Latrine Utilization and its Associated Factors in Urban Slums Dwellers of Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Sanitation facilities are critical for interrupting the transmission of feco-oral disease through proper use, not simply their physical presence. Latrine utilization is the actual behavior in a practice of regularly using existing latrines for the safe disposal of excreta. In slum regions of developing nations, such as Ethiopia, poor latrine use is a prevalent concern. As a result, the purpose of this study was to examine the state of latrine utilization and its determinant factors in the urban slums of Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was done in slum regions of Gondar City from March 1 to April 30, 2021, with a total of 422 systematically chosen households. A structured pre-tested questionnaire and on-the-spot observational checklists were used to collect the data from each household. Result: Latrine utilization was observed among 31.5% of households. Latrine utilization was also significantly associated with the age of the latrine (age ⩽10 years) (AOR: 2.31; 95% CI (1.15, 4.63)), cleanliness of the latrine (AOR: 3.70; 95% CI (1.16, 11.78)), pit being lined (AOR: 6.33; 95% CI (2.09, 19.15)), depth of latrine (⩽3 m) (AOR: 0.43; 95% CI (0.24, 0.77)), and cleaning materials for handwashing (AOR: 0.33; 95% CI (0.15, 0.75)). Conclusion: Based on the present finding, most households didn't have proper latrine utilization practices. The age of the latrine, cleanliness of the latrine, pit being lined, depth of the pit, and cleaning materials for handwashing were associated factors of latrine utilization. As a result, sanitation interventions such as health education about improving the cleanliness and sanitary condition of existing latrine facilities and constructing lined and deep new latrines as the goal's standard should be implemented.

Optimization of process variables to prepare activated carbon from Noug (Guizotia abyssinica cass.) stalk using response surface methodology.

Even though adsorption is considered the simple, effective, and efficient method for the treatment of wastewater, accessibility of low-cost and locally available activated carbon remains the challenge. In response to this, recently significant amounts of agricultural byproducts have been investigated to prepare low-cost porous carbon, but there is still a problem related to cost and availability. So, Noug stalk, chosen because of its abundance and low cost as an agricultural byproduct in Ethiopia, was chemically activated with phosphoric acid to produce a low-cost porous carbon. The production of Noug stalk activated carbon (NSAC) is optimized using response surface methodology. A central composite design was used to investigate the effect of three process parameters, namely carbonization temperature (450-650 °C), activation time (90-150 min), and impregnation ratio (w/w) (1-3), on the BET surface area and yield of porous carbon. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) result shows that all three process parameters showed a significant effect on the surface area of porous carbon, while only carbonization temperature showed a significant effect on the yield of porous carbon. The best conditions for NSAC preparation were a carbonization temperature of 537.50 °C, an activation time of 127 min, and an impregnation ratio of 1.95, resulting in a BET surface area and yield of 473.45 m2 g-1 and 53.78%, respectively. The expected and observed values of the model for the outcome variable were highly comparable. Several analytical techniques, including proximal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption-desorption, were used to characterize the NSAC. The results demonstrated that the prepared NSAC has a highly porous structure comparable to porous carbon obtained from other biomass feedstocks. This implies it would be used as a potential low-cost alternative for wastewater treatment using the adsorption process.

