Survival Status, Length of Stay, and Predictors of Mortality Among Neonates Admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Gurage Zone Public Hospitals.

Background: Many countries need to accelerate their progress to achieve the sustainable development goal target of neonatal death. It is still high in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess the mortality predictors and length of hospital stay among Neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Gurage zone public Hospitals. Method: In this study, a facility-based retrospective follow-up study was applied among 375 neonates admitted to the NICU of selected public hospitals in the Gurage zone from June 1, 2019 to June 30, 2021. The researchers used Epi-Data entry 3.1 for the data entry and then exported it to STATA version 14 for analysis. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank test were used to estimate and compare the survival time of categorical variables, respectively. Result: The researchers observed about 85 (22.7% with 95%CI: 18.7, 27.2) deaths from the 2305 person-days follow-up. The median survival time was 14 days. The overall incidence density rate was 36.9 per 1000 person-days observed (95%CI: 29.8, 45.6). Perinatal asphyxia (AHR: 2.9[CI: 1.8; 4.8]), cesarean section as a mode of delivery (AHR: 1.1[CI; 1.01; 1.15]), maternal age of greater or equal to 35 years (AHR: 1.1[95% CI: 1.01, 1.15]), and twin pregnancy (AHR: 2.3[95% CI: 1.2, 4.3]) were predictors of neonatal mortality. Conclusion: The survival rate of neonates was higher compared to other studies. So, to reduce the burden of neonatal mortality, health care providers should give special attention to twin pregnancies, neonates delivered via cesarean section, and neonates with a problem of perinatal asphyxia.

Needlestick and sharp injuries and its associated factors among healthcare workers in Southern Ethiopia.

Background: Needlesticks and sharp injuries are occupational hazards for healthcare workers that result from the accidental piercing of the skin. Needlestick injuries expose healthcare workers to blood and body fluids that may be infected and can be transmitted to them. Healthcare workers have been exposed to blood-borne pathogens through contaminated needles and other sharp materials every day. Around 20 blood-borne diseases can be transmitted through casual needlesticks and sharp injuries. Objective: To assess needlestick and sharp injuries and its associated factors among healthcare workers in Southern Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: The hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 341 healthcare workers in Worabe Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from June 10 to July 6, 2021. A stratified sampling technique was used and data were collected using standardized structural questionnaires by BSc nursing professionals. The collected data were checked for completeness and consistency by the investigator. The completed questionnaire was given an identification number and entered into EpiData version 3.5.1. The data were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 26 using a binary logistic regression model and presented with texts, tables, and graphs. Results: The finding revealed that 30.6% of healthcare workers had experienced needlestick and sharp injuries within their working area. Healthcare workers not trained on safety measures of needlestick and sharp injury (adjusted odds ratio: 7.179 (3.494-14.749)), working in the delivery unit (adjusted odds ratio: 6.528 (3.171-11.834)), being older age (adjusted odds ratio: 3.394 (1.775-7.126)), working in inpatient unit (3.278 (1.804-5.231)), working in an emergency unit (adjusted odds ratio: 5.718 (4.326-6.398)), working in an operation room theater (adjusted odds ratio: 2.359 (1.781-4.430)), working as a medical laboratory technician (adjusted odds ratio: 1.070 (1.432-3.304)), working in pediatrics unit (adjusted odds ratio: 1.063 (1.431-2.843)), working as cleaners (adjusted odds ratio: 0.018 (0.002-0.195)), working <40 h per week (adjusted odds ratio: 0.036 (0.004-0.345)), and seldom needle recapping (adjusted odds ratio: 0.043 (0.015-0.125)) were statistically associated with needlestick and sharp injury. Conclusions: In this study, there is a high magnitude of needlestick or sharp injuries among healthcare workers. Lack of training on work-related safety measures; working in delivery; being older age; working in the inpatient unit, emergency, operation room, and pediatrics units; being laboratory technicians, and cleaners; working hours per week; and seldom needle recapping were significant predictors of needlestick and sharp injury.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among antenatal care attendees in Ethiopia, 2020.

