Dyslipidemia among adult HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy and its association with age and body mass index in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Dyslipidemia is a common public health problem in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who are receiving antiretroviral therapy and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Although evidence indicates that the prevalence of dyslipidemia is high, estimated pooled data are not well documented. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of dyslipidemia in adult people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia. METHOD: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. The following databases and grey literature were searched: PubMed, WorldCat, ScienceDirect, DOAG, African Journals Online, Google Scholar, and African Index Medicine. We included all comparative epidemiological studies that reported the prevalence of high concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein, and low concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol that were published between January 2003 and July 2023. The random effects model was used to pool the outcome of interest. Additionally, subgrouping, sensitivity analyses, and funnel plots were performed. R software Version 4.2.1 was used for statistical analysis. RESULT: Seventeen studies with a total of 3929 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of dyslipidemia, high total cholesterol, high triglyceride, elevated level of low density lipoprotein and low level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol were 69.32% (95% CI: 63.33, 74.72), 39.78% (95%CI: 32.12, 47.96), 40.32% (95%CI: 34.56, 46.36), 28.58% (95%CI: 21.81, 36.46), and 36.17% (95%CI: 28.82, 44.24), respectively. Age and body mass index were associated with high total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that the prevalence of dyslipidemia in Ethiopia is high in people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy. Early detection of dyslipidemia and its integration into treatment are essential for preventing cardiovascular disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Protocol registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023440125).

Blood pressure self-monitoring practice and associated factors among adult hypertensive patients on follow-up at South Wollo Zone Public Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a silent killer that causes serious health issues in all parts of the world. It is risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke and kidney disease. Self-monitoring practice has been identified as an important component of hypertension management. Hence, this study aimed to assess blood pressure (BP) self-monitoring practice and associated factors among adult hypertensive patients on follow-up in South Wollo Zone public hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia. METHODS: Hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 June 2022 to 30 June 2022, among 336 adult hypertensive patients on follow-up at selected South Wollo Zone public hospitals. Data were collected by using self-administered pretested structured questionnaires; the collected data were entered into Epi-data V.4.6 and then exported to SPSS V.25 software for analysis. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage were used to describe the study participants. Tables and texts were used for data presentation. Binary logistic regression was conducted to test the association between the independent and dependent variables. Adjusted OR (AOR) with 95% CI was estimated to identify the factors associated with BP self-monitoring and the level of significance was declared at p<0.05. RESULTS: The proportion (95% CI) of BP self-monitoring practice among hypertensive patients in South Wollo Zone Public Hospitals was 8.93% (95% CI 6.3% to 12.5%). In the multivariable analysis, urban residence (AOR 3.97, 95% CI (1.11 to 14.20)), comorbidity (AOR 4.80, 95% CI (1.23 to 18.69)), regular healthcare professional visit (AOR 4.64, 95% CI (1.02 to 21.14)), advice on the type of devices used for BP self-monitoring (AOR 5.26, 95% CI (1.49 to 18.58)) and knowledge on hypertension self-care (AOR 13.13, 95% CI (4.21 to 40.99)) were positively associated with BP self-monitoring practice. CONCLUSION: The proportion of BP self-monitoring practice was low. Living in urban areas, comorbidity, regular healthcare professional visits, advice on the type of devices used for BP self-monitoring, and knowledge of hypertension self-care were positively associated with BP self-monitoring practice.

Determinants of Work-Related Stress Among Nurses Working in Private and Public Hospitals in Dessie City, 2021: Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Globally, work-related stress had a significant impact on health-care providers. Private and public health-care institutions are considered intensive work areas for work-related stress. In Ethiopia, most studies were focused on only public hospitals. However, this study aimed to include private and public hospitals. Methods: A hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 304 nurses working in public and private hospitals from 8 April to 7 May 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to select nurses, and the data were collected using a standardized self-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into Epidata version 4.6.1 and then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression were applied. The final multivariate regression declared significant determinants at a p-value <0.05 and a 95% confidence interval with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) to reveal the strength of associated variables. Results: In this study, the overall magnitude of work-related stress among nurses was 48.4% (95% CI: 42.4-54.6) (51.6% among public hospitals and 46.4% for private hospitals). Bachelor nurses (AOR=0.32,95% CI:0.13,0.76), working in operation room (AOR=7.89, 95% CI:1.46,9.60) and job dissatisfaction (AOR=4.95, 95% CI: 1.94,2.61) were determinants of work-stress in private hospitals whereas being female (AOR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.43, 6.92), working experience 5 to 10 years (AOR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.97), having degree and above (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.99) and working in intensive care unit (AOR = 6.48, 95% CI:1.49, 8.18) were determinants of work-related stress in public hospitals. Conclusion: The overall magnitude of work-related stress among nurses in Dessie city was almost half. In contrast, more work-related stress among nurses working in public hospitals than in private hospitals. Sex, operating (working) unit, working experience, and type of institution were work-related stress determinants in public and private hospitals. Hence, reducing workload and providing stress management training is crucial to reducing work-related stress among nurses.