Magnitude and influencing factors of work-related low back pain among high school teachers in West Arsi zone, Southwest Ethiopia: evidenced from multicentred cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain and its associated factors among high school teachers in the West Arsi zone, Southwest Ethiopia. DESIGN: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 2020. A self-administered structured Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire was used to assess low back pain during the past 12 months. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was carried out using Stata V.14. The degree of significance was obtained at a 95% CI and p<0.05. SETTING: The study was conducted in the West Arsi zone, Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 602 teachers participated in this study. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome is the prevalence of low back pain. RESULTS: The prevalence of low back pain during the last 12 months was found to be 63.73% (95% CI 59.77% to 67.70%). About 225 (39.61%) teachers experienced moderate pain, and (89.79%) of them had a minimal disability. Being unmarried (adjusted OR (AOR) 0.47, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.79), prolonged standing (AOR 2.31, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.60), sleeping disturbance (AOR 3.22, 95% CI 1.41 to 7.36), regular physical activity (AOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.84), current smoker (AOR 2.83, 95% CI 1.04 to 7.67), lifting heavy load (AOR 1.96, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.28), psychological job demand (AOR 2.86, 95% CI 1.69 to 4.84) and job satisfaction (AOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.79) were associated with low back pain. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of low back pain was high in this study. Prolonged standing, sleep disruption, heavy load lifting, cigarette smoking and psychological job demand were risk factors for low back pain. Physical exercise and workplace satisfaction were effective interventions. Emphasis should now be put on ergonomics, regular physical activity and psychosocial factors to lessen the problem.

Household drinking water quality and its predictors in flood-prone settings of Northwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional community-based study.

Globally, the deterioration of drinking water quality is a major public health problem that contributes to the spread of disease and causes death. Therefore, it is important to have regular quality control monitoring. This study aimed to assess the level of physicochemical and bacteriological quality of household drinking water and its contributing factors in flood-prone settlements of South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in flood-prone settings of Northwest Ethiopia from January 17 to March 30, 2021. Structured questionnaires were used to gather the sociodemographic, environmental, and behavioral data. A total of 675 drinking water samples were collected from water storage containers of selected households. Logistic regression models were used for both univariate and multivariable studies. The survey included a total of 675 households. The mean values of pH (5.9 ± 1.03), turbidity (6.7 ± 2.21 NTU), and free residual chlorine (0.02 ± 0.01 mg/l) did not meet the WHO recommended limits for drinking water. The prevalence of fecal contamination of drinking water in the study area was 62.2% with [95% CI (53-60%)]. Family size [AOR = 2.205, 95% CI (1.375-3.536), absence of latrine [AOR = 3.449, 95% CI (1.349-8.823)], and lack of a separate container to draw water from its storage [AOR = 0.454, 95% CI (0.249-0.827)] were significant predictors for fecal contamination of household drinking water. In conclusion, the water quality in terms of pH, turbidity, residual chlorine, and bacteriological parameters was poor and not suitable for consumption. High prevalence of fecal contamination of water was found, and it was significantly associated with family size, the absence of a latrine, and the lack of a separate cap to take water from the storage. Therefore, continuous chlorination and monitoring its concentration, educating the community on how to use stored water, educating the advantage of having a latrine, and promoting point-of-use treatments such as filtration and boiling are needed.

Prevalence and risk factors of chronic respiratory symptoms in public and private school teachers in north-western Ethiopia: results from a multicentre cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of chronic respiratory symptoms among school teachers in Gondar city, north-western Ethiopia. DESIGN: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2019. A self-administered British Medical Research Council Questionnaire was used to assess chronic respiratory symptoms. Data were entered into Epi Info V.7 and Stata V.14 was used for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with chronic respiratory symptoms. The association was determined using adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI at a value of p<0.05. SETTING: The study was conducted in public and private schools in Gondar city. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 822 teachers participated in this study. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome is the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms. RESULTS: The total response rate was 97.4%. The majority, 532 (64.7%) of the participants, were male. The mean age (±SD) of the respondents was 36.69 (±6.93) years. The total prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms in the previous 12 months among teachers in Gondar city was found to be 31.14% (95% CI 27.99% to 34.43%). A family history of respiratory problems (AOR=1.90; 95% CI 1.07 to 3.37), an overweight body mass index (AOR=2.57; 95% CI 1.57 to 4.21), exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke at home (AOR=9.85; 95% CI 4.77 to 20.33), use of chalk (AOR=1.97; 95% CI 1.25 to 3.09), and failure to open windows during class (AOR=2.15; 95% CI 1.02 to 4.52) were risk factors for chronic respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was high among teachers. Making a smoking-free zone, avoiding smoking in public places, improving the ventilation conditions of the classrooms and controlling the chalk dust are all necessary actions to take to reduce chronic respiratory symptoms.