BACKGROUND: In 2020, globally approximately 37.6 million people living with HIV and 700,000 children are born infected from their parents. Every day there are nearly 1800 new Human Immune Virus (HIV) infections in children, more than 90% occurring in the developing world. Approximately 90% of these infections are associated with mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). In 2019, Ethiopia had over 100,000 pregnancies in HIV-positive women and over 12,000 HIV-positive. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of pregnant mothers toward the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.ss. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 216 antenatal care (ANC) attendees in Gurage zone hospitals from June to July 2020. Data were collected using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. A Systematic random sampling technique with proportional allocation to size was used to select study subjects. Data entry and analysis were performed using Epi Data version 4.1 and SPSS version 25 respectively. RESULTS: The level of good knowledge, attitude, and practice towards Prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV among antenatal care attendees was found to be 72.2%, 79%, and 62% respectively. This study has also shown that at the time of transmission of the virus from the infected mother to her child, 38.9% of the respondents responded that it could be through breastfeeding, 38.9% during pregnancy, 16.5% during labor and 5.7% did not know respectively. All the respondents have been tested and 0.92% was positive. Nearly half, 99 (45.8%) of the respondents had tested for HIV/AIDS with their partner/husband during their ANC follow-up. CONCLUSION: In this study, the level of good knowledge, attitude, and practice towards PMTCT of HIV among antenatal care attendees were low. This finding also suggests that healthcare providers should consider the potential risk of mother-to-child transmission of HIV while providing clinical health assessments during antenatal care visits. Thus, improvement of counseling sessions and knowledge of PMTCT for pregnant women attending antenatal care is needed to increase their acceptance and use of PMTCT for HIV services.

The magnitude of undiagnosed hypertension and associated factors among HIV-positive patients attending antiretroviral therapy clinics of Butajira General Hospital, Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the magnitude of undiagnosed hypertension, and its associated factors among adult HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy at Butajira General Hospital, southern Ethiopia. Methods: We applied an institutional-based cross-sectional study design at Butajira General Hospital from 1 May to 1 July 2021. We used a systematic random sampling technique to select the total number of participants. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was applied to collect the data (sociodemographic characteristics, clinical-related factors, and lifestyle-related factors from the study participants. Data were entered using Epi-data version 3.1 and analyzed by statistical package for social science version 25. We applied a multivariable logistic regression analysis model to identify variables significantly associated with hypertension. Results: The study comprised 388 participants with 39 years (10.6 SD) as the mean age of the participants. Of the total participants, 235 (60.6%) were female. In this study the magnitude of undiagnosed hypertension among HIV-positive patients was 18.8% (95% CI: 14.7%-23.2%). Having comorbidity of diabetes mellitus (adjusted odds ratio = 5.29, 95% CI: 2.154, 12.99), habit of alcohol drinking (adjusted odds ratio = 2.909, 95% CI: 1.306, 6.481), duration of antiretroviral therapy ⩾ 5 years (adjusted odds ratio = 3.087, 95% CI: 1.558, 6.115), and age ⩾ 40 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.642, 95% CI: 1.450, 4.813) were factors significantly associated with undiagnosed hypertension. Conclusions and recommendations: The magnitude of undiagnosed hypertension among HIV-positive patients attending the antiretroviral therapy clinic of Butajira General Hospital is high. The findings of this study implied that HIV-positive patients attending antiretroviral therapy clinics should be monitored routinely for hypertension; especially participants aged ⩾40 years, highly active antiretroviral therapy duration ⩾5 years, having diabetes mellitus comorbidity need more attention. Primary healthcare integration is also vital to enhance the health of HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy.

Premenstrual syndrome, coping mechanisms and associated factors among Wolkite university female regular students, Ethiopia, 2021.

BACKGROUND: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is used to describe physical, cognitive, affective, and behavioral symptoms that affect young and middle-aged women occurring cyclically during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Despite the considerable prevalence and impact of PMS on individuals, their families and communities that interferes with the development of nations, many professionals are still unaware of it and little attention has been given in developing countries like Ethiopia, especially for university students. Therefore, this study was aimed for assessing the magnitude of premenstrual syndrome, associated factors and coping mechanisms among Wolkite university female regular students, 2021. METHODS: Institutional-based cross sectional study was conducted among Wolkite University regular female students from June 15/10/2021 to 30/10/2021 by using simple random and multistage with systematic random sampling technique to select the study participants (n = 591). Data were collected using a self-administered, pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Premenstrual syndrome scales comprised of 40 questions with three sub-scales were used to determine Premenstrual syndrome. Data were cleaned, coded and entered into Epi-data version-3.1, and analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Descriptive statistics were computed for independent variables as well as for coping mechanisms and presented in narration, tables and graphs. Analytic analysis schemes including bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression were computed to identify factors associated with premenstrual syndrome and those variables with a P value of < 0.05 in multivariable analysis were declared as statistically significant. RESULT: From the total of 631 study subjects, only 591 had completed the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 93.7%. From 591 study participants, 224 (37.9%) [95% CI: (34, 40.9)] of them had premenstrual syndrome. Abdominal cramp (78.8%), depression (73.3%) and fatigue (72.9%) were frequent premenstrual symptoms experienced by students. Having family history of PMS [AOR: 4.05; 95% CI: (2.49, 6.58)], no history of sexual intercourse [AOR: 2; 95% CI: (1.12, 3.47)], severe menstrual pain intensity [AOR: 3.09; 95% CI: (1.58, 6.05)], irregular menstrual cycle [AOR: 2.26; 95% CI: (1.41, 3.62)], early age of menarche (< 13 years) [AOR: 2.64; 95% CI: (1.34, 5.19)], long duration of menses (≥ 7 days) [AOR: 3.56; 95% CI: (1.53, 8.37)] and using many pads (> 8) during menstruation [AOR: 4.44; 95% CI: (2.16, 9.12)] were factors significantly associated with premenstrual syndrome. 93.4% of students apply at least one coping mechanism for premenstrual symptoms, of which; taking rest (67.6%) and sleeping (60.7%) were common strategies. CONCLUSION: In this study, premenstrual syndrome was found to be a problem of many students. Abdominal cramp, depressed feeling and fatigue were the predominant premenstrual symptoms experienced by students. Taking rest and sleeping were mostly applied by students as a coping mechanism. Family history of PMS, no history of sexual intercourse, intense menstrual pain, use of many pads during menstruation, irregular menstrual cycle, early menarche, and long duration of menses were found to be predictors of premenstrual syndrome. PMS needs great attention as part of the health care service in Ethiopia by involving all stockholders, including policy makers and health care professionals, to reduce its impact on the academic performance of university students.