Access to and challenges in water, sanitation, and hygiene in healthcare facilities during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia: A mixed-methods evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in healthcare facilities (HCFs) have an impact on the transmission of infectious diseases, including COVID-19 pandemic. But, there is limited data on the status of WASH facilities in the healthcare settings of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess WASH facilities and related challenges in the HCFs of Northeastern Ethiopia during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2020. About 70 HCFs were selected using a simple random sampling technique. We used a mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative study. The quantitative data were collected by an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and observational checklist, whereas the qualitative data were collected using a key-informant interview from the head of HCFs, janitors, and WASH coordinator of the HCFs. The quantitative data were entered in EpiData version 4.6 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 for data cleaning and analysis. The quantitative data on access to WASH facilities was reported using WHO ladder guidelines, which include no access, limited access, and basic access, whereas the qualitative data on challenges to WASH facilities were triangulated with the quantitative result. RESULTS: From the survey of 70 HCFs, three-fourths 53 (75.7%) were clinics, 12 (17.2%) were health centers, and 5 (7.1%) were hospitals. Most (88.6%) of the HCFs had basic access to water supply. The absence of a specific budget for WASH facilities, non-functional water pipes, the absence of water-quality monitoring systems, and frequent water interruptions were the major problems with water supply, which occurred primarily in clinics and health centers. Due to the absence of separate latrine designated for disabled people, none of the HCFs possessed basic sanitary facilities. Half (51.5%) of the HCFs had limited access to sanitation facilities. The major problems were the absence of separate latrines for healthcare workers and clients, as well as female and male staffs, an unbalanced number of functional latrines for the number of clients, non-functional latrines, poor cleanliness and misuse of the latrine. Less than a quarter of the HCFs 15 (21.4%) had basic access to handwashing facilities, while half 35 (50%) of the HCFs did not. The lack of functional handwashing facilities at expected sites and misuse of the facilities around the latrine, including theft of supplies by visitors, were the two most serious problems with hygiene facilities. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that the majority of HCFs had basic access to water, there were problems in their sanitation and handwashing facilities. The lack of physical infrastructure, poor quality of facilities, lack of separate budget to maintain WASH facilities, and inappropriate utilization of WASH facilities were the main problems in HCFs. Further investigation should be done to assess the enabling factors and constraints for the provision, use, and maintenance of WASH infrastructure at HCFs.

Predictors of Survival Time Among HIV-Infected Adults After Initiating Anti-Retroviral Therapy in Kombolcha Town: A 5-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) enhances the survival of HIV-infected patients by reducing viral load and increasing CD4. As CD4 count increases, patients are more protected against opportunistic infections. In developing countries including Ethiopia, there were limited studies about the survival benefit of ART particularly no study in Kombolcha Town. Thus, this study was aimed to address the gap. Methods: A hospital-based retrospective cohort study was employed in Kombolcha town among 510 patients' records from January 2015 to December 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select patient records. The collected data were checked, coded, and entered into Epidata version 4.6 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 for data cleaning and analysis. Kaplan-Meier was used to estimate the probability of category of each predictor and a log rank test was used to compare survival curves. Bivariate and multivariate Cox-regression were employed using a 95% CI and variables with p-value <0.05 were declared as predictors of poor survival time. Results: In this cohort, out of 510 HIV-infected patients, 39 (7.65%) were died, and 471 (92.35%) were censored. Fair drug adherence (AHR=6.88, 95% CI: 4.31-24.04), Poor drug adherence (AHR=9.58, 95% CI: 8.72-30.97), CD4 count <50 cell/µL (AHR=9.38, 95% CI: 1.48-59.31), CD4 count 50-99 cell/µL (AHR=9.67, 95% CI: 1.80-51.73), bedridden (AHR=9.5, 95% CI: 4.49-18.66), opportunistic infections (AHR=4.58, 95% CI: 1.20-5.65), weight <60kg (AHR=2.48, 95% CI:1.59, 10.38), WHO stage III (AHR=3.56, 95% CI: 1.71-17.89), WHO stage IV (AHR=4.42, 95% CI:1.75-25.93) were predictors of poor survival time. Conclusion: The Kaplan-Meier result showed that the estimated median survival time of patients after ART initiation in Kombolcha town was higher (32 months) as compared to other studies. Poor drug adherence, WHO stage III & IV, Lower baseline CD4 count, presence of opportunistic infections, weight <60kg, and being bedridden were predictors of poor survival time. Thus, early initiation of ART ought to be encouraged among HIV-infected patients and good patient counseling on the level of adherence should be strengthened.