Spatio-Temporal Variation of Malaria Incidence and Risk Factors in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.

Introduction: Malaria is a life-threatening acute febrile illness which is affecting the lives of millions globally. Its distribution is characterized by spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Detection of the space-time distribution and mapping high-risk areas is useful to target hot spots for effective intervention. Methods: Time series cross sectional study was conducted using weekly malaria surveillance data obtained from Amhara Public Health Institute. Poisson model was fitted to determine the purely spatial, temporal, and space-time clusters using SaTScan™ 9.6 software. Spearman correlation, bivariate, and multivariable negative binomial regressions were used to analyze the relation of the climatic factors to count of malaria incidence. Result: Jabitenan, Quarit, Sekela, Bure, and Wonberma were high rate spatial cluster of malaria incidence hierarchically. Spatiotemporal clusters were detected. A temporal scan statistic identified 1 risk period from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2015. The adjusted incidence rate ratio showed that monthly average temperature and monthly average rainfall were independent predictors for malaria incidence at all lag-months. Monthly average relative humidity was significant at 2 months lag. Conclusion: Malaria incidence had spatial, temporal, spatiotemporal variability in West Gojjam zone. Mean monthly temperature and rainfall were directly and negatively associated to count of malaria incidence respectively. Considering these space-time variations and risk factors (temperature and rainfall) would be useful for the prevention and control and ultimately achieve elimination.

Pesticide Use Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Practices Associated Factors Among Floriculture Workers in Bahirdar City, North West, Ethiopia, 2020.

Pesticides are substances that are used to kill, decrease, or repel pests and are used extensively to boost agricultural production. Ethiopian floriculture is one of the pesticide-intensive agricultural production centers and it provides jobs for 1000s of Ethiopians. Despite its significant contribution to the national economy, many issues are raised by the workers. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and factors associated with the practices of workers against pesticide exposure among floriculture workers in Bahirdar city. A cross-sectional occupational study was done. The participants were recruited using a stratified sample technique. The final study participants were chosen using a simple random sampling procedure. The survey received 300 responses, 95.2% response rate from the entire sample size. The mean age of floriculture workers was 20 (SD ± 3.21) years, with a range of 17 to 48 years. The majority of workers (228) were females, and 36 (12.0%) of workers were illiterate. About 259 (86.3%) of floriculture workers did not know the name of the pesticide they were using. More than three-fourth 256 (85.3%) of respondents know at least one type of pesticide-related health problem. In this study, the most known type of pesticide routes of entry into the body were eyes (72.3%), skin (67.3%) followed by ingestion (67.0%). About 100 (33.3%) of the participants had good overall knowledge related to pesticide use and 134 (44.7%) of workers had a positive attitude on safe pesticide application. The level of good practice was 61.3% (N = 184). Knowing the impact of pesticide on environment (AOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.30-0.96), Knowing pesticide health problems, (AOR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.20-0.63), willingness to wear and invest for PPE (AOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.28-0.98) and PPE supply (AOR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.16-0.51) were significantly associated with workers pesticide handling practices. Workers who didn't know pesticide health problems were 36% less likely to have a good practice. The likelihood of having good practices among works who disagree to wear and invest on PPE 53% lower than those who agree on it. The likelihood of having good practices among workers who didn't have any PPE supply was lower than their counterparts with (AOR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.16-0.51). Floriculture workers had poor handling practices therefore continuous pesticide training programs for workers could be implemented.