Unintended Pregnancy and Associated Factors Among Women Attending Antenatal Care in Public Hospitals During COVID-19 Pandemic, Southwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic directly or indirectly increases the burden of unintended pregnancy by limiting women's access to family planning and other reproductive health services. COVID-19 results in extra 15 million unintended pregnancies over a year. Almost all previous studies conducted about unintended pregnancy were before COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of unintended pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic among women attending antenatal care in public hospitals of southwest Ethiopia. METHODS: This study was cross-sectional and conducted among women attending antenatal care at public hospitals of southwest Ethiopia from June 14 to July 14, 2021. Data were collected using a face-to-face interview. Factors associated with unintended pregnancy were analyzed using binary and multiple logistic regressions with an adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Finally, the p-value was used as a graded measure of evidence to quantify the degree of significance. RESULTS: A total of 405 women participated in this study. The overall prevalence of unintended pregnancy was 19.5% (95% CI: 1.44-6.92) among women attending antenatal care during COVID-19 pandemic. Of which, 50.6% were mistimed and 49.4% unwanted. Urban residence (AOR: 3.1 95% CI: 1.44-6.92) and not being primary decision-maker (AOR: 2.85 95CI: 1.18-6.88) had high significance with unintended pregnancy. Not having ANC in a previous pregnancy (AOR: 3.40; 95% CI: 1.02-11.94) and not being exposed to community education about maternal health care (AOR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.06-5.27) had medium significance with unintended pregnancy. CONCLUSION: One-fifth of women attending antenatal care had unintended pregnancies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to scale up women's decision-making power on family planning services and access to community education are needed to prevent unintended pregnancy.

Intimate partner violence and associated factors among reproductive age women during COVID-19 pandemic in Southern Ethiopia, 2020.

BACKGROUND: World health organization (WHO) defines intimate partner violence (IPV) is physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by an intimate partner or ex-partner or spouse to a woman. From all forms of violence, ~ 1.3 million people worldwide die each year, accounting for 2.5% of global mortality. During the COVID-19 crisis, control and prevention measures have brought women and potential perpetrators together which increase the risk of IPV. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of IPV against women during COVID-19 in Ethiopia. METHODS: Community based cross-section study was employed among 462 reproductive-age women to assess IPV and associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic. To select study participants one-stage cluster sampling technique was used. The data were entered into Epi data version 4.2 and exported to SPSS for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was used to check the association of dependent and independent variables and statistical significance was declared at P < 0.05. RESULT: A total of 448 study subjects were responded making a response rate of 96.97%. Two- third (67.6%) of the respondent's age range was between 20 and 29 years. All of the participants heard about the pandemic of COVID-19 at the time of onset. The lifetime and the last twelve months prevalence of women with IPV was 42.19% and 24.11%, respectively. About 58 (12.9%) had experienced all three types of violence. Participants age ≥ 35 (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.99-4.29), rural residence (AOR = 3.04; 95% CI: 2.59-6.25), husband's educational status of diploma and above (AOR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.14-0.83), COVID-19 pandemic (AOR = 4.79; 95% CI: 1.13-6.86), and low social support (AOR = 3.23; 95% CI: 1.99-6.23) were independent predictors. CONCLUSIONS: In this study two in five women undergo one type of violence in their lifetime. The occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic has its impact on violence. Age ≥ 35, rural residence, husband's educational status of diploma and above, history of child death, COVID-19 pandemic, and low social support were independent predictors of violence. This implies insight to concerned bodies like policymakers and stakeholders to design appropriate policies to avert this magnitude and making zero tolerance for violence in society.