COVID-19 infection prevention practices among a sample of food handlers of food and drink establishments in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are increasing at an alarming rate throughout the world, including Ethiopia. Food handlers in food and drink establishments are at high risk of exposure to the virus due to their many daily contacts with customers. Since there is a paucity of evidence about infection prevention practices and associated factors among this high-risk group in Ethiopia including in Dessie City and Kombolcha Town, this study was designed to address this gap. METHOD: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 food handlers in Dessie City and Kombolcha Town food and drink establishments in July and August 2020. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected by trained data collectors using a pretested structured questionnaire and an on-the-spot observational checklist. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and exported to STATA version 14.0 for data cleaning and analysis. Data were analyzed using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model at 95% confidence interval (CI). From the bivariable analysis, variables with a p-value <0.25 were retained into multivariable analysis. Finally, variables that had a p-value <0.05 were declared as factors significantly associated with good infection prevention practices of COVID-19 among food handlers. MAIN FINDINGS: The overall rate of good practice in infection prevention among food handlers was 43.9% (95% CI: 39.2-48.4%). Among the total 401 food handlers, 79.8% had good knowledge and 58.4% had a favorable attitude about COVID-19 infection prevention. Factors significantly associated with good COVID-19 infection prevention practices were: educational status of college or above (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.32-3.75), food handling work experience greater than five years (AOR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.43-5.77), availability of written guidelines within the food and drink establishment (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.52-4.75), and taking training about infection prevention (AOR = 3.26; 95% CI: 1.61-6.61). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that around one-third of food handlers had good infection prevention practices. Thus, to reduce COVID-19 transmission, integrated work is urgently needed to further improve food handlers' good practices, knowledge and attitude about infection prevention through providing health education, training and by making written infection prevention guidelines available in food and drink establishments.

Prevalence and associated factors of needle stick and sharps injuries among healthcare workers in northwestern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Needle stick and sharp injuries (NSSIs) are a common problem among healthcare workers (HCWs). Although the factors related to NSSIs for HCWs are well documented by several studies in Ethiopia, no evidence has been reported about the magnitude of and factors related to NSSIs in hospitals in northwestern Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out from January to March 2019 among 318 HCWs in three randomly-selected hospitals of the eight hospitals found in South Gondar Zone. Sample sizes were proportionally allocated to professional categories. Study participants were selected by systematic random sampling methods using the monthly salary payroll for each profession as the sampling frame. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The outcome of this study was the presence (injured) or absence of NSSIs during the 12 months prior to data collection. A binary logistic regression model with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for data analysis. Variables from the bi-variable analysis with a p-value ≤ 0.25 were retained into the multivariable analysis. From the multivariable analysis, variables with a p-value less than 0.05 was declared as factors significantly associated with NSSIs. MAIN FINDINGS: The prevalence of NSSIs was 29.5% (95% CI: 24.2-35.5%) during the 12 months prior to the survey. Of these, 46.0% reported that their injuries were moderate, superficial (33.3%) or severe (20.7%). About 41.4% of the injuries were caused by a suture needle. Factors significantly associated with NSSIs were occupation as a nurse (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.18-4.26), disposal of sharp materials in places other than in safety boxes (AOR = 3.93, 95% CI: 2.10-5.35), recapping of needles (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.13-4.56), and feeling sleepy at work (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.14-4.41). CONCLUSION: This study showed that almost one-third of HCWs had sustained NSSIs, a proportion that is high. Factors significantly associated with NSSIs were occupation as a nurse, habit of needle recapping, disposal of sharp materials in places other than in safety boxes and feeling sleepy at work. Observing proper and regular universal precautions for nurses during daily clinical activities and providing safety boxes for the disposal of sharp materials, practicing mechanical needle recapping and preventing sleepiness by reducing work overload among HCWs may reduce the incidence of NSSIs.