Prevalence of stunting and its associated factors among children 6-59 months of age in pastoralist community, Northeast Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Globally, stunting is a significant public health concern and it is very critical in Ethiopia. This research aims to determine the prevalence of stunting and its correlates among children in the pastoral community. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dubti District, Afar Region, North East Ethiopia from 2-31 January 2018. A total of 554 children were recruited using a multi-stage sampling technique and participated in this study. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors linked to stunting. The significance of the associations was determined at a p-value < 0.05 and the adjusted odds ratio at 95% CI was calculated to evaluate the strength of the associations. RESULTS: The prevalence of stunting was 39.5% (95% CI: 35.4-43.5%). The odds of stunting were increased, so does the age of the child increased as compared to 6-11 months of children. Initiating breastfeeding after 1 hour after birth (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.22, 3.23), not exclusively breastfeeding for at least 6 months (AOR = 2.57; 95% CI: 1.49, 4.42), poor dietary diversity (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.03, 3.62), and using unprotected water for drinking (AOR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.21, 2.94) were significant factors. CONCLUSION: Among children aged 6-59 months, the level of stunting in the pastoral community was significantly high. The study found that stunting was associated with multiple nutritional and non-nutritional factors. To tackle stunting, inter-sectoral cooperation is needed by enhancing the clean water supply of the community, optimal breastfeeding practice, food diversity, and economic status.

Respiratory symptoms related to flour dust exposure are significantly high among small and medium scale flour mill workers in Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: International Labour Organization (ILO) report indicates more than 2.4 million workers die from work-related diseases and accidents each year. Work-related respiratory ailments related to airborne particulate matter such as flour dust are responsible for about 386,000 deaths and 6.6 million illness-adjusted life years. Even though exposure to flour dust together with the extreme expansions of flour mill sectors is a priority health concern, extent of the problem is little investigated in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude and risk factors of work-related respiratory symptoms among flour mill workers in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. METHODS: This study employed a comparative cross-sectional survey of 560 samples (280 exposed group from flour mill workers and 280 unexposed group from office workers) with a stratified random sampling technique. The study was conducted from March to April 2019 in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia. We used the British Medical Research Council (BMRC) questionnaire to assess work-related respiratory symptoms. The questionnaire was pretested and interview administered to collect data. Binary logistic regression analysis was fitted to evaluate significant factors of respiratory symptoms at a < 0.05 p value. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a confidence interval (CI) of 95% was calculated to determine a strength of association. RESULTS: All the sampled participants had fully responded to the interview. The median age of exposed and unexposed groups was 28.5 interquartile range (IQR, 20) and 31 (IQR, 15) years, respectively. The prevalence of work-related respiratory symptoms among flour mill workers was substantially higher than that of among controls, 63.9% and 20.7%, respectively (Χ2 = 107.11; p < 0.0001). Chest illness among flour mill workers was higher, 43.6% (N = 122) compared to that of among control group, 7.9% (N = 22) followed by dyspnea, 33.6% (N = 94) versus 2.5% (N = 7) among flour mill workers and control group, respectively. Age > 35 years [AOR, 2.03; 95% CI (1.34, 5.48), having no education [AOR, 1.54; 95% CI (1.28, 3.06)], work set up with inadequate ventilation [AOR, 2.05; 95% CI (1.18, 3.56)], work experience > 5 years [AOR, 1.89; 95% CI (1.23, 4.67)] and having no training in safety [AOR, 2.45; 95% CI (1.45, 4.76)] significantly affected the experience of respiratory symptoms among flour mill workers whereas age [AOR, 1.79; 95% CI (1.06, 3.04)], monthly salary [AOR, 1.98; 95% CI (1.04, 3.78)] and exposure status [AOR, 5.18; 95% CI (3.34, 8.04)] were detected to be significant factors of respiratory symptoms in the exposed and the unexposed combined model. CONCLUSION: Respiratory symptoms emanating from exposure to various flour dusts were significantly higher among flour mill workers than among the control group. Therefore, we recommend the need to effectively implement health and safety programs that account for the reduction of dust at a source, use of engineering controls (e.g., provision of adequate ventilation systems), use of administrative measures (e.g., training program and health surveillance) and provision of a suitable personal protective equipment (PPE). Furthermore, it is vital to integrate workplace health and safety programs to the wider public health policies and strategies to effectively mitigate the burden of work-related respiratory conditions. We also encourage future studies to evaluate concentration of flour dusts combined with physical examinations to establish plausible associations of respiratory symptoms with dusts of flour mill-related origin.