Intimate partner violence is physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by an intimate partner or ex-partner or spouse to a woman. Community based cross-section study was employed among 462 reproductive-age women to assess the magnitude and associated factors of IPV against women during COVID-19 in Ethiopia. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was used to check the association of dependent and independent variables and statistical significance was declared at P < 0.05. A total of 448 study subjects were responded making a response rate of 96.97%. In this study two in five women undergo one type of violence in their lifetime. The occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic has its impact on violence. Age ≥ 35, rural residence, husband's educational status of diploma and above, history of child death, COVID-19 pandemic and low social support were independent predictors of violence. This sparks light to concerned bodies like policymakers and stack holders to design appropriate policies to avert this magnitude and making zero tolerance for violence in society.

Post-cesarean section surgical site infection and associated factors in East Gojjam zone primary hospitals, Amhara region, North West Ethiopia, 2020.

PURPOSE: Maternal surgical site infection after cesarean delivery is a clinical problem which contributes to significant morbidity and mortality. In Ethiopia admissions following cesarean section due to surgical site infection have been routine activities of health care institutions but there is limited scientific evidence on both the magnitude of the problem and factors associated with it making prevention mechanisms less effective. Therefore, this study aimed to assess magnitude and risk factors of post-cesarean section surgical site infection at primary hospitals of East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution-based cross sectional study with retrospective chart review was conducted from September 10-30 /2020 at 3 randomly selected primary hospitals of east Gojjam zone. The data were entered in Epi data version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science Software version 26. Post-cesarean section surgical site infection was measured based on disease classification and definition of the term by Center for Disease Control and Prevention. After checking for presence of multicollinarity, presence and degree of association of factors with outcome variable were computed through logistic regression analysis. Factors with P value ≤ 0.2 in bi-variable logistic regression analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression analysis and those variables with P-value of <0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant. RESULT: From 622 medical records of women who underwent cesarean section, 77 (12.4%) of them developed surgical site infection. Rural residence [(AOR = 2.30, 95%CI: (1.29, 4.09)], duration of labor greater than 24hrs [(AOR = 3.48, 95%CI: (1.49, 8.09)], rupture of membrane>12hrs[(AOR = 4.61,95%CI:(2.34,9.09)], hypertension[(AOR = 3.14,95%CI:(1.29,7.59)] and preoperative Hematocrit ≤30%[(AOR = 3.22,95%CI:(1.25,8.31)] were factors significantly associated with post-cesarean section surgical site infections. CONCLUSION: Magnitude of post-cesarean section surgical site infection was a significant problem in primary hospitals. Minimizing prolonged labor; minimize early rupture of membrane, properly managing patients with comorbidities like hypertension, strengthen prophylaxis and treatment for anemia during antenatal care and raising awareness for rural residents can reduce the problem. Zonal police makers should give emphasis to reduce its burden.

Complementary feeding practice and associated factors among internally displaced mothers of children aged 6-23 months in Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Internally displaced populations are susceptible to food deprivation. Specifically, children aged 6-23 are commonly vulnerable to poor complementary feeding. Proper complementary feeding is of paramount importance to the healthy growth and survival of a children. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of appropriate complementary feeding practices and associated factors among internally displaced children aged 6-23 months in northwest Ethiopia, 2020. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2020 among 264 internally displaced mothers of children 6-23 months in northwest Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was used to reach the study subjects and data were collected using a structured and pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were entered into the Epi Data version 4.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Binary and multivariable analyses with a 95% confidence level were performed. In the final model, variables with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The overall level of appropriate complementary feeding practice was 26.8%. Only 14% of the mothers provided a diversified diet for their 6-23 months children. Child aged 6-11 months (AOR = 0.11, 95%; CI: 0.04-0.27), 12-17 months (AOR = 0.35, 95%; 95% CI: 0.17-0.70) and not having harmful culture on complementary feeding (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.06-3.96) were independent predictors of appropriate complementary feeding practices. CONCLUSION: The level of appropriate complementary feeding practice was found to be low, which would have negative implications on the health and nutritional status of infants and young children. Additional rations for breastfeeding mothers and children aged 6-23 months at refugee camps and nutritional counseling on child feeding practices are recommended.

