min APGAR score were significant factors associated with episiotomy practice. Considering the presence of appropriate indications or preventing unjustifiable indications, can help to reduce the current high practice rates.