Acute respiratory infections among under-five children from households using biomass fuel in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Acute respiratory infections are a serious public health concern across the globe, they are, however, prominently present in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, different primary studies were conducted in regard to the link between household biomass fuel use and acute respiratory infections among under-five children. However, there is no national study on the association between household biomass fuel use and acute respiratory is infections among under-five children. Thus, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence of acute respiratory infections and their predictors among under-five children in Ethiopia. The systematic review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline. We systematically searched the databases: PubMed/Medline, Cochrane library, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched to access potentially relevant articles conducted in Ethiopia about acute respiratory infections among under five children. Stata/SE 14.00 statistical software was used for analysis and the pooled prevalence with 95% confidence interval (CI) were presented using tables and forest plots. To assess the heterogeneity among studies, I square (I2) tests were used. Publication bias was checked by Begg's and Egger's regression test. The random effects meta-analysis model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence and predictors of under-five acute respiratory infections A total of 7 studies with 8, 529 study participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of acute respiratory infection among under five children was 17.75% (95% CI: 16.95, 18.55). Child holding during cooking (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.48, 5.47) and using unclean sources of energy for cooking (OR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.70) were identified predictors of under-five children acute respiratory infection. In the current study, the pooled prevalence of acute respiratory infection among under-five children was relatively high. Child holding during cooking and using unclean sources of energy for cooking were significantly associated with under-five acute respiratory infections. Therefore, the policies and regulations enacted should address the barriers that impede the development of clean and efficient energy sources.

Prevalence and associated factors of scabies among schoolchildren in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia, 2018.

BACKGROUND: Scabies is a skin infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei that causes a pruritic skin eruption. In Ethiopia, the disease is common especially during natural or manmade disasters such as flooding, drought, civil war and conflict, poor water supply and sanitation, and overcrowding living condition. Though scabies is becoming a major public health problem, especially in low resource settings, there has been no study that reported the prevalence of scabies in the study area. The aim of this study, therefore, was to assess the prevalence of scabies and associated factors among students in primary schools in Dabat district, northwest Ethiopia. METHOD: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed to determine the prevalence of scabies and associated factors among schoolchildren in Dabat district. A total of 494 students selected by a multi-stage sampling technique were included in this study. Scabies was diagnosed by medical practitioners based on lesions observed on body surfaces after a physical examination. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. Significance level was obtained at p value < 0.05. RESULT: The prevalence of scabies was 9.3% (46/494) with 95% CI (5.66%, 12.94%). Among schoolchildren who were infested by scabies, 65.22% (30/46) had a mild, 28.26% (13/46) had moderate, and 6.52% (3/46) had severe lesions. Studying at a rural school (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI 1.33, 6.71), had illiterate father (AOR = 5.11, 95% CI 2.25, 11.58), being grade level 1-4 (AOR = 3.91, 95% CI 1.69, 9.05), rarely taking a bath (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI 1.36, 9.25), contact with a person with itching symptom (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI 1. 21, 5.83), a family member with itchy symptoms (AOR = 4.76, 95% CI 2.20, 10.28), not living with both parents (AOR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.02, 6.06), and using water only for hand washing (AOR = 4.38, 95% CI 1.78, 10.76) were factors associated with scabies infestation among schoolchildren. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of human scabies among schoolchildren in Dabat district northwest Ethiopia was high. The school localization, first cycle level of education, paternal educational status, frequency of taking a bath, and contact with a person having itchy lesions, presence of a family member with itchy lesion, and type of frequently used hand washing material were the factors significantly impacting the occurrence of scabies. Special attention should be given to students at first cycle education as they are at the highest risk of infestation.