Magnitude and associated factors of low back pain among nurses working at intensive care unit of public hospitals in Amhara region, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain is a common public health problem throughout the world with a global prevalence from 28% to 86%. Nurses working in intensive care units are handling people who are critically ill and helpless, which requires more assistance for transferring and handling activities. This possesses a risk for low back pain but little is known about it in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of low back pain and associated factors among nurses who work at intensive care units in Amhara region public hospitals, North Ethiopia. METHODS: A multi-centered institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Amhara region public hospitals from March 1-30, 2020. A simple random sampling technique after proportional allocation was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using a standard modified Nordic musculoskeletal assessment tool. After data were checked for completeness and consistency, it was entered into Epidata version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science software version 26 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were computed. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with low back pain. Finally, those variables with a p-value of <0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant. RESULT: Study was conducted among 412 intensive care unit nurses giving a response rate of 97.6%. The magnitude of low back pain was 313 (76%) [95% CI: (71.6%-79.9%)]. Being female [AOR = 2.674 (1.404, 5.076)], unavailability of assistive device for patient handling [AOR = 2.139 (1.035, 4.410)], lack of training on intensive care [AOR = 2.017 (1.092, 3.943)], lack of regular exercise [AOR = 2.164 (1.164, 4.108)] and job stress [AOR = 3.66 (1.955, 6.498)] were factors significantly associated with low back pain. CONCLUSIONS: In this study the magnitude of low back pain was high. Being female, unavailability of an assistive device for patient handling, lack of training on intensive care, lack of regular exercise and job stress were factors associated with low back pain. Policymakers and concerned bodies should emphasize the accessibility of assistive devices for patient care, provision of training on intensive care, and adaptive working environment for intensive care unit nurses.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Depression and Associated Factors among Adult HIV/AIDS-Positive Patients Attending ART Clinics of Ethiopia: 2021.

INTRODUCTION: Depression is the most common mental health problem in people living with the human immune virus. It ranges from 11% to 63% in low- and middle-income countries. Depression was high in people living with HIV/AIDS in developing countries, especially in the Ethiopian context. Even though depression has negative consequences on HIV-positive patients, the care given for depression in resource-limited countries like Ethiopia is below the standard in their HIV care programs. METHOD: International databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Hinari, Embase, and Scopus) and Ethiopian university repository online have been covered in this review. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and analyzed by using the Stata version 14 software program. We detected the heterogeneity between studies using the I 2 test. We checked publication bias using a funnel plot test. RESULTS: The overall pooled depression prevalence among adult HIV/AIDS patients attending antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia was 36.3% (95% CI: 28.4%, 44.2%) based on the random effect analysis. Adult HIV/AIDS patients having CD4count < 200(AOR = 5.1; 95% CI: 2.89, 8.99), widowed marital status (AOR = 3.7; 95% CI: 2.394, 5.789), medication nonadherence (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.63, 3.15), poor social support (2.986) (95% CI: 2.139, 4.169), perceived social stigma (2.938) (2.305, 3.743), opportunistic infections (3.010) (2.182, 4.151), and adverse drug reactions (4.013) (1.971, 8.167) were significantly associated with depression among adult HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy, in Ethiopia. Conclusion and Recommendation. The pooled depression prevalence among adult HIV/AIDS patients attending antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia was higher than the general population and is alarming for the government to take special consideration for HIV-positive patients. Depression assessment for all HIV-positive patients and integrating with mental health should be incorporated to ensure early detection, prevention, and treatment. Community-based and longitudinal study designs mainly focusing on the incidence and determinants of depression among adult HIV/AIDS patients should be done in the future.

Minimum acceptable diet and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: The health and growth of children less than two years of age can be affected by the poor quality of complementary foods and poor feeding practices even with optimal breastfeeding. In Ethiopia, empirical evidence on the minimum acceptable diet and its associated factors is limited. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the level of minimum acceptable diet and its associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. METHODS: An institution-based Cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 575 mother-child pairs. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit participants. For infant and young child feeding practices, the data collection tools were adapted from world health organizations' standardized questionnaire which is developed in 2007. Data entry and analysis were performed using EPI data version 3.1 and SPSS version 20 respectively. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictor variables. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05. RESULT: In this study, the level of minimum acceptable diet was found to be 74.6%.. About 90.6 and 80.2% of the children received minimum meal frequency and dietary diversity respectively. Having a husband secondary and above educational level [AOR = 4.789(95%CI:1.917-11.967)], being a housewife [AOR = 0.351(95% CI: 0.150-0.819)], having a history of more than three postnatal follow-ups [AOR = 2.616(95%CI:1.120-6.111], Having mothers age between 25 and 34 years [AOR = 2.051(95%CI:1.267-3.320)], being male child [AOR = 1.585(95%CI:1.052-2.388)] and having children age between 18 and 23 months [AOR = 3.026(95%CI:1.786-5.128)] were some of the factors significantly associated with a minimum acceptable diet. CONCLUSION: In this study, the minimum acceptable diet among children aged 6-23 months was significantly associated with the educational status of the husband, mother's occupation, history of postnatal follow-up, age of the mother, sex of the child, and age of the child. Thus, attention should be given to educating the father, empowering mothers to have a job, promoting gender equality of feeding, and counseling on the benefit of postnatal care visits. In addition, the ministry of health should work on educating and advocating the benefit of feeding the recommended minimum acceptable diet to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition.