Facemask wearing to prevent COVID-19 transmission and associated factors among taxi drivers in Dessie City and Kombolcha Town, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) has pointed out that urban taxi drivers and their passengers are at higher risk of transmitting coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) due to frequent contact among many people. Facemask wearing is one of the preventive measures recommended to control the transmission of the virus. A lack of evidence of the proportion of facemask wearing among taxi drivers and associated factors in Ethiopia, including Dessie City and Kombolcha Town, hinders the design of targeted interventions to advocate for facemask use. This study was designed to address this gap. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 417 taxi drivers in Dessie City and Kombolcha Town from July to August, 2020. The study participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique after proportionally allocating the sample size from the total number of taxi drivers working in Dessie City and Kombolcha Town. The data were collected by trained data collectors using a structured questionnaire and an on-the-spot observational checklist. The collected data were checked, coded and entered to EpiData version 4.6 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 for data cleaning and analysis. Bivariate (Crude Odds Ratio [COR]) and multivariable (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]) logistic regression analyses were employed using 95% CI (confidence interval). From bivariate logistic regression analysis, variables with p-value < 0.250 were retained into multivariable logistic regression analysis. Then, from the multivariable analysis, variables with p-value < 0.050 were declared as factors significantly associated with facemask wearing among taxi drivers in Dessie City and Kombolcha Town. MAIN FINDINGS: The proportion of taxi drivers who wore a facemask was 54.68% [95%CI: 50.10-59.7%]. The majority (58.3%) of drivers were using cloth facemasks, followed by N95 facemasks (24.5%) and surgical facemasks (17.3%). Out of the total 417 taxi drivers, more than two-thirds (69.8%) of them had a good knowledge about COVID-19 and 67.6% of taxi drivers had a positive attitude towards taking precautions against transmission of COVID-19. Three-fourths (74.1%) of the taxi drivers believed that wearing a facemask could prevent COVID-19. More than half (52.5%) felt discomfort when wearing a facemask. Almost three-fourths (72.2%) of taxi drivers felt that the presence of local government pressure helped them to wear a facemask. We found that marital status [AOR = 3.14, 95%CI: 1.97-5.01], fear of the disease [AOR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.28-3.47], belief in the effectiveness of a facemask [AOR = 5.6, 95%CI: 3.1-10.16] and feeling government pressure [AOR = 3.6, 95%CI: 2.16-6.13] were factors significantly associated with wearing a facemask. CONCLUSION: We found that the proportion of facemask wearers among taxi drivers was relatively low in Dessie City and Kombolcha Town. In order to increase that number, government bodies should work aggressively to encourage more taxi drivers to wear a facemask. We also recommend that government and non-government organizations work very closely together to implement strategies that promote facemask use, including increasing the availability of inexpensive facemasks, and monitoring and controlling facemask use.

The Magnitude of Diabetes Mellitus in Adult Hypertensive Patients in Northeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are the most common comorbid non-communicable chronic diseases that threaten human beings worldwide. Hypertension is associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus and vis-a-vis. However, there is limited information on the magnitude of diabetes mellitus in hypertensive patients in sub-Saharan countries. Hence, this study assessed the magnitude of diabetes mellitus and its associated factors among adult hypertensive patients attending a hypertension clinic in Northeast Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study conducted on 407 participants from April to June 2019. The participants were included in the study using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using the WHO STEPwise method. We run descriptive statistics to determine the magnitude of diabetes mellitus in hypertensive patients and logistic regression to identify factors associated with diabetes, and statistically significant associations were declared at a P-value of less than 0.05. RESULTS: The magnitude of diabetes mellitus among hypertensive patients was 29.1%, of whom 24% were newly diagnosed. Respondents with a family history of diabetes mellitus (AOR: 4.6, CI: 2.2, 9.48), increased waist-to-height ratio (AOR: 21.5, CI: 5.62,43.67), increased waist circumference (AOR: 3.2, CI: 1.58, 6.53) and primary school educational status (AOR: 3.2, CI: 1.41, 7.25) were more likely to have diabetes. Similarly, respondents with longer hypertension duration (AOR: 4.09, CI: 1.22, 13.64), past daily smoking history (AOR: 10.46, CI: 1.59,6.8), increased diastolic blood pressure (AOR: 4.15, CI: 1.51, 11.37), and increased waist circumference (AOR: 7.5, CI: 4.47,14.95) were more likely to be diagnosed newly for diabetes. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated around one-third of hypertensive patients had diabetes. Family history of diabetes mellitus, primary educational status and increased waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference were significant predictors of diabetes among hypertensive patients. The finding suggests the need for regular diabetic screening among hypertensive patients.