Intestinal parasitic infections and determinant factors among school-age children in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among school-age children in Sebeya primary school, northern Ethiopia, 2017. RESULTS: The prevalence of intestinal parasites in school-age children was (29.9%). A total of six parasites were detected in this study. E. histolytica/dispar 19.43% (82/422) and G. lamblia 8.29% (35/422) were the predominant ones. Unclean fingernail (AOR = 1.72), defecating in the open field (AOR = 2.82), and being barefooted (AOR = 1.72) were the determinant factors for intestinal parasitic infections. Frequently washing hands reduced the chance of infections by 68%. Furthermore, children in grade 1-4 and 5-6 had higher odds developing the infections than those in grade 7-8 (AOR = 8.21 and AOR = 2.50, respectively).

Work-related risk factors and the prevalence of low back pain among low wage workers: results from a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain, the most commonly reported musculoskeletal problem, is a major burden on individuals, health systems and social care systems with the indirect cost being predominant. It results in disability, poor service, low quality of life and sickness absences in working places. The problem of low back pain and its risk factors among hotel housekeepers are not well known in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to investigate the prevalence and identify determinants of low back pain among hotel industries' housekeepers in Gondar town, Ethiopia. METHODS: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2017. A systematic random sampling technique was applied to select 422 study participants, and the data was collected by a standardized Nordic questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. The significance level was obtained at 95% CI and p-value ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of low back pain among hotel housekeepers in Gondar town was 58.1% (95% CI: 53.6, 62.8%). Being temporary employee (AOR: 3.22), type of job which requires reaching/overstretching (AOR: 2.93), engaging in a job that requires repetitive bending (AOR: 1.97), making > 30 beds per day (AOR: 3.19) signified the significant risk factors for low back pain. However, hotel housekeepers who were satisfied in their current job were less impacted by low back pain (AOR: 0.49). CONCLUSION: A high proportion of hotel housekeepers in this study reported they had low back pain. Employment pattern, rest break taken, reaching/overstretching, repetitive bending, job satisfaction, training related to health and safety and numbers of beds making were among the factors associated with low back pain. Hence, ergonomic measures focusing on correcting the arrangement of work station, rest breaks and changing some equipment are potentially important targets to reduce the problem.

Occupational risk factors associated with respiratory symptoms among tannery workers in Mojo town, Southeast Ethiopia, 2018: a comparative cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Work-related respiratory diseases (WRDs) account for 10-20% of all chronic respiratory illnesses affecting hundreds of millions of people of all ages. Tannery industries are often associated with hazardous working conditions favourable for respiratory conditions. However, information about the prevalence and occupational factors that predispose to respiratory symptoms is meagre in Ethiopia. This study aimed to investigate the magnitude and risk factors associated with work-related respiratory symptoms among tannery industry workers in Mojo town, Ethiopia. METHODS: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2018. A total of 602 (299 exposed to tannery factories) and 303 unexposed (civil servants) were included using the stratified sampling method. The British Medical Research Council (BMRC) questionnaire was pretested and interviewer-administered for data collection. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with respiratory symptoms. The significance of associations was ascertained at a < 0.05 p and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% CI was computed to evaluate the strength of associations. RESULTS: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among exposed workers was 27.1% [95% CI (21.7, 32.1)] and 8.3% [95% CI (5.3, 11.6)] among unexposed workers in the previous 12 months and the prevalence was significantly different (X2 = 36.82; p < 0. 00001). The odds of developing respiratory symptoms was 3.37 times higher among tannery workers than unexposed workers [AOR: 3.37; 95% CI (1.71, 6.46)]. Female sex [AOR:1.80; 95% CI (1.24, 3.34)], temporarily workers [AOR = 3.43; 95% CI (2.63, 7.95)], working in a poorly ventilated working unit [AOR = 1.88; 95% CI (1.22, 3.98)], absence of occupational health and safety training [AOR = 2.37; 95% CI (1.14, 4.92)], and not using personal protective equipment [AOR = 2.30; 95% CI (1.25, 3.46)] were significant factors. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher among exposed workers compared to unexposed ones. Sex, employment status, ventilation of working units, absence of occupational health and safety training, and not using personal protective equipment were the factors associated with occupational-related respiratory symptoms. Strategies targeting health and safety training, creating awareness on the use of personal protective equipment, and improving workplace conditions, like the provision of adequate ventilation are useful means for assuaging the condition.