Magnitude and associated factors of caesarean section deliveries among women who gave birth in Southwest Ethiopia: institutional-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Caesarean section is a life-saving comprehensive obstetric procedure of women and newborn performed during childbirth-related complications and should be universally accessible for all pregnant mothers globally. Appropriate use of caesarean section can reduce maternal and perinatal mortality. However, inappropriate use of caesarean section can negatively affect infant health, women health, and future pregnancies. The magnitude and factors associated with caesarean section delivery were not consistent and will vary between different hospitals of Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the magnitude and factors associated with caesarean section deliveries in Southwest Ethiopia. METHODS AND MATERIALS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to February 29, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 551 study participants. A pretested, structured, and face-to-face interview was used to collect data. Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.2.0 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with caesarean section deliveries. P values < 0.05 result were considered as a statistically significant association. RESULTS: The magnitude of caesarean section deliveries was found to be 32.5 % (95 % CI; 28.6%-36.7 %). Mothers resided in an urban area [AOR = 2.58, (95% CI; 1.66-4.01)], multiple pregnancies [AOR = 3.15, (95% CI; 1.89-5.23), malpresentation [AOR = 3.05, (95% CI; 1.77-5.24)], and previous history of caesarean section [AOR = 3.55, (95% CI; 2.23-5.64) were factors associated with caesarean section deliveries. CONCLUSIONS: Caesarean section deliveries were found high in the study area. Mothers resided in an urban area, multiple pregnancies, malpresentation, and previous history of caesarean section were factors associated with caesarean section deliveries. Therefore, counselling of mothers on the risk of giving birth through elective caesarean section without absolute and relative medical indications and giving enough time for the trial of vaginal birth after caesarean section are recommended.

Incidence and predictors of mortality among neonates referred to comprehensive and specialized hospitals in Amhara regional state, North Ethiopia: a prospective follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal mortality is a major global public health problem. Ethiopia is among seven countries that comprise 50 % of global neonatal mortality. Evidence on neonatal mortality in referred neonates is essential for intervention however, there is no enough information in the study area. Neonates who required referral frequently became unstable and were at a high risk of death. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of mortality among referred neonates. METHOD: A prospective follow-up study was conducted among 436 referred neonates at comprehensive specialized hospitals in the Amhara regional state, North Ethiopia 2020. All neonates admitted to the selected hospitals that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included. Face-to-face interviews, observations, and document reviews were used to collect data using a semi-structured questionnaire and checklists. Epi-data™ version 4.2 software for data entry and STATA™ 14 version for data cleaning and analysis were used. Variables with a p-value < 0.25 in the bi-variable logistic regression model were selected for multivariable analysis. Multivariable analyses with a 95% confidence level were performed. Variables with P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULT: Over all incidence of death in this study was 30.6% with 95% confidence interval of (26.34-35.16) per 2 months observation. About 23 (17.83%) deaths were due to sepsis, 32 (24.80%) premature, 40 (31%) perinatal asphyxia, 3(2.33%) congenital malformation and 31(24.03%) deaths were due to other causes. Home delivery [AOR = 2.5, 95% CI (1.63-4.1)], admission weight < 1500 g [AOR =3.2, 95% CI (1.68-6.09)], travel distance ≥120 min [AOR = 3.8, 95% CI (1.65-9.14)], hypothermia [AOR = 2.7, 95% CI (1.44-5.13)], hypoglycemia [AOR = 1.8, 95% CI (1.11-3.00)], oxygen saturation < 90% [AOR = 1.9, 95% (1.34-3.53)] at admission time and neonate age ≤ 1 day at admission [AOR = 3.4, 95% CI (1.23-9.84) were predictors of neonatal death. CONCLUSION: The incidence of death was high in this study. The acute complications arising during the transfer of referral neonates lead to an increased risk of deterioration of the newborn's health and outcome. Preventing and managing complications during the transportation process is recommended to increase the survival of neonates.