Level of Physical Activity and Its Associated Factors Among Type II Diabetes Patients in Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity results in poor control of chronic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus. The main reason for being overweight and obese among patients with chronic illness is low level of physical activity. Thus, this study aimed to assess level of physical activity and its associated factors among type II diabetes patients at Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was employed from October 1 to November 25 2019 in Dessie Referral Hospital. The study utilized systematic sampling technique to recruit the sample population of 364 diabetic patients. Face-to-face exit interview was used to collect the data. The data were presented with text and tables. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression was employed to identify independent predictors of low level of physical activity at a P-value of <0.05. RESULTS: From the total study participants, 110 (33.1%) of them did not perform health enhancing physical activity. Patients whose body mass index was below 18.5 kg/m2 did not perform health enhancing physical activity twice more likely compared with patients whose weight was normal (AOR=2.36, 95%CI: 0.02-5.42). Patients who were depressed did not perform health enhancing physical activity five times more likely compared with their counterparts (AOR=4.83, 95%CI: 1.46-15.96). In addition, being widowed (P=0.037), living in an urban area (P=0.028) and duration of disease (P=0.020) were statistically associated with low level of physical activity. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The level of physical activity among patients with type II diabetes was low. Being widowed, living in an urban area, being underweight, duration of disease and being depressed were independent predictors of low level of physical activity. Health education should be given in every visit to patients with type II diabetes. Promotion of physical activity through campaign should be done.

Knowledge towards Prevention and Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease and Associated Factors among Hypertensive Patients at a Chronic Illness Clinic of Jimma Town Public Hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Morbidity and mortality due to chronic kidney disease are increasing among hypertensive patients in Sub-Saharan Africa. The majority of hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease are not diagnosed at an early stage because of poor knowledge. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no study conducted in Ethiopia about knowledge of hypertensive patients towards prevention and early detection of chronic kidney disease. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess knowledge towards prevention and early detection of chronic kidney disease and associated factors among hypertensive patients at Jimma town public hospitals, Ethiopia. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 332 hypertensive patients using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and medical record reviewing from April 5 to May 21, 2019. Study participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected by using a standardized questionnaire. Data were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were applied. To identify factors, a 95% confidence level and P value of less than 0.05 were considered. RESULTS: Over half (59.6%) were males, and the mean (±SD) age of participants was 54.92 (12.91) years. Among the total participants, more than half of them (47.9%) had good knowledge. Attending secondary education (AOR = 2.9, P = 0.014), higher education (AOR = 5.4, P = 0.001), working in private sectors (AOR = 4.3, P = 0.001), taking three and above drugs per day (AOR = 0.55, P = 0.016), and having a family history of kidney disease (AOR = 2.3, P = 0.012) were significantly associated with knowledge. Conclusion and Recommendation. Near to half of the study participants had good knowledge towards prevention and early detection of chronic kidney disease. Attending secondary education and above, working in private sectors, taking three and above drugs per day, and having a family history of kidney disease were independent predictors of knowledge. Hypertensive patients should be encouraged to be aware of risk factors of CKD, and health care providers should educate hypertensive patients about the prevention and early detection of chronic kidney disease.

Timely Initiation of Complementary Feeding and Associated Factors among Mothers of Children Aged 6-24 Months in Dessie Referral Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia, 2019.

BACKGROUND: Timely, appropriate, safe, adequate, and frequent feeding is essential during the transition period for optimal growth and development as well as vulnerability of the child. The age of initiation of complementary feeding needs to be strongly addressed. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine timely initiation of complementary feeding and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6-24 months in Dessie Referral Hospital. METHODS: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 mothers of children aged 6-24 months. A systematic random sampling technique was employed for selection of study participants by considering the 1st comer as a starting point and then at every 5th interval till the sample size was saturated at exit time. Data were collected using pretested and validated structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered to Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20.0 software for analysis. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model were used. RESULTS: Overall response rate was 98.2%. Among 275 mothers with children aged 6-24 months, 36 (13.1%), 179 (65.1%), and 60 (21.8%) mothers started giving complementary feeding for their children early (before six months), timely (at six months), and late (after six months), respectively. Mothers' educational status of grade 9-12 and college and above [AOR = 3.03; 95% CI (1.13-8.14), and AOR = 3.74; 95% CI (1.19-11.70), respectively], getting counsel [AOR = 2.83; 95% CI (1.54-5.21)], and poor knowledge [AOR = 0.37; 95% CI (0.19-0.72)] were found to be independent predictors. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of timely initiation of complementary feeding was high as compared to the national prevalence. Mothers' educational status, getting counsel about complementary feeding, and knowledge were factors associated with timely initiation of complementary feeding. Therefore, awareness creation, counseling, and health education should be done on society by concerned bodies to improve timely introduction of complementary feeding level more than this result.