The impact of work-related risk factors on the development of neck and upper limb pain among low wage hotel housekeepers in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia: institution-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are a major source of disability accounting for considerable economic loss globally. Studies showed that housekeepers suffer from exposure to many high-risk factors for neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. In Ethiopia, little is known and the information is limited in scope about the magnitude of the problem among hotel housekeepers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the magnitude of the neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders and identify the associated risk factors among hotel housekeepers. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed from March 1 to May 20, 2017. Systematic random sampling was used to select 422 study participants among the Gondar town hotels, Ethiopia. The standardized Nordic questionnaire for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms was used to measure the neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. The significance level was obtained at 95% CI and p value ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The overall magnitude of a self-reported neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders among hotel housekeepers in the last 12 months was 62.8% (95% CI 58.3, 67.8). The main body areas of concern were neck pain (50.7%), shoulder pain (54%), elbow/forearm (47.2%), and hand/wrist (45.5%). Age, rest break taken, repetitive movement, reaching/overstretching, organization concern for health and safety, and job satisfaction were the risk factors significantly associated with neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. CONCLUSIONS: A higher proportion of hotel housekeepers were found to be affected by neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in Gondar town. Repetitive movement and reaching/overstretching were strongly associated risk factors with neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Therefore, ergonomic, organizational and personal measures, which focus on minimizing repetitive movement and awkward working position and facilitating rest break with exercise, are important to tackle neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders among hotel housekeepers.

Computer Vision Syndrome and Associated Factors among Computer Users in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia.

Background: Globally, computer is one of the common office tools used in various institutions. Using computer for prolonged time led to the users at greater health risk of computer vision syndrome (CVS). Computer vision syndrome is the leading occupational health problem of the twenty-first century. About 70 percent of computer users are suffered from CVS. Besides the health problems, CVS causes inefficiency at workplace and deteriorate quality of work. The problem of CVS and its risk factors are not well known in Ethiopia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of CVS and associated factors among computer user government employees in Debre Tabor town from February to March, 2016. Multistage random sampling method was applied to select 607 study participants, and the data were collected by using a structured questionnaire. Computer vision syndrome was measured by self-reported method. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 20. Significance level was obtained at 95% CI and p value < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of CVS was 422 (69.5%) with 95% CI of 65.60, 73.0%. Blurred vision, eyestrain, and eye irritation were the commonest reported symptoms of CVS with proportion of 62.60%, 47.63%, and 47.40%, respectively. Occupation: officer (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.74) and secretary (AOR = 9.17), daily computer usage (AOR: 2.29), and preexisting eye disease (AOR = 3.19) were risk factors for CVS. However, computer users with high payment, who took regular health break, and with good knowledge on computer safety measures were less impacted by CVS. Conclusion: The prevalence of computer vision syndrome was found to be higher in Debre Tabor town. Monthly income, occupation, daily computer usage, regular health break, knowledge, and preexisting eye disease were predictor variables for CVS. Optimizing exposure time, improving awareness on safety measures, and management support are important to tackle CVS.