Prelacteal feeding practice and its determinant factors among mothers having children less than 6 months of age in Bure district, Northwest Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to assess prelacteal feeding practice and its determinant factors among mothers having children less than 6 months of age in Bure district, Northwest Ethiopia. DESIGN: Community-based cross-sectional study design. SETTING: Northern Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS: The present study was conducted among 621 mothers who had children less than 6 months of age in Bure district, Northwest Ethiopia, from 1 March 2019 to 30 March 2019. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Mothers prelacteal feeding practice, modelled using multivariable logistic regression. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Determinant factors of prelacteal feeding practice. RESULTS: This study found that the prevalence of prelacteal feeding practice was 11.6% ((95% CI 9.0% to 14.2%)). Delayed initiation of breast feeding (adjusted OR, AOR=5.4, 95% CI 2.2 to 13.5), mothers who did not get counselling of breast feeding (AOR=2.9, 95% CI 1.2 to 7.2), home delivery (AOR=6.9, 95% CI 2.2 to 21.5), primiparous mothers (AOR=4.1, 95% CI 1.4 to 12.2), a newborn with history of neonatal illness (AOR=3.3, 95% CI 1.3 to 8.5) and lack of postnatal care visits (AOR=3.9, 95% CI 1.3 to 11.8) were determinant factors of prelacteal feeding practice. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed initiation of breast feeding, mothers who did not get counselling of breast feeding, home delivery, primiparous mothers, newborns with a history of neonatal illness and lack of postnatal care visits were determinant factors of prelacteal feeding practice. Therefore, healthcare workers should provide a home to home health education for mothers on the merits of early initiation of breast feeding, promote institutional delivery, enhance maternal health-seeking behaviour and encourage mothers to have postnatal care visits is recommended.

Determinants of maternal knowledge of neonatal danger signs among postpartum mothers in Southern Ethiopia: institutional-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to assess knowledge of neonatal danger signs and associated factors among postpartum mothers in Southern Ethiopia. SETTING: Gurage zone, Southern Ethiopia. STUDY PARTICIPANTS: A total of 608 postpartum mothers were involved in this study. METHODS: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among postpartum mothers attending Gurage zone public health facilities of Southern Ethiopia from 1 January 2020 to 30 January 2020. RESULTS: Knowledge of neonatal danger signs among postpartum mothers was 48.2% (95% CI 44.4% to 52.3%). Mothers resided in an urban area (adjusted OR, AOR=1.67, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.50), having antenatal follow-up (AOR=1.49, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.18), mothers who had got breastfeeding counselling (AOR=3.43, 95% CI 1.89 to 4.75), mothers who had got postnatal care counselling (AOR=1.53, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.18), multiparous mothers (AOR=1.37, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.19) and mothers who had good practice of essential newborn care (AOR=1.53, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.21) were factors significantly associated with maternal knowledge of neonatal danger signs. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of neonatal danger signs was low in the study area. Mothers resided in an urban area, having antenatal follow-up, mothers who had got breastfeeding counselling, mothers who had got postnatal care counselling, multiparous mothers and good practice of essential neonatal care were factors associated with maternal knowledge of neonatal danger signs. Therefore, healthcare workers should encourage mothers to have antenatal follow-up and provide postnatal care counselling regarding key neonatal danger signs before discharge from the health facilities.

Knowledge of neonatal danger signs and associated factors among husbands of mothers who gave birth in the last 6 months in Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2020: a community-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge of neonatal danger signs and their associations among husbands of mothers who gave birth in the last 6 months in Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia, from 1 February to 28 February 2020. DESIGN: Community-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS: The study was conducted among 633 participants living in Gurage Zone from 1 February to 28 February 2020. 618 completed the questionnaire. A multistage sampling technique was employed to obtain study participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews conducted by 20 experienced and trained data collectors using a pretested structured questionnaire. To assess knowledge, 10 questions were adopted from the WHO questionnaire, which is a standardised and structured questionnaire used internationally. Data were entered into EpiData V.3.1 and exported to SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) V.24 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were performed and the findings were presented in text, figures and tables. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between each independent variable and the outcome variable. All variables with p<0.25 in the bivariate analysis were included in the final model and statistical significance was declared at p<0.05. Voluntary consent was taken from all participants. RESULTS: A total of 618 participants were included in the study, with a response rate of 97.6%. Of the participants, 40.7% had good knowledge (95% CI 36.3 to 44.2). Urban residence (adjusted OR=6.135, 95% CI 4.429 to 9.238) and a primary and above educational level (adjusted OR=4.294, 95% CI 1.875 to 9.831) were some independent predictors of husbands' knowledge status. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of neonatal danger signs in this study was low. Urban residence, primary and above educational level, the husband's wife undergoing instrumental delivery and accompanying the wife during antenatal care visits were independent predictors of knowledge. Thus, strong multisectoral collaboration should target reducing the knowledge gap by improving husbands' attitude with regard to accompanying their wives during antenatal care and postnatal care visits, or create a strategy to increase husbands' participation in access to maternal and child health service since husbands are considered decision-makers when it comes to healthcare-seeking in the family. The government should come up with policies that will help promote formal education in the community and increase their media access.

Harmful cultural practices during perinatal period and associated factors among women of childbearing age in Southern Ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Although the maternal mortality ratio has decreased by 38% in the last decade, 810 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth every day, and two-thirds of maternal deaths occur in Sub-Saharan Africa alone. The lives of women and newborns before, during, and after childbirth can be saved by skilled care. The main factors that prevent women from receiving care during pregnancy and childbirth are harmful cultural practices. The aim of this study was to assess the level of harmful cultural practices during pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal period, and associated factors among women of childbearing age in Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in the Gurage zone, among representative sample of 422 women of reproductive age who had at least one history of childbirth. A simple random sampling technique was used to recruit participants. Data were collected by six experienced and trained data collectors using a pretested structured questionnaire with face to face interviews. Harmful cultural practices are assessed using 11 questions and those who participate in any one of them are considered as harmful cultural practices. Descriptive statistics were performed and the findings were presented in text and tables. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between each independent variable and outcome variable. RESULTS: Harmful cultural practices were found to be 71.4% [95%CI, 66.6-76.0]. The mean age of study participants was 27.6 (SD ± 5.4 years). Women with no formal education [AOR 3.79; 95%CI, 1.97-7.28], being a rural resident [AOR 4.41, 95%CI, 2.63-7.39], having had no antenatal care in the last pregnancy [AOR 2.62, 95%CI, 1.54-4.48], and pregnancy being attended by untrained attendants [AOR 2.67, 95%CI, 1.58-4.51] were significantly associated with harmful cultural practice during the perinatal period. CONCLUSION: In this study we found that low maternal education, rural residence, lack of antenatal care and lack of trained birth attendant were independent risk factors associated with women employing harmful cultural practices during the perinatal period. Thus, strong multi-sectoral collaboration targeted at improving women's educational status and primary health care workers should take up the active role of women's health education on the importance of ANC visits to tackle harmful cultural practices.

Knowledge of breastfeeding practice and associated factors among fathers whose wife delivered in last one year in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is the feeding of an infant or young child with breast milk directly from female human breasts. It confers short-term and long-term benefits for both child and mother, including helping to protect children against a variety of acute and chronic disorders. In mothers, breastfeeding (BF) reduces postpartum bleeding, enhances accelerated involution of the uterus, and plays a crucial role in child spacing. Fathers have an important but often neglected role in the promotion of healthy breastfeeding practices. Evidence shows that mothers who have a supportive and encouraging partner are more likely to plan to breastfeed for a longer duration. So, this study was aimed to assess knowledge and associated factors towards breastfeeding practice among fathers. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gurage Zone among 597 fathers. One stage cluster sampling technique was used to select study participants. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data and it was checked for consistency and completeness and entered into epi data and exported to SPSS for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to identify independent predictors. P-value < 0.05 was considered to declare a result as statistically significant. RESULT: In this study, a total of 585 participants were involved making a response rate of 98%. The overall knowledge status of participants was 341 (58.3%). The mean age of participants was 29.5 (SD±4.5). Urban residence, educational status, exposure to media, having more than one baby at home, and accompany his wife during health-seeking were independent predictors of knowledge status. CONCLUSION: This study has shown the level of knowledge of fathers towards breastfeeding in the study area was low (58.3%). Residence, two or more babies at home, accompany during ANC, and indexed infant illness was independent predictors of knowledge status of fathers towards breastfeeding. Policymakers and possible stack holders should better focus on the improvement of knowledge because the knowledge determines the overall condition of the family including the psychological development of the children that affect their life especially in a country like Ethiopia in which most of the decisions are made by them. Other researchers focus on the interaction of parents and the child and feeding disorders.

Occupational exposure to blood/body fluid splash and its predictors among midwives working in public health institutions at Addis Ababa city Ethiopia, 2020. Institution-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Blood/body fluid splash are hazards to health care professionals in their working area. Around twenty bloodborne pathogens are known to be transmitted through these occupational injuries. This problem alters the health status of health care professionals in different ways, including physically, mentally, and psychologically. Even though health professionals especially midwives who are working in delivery rooms are highly affected, little is known about the exposure. So, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence of exposure to blood/body fluid splash and its predictors among midwives working in public health institutions of Addis Ababa city. METHODS: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 438 study participants in public health institutions in Addis Ababa. Data was collected from March 1-20, 2020 by a self-administered questionnaire. The data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. All variables with P<0.25 in the bivariate analysis were included in a final model and statistical significance was declared at P< 0.05. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 424 respondents respond yielding a response rate of 97%. The prevalence of blood and body fluid splashes (BBFs) was 198 (46.7%). Not training on infection prevention, working in two shifts (> 12 hours), not regularly apply universal precautions, job-related stress, an average monthly salary of 5001-8000 were independent predictors of blood and body fluid splashes. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that nearly half of midwives were exposed to BBFS. This highlights the need for key stakeholders such as policymakers and service providers to design appropriate policies to avert this magnitude and making the environment enabling to comply with standard precautions. We recommend that this study may be done by including rural setting institutions and by including other health professionals that are susceptible to BBFS at work. Formal training on infection prevention and safety practice to apply universal precautions will be needed from the concerned bodies to prevent exposures to blood/body fluid splash.