Cotton dust exposure and self-reported respiratory symptoms among textile factory workers in Northwest Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Cotton dust induced respiratory disorders are dramatically increased over the globe, especially the problem is serious in developing countries. Respiratory symptoms, such as cough, phlegm, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, chronic bronchitis, and byssinosis are common among workers exposed to cotton dust. However, in Ethiopia, the magnitude of the problem is not well known and information is limited about the risk factors. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and associated factors. METHODS: A Comparative cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 413 (276 exposed and 137 unexposed) participants were included in the study. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select exposed and unexposed groups to cotton dust respectively. Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses was performed to identify variables associated with respiratory symptoms and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was used to determine the strength of associations. Significance level was obtained at 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value ≤0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms was 47.8% (95% CI: 41.3, 53.7%) and 15.3% (95% CI: 9.6, 22.3%) among exposed and control groups respectively. Sex (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.29, 3.45), service year (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.19, 4.71) and ventilation (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.17, 4.91) were factors significantly associated with respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, working department such as; ginning (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI: 2.13, 12.16), spinning (AOR = 4.96, 95% CI: 2.18, 11.29), weaving (AOR = 5.9, 95% CI: 2.46, 14.27) and blowing working departments (AOR = 5.14, 95% CI: 1.4, 18.94) were significantly associated with respiratory disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms was higher among workers exposed to cotton dust than unexposed workers. Sex, service year, working department and work unit ventilation were predictor variables for respiratory symptoms. Thus, reducing exposure to dust, adequate ventilation and improving the hygiene of working departments are needed to reduce respiratory symptoms.

Self-reported safety practices and associated factors among employees of Dashen brewery share company, Gondar, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: According to International Labor Organization (ILO), occupational accidents and work-related diseases are the causes for millions of deaths of workers every year. In addition, many millions of workers suffer non-fatal injuries and illnesses. This research was conceived with aim to assess safety practices and associated factors among employees of Dashen brewery Share Company, Ethiopia. METHOD: Institutionalbased cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the level of self-reported safety practice and associated factors from February to March 2016, among Dashen brewery workers. Stratified sampling method was employed to select 415 study participants and the data was collected by using structured interview-administer questionnaire. Observational checklist was also used to ascertain the response given by interviewee. RESULTS: Fourhundred 15 respondent were involved in this study. Of those individuals, almost three fourth (74.2%) of the participants were male and 43.4% of participants were single. Mean (SD) age of respondents were 28.18 (±8.67) years and half of the respondents (49.9%) were diploma holders. The finding of this study indicated that 87.2% of the respondents reported complying with good safety practice. Age, marital status, employment status, attitude, safety and health training, and management support were found to be main predictors for safety practices. CONCLUSION: The level of self-reported safety practice in this study was good. Management commitment on safety and training of the employees about safety and health is very important and should be provided regularly.

Solar disinfection: an approach for low-cost household water treatment technology in Southwestern Ethiopia.

Disinfection of contaminated water using solar radiation (SODIS) is known to inactivate bacteria. Its inactivation efficiency depends on local conditions where the disinfection is made. This study was aiming to test the efficiency of solar disinfection using different water parameters as low-cost household water treatment technology. Inactivation of microbes was tested using fecal coliform as test organism. The SODIS experiment was carried out at turbidity 2NTU, pH 7, and various water temperature (38.1°C, 41.8°C, 45.6°Cand 51.1°C) and solar intensities, using clear and black plastic bottles filled to different depths. The results show that the rate of microbial inactivation in relation to depth of water, turbidity, container type, intensity of light and color of container was statistically significant (p < 0.05). However, bottle placement, exposure and water pH were unrelated to microbial inactivation. Bacterial re-growth was not observed after solar disinfection. By adjusting the parameters, complete and irreversible fecal coliform inactivation was achieved within an exposure time of less than four hours in the areas where the solar irradiance is about 3.99 kW/m2 and above. Our results indicate that application of SODIS could play a significant role in the provision of safe water in rural communities of developing countries where there is ample sunshine, specifically in sub-Saharan African